The first-[third] tome of an exact chronological vindication and historical demonstration of our British, Roman, Saxon, Danish, Norman, English kings supreme ecclesiastical jurisdiction from the original planting, embracing of Christian religion therein, and reign of Lucius, our first Christian king, till the death of King Richard the First, Anno Domini 1199 ... / by William Prynne, Esq.

BOOK III. CHAP. II.

Of King Johns most unworthy prostitution not only of the undoubted Rights and Privileges of his Crown, but of Himself, his Diadem, Kingdoms of England and Ireland, after so many years glorious Contests, to the Tyrannical Vsurpations of Pope Innocent, and his own Trayterous Bishops and Clergy: Of his resignation of his Crown and Kingdoms by two several Charters, to the Pope and his Successors, and resuming of them as their Feudatory under an Annual Rent: His Oath of Homage and Fealty to the Pope: The Validity of these Charters, Rents, and their payment debated; The present, subsequent Oppositions against them: His Oppositions to the Encroachments of his Treacherous, Rebellious Bishops and Clergy, who dealt most Treacherously with, and stirred up the Barons Wars, Rebellions against him, when they had en∣forced him to resign his Crown, and protested against his Vnkingly actions, when accomplished by their own procurement and designs: With other memorable particulars and Records relating to these Transactions; and this Kings Charters, proceedings in Ecclesi∣astical Elections, Affairs, as Supream Patron therein, within his own Dominions.

HAving presented you with King Johns most heroick, vigilant, strenuous defence of his supream Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction over all persons, causes, within his Realms and Dominions, for 14. years space; I shall in the next place inform you, by what arts, menaces, fears, terrours he was at last (by the intoxications of the Pope, and his Legate Pandulphus, when he had raised such a puissant Army as might have secured him against all Foreign Invaders, (a 1.1) a small part of his Navy burn∣ing and sinking all the French Kings Fleet in Flanders, soon after the surrender of his Crown) suddenly emasculated, and totally metamorphosed into a quite contrary person, resolution, and induced not only to part with most of the antient Ecclesiasti∣cal Prerogatives united to his Crown, but with his very Crown, Kingdoms them∣selves, which he resigned to the Pope, becoming his sworn Vassal, Tenant for his own Kingdoms, under an annual rent, which rendred him a scorn, derision to his Bi∣shops, Barons, Subjects, and all other Christian Kings; with the Arguments and Po∣licies by which the Pope and his Legates effected these their unjust designs.

You heard in the precedent Chapter what a puissant Army and Navy King John had provided to resist the Invasions of the French King and all his Confederates, who conspired to deprive him of his Crown, Kingdoms; and what secret Agreements, Articles, Instructions the Pope had given to Pandulphus to communicate to K. John, whereby he might purchase his peace at Rome, if condescended to by him, without any hesitation. I shall now proceed to inform you out of Matthew Paris, how Pandulphus proceeded to accomplish the Popes designs, and decoy King John to sub∣mit to his most unworthy Proposals.

DUm autem Rex Anglorum cum innumera Armatorum copia circa maritima, Regis* 1.2 Francorum prestolaretur adventum, applicuerunt duo fratres de Militia templi apud Doveram, & venientes amicabiliter ad Regem dixerunt ei, Missi sumus ad te,

O Rex potentissime, ex parte Pandulphi subdiaconi ac Domini Papae familiaris, qui pro utilitate vestra, & Regni vestri, vobiscum petit habere colloquium: proponet enim quan∣dam tibi pacis formam, qua poteris Deo & Ecclesiae reconciliari: licet in Curia Romana •• jure Regni Angliae abjudicatus fueris, & sententialiter condemnatus. Rex vero cum Templariorum verba intellexisset, misit Templarios memoratos propter Pandulphum quantocius transfretare. Venit ergo Pandulphus, (ut dictum est) invitatus ad Re∣gem, & apud Doveram, cum ipso loquutus est, dicens: Ecce Rex Francorum poten∣tissimus in Ostio Sequanae fluminis cum innumera navium multitudine & maximo, militum, equitum, peditumque stipatus agmine ad hoc expectat, ut majoribus adhuc vallatus catervis, super vos & Regnum vestrum hostiliter veniat, & quasi Domino & summo Pontifici rebellem, a Regno te violenter depellat, atque authoritate sedis A∣postolicae Regnum Angliae perpetuo jure possideat. Veniunt & cum illo omnes Episcopi dudum ab Anglia proscripti, cum Clericis & Laicis exultantibus: ut ipso duce sedes Episcopales, cum rebus aliis, te invito recipiant, & obsequium vobis olim & antecessoribus vestris exhibitum, ipsi de caetero reverenter impendant. Jactat se praeterea idem Rex Chartas habere omnium fere Angliae Magnatum de fidelitate & subjectione, unde plenam concepit securitatem ad finem optimum rem perducere inchoatam. Consule ergo saltem nunc quasi in extremis agenti, utilitati tuae, ut ad poeni∣tentiam redeas, & Dominum quem contra te ad vindictam provocasti gravissimam, placere ne differas, si enim sufficientem volueris praestare cautionem, judicio Ecclesiae parendi, & humiliari pro ipso, qui se pro te humiliavit, poteris ex Clementia sedis Apostolicae Regnum recuperare, a quo pro contumacia Romae abjudicatus fuisti. Nunc autem ne supergaud••∣ant de ••e inimici tui, revertere ad cor tuum, cavens ne te in talem difficultatem inducas, de qua te volens expedire non valeas.

Rex denique Johannes his auditis ac medullitus intellectis, confusus est valde, & mente nimis perturbatus, videns undique sibi periculum imminere. Erant enim quatuor causae principales quae ipsum ad poenitentiam simul ad satisfactionem compulerunt. Prima▪ Quod jam per quinquenium excommunicatus permanserat. Deumque & Sanctam Eccle∣siam in tantum offenderat, quod de salute animae penitus desperabat. Secunda, Quod Re∣gis Francorum adventum metuebat, qui circa maris littora cum innumera Armatorum copia expectans, insidias suae dejectionis parabat. Tertia, Quod si forte cum hostibus su∣pervenientibus belli certamen iniret, Verebatur ne a Magnatibus Angliae, & propria gen∣te, solus in Campis relinqueretur, aut inimicis ad perdendum traderetur. Quartam, Vero causam aliis plus omnibus timebat: Instabat enim dies Dominicae Ascentionis, in qua juxta Prophetiam, P. Heremitae, de quo superius relatum est, cum ipsa vita Regnum, tam temporale quam aeternum amittere verebatur. His autem & consimilibus causis in dessera∣tionem dilapsus, persuasionibus Pandulphi & quievit, & subscriptam pacis formam non sine dolore concessit. Iuravit ergo Rex, tactis Sacrosanctis Evangeliis in praesentia Pandulphi, se judicio Ecclesiae pariturum, & sexdecim cum eo Comites & Barones ex potentioribus Regni in animam ipsius Regis, Quod si forte facti poeniteret eum pro possibilitate ad satis∣factionem compellerent.

Hereupon this perplexed King, intoxicated by Pandulphus, entertained the most dishonourable terms of Peace that ever were formerly proposed to him.

COnvenerunt apud Doveram, decima tertia die Maii, videlicet die Lunae prox∣ima* 1.3 ante Ascensionem Domini, Rex & Pandulphus, cum Comitibus, Baronibus, & turba multa nimis, ubi in subscriptam pacis formam unanimiter consenserunt.

JOHANNES Dei gratia Rex Angliae, Omnibus praesentes Literas suspecturis, sa∣lutem. Per has Patentes Literas, sigillo nostro munitas, volumus esse notum, quod nobis praesentibus, hi quatuor Barones nostri, Willielmus scilicet Comes Saris∣beriae, frater noster, & Reginaldus Comes Bononiae, Willielmus Comes Warennae, & Willielmus Comes de Ferrariis, juraverunt in animam nostram, quod nos subscriptam pacis formam, bona fide per omnia curabimus observare. In primis itaqu•• solenniter abso∣lute juravimus stare mandatis Domini Papae, coram ejus Legato & Nuncio, super omni∣bus pro quibus excommunicati sumus, ab ipso & veram pacem, & plenam securitatem praestabimus venerabilibus viris Stephano Cantuariensi Archiepiscopo, W. Londinensi▪ E. Elyensi, G. Herefordensi, J. Bathoniensi, & Huberto Lincolniensi Episcopis.

Priori quoque & Monachis Cantuarjensibus, & Roberto filio Walteri, & Eustachi••

de Vesci, necnon & caeteris Clericis & Laicis ad hoc negotium contingentibus, pra∣stando simul coram eodem Legato vel Delegato publice juramentum, quod ipses cum suis nec laedemus, nec laedi faciemus, vel permittemus in personis vel rebus; illis∣que dimittimus omnem indignationem, & in gratiam nostram eosdem recipiemus, ac tenebimus bona fide; quodque praefatos Archiepiscopum et Episcopos non impediemus, nec saciemus nec permittemus aliquatenus impediri, quo mi∣nus ipsi libere suum exequantur officium et plena Jurisdictionis suae authorita∣te, prout debent utantur. Et super his tam Domino Papae, quam ipsi Archiepisco∣po, & singulis Episcop s nostras Patentes Literas exhibebimus, facientes ab Ep sco∣pis, & Comitibus, & Baronibus nostris, quot & quos praefati Archiepiscopus & Epis∣copi postulant juramenta, & eorum Patentes Literas exhiberi, quod ipsi bona fide stu∣debunt, ut haec pax & securitas firmiter observetur. Et si forte, quod Deus avertat, per nos ipsos, vel alios contra venerimus, ipsi pro Ecclesia contra violatores securita∣tis & pacis, mandatis Apostolicis inhaerebunt, nosque perpetuo vacantium Ecclesia∣rum custodias amittamus. Quod si forte nequiverimus ad hanc ultimam partem ju∣ramenti eos inducere, videlicer, quod si per nosmetipsos, vel alios contra venerimus, ipsi pro Ecclesia contra violatores pacis & securitatis, mandatis Apostolicis inhaere∣bunt. Nos propter hoc Domino Papae ac Ecclesiae Romanae per nostras Patentes Literas, obligavimus omne jus Patronatus, quod habemus in Ecclesiis Anglicanis. Et sic omnes Literas quae pro securitate praedictorum sunt exhibendae, praefatis Archi∣episcopo & Episcopis ante suum ingressum in Angliam transmittemus. Si vero nobis placuerit, saepe fatus Archiepiscopus & Episcopi praestabunt, salvo honore Dei & Ec∣clesiae, juratoriam cautionem, & literatoriam, quod ipsi nec per se, nec per alium con∣tra personam nostram vel Coronam nostram aliquid attentabunt, nobis praedictam eis pacem & securitatem servantibus illibatam. De Ablatis autem plenam restitutio∣nem, & de damnis recompensationem sufficientem omnibus impendemus, tam Clericis quam Laicis ad hoc negotium pertingentibus, non solum rerum, sed omnium libertatum & restitu∣tas conservabimus libertates. Archiepiscopo quidem, & Episcopo Lincolniensi a tempo∣re suae consecrationis, aliis autem a tempore discordiae inchoatae. Nec obstabit aliqua pactio, vel promissio, seu concessio quo minus & damna recompensentur & restituantur ab∣latatam vivorum, quam & defunctorum. Nec aliquid retinebimus pretextu servitii, quod nobis debuerat impendi, sed postea nobis debita pro servitio recompensatio tribuetur. Statimque omnes quos detinemus Clericos, faciemus absolutos dimitti, ac restitui propriae libertati, cum Laicis qui hujus occasione negotii detinentur. Incontinenti quoque post ad∣ventum illius qui nos debet absolvere, faciemus de parte restitutionis ablatorum octo Mil∣lia librarum legalium Esterlingorum pro solvendis debitis, & faciendis expensis Nunciis praedictorum Archiepiscoporum, & Episcoporum, & Monachorum Cantuariensium assig∣nari, sine impedimento quolibet per potestatem nostram, ad eos libere deferendorum ut expe∣diti veniant in Angliam honorifice revocati, videlicet Stephano Cantuariensi Archiepis∣copo, duo Millia & Quingentas Libras. W. Londinensi septingentas & quinquaginta Li∣bras. J. Bathoniensi septingentas & quinquaginta Libras. H. Lincolniensi septingen∣tas & quinquaginta Libras. Priori & Monachis Cantuariensibus Mille Libras, & pro∣tinus postquam pacem illam duxerimus acceptandam, assignari faciemus absque mora Ar∣chiepiscopo & Episcopis Clericis ac Ecclesiis universis, in manibus nunciorum, vel procura∣torum* 1.4 ipsorum, mobilia omnia cum administratione libera eorundem, & in pace dimitti. Interdictum vero utlagatio vulgariter nuncupatum, quod proponi fecimus contra Ecclesiasti∣cas personas, publice revocabimus, protestando per nostras Patentes Literas Archiepiscopo tribuendas, id ad nos nullatenus pertinere, quod illud de caetero contra Ecclesiasticas personas nullatenus faciemus proponi: revocantes praeterea utlagationem Laicorum ad hoc negotium pertinentium, & remittentes omnia quae post Interdictum recepimus ab hominibus Ecclesi∣asticis praeter Regni consuetudinem & Ecclesiae libertatem. Sivero super damnis vel abla∣tis aut eorum quantitate vel aestimatione, quaestio fuerit de facto suborta, per Legatum vel delegatum, Domini Papae, receptis probationibus terminetur. Et his omnibus rite peractis, relaxabitur sententia Interdicti, (not before.) Super caeteris autem capitulis, si quae fuerint dubitationes subortae, de quibus merito debeat dubitari, nisi per Legatum vel delegatum Domini Papae, de partium fuerint voluntate sopitae, ad ipsius referantur arbitrium, ut super his quae ipse decreverit observentur. Teste meipso apud Dover. Decima tertia die Maii. Anno Regni nostri Decimo quarto.

Rebus ut jam dictum est, expeditis, convenerunt iterum Rex Anglorum, & Pandul∣phus,* 1.5 cum Proceribus Regni, apud domum Militum Templi, juxta Doveram, decimo

quinto die Maii, in vigilia scilicet Dominicae Ascensionis, ubi idem Rex, iuxta quod Romae fuerat sententiatum resignavit Coronam suam, cum Regnis Angliae et Hiberniae, in manus Domini Papae, cuius tunc vices gerebat Pandulphus memoratus.

The School-master of (a 1.6) St. Albans, William Caxton, (b 1.7) Speed, and other of our Chronologers, relate the forme and manner of the resignation of his Crown to be thus.

Thenne put the King him to the Court of Rome, and thenne gaat hee up the Reame of Englond and of Irelond for him and for his Heyres for evermore that should come after him, soo that King John and his Heyres should take the two Reames of the Popes hands, and should every yeare pay ferme unto the Court of Rome a Thousand Marke of Silver. And tho took the King the Crowne off his head, and set it upon Pandulphus his knees, (at whose feet he also laid his Scepter, Robe, Sword, and Ring, his Royal en∣signes, as (c 1.8) John de Serres relates) and these words said hee in hearing of all the great Lords of Englond.

Here I resigne up the Crowne and the Realme of Englond, into the Pope Innocentius his honds the third, and put mee hooly in his Mercy, and in his Ordinance.

Tho received Pandulph the Crowne of King John, and kept it five dayes as fore seasing, takyng off two Reames of Englond, and of Irelond; And confermed all manner of thing by his Chartre that followeth after., There recited in English, in Mr. Fox his Acts and Monuments; but I shall present you with it as recorded by Mat∣thew Paris, (if there were two successive Charters made, as he and others relate.)

Facta autem resignatione dedit Papae & ejus successoribus Regna praedicta, quae &* 1.9 Charta subscripta confirmavit.

JOHANNES Dei gratia Rex Angliae, &c. Omnibus Christi fideli∣bus hanc Chartam inspecturis, salutem in Domino. Universi∣tati vestrae per hanc Chartam sigillo nostro munitam, volumus esse notum, quob cum Deum et Matrem nostram, Sanctam Ecclesiam offenderimus in multis, et proinde divina misericordia plurimum in∣digeamus, nec quid digne offerre possimus pro satisfactione Deo et Ecclesiae debita facienda, nisi nosmetipsos humiliemus et Regna no∣stra, volentes nosipsos humiliare pro illo qui se pro nobis humiliavit usque ad mortem, gratia Sancti Spiritus inspirante, * 1.10 non vi Interdicti, nec timore coacti, sed uostra bona spontaneaque voluntate, ac communi consilio Baronum nostro∣rum conferimus, er libere concedimus Deo et Sanctis Apostolicis ejus Petro et Paulo, et Sancto Romanae Ecclesiae matri nostrae, ac Do∣mino Papae Innocentio ejusque Catholicis successoribus, totum Reg∣num Angliae, et totum Regnum Hiberniae, cum omni jure et pertinen∣tiis suis, pro remissione omnium peccatorum nostrorum, et totius generis nostri, tam pro vivis quam pro defunctis, et a modo illa ab ea et Ecclesia Romana tanquam secundarius recipientes et tenentes in praesentia prudentis viri Pandulphi, Domini Papae Subdiaconi et familiaris: Erinde praedicto Domino Papae Innocentio ejusque Catholicis successoribus, et Ecclesiae secundum subscrip∣tam formam fecimus et inravimus, et homagium legium in praesen∣tia Pandulphi, si coram Domino Papa esse poterimus eidem facie∣mus; Successores nostros et haeredes, de uxore nostra, in perpetuum obligantes, ut simili modo, summo Pontifici qui pro tempore fuerit, et Ecclesiae Romanae sine contradictione debeant fidelitatem praestare, et homagium recognoscere. Ad judicium autem hujus nostrae per∣petuae

petuae obligationis et concessionis, volumus et stabilimus, ut de pro∣priis et specialibus redditibus nostris praedictorum Regnorum pro omni ser vitio et consuetudine quae pro ipsis facere debemus, (salvis per omnia denariis Beati Petri) Ecclesia Romana Mille Marcas Esterlingorum percipiat annuatim, in festo scilicet Sancti Michaelis quingentas Marcas, et in Pascha quingentas, septingentas scilicet pro Regno Angliae, et trecentas pro Regno Hyberniae, salvis nobis et haeredibus nostris justitiis, Libertatibus et Regalibus nostris. Quae omnia sicut supra scripta sunt rata esse volentes atque firma ob∣ligamus nos et successores nostros contra non venire, et si nos vel aliquis successorum nostrorum contra haec attentare praesumpserit, qui∣cunque ille fuerit, nisi rite Commonitus resipuerit, cadat a jure Reg∣ni: Et haec Charta obligationis et concessionis nostrae, semper firma permaneat. Teste meipso apud Domum Militum Templi jurta Doveram, * 1.11 coram H. Dublinensi Archiepiscopo, Iohanni Nor wi∣censi Episcopo, Galfrido filio Petri, W. Comite Saresberiae, W. Comite Pembroc, R. Comite Bononiae, W. Comite Warrennae, S. Comite Wintou, W. Comite Arundel, W. Comite de Ferra∣riis, W. Briwere, Petro filio Hereberti, Warino filio Geroldi, Decimo quinto die Maii, Anno Regni nostri Decimo quarto.

This Charter would not suffice the Usurping Pope and his Legate, but King John must likewise swear Homage to the Pope and his Successors, and become their most absolute Vassal in this new form.

CArta itaque Regis in scriptum, ut dictum est redacta, tradidit eam Rex Pandulpho* 1.12 Romam Papae Innocentio deferendam, & continuo cunctis videntibus homagium fecit subscriptum. Ego Iohannes Dei gratia Rex Angliae, et Dominus Hyberniae, ab hac hora et in antea fidelis ero Deo et Beato Petro, et Ecclesiae Romanae, et Domino meo Papae Domino Innocentio ejus∣que successoribus Catholice intrantibus. Non ero in facto, in dicto, consensu vel consilio ut vitam perdant vel membra, vel mala captione capiantux. Eorum damnum si scivero impediam, et remanere faci∣am si potero, alioquin eis quam citius potero intimabo, vel tali per∣sonae dicam, quam eis credam pro certo dicturam. Consilium quod mihi crediderint, per se vel per nuncios suos, seu Literas suas secre∣tum tenebo, et ad eorum damnum nulli pandam me sciente. * 1.13 Patri∣monium Beati Petri et specialiter Regnum Angliae, et Regnum Hyberniae, adjutor ero ad tenendum et defendendum contra omnes homines pro posse meo. Sic me adjuvet Deus, et haec Sancta E∣vangelia, Amen.

Acta autem sunt haec, ut praedictum est, in vigilia Dominicae Ascensionis praesentibus Episcopis, Comitibus, & Magratibus supradictis. Pandulphus autem (with most An∣tichristian pride, and intolerable insolency) pecuniam, quam in arram subjectio∣nis Rex contulerat, sub pede suo conculcavit, Archiepiscopo dolente et re∣clamante.

Having thus presented you with a full and faithfull History of King Johns resigna∣tion of his Crown and Kingdoms of England and Ireland, to Pope Innocent and his Successors, the successive Interdicts, Excommunications, Abjudications from the Crown, Treasons of his Prelates, Subjects, Forces of his invading foreign Enemies, unchristian Frauds, unrighteous Policies by which it was effected, and this gallant Kings enforcements to it, against all his former Heroick Oppositions, Resolutions: I shall desire the greatest Votaries to the See of Rome, to resolve these Quaeres.

1. Whether Pope Innocent (who in all his former Epistles, proceedings against

King John, pretended that he sought nothing else or more but King Johns repentance, and reception of Stephen Langhton Archbishop of Canterbury, and greived at no∣thing so much as Englands desolation) did yet by all the premised circumventions, frauds, practises, display to all the world, that the principal thing he sought after, was the very Crown, Kingdoms of England and Ireland, to united them to the See of Rome, as St. Peters pretended Patrimony, though with the Kings and King∣doms great greif and desolation?

2. Whether this Resignation gained, extorted from King John by so many years suc∣cessive unchristian detestable Perjuries, Treasons, Interdicts, Excommunications, Abjudication from the Crown, Hypocrisies, Frauds, Menaces, Lyes, false suggestions by Pope Innocent himself, (who was sole Judge of King John in his own case) and his confederates, and such unjust invasions of the Rights of his Crown, can in point of Justice, Law, Reason, Conscience be reputed a Good, Valid, Legalor equitable Title for him and his successors to claime the Realms of England and Ireland, as part of St. Peters Patrimony, or the rents reserved annually out of them, as a just Papal revenue, admitting King John had a legal power to resign his Kingdomes without the joynt consent of all his Nobility, subjects, Kingdoms, which he had not, as they oft protested both in and out of Parliament?

3. Whether all or many of these abominable, insolent, injurious, Machivilian if not A∣theisticall practises, proceedings against King John, diametrically repugnant to all rules of Christianity, Piety, Justice, moral honesty, and expresse precepts of Christ himself, St. Peter and Paul * 1.14 forecited, proclaim not this Pope Innocent one of the grand∣est Nocents, Hypocrites, Antimonarchs, Impostors, Usurpers, Athiests, Mon∣ster of Impiety, Arrogancy, Covetousness, Ambition, that ever sat in St. Peters pretended chair; and King John the only Innocent and patern of patience, justice, clemency, and unparalleld humility, farre below his Royal dignity, and the place, person, and pub∣lick trust he then sustained, notwithstanding our Monkish Historians defamations of him?

4. Whether the serious consideration of these proceedings of Innocent, seconded with those succeeding them, were not of themselves a sufficient ground for the King and Kingdoms of England and Ireland, without any guilt of Scisme or Injustice, for ever to exterminate the Usurped Antimonarchical Usurpations, and forraign jurisdiction of the Bishops and See of Rome, and to hold no future communion with them, to prevent the like attempts? especially when so magnified, justified by our Mon∣kish Historians in that age, by late Popish Parasites of all sorts, and most succeding Popes, who still make fresh successive claimes to the Crown, King∣doms of England and Ireland, and the annual rent then reserved out of them as St. Peters undoubted Patrimony. But more of this in due place.

Pope Innocent and Pandulphus having thus cheated, decoyed King John of his Crown, Kingdoms, yea all his Regal Honour, Glory, Wisdom, Magnanimity and Renown acquired by his former oppositions against them; and the King of France (their mear stalking horse to gain this rich booty, to his vast and frutlesse expence) of his elevated hopes to possesse and enjoy it by the Popes donation, his next designe was, how to take off and pacify the French King from his intended invasions; and so sent the Archbishop and his confederates into England, there to insult over and trample upon King John, as they had done abrode; wherein he thus proceeded.

HIS ita gestis, Pandulphus cum Cartis memoratis transfretravit ad Gallias,* 1.15 Octo millia Librarum Esterlingorum secum gerens ut Archiepiscopo & Episcopis, Monachisque Cantuariensibus, ac caeteris causa interdicti exulantibus in parte restitutionis faceret ablatorum. Cum autem tenor Cartarum, & prefatae pacis forma, illis omnibus placuisset, persuasit diligenter Pandulfus, ut pacifice re∣dirent in Angliam Episcopi supradicti, residuum restitutionis illico percepturi: Deinde Regem Francorum diligenter admonere caepit, qui jam paratus fuerat in manu violenta ad Angliam hostiliter transfretare, ut desisteret a proposito, & ad propria pacifice remearet, non enim potuit sine offensione summi Pontificis terram Angliae, vel ipsum Regem infestare, cum ille paratus sit Deo, & sanctae Ecclesiae ejus{que} ordinatis satisface re, atque Domini Papae Catholicis jussionibus obedire. Haec au∣diens Rex Francorum, iratus valde dixit, se jam in apparatu Navium, Victuali∣um & Armorum plusquam seraginta Millia librarum expendisse & ex praecepto

Domini Papae Laborem pretatum & in peccatorum remissionem suscepisse. Et ut verum fateamur, idem Rex suggestionibus Pandulphi ascensum nullatenus prae∣buisset, nisi solus Comes Flandrensis Philippus ipsum sequi contradixisset. Fu∣erat enim Regi Anglorum confaederatus, & ideo contra pactum suum venire noluit. Dixit praeterea idem Comes injustum fuisse idem bellum, quod ad de∣bellandum Regem Anglorum susceperat, cum nullus Antecessorum suorum jus aliquod sibi hactenus in Regno Angliae vendicasset. Adjunxit insuper quod Rex Francorum terras suas & castella injuste occupaverat & occuputam hereditatem suam contra justitiam detinebat, quare cum ipso ad Angliam venire nolebat.

Lo here a cleer confession of the Earl of Flanders, of the Injustice of King Johns deprivation, and King of France his intended Warre to deprive him of his Kingdom by the Popes command: who being diverted by Pandulph from invading England, turned all his forces and Fleet upon Flanders; and by a divine* 1.16 retaliation had all his Navy burnt and taken by a smal party of King Iohns ships, summoned to resist King Philips landing in England, to his great greif, vexation, and damage, the English burning above a 100. of his ships on shore, and tak∣ing above 300. more, laden with Wine, Victuals, Armes, and other things.

The many insolences of the Popes Legat, and exiled Bishops Treasons, re∣bellions against King Iohn, encouraged his Nobles in like manner to disobey, and capitulate with him, and that upon this occasion.

REX apud Portesmue exercitum congregavit immensum, ut ad Pictaviam* 1.17 transfretaret, disponens a parte Occidentali, sicut illi qui erant in Flandria a parte Orientali, Regem & Regnum Francorum inquietare, necnon cum omni nisu terras amissas, ad suum dominium revocare. Sed aliter accidit quam sperabat, Mag∣nates enim Angliae ipsum sequi noluerunt nisi prius a sententia Excommunicationis absolveretur. Hac ergo districtione, Rex compul∣sus, misit Chartas * 1.18 viginti ••quator Comitum & Baronum ad Archiepiscopum & Episcopos praescriptos, ad maiorem securitatem, ut omni metu deposito, venirent in Angliam, omnia sua et ablatorum damna, secundum praescrip∣tae pacis formam, illico percepturi.

These Charters, and Patents of theirs and the King, being extant in no Histo∣rian, I shall present you with them out the Patent Roll in the Tower.

VEnerabili in Christo Patri S. Dei gratia Cantuariensi Archiepiscopo totius Ang∣liae* 1.19 Primati, & sanctae Romanae Ecclesiae Cardinali, G••filius Petri Comes Essex, R. Comes Bolon. & Comes Cestriae W. Marescal Comes Penbroc. W. Comes Warren. W. Comes Arundel, W. Comes de Ferrari. Willielmus Briwer, Robertus de Ros, Gilbertus filius in Reinulf. Rogerus de Mortuo Mari, & Petrus filius Hereberti, sa∣lutem & debitam reverientiam. Sciatis quod bona fide studebimus, quod Dominus noster I. Rex Angliae pacem et securitatem vobis et aliis tam Clericis quam Laicis negotium quod inter Anglicanam Ecclesiam et ipsum Regem versatum est contingentibus, firmiteer observabit, secundum formam pacis a Domino Papa ei transmissam et ab eo acceptatam. Et si forte (quod Deus avertat) Rex ipse, vel aliquis alius ex parte sua contravenerit, nos pro Ecclesia contra violatores securitatis et pacis, mandatis Apostolicis in∣haerebimus, et ipse perpetuo vacantium Ecclesiarum custodiam amittat. Preterea promitimus, quod si quid omissum est, vel minus plene factum, circa hoc negotium in hoc scripto propter accelerationem adventus vestri in Angliam, id post adventum vestrum secundum formam praedictam perficietur. Et in hujus rei Testimonium, &c. Salutem in Domino. Haec Autem omnia supra dicta nos firmiter observaturos, noveritis nos de mandatis Domini

Regis, tactis sacro-sanctis spontanea voluntate corporali Sacra∣mento firmasse.

Eodem modo scribitur singulis Episcopis cum Archiepiscopo existentibus, scilicet Londonensi, Herefordensi, Eliensi, Bathoniensi, & Lin∣colniensi, & Priori & Monachis Cantuariensibus.

The Kings own Patent reciting this of the Earls and Barons, follows in this form.

REX Dei gratia Cantuariensi Archiepiscopo totius Angliae Primati, & sanctae* 1.20 Romanae Ecclesiae Cardinali, salutem: Sciatis quod secundum formam mandati Domini et Uenerabilis patris nostri I. Dei gratia summi Pontificis, veram pacem ac plenam securitatem vobis prae∣stamus, nec non caeteris tam Clericis quam Laicis hoc negoti∣um quod inter nos et Ecclesiam Anglicanam versatum est contingen∣tibus, nec vos nec vestros laedemus vel laedi faciemus, aut permitte∣mus in personis vel rebus, vobisque remittimus omnem iudigna∣tionem, et in gratiam nostram vos recipimus, et tenebimus bona fide et quod vos non inpediemus, nec faciemus aut permittemus ali∣quatinus impediri quo minus vestrum libere exequamini officium, et plena jurisdictionis vestrae Authoritate prout debetis utamini, Et super hiis vobis juramenta & litteras Patentes fidelium nostrorum Venera∣bilium Patrum, Domini. H. Dublin. Archiepiscopi, P. Wint. J. Norwic. Episcoporum, & praeterea Duodecim Baronum nostrorum, scilicet, G. filii Petri Comitis Essex, Justiciarii Nostri, R. Comitis Bolon, R Comitis Cicest. W. Comitis Marescall, Comitis Pembroc. W. Comitis Waren. W. Comitis Arundell, W. Comitis de Ferra∣riis, Willielmi Briwer, Roberti de Ros, Gileberti filii Ranulf. Rogeri de Mortuo Mari, & Petri filii Hereberti▪ fecimus exhiberi, quod ipsi bona fide, studebunt ut haecpax et securitas firmiter observetur. Et si forte quod Deus a∣vertat, per nos ipsos vel alios contra venirmus, ipsi pro Ecclesiae con∣tra violatores securitatis et pacis mandatis Apostolicis inhaerebunt, Nosque, perpetuum Ecclesiarum vacantiam custodiam amittamus: (thrust in by the Pope and Pandulph, on purpose that the Pope by his Provisions might dispose of them, as he had done of the See of Canterbury, wrested out of the Kings hands) Et ideo vos rogamus, quod ad nos secure sine dilatione in Ang∣liam venire festinetis; si quid vero in hoc scripto omissum fuerit vel mi∣••us plene factum, cum in Angliam veneritis, id secundum formam mandati Apostolici perficietu••: Et in hujus rei Testimonium, &c. Test. H. Dublinensi Archiepiscopo, P. Wintonensi Episcopo. G. filio Petri, W. Marascal, Comite Penbroc. apud Templum de Ewell XXIV. die Maii, Anno Regni n. xv.

EOdem modo scribitur singulis Episcopis ultra mare existentibus cum Archi∣episcopo, scilicet Londonensi, Herefordensi, Eliensi, Bathoniensi, Lincolniensi, Episcopis, & Priori & Monachis Cantuariensibus, Teste eodem.

At the same time this King sent his Letters Pattens to Robert Fitzwater and other Lay-men to teturn into England, whence they fled upon the Bishops quarrel.

REX Roberto filio Walteri, Mandamus vobis quod secure veneatis in Angli∣am* 1.21 secundum formam mandati Apostolici, quia pacem & securitatem, secun∣dum formam mandati Apostolici vobis praestamus. Et in hujus rei testimonium has literasnostras Patentes vobis mittimus Teste Domino, P. Wintoniensi Episcopo apud Wingham, Decimo Septimo die Maii Anno regni nostri Decimo Quinto.

Eodem modo scribitur Eustacio de Vescy.

They likewise in pursuit of the Popes agreement enforced him by letters patents to the Archbishop, publickly to disclaime his ancient undoubted Right to outlaw any Clergy men, though never so great Traytors Rebels, dated 11. days before the for∣mer Patents.

REX Venerabili Patri in Christo S. Dei gratia Cantuariensi Archiepiscopo, &c* 1.22 I. eadem gratia Rex Angliae, &c. Sciatis quod per has Literas nostras Patentes protestamur, quod ad nos nullatenus pertinet Cle∣ricos Utlagare. Teste meipso apud Templum de Ewell, xv. die Maii. Anno &c. Decimo quinto.

Never was any King of England before or since so fettered, and reduced to such extremities and Unkingly condiscentions, to Trayterous, Rebellious Prelates, and their Confederates, who had Interdicted his Kingdom for seven years space, excom∣municated, deprived him of his Crown, engaged the French, all his foreign Enemies, and most Christian Nobles, Souldiers, in a publick Crossodo against him, as if he had been a Saracen, thereby enforcing him to resign his Crown, Kingdoms to the Pope, to swear Homage to him as his Vassal, and to hold his Kingdoms from him under an annual Rent; and then by his Writs, Letters Patents, his Nobles Letters, Oaths, thus submissively to write unto, send for them again and again to hasten their return, engage to perform all agreements made on their behalf, to their full content, under such forfeitures as these, and to receive them with all honour, before their least sub∣mission, precedent humble addresses to him, or Interdict released; all which suffici∣ently discovers their pride, obstinacy, disloyalty, and his unparallel'd humility. Upon receipt of these Letters, the Archbishop and Bishops not making such haste into Eng∣land as the King expected, he thereupon sent this second Letter to them to hasten their return, and appointed Bishops, Earls, Barons, to receive them at their Landing, and to conduct them to him with all safety and honour, instead of guarding them to a deserved Execution.

VEnerabilibus in Christo Patribus S. Dei gratia Cantuariensi Archiepiscopo totius* 1.23 Angliae Primati, & Sanctae Ecclesiae Romanae Cardinali, & omnibus suffraganeis suis Episcopis cum eo existentibus. J. eadem gratia Rex Angliae, &c. Mandamus vobis quod bene veneritis in Angliam, scientes quod jamdiu vos ex∣pectavimus, et adventum vestrum desideravimus, unde in occursum vestrum mittimus fideles nostros Dominum H. Dublinensem Archiepisco∣pum, J. Norwicensem Episcopum, W. Comitem Arundell, Matthaeum filium Herberti, W. Archidiaconum Huntingtoniae, rogantes quatenus ad nos venire festinetis, si∣cut praedicti fideles nostri vobis dicent. Teste meipso apud Stokes Episcopi, pri∣mo die Julii.

And to take away all pretexts for their delay, he sends them this second Patent, disclaiming his intended Utlacy of Treason against them and their Confederates, and undoubted Regal power to Out-law any Clerks for Treachery and Rebellion, when as neither they nor the Pope ever renounced their Usurped power to Interdict, Ex∣communicate, Dethrone, and give away his Realms to his mortal foreign Enemies.

REX Omnibus, &c. Sciatis quod Interdictum quod vulgariter Ut∣lagatio* 1.24 nuncupatur, quod proponi fecimus contra personas Ec∣clesiasticas, publice revocavimus et revocamus, protestantes per has Literas nostras Patentes, id ad nos de personis Ecclesiasticis mi∣nime pertinere, nec illud de cetero contra personas Ecclesiasticas, fa∣ciemus u••••a••enus promulgari. Teste meipso apud Bellum, Decimo tertio die Junii. Anno Decimo quinto.

The 17. of August following these Bishops Landed at Dover, and were conducted in state to the King at Winchester; the manner of the Kings extraordinary humiliati∣on to, reception of, and begging pardon from them, prostrating himself to the ground at their seet, and their insolent proud carriage towards their offended Soveraign, though with some Crocadiles tears, is thus related by Matthew Paris.

PAndulp••o itaque mediante, necessariis omnibus ad repatriandum paratis▪ ascende∣runt* 1.25 naves S. Cantuariensis Archiepiscopus, W. Londinensis, E. Eliensis, H. Lin∣colniensis,

E. Herefordensis Episcopi, cum caeteris Clericis & Laicis, causa Interdicti ex∣ulantibus, & apud Doveram, Decimo septimo Calendas Augusti applicantes, in die Beatae Margaratae Virginis, Wintoniam ad Regem venerunt. Rex autem cum eorum adventum cognovisset, venit obviam illis, et viso Archiepisco∣po et Episcopis, * 1.26 cecidit pronus in terram, ad pedes eorum lacrymis profusis, (they should rather have fallen down at the Kings feet, and craved par∣don for their Treasons and practises against him with tears) Obsecrans ut de se ac Regno Angliae misericordiam haberent. Videntes ergo Archiepiscopus & Epsicop. tantam Regis humilitatem, cum lachymis illum de terra levaverunt, du∣centes a dextris & a sinistris, ad ostium Ecclesiae Cathedralis, ubi cum Psalmo Qui qua∣gesimo. videntibus magnatibus cunctis, & ubertim prae gaudio flentibus, sicut mos est Ecclesiae, illum absolverunt. Et haec absolutio facta fuit in Capitulo Wintoni∣ensi. (But pray mark upon what reasonable and dutifull termes it was made for their own and the Popes advantage, and his dishonour and prejudice.) In hac autem ab∣solutione juravit Rex, tactis Sacrosanctis Evangeliis, quod Sanctam Ecclesiam ejusque ordinatos diligeret, defenderet et manu-teneret, contra omnes adversarios suos pro posse suo, quodque bonas leges Antecessorum suorum, & praecipue leges Edwardi Regis revocaret, & iniquas de∣strueret, & omnes homines suos secundum justa Curiae suae judicia judicaret, quod∣que singulis redderet jura sua. Iuravit etiam quod omnibus ad Interdicti ne∣gotium pertingentibus infra proximum Pascha plenariam restitu∣tionem faceret ablatorum, sin autem, * 1.27 in pristinam excommunicatio∣nis sententiam revocaretur. Iuravit praeterea Innocentio Papae ejusque Catholicis successoribus, fidelitatem et obedientiam, sicut superius in scripto redactum continetur. Deinde Archiepiscopus du∣cens illum in Ecclesiam, missam celebravit. Et missa peracta ad mensam, cum Rege residentes, Archiepiscopus cum Episcopis, & magnatibus universis, epu∣labantur in laetitia & jocunditate. (The very next day after their coming to Winche∣ster the King issued out Writs to all Sheriffs of England, to enquire of their dama∣ges.) In crastino autem misit Rex Literas ad omnes Vicecomites Regni Angliae praecipi∣ens ut de singulis Dominicorum suorum Villis quatuor Legales homines cum praeposito apud Sanctum Albanum, primo die nonas Augusti facerent convenire: ut per illos & alios mini∣stros suos de damnis singulorum Episcoporum & ablatis certitudinem inquireret, & quid singulis deberetur.

The forme of these Writs to Sheriffs being omitted by all our Historians, I shall here insert.

REX Vicecomiti Sumerset & Dorset, &c. Praecipimus tibi quod sine dilatione ex* 1.28 parte nostra praecipias Roberto de Berkhel, Rogero de Penton, & Osberto filio Wil∣lielmi, quod omni occasione postposita, veniant ad diem, & locum, quos Dominus Episcopus Bathoniensis tibi scire fecerit, ad audiendam inquisitionem de ablatis et dampnis Episcoporum et Clericorum, et omnium virorum Ecclesi∣asticorum et aliorum negociorum Ecclesiae contingentium faciendam coram Clericis Domini Cantuariensis Archiepiscopi quos ad hoc per Literas suas Patentes assignaverit. Et summone ex parte no∣stra omnes illos de Balliva tua, qui Custodiam vel aliquam Balli∣vam habuerunt de rebus Ecclesiasticis a tempore motae discordiae in∣ter nos & Clerum Angliae; quod tunc coram praedictis Clericis Domi∣ni Archiepiscopi compareant ad praedictam inquisitionem audiendam. Teste meipso apud Northampton. xxxi. die Augusti.

in Archiepiscopatu Cantuar.

• Galfridus filius Petri,
• Comes Essex.
• Simon de Pateshull.

in Episcopatu Winton.

• Willus Briwer.
• Rogerus de Scures.
• Walterus de Aundely.

in Episcopatu Exon.

• Richardus Flandrensis.
• Eudo de Bello Campo.
• Robertus de Albamara.

in Episcopatu Eliens.

• Comes Roger le Bigod.
• Robertus Pikot.
• Robertus de Burnvil.

in Episcopatu Wygorn.

• Petrus filius Herberti.
• Willus de Arden.

in Episcopatu Bathon.

• Robertus de Berkelie.
• Osbertus filius Willi.
• Rogerus le Penton.

in Episcopatu Cestr.

• Thomas de Estlegg.
• Willus de Warr.

in Episcopatu Norwicen.

• Galfridus de Aumbly.
• Willus filius Rocellini.
• Philippus de Burnham.

in Episcopatu Landaff.

• Richardus Fladr. de
• Glamorgan.
• Walterus de Suly.

in Archiepiscopatu Eborac.

• Jordanus Foliot.
• Johannes de Birkin.

in Prioratu Cantuariens.

• Matheus filius Herberti.
• Willus de Cernton.
• Willus de Risseteford.

in Episcopatu Cicestriens.

• Simon de Rockingham.
• Robertus de Sauvag.
• Robertus de Pet. Pont.

in Episcopatu Londoniens.

• Comes W. Marescall.
• Jacobus de Poterna.

In Episcopatu Lincolniens.

• Radulphus de Nor∣manvill.
• Thomas de Muleton.
• Alexand. de Pointon.

in Episcopatu Herefordens.

• Robertus de Mortuo
• Mari.
• Walterus de Clifford.
• Rogerus Huscarl.

in Episcopatu Sarr.

• Godefridus de Sancto
• Martino.
• Petrus de Scudamore.
• Henricus filius Ancheri.

in Episcopatu Menevens.

• Thomas de Lauda.
• Willus de Barry.

in Episcopatu Roffens.

• Galfridus de Sunder∣ness.
• Richardus de Valle Be∣donis.

in Episcopatu Dunholmens.

• Rogerus de Andree.
• Walterus de Monaste∣riis.

There were other Writs sent to the Kings Judges to proceed in the said Inquisition.

REX, G. filio Petri Com. Essex, & Simoni de Pateshall, &c. Mandamus vobis* 1.29 quod procedatis in Inquisitione facienda de Ablatis et dampnis per Archiepiscopatum Cantuariensem, sicut provisum est ad termi∣num ad hoc constitutum, et distincte inbreviari faciatis ex parte nostra, et Archiepiscopus ex parte sua, quid singuli solverint Balivis no∣stris, et quid ab eis exigitur, et quantum et quare, quia quod Balivi nostri recognoverint se recepisse de hiis quae ad hoc negotium perti∣nent, id reddi faciemus. Et si de aliquo orta fuerit contentio unde fi∣eri debeat probatio, probationem inde audire volumus coram nobis in praesentia Domini Archiepiscopi ad terminum quem nos et ipse pro∣videbimus, quia Contentionem illam coram nobis terminari volu∣mus, qui solutionem facturi sumus: praeterea provideatis vobis de ar∣ticulis exactionum et receptionum. Audivimus enim quod quaedam exactiones sicut de serviciis nobis factis in exercitibus Walliae et Hyberniae, et de quibusdam aliis quae ad hoc negotium nequaquam pertinent.

After which he issued out other Writs to all the Commissioners and Inquisitors of those damages in this forme.

REX, Galfrido de Aumbly, Willielmo filio Roscelini, & Philippo de Burnham, &c.* 1.30 Mandamus vobis quod conveniatis ad diem et locum quos Offic. Domini Norwicensis Episcopi vobis scire faciet, coram Cle∣ricis Domini Cantuariensis Archiepiscopi quos per literas suas as∣signavit, ad Inquisitionem faciendam de omnibus ablatis et dampnis illatis Ecclesiae et Clero, et Laicis, hanc causam contingentibus de praedicto Episcopatu, et vos sitis cum illis ad Inquisitionem illam fa∣ciendam quia volumus quod plenarie fiat, nec remaneat propter ali∣quas Literas quas inde super hoc miserimus. Et scire faciatis om∣nibus illis qui Ballivas habuerint in praedicto Episcopatu de rebus Ecclesiasticis vel aliis hanc causam contingentibus, quod veniant ad praedictos diem et locum Inquisitionem illam audituri. Et si non ve∣nerint, nihilominus inquisitio illa procedat. Et si quod dampnum evenerit per defectum ipsorum non nobis sed illis eveniet. Teste me∣ipso apud Novum Templum London, sexto die Octobris. Eodem modo scribitur omni∣bus Inquisitoribus supradictis.

After this generall complyance with them, the King conceiving he had given them full content, and setled all things in peace, resolved to passe with an Army into Pi∣cardy▪

whither the Nobles refused to follow him, animated by the example and secret perswasions of the Bishops, to divert him from invading France, where they had been succoured; which Matthew Paris relates in these words.

INde vero apud Portesmue, Rex cum festinatione veniens ut transfretaret in Picta∣viam,* 1.31 Galfrido filio Petri, & Episcopo Winton. Regnum Angliae commisit, praecipi∣ens ut cum Consilio Cantuariensis Archiepiscopi (though his most implacable Enemy) omnia Regni negotia ordinarent. Quo facto venerunt ibidem, ad Regem numerosa militum multitudo (by the Archbishop and his Confederates instigation) conque∣rentes, quod in diutina, quam ibi fecerant expectatione, omnem pecuniam suam con∣sumpserant, unde ipsum sequi nequiverant, nisi de fisco illis necessaria ministraren∣tur. Quod cum Rex facere recusasset, iratus cum privata Familia Naves ascendit & post triduum apud Gersea insulam applicuit, magnatibus suis domum reversis, ubi cum Rex sese derelictum cernebat, necessitate compulsus ad Angliam remeavit.

Whiles these things were acting, the Archbishop, Bishops, Nobles meeting at St. Albans, about the damages to be restored by the King to the Bishops during their exile, by the Archbishops and Bishops instigation, to depresse the King all they could, fell to demand the confirmation of their Liberties, granted by his Grandfather King Henry the 1. which the King condescended to.

DUm haec agerentur, interfuerint Consilio apud Sanctum Albanum, Galfridus fili∣us* 1.32 Petri, & Episcopus Wintoniae, cum Archiepiscopo, & Episcopis, & Magnatibus Regni: ubi cunctis pace Regis denunciata, ex ejusdem Regis parte firmiter praeceptum est, quatenus leges Henrici avi sui ab omnibus in Regno custodirentur, & omnes leges iniquae poenitus enervarentur. Denunciatum est praeterea, Vicecomitibus, forestariis, aliisque Ministris Regis sicut vitam & membra sua diligunt, ne a quoquam aliquid violenter ex∣torqueant vel alicui injuriam irrogare praesumant, aut scotalla alicubi in Regno faciant, si∣cut facere consueverunt. Rex vero Johannes cum se a quibusdam Magnatibus quasi de∣relictum cognovisset, (by reason of some new Treasons then hatching against him by the Archbishop) magnum congregavit exercitum, ut rebelles ad consuetum obsequium re∣vocaret. Cumque arma movere incoepisset, venit ad eum Archiepiscopus apud Northamptonam dicens, plurimum in injuriam sui Sacramenti, quod in absolutione sua praestiterat, redundare, si absque judicio Curiae suae contra quempiam bellum mov••ret. Quod audiens Rex cum ingenti strepitu, dixit, se Regni negotia propter Archiepisco∣pum non differre, cum Laica ••udicia ad ipsum non pertineant. In crastino au∣tem summo diluculo iter furibundus arripiens, versus Nottingham properavit: Se∣quutus est quoque Regem Archiepiscopus memoratus constanter affirmans, (like another Pope Innocent, in a presumptuous daring manner) quod nisi ab inceptis celerius desisteret, omnes qui versus quempiam ante relaxationem Inter∣dicti hostiliter arma gestarent, praeter ipsum solum anathematis vinculo inno∣daret. Sicque ab incaeptis Regem revocans Archiepiscopus, non prius ab eo recessit, donec diem competentem ad Curiam Regis veniendi, & ibidem juri parendi Baronibus impetrasset.

This English Pope and Arch-traytor in pursuance of his implacable malice and revenge against the King, (notwithstanding his extraordinary favours and submissions to him) soon after caused all the Bishops, Abbots, Priors, Deans, and Nobles of the Realm to meet together at London upon pretext of satisfying his and the exiled Bishops damages, but in verity to engage them in a New Rebel∣lion against the King to deprive him of his Crown, and conferre it on Lewis the French Kings son, as they did in the conclusion, under pretext of demanding the confirmation of the Charter and Liberties granted by King Henry the first, there produced by the Archbishop, which the King had but newly ratified at St. Albans; thus storied by Matthew Paris.

EOdem Anno octavo Calendas Septembris, convenerunt in civitate Londonia∣rum* 1.33 apud Sanctum Paulum, Stephanus Cantuariensis Archiepiscopus, cum Episcopis, Abbatibus, Prioribus, Decanis et Baronibus regni, (to promote a New Rebellion under a pretext of Religion, even whiles the Inter∣dict

was contrived by him, as a curb upon the King) ubi Archiepiscopus indulsit tam Ecclesiis Conventualibus quam Presbyteris secularibus ut hor as canonicas in Ec∣clesiis suis audientibus Parochianis suppressa Voce cantar••nt (before the Interdict was released.)

IN hoc Colloquio (ut fama refert) Archiepiscopus memoratus convocatis seorsim quibusdam regni proceribus coepit affari eos secretius in hunc modum; Audistis, inquit, quomodo ipse apud Winton. Regem absolvi et ipsum jurare compulerim, quod Leges iniquas destrueret, et leges bonas, videlicet leges Edwardi revoca∣ret, et in regnofaceret ab omnibus observari. Inventa est quoque nunc Carta quaedam Henrici primi Regis Angliae, per quam si volueritis, Libertates diu amissas, poteritis ad statum pristinum revocare, which * 1.34 charter he recites at large, then read unto them by the Archbishop.

CUm autem haec Charta perlecta, & Baronibus audientibus intellecta fuisset, gavisi sunt gaudio magno valde, & iuraverunt omnes in praesen∣tia Archiepiscopi saepe dicti, quod viso tempore congruo, pro hiis libertatibus si necesse fuerit, decertabunt usque ad mortem. Archi∣episcopus vero promisit eis fidelissimum aurilium suum pro posse suo, et sic confederatione facta inter eos, Colloquium solutum est. This being the real design of this Assembly.

As the King was thus ridden, trampled upon, and intollerably abused, betray∣ed by the Archbishop, Bishops and Barons inveagled by them on the one hand, so was he by the Popes Agents on the other. Pandulphus, besides his formentiond insolencies, endeavouring to wrest out of his hands the power of imprisoning Clerks for Felonyes, that so they might be at his own disposal, and act any villanies with impunity, as these two Patents evidence.

REX dilecto & fideli suo Brieno de Insula, &c. Sciatis quod ad petitionem* 1.35 Magistri Pandulphi Domini Papae Nuncii, concessimus quod Robertus Dos∣set, Ran Bullock, Galfridus de Stanford, & Willielmus de Welmsford, qui capti fuerunt propter rectum furti facti in vivario nostro de Cliva; & aliis vivariis; & quos habetis in custodia vestra Deliberentur. Et ideo vobis mandamus, quod eos sine delatione deliberari faciatis, & in hujus rei testimonium has literas nostras patentes vobis inde mittimus, Teste Domino P. Wintoniensi Episcopo apud Wingham, primo die Jun. Anno regni nostri Decimo quinto.

REX Reginaldo de Cornhill, &c. Mandamus vobis, statim visis Literis istis, li∣beretis Magistro Pandulfo Domini Papae Nuncio Johannem Clericum Domini Hereford Episcopi quam habetis in Custodia apud Roffam salvo Custodiendum donec certum fuerit, utrum fuerit Clericus vel Laicus: Et in hujus rei testimo∣nium has literas nostras Patentes vobis mittimus. Teste Domino H. Dublinensi Archiepiscopo apud Chileham Duodecimo die Junnii, Anno regni nostri decimo quinto. Per eundem.

These most * 1.36 unchristian disloyal proceedings of the Pope, his legats, Arch∣bishops, Bishops, and English Clergy against the King, so much alienated his af∣fections from the very Christian Religion they professed with their Mouths, but denyed in their hearts, practises, that (if we credit * 1.37 Matthew Paris, who willing∣ly traduces him upon all occasions) after the death of Geoffery Fitz-Peter cheif Justice of England (the chief pillar and support of the Realm of England) King John conceiving himself absolved from, and that he had liberty to go against all the Oaths, agreements, & extricate himself from the unjust conditions of peace he had made dolenter, with much grief and reluctancy wherewith he was entangled: poenituit ipsum graviter et amarissime, quod ad praedictae pacis consensum inclinaretur. Whereupon thinking to finde better usage from very Turks then from

the Pope, his own Bishops and rebellious subjects, who were Christians, he re∣solved to put himself and his Realm into their hands, and to renounce the Christian Religion, which the premised proceedings of the Pope and Prelates against him made him repute as vain and ineffectual. Such was the fruit of these Antichristian proceedings against him, Misit ergo nuncios secretissimos cum festi∣natione summa, videlicet Thomam Hardentonum, & Radulphum filium Nicholai Milites, & Robertum de Londino clericum, ad Admiralium Murmelium Regem mag∣num Aphricae, Marocchiae, & Hispaniae: significans eidem, quod se et Regnum suum libenter redderet eidem et dederet et deditum teneret ab ipso, si placeret ei, sub tributo. Necnon et legem Christianam quam vanam censuit, relinquens, legi Mahometae fideliter adhaereret. To which message being delivered, Murmelius after a little deliberation returned this modest an∣swer. Modo inspexi librum in Graeco scriptum, cujusdam Graeci sapientis & Christi∣ani, nomine Pauli (the Apostle) cuju•• actus & verba mihi maxime complacent, & accepto: Ʋnum tamen de ipso mihi displicet, quod in lege sub qua natus est non stetit, sed ad alia tanquam transfuga & i••co••st••ns avolvit. Et iddico de domino vestro Anglorum Rege, qui relicta piissima et mundissima lege Christiano∣rum sub qua nascebatur, cereus et instabilis gliscit transmeare. No••it qui nihil ignorat D••us omnipoteks, si exlex essem, illam prae omnibus eligerem, & acceptam amplexar m. Postea vero sciscitabatur, cujus conditionis esset Rex Angliae & regnum ejus. Of which T. Hardenton gave this account of the King, that he was Egregie & ingenue a∣tavis Regibus magnis procreatus: & of the kingdom, terra ejus opulenta & suis contenta bo∣nis, &c. Regnum etiam ab * 1.38 injuncto & coronato gubernatum, ab antiquo liberum esse dignoscitur, ad nullius pr••terquam Dei spectans Dominationem: (the more shame for the Pope to invade & make it Tributary) Ecclesia etiam & nostrae cultus reli∣gionis plus quam in aliqua mundi parte ibidem prosperatur, ac * 1.39 Papalibus & Regiis legibus pacifice gubernatur. Hereupon, Tracto igitur abalto praecordiali suspirio, respondit▪ Rex, Nunquam legi vel audivi, quod aliquis Rex tam prosperum Regnum possidens subjectum et obediens, suum sic vellet sponte pessundaxe Principatum, ut de libero faceret tributarium, de suo alienum, de fae∣lici, miserum; et se alterius sine vulnere victum, dedere voluntati. Quinimo de multis legi & audivi (qui) sibi libertatem (quod laudabile est) compararent: Modo autem audio, quod Dominus vester * 1.40 miser, deses et imbellis, qui nullo nullior est, de libero servus fieri desiderat, qui omnium mor∣talium miserrimus est. Postea vero sed cum contemptu inquisivit cujus aetatis esset, staturae a•• streunitatis: Cui Responsum est quod aetate fuit quinquagena∣rius, & omnino canus, corpore fortis, nec procerus, sed potius compactus, & formae ad robora convenient••s &c. Quod cum audisset Rex, respondit, Virtus ejus juve∣nilis ac virilis tepuit jam & refrigescit. Infradecennium, dato quod tamdiu victurus sit, virtus ejus deficiet antequam arduum quid consummaverit, si nunc inciperet in defectum declinaret, nec aliquid valeret. Quinquagenarius enim decidit occulte, sexagena∣rius manifeste. Pacem de caetero sibi adquirat & quiescat. Colligens ergo omnia inquisita & responsa Nunciorum, post parvum silentium, facta subsannatione, in signum magnae indignationis, sprevit ille Admiralius Regem Johannem, dicens, nullius est Rex ille, sed Regulus jam desipiens & senescens; nec curo de eo: Indignus est mihi confederari; & conspiciens Thomam & Radulphum torvo vultu, Ait, Non redeatis iterum ad meam praesentiam, nec videant oculi vestri amplius faci∣am meam. I ama, sed potius infamia Domini vestri, jam Apostatae desipientis faeto∣rem exhalat in conspectu meo teterrimum. Recedentibus igitur cum Rubore nunciis, intuebatur Rex ille Admiralius Robertum Clericum, qui tertius erat Nun∣ciorum, qui p••rvus erat & niger, unum brachium longius habens reliquo, & digitos inordinatos, scilicet duos sibi Cohaerentes & faciem Judaicam. Perpendens igitur Rex, quod tam despicabilis persona, ad tam arduum negotium declarandum non desti∣naretur, nisi saperet ut callidus & intelligeret, videns ejus coronam & tonsuram, & inde discernens quod esset clericus, jussit eum ad se evocari, quia aliis loquentibus adhuc tacuerat, stans remotus. Ipso igiter retento & spretis aliis, Rex cum eo multa loquebatur secretius quae postea ipse Robertus amicis suis pateficit. Inquisivit autem dictus Rex ab eodem, si Rex Angliae Johannes * aliquibus polleret moribus, &* 1.41 si liberos strenuos procreasset; & si potens esset in vi generativa. Addiditque quod si

Robertus super his interogatis m••nt••retur, nunquam praecipue clerico crederet Christiano. Tunc Robertus sub attestatione legis Christianae se promisit, ad omnia interrogata vera∣citer responsurum. Dixit igitur affirmative * 1.42 quod potius fuit Tyrannus, quam Rex; potius subversor quam gubernator, oppressor suorum, & fautor alienorum. Leo suis subditis, Agnus alienigenis & rebellibus, qui per desidiam suam Normaniae Ducatum, & alias mult as terras amiserat. Etinsuper Angliae Regnum, amittere vel destruere sitie∣bat. Pecuniae extortor insatiabilis, possessionum suorum naeturalium invasor & Destractor. Paucos vel potius nullos strenuos generavit sed patrizantes. Sponsam sibi habet exo••a••, & ipsum odientem, incestam, maleficam, & adulteram, & super haec saepius convictum: unde Rex sponsus ejus comprehensos laqueo jussit super stratum ejus suffocari. Ipse Rex nihilominus multos procerum suorum & etiam consanguineos Zelotipavit violenter, ac filias corrupit nubiles, & sorores, In cultu autem Christiano prout audistis fluctuans & deffusus. Haec cum audisset Rex Admiralius non tamen sicut prius ipsum spre∣vit, sed detestabatur & in sua lege maledixit & Ait; Quare permittunt miseri Ang∣lici talem super ser••gnare & dominari? vere effeminati sunt & serviles. Respondit Rober∣tus patientissimi hominum sunt Anglici donec supra modum offendantur & damnificentur. Nunc autem sicut Leo vel Elephas cum laesum se senserit v••l cruentum, irascuntur, & executere colla de sub jugo opprimentis, etsi sero proponunt & conantur. Et cum haec omnia ipse Rex Admiralius audierat, Anglorum nimiam redarguit patientiam▪ quam formi∣dolositatem recta interpretatione fuisse interpres asseruit qui ad omnia presens extite∣rat. Multosautem praeter hos tractatus, & confabulationes habuit Idem Rex cum eodem Roberto, quae postea Amicis plenius in Anglia declaravit. Collatis igitur ip∣si Roberto, muneribus preciosis in auro & argento, gemmis variis & holosericis ipsum in pace dimisit. Recedentes autem nuncios alios, * 1.43 nec salutavit nec aliquibus mu∣neribus honoravit; Cum{que} autem ad propria remeassent nuncii & quae viderant & audiverant domino suo renuciassent doluit, dominus eorum Rex Iohames ve∣hementer us{que} ad Spiritus Amaritudinem, quod si•• ab ipso Rege Admi∣ralio contemnebatur, et quod in proposito suo impediebatur. Robertus autem de extranels donis sibi collatis Regem liberaliter respexit, ut saltem sic preciperet, quod favorabilius alliis audiretur, licet primo repulsus tacuisset. Unde ipse Rex ipsum plus aliis honoravit, & quasi pro praemio * 1.44 Custodiam Abbatiae potius sancti Albani, quamvis non vacaret, * 1.45 improbus exactor concessit, ut sic de alieno Clericum suum fidei transgressor remuneraret. Ipse igitur Robertus, inconsulto imo invito Abbate, qui protempore fuit, videlicet Johanne de Colla viro religiosissimo & literatissimo, omnia quae in Ecclesia, & Curia fuerunt, pro libitu diripuit, & sibi ap∣propriavit. Et in qualibet Balliva quas obedientias appellamus, constituit (maxime in janua) janitorem omnium diligentem exploratorem & protervum unde plusquam Mille Marcas ab eadem domo asiute nimis emunxit Robertus Clericus memoratus. Hic tamen quosdam Abbatis Ministros praecipuos cum quodam S. Albani Monacho, videlicet Domi∣num Clericum Magistrum Walterum Monachum Pictorem dilexit, & habuit famili∣ares, quibus gemmas suas & * 1.46 alia secreta revelavit, sibi a dicto Admiralio collata & dicta, audiente Matthaeo qui & haec scripsit & ennaravit.

If this Embassy to Admiralius were a real truth, it discovers the transcendent wickednesse and impiety of the Popes, Archbishops, and Bishops Treasons to, cheats put upon King John, which should cast him upon such a temptation and ne∣cessity as this, to trust a Saracen rather then a Christian, and to renounce the Christian Religion as vain: But the whole contexture proves it a most scandalous malicious forgery of this Monke of St. Albars, for sequestring that Abby.

1. It is recorded by no other Historian but himself. 2. All the parts thereof ap∣pear to be a malicious Satyr, Libel, invective against King John, invented by the Historians under the Person of Murmelius and Robert one of the Ambassadors, to render him odious to his subjects, excite them to rebel against him and deprive him of his Crown, as a person unfit and unworthy to raign over them, and to justi∣fy their election of Lewis of France for their King. 4. All the premised passages Glorious Victories, successes of King John, prove him to be a quite contrary per∣son to what was here represented to Admiralius. 5. Had he formerly resigned up his Crown and Kingdom or under an Annual Tribute Rent to the Pope, as this Monk relates, King John had then no power to surrender or subject them to Murme lius a Sarazen without the Popes consent. 6. This Kingdom being subject to none but God,

it was a very great impiety in the Pope to unite and enthrall it to the See of Rome. 7ly. That King John would renounce the Christian Religion as vain, and embrace the Mahumetan as true, is most improbable; it had been truer of Pope Innocent. For 1. King John commanded all Bishops, Abbots, Monks, Priests, to celebrate Divine Service and Sacraments, during the above 6. years Interdict, in all their Churches, when the impious Pope and Prelates prohibited them, and suspended those who obey∣ed his pious precept. 2ly. He seized all the Temporalties, Benefices, Goods, of those who disobeyed him. 3ly. He encouraged all who celebrated Divine Service and Sa∣craments. 4ly. He with most passionate importunity pressed the Pope and Bishops to release the Interdict, and that Divine Service and Sacraments might be every where administred, which they both delayed and refused, till their own covetous and ambi∣tious ends were satisfied, shewing himself a far more religious, devout, zealous Christian, then the Pope, Bishops, and his Clergy, who for above 6. years space to∣gether suspended all Divine Service and Sacraments throughout his Realm, against his will and Writs, to wreck their own malice upon this King, and deprive him at last of his Crown and Kingdoms. 5ly. His constant profession and maintenance of the Christian Religion during his life, * 1.47 the 5. Religious houses he built, and his piety at his death, prove this to be a malicious forgery, that he would embrace Mahume∣tanism, and abjure the Christian Religion. 6ly. It is very improbable, as this for∣ged Narrative relates, that King John would make himself and his opulent Kingdom a Tributary and Vassal to another Prince so remote, of his own voluntary motion, without War or Conquest. 7ly. That King John should send such mean and despi∣cable Ambassadors as these here mentioned, to so great a Prince as Murmelius, about so weighty an affair as this. 8ly. That he should do it with such privacy, that none of his Nobles should know or consent unto it. 9ly. That these Messengers should find this Saracen King reading St. Pauls Epistles, when they were presented to him, and that he should professe the Christian Religion to be the best and purest of any, yet blame St. Paul for electing it before that wherein he was educated. 10ly. That Robert should make such a relation to him and them concerning Admirallus his de∣scription of his own deformity, of King John his Masters Tyranny, Vices, and un∣worthinesse to reign, and King John continue him in his favour notwithstanding. 11ly. That Robert only of the three should be rewarded by Murmelius, and that with so many and rich presents, being so despicable a person, and the first (who was the most honorable, eloquent, properest person) go unrewarded. 12ly. The ground of this Historians malice, and frequent Invectives against King John, and this forged Legend of his against him and this Robert, was because the King seized the Lands and Mona∣stery of St. Albans into his hands, (whereof he was a Monk) for their Abbots and Monks refusal to celebrate Divine Service during the Interdict, upon the Kings command, and committing the custody thereof to this Robert, at least three or four years before this pretended Embassy, discovers Roberts Embassy thither, and claim∣ing the custody of this Abby, by giving him a great share of the gifts bestow∣ed on him by Murmelius, to be a meer * 1.48 forged Fable. 13ly. He subjoyns this fur∣ther forgery of King Johns mis-belief, and denying the Resurrection of the dead, (grounded only upon his speech or jest of a fat Stagge) * 1.49 Diebus quoque sub eisdem adeo insipiebat Rex Johannes ut de mortuorum Resurrectione futura, & aliis fidem Christianam contingentibus male sentiret, & quaedam inenerabilia diceret deliramenta, quorum unum duximus recitandum, (as the worst of all the rest, and that but a truth, discovering his little esteem of the merits of Popish Masses, by which the Monks got and held their livings) Contigit ut venatu capto cervo quodam pinguissimo, in praesentia Regis cum ex∣coriaretur, & aeridens diceret, O quam prospere vixit iste, nunquam tamen missam audivit!

To make King John some amends for these malicious slanders, (who to over-top his new English Pope and Barons, by that Papal hand by which himself was subject∣ed to them) this Historian gives Pope Innocent the 3d. this true Character, evidencing him to be little better then a Devil incarnate.

EX tunc igitur Rex Johannes, praeconceptum propositum suum a quo credidit resilire,* 1.50 & suam coepit conditionem deteriorare & deterioratam in perniciem Regni soli∣dare. Oderat quippe quasi virus viperium omnes Regni generosos, praecipue tamen Sacrum de Q••ency, Robertum filium Walteri, & Cantuariensem Archiepiscopum Ste∣phanum,

Noverat autem, et multiplici didicerat experientia quod * 1.51 Papa super omnes mortales ambitiosus erat, et superbus, paecuni∣aeque sititor insatiabilis, et ad omnia scelera pro praemiis datis vel pro∣missis Cereum et Proclibum. Missis igitur sub omni festinatione Nunciis, mag∣nam The sauri summam ipsi transmisit & promisit ampliorem, spoponditque suum se esse et semper fore subiectum tributarium (which intimates his first mentioned Charter and Homage to the Pope to be a forgery) ea conditione, ut nacta subtili∣ter occasione, Cantuariensem Archiepis. confundere niteretur, & Barones Angliae quos prius foverat, excommunicaret. Et hoc sitienter desiderabat, ut in excommunicatos exhae∣redando, & incarcerando, & necando posset malignari. Quae igitur nequiter subar∣raverat, nequius, ut in sequentibus dicetur, solidavit.

The Pope greedy of this new booty, forthwith dispatched his Legate into England, a person every way as covetous, ambitious, wicked, tyrannical as himself; of whose coming near England the King no sooner heard, but he dispatched this Letter to him, by Messengers to attend and hasten his arrival.

VEnerabili Patri in Christo, N. Dei gratia Tusculan. Episcopo Apostolicae sedis Le∣gato.* 1.52 J eadem gratia Rex Angliae, &c. & debi tam Patri cum devotione reve∣rentiam. Audito adventu vestro versus partes nostras, nos cum toto Regno nostro ga∣visi sumus in Domino, de Religione, & honestate vestra fiduciam gerentes plenio∣rem. Mississemus autem ad vos, sicut dicens & dignum esset, nuncios nostros, nisi communis relatio nos decepiss••t, quae vos in festo exaltationis Sanctae Crucis Capitulo Cisterciensi debere interesse asserebat. Cum vero certos de Appropinquatione vestra rumores audisse∣mus, fuimus in remotis Regni nostri partibus ultra Eboracum, & statim latores praesen∣tium prudentes viros & familiares nostros Eborac. & Seleby Abbates, in occursum vestrum misimus: Mandantes quod bene veneritis, & plures & sollemniores nuncios misissemus si viae fidelibus nostris tutae essent. Nos vero in occursum vestrum versus mare venire f••sti∣namus, vestram Rogantes sanctitatem, quaetnus quam citius poteritis in Angliam venire f••stinctis, & voluntatem vestram nobis si placet significetis. Teste meipso apud Thike∣hull, Decimo nono die Septembris.

The time of his arrivall, manner of his reception, Pomp, Covetousnesse, new U∣surpatious as well on the Bishops and Clergy, as the King, Kingdom, Subjects, are thus recorded by Matthew Paris.

EOdem Anno, circa Festum Sancti Michaelis, venit in Angliam Nicholaus Thuscu∣lanensis* 1.53 Episcopus, & Apostolicae sedis Legatus, ut dissensiones inter Regnum et Sacerdotium authoritate Apostolica reformaret? Et licet terra Interdicta fuisset, ubique tamen cum processione sollemni & cantuum modulatione & indumentis festi∣vis, honorifice receptus est. Cumque ad Westmonasterium pervenisset, Willielmum Abba∣tem dilapidationis & incontinentiae a Monachis suis accusatum illico degradavit. Ve∣nerunt autem ad eum Oxoniae Burgenses quorum instinctu & praesumptione duo Cle∣rici (de quibus superius fecimus mentionem) suspensi fuerant absolutionem postulan∣tes. Quibus indicta poenitentia inter caetera praecepit, ut ad singulas Civitatis Eccle∣sias, depositis indumentis, pedibusque nudis flagella portantes in manibus euntes, a Presbyte∣ris Parochianis absolutionis beneficium cum Psalmo Quinquagesimo impetrarent. Nec licuit eis nisi diebus singulis, singulas petere Ecclesias, ut tam ipsi quam aliitalia praesumere formidarent. Legatus itaque cum septem tantum equitaturis in Angliam veniens, * 1.54 quin∣quaginta in brevi & familia multa stipatus incessit. Conveniente tandem Archiepis∣copo Cantuariensi, cum Episcopis, & Magnatibus Regni Londonii, in praesentia Regis & Cardinalium, tractatum est ibidem, pec triduum inter Regnum et Sa∣cerdotium de damnis Episcoporum et Ablatis, facta ex parte Regis oblatione Episcopis praefatis ad plenariam restitutionem? Centum Mille Marcarum argenti continno numerandarum? (A vast sum, besides what they formerly received.) Etsi vero post inquisitionem investi∣gari possit, Custodes Ecclesiarum, aliosve Regis Ministros am∣plius abstulisse, Iuratoriam obtulit Rex et fide jussoriam cautionem,

quod pro Episcoporum, et ipsius Legati arbitrio, infra sequens Pas∣cha satisfactionem plenam omnibus faceret ablatorum. Ad hoc au∣tem Legatus consensit, (being most just and satisfactory) volens instanter hoc fieri, indigne ferens quod non statim suscepta fuit oblatio. Vnde protinus suspicatum est, Legatum plus aequo parti Regis consentire. Episcopi quoque negotium protrahentes, ablatis conditionibus obviabant. Habito consilio, ut prius inquirerent de ablatis & damnis, & summam diligentius Regi inquisitam ostende∣rent, & sic simul acciperent quod quaerebant. (Such was their unsatiable avarice and perversenesse, thus to continue the Interdict on the whole Realm on this account.) Audiens itaque Rex dilationem sibi dilectam, praebuit illico consensum. Et sic eo die, infecto negotio recesserunt.

The next dayes proceedings clearly demonstrate that the true design of this meet∣ing by secret compact between the Legate, Archbishop, and Bishops, under pretext of satisfying their damages, and releasing the Interdict, was only to decoy and en∣force the King to a new resignation of his Crown, in the presence of the Archbishop, Bishops and Clergy, (not present at the first resignation, if really made) and procure a second Charter of surrender of his Kingdoms of England and Ireland, to the Pope and his Successors, and resumtion of them from him under an annual rent, and new Oath of Homage to him, the first Charter being either forged, or not really sealed or delivered, and a meer nullity. Which last Charter though the Archbishop, Bi∣shops and Barons totally disliked, disclaimed, and never assented to, after it was seal∣ed and delivered, yet they covertly promoted, and never disswaded him from it, to render him odious and despicable to all his Subjects, and foreign Princes, to effect their own designs upon him.

VEniente vero die crastina, convenerunt omnes iterum ad Sanctum Paulum in Ecclesia* 1.55 Cathedrali: ubi post multos, et varios de Interdicti relaxatione tractatus, ante majus altare coram Clero et populo exacta est a Re∣ge et innovata, illa non formosa sed famosa subjectio; qua in manum Domini Papae Diademate cum Regno resignato, tam Dominium Nyberniae quum Regnum subdidit Anglicanum. * 1.56 Charta quoque Regis, de qua superius diximus, quae prius cera signata fuerat, et Pandulpho tradita; nunc auro Bullata est, et Legato ad opus Do∣mini Papae et Romanae Ecclesiae resignata. Super ablatorum vero resti∣tutione, tertio nonas Novembris apud Radingum diem statuerunt. Cumque die jam praelibato, omnes ut superius, convenissent, Rex die illa non comparuit, sed die tertia apud Wallingford, iterum pariter convenerunt. Vbi Rex ut supra de om∣nibus ablatis, Episcopis et aliis universis se satisfacturum gratan∣ter spopondit. (Yet lo the unsatiable covecousness and perverseness of the Bishops.) Sed hoc illis quorum Castella diruta, domus subversae, pomeria cum nemoribus succisa fuerant, parum videbatur. Vnde Rex et Episco∣pi in hoc pariter consenserunt, ut in arbitrio quatuor Baronum se po∣nerent; et sic ipsorum judicio satisfaceret universis. After this, Convenerunt iterum Rex cum Legato, Archiepiscopo, cum Episcopis, Magnatibus, ac omnibus viris Religiosis, ad Interdicti negotium contingentibus, apud Radingum, octavo Idus Decembris: Ʋbi singuli Chartam porrexerunt in publicum, omnium ablatornm pari∣ter & damnorum summam continentem. Sed Legato Regifavorem praebente, solutio om∣nium dilationem accepit, excepto quod Archiepiscopus & Episcopi, dudum ab Anglia pro∣scripti, ibidem quindecim Millia Marcarum Argenti perceperunt.

By which relation we may discover, 1. The insatiable avarice, obstinacy, per∣versnesse of the Bishops, to any cordiall, dutifull agreement with the King; and the great trouble, vexation, delayes, and frequent meetings they put the King and Nobles to, about their pretended damages. 2ly. Their transcendent impiety, in rob∣bing God and the whole Kingdome of his Divine publick service, by deferring the release of the Interdict from time to time, till all their unreasonable demands were satisfied. 3ly. Their execrable Treason and disloyalty, in enforcing the King once

or twice actually to resign his Crown to the Pope, and swear Homage to him, to procure a future discharge of the Interdict, and yet maliciously keeping it on foot till, or after full satisfaction made by the King of all their excessive damages, and un∣reasonable demands.

Before I proceed further in this Chronological History, I shall present you with a true Transcript of the second Charter of Resignation, made by King John at Pauls, out of the Charter Roll in the Tower of London; and of the Homage he then swore to the Pope, being almost the same in syllables with the first, (if any such) but different in some material words, clauses, here noted in the Margin, which second Charter is not printed in any of our Historians.

JOHANNES Dei gratia &c. Omnibus Christi fidelibus praesentem* 1.57 Chartam inspecturis, salutem. Vniversitati vestrae per hanc Chartam * 1.58 Aurea Bulla nostra munitam volumus esse notum, quia cum Deum et Matrem nostram, Sanctam Ecclesiam offenderimus in multis, et proinde divina misericordia plurimum indigere noscamur, nec quidem quod digne offerre possimus pro satisfactione Deo et Ec∣clesiae debita facienda, nisi nosipsos * 1.59 humiliare pro eo qui se pro nobis hu∣miliavit usque ad mortem, gratia Spiritus Sancti inspirante, non vi * 1.60 inducti, nec timore coacti, set nostra bona spontaneaque voluntate, ac commnni consilio Baronum nostrorum * 1.61 offerimus, et libere conce∣dimus Deo et Sanctis Apostolis ejus, Petro et Paulo, et Sanctae Romanae Ecclesiae matri nostrae, ac Domino nostro Papae Innocentio tertio, ejusque Catholicis successoribus, totum Regnum Angliae, et totum Regnum Hiberniae, cum omni jure et pertinentiis suis, pro remissione peccatorum nostrorum, et totius generis nostri, tam pro vivis quam pro defunctis, et a modo illa * 1.62 a Deo, et ab Ecclesia Roma∣na tanquam * 1.63 Feodum recipientes et tenentes, * 1.64 in praesentia Venerabilis Patris nostri Domini Nicholai Tusculanensis Episcopi Apostolicae sedis Legati, & Pandulphi Domini Papae Subdiaconi, et Familiaris; * 1.65 Fidelitatem, Ex∣inde praedicto Domino nostro Papae Innocentio ejusque Catholicis successoribus, et Ecclesiae Romanae secundum subscriptam formam fecimus et juravimus, et homagium ei ligeum * 1.66 pro praedictis regnis Deo, & Sanctis Apostolis Petro & Paulo, & Ecclesiae Romanae & eidem Domino no∣stro Papae Innocentio tertio, per manum praedicti Legati loco & vice ipsius Domini Papae recipientis, publice fecimus. Successores & Haeredes nostros de Uxore nostra, in perpetuum obligantes, ut simili modo, Summo Pontifici qui pro tempore fuerit, et Ecclesiae Romanae sine contradictione debeant fi∣delitatem praestare, et homagium recognoscere. Ad indicium au∣tem hujus nostrae perpetuae * 1.67 oblationis et concessionis, volumus et sta∣bilimus, ut de propriis et specialibus Redditibus nostris praedicto∣rum Regnorum pro omni servitio et consuetudine quod pro ipsis fa∣cere debemus, (salvo per omnia denario Beati Petri) Ecclesia Ro∣mana Mille Marcas Sterlingorum percipiat annuatim, scilicet in festo Sancti Michaelis, Quingentas Marcas, et Pasch. Quingen∣tas Marcas, septingentas scilicet pro Regno Angliae, et trecentas pro Regno Hyberniae, Salvis Nobis et Haeredibus nostris Justiti∣is, Libertatibus et Regalibus nostris. Quae omnia sicut supradi∣cta sunt, rata volentes esse * 1.68 perpetua ac firma: Obligamus nos et suc∣cessores nostros contra non venire; et si nos vel aliquis successorum nostrorum hoc attentare praesumpserit, quicunque fuerit ille, nisi rite Commonitus resipuerit, cadat a jure Regni: Et haec Charta * 1.69 obla∣tionis et concessionis nostrae, semper permaneat.

EGo Iohannes Dei gratia Rex Angliae, et Dominus Hyberniae,* 1.70 ab hac hora inantea fidelis ero Deo et Deo et Beato Petro, et Ecclesiae Romanae, ac Domino nostro Papae Innocentio tertio ejusque succes∣soribus Catholice intrantibus. Non ero in facto, dicto, consensu, vel consilio ut vitam perdant vel membra, vel mala captione capian∣tux. * 1.71 Eorundem damnum si sciero, impediam, et removere faciam si potero, alioquin eis quam citius potero intimabo, vel tali perso∣nae dicam, quam eis credam pro certo dicturam. Consilium quod mihi crediderint, per se vel per nuncios, seu per Literas suas secretum tenebo, et ad eorum damnum nulli pandam me sciente. Pa∣trimonium Beati Petri et specialiter Regnum Angliae, et Regnum Hyberniae adjutor ero, ad defendendum et tenendum, contra omnes homines pro posse meo. Sic me Deus adjuvet, et haec Sancta E∣vangelia. De quibus ne possit in posterum dubitari, ad majorem securitatem praedictae * 1.72 oblationis, et concessionis nostrae, praesentem Chartam nostram fecimus Sigillari, et pro concessu hujus praesen∣tis et primi Anni Mille Marcas Sterlingorum per manum prae∣dicti Legati Ecclesiae Romanae persolvimus. Testibus Domino * 1.73 S. Cantu••ricnsi Archiepiscopo. W. London, P. Winton, R. Elyensi, H: Lincolniensi E∣piscopis, Waltero de Gray Cancellario nostro, W. Com: Sarum Fratre nostro, R: Co∣mite Caestriae, W: Mar: Comite Pembroc: W: Comite de Ferrariis, S: Comite Winto∣niae, Roberto de Ros, Petro filio H. Briwer. M: filio Hereberti, Briano de Insula, Da∣pifero nostro. Dat: per manum Magistri Richardi de Marescis apud Sanctum Pau∣lum London, tertio die Octobris, Anno ab incarnatione Domini MCCXIII. Regni vero nostri Decimo Quinto.

Before I present you at large with the Judgements, Resolutions of others concer∣ning the Nullity of King Joh••s Charters, and the Rent reserved on them, in the age wherein they were made, and since: I shall crave leave to acquaint you with my own thoughts concerning this doubt, whether he made & sealed two Charters, or only one?

I am clear of opinion that King John never made and sealed but one Charter, and took but one Oath of Homage and Fealty to the Pope, to wit the last, sealed with a Golden Seal, not two, as Matthew Paris, and others misguided by him, conceive; for which I have these strong inducements.

1. This only is extant on Record in the Charter Rolls of King John, the other not, nor any mention or memorial concerning it; and had the first (of so great moment to the King, Kingdom, Pope) been real, it would have been carefully recorded in the Charter Rolls as well as the latter. 2ly. There is no mention made in any of Pope Innocents Letters, Messages to the Barons and Bishops of England, King John himself, the French King, or any else, but only of this latter Charter, sealed with his Bull of Gold. 3ly. King John himself, his Bishops, Barons, in their Appeals and Invectives against him, hereafter cited, mention only the latter Charter, without any intimation of a precedent. 4ly. Matthew Paris himself, in his ensuing passages Anno 1231. concerning Stephen Langhtons protestation and appeal against it, and the vacating of the new Chancellors election by the Pope, and the Embassadors and Proxie of King Henry the 3d. and the whole Kingdom in the Council of Lyons, Anno 1245. mention only one Charter then casually burnt; and the Parliament of 40 E. 3. do the like: Therefore but one. 5ly. Because the Popes, Cardinals, Kings Letters and Records concerning it, hereafter transcribed, resolve as much. 6ly. It is very improbable that the Pope would demand, or King John make two distinct Resignations of his Crown and Kingdoms, by two Charters, and take two Oathes of Homage and Fealty to him, and that almost in the self-same words, without any additional clauses, covenants, either by the King or Pope, within the compasse of five moneths, the first bearing date May 15. the other the 3d. of October next fol∣lowing. And if King John was so unwilling, and hardly enforced, perswaded to seal the first Charter, and so much grieved, perplexed, reproached, contemned, de∣rided,

as he was, for sealing the first Charter, as Matthew Paris and others relate, & the release of the Interdict continued still as a bridle over him after its sealing, when he expected its final release, he would never have sealed the second, through any menaces, force, or perswasions whatsoever, especially before the Interdict was fi∣nally discharged, which continued long after the last Charter was sealed, through the Archbishops and Bishops obstinacy, Treachery, Impiety. 7ly. It is not probable the Ba∣rons or Bishops would have permitted him in their presence to have made a second Charter and Homage to the Pope, since they so much detested the first. 8ly. Mat∣thew Paris his relation of his proffer to resign his Crown and Kingdoms to Murme∣lius the Sarazen, compared with those Messengers relations to him, touching the present freedom of the Kingdom, subject only unto God, after his first supposed surrender of it by Charter and Homage to the Pope, proves this Embassy to be fabu∣lous, or his first Charter of Resignation fictitious, both being inconsistent. 9ly. His own relation what moved King John to send to the Pope to resign his Crown and Kingdoms to him, on purpose to curbe the Archbishop, Bishops, and Barons, after their restitution, and to bribe him with a great sum of money to effect it, knowing him to be the most covetous, ambitious, proud person in the world, contradicts the story and inducements for making his first Charter sealed with Wax, upon far differ∣ent grounds. In fine, I conceive this mistake of two distinct Charters, (the one seal∣ed with Wax, the other with Gold,) surrendring the Kingdoms of England and Ire∣land to the Pope, and resuming them under an annual rent, grew from this occasion. Pandulphus the Popes first Legate brought a form of an accord of Peace between the Pope, exiled Bishops, and their confederates and King Iohn, drawn at Rome, which if he would submit to, he might be received into the Popes favour, the Chur∣ches bosom, and preserve both his kingdoms and life: This agreement he swore to, and sealed the 13th. day of May, and delivered to Pandulphus, recorded by Mat. Paris at large; the Earls and Barons siding with the Pope, were to enforce him to perform and see it duly observed; perchance he then treated with him three dayes after con∣cerning the resignation of his Crown and kingdoms to the Pope, and had some oath or engagement from him afterwards to ratifie it under his seal, which this Monk mistook for the Charter, actually surrendring his crown in October following; which I conceive to be the Charter recited in the Autographum of Pope Innocents Bull un∣der his Seal, witnessed with the Subscriptions and Seals of 12. Cardinals, and 3. Bi∣shops dated Novemb: 4. 1213. a full moneth after this second Charter October 3. before, and sent to King Iohn; wherein the Pope declared to him, how willing∣ly and joyfully he accepted the Kingdoms resigned to him, and set them again to King Iohn, (which * 1.74 Dr. Crakenthorp mistooke for his first Charter) and the same with that in the Manuscript collection of Nicholas Cardinal of Arragon.

There are several Opinions among Popes, their Flatterers, Historians, and others concerning the Popes right to England and Ireland, and these two Charters of King John granting, and resuming from Pope Innocent and his successors his Realms of England and Ireland under an annual Rent; which I think fit here to relate and examin, ere I proceed further, being the grandest Papal encroachment on the Crown.

(a) Lelius Zecchus, (b) Marta, (c) Alvarus Pelagius, (d) Augustinus Steuchus, and other Popish parasites, as they assert in general, That the Pope is absolutely the* 1.75 Lord of the whole Christian world, and that Kings and Emperors must acknowledge their Empires and Kingdoms to be held of him, the whole world being his territory: So they assert, that the Emperor of Rome, Germany, the Kings of France, Arragon, Naples, Granado, Portugal, Spain, Sicily, Jerusalem, Bohemia, Hungaria, Denmark, Swecia, Norway, Croatia, Dalmatia, and Scotland, are the Popes Vassals, Tributaries, hol∣ding all their Crowns, Kingdoms from him as his Feudatories, under several annual rents and tributes, and an Oath of Homage and Fealty. It is no wonder therefore if they pretend the like Title under the like Tenure and Vassallage to the Realms of Eng∣land and Ireland. Pope Alexander the 2d. had the impudency to affirm, That ever since the kingdom of England received Christianity, it hath been in the hands and power of St: Peter, if his Epistle be not forged by (e) Baronius. If this were a truth, then King Iohns resignation of his kingdom to the Pope, was only a restitution of that antient right the Pope had thereto before in Recognition of the Popes Soveraign Dominion over* 1.76

it; and his resuming of it from the Pope under an annual rent, nothing but an* 1.77 revival of the former Service due to Rome, as (f) Marta, (g) Carerius, and (h) Schi∣oppius argue in the cases of Constantines pretended Donation, Charles the Great, Pe∣pins, and others grants of Lands and Territories to the See of Rome. But none of our Monks or Historians of that or any age since, though professed Votaries to the Pope, ever made such a pretence or conclusion as this. Therefore it is a meer forgery.

(a) Cardinal Bellarmin and other Romanists falsely averre, That the kingdom of England was semper Beneficiarium et Tributarium Romano Pontifici; because King Ina and Offa, Anno 740. Adelphus Anno 847. paid a penny for every house to Saint Peter by way of Tribute, confirmed by several Lawes: And King Henry the 2d. acknowledged the Pope to be his Temporal Lord, himself his Feudatory, and his Kingdom the Popes Patrimony: The falshood of which having at large refu∣ted, I shall pretermit as fabulous; only if true, it quite subverts or enervates this Charter of King Iohn and reservation of the annual rent, as a New thing, ho∣nor, rent, not formerly acknowledged by his predecessors. But their principal Ti∣tle to England and Ireland is from King Iohns Charter under his golden Bull, which they boast to be yet extant in the Vatican; by which the Pope hath (as Bellarmine and Marta assert) Directum Dominium in Regnum Angliae et Hiberniae, that King Iohn and his Successors are thereby made Feudatories and Vassals to the Pope, whence b Pope Innocent the 3d. in a vaunting manner said of King Iohn, Vassallus noster est Rex Angliae, et Romanae Ecclesiae.

To counterplead and enervate this Grand pretended Title of the Pope, I shall de∣sire the Readers to consider;

1. That Sir Thomas Moor Lord Chancellor of England (who (c) lost his head under King Henry the 8. his Master (in defence of the Popes Supremacy in England) is so far ashamed of Pope Innocents proceedings against King Iohn, that he avowes it in print, (d) to be utterly UNTRUE; that King John did make his Realms thus Tributdry to the Pope, or that ever such pensions were paid to Rome for them; (wherein doubtlesse he mistakes) Adding, That if he so did, or any other English King should so do, such an act was of no validity at all; as Rossius Warwicensis also resolves.

2ly. That (e) Edmond Campian (a great Advocate for the Papacy) writes; Such Instruments might happily then be moved and drawn, and yet dye unratified, though the co∣pies stand recorded; denying any annual pensions paid thereby for England or Ireland to Rome.

3ly. (f) M. Antonius Coccius Sabellicus informes us; That this pretended Rent* 1.78 out of England and Ireland was granted by King Iohn out of a Religious Vow, to ex∣piate his gaining these kingdoms by fratricide; without mentioning any Charter or resignation. Ha••d m••ri••ò post Johannes Rex Angliae, Ricardum fratrem interfecit, Regnumque parricidio adeptus, à Ludovico Philippi filio, qui tum in Gallia regnabat gravi bello petitus est. Tum vero novisse fertur, si regnum sibi incolume mansisset, futurum ut Anglia et Hybernia vectigales essent Apostoli∣cae sedis, magnumque auro pondus voto nuncupavit, quod duae illu∣stres Insulae quotannis Romano Pontifico penderent; sui itaque Voti damnatus, quum ipse, tum Successores plerique ut rite actum erat, ratum habuere. But this voluminous Historian is utterly mistaken in his whole relation of this pension: For 1. King Iohn did not murder his brother,* 1.79 King Richard, who died of a shot out of Chaluz Castle, as all our (g) Historians record. 2ly. He obtained not the Realm by parricide, but by his Brothers special be∣quest at his death, and heir to him. 3ly. This Rent was granted before Lewis the French Kings Sonne warred on him; upon Philips intended invasion; but admit it true, the very force of warr nulls it. 4ly. None of our Historians mention any such Vow of King John, as the cause of this grant. 5ly. Not one, much lesse many of his Successors acknowledged it rightly granted, nor ever confirmed, but protested against it, as null; though one or two of them now and then voluntarily paid it, up∣on other grounds. * 1.80 Raphael Volaterans Geogr. l. 3. f. 54. concurring with Sabelli∣cus records, that Johannis cum gravi bello à Ludovico Gallorum Rege premeretur, EX VOTO Angliam, Iberniamque Romano Pontifice Vectigales fecit, ut auri Marcas 70. quotannis penderent, Anno salutis 1208. he being mistaken in the occasion, quarrel,

summe, year of the grant, which was not till 1213. and Lewis his warre above a year after that: And admit it true, this Vow, Grant being made by Duresse and force of Warr, can be of no validity.

4ly. (h) Polydor Virgil a Stranger, (but yet the last collector of the Popes Peter-pence* 1.81 in England, who pried into our Histories, Annals) and the (i) Century writers out of him, write thus of this Rent and Grant: reciting King Iohns surrender of his Crown, Nunquamnisi à Romano Papa recepturus (sic enim fieri jusserat Nocentius crudelis et sanguinis Anglici▪ sitientissimus, add the Centuriators) ex quo fama est Johannem cupientem perpetuare memoriam muneris accepti (therfore a meer free gift, not tribute, in their judgements) ea lege fuisse se Beneficiarium (not tributarium) ut Reges deinceps à Pontifice duntaxat Romano jura regni consequerentur. Caeterum has reconciliationis Leges qui secuti sunt Reges mimme servarunt, neque Annales Anglici de hujusmodi donatione loquuntur. Iohanni tan∣tummodo qui deliquisset imposita, non item Successoribus sustinenda fuisse satis constat. So that by this resolution of the Popes own Collector in England, the grant of these annual rents obliged only King John himself, the delinquent, who imposed them, not his heirs, successors or kingdoms in the least degree: To which the Century collectors assent.

5ly. (a) Matthew Paris, and Matthew Westminster themselves, (both Monks,* 1.82 extraordinary Votaries to the Popes, and inveterate Enemies to King John) deride & scorn his Charter to the Pope, which they first inserted into their Histories, stiling it Lugubrem, detestabilem, non formosam, sed famosam subiectionem, Scrip∣tum toto mundo execrabile, &c. And relate the Judgements of the English, French, and others, who reputed it Null, voyd, and a most detestable example; thereby suffici∣ently intimating their own concurrence therein.

6ly. As the Archbishop of Dublin openly protested against the first Charter and the Legates insolency when he received it, and the money he trampled under his* 1.83 feet, as [b] Matthew Paris himself records: so he writes, That Stephen Langton the Archbp. the Popes own Legate, great creature, and a Cardinal, though he underhand consented to and abetted it, to render King Iohn despicable, detestable to his Barons, Subjects, and all forreign Princes, to accomplish his own designs and wreck his malice upon the King, yet (to preserve the hereditary Rights of the Kingdom inviolable, and accompiish his own ends the better) so soon as this Charter was sealed, and presented at the high Altar in Pauls, and delivered to the Popes Nuntio, he stepping* 1.84 out in the presence of the King, Legate, Barons, and all there present, in the name of the Clergy and Kingdom, boldly and earnestly presented at the same Altar in so∣lemn manner his Appeal against this Charter, so detestable to the whole world, as Rossius Martinus, Dr. Beard, and others relate. But hear [d] Matthew Paris* 1.85 himself. Ralph Bishop of Chichester, then Chancellor of England being elected Archbishop of Canterbury by the Monks after the death of Richard, and the Monks of Canterbury pressing the Pope to confirm his election, Anno 1231. thereupon the Pope made diligent inquiry of Simon Langton (Stephens Brother, elected, but reje∣cted by King Iohn, and the Pope too at his request, to be Archbp. of York:) concern∣ing Ralphs person and disposition; thereupon Respondit, illum curialem esse, & illite∣ratum, rapidum in verbis, & festinum: & quod durius est, si ad illam dignitatem pro∣moveretur, moliri volentem, ut anhelante ad hoc Rege, cum toto regno juvante, excuteret Angliam de sub jugo domini Papae et Curiae Romanae, qui eidem tenetur sub tributo; ut soluto vinculo tributi,* 1.86 quo irretivit eam Rex Iohannes, solita Deo et Ecclesiae sanctae ser∣viret libertate. Et ad hoc vellet usque ad expositionem capitis de∣certare, innixus juri et appellationibus Stephani Cantuatiensis Atchiepiscopi; quas fecit solenniter idem Stephanus ante Altare Sancti Pauli Ecclesia Cathedrali Londinensi, cum redderet coro∣nam Angliae memoratns Rex Iohannes in manns Legati, conficiens scriptum toto mundo execrabile. Papa autem his auditis sermonibus, po∣stulatione cassata, concessit, ut Conventus Cantuariensis alium Archiepiscopum, ac talem eligerent, qui sibi esset Pastor Animarum salubris, et Ecclesiae utilis Anglicanae, et Romanae fidelis ac devo∣tus

tus. Monachi igitur domum reversi, Conventui retulerunt quomodo fuerant a sno desiderio defraudati. And after the Election of two others, whom the Pope rejected, were enforced to elect St. Edmond whom the Pope re∣commended* 1.87 to them.

In this Historical passage, there are seven most observable circumstances conside∣rable. 1. That Simon Langton, brother to Stephen Archbishop of Canterbury, his principal agent for his restitution, privy to all his Actions, being made Archdeacon of Canterbury by him, and at this time holding that office, informed the Pope of these Appeals of his brother Stephen Archbishop of Canterbury, publikely made at Pauls Church London, when King Iohn there summoned his Barons, and sealed his Char∣ter to him: Therefore no fiction, but a real truth. 2ly. That this information was within 16. years after the resignation and charter thus made. 3ly. That King Hen∣ry the 3d. and the whole kingdom then groaned under, and resolved to cast off this unjust Tribute, Charter, and to protest against it as invalid. 4ly. That if Ralph were admitted and consecrated Archbishop (the design in electing him to that place) he would certainly with the peril of his life protest against this reserved Rent and Charter as voyd in Law, because Stephen his predecessor had thus appealed against it at the very sealing and delivery thereof, as not only voyd, but detestable, and ther∣fore the King and kingdom would wholly exempt themselves from it; which had been a vain surmise had there been no such appeal. 5ly. That Simon himself, as well as his Brother Stephen, acknowledged this Charter and Tribute, to be not only detestable in it self, and to the King and kingdom of England, but even to the whole world; and therefore certainly most illegal and invalid. 6ly. That Pope Gregory the 9th believed both the truth of this relation and Appeal, and upon this informa∣tion and ground alone vacated the election of Ralph, to prevent this design of the King, kingdom, and Archbishop elect, to shake off this Tribute and yoak of bon∣dage, enforcing them to elect another more complyant with his designes, to pre∣serve his interest in this annual Rent, though reserved by such a most detestable Charter. 7ly. That it was afterwards insisted upon in the Council of Lyons, and not gainsaid by the Pope.

8ly. That the English Barons themselves, though they were present, and & connived at this charters sealing and delivery by the King, the better to effect their own designs against him, being made most contemptible and quite devested of his Royal honor, and most of his authority thereby, yet they abominated, declaimed,* 1.88 protested against it and him with highest Indignation and detestation when executed, witnesse these passages and Speeches of theirs recorded by (a) Matthew Paris, First, within few moneths after this second resignation and Charter, Anno 1215. All the Nobles assembled in a Great Council at London, together with the Archbi∣shops, Bishops, Abbots, Priors and Clergy (where the King ratified the Great char∣ter, and Charter of the Forrest, and Charter concerning the freedom of Elections to Bishopricks and Monasteries) perceiving King Johns heart both by his gestures and speeches to be totally averted from them, and himself almost distracted with sad melancholly thoughts, for sealing his second Charter to the Pope, and Confir∣mation of the Great Charter, and that of elections) antequam ipsum Concilium sol∣veretur continua mente praesaga futuros eventus ponderabant; dicentes; Vae nobis immo toti Angliae carenti rege veraci, et oppressae Tyranno subdo∣lo, et summis conatibus regnum Angliae evertenti. Nos jam Ro∣mae subjecit et Romanae Curiae, vt protectionem ab ea consequeremur, timendum est ne injuriosas suppeditationes in posterum invenia∣mus; Nunquam audivimus de aliquo Rege, qui nollet colla servi∣tuti subtrahere, iste sponte succumbit. Et sic lamentantes Regem recedendo reliquerunt, ad propria revertentes. A strong evidence they never advised, assented to, or approved it (as both Charters falsly recite) but thus open∣ly and joyntly declaimed against, lamented the sad consequences of it, which they both foresaw, feared; and thereupon departed from him to their homes with much grief and discontent, as one who had used his utmost endeavours to subvert a miserable Kingdom, by subjecting his own and their free necks to the Pope & Court of Rome, under pretext of obtaining protection from them. After this, Anno 1216. the Barons being driven almost to desperation, resolving utterly to reject King John and elect a new King, which they did, thus openly inveighed against him, for this his Charter,

of Resignation, and against Pope Innocent himself, making it the principal argument of their revolt from him.

Circa hos dies, cum denique Barones, qui jam omnia amiserant, quae propensius in* 1.89 mundo diligebant, & spem bom melioris penitus non habebant, ut per se recupe∣rarent amissa, tacti sunt dolore Cordis intrinsecus, & quid agerent ignorabant, male∣dicentes Regis versutiam, tergiversationes et infidelitatem, et ducentes suspiria geminando: Veh tibi Iohannes Regum ultime, Anglorum Principum Abominatio, Nobilitatis Anglicanae Confusio. Heu Anglia jam vastata, et amplius vastanda: Heu Anglia, Ang∣lia omnibus bonis hactenus Princeps provinciarum, facta es sub tributo, non tantum flammae, fami, et ferro, sed servorum ignobilium et advena∣rum imperio subjecta, et suppeditata: cum nihil infelicius quam servorum subjici servituti, Legimus quod multi alii Reges, immo ut Reguli, usque ad mortem pro liberatione terrae suae subjectae di∣micarunt: sed tu Iohannes (lugubris memoriae pro futuris seculis) et terra tua ab antiquo libera, ancillaret excogitasti, et operam impendisti, et ut alios tecum traheres in servitutem, quasi cauda serpentina medietatem stellarum a firmamento te ipsum primo de∣pressisti, factus de Rege liberrimo, Tributarius, firmarius, et vassalus servitutis; terrarum nobilissimam Chirographo servitutis aeternae obligasti, nunquam a Compede servili liberandam nisi mi∣seratus ille, qui nos et totum mundum, quos sub pecc Iu∣go vetusta servitus tenuit, dignetur quandoque liberare. ati Et quid de te Papa? qui pater sanctitatis, speculum pietatis, tutor Justitiae, & custos ve∣ritatis, toti mundo deberes lucere in Exemplum, tali consentis, talem laudas, & tueris? Sed hac causa Exhaustorem pecuniae Anglicanae & Exactorem Nobilitatis Britan∣nicae tibi inclinantem, defendis, ut in Barathrum Romanae Averitiae omnia demergantur: sed haec causa & excusatio, est ante Deum culpa & accusatio; Et sic Barones Lachryman∣tes, & Lamentantes Regem & Papam maledixerunt, peccantes inexpiabiliter, cum scriptum sit. Principi non maledices; & veritatem & reverentiam transgredientes, cum illust∣rem Johannem Regem Angliae servum asserverunt, Cum Deo ser∣vire regnare sit Tandem decretum est, ut aliquem potentem in Regem eligerent per quem possint ad possessiones pristinas revocari, credentes quod nullus Johanne pesor vel du∣rior possit dominari, & tale miserabile statuentes Argumentum,

—Fortuna miserrima tuta, Nam timor eventus deterioris abest.

Cumque aliquandiu, quem oligerent haesitassent, demum in hec pariter consenserunt, ut Lodovicum filium Philippi Regis Francorum sibi praeficerent, & ipsum in Regem Angliae sublimarent.

Besides King John himself in his Letters to the Pope complains, that his Earls and Barons were devout and loving to him till he had subjected himself to his Dominion, but since that time, & specialiter ab hoc, they did all rise up against him. And, when he* 1.90 alleged to them, that the Realm of England was St. Peters patrimony, and held of the Pope, &c. they slighted it so, as to return no answer to it. Yea Pope Innocent himself in his Epistle to all Christian people wherein he Nulls the Great charter of Liberties complains thus of the Barons; ut ordine perverso in illum insurgerent postquam Ec∣clesiae satisfecit, qui assistebat eidem quando Ecclesiam offendebant. And the French Kings Barons, H. the 3. and his Proctors in the Council of Lyons, with the Parl. of 40 E. 3. peremptorily affirm, that the Barons never assented to it: Therefore this clause inserted into the Patent that it was made, Communi Consilio Baro∣num Nostrorum, must needs be a false suggestion and untruth, which makes it Null in Law.

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8ly. There is an antient Manuscript stiled * 1.91 Eulogium in the famous Library of Sir Robert Cotton, which records, that in the year 1214. (soon after this Surrender and Charter of King Iohn) there was a Parliament called at London, wherein Stephen Archbishop of Canterbury, and all his Clergy, cum tota laicali secta, with all the Lay sect being present▪ Per Domini Papae praeceptum illa obligatio praefata, quam Rex Domino Pap•• secerat, cum fidelitate et homagio relaxatur omnino, primo die Julii. i•• then Pope ••nnocent himself in full Parliament totally released King Iohns Charter, Obligation, Rent, Homage and Fealty made him for these king∣doms, immediately after their making (upon the Archbishops appeal against it, ••or as extorted from him by such atheistical impious Interdicts, Excommunications, me∣naces, frauds, circumventions, Crossadoes, and foraign forces raised against him, and fraught with nothing but untrue suggestions, not upon any real considerations, as the Author of this Treatise positively asserts) How any of his Successors or Ro∣man Advocates (especially in this Age) can in justice or equity insist thereon to in∣title themselves to the Soveraign Temporal Dominion, Jurisdiction of England and Ireland as St. Peters Patrimony, without the greatest absurdity and shamelesse impu∣dence, no rational creature can discover.

9ly. After King Iohns surrender of his kingdom, and confirmation of the Charters to the Kingdom and Bishops, with the Popes ratification of them too, his friends, courtiers, flatterers, soldiers, and common people; for this his Resignation of his Crown, did thus deride and jeer him to his very face, to exasperate him against the treacherous Bishops and his Barons, as well as against the Pope, and raise New Commotions.

HIS peractis & ex utraque parte approbatis, exultaverunt omnes, credentes De∣um,* 1.92 misericorditer Cor Regis tetigisse, Cor ab eo lapideum abstulisse, & Cor Carneum addidisse, & ut in eo fieret optima dextrae Excelsi permutatio. Speraveruntque omnes & singuli Angliam quasi Aegyptiaco Jugo, quo diu ante premebatur, per Dei gratiam suis temporibus liberatam, tam per Romanae Ec∣cesiae protectionem, cujus alis se credebant obumbrari, & sic velut sub Clypeo Divinae Militiae, cui servire regnare est, pace & libertate gaudere, tum prop∣ter Regis humilitationem desideratam; quam speraverant omni mansuetudini & paci faeliciter inclinatam. Sed longe aliter, proh pudor, et proh dolor, et nimis dissimili quam speratum fuit evenit. (Treachery, Perjury, Fraud, Rebellions, Hyporcrisy and Accords obtained by wicked Machivilian Policies, never en∣ding in expected Tranquillity and security) Credebatur fortuna arridendo Nectar pro∣pinasse, cum fellita pocula, & venena preparavit. Ecce enim filii Belial (diabolo procurante) qui successibus hominum ex antiqua sua consuetudine, videlicet rup∣tarii nequissimi qui bella potius quam pacem voluerunt, regiis auribus verba dis∣cordiae susurrando instillarunt. Dixerunt enim grunniendo et derisioni∣bus multiplicatis subsannando: Ecce vigesimus quintus Rex in Anglia, ecce jam non Rex nec etiam Regulus, sed Regum op∣probrium: malle deberet non Rex: quam sic Rex esse. Ecce Rex sine regno: Dominus sine dominio: Ecce Alficus nauci et an∣gularis, rota quinta in plaustro: Regum ultimus, et populi ab∣jectio. Heu miser et servus ultimae conditionis, ad quam servitu∣tis miseriam devolutus es? Fuisti Rex, nunc faex: fuisti maxi∣mus, nunc minimus. Nihil infaelicius quam fuisse foelicem. Et sic iram provocantes, addendo flammam vento ab igne sulphureo scin∣tillas excitarunt. Therefore there was certainly no common universal consent to this surrender, Charter, but a generall detestation of, and declaration against it in the higest degree; which made it null in Law.

10ly. Whereas it is recited in the Charter: Nos gratia Spiritus Sancti inspirante, non vi inducti▪ nec timore coacti, sed nostra bona et spontanea voluntate offe∣rimus et libere concedinius Deo et Sanctis Apostolis. &c. & Domino nostro Papae Innocentio tertio, ejusque Catholicis Successoribus, totum Regnum Angliae, & to∣tum Regnum Hiberniae, &c. This is most false and untrue: For as King Iohn was

enforced to it sore against his will to his great grief, as the premises evidence; So he was so much ashamed of, and exceedingly discontented at it, that rejecting all the English, he deeply lamented that ever he was born into the world, or that ever his mother nursed him to do such detestable, unroyal, shamefull actions, and was almost quite distracted with the thoughts thereof; which Matthew Paris thus expresseth.

TUnc Rex nimis credulus susurris abominabilium Ruptariorum, quos ex con∣suetudine* 1.93 in propriam perniciem nimis libenter, abjectis naturalibus suis hominibus, educaverat, animum summutavit; & cor ejus pessimis consiliis inclina∣vit: leve est enim sluctuantem movere, & proclivum ad mala, ad flagitia prae∣cipitare. Tunc Rex ab alto ducens suspiria, concepta indignatione maxima, caepit in seipso tabescere, lamentationibus multiplicatis conquerendo dicere: ut quid me genuit mater mea infoelix, et impudica? Vt quid genibus exceptus? ut quid uberibus ablactatus infaustum accepi incrementum? Ferrum mihi potius quam Ali∣mentum debuit praeparari. Caepit frendere dentibus, oculis torvis intuitum retorquere, arreptos buculos et stipites more furiosi nunc corrodere, nunc corrosos confringere. Et inordinatorum gestuum plurimis argumentis, conceptum dolorem, imo furorem manifestare. &c. And when he heard Tidings of the defeat of his Forces in France by King Phi∣lip, soon after this surrender and Charter, (where * Matthew Paris observes; In hoc* 1.94 autem casu Rex Anglorum, qua raginta Millia Marcarum, quae tempore Interdicti à Monachis Cisterciensibus, consilio Ricardi de Marisco & similium aulicorum impuden∣ter abstulerat, consumpsit, ut fidem faceret Proverbio, quo dicitur,

Non habet eventus sordida praeda bonos,)

animo nimis consternatus, astantibus dixit; Postquam Deo recon∣ciliatus,* 1.95 me ac mea regna, proh dolor, Romanae subjeci Ecclesiae, nulla mihi prospera, sed contraria omnia advenerunt. Yea the shame and infamy of it stuck upon his spirit till his dying day.

11ly. Philip King of France, together with his Sonne Lewis, & his Proctor, and all the Nobles of France Anno 1216. with one mouth, protested against this Charter and resignation to Walo the Popes own Legat, (when purposely sent to them by Pope Innocent to disswade them from invading England, as being then St. Peters Patrimony) not only as null, void in it self for several reasons, but of most pernicious example to all kingdoms; thus at large recorded by Matthew Paris.

SUb his diebus, Magister Walo a Domino Papa missus venit in Franciam, ut Lo∣dovici* 1.96 progressum in Angliam authoritate Apostolica impediret. Qui cum▪ ad Regem Philippum pervenisset, porrexit litteras ex parte Domini Papae depreca∣torias; in quibus continebatur, ne * 1.97 praeter mitteret filium suum Lodovi∣cumi Angliam hostiliter adire, vel Regem Anglorum inquietare in aliquo: sed ipsum, ut Romanae Ecclesiae vassallum protegeret, de∣fenderet, et diligeret; cujus regnum ad Romanam Ecclesiam ratione Dominii pertinebat. Rex autem Francorum, cum haec verba intellexissit, incontinenti respondit: Regnum Angliae patrimonium Petri nunquam fuit, nec est, nec erit. Rex enim Johannes,* 1.98 multis retroactis diebus, volens fratrem suum Regem Richardum a regno Angliae injuste privare, et inde de proditione accusatus, et coram eo convictus; damnatus fuit per judicium in Curia ipsius Regis: quam sententiam pronunciavit Hugo de Pusat, & Episcopus Du∣nelmensis. Et ita nunquam fuit verus Rex, nec potuit regnum dare. Item si aliquando fuit verus Rex, postea regnum forisfecit per mortem

Arthuri; de quo facta damnatus fuit in Curia nostra. Item nullus Rex vel Princeps potest date regnum suum, sine assensu Baronum* 1.99 suorum, qui regnum illud tenentur defendere: et si Papa hunc errorem tueri decreverit, perniciosissimum regnis omnibus dat ex∣emplum. Tunc quoque magnates omnes uno ore clamare coepe∣rnnt: quod pro isto Arriculo starent usque ad mortem, ne videlicet Rex vel princeps per solam voluntatem suam posset regnum dare, vel tributarium facere, unde nobiles regni efficerentur servi. Acta sunt haec apud Lugdunum die Decimo quinto post Pascha.

IN crastino itaque procurante Rege Francorum supervenit Lodovicus ad colloqui∣um,* 1.100 & torvo vultu respiciens Legatum juxta Patrem suum resedit. Quo facto, Legatus multis precibus caepit rogare Lodovicum, ne iret in Ang∣liam ad invadendum, vel occupandum patrimonium Romanae Ec∣clesiae, et patrem ejus, ut prius fecerat, ne ipsum permitteret ire. Rex autem Francorum Legato protinus respondit, dicens; Ego Domino Papae, & Ecclesiae Romanae devotus semper fui, & fidelis, & in omnibus agendis suis negotia sua omnia efficaciter hucus{que} promovi: Sed nec modo per consilium meum, vel auxilium Filius meus Lodovicus contra Romanam Ecclesiam aliquid attentabit. Veruntamen si jus ali∣quod de regno Angliae sibi vendicat, audiatur, & quod justum fuerit, concedatur eidem. Ad haec miles quidam, quem Lodovicus procuratorem suum constituerat, surgens, au∣dientibus cunctis respondit: Domine Rex, res notissima est omnibus, quod Johannes dictus Rex Angliae, pro Arthuri nepotis proditione, quem propriis manibus interemit, in curia vestra, per judicium Parium suorum ad mortem sit condemnatus: ac post∣modum a Baronibus Angliae pro multis homicidiis & enormitatibus aliis, quas ibi∣dem fecerat, ne regnaret super eos reprobatus. Unde Barones contra eum guerram moverunt, ut ipsum a solio regni immutabiliter depellerent. Praeterea Rex saepe dictus, praeter assensum Magnatum suorum, regnum Ang∣liae Domino Papae contulit et Ecclesiae Romanae, ut iterum illud reciperet ab eis tenendum sub annuo tributo mille marcarum. Et si coronam Angliae sine Baronibus alicui dare non potuit, potuit tamen dimittere eam. Quam statim cum resignavit, Rex esse de∣siit, et Regnum sine Rege vacavit. Vacans itaque regnum sine Baronibus ordinari non debuit. Unde Barones elegerunt dominum Lo∣dovicum ratione uxoris suae; cujus mater, Regina scilicet Castellae, sola ex omnibus fratribus & sororibus Regis Angliae vivens fuit. Tunc Legatus proposuit, quod Rex Johannes erat Cruce signatus, unde ex constitutione generalis Concilii pacem habere debuit usque in quatuor Annos, & omnia sub protectione sedis Apostolicae secura permanere: unde medio tempore Lodovicus non debuit guerram dicto Regi mo∣vere, nec eum a regno privare. Ad haec procurator Lodovici respondit: Rex Jo∣hannes ante crucem sumptam guerram moverat Domino Lodovico; & castrum de Buncham obsederat & illud destruxerat, &c. Legatus itaque his rationibus non contentus; prohibuit, sicut prius, sub paena excommunicationis, ne Lodovicus Ang∣liam intrare praesumeret: & patrem ejus, ne ipsum ire permitteret. His audi∣tis, Lodovicus Patri suo dixit: Domine: etsi ego homo vester ligeus sum de feudo quod mihi dedisti in partibus Cismarinis, de regno Angliae ad vos non pertinet statu∣ere quicquam: unde me subjicio judicio Parium meorum, si debetis cogere me ne prosequar jus meum: quia pro haereditate uxoris meae usque ad mortem, si necessi∣tas coegerit, decertabo. Et his dictis Lodovicus cum suis a colloquio recessit: Quod videns Legatus, Rogavit Regem Francorum, ut salvum sibi conductum praeberet usque ad mare. Cui Rex respondit: Per terram nostram propriam conductum li∣benter praestabo; sed si forte incideris in manus Eustachii monachi, vel aliorum hominum Lodovici, qui custodiant semitas maris; non mihi imputes, si quid sinistri tibi contingat. Haec audiens Legatus, iratus a Curia recessit.

By which passages it is apparent, that the King of France, his Son Lewis, and all the Nobility of France, unanimously resolved, with highest indignation and detesta∣tion,

this Charter to be a meer nullity, because made by King John, then no law∣full King, and without the Barons consent, and of dangerous president to all other Kingdoms; thereupon thus slighted the Popes command, and his Legates, not to War upon King John, or invade England, being St. Peters Patrimony. And dare any Pope or other Champion of the Church of Rome, now own or justifie such a universally condemned Charter as this?

12ly. King Henry the 3d. (King Johns heir, and next successor) though much devoted to the Pope and his Legate, as * 1.101 instrumental to Crown and restore him to the actual possession of his Kingdoms, after his Fathers death, not only disclaimed and endeavour∣ed by the assistance of his Chancellor and whole Kingdom, to free himself from the Vassallage of this pretended Rent and Charter, Anno 1231. as you have heard, but in the general Council of Lyons, Anno 1245. (about 31. years next after this grant and Oblation) by his Ambassadors and Advocate, made a special protesta∣tion against it, as a meer Nullity, extorted by War, Force from King John, against the Archbishops protestation, and against the Barons consent; thus related by (a) Matthew Paris, and (b) Matthew Westminster. * 1.102

PEr idem tempus, Rex sano fretus Consilio, ex quo certificabatur de Concilio generali in proximo Lugduni celebrando, Nuncios solennes ad Concilium destinavit; videlicet Comitem Rogerum Bigod, Iohannem filium Galfridi, Gulielmum Cantilupo, Philippum Basset, Radulphum filium Nicholai, Milites, et Gulielmum de Powic, Clericum: ut Domino Papae, et toti Concilio gravamina exponerent quae Regno Angliae in multis a Romana Curia diatim inferentur: Praecipue de Tributo in guerrae tempore extorto, in quod nunquam consensit Regni universitas, cui contradictum fuit et aperte per Stephanum Archiepiscopum Cantuariensem, reclamantem. Quod in posterum factum est.

In this Council when assembled, on the very day that Pope Innocent the fourth propounded his complaints against the Emperour Frederick, to depose him, Gulielmus de Powic, qui cum Nobilibus Domini Regis Angliae procuratoribus Comite Rogerio, et aliis sociis praesens affuit, vo∣lens haec praedicta, per interruptionem differre, surgens in medio, gravamina Regis et Regni Angliae proponens satis eleganter: CONQUESTUS EST GRAVITER, QUOD PER CU∣RIAM ROMANAM EXTORTUM EST TRIBUTUM INJURIOSE NIM IS TEMPORE GUER RAE A REGE JOHANNE, DUM SUMMA MENTIS ANGUSTIA TORQUERETUR, CUI ETIAM MANIFESTE CON∣TRADICTUM FUIT, ET EX PARTE UNIVERSITA∣TIS REGNI; RECLAMATUM, QUOD TALIA NUL∣LO MODO FACERE POTERAT, PER OS VENERA∣BILIS STEPHANI CANTƲARIENSIS ARCHIEPIS∣COPI, QUO NON ERAT TUNC MAJOR IN REG∣NO. IN QUOD TRIBUTUM NUNQUAM PATRES NOSTRI CONSENSERUNT, VEL ALIQUO TEM∣PORE CONSENTIENT, UNDE SIBI PETIT IN∣STANTER EXHIBERI JUSTITIAM CUM REME∣DIO. Ad quod Papa non oculos elevans, nec vocem, dissimulavit, donec quae magis eum angebant primitus exuperasset.

From the consideration of which passage, and that of Simon Langhton Archdeacon, and of his Brother Stephen Langhton Archbishop of Canterbury, thus recorded by Arch∣bishop * 1.103 Parker his Successor, in his Life, Sed Stephanus Langton et si has injurias & ca∣la nitates tam Regi quam Regno conflavit, tamen cum rebus composit is in Cantuariensi Ar∣chiepiscopatu

cum Regis benevolentia sedisset quietus, victus amore atque charitate Patriae, cum Iohannes Rex in Pandulphi manus Sceptrum et Dia∣dema Regium concessisset, iniquissimo id animo ferens, accedens ad altare, ob tam indignum Papae facinus continere se non potuit quin in appellationis vocem, a tam grandi illato Angliae praejudicio pro∣rupit. I am clear of opinion, that Archiepiscopo dolente & reclamante, applyed by * 1.104 Matthew Paris and others to the Archbishop of Dublin, at the sealing of the first Charter, and Legates trampling on the earnest money or rent, was in verity the ap∣peal of Stephen Archbishop of Canterbury, at the sealing and delivering of the second Charter, (unlesse one of them appealed for Ireland, the other for England) since the Archbishop of Dublins appeal was never insisted on in the Council of Lyons or elsewhere, but only this of Archbishop Langhtons; which had it not been true as well as the other Allegations, the King and his Advocates would never have propounded them so solemnly in this general Council, and Pope Innocent the 4th. for his own and his Predecessors honour (Innocent the 3d.) would have there denyed this appeal to be true; but his stupid silence, without the least reply either then or afterwards, is a convincing argument of their verity, and this Charters nullity.

3ly. * 1.105 Matthew Paris relates, that the Pope setting his Study in Lyons on fire, a little before this Council, to burn some lose papers and things of small value, that so by pretext thereof, Occasionum Dominus Papa acciperet pecuniam petendi & extorquendi à Praelatis ad Concilium properantibus; the fire exceeding his intended bounds, Cumbusta sunt etiam quaedam quae habebuntur chariora. Et fuit multorum assertio, quod detestabilis illa Charta, quae de tributo Angliae, sub flebilis me∣moriae Rege Iohanne confecta fuerat, eodem incendio in cinerem est redacta. And if so, (as is most probable by his fore-mentioned silence in the Council, to Po∣wics complaint against it) how a Charter thus burnt, nulled by divine providence, gotten by such sinister, forcible, fraudulent means, should be still in force, no Lawyer or Statesman can resolve.

4ly. The Pope returning no satisfactory Answer at all to the Procurators of the King, and generality of England, touching this Charter, exacted Rent, or other grie∣vances then complained of, thereupon they departed thence with indignation. The Pope soon after (as † 1.106 Matthew Paris informs us) being conscious of the burning and invalidity of King Johns Charter, sent a Transcript thereof (no man can suppose he would send the original 31. years after its date) to all the Bishops of England to subscribe and seal, to give it the best countenance he could thereby.

MIsit igitur ad singulos Episcopos Angliae, praecipiens districtissi∣me, ut quilibet eorum illi Chartae detestabili, quam lachryma∣bilis memoriae Rex Anglorum Iohannes, reclamante Archiepiscopo Cantuariensi Stephano, infoeliciter confecit de tributo, signum suum appenderet, ut magis roborata perpetuaretur. Quod ipsi Episcopi timore inexcusabiliter effaeminati, non sine enormi Regis et Regni, (proh dolor) fecerunt praejudicio. Vnde cum Dominus Rex hoc au∣disset, in maximam iram excandens juravit, quod etsi etiam ipsi E∣piscopi turpiter fint incurvati, ipse firmiter staret pro Regni liberta∣te, nec unquam dum vitales carperet auras, censum sub nomine tri∣butae Curiae Romanae persolveret. Porro Episcopus Londinensis F. ultimus et invitus in arcum pravum versus, signum suum dictae Chartae apponens, minus aliis meruit reprehendi. Simili quoque modo, cuidam amplae Chartae transcriptae de verbo ad verbum, (as that of K. Johns Charter was) secundum Chartam Bulla Papali communitam, de sententia depositionis in Imperatorem Fredericum lata, apposuerunt omnes Praelati signa sua, tam ad majorem roborationem quam memoriam rei sempiternam.

From whence I shall observe: 1. That King Johns original Charter was then ei∣ther actually burnt or lost, else what needed this desired subscription and sealing a new transcript of it? 2ly. That this Pope held it invalid (if not burnt) for want of the

Bishops seals and subscriptions to confirm it. 3ly. The unparallel'd Treachery, Unworthinesse, Cowardice, Slavery of all the English Archbishops and Bishops in that age, who fearing the Pope more then either * 1.107 God himself or their King, (against Gods and St. Peters peremptory commands) out of an Unenglish, Unmanly, Un∣christian fear of his indignation, after such a general complaint against this Charter and Tribute, made by the King and whole Kingdom in the general Council of Lyons, and the protestation of Archbishop Langhton himself, in the name of all the people of England, durst thus presume upon the Popes Decree, Mandate, without the Kings, Barons, Kingdoms privity, and against their resolutions, Trayterously to subscribe, seal, and as much as in them lay ratifie this detestable Charter; such broken reeds were they then for the King, Church, Barons, Kingdom to depend on; yea so perfidious to them, as upon all extremities to desert, betray them, to advance the Pope and his in∣terest, to the Kings, Kingdoms, Churches, their own prejudice and inthralling. 4ly. Their like unworthy compliance in setting all their seals to the Popes excommunicati∣on of the Emperor Frederick, the Kings alley, though his Embassadors protested a∣gainst it in the Council of Lyons. 5ly. The Kings just indignation against the Bi∣shops, for this their Treachery, Cowardice, and Unworthy complyance, and his mag∣nanimous resolution to unburthen the Kingdom of Papal exactions, and never to pay this Rent or Tribute to Rome whiles he breathed. 6ly. That neither the King nor Barons ever subscribed or ratified this Transcript, but only the degenerous, craven Bishops▪ and that in a clan destine manner▪ Therefore it neither obliged the King, Barons, Kingdom, or Commonalty of the Realm, and was but a meer insignifi∣cant nullity.

15ly. That the Parliament of England, Anno 40 Edw. 3. was specially summon∣ed for this particular occasion of King Johns Charter, and the Rent therein granted, which the Pope (after above 50. years discontinuance and non-claime) intended to revive and put in execution, by issuing out a Processe against the King and Kingdom, to demand the Homage and Rent reserved to him and his Successors by vertue of that Charter; whereupon the King craved the advice of the Bishops, Dukes, Earls, Barons, Knights, Citizens, and Burgesses then assembled, in case the Pope should proceed against him or the Realm for this cause, and what they would do therein; who upon mature deliberation severally resolved, that King John had no power at all to make such a Charter, or grant such a Rent, without his Barons and Commons con∣sents: That it appeared by several evidences, they never gave their assents thereto, and so the Charter null and voyd: and that if the Pope should issue out any Processe to demand the Homage or Rent against the King or his Kingdoms, they would resist him with all their might. I shall here present you with a true Transcript of the Parliament Roll it self, thus Recorded in French.

ET ceste chose fait feust commande as Grantz & Communes q'ils se depertisont &* 1.108 q'ils y feussent lendemain, cest assavoir, les Prelatz & Grantz en la Chambre Blanche, & les Communes en la Chambre de peintz, an quele lendemain nostre Seig∣neur le Roy, les Prelatz, Ducs, Counts, Barons en mesme le Chambre blanche, les Chivalers des Countees, Citiens, Burgeis demurrantz en la Chambre de peintz, feust monstre a eux per le Chanceller, Comment ils avoient entendug les cau∣ses du summons du Parlement en general, mes la volunte le Roy fust, que les causes feussent monstres a eux en especiall. Loux disoit, coment le Roy avoit entendu, que le Pape per forcedun fait quel il dit, que le Roy Johan fesoit au Pape, de lui faire homage pur le Roy∣alme Dengleterre, et la terre Dirlande. Et que per cause du dit homage qil lui deveroit paier chescun an perpetuelment mill Marcs, est en volunte de faire process devers le Roy, et son Roialme pur le dit service, et ceus recoverir, de qel le Roy pria as ditg Prelats, Ducs, Countees et Barons, lour avys et bon conseil, et ce qil effer∣roit en cas que le Pape vorroit proceder devers lui ou son dit Roialm pur celle cause. Et les Prelats requeroient au Roy qils se purroi∣ent sur ce per eux sont aviser, et respondre lendemain, queux Prelatz le de lendemain, a de priems pur eux mesmes, & puis les auters Ducs, Countz,

Barons & grantz responderent, & disoient, que le dit Roy Johan ne nul au∣tre purra mettre lui, ne son Roialme, ne son people en tiele subjec∣tion saunz assent et accorde de eur. Et les Communes sur ce de∣maundez et Avisez, respondirent en mesme le manere: Par quoi feust ordein et assentu per Commune assent, en manere qeusuyt: En ce present Parlement tenuz a Westm: lundy prosche in apres la* 1.109 invention de la Seint Croice, la•• du Regne le Roy Edward qua∣drantessime, tant sur lestat de Seint Eglise come des droitz de son Royalme, et de sa Corone meinteinur, entre auters choses estoient monstres, Coment ad estee parlee et dit, que le Pape per force dune fait qiele il dit que le Roy John iadys Roy de Engleterre fesoit au Pape, au perpetuite de luy faire Homage, pur le Royalme Dengle∣terre, et laterre de I••eland, et pur cause du dit homage de lui ren∣dre un annuel cens, ad este en volunte de fair process devers le Roy pur les ditz services, et ceus recoverer, la quele chose monstre as Prelatz, Ducs, Countz, Barons, et la Commune, pur ent avoir lour avys et bon Conceil, et demand de eux, ce qe le Roy enferra en cas que le Pape vorroit proceder, ou rien attempter devers lui, ou son Roialme pur celle cause; queux Prelatz, Ducs, Countz, Ba∣rons et Communes eu surce plein deliberacion, responderent et disoient dune accord, que le dit Roy Johanne, ne nul autre, purra met∣tre lui ne son Roialme, ne son people en tiele subjection, sanz assent de eux, et com piert per pluseurs evidences, que si ce feust fair, ce feust fait sanz lour assent, Et encountre son serement en sa Coro∣nation. Et outre ce les Ducs, Countz, Barons, Grants et Com∣munes accorderent et granterent, que en cas que le Pape se Affor∣ceroit ou rien attempteroit per process, ou en autre manere, de fait de Constreindre le Roy ou ses Subjects de perfaire ce qest dit, qil voet clamer cella partie, qils resistont et contre esteront oue tout leur puissance.

Since this unanimous gallant peremptory resolution of K. Edward the 3d. and all his Bishops, Dukes, Earls, Barons, Commons assembled in this Parliament, against this Charter, thus resolved to be null and voyd, and to resist the Pope with all their power in case he should demand or issue any processe against the King or his king∣dom to recover it, (being 297. years past) No Pope ever presumed (for ought I can find) to demand this Homage or Rent of any of our Kings, or to send out Pro∣cesse to endeavour its recovery; And a discontinuance, non-claim of this Char∣ter, Homage, Rent for so long a space, upon such a solemn deliberate Parliamen∣tary resolution, entred with special care in the Parliament Rolls, must needs be a perpetual barre in point of Law and Justice, against such a voyd, injurious Char∣ter, procured with so much perjury, treachery, impiety, fraud, force, circumven∣tion, as you have already heard.

16ly. All our Histories, Chronicles, generally Old and New, declaim a∣gainst this Charter as most detestable, infamous, illegal, null in Law, and no wayes ob∣ligatory to our kings or kingdoms in the least degree; yea the Author of the Answer to Bellarmines Apologia, cap. 3. and learned Dr. Richard Crakenthorp in his Treatise of the Popes Temporal Monarchy, cap. 12. p. 245. to 262. proves the Nullity of it by 4. strong Arguments, and Mr. John Speed in his History of Great Britain, London 1623. p. 577, 580, 581. proves both Charters voyd by many more Reasons; the summe of them is, That this was an act in King John I. Of manifest perjury against his Coronation Oath. 2ly. Of Constraint. 3ly. Of Combination. 4ly. Of fear, he being drawn thereto by the Pope himself, who had set up both the French power, and his own Barons and Prelates against him. 5ly. An act of a person actually interdicted, excommunicated by the Pope himself; and so unable to avouch or grant any thing to the Church or Pope. 6ly. The witnesses, if any were, stood excommuni∣cated

for conversing with him. 7ly. Neither the Barons. 8ly. Nor the Clergy. 9ly. Nor the body of the Kingdom, people. 10ly. Nor his next heir and successor to the Crown ever consented thereto. 11ly. Fraught with many false untruths; as done freely and voluntarily, without fear or force, in a general assembly of the Ba∣rons by their advice and consent, by the inspiration of the holy Ghost; because the King had nothing fit to give away to God or the Pope for the satisfaction of his sins, but his crown and kingdomes. 12ly. From the proviso of exception in the Grant, Salvis nobis & haeredibus nostris, Justitiis, Libertatibus, & Regalibus nostris, extant in both charters (if there were two) which saves the right of Soveraignty, Kingship, and Soveraign Dominion in and over the Kingdoms of England and Ireland intirely to the King; which he never transferred to the Pope. The Liberty of a King is free∣ly and absolutely to rule his Subjects according to Law, without being subject or servant to any Superiour, and the very essence of Regality, Independency of Autho∣rity, on any but God alone. Now these being expresly reserved, excepted▪ utterly made void whatsoever was before mentioned, either as granting Soveraign∣ty, and doing homage and fealty by his Successors for the Kingdoms to the Pope, as his Subjects; and the subsequent clause of losing the right and inheritance of the crown, in case of contradicting ought therein mentioned▪ after due admoni∣tion, a meer Nullity, inconsistent with Monarchy, or the Kings or kingdoms Rights.

To which reasons I shall subjoyn, I. That this Charter was procured by the Popes own wrongs and Duresse against King Iohn; I. By interdicting his whole kingdom; 2ly. Excommunicating him by name; 3ly. Absolving all his Subjects from their Oaths of Allegiance and Fealty; 4ly. By depriving both him and his heirs of their kingdoms, and giving them to the French King and his heirs. 5ly. By publishing a general Crossado for all Christian Barons, Knights, to assist the French King to deprive him of his kingdoms by force of arms. In all which Antichristian proceedings the Pope being both Judge and Party, & K. John the only person injured; these his own wrongs, frauds, force, can give him no just Title by any Laws; Frauds and circumventions being expresly (a) prohibited Christians in the Gospel, especially to∣wards* 1.110 one another. It is an old teceived Maxim in all Laws, (b) Fraus & Dolus ne∣mini patrocinantur; whence Charters, Dowers, Remitters gained by fraud, collu∣sion, circumvention, force, are meer Nullities. That (c) Nemo in propria causa po∣test esse Judex (especially if Judex & Testis too.) Yea Pope Gregory the I. and a whole Council denouuced an Anathema against the Pope himself, or any other that should pre∣sume to be a Judge in his own cause, sive in rusticano, sive in urbano praedio; (much more then in case of two kingdoms;) whence Bartholomeus Buxiensis, Dr. John Thierry and other Canonists in their Glosses on Gratian, caus: 16. qu. 6. resolve downright Papa in sua causa Judex esse non debet; yet Alvarus Pelagius De Planctu Eccles: l. I. Artic: 34, 35. affirms the contrary upon this strong presumption and supposition: Quod non debet aliquam causam a se remittere, immo non potest (licet suspectus) quamdiu est Papa, Papa enim aut sanctus est aut sanctus praesumitur; non enim praesumendum est quod alias faciat Papa quam Christus vel Petrus cujus est Vicarius & Successor; Which presumption ceased in King Johns case, neither of them being ever Judges in their own case, but submitting to the Judgement and execution of the Civil Ma∣gistrate; and never denouncing such Interdicts, curses against any, nor procuring such a surrender, charter of temporal kingdoms to themselves as the Pope did here; much lesse by such unchristian practises. To which I shall adde, that this is a Maxim frequently resolved in Law-books by all the Judges of the Realm, That none can be judge in his own case, who have further adjudged, that d if an Act of Parl: make any person Judge in his own case, the very Act it self is voyd in Law, being against the Law of Nature, which ought not to be violated, and all Judgements given thereon are voyd. Since there∣fore all these Judgements of Interdict, Excommunication, Deposition, transfer∣ring his Crown to the French, this Agreement from Rome, and oath to perform it, were all made by the Pope himself, both Judge, Party, chief Witnesse, and his profes∣sed Enemy too, and that upon his Legates and Bishops bare Informations and false Suggestions; in Kings Iohns absence, without Oath, Summons, or Liberry to purge himself before any Lawfull, indifferent Judge, Arbitrator, or Tribunal; thereupon the Charters on this Account are meer Nullities in Law to all intents and purposes.

2ly. If Pope Innocents deprivation of King John and his heirs, and giving away

his Crown to the King of France and his heirs were good in Law, (as he reputed them) then King John after this Sentence and grant to the French King had no pow∣er to resign to, or resume his Crown and Kingdoms from this Pope; nor he to appro∣ate them to himself as St. Peters Patrimony, against his grant to the King of France, who by his own command was at so prodigal expence in raising an Army to take possession thereof. And so this Resignation, Charter voyd by his own Act.

3ly. It is a received Maxime in the Lawes of [a] England, (seconded by sundry* 1.111 Statutes, hundreds of Resolutions by all the learned Judges of the Realm from age to age) That if the King be misinformed, circumvented▪ or mistaken in the considerations, grounds, motives of his Grants, especially by the circumvention of those to whom they are made; the Charters of grant in such cases are meerly voyd to all intents. Therefore this Char∣ter must be so above any I ever yet read. For 1. it recites, That King Iohn pub∣likely acknowledged, he had offended God, and his holy mother the Church (meaning the Pope and his Traiterous exiled Bishops) in many things, for which he much need∣ed Gods mercy; to wit, in not admitting Stephen Langton, unduly elected, to be Arch∣bishop by this Popes own practises, force, fraud, against the just rights of his Crown and Liberties of the Church of England; in not submitting to his impious Interdict, but commanding all Bishops, Priests, to celebrate divine Service, Sacraments not∣withstanding it, and punishing those who disobeyed; in not subjecting himself to his Excommunications, unreasonable demands, seising the Temporalties, goods of his Treacherous Bishops, and refusing to restore them, for interdicting his Realm, and depriving him of his Crown, &c. When as this Pope and they on the contrary by these impious proceedings, had more highly offended God, his Church, & the King, for which they more needed mercie, and to make publike acknowledgement and satis∣faction thereof to the King by some humble Addresse; rather then to extort this Charter from him upon such a false surmise. 2ly. That he needed to humble himself and both his kingdoms, for these his pretended personal sinnes, whereof his kingdoms (es∣pecially Ireland) were not guilty, and so needed not to be humbled for them. 3ly. That he had nothing fit or worthy to make satisfaction to God or his Church for these his surmi∣sed sins, but the humbling of himself and his Kingdom so farr as this (against all rules of Law, Justice, and without president in any precedent age whatsoever in sacred or prophane storie) to resign both his Crown, kingdoms to this Pope and his Suc∣cessors, resume them from his Legat as his Tributary▪ under an annual rent; and to swear homage and fealty to him and them; when as God himself (the King of Kings) never required any such satisfaction from the worst of the Kings of Israel and Iudah; and this satisfaction was neither actually made to God, nor yet to his Church, but meerly to Pope Innocent himself and his Successors, who was then neither God, nor his Church, but a professed Enemy to both; as his above six years continued Inter∣dict and proceedings demonstrate. Besides, the Church offended by his proceedings, if any, was the Church only of England, by the Archbishops, Bishops, and Monks of Canterburies, confiscations and exile; not the Church or Pope of Rome, who had no Right to dispose of the See of Canterbury, or any of the Bishops and Monks sei∣sed Temporalties: Therfore the satisfaction and Charter should have been only made to the Church of England, and those Bishops, Monks, not to this Pope Nocent, and his Successors. 4ly. The satisfaction that was made▪ by the King to the Archbi∣shop, Bishops and Monks, in admitting, restoring them to their Temporalties, goods confiscated, and what ever unreasonable dammage they could pretend to, (though Arch Traitors, Rebels, Enemies to him, deserving rather a Gibbet, after so many succes∣sive Treasons and Practises against him;) was more then sufficient, (being then made and secured to the Church he had offended) without this resignation, or ob∣lation of his kingdoms to this Pope, by this charter, and swearing homage to him. And so the charter void upon this account. 5ly. That this Charter was made by the inspiration of the holy Ghost, is as direct a lye and blasphemy against the holy Ghost, as that of Ananias to St. Peter; who lyed not only to men, but to * 1.112 God. For, 1. The holy Ghost never instructed any King to resign up his Kingdoms, without his Subjects consents, to any who had not the least right or pretence thereto. 2ly. He never taught any Pope, Prelate, Apostle, or Clergy-man, to receive Crowns, Scepters, kingdoms, or Oaths of Fealty, Homage, and subjection from Kings to them, as their Vassals, but expresly prohibits them to do it; commanding them to live in subjection to them, and not intangle themselves in tho affairs of this world; as I have largely

demonstrated. 3ly. The * 1.113 premised, passages of Mat: Paris, Mat. Westminster, and o∣thers assures us, That Pope Innocent, and his Legate Pandulphus inspired those mo∣tions into King John, which induced him to make this Charter; which were full of Antichristian menaces, and untruths, (As that near all the Barons and Commons of England, had by their * 1.114 Charters promised homage and fealty to the King of France, and to assist him to seise his Crown and kingdoms by force of arms, &c.) Now whether such an insolent Impostor as Pandulphus, such an Antichristian Pope as this Innocent, were in truth the holy Ghost, or their false fraudulent menaces, surmises, infused into this King, by the inspirations of the holy Ghost, or can be so reputed without blasphemy, let all sober Christians judge; they really proceeding from the very father of Lyes, the * 1.115 Devil. 6ly. This pretended holy Ghost inspired him, to insert these 8. notorious Lyes, and false Suggestions together into the very next words of the Charter: 1. That he did it, non vi inducti; so the later Charter, but the first, non vi interdicti; 2. Nec timore coacti; 3. Sed nostra bona spontaneaque voluntate; (which 3. * 1.116 all the premised passages disprove.) 4. Ac Communi consilio Baronum nostrorum offerimus, as the last; or conferimus, as the first Charter. (Contradicted by the * 1.117 Barons themselves, King Henry the 3d. the whole Kingdom, and their Proctors to the Popes face in the Council of Lyons, King Edward the 3d. and his whole Parliament, by our Historian, yea the French King and all his Nobles, as you have heard.) 5. Libere concedimus, &c. 6ly. Deo, & Sanctis Apostolis Petro & Paulo, (who neither required, ap∣proved, nor accepted this satisfaction, nor to whom King John ever intended it.) 7ly. Et Sanctae Ecclesiae Romanae matri nostrae, (she being then his and our Churches stepmo∣ther, enemy, not mother) all made stales to usher in this clause; which hath the sole colour of truth: Ac Domino (nostro is added in the last, not in the first charter) Papae In∣nocentio, ejusque Catholicis successoribus, totum Regnum Angliae, & totum Regnum Hyber∣niae (the word nostrum is omitted in both Charters, and annexed to neither; there∣fore void in Law) cum omni jure, & pertinentiis suis: 8ly. For this pretended end; Pro remissione omnium peccatorum meorum (the only supposed delinquent) & totius ge∣neris nostri, tam pro vivis, quam pro defunctis; the later whereof were no wayes privie to, not guilty of his surmised offences against the Pope and Church. Which Charter being against his Oath, trust, office, duty, and the Laws, increased his Sins, but could no wayes tend towards the remission of them, as this Pope and Pandulphus untruly suggested. 7ly. Its Nullity in Law is most apparent, from these 3. grand defects: 1. King Johns surrender of his Crowns, kingdoms to Pandulphus at least 5. dayes before, was only by word of mouth, not Patent, or Charter, and so voyd in Law. 2ly. Pandulphus had no special Letter of Attorny from the Pope, either to receive this charter or surrender to the Popes use, or regrant his kingdoms to King John under this special annual rent, homage, and other conditions. 3ly. Here is no reconveyance of them from the Pope or his Legat to King Iohn by any special Bull, but only King Johns bare charter to the Pope. Therefore all a meer void Pageantry, passing just nothing. 8ly. The Tenure of King John in the last Charter quite subverts the Popes Title: For whereas the first runs; Et amodo illa ab eo, (to wit, Pope Innocent) the later is, amodo illa A Deo, & Ecclesia Romana tanquam feodum (the first is secun∣darius) recipientes & tenentes. That the Kings of * 1.118 England hold their Crowns, King∣doms, immediatly and only from God (and King Iohn as well as his Predecessors, not from the Pope or Church of Rome) I have formerly evidenced: Therfore he by this Charter holding and receiving it only from God (not the Pope) to whom he here granted it, (as concedimus Deo evidenceth) * 1.119 by whom alone Kings reign, & receive their kingdoms, the Pope being not mentioned in this clause, and the Church of Rome no party to this Charter, nor Proprietarie of our Realms, nor exalted so as to out God himself of the Kings immediate Tenure of his Crown from him alone, as his Soveraign Lord, the Charter must needs be void; 9ly. Upon this account, the Oath of Homage made and sworn by the King to Pope Innocent in the presence of his Legat Pandulphus, see∣ing all the branches thereof relate only to him and his Successors, not to God, St. Peter, St. Paul, or the Church of Rome (only inserted for a blind, in the prologue, not in any branches of the Oath) must necessarily be void in Law and conscience; else God the Supream Landlord, and his Church alone commanding one thing, and the Pope another contrary thereunto, (as oft he doth) the King and his Successors by his Oath and Homage should be bound to obey the Pope, before God or the* 1.120 Church, under pain of forfeiting their right in the two kingdoms, which were both ir∣religious and absurd. 10ly. The Clause whereby the King obligeth his heirs and

successors to do homage to the Pope and his Successors, and not to contradict any thing in this charter under pain of forfeiting his Right to these kingdoms, is con∣trary to the Rights and Prerogatives of the Crown, specially excepted out of this grant, yea contrary to the coronation Oath, and Laws of the Realm: Therefore it makes the Charter Null to all intents, of which anon more largely. 11ly. It is ob∣servable, 1. That the thousand marks yearly pension for England and Ireland at two several feasts, Michaelmas and Easter, is no reservation made by the Pope, (and so no rent-service at all) but a special grant of the King himself. 2ly. That he granted it only as an indicium, or token of this his perpetuae oblationis, (so the last Charter, not ob∣ligationis as the first) & concessionis thrice stiles it: Therefore being only an Oblation (not * 1.121 obligation) made by him unto God to expiate his sins; it could not be a Tribute, rent-service or rent-charge, but a meer voluntary pension. 3ly. That he granted it only de propriis & specialibus redditibus nostris (not haeredum nostrorum, a great flaw) praedictorum regnorum (without the word nostrorum in the first, inserted into the last) and so out of his Exchequer only, not his Demesnes. 4ly. That it was in lieu of all other services; pro omni servitio & consuetudine (quae in the first, but quod in the later charter) pro ipsis facere debemus; except only Peter-pence: Therefore no Tribute, but a pension, to exempt him from all other duties formerly exacted out of either kingdom, not a rent, or service now due by his resignation & resumption of his Crown and kingdom from the Pope. 5ly. That this Annual oblation is not gran∣ted by the King to God, or to St. Peter, and St. Paul, (the chief pretended Landlords) and which is more considerable, not to Pope Innocent himself and his canonical Suc∣cessors, but only Ecclesiae Romanae; Now although * 1.122 Alvarus Pelagius informs us, Ʋbicunque est Papa, ibi est Ecclesia Catholica; Yet whether the Pope alone, or the Pope with his Cardinals, or the Pope with his Cardinals and Diocesan Bishops, or the Pope and a General Council joyntly; or a General Council alone, or the Cardinals, and Clergy of Rome, without the Pope, be the Church of Rome, is yet * 1.123 unconcluded, undecided by their great Doctors; and so the grant void for uncertainty. 6ly. There is no grant or clause of Distress, Interdict, Excommunication, Sequestration, Entry into the demesne of these Realms, or any other coercive means to recover this Rent in Law or Equi∣ty, if in arrear and unpaid at the terms in this Charter mentioned, (a very great over∣sight) and so a meer voluntary pension, oblation to be paid at will, but no Tribute or real rent, as hath been generally mistaken.

Now because I found no mention in our Histories of any payment of this Annuity or oblation to this Pope or his Successors, by King John himself, or any of his Suc∣cessors, but only an intimation by King Henry the 3d. and kingdom (complaining against it in the Council of Lyons, and endeavouring an exemption from it) that it was demanded, and paid too as a kind of Tribute and publike Grievance; I did for my own satisfaction make diligent search in the Liberate, Clause and Patent Rolls, to disco∣ver what demands and payments were heretofore made thereof by any king; which I shall here ptesent you with as a rarity not formerly observed by any.

Upon my strictest search, I can find no payment thereof to Pope Innocent by King* 1.124 John himself which granted it, but only † for one year before-hand when he sealed his Charter; who dying about 3. years after, during which his kingdom was infested with civil Wars between him and his Barons, invaded by Lewes of France made King by the Barons in his stead, his Lands, Rents seised, his treasure exhausted, and the people eve∣ry where miserably plundered, it is probable there neither was nor could be expected any other punctual payment of it. His Son and Successor H. the 3d. being an Infant, crowned at Glocester by Walo the Popes Legat, (who was very instrumental to restore him to his Crown, and expell Lewes, only to preserve the Popes interest rather then the Kings) after his Coronation Oath, by this Legats means, fecit homagium Stae Romanae Ecclesiae et Dom: Innocentio Papae de regno Angliae et Hi∣berniae; et juravit, quod mille marcas quas Pater ejus tulerat Ro∣manae Ecclesiae (therefore his Fathers meer grant, not Popes reservation) fide∣liter persolveret quamdiu praedicta regna teneret; as * 1.125 Matthew Paris records; yet notwithstanding this Oath (made by an Infant King not ten years old, and so void in Law) I cannot find in the Liberate Rolls (where all warrants for payments of all Pensions granted by the King, or sums of money issued out of his Exchequer to any persons are carefully entred) any warrant to pay this oblation, till the 12th. year of King Henry the 3d. (full 15 years after its first grant by King John) when

the King upon an extraordinary occasion to work his ends with the Pope and Cardi∣nals, and to advance, gratifie his Chancellor, issued this ensuing Warrant.

REX E. Thesaurar: & Camerariis suis salutem; Liberate de Thesauro no∣stro* 1.126 Magistro Stephano Clerico Domini Papae, ad opus ipsius Domini Papae, de Annuo Censu, eidem Domino Papae debito, de termino Sancti Michaelis Anno, &c. xi. et de Termino Paschae, Anno &c. xii. Teste Rege apud Westm: 21 die Febr: Anno &c. xii.

The ground of this Warrant I conceive to be this: After the death of Stephen Langton, the Monks of Canterbury gaining the Kings license to elect an Archbishop,* 1.127 chose * 1.128 Walter de Hevesham a Monk, whom the King refused to allow of for sundry reasons, resolving to make Richard his Chancellor Archbishop: Walter posting to Rome to get confirmation and consecration from the Pope, and the Kings Proctors there excepting against him▪ pressing the vacating of his election, and making Richard Archbishop with much importunitie, they could not prevail with the Pope or Cardinals to stop Walters confirmation, or promote Richard, till Habito tractatu detestabili de praemissis, promiserunt Domino Papae ex parte Regis Anglorum Decimatio∣nem omnium rerum mobilium, ab universo Regno Angliae & Hyberniae, ad guerramsuam contra Imperatorem sustinendam, ut eos in Regis proposito exaudiret: whereupon the Pope and Cardinals forthwith vacated Walters election for his insufficiency, and made Ri∣chard Archbishop. No doubt the same occasion drew on the payment of this Pension, being both the same year, and the warrant after the tenth promised, was most proba∣bly seconded with a promise of paying this pension, else the Pope and Cardinals would not have so readily gratified the King in this his importunate sute: which be∣ing fully granted, the King by way of gratitude made this other Warrant for pay∣ment of this annual Pension the very next year, for one moiety at Michaelmas 12. and another moiety at Easter 13. of his reign.

REX W. Thesaurario & Camerariis suis salutem Liberate de Thesauro nostro* 1.129 Magistro Stephano Capellano Domini Papae ad opus ipsius Domini Papae Quingentas Marcas de termino sancti Michaelis Anno Regni nostri Duodecimo▪ et Quingentas Marcas de termino Paschae Anno, &c. De∣cimo Tertio de Annuo Censu suo Mille Marcarum. Teste Rege apud West∣monasterium Quinto die Maii, Anno, &c. Decimo Tertio.

The King having now obtained his end, by these two successive annual pay∣ments, had no minde nor care to pay it afterwards, the rather because the Pope and his Cardinals fell at variance about it; the Cardinals demanding the moity thereof, as reserved not to the Pope and his successors, but to the Church of Rome, of which they were the most noble members and Pillars, they being much displeased with King Henry for paying the whole thousand marks to the Pope alone, and not paying the moity thereof to them. Whereof the King being informed, to avoyd the Cardinals causeless displeasures, and continue in their favours of which he had then special occasion, and withall to please the Pope whose Counsel and assistance he then needed, and implored, writ thus unto the Cardinals in the 19th. year of his reign.

VIris venerabilibus & amicis in Christo Karissimis, universis Dei gratia sanctae* 1.130 Romanae Ecclesiae Cardinalibus, H. eadem gratia, Rex Angliae, &c. salu∣tem, & sinceram in Domino dilectionem. Quia ex quorundam relatione ad nos pervenit, quod aegre fertis et indignanter quod de annuo Censu sanctae Romanae Ecclesiae debito, a Regno Angliae et terra nostra Hiber∣niae quingentas Marcas non percipitis, cum * 1.131 ejusdem Ecclesiae membra sitis nobilia, et collumpnae, set in Summi pontificis cedit indivisus. Ne a vobis indignationem ea de causa reportemus, tanquam pro vo∣luntate nostra Censum illum dividere possimus, & ne solutio talis nobis impute∣tur, universitati vestrae significamus, quod in prima concessione illius Census, insertum fuit in Charta Domini Iohannis Regis patris

nostri inde consecta, quod sanctae Romanae Ecclesiae redderetur cen∣sus memoratus pro indiviso. Nosque innitentes tenori ejusdem Chartae, hucusque Censum illum Domino Papae n••mine memoratae Eccle∣siae solvere consuevimus, per certum Nuncium suum literas suas nobis deferentem; penitus ignorantes bucusque, utrum Domino Papae integre remaneret, aut divise. Ʋt igitur appareat innocentia nostra in hac parte, & habita de nobis tollatur suspicio, rogamus attentius quatenus erga Domi∣num Papam instare velitis & procurare, quod nobis det in mandatis, quod de Quingentis Marcis illius Census divisim, vobis respondeamus, & nos promptos invenietis & paratos inde gratanter vobis respondere: In aliis & aliis gratiam a vobis promereri Cupientos & favorem. Teste Rege apud Westmonasterium Vicesimo Quinto die Februarii.

At the same time the King writ and sent several Letters to the Pope, and to every Cardinal severally, closely sealed, and a general letter to all the Cardinals, unsealed, by his Procurators, imploring an extraordinary favour from them, which partly induced him three years after to pay this pension as formerly, and leave it to themselves to divide, as these letters to them more then insinuate, compared with the former.

REverendo Domino ac patri in Christo sanctissimo G. Dei gratia summo Pontifi∣ci* 1.132 H. eadem gratia Rex Angliae, &c. Salutem & tanto Patri debitum honorem & reverentiam. Sperantes ob affectionem sinceram, quam erga personam nostram, & Regnum nostrum similiter vestri gratia geritis, quod paternitati vestrae placere debeat, si de statu nostro simul & Regni nostri tranquillitate laeta ad nos perveniant, significandum vobis duximus: quod quoad personam nostram in bona (benedictus Deus) sumus prosperitate, & quoad Regnum nostrum, in quiete & optata pacis tranquillitate consistunt universa. Magnatibus de terra nostra singulis & uni∣versis cum Clero votis nostris unanimiter concordantibus, nobis in mera & mutua dilectione permanentibus. Ita quod spem habemus in Domino certissimam a du∣ritia temporum praecedentium quibus hucusque enormiter gravatum est Regnum nostrum, tum per hostilitates, tum per discordias pluries exortas respirare, & sta∣tum nostrum & regni nostri, in melius reformare. Nec est ad presens quod pro∣speritati terrae nostrae gravius se opponat, quam sterilitas anonae precedentis simul & presentis, & defectus eorum sine quibus stare fragilitas humana non potest. Hac quidem adversitate gravius impeditur status regni nostri quo melius in plena consistit prosperitate. Cum autem quaedam Negotia habeamus specialia pro quibus ne∣cesse habemus sedis Apostolicae consilium & auxilium implorare, dilectos Clericos nostros Magistrum Willielmum de Kilkenny, & Robertum de Summercote, quibus ne∣gocia ipsa commisimus sanctae Paternitati vestrae plenius exponenda, commendamus Rogantes attentius & devote, quatenus ipsos vel alterum eorum, si ambo presen∣tes esse non possint, benigne ac mansuetudine solita admittentes, negotia illa favorabi∣liter prosequi velitis, & nos tanto favorabilius exaudire quanto Sanctae Romana Ecclesiae (quae honorem nostrum sui reputare debet honoris incrementum) filii sumus specialiores, & ad eaquae in omnibus suum respiciunt profectum sumus promptiores. Memorati qui∣dem Clerici nostri vel alter illorum causas sufficientes & tationes supplicationis nostrae efficaces sanctitati vestrae plenius exponent. Quae quidem ad favorem & grati∣am nobis impendendam vos non immerito inducere debent & movere, de incolumitate vestra, quam Ecclesiae suae & nobis Conservet Altissimus, petimus si placet, vice versa certificari: Teste Rege apud Westmonasterium Vicesimo Quinto Februarii.

Eodem modo scribitur singulis Cardinalibus per Literas Clausas, & universis, per Literas Patentes.

The next warrant I find in Record for paying this pension, is in the Liberate Roll of 22. Hen. 3. wherein I desire the Reader to observe, that notwithstanding the Kings complemental Letter to the Cardinals concerning his accustomed manner of paying this mighty pension to the Popes special Nuncioes: Yet it was not at all payd by him, from the 16. year of his reign, till the 22. year; and then only for his 16th. year and no more, so that he and his Cardinals needed not to have quarreled about divi∣ding

it, when it was not at all payd; and that not as a rent, but bare voluntary oblation or Annuity payable at pleasure, not of meer right or duty.

REX Thesaurario & Camerariis suis salutem: Liberate de Thesauro Bonacurs* 1.133 Ingelesk, Amery Cosse & sociis suis Mercatoribus Florentinis, mille Mar∣cas ad opus Domini Papae de Annuo Censu su••, videlicet de termi∣no Paschae Anno. XVI. et de Termino sancti Michaelis Anno eo∣dem. Teste P. Wintoniensi Episcopo apud Westmonasterium, Vicesimo Tertio die Jan.

From 22 H. 3. this Pension was detained and not paid, by the general consent of the King and Kingdom, as appears by Matthew Paris his * 1.134 forecited passages, Anno 1231. and 1245. their complaint against it in the Council of Lyons, and the Kings re∣solution never to pay it more whiles he lived: For which general complaint, Pope Innocent the 4th. Anno 1246. was so incensed against the King and English, that* 1.135 he studied to be revenged of the King and Kingdom, endeavouring to engage the French King to Warre against them, as * 1.136 Matthew Paris thus informs us.

EOdem tempore ortus est rumor sinister, & ex rumore suspicio non modica, quod Domi∣nus Paparancorem in Corde retinuit, cum tamen non subfuisset causa rationabilis: iratus est valde, et multiformiter ampullose coepit comminari Anglo∣rum Regi et Regno, ut si posset Fredericum edomare, et per conse∣quens recalcitrantium Anglorum qui de oppressionibus Romanae Curiae, et maxime de Tributo in Concilio conquesti sunt, insolentem superbiam conculcabit. Non enim, ut ei videbatur, licuit miseris Anglis, pro multiformi etiam injuria (so they reputed this Annual Pension amongst the rest, as the greatest) flagellatis lachrymari vel mutire. Conabaturque in illo diuturno ac secreto Colloquio, quod habuit apud Cluniacum cum Rege Francorum, persuadere & acuere Regem ipsum, ut insurgeret ad tantae injuriae vindictam tantam, ut ipsum Regulum Anglorum, vel* 1.137 usque ad exheredationem impugnaret, vel enormiter laesum sese om∣ni mode voluntati Romanae Curiae, vellet, nollet inclinaret. Et ad hoc juvaret eum omni conatu Ecclesia et Papalis Authoritas. Quod constanter Rex Francorum dicitur renuisse, tum quia ipsi Reges consanguinei sunt, & eorum Reginae sorores: tum quia jus non habet Rex Francorum in Regnum Angliae manifestum: tum quia Treugae inter ipsos Reges initae sunt quas maluit prolongare, ratione peregrinationis suae, quam proditiose rescindere: tum quia instabat validior inimicus & Ecclesiae Romanae nocivior, videlicet Fredericus edo∣mandus: tum quia antequam Regnum Angliae, Francis cederet, non modicus san∣guis Christianus effunderetur: tum quia Christiani in terra Sancta jam a Paganis op∣pressi & obsessi Regis Francorum adventum desideratum, quasi naufragantes aurae leni∣oris prosperitatem praestolantur.

Before all which sober, serious, Christian Considerations, this Antichristian Pope endeavoured to preferre his own private Revenge, and thousand Mark Annual Pen∣sion out of England and Ireland, thus complained against and then detained.

The very next year after, 31 H. 3. I find this Warrant issued for its payment, to the Treasurer of the New Temple, as a meer voluntary Annual Pension issuing out of his Exchequer.

REX Thesaurario & Camerariis salutem. Liberate de Thesauro nostro fratri Roberto* 1.138 de Sukelinghall Thesaurario Novi Templi London. mille Marcas de anno XXXI. de Annuo Censu mille marcarum quem idem Dominus Papa percipit ad Scaccarium nostrum: primo die Octobris Anno Regni nostri XXXi.

This Warrant was granted only (as appears by Matthew Paris his History of this* 1.139 year) to induce the Pope to indulge this frivolous priviledge, that when ever the

Pope conferred any Bishoprick or Benefice in England upon his Cardinals or Ne∣phews, or any Italian by his Provisions, they should earnestly petition the King, it might be thus provided: by which he was the more inslaved to the Popes Usurpations, instead of being exempted from them.

The next warrant I have found for its payment, is 4. years after, and that only for that year, (35 H 3.) without stiling it a duty, which was to issue only out of the Kings Exchequer, like other ordinary pensions. This payment was (as I suppose) to obtain the Popes favour to confirm Aethelmare the Kings Brother Bishop of Winche∣ster, which he did this year at the Kings sollicitation, * 1.140 Non obstantibus juventute, & li∣terarum ignorantia, & omnimoda ad tantam dignitatem, & tot animarum regimen insuf∣ficientia.* 1.141 Concessa est etiam eidem ab Domino Papa tantagratia, ut prius obtentos reddi∣tus retineret, Procuravit enim haec omnia urgenter Domini Regis vigil diligentia.

REX Thesaurario & Camerariis suis salutem, Liberate de Thesauro nostro ad* 1.142 opus Domini Papae, mille Marcas, de Termino Sancti Michaelis, Anno &c. xxxv. de Annuo Censu mille Marcarum quas percipit ad Scacca∣rium nosirum. Teste Rege apud Westmonasterium Decimo Nono die Octobris.

Per Regem.

For above 9. years next ensuing I find no warrant at all for its payment; but in* 1.143 the Liberate Roll of 45 H. 3. I meet with this warrant for paying One thousand Marks, not for that, but the precedent year 44.

REX Thesaurario &▪ Camerariis suis salutem; Liberate de Thesauro nostro* 1.144 fra••i Iohanni de Kanciae de Ordine Fratrum Minorum Nuncio Domini Papae in Angliam, mille Marcas ad opus ipsius Domini Papae de Anno Re∣gni nostri quadragesimo quarto, de Annuo Censu mille Marcarum quas per∣cipit ad Scaccarium nostrum. Teste meipso apud Windes. sexto die Februarii.

The principal cause of this warrant was (if I mistake not) to procure the Popes dispensation with his Oath made to the Barons for observing the Statues made by them at Oxford, which he sollicited for and received this year, as * 1.145 Mat. Paris informs us, Poenituerat eum jam jurare taliter, metuens quodammodo notam perjurii, misit i∣gitur ad Papam secretè, rogans, ut ab hoc se juramento absolveret, quod facillimè im∣petravit; and thereupon issued this warrant for this years Pension.

After this Warrant it continued unpaid for 7. years together, whereupon the Pope to allure and enable the King to pay him the 7. years Arrears, with a greater overplus to his own Coffers, gave him a Tenth to be collected of the Clergy and Religious per∣sons throughout Ireland; whereupon the King issued these two Patents in the 51. year of his reign to the Collectors of this Tenth, to make payment thereof without delay out of the Tenths collected, which should be allowed them on Account, being the first warrant of this Nature.

REX dilecto Clerico suo Magistro Willielmo de Bakepuz, & soci•• suo Collec∣toribus* 1.146 Decimae sibi a sed•• Apostolica concessae in Hibernia, salutem. Cum sanctissimo Patri Domino Clementi Papae quarto teneamur in sep∣tem Millibus Marcis de Areragiis Annui Census Mille Mar∣carum quas de nobis percipit ad scaccarium nostrum, quam quidem pecuniam, de Decima nobis concessa in Hybernia persol∣vi volumus sine mora: Vobis mandamus quod predicta septem Millia Marcarum Magistro Senicio ipsius Domini Papae Clerico, vel ejus certo Nuncio has literas deferenti modis omnibus Liberetis de decima aute dicta, & nos eas in eadem de∣cima volumus allocari; In cujus, &c. Teste Rege apud sanctum Paulum London. Vicesimo sexto die Julii.

REX Venerabilibus Patribus O. sancti Adriani Diacono Cardinali Apostolicae sedis Legato, & W. Eborum Archiepiscopo Angliae Primati, & discretis viris Magistris S. Cantuar. & R. Cleiveland in Ecclesia Eborum Archidiaconis salutem. Cum sanctissimo Patri Domino C, Papae teneamur in septem Mil∣libus

Marcarum de Arreragiis annui Census mille Marcarum quas de nobis percipit ad scaccarium nostrum, Quam quidem pe∣cuniam de Decima nobis concessa in Hibernia persolvi volumus sine mora. Uos rogamus quatinus predicta Septem Millia Mar∣carum eidem Domino Papae omnibus modis assignetis de Decima antedicta▪ Et nos eas in eadem Decima faciemus allocari; In Cujus, &c.

After this for two years space and an half this Annuity remained unpayd, and then the King at the Popes importunity Anno. 54. of his raign, sent these Letters Patents to the Bishop and Dean of Lincoln, to pay it without delay or difficulty to the Nuntio of the Sea Apostolick and Church of Rome, out of the Tenthes of the Diocesse of Lincoln, promising to allow it, and allowing it on their Account by this Patent.

REX Episcopo & Decano Lincolniae salutem. Cum vos assignaverimus ad satis∣faciendum* 1.147 Magistro Sinicio Apostolicae sedis & Ecclesiae Romanae Nuncio et procuratori, nomine ipsius Ecclesiae, de Duabus Millibus Qua∣dringentis et Uiginta et una Marcis quatuor solidis sex denariis et obolo in quibus eidem Ecclesiae tenemur pro Arreragiis Annui Census Mille Marcarum, quas dicta Ecclesia de nobis percipit ad scaccarium nostrum, quam quidem pecuniam de Summa nobis∣cum pro Decima Lincoln. Dioc. conventa persolvi volumus sine mora; vobis mandamus quatinus pecuniam predictam prefato magistro Sinicio, vel ad ejus mandatum nomine predictae Ecclesiae sine dilatione, vel difficultate aliqua, modis omnibus vos vel alter vestrum ple∣narie liberetis de summa predicta. Nos enim pecuniam ipsam quam eidem vel ad ejus mandatum solveritis, unde liter as suas de Acquietancia penes vos habueritis, vobis in Summa predicta nobiscum conventa volumus allocari, & per presentes Literas allocamus; In cujus, &c. Teste Rege apud Westmonasterium Decimo die Novembris.

This is the last payment during King Henry the 3d. his reign, who paid it with much reluctancy and unwillingnesse, delaying it many years together, and never issuing out Warrants to pay it, but when he had extraordinary pressing occasions to make use of the Popes and Cardinals favour and assistance, whereby he might reap far greater advantages then the damage of its payment now and then at his own pleasure, amounted to.

King Henry the 3d. deceasing in the 57. year of his reign, and King Edward the 1. succeeding him, Pope Gregory the X. in the 3d. year of his reign, sent this com∣plemental Bull unto him, (the original whereof I found in the White Tower, with sundry other Bulls of consequence, long buried under dust and cob-webs) humbly requiring and beseeching the King to assist and advise Nogerius his Chaplain, in collecting the Tribute of the Church of Rome, and Peter-pence, in England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland, to give him a safe conduct whenever desired, and particular∣ly to assign unto him freely and fully seven years arrears, formerly due, and that present years Annual Pension, wherein he stood bound to the Church: The Trans∣cript whereof I shall here present you with.

GREGORIƲS Episcopus Servus Servorum Dei, Charissimo in Christo Filio* 1.148 Edwardo Regi Angliae Illustri, salutem & Apostolicam Benedictionem. Quod ad benevolentiam tibi, & favorabilem matrem tuam Romanam Ecclesiam reverentiam ju∣giter exhibens filialem, non solum de juribus in quibus teneris eidem prompti∣tudine sibi respondeas liberali, immo etiam ubicunque de suis pertractandis Ne∣gotiis agitur fructuosus Adjutor & propitius habearis, firmam spem gerimus & infallibi∣lem fiduciam obtinemus. Cum itaque dilectum filium Magistrum de Nogeriis, Capel∣lanum nostrum, nobis & fratribus nostris merito suae probitatis acceptum, pro Censibus Colligendis, et denario Beati Petri, ac debitis praefatae

Ecclesiae requirendis, aliisque nostris, et ipsius Ecclesiae Negotiis, ad partes Angliae, Walliae, Scotiae, & Hyberniae, jamdudum duxerimus transmitten∣dum; Celsitudinem Regiam requirimus attentius & rogamus, quatenus Capellanum ipsum benigne recipiens, & honeste per tractans Annuum Censum, in quo Constat eidem Ecclesiae te teneri, pro instanti et septem transactis annis, in quibus non fuit Census hujusmodi persolutus, Capellano ipsi nostro, et Ecclesiae memoratae nomine Llberaliter facias, et integre assignari; dictum Capellanum praefata negotia promoventem, habens circa illa pro nostra, & Aposto∣licae sedis reverentia propensius commendatum, eidem super hiis ac etiam in securo conductu per Reginum tuum cum ab ipso fueris requisitus auxilium opportunum & consilium impen∣surus. Ita quod proinde serenitatem Regiam dignis laudrbus gratiarum actionibus prose∣quamur. Dat. Lugduni viij. Idus Novembris. Pontificatus nostri Anno Tertio.

I cannot find in the Liberate or other Rolls, that those arrears were ever satisfied by King Edward the 1. which incurred in his Father King Henry the 3d. his reign: But by Pope Martin the 4th. his Bull, and his Nuncioes solemn acquittance to him, declared by his agreement before Witnesses of quality, and attested under their Seals, it appears, that King Edward the 1. after a Treaty about these 8. years ar∣rears,* 1.149 was contented and promised to pay 4000. Marks for 4. years incurred du∣ring his reign, at the Feast of Michaelmas, Anno 1277. by the hands of foreign Marchants there named, the receipt whereof he acknowledged by his Bull, in form following.

MARTINƲS Episcopus servus servorum Dei, Karissimo in Christo filio* 1.150 Edwardo Regi Angliae Illustri salutem & Apostolicam Benedictionem. Ex∣parte tua fuit propositum coram Nobit, ut cum de Annuo Censu Mille Marca∣rum Argenti in quo Ecclesiae Romanae teneris pro Dctennio jam transacto in festo Beati Michaelis de mense Septembris tunc cur∣rente Anno Domini Milesimo Ducentesimo septuagesimo septimo, ter∣minato, ipsi Romanae Ecclesiae fuerit pro parte tua per diversas solutiones integre satisfactum, nec fueris de satisfactione hujus∣modi a sede Apostolica opportunas quietationis literas assecutus. Petebatur a nobis ut providere tibi in hac parte paterna diligentia curaremus. Nos igitur Petitioni tuae, utpote justae benignius annuentes, praesentium tenore fatemur, de Censu hujusmodi pro prefato Dctennio fore pre∣fatae Romanae Etclesiae satisfactum. Ad tuam tuorumque Heredum cantelam & futuram memoriam presentes tibi Literas concedentes. Dat. apud Urbem veterem 11. Non. Feb. Pontificatus nostri Anno primo.

UNiversis presentes Literas inspecturis Gifredus de Vezano Canonicus Camera∣censis, Camerae Domini Papae Clericus, Apostolicae sedis in Anglia Nuncius salutem in Domino.

Noveritis nos Litteras apostolicas vera Bulla & integro filo bullatas recepisse in haec verba.

Martinus Episcopus servus servorum Dei Gifredo Camerae nostrae Clerico salutem & Apostolicam Benedictionem. Cum super solutione annui census Mille marcarum Sterlingorum in quo Karissimus in Christo filius noster Rex Angliae illustris pro triennio preterito et etiam pro instanti Anno in proximo terminando nobis et Eccle∣siae Romanae tenetur, tibi, nostro et ipsius Romanae Ecclesiae nomine facienda, sub certa forma eundem Regem per nostras Literas requiramus. Nos de discretionis tuae industria plenarie confideutes, faciendi eidem Regi nostro & Ecclesiae prefatae nomine, refutationem plenariam de hujusmodi censu quatuor Annorum postquam de illo tibi nostro, & ipsius Ecclusiae nomine fuerit integre satis∣factum, plenam tibi Authoritate presentium concedimus facultatem.

Dat apud urbem Veterem Duodecimo Kalend Septembris. Pontificatus nostri Anno primo. Cumque Serinissimus Dominus Edwardus Rex Angliae Illustris uobis nomine sanctissimi Pa∣tris Domini Martini summi Potisicis & Romanae Ecclsiae pro annuo Censu mille

Marcarum in quo idem Rex summo Pontifici et Ecclesiae Romanae tenetur quatuor Millia Marcarum sterlingorum per manus Barontini Walteri, Richardi, Gudicionis, & Henerici de Podio de Societate Ricardorum de Luka, pro quatuor Annis in premissis Literis Apostolicis comprehensis & terminatis in festo sancti Michaelis proximo praeterito Currente Anno Domini M••llefimo Ducen∣tesimo Octogesimo primo persolverit, et recognoscamus et confiteamu•• de ipsis quatuor Millibus Marcarum nobis esse promissi nomine a dicto Domino Rege per Manus dicttorum B••tuntini, Ricardi et Henrici pro supradictis quatuor Annis integre satisfactum. Nos concess a nobis per easdem Literas Apostolicas faculta∣te facimus eidem Domino Regi nomine Domini nostri summi Pontificis & Romane Ecclesie Refutationem plenariā de hujusmodi Censu praedictorum quatuor Annorum de qui∣bus praefatae Litterae Apostolicae faciunt mentionem, et qui in dicto festo sancti Michaelis proximo praeterito terminati fuisse noscuntur. In quorum omnium testimonium has Literas Patentes fecimus & sigillo nostro munivi∣mus. Et Venerabiles Patres Domini Godefridus Wigornensis & Willielmus Norwi∣censis Episcopi, ac Magister Ardicio Primicerius Mediolan. Domini Papae Capellanus & in Anglia Nuncius, qui dictas Litteras Apostolicas viderunt, & recognitioni, ac con∣fessioninec, non refutationi premissis interfuerunt sua sigilla praesentibus apponi fece∣runt, ad majoris roboris firmitatem. Dat. London. sexto Idus Novembris Anno Domini supradicto.

Et Memorandum quodistae duae Literae precedentes Liberatae fuerunt Thomae de Gunneis, apud Cestriam die Sabbati proximo ante festum Apostolorum Petri & Pauli Anno &c. Decimo per manum Johannis de Langeton, in Garderoba Regis custodiendae.

King Edward was very backwards to pay this Pension any more, so that Pope Martin the 4th. dying, Anno 1285. and Hmorius the 4th. succeeding, sent Let∣ters to the King, requesting him to pay 3. years arrears then due unto him, which he refused or neglected to do during his Papacy: whereupon Pope Nicholas his Successor in the 17. year of his reign, sent this Bull unto him, entred in the Clause Rolls, requiring him to pay the said 3. years arrears, and 2. years more since incur∣red, intirely and freely, that so he receiving it gratetully, might from thence deser∣vedly commend his Munificence: Intimating thereby, that it was rather a voluntary bounty, then duty in this King to pay it, who thereupon issued a Warrant to his Treasurer for payment thereof, and to receive an acquittance for it; the Transcript whereof I shall here present you with.

NICHOLAUS Episcopus Servus Servorum Dei, Charissimo in Christo Filio* 1.151 Edwardo Regi Angliae Illustri, salutem & Apostolicam Benedictionem. Ho∣norem tuum fili Charissime decere credimus, ac tui & Regni tui profectibus expedi∣re, ut quod juste debes Sacrosanctae Romanae Ecclesiae, Matri tuae, sic promptus exol∣vas, quod gratiam acquiras ex debito, & commendari mereatur Celsitudo Regia ex affectu. Cum igitur Census Annuus Mille Marcarum sterlingorum a te, sicut nosti, eidem Romanae Ecclesiae debeatur, ac felicis recorda∣tionis Honorius Papa quartus, Predecessor noster super solutione ipsius Census, de tribus Annis debiti facienda a te sub certa forma tibi direxerit scripta sua, et nondum Camerae sedis Apostolicae de dic∣to Censu pro eisdem tribus Annis satistactum existat, Serenitatem Regiam requirimus et rogamus attente, per Apostolica tibi scripta mandantes, quatenus Censum ipsum pro eisdem tribus Annis jam praeteritis et etiam pro duobus sequentibus terminandis in proximo futuro Festo Beati Michaelis, dilecto filio Magistro Giffredo Ca∣merae nostrae Clerico in Anglia commoranti, has tibi Literas prae∣sentanti, nostro et Ecclesiae praedictae nomine facias integre et libe∣raliter assignari. Ita quod nos id gratum habentes Magnificen∣tiam tuam possimus exinde merito commendare. Dat. Rome, apud Sanctum Petrum, iiij. Kalend. Maii. Pontificatus nostri Anno primo.

Et memorandum quod die Veneris proxima post Festum Assumptionis Beatae Mariae, Anno Regni &c. Decimo septimo apud Ledes, liberata fuit ista Bulla, Magistro Willielmo de Luda, tunc custodi Garderobae Domini Regis, in eadem Garderoba custodienda.

Upon receipt hereof, the King to gratifie this Pope, (of whose favour and assist∣ance he was then to make extraordinary use, about his great affairs in France and Gascoign, as is evident by his Letters and Proxies to him and his Cardinals, entred in Rot. Vasconiae Anno 17 E. 1. pars 2. m. 2. dorso) issued this Warrant to his Treasurer to pay these arrears.

REX Thesaurario & Camerariis suis salutem. Liberate de Thesauro nostro* 1.152 Magistro Giffredo de Vezano, Domini Papae Clerico, Quinque Millia Marcarum per manus suas eidem Domino Papae Liberand. de An∣nis Regni nostri Duodecimo, Tertiodecimo, Quartodecimo, Quintodecimo, et Sextodecimo, videlicet de quolibet Anno Mille Mat cas, de Annuo Censu Mille Marcarum, quem idem Dominus Papa percipit ad Scaccarium nostrum: Et recipiatis ab eodem Magistro Giffredo sufficientem quietanciam de pecunia suptadicta. Teste Rege apud Ledes, Decimo octavo die Augusti.

This is the very last demand and payment of this Annual Pension I can yet disco∣ver, by King Edward the 1. or any of his Successors; the contests between this King Edward, his Successors, Nobles, Parliaments, and Popes, growing so high concerning the title to Scotland, Provisions, First-fruits, and other Usurpations on the King, Crown, Kingdom, Church, people, that they would never pay this pretend∣ed, illegal Tribute any more; and when the Pope intended about 58. years after this, to demand it and the arrears thereof from King Edward the 3d. you have * 1.153 heard how he and his whole Parliament Anno 40 E. 3. resolved to withstand him there∣in with all their might, as being void and un-obligatory either to the King or Kingdom.

Now left any Pontificians should conclude from these recited voluntary pay∣ments of it by some of our Kings now and then, that they admitted it a just right and duty, to which they were bound by King Johns Charter, the premises quite re∣fute it, not one of our Kings paying it constantly, willingly, cordially, as a duty, but meerly as a Political bribe or gratuity, to get the quicker dispatch of their af∣fairs they were then necessitated to transact at Rome, where nothing would succeed well without money, and Annual Pensions too, (of 50. 60. 100. Marks by the year, besides other gratuities) given and paid by our Kings as well to Cardinals and Popes Notaries, as to the Pope himself, without which our Kings themselves could hardly, and that with much expence and delay, obtain their justest suites. There are many presidents of such Annual Pensions given and paid to Cardinals, Notaries, Officers of Popes, in our Patent and Liberate Rolls, for the foresaid ends. I shall present you only with these few instead of many others.

REX omnibus ad quos, &c, Salutem; Sciatis quod concessimus Venerabili* 1.154 Patri Domino M. Sanctae Mariae in Porticu Diacono Cardinali Sexaginta Marcas singulis Annis ad Scaccarum nostrum percipiendas, viz.) Unam medietatem ad Scaccarium nostrum Paschae, & aliam medietatem ad Scaccarium nostrum Sancti Michaelis, donec per nos eidem uberius provideatur. In cujus, &c. Teste Rege apud Westmonasterium Decimo Octavo die Januarii.

REX Thesaurario & Camerariis suis salutem. Liberate de Thesauro nostro di∣lecto* 1.155 Clerico nostro Magistro Angelo Domini Papae Notario Decem Mar∣cas de Termino Paschae Anno regni nostri 13. de annuo feodo suo viginti Marcarum quod de nobis percipit ad Scaccarium nostrum. Teste Rege a∣pud Westmonasterium Vicesimo Octavo die Maii.

REX eisdem salutem. Liberate de Thesauro nostro eidem Angelo Triginta* 1.156 Marcas, de Termino sancti Michaelis Anno Regni nostri Nono, et Vi∣ginti Marcas Anno regni nostri decimo, de annuo feodo suo Viginti Macca rum quod de nobis percipit ad Scaccarium nostrum. Teste ut supra.

REX omnibus ad quos, &c. Salutem. Attendentes affectionis sinceritatem* 1.157 & diligentiae sollicitudinem quas vener abilem Patrem Lucam de Flisco sanctae Mariae via lata diaconum Cardinalem Consanguineum & amicum nostrum Carissi∣mum erga nos & negotiorum nostrorum expeditionem gerere novimus et habere, quinquaginta Marcas sterlingorum annuatim per aequales portiones ad scaccarium nostrum, videlicet in festis Paschae et sancti Michaelis percipiendas duximus concedendas: In cujus, &c.

Dat. apud Dony∣pas Decimo quarto die Octobris.

Per breve de privato sigillo.

Consimiles Literas habet venerabilis Pater Dominus Petrus de Piperna sanctae Ma∣riae novae Diaconus Cardinalis, Amicus Regis Karissimus, de quinquaginta Marcis sterlingorum annuatim percipiendis ad scaccarium praedictum in festis predictis. Teste ut supra.

Per breve de privato sigillo.

Consimiles Literas habet venerabilis Pater Dominus Willielmus de Pergumo sancti Nicholai in carcere Tulliano Diaconus Cardinalis Amicus noster Karissimus, de Quin∣quaginta marcis sterlingorum annuatim percipiendis ad scaccarium praedictum in festis praedictis. Teste ut supra.

Per breve de privato sigillo.

Consimiles Litteras habet Venerabilis Pater Franciscus sanctae Mariae in Cosmodii Diaconus Cardinalis et amicus Regis Karissimus de Quinquaginta Marcis ster∣lingorum annuatim percipiendis ad scaccarium predictum in fest is predictis. Teste ut supra.

Per breve de privato sigillo.

REX omnibus ad quos, &c. Qui sincerae Affectionis fervore, & gratuitae bine∣volentiae* 1.158 studio nostris utili atibus procurandis invigilant & insistunt, dignum duximus & naturali consonum esse novimus aequitati, ut eis mutuae vicissitudiais bene∣ficia rependamus. Attendentes igitur venerabilis patris Domini Gentilis, titulo sancti Martini in montibus Presbyteri Cardinalis, amici nostri Charissimi circumspectam in∣dustriam, et sollicitudinem operosam quas in nostris negotiis in sancta Romana Curia promovendis hactenus adhibuit, eumque adhi∣biturum speramus Deo propitio in futurum, pensionem annuam* 1.159 Quinquaginta Marcarum sterlingorum ad scaccarium nostrum per∣cipiendam, ad duos Anni Terminos, videlicetin festis Paschae et sancti Michaelis per aequales portiones sibi duximus tenore praesent ium concedendam; In cujus; &c. Teste Rege apud Odynham Vndecimo die Januarii.

In all these Pensions and Annuities, I shall desire the Readers to observe; 1. That they are granted out of the Kings Eschequer only; payable half yearly at the feasts of Easter & Michaelmas; just as King Johns pension of a thousand Marks by the year to the Pope was; 2ly. That the warrants for payment of the one & other run in the same form. 3ly. That the sole motive or ground of our Kings granting and paying these pensions, was only to get the easier dispatch of their businesses in the Court of Rome by the assistance of these their Pensioners, which otherwise (for Romes and the Popes credit) they could not obtain, were their sutes never so reasonable. And this was the sole reason why any of our Kings paid this annuity, first granted by King John, at any time to any Pope, even to procure a speedy auspicious answer, or else assistance from him in

their affairs with forreign Princes, or relating to their own Rebellious Prelates, Subjects, or complaints against the Popes and his Legates intollerable Usurpations, Exactions on their Crowns, or Subjects; Not that they ever reputed King Johns Charters valid, or obligatory to him or them in the least degree, they protesting, re∣solving the contrary, as the premises demonstrate.

Now to evidence this Charter and Rent yet more fully to be null in Law beyond contradiction, I shall desire the Popes learnedest Advocates pleading for their validity to take notice of these particulars:

1. That the whole 8. Council of Toledo in Spain under King Recesuinthus, and this* 1.160 King himself about Anno 660. decreed, That not only the antient Crown-lands of the kingdom, but whatever Lands and Revenues their Kings acquired, quae pro solo constat eos imperii percepisse fastigio, should not descend to their sons, but to the Succes∣sor of the Realm; and not be alienated from the crown, nor subjected to the Kings person, but Regal power; Regem terrenum jura faciunt, non persona, quia non constat sui mediocritate, sed sublimitatis honore. Quae ergo honori debentur, honori deserviant, & quae Reges accumulant Regno relinquant, ut quia eos regni gloria decorat, ipsi quoque regni gloriam non extenuent, sed exornent, by enlarging, not extenuating or alienating the Revenues thereof; which this Coun∣cil enjoyned their succeeding Kings by Oath to observe.

2. That it is the general received Resolution of the learnedest Doctors and Pro∣fessors of the Civil Law, That no Emperor or King elective or hereditary, can alienate or subject the Royalties of his Crown, kingdom to any other person whatsoever, (es∣pecially to a forreign Prince or Potentate) without the general consent of his No∣bles, Barons, Subjects; they being in truth but Trustees, not Proprietors of all their Crown-lands, Rents, Revenues, for the Defence, Government and Benefit of their kingdoms, not absolute Inheritors of them; and the alienation thereof a direct breach both of their Oaths, Trusts; and their Supream Soveraign power, essential to, inseparable from their Regalities: This they resolve in the cases of Constantine, Charles the Great, P••pins, and Othoes pretended Donations of Rome and Italy to the Pope and his Successors, the same in substance with King Johns.

a 1.161 Lucas de Penna, a most eminent Professor of the Civil Law, resolves, Impe∣rii Regalia sunt inalienabilia; and although the Emperor should swear, that he would not revoke such Royalties as were alienated to the prejudice of his Crown and dignity, posset tamen ea, non obstante Iuramento revocare; because the Em∣peror at his Coronation swears, Iura regni sui et honorem Coronae illiba∣ta servare. From whence he (and b 1.162 others) inferre; That by vertue of this Oath, the Emperors are strictly obliged in duty both to God and to the Empire, to take unto themselves not only those fair and large Territories which the Pope hath either by fraud or force invaded, decking himself with the plumes of their Eagle; but especially they ought to resume that Dominion and Soveraignty of Authority in those very Lands which the Pope now challengeth as his own. For this Soveraignty being the most proper and essential Privilege belonging to any Imperi∣al Crown; by vertue of this their sacred Oath, they ought utterly to refuse (as they may) that other coacted Oath whereby they are most injuriously tied to permit the Pope (that man of sinne) quietly to en∣joy their Imperial Possessions, Rights, Royalties, and tread both themselves and their Crowns under feet. The Romish c 1.163 Gelders of all passages in Books that make against their Roman Pontif, or Religion, have gelt this masculine passage (of no lesse then 178. lines in folio) out of Penna, which comes home to King Johns case.

d 1.164 Baldus Perusinus a learned Civilian, writing of the pretended Donation of* 1.165 Constantine to the Pope, delivers this as his own and other Doctors resolutions there∣in. They determin, Hanc donationem quoad expropriationem territorii, Dignita∣tis et Iurisdictionis, non valere, nec possibilem esse. The commodities, profits, and profitable Dominion may be granted, salva semper ab Imperio recognitione et fide. For to say, that the Emperor could by this donation mutilare Imperium, and cut off the Members thereof, est species fatuitatis; it being never his intention: nor

yet King Johns, as the Saving in the Charter fully demonstrateth:

a 1.166 Fr. Aretinus a Grand Doctor of the Civil Law, not only assents unto; but highly applauds the judgement of Baldus hereiri; Eleganter tradit Baldus, quod Imperator non potest dare quotam Imperii, neither a third, nor a fourth part, nor half of his Empire; whereby Baldus means, That the Empire being an intire and universal pow∣er, the Emperor by giving ought, ceaseth not to be the Universal Lord of all belonging to the Empire.

b 1.167 Franciscus Vargas layes down these 2. Positions, 1. Suprema Principis Juris∣dictio est prorsus inabdicabilis. 2. Impossibile est Imperatorem facere aliquem vel parem sibi, vel superiorem; citing Baldus, with divers other Lawyers concurring with him herein: His reasou is, Quia Lex Regia contradicit; and that it is inconsistent with Regality: Therefore King John could not alienate his Regality, nor make the Pope his superiour in his own Realms.

Didacus Co••arruvias writing of the Supream Soveraignty belonging to a King or Emperor, resolves; c 1.168 Nullo modo alienari potest, though in giving Lands, Cities or Territories, the King use never so ample and abundant words in his char∣ter, Because this Soveraignty is essential to Regal Majesty. He and Var∣gas citing Gulielmus Benedictus, Carolus Degrassatus, and Felinus concurring with them herein.

Boetius Epon. professedly, and at large discusseth this point, and thus resolves it, d 1.169 The Donation of Constantine did no way concern the alienating or giving up of the Roman Empire; but only the alienating of all the places in Italy, and in the whole West. Constantine did not Abdicate his Empire, or give it to the Pope ne per Occidentem quidem, no not in the West, nor in Italy, nor in the very City of Rome; he honoured the Pope as much as he could, citra imperii vel abdicationem, vel aliena∣tionemullo* 1.170 modo, without either abdicating, or any way alienating the Empire. He gave to the Pope a certain right of Jurisdiction, and Rule in the Western Regions, Imperio Romano inferius atque minutius, but inferiour and lesse then Impe∣rial* 1.171 Authority. He gave to the Pope Imperium honorarium duntaxat et se∣cundarium, sed minime supremum, an honourable and secundary Government, but not the Supream. That supream Authority in solidum penes Constantinum remansit etiam in Occidente. And in his * 1.172 Commentary, which for the honour and credit of Constantines Donation he hath made upon it, he sets this down with a Me∣morandum, Notabis hinc, That the Empire or Soveraignty in Italy and in the West, was not transferred by Constantine to the Pope, and very often he repeats the like.

Albericus de Rosate, a famous Civilian, is most punctual in this particular. g 1.173 Let us see (saith he) whether Constantines Donation could be offarce to the prejudice of his Successors? Accursius holds it could not: so doth John de Parisiis, Because none being deputed to an Office, may doe ought against his own Office. But it is against the Office deputed to the Emperour, to impair his Empire, or to cut and take away any one part from it; For by the same reason that he may cut away one part, he may cut away also another, and so may his Succes∣sors; and so the Empire should at last be brought to nothing and ut∣terly destroyed, which is against the Publique good, and the end why the Empire is ordained. Ex quo verè credo, Whereupon I do truly believe, that the aforesaid Donation De Iure, cannot be of force to prejudice the Empire, or the Successors. He adds, h 1.174 That prae∣scriptio dat utile Dominium Ecclesiae, (praestitis tamen Tributis & Censibus Im∣peratorum) Directum non tollit. Contra Principem non nisi quoad utile Dominium praescribitur; because the Pope in using this Dominion, doth it as the Emperors Deputy or Minister, and in the Emperors name, and so the Soveraignty still rests in the Emperor, against which there is no prescription. As for prescription by the Canon Law, that is least available for the Pope: For by the Canon Law there is required to a valid prescription, TITULUS, & BONA FIDES; Both which (in this case of Constantines Donation, and so in King Iohns too) he saith, seem to be wanting, for there is a Title pretended, where there is no Title at all, quia datus per eum quidare non potuit, and because the alienation is made contrary to Law, as we have shewed:

Bona fides also is here wanting, because the Pope and his Suc∣cessors knew, Res esse alienas, hoc est Imperii. Thus Albericus most clearly resolves; whose words and reasons extend as fully to King Johns Charter, as to Constantines pretended. Donation to the Pope.

a 1.175 Antonius Rosellus, (noble both for his birth and learning in the Civil Law, and other Literature,) though he defends the Donations made to Popes by Constantine, Charles, Lewes and Otho; yet after long debate, he concludes thus: Firmiter teneo, That as to those lands and territories which the Pope hath from antient times possessed by vertue of those gifts, they are good for the possession, profits, & utile Dominium, seeing ther∣in the Imperial right is not taken away, SED DIRECTUM IMPERIUM EST PENES CAESAREM. Directum Imperium est in ossibus Caesaris, irremovibile, vel inalienabile; Habet ergo Papa executionem potestatis, in the Territories given him, but he hath not the Soveraign power over them, that belongs to the Emperor, who in all temporal goods and possessions is the Soveraign Prince; For as we daily see the Emperor gives Dukedoms, Earldoms, or King∣doms, et tamen retinet in directo Dominio ipsam Inrisdictionem et Jus Imperii in ipsis bonis, aut commissis; even so in those gifts given by the Emperors to the Church or Pope JUS IMPERII et Jurisdictionem retinuit, et retinet, quamvis utile Dominium ejus, et executionem potestatis Pontifici commisit. He subjoyns. The Donation to the Pope is good, quoad proprietatem & dominium particulare, sed non quoad Jurisdi∣ctionem totalem & Jus Imperii. Although the Pope be capable of Imperial right quo∣ad subsidium, non tamen est capax principaliter, & ideo impossibile est per viam praescriptionis. Nay it is impossible, that in the same person should subsist the Imperial Authority and the Priesthood; & ideo impossibile est per viam praescriptionis. He further resolves, If there happen a controversie betwixt the Pope and the Prince concern∣ing any meer temporal matter, I think the Emperour himself ought to be Judge herein; seeing in Temporal matters he is above all, even the Pope himself; & ipse est Judex suae causae, the Emperour is Judge in his own cause, as the Law teacheth. (Therefore King John, his Successors and Parliaments are meet Judges in the case of England, by like reason, who have adjudged this Kings Charter voyd.) He proceeds one step further.

Whereas the Popes to make sure that Authority which they use in the Patrimony of St. Peter, cause the Emperour to swear, that he will not exercise that Imperial Autho∣rity which he hath in those Lands, but permit the Popes to enjoy the same as they have u∣sed, (tying the Emperours by this Oath from the exercise of any Imperial Jurisdi∣ction in those Territories) this learned Lawyer teacheth; That Emperours indeed after they have once taken this Oath, cannot intermeddle in those Lands, but ought by ver∣tue of their Oath, leave the Jurisdiction therein to the Pope; But withall he adds, that seeing the Emperor retaineth still the direct dominion in those Lands, which dominion he cannot possibly passe away to the Pope, his Successors need not to take that Oath, and not taking it (saith he) they may actually use their own Imperial Rights, and Jurisdiction in the same, and it were better they would do so.

b 1.176 Hugo Grotius, (one of the learnedest, most judicious Lawyers, Scholars of this later age) positively concludes. Rex partem populi alienare non potest, nisi etiam pars de qua alienanda agitur consentiat; accedente populi consensu libero, alienari posse etiam à rege, quid obstet non video. c 1.177 Quare subscribere non possumus Jurisconsultis, qui de non alienandis Imperii partibus adjiciunt exceptiones duas, de publica utilitate, & de neces∣sitate, nisi hoc sensu, ut ubi est eadem utilitas communis, & corporis & partis, facile etiam ex silentio etiam non longi temporis, consensus & populi & partis intervenisse videa∣tur, facilius verò si etiam necessitas appareat. At ubi manifesta est in contrarium volun∣tas, aut corporis aut partis, nihil actum debet intelligi. Sub alienatione merito comprehen∣ditur & infeudatio, sub onere. Quare videmus a pluribus populis irritas habitas ut alienationes, ita infeudationes Regnorum quas populis inconsultis Reges fecerant. Populum autem consensisse intelligimus, sive to∣tus coiit, quod olim apud Germanos & Gallos fieri solebat, sive per Legatos partium in∣tegrantium mandato sufficiente instructos: Nam facimus quod & per alium facimus.

(d) Sed nec pignori dari pars Imperii poterit, nisi consensu simili,* 1.178 non ea tantum de causa quod ex pignoris datione sequi alienatio sole∣at, sed quod et Rex teneatur populo ad exercendum per se summum Imperium, et populus partibus suis ad conservandum hoc exerciti∣um in sua integritate, cujus rei gratia in societatem civilem coitum est. d 1.179 Patrimonium quoque populi, cujus fructus destinati sunt ad sustentanda Reipublicae, aut Regiae dignitatis onera, a Regibus alienari nec in totum nec in partem potest: Nam in hoc jus majus fructuario non habent. Nec admitto distinctionem, si res modicum videat, quia quod meum non est, ejus nec exiguam partem aliena∣re mihi jus est, sed in rebus modicis quam in magnis consensus populi ex scientia, et ex silentio facilius praesumitur. Existimat f 1.180 Barclaius, Si Rex regnum alienet, aut alii subjiciat, amitti ab eo regnum. Ego hic sub∣sisto. Nam talis actus si regnum electione aut successoria lege deferatur, Nullus est; quae autem nulla sunt, nullum habent Juris effectum. Unde & de usufructua∣rio, cui Regem talem similem diximus, verior mihi videtur Jurisconsultorum sententia,* 1.181 si extraneo Jus suum cedat, nihil eum agere. Et quod dicitur ad Dominum pro∣prietatis reverti usumfructum, intelligen••um legitimo tempore. Si tamen Rex re ipsa eti∣am tradere regnum, aut subiicere moliatur, quin ei resisti in hoc possit, non dubito. In fine, he resolves thus, g 1.182 That the contracts of Kings prejudicial to their kingdoms, binde neither their Successors nor kingdoms, but are void. h 1.183 A∣pud Sapientes cassa habebantur, quae neque dari, neque accipi salva republica poterant. Si quo casu contractus incipiat vergere non ad damnum modo aliquod, sed ad perniciem publicam, ita ut ab initio contractus in extensione ad illum casum censendus fuisset injustus & illicitus, tunc non tantum revocari eum contractum posse, quam de∣clarari eum non ultra obligare, quasi factum sub conditione sine qua juste fieri non potuit. Illud quoque a multis i 1.184 traditum, benefi∣cia Principum quae liberaliter sunt concessa semper posse revocari, sine distinctione transmittendum non est; i. e. nisi quod subditos attinet ad poenam, aut ob utilitatem publicam, Contractibus vero eorum qui sine Jure Imperi∣um invaserunt, (the case of King John as to the Pope) non tenebuntur populi aut veri Reges, nam hi jus obligandi populum non habu∣erunt. And in his Adnotata he recites these examples of revocations of such gifts made by the Roman and Graecian Emperors, and Kings of France, Arragon, and Poland. Laudat & applicat, Mariana, ad immensam munificentiam Friderici Regis Neopolitani xxiv. 16 à Nerone donata etiam ab emptoribus repetiit Galba relicta decima. Tacitus Historiarum 1. & Plutarchus. Pertinax etiam à libertis ea exegit, quae sub specie venditionis Commodo principi lucrifecerant. Macedo Imperator repetiit quae Michael Imperator elargitus fuerat. Zonaras de eo. Communi consensu placuit, ut qui pecunias multas nulla probabili ex causa accepissent, partim totas, partim dimidium redderent. Vide eundem Isaacio Comneno de donationibus Ludovici xi. Vide Serranum Carolo 8. de ejusdem donatio∣nibus etiam quae Ecclesiis facta non servatis Philippum Cominaeum lib. 9. Marianam. vero de donationibus quas Arragoniae Rex Ramirus fecerat, rescissis, Libro 10. cap. 16 de Isabellae donationibus rescissis per ipsam 272. Cromerum de Casimiti Regis Poloniae testamento partim probato, partim improbato xii. So that by Grotius his own Resoluti∣on, with the resolves of the Historians, Emperors, Kings, and near 20. famous Civilians cited by him in the Margin, King Johns Charter and Pension must needs be void in Law to all intents, against himself, his Successors, kingdoms, their reasons, and resolutions extending punctually thereunto.

* 1.185 Francis the 1. King of France being taken prisoner in the battel of Pavia by the Emperor Charles the 5th. to procure his Liberty Anno 1525. by Articles un∣der his hand and Seal ratifyed by his Corporal Oath, promised to consign and deli∣ver up unto the Emperor the Dutchie of Burgundy, for his ransom: Whereupon being enlarged, the Emperor pressing him to perform his Articles and Oath, he re∣turned this Answer, to which he adhered; That it was not in the power of

a French King to bind himself to the alienation of any Lands, Towns or Territories belonging to the Crown, without the consent of the General Estates of France, and of his Soveraign Courts and Of∣ficers, in whose hands the Authority of the whole Realm remained: And that he had no power to release his Right to any of the territories belonging to the Crown of France, without his Kingdoms and Parliaments consents; no not to purchase his own freedom and ransom thereby; wherein all the Civilians of France concurred with him. Much lesse then could King John surrender and alienate both his kingdoms to the Pope without any consideration at all.

I shall conclude with the Authority of that most famous Grand Lawyer and States∣man John Bodin, in his Book of Commonwealth, translated into most Languages; where he thus resolves at large, with abundance of Reason and ingenuity, against the power of Kings or Republikes to alienate the publike Revenues, discovering the manisold mischiefs, frauds ensuing thereupon.

OF the Reg••l Revenues, some are publique, some are private; the last may* 1.186 be sold and made away, the first never. And to the end Princes should not be forced to overcharge their Subjects with Imposts, or to seek any unlawfull means to for feit their Goods, All Monarchs and States have held it for a generall and undoubted Law, That the publique Revenues should be holy, sa∣cred, and inalienable, either by Contract or Prescription. In like sort Kings (especially in this Realm of France) granting their Letters Patents for the re-union of Crown Lands, declare, That they have taken an Oath coming to the Crown, in no sort to sell or make away the Revenues. And although it were duely and directly made away, were it for ever, Yet is it alwayes subject to be redeemed, and in such sort as the Prescription of an Hundred years, which gives a just title to the possessor, doth not touch the Revenues of the Crown: The Edicts, Decrees, and Or∣dinances of this Realm are notorious, not only against private men, but even against Princes of the Blood, who have been put from the division of the Revenues, and the Prescription of an Hundred years: And this is not peculiar to this Realm alone, but common to the Kings of England, Spain, Poland, and Hungary, who are accustomed to* 1.187 swear not to alienate the Revenues of the Crown. The which is also observed in Popular and Aristocratical States; and even at Venice the Law allows no Prescription. (the which many would limit to six∣score years) nor yet the Cantons of the Swissers. For King Henry 2. having requested the Seigniory of Lucerne to engage themselves for a certain sum of money, Hugo the chief Magistrate made answer to the Ambassador, That both the Senate and Commons of Lucerne had sworn never to pawn nor engage their Lands. We read also that the same Ordinances were religiously observed in the two most goodly Common-weals that ever were, Athens and Rome, wherein two Great Personages Themistocles and Cato the Censor, caused all the publique Revenues to be seized on, the which had through tract of time, and sufferance of Magi∣strates, been usurped by private men; saying in their Orations, Nec mortales contra Deum immortalem, nec privatos contra Rempublicam prae∣scribere posse: That mortall men could never prescribe against the immortall God, nor private men against the Common-weal. And therefore the Court of Parliament upon a civil request obtained by the Kings Proctor General, against a Decree made in fa∣vour of the Successors of Foelix of Nogaret, to whom King Philip the fair 260. years be∣fore had given the Lands and Seigniory of Calvisson, for his virtues and well deserving of the Common-weale, whereby it was revoked unto the Council, shewing thereby, That Prescription hath no place when there is any question of the Reve∣nues of the Crown. And the Court of Parliament at Rovan, by a sentence given the 14. February 1511. betwixt the Kings Proctor, and the Religious of St. Omer,

adjudging the possession of certain goods unto the King, allowing the Religious to relieve themselves by some other means, and to prove it duely by way of Inquest, and for cause; which words (and for cause) are not to be understood for the poor subjects of the Country only, but generally for all. And oftentimes the Treaties made betwixt Princes, have no other difficulties but for the preservation of the Reve∣nues, the which Princes cannot alienate to the prejudice of the pub∣lique. Henry the 8. King of England, in a Treaty made with the Pope, and Poten∣tates* 1.188 of Italy, in the year 1527. caused this clause to be added, That they might not give away any thing of the Crown of France, for the redeeming of King Francis; and upon this point the breach of the Treaty of Madrid was grounded; for that the antient custome of this Realm, conformable to the Edicts or Ordinances of other Nations, re∣quires the consent of the three Estates, the which is observed in Poland by a Law made by Alexander King of Poland, according to the dispositi∣on of the Common Law, unlesse the sale were made at such time as the Enemy had invaded the Country; and that the forme be obser∣ved from point to point, as in the alienation of Pupils goods, (the Common-weale being alwayes regarded as a Pupil) and if there be any thing omitted, it is all of no force, or at least it is subject to recission, without restitution unto the Purchaser of the thing pur∣chased: Neither can the Prince challenge that unto himself which belongs unto the publique, no more then a Husband can his Wives Dowry, wherein the Prince hath lesse right; for the Husband may abuse the fruits of his Wives Dowry at his pleasure, but a Prince may well use, but not abuse the fruits of a publique Dowry: As the Citizens that were in society with the Athenians complained, That the publique money was to be put in Apolloes Treasury, and not to be wasted by the Athenians. Our Kings have and do acknowledge, that the propriety of the Crown Lands is not the Princes; for King Charles the 5. and 7. would not have the Crown Lands pawned, unlesse the Parliament at the instance of the Kings Proctor had so decreed, as we may see in the antient Registers of the Court of Parliament, and Chamber of Accounts: And the reason is, for that the Revenues belong unto the Common-weale, as wise Princes have alwayes acknowledged. And when as K. Lewis the 8. dyed, (having given much by his Testament to poor Widdows and Orphans) he commanded all his Jewells and moveables to be sold, to p••r∣form his Legacies, least that any thing belonging to the Crown should be sold, as having no Interest in it. And for this cause Pertinax the Roman Emperor caused his name, being written upon the publique Lands, to be rased out, saying, That it was the very Inheritance of the Common-weale, and not the Emperors, although they enjoy the Rents for the mainte∣nance of their houses and the Common-weale. And we do also read that Antonius Pius lived of his own Inheritance, applying nothing that belonged to the publique to his private use. Whom K. Lewis the 12. (called the Father of his Country) doth seem to imitate▪ who would not mingle his Patrimony and Revenues with that of the publique, erecting the Chamber of Blois for his Lands at Blois, Coussy, and Monfort; and yet many have erroneously confounded the publique with the Princes private Lands. Neither is it lawfull for Soveraign Prin∣ces to abuse the fruits and Revenues of the Crown Lands, although the Common-weale be in quiet, and free from all trouble, for that they have the use only, and ought (the Common-weale and their house being maintained) to keep the surplusage for publique necessity. Although that Pericles said to the Ambassadors of the Confederates, That they had no Interest in the imployment of the Treasure, so as they were maintained in peace; for it was contained in the Treaty of

Alliance, that the money which should be raised in the time of peace, should be guarded in Apolloes Temple, and that it should not be im∣ployed but by a common consent. But there is great difference between the Treasury or Exchequer in a Monarchy and in popular States; for a Prince may have a Treasury of his private Patrimony, the which was called Fiscus by the Antients, and that of the publique Revenues Aerarium; the one being divided from the other by the antient Laws, the which can have no place in a popular or Aristocra∣tical Estate. Yet there never wanted Flatterers to perswade Princes to sell their Revenues of the Crown, to make a great benefit; the which is a Tyrannical Opinion, and the ruine of a Common-weale. For it is well known, that the publique Revenues consist chiefly in that which Dukes, Marquesses, Earles, and Barons did some∣times possesse, the which either by Succession, Dowry, or by Con∣fiscation have come unto the State, in Lordships, Coppy-holds, in Fees, Alienations, Sales, Seisures, Rents, Amercements, Rights, Confiscations, and other Regalities, the which are not sub∣ject to Imposts and ordinary Charges, and oftentimes are gotten by them which are free from all Charges. Moreover, Commissioners granted to sell the publique Revenues for the making of money speedily, allow it to be sold for Ten Years purchase, when as private Lands in Fee with Justice,* 1.189 are sold for Thirty Years purchase, and those that have Dignities at Fifty Years and more; so as some with the purchase of the publique Lands, reap in one year more profit by the Iurisdiction, then they paid for the Land. Others have paid nothing at all, taking the Valuation of the Revenue by Extracts from the Chamber of Accounts, given in by the receivers in Ten Years, who oftentimes have not received any thing, for that the profits of inferiour Iustice is made in the chief and Regal Court. As for Sales the purchaser hath more profit then the Interest of the money which they have paid can amount unto; As also the receivers of the Revenues are not accustomed to give any account of Casualties, but for a small part. And in Farming out the Crown Lands the Farmers are liable to Subsidies, and are charged according to their abilities.

There are infinite more abuses which the Common-wealth sus∣tains by Sales of their Revenues; but the greatest is, that the mo∣ney which is made is not put out to Rent, (like to those that think* 1.190 to be good Husbands) but is most commonly wasted and given unto them that have least deserved; and so for want of money to redeem this Land, the Common-weale falls to decay, then do they also sell the Commons, whereby the poor are relieved. It were more fit to sell the wast Lands of the Common-weale, the which no man will hire, and brings no benefit to the Common-weale, to the end the Treasury may be enriched, and that the Citizens may pro∣fit by the tilling thereof: But if they may have a Farmer it is not lawfull to sell it: Although that Aristotle commends them of Constantinople, who sold their Lands for a continual Rent, the which is a meer Alienation, and money taken before, di∣minisheth the Rent; the which was expresly defended by an Edict made by Charles the Ninth. And although that afterwards he made another Edict for the renting out of waste Lands, and paying of Fines, by the perswasion of such as sought to make money; For the Parliament of Paris upon the Verification of the said E∣dict, decreed, That the Rents should not be redeemed, and that there should be no Fine pay'd at the beginning; and for that the Commissioners for this Sale did sue unto the King that it might be lawfull to give money at the entry: The Court (all the Chambers being assembled) decreed, That the purchasers might not give a∣bove a third of the sum at the entry, in regard of the value of the Lands; the which third part should be received by the receivers of the Revenues, a part to be

imployed to redeem the revenues that are sold imposing a Quadruple penalty to be Levyed as well upon Receivers, as those that had gotten any assignation of the said Moneyes. And it is not here needful to relate what losses the King and Common weal have sustayned by such Alienation of the Wast Lands. King Francis the second coming to the Crown, Commanded his Proc∣tors and Magistrates to redeem the publique Revenues from private occupyers, wherein he Complained, that the Crown Lands and Re∣venues were so dismembred and wasted; as that which remained did not suffice for the charges that were layd upon them. But our King hath far greater cause to Complaine now, when as there scarce remaines any thing that is to be sold. In the gene∣ral Accounts of the Treasure made in January, in the year 1572. there was no receit* 1.191 made of any Revenues, although there was six and Thirty Tousand Crowns in the Receit, When as King Francis died, as it appeareth by an Account of the Treasure made in the year 1569. and by the same Estate the Alienation of the revenues, Impositions, and subsidies amounted to Foureteen Millions Nine Hundred sixty and one Thousand Four Hundred and seaventy Livres fiften Soulz and eighty deniers, not comprehending Twelve Hundred Thousand Livres, for the fourth and half fourth, and Four Hundred and fifty Thousand Livres upon the strike of salt, the which the Country Guienne redeem∣ed in the years 1549. and 1553. Whereby it plainly appears that the Kings Revenues are almost all engaged and made away, for fifteen or six∣teen Millions at the most, the which is worth above Fifty Mil∣lions, for that Earldoms, Baronies and other seigniories have not been sold for above nine years purchase: and if it were redeemed and let to Farme it would amount yearly to almost Three Millions, the which would suffice to maintaine the Kings house in state, and to pay most of the officers their wages, not medling with any of the other ordinary or extraordinary charges. And if we may compare a smal Kingdom with a greater, the revenues of the Crown of England com∣prehending the Land, subsidies, Tares, Customs, Imposts and all other charges amount to little more then sixscore and ten Thousand pounds sterling a year, having a good part of the temporal Lands of the Church annexed to it, and yet the Queen doth maintaine her Court, and the estate of her Realm very Royally, and redeemed the Revenues (not selling any.)

3dly. As all these Civilians, States, Kingdoms, Statesmen abroad; so our own Parliaments, Lawes, Judges, Lawyers at home from age to age, have unanimously resolved, That the Kings of England cannot give, grant, alienate, sell, morgage their kingdoms, nor the Manors, Lands, Rents, Revenues, Forts, antient Jewels, Ships, Ma∣gazins belonging to the Crown, setled on them in trust for the maintenance of their Govern∣ment, the safety of the kingdom, and ease of the people from publike Taxes, without common consent of their Parliaments, Lords, Subjects; and that if any alienations be made of them they may and ought to be resumed; as not only void in Law, but contrary both to the Oath, and duty of those Kings who alienated them.

1. This is most apparent, by the description of our Kings Office used at their Co∣ronations (the substance whereof still remaineth in the Oath yet taken) thus expressed in the Lawes of King Edward the Confessor, Lex 17. (a) Moreover, The* 1.192 King by his Right, and by his Office, ought to defend and conserve fully and wholly in all amplenesse, WITHOVT DIMINV∣TION, all the Lands, Honors, Dignities, Rights and Liber∣ties of the Crown of his kingdom: And further to reduce into their pristine state all such things as have been dispersed, wasted and lost which appertain to his kingdom. Therefore this Surrender and Charter of King John was expresly against his Office, Duty of a King, and he and his Succes∣sors might and ought in justice to recall it, as voyd, prejudicial, and dishonorable.

2ly. By the several Acts of Resumption in all ages of lands given or alienated from the Crown by our Kings. The first I shall mention, is that of King Henry the 2. thus related in a 1.193 Brompton, b 1.194 Nubrigensis, and others, Anno Dom: 1155. Quomodo Dominica Regis redintegrantur. Considerans autem Rex (Henricus secun∣dus) quod Regii redditus breves essent, qui avito tempore uberes fuerant, eo quod Regia Dominica per mollitiem Regis Stephani ad alios multos{que} dominos majori ex parte migrassent, praecepit ea cum omni integritate, à quibuscun{que} detentoribus resignari, et in jus pristinum revocari. Et hi quidem qui regus oppidis seu vicis hactenus incliti fuerant; Chartas quas a Rege Stephano vel extorserunt, vel obsequiis emerant, quibus tuti forent protulerunt: sed quoniam Chartae invasoris Juri legitimi Principis praejudicium facere mini∣me debuerunt, eisdem Instrumentis esse tuti minime potuerunt. So Neubrigensis; or as Brompton. Quidem verò in dies Chartas Regis Stephani protu∣lerant: Quibus à Rege responsum est, Quod Chartae Invasoris praejudicium legi∣timo Principi minune faccre debeant. (The * 1.195 case of K. Johns Charters in relation to his Successors.) Itaque primo indignati, deinde conterriti, et con∣tristati aegre quidem, sed tamen integre Usurpata, et diu tanquam solido jure detenta resignarunt. Cumque in cunctis Regni provin∣ciis, omnes usque ad unum (de quo post pauca dicetur,) voluntati Regiae paruissent, Rex transhumbranas Provincias adiit. Comitemque Albemarlensem Gulielmum, qui ibidem sub Stephano Rex verior fuerat, de re consimili, eodemque, & cateros pondere authoritatis convenit. Ille diu haesitans multumque aestuans, tandemcorde saurius, potestati succubuit, et quaecunque ex Regio dominio pluribus jam annis pos∣sederat, cum ingenti anxietate resignavit, maxime famosum illud, et nobile Castrum quod dicitur Scarcheburch, quod idem Comes in Eboracen∣si provincia super rupis planiciem & turrim Infantium augustius fabricavit. In eadem ergo Piovincia Rebus ad votum gestis, Rex ad superiora Angliae remeans, solum Hugo∣nem de Mortuo Mari virum fortem, & nobilem rebellem invenit, Castrum Regium de Brugenorth retinendo. Qui cum juberetur propriis esse contentus, & reddere quae de ju∣re regio possidebat pertinacissime renuit, & se ad resistendum modis quibus potuit, praepara∣vit. Rex vero Exercitu celeriter congregato, Brigiam obsedit, & post tempus modicum fortiter oppugnatum in deditionem recepit, & dicto Comiti, cujus cor paulo ante quasi cor Leonis fuerat, humiliato & supplici veniam largitus est. After which to compleat this resumption, Item repetiit a Rege Scotorum Northumbriam, Regi quoque Scotorum, qui boriales Angliae regiones, scilicet Northum∣briam, Cumberlandiam, et Westmerlandiam nomine dictae Impera∣tricis et Haeredis ejus olim ad David Regem Scotorum adquisitas tanquam jus proprium possidebat, mandare curavit, regem Angliae non debere tanta regni sui parte fraudari, justumque est reddi quod fuit suo nomine adquisitum. Ille vero Rex Scotiae Regem Angliae in hac parte prudenter praevalere, Considerans, praenominatos fines cum integritate restituit, repetenti et ab eo vicissim Comitatum Hun∣tingdoniae, prisco sibi Jure competentem recepit.

By his Example c 1.196 King Richard the First, selling and demising much of his Crown-lands to raise monies towards his Voyage to the Holy Land, upon his re∣turn thence Anno Dom. 1193. by perswasions and intreaties rather then force, resu∣med and got surrenders of them again, as void in Law, and prejudicial to the Crown. (c) Illi autem emptores mox Regio metu attoniti, nulla habita quaestione de sorte non per∣cepta omnia resignarunt. Dunolmensis etiam Episcopus qui Comitatum Northumbriae gravi summa comparatum per aliquot annos possideret, resignando, desinens esse Comes, in simplicem Episcopum rediit, ut prius. Nec in hac parte prae cae∣teris privilegium habuit. Anno Dom: 1224. All the d 1.197 Nobles and others of England, who had any of King Henry the 3d. his Castles and Lands, were enjoyned to surrender them up to him by the Pope and Bishops, under pain of Excommuni∣cation. Saluberrimo usi consilio venerunt apud Northamptonam ad Regem universi, & a Comite Cestrensi incipientes, reddiderunt singuli Castella & Municipia, honores & custodias Regi quae ad Coronam spectare videbantur. So in 1 R. 2. rot. Parl. n. 48. 10 R.

2. c. 1. 1 H 4. rot. Parl. nu. 100. 6 H. 4. rot. Parl. n. 14. 8 H. 4. rot. Parl. nu. 29. 52. 1 H. 5. rot. Parl. n. 9. 1 H. 5. c. 3. 26 H. 6. rot. Parl. n. 54. 29 H. 6. n. 17. 31 H. 6. c. 7. 35 H. 6. n. 47. 4 E. 4. rot. Parl. n. 39, 40. 7 E. 4. rot. Parl. n. 8. 8 E. 4. rot. Parl. n. 26. 13 E. 4. rot. Parl. n. 6. There are several resumptions and revocati∣ons made by Acts of Parliament, of the Grants of our Kings, of the Lands and Revenues of the Crown, to the publique prejudice, and restitution of them made to the Crown, for the better support thereof, and ease of the people in their publique Taxes; as being not valid nor obligatory to those Kings who made them, much lesse to their Successors; especially when made by those who (though Kings de facto) had no just Title to the Crown. There∣fore King Johns Charters upon this account might more justly be declared void, and repealed (if ever valid) then any others repealed by these Acts, which conveyed not the whole Kingdoms of England and Ireland, but only some parcels of the Crown Lands and Revenues, still held of our Kings by rents and services, as supreme Lords.

3ly. By this resolution of (f) Matthew Paris himself, and the Lawyers of Eng∣land,* 1.198 Anno Dom. 1251. in the case of King Henry the 3d. his secret mortgage of his Realm to the Pope, for monies borrowed of him in his Wars, and disbursed therein by the Pope; which they declared to be null, void, and blasted at least by Gods divine Judgement: Ipso quoque tempore Rex secus quam deceret aut ex∣pediret, se, suumque Regnum sub poena exhaeredationis, quod ta∣men facere nec potuit, nec debuit, Dom: Papae obligavit, ad solutio∣nem totius the sauri, quam in expeditione sui belli pro ipso Rege fo∣ret expositurus. Unde Papa nulla gerens super Anglia viscera pietatis, largè, imo prodigaliter, mutuo pecuniam ab Italicis Ʋsurariis (quos Mercatores vocant) accepit. Quam ipsomet Papa extorquente, & mulgente a Rege, Anglia ultimae servitutis pedisse∣qua, solvere cogeretur. Sed justo Dei judicio tota illa innumerabilis pecunia, rapta & prae∣data, penitus nullum vel Papae vel Regi commodum suscitavit. If this King could not morgage his kingdom to the Pope for monies lent, much lesse could King Iohn sur∣render his kingdoms of England and Ireland to the Pope and his Successors, and re∣sume them under an annual Rent, without any consideration.

4ly. The (1) Title of the Crown and kingdom of France being devolved by meer* 1.199 right upon King Edward the 3d: there grew some fears and jealousies in the Nobili∣ty and Commons of England, that they should be put in subjection to the Crown and Realm of France, against Law, and their antient privileges: to prevent which, the King and Parliament in the 14 of Edward the 3d. Statute 4. passed a special Act, printed in our Statutes at large, declaring, That the Realm of England never was, nor ought to be in subjection, nor in the obeysance of the Kings of France, nor of the Realm of France. And then Enacted, That the King of England or his Heirs, by colour of his or their Titles to* 1.200 the Crown, Seal, Arms and Title of the King of France, should not in any time to come put the Realm of England, or people of the same, of what estate or condition soever they be, in subjection or obei∣sance of him, nor his heirs or successors, AS KINGS OF FRANCE: nor be subject nor obedient, but shall be free and quit of all manner of subjection and obeysance, as they were wont to be, in the times of his Progenitors Kings of England FOR EUER. If the Kings of England themselves could not thus put the Realm, or all or any one of their English subjects in subjection and obeysance to the kingdom and Crown of France, as they were Kings of France, when rightfull Kings both of France and England, as this Act declares and resolves; much lesse then could King John, without their assent, subject both himself, his Crown, kingdoms of England and Ireland, and all his Successors to the Pope, under Homage and an Annual Tribute,* 1.201 he having not the least colour of Title or Right to either, and to whom they were not formerly subject, as the English were to King Edward before the Crown of France descended to him, being their lawfull King.

5ly. In the Parliament of 2 E 3. The excessive Dower of Queen Isabel, the Kings Mother, was by common consent of Parliament resumed into the Kings hands, as preju∣dicial to the King, kingdom, and not setled by Parliament, and she reduced to an annual pension of One thousand pounds by the year in lieu thereof; or 3000. Marks, as Henry

de Knyghton stories; No Joyntures of our Queens being irrevocable in Law, unlesse confirmed by Parliament, a 1.202 as most have been.

6ly. All the Commons of England in their Petition, with the King, Lords, Com∣mons, and whole Parliament of 16 R. 2. in c. 5. of Praemunire, declare and resolve, That the Crown and Kingdom of England hath been so free at all times, that it hath been in subjection to no Realm, or forreign pow∣er, but immediately subject to God, and to none other. Which by Popes Provisions and suites in the Court of Rome for Benefices and other particulars (restrained in this Act under the penalty of a Praemunire) should in all things touching the Regality thereof be submitted to the Bi∣shop of Rome, and the Lawes and Statutes of the Realm be by him defeated, and frustrated at his will, to the destruction of the King, his Soveraignty, Crown, Regality, and of all his Realm; in de∣fence whereof in all points, they would live and die, against the Popes usurpation theron, restrained, highly punished by this Law. If then the Resolu∣tion of this whole Parliament, King & kingdom be true, King Johns subjecting and re∣signation of his Crown, kingdoms to the Pope and his successors, and Homage to them as their Vassal and Feudary by this Charter, must needs be voyd, null, as being most destructive to his Soveraignty, Crown, Regality, and both Realms of England and Ireland; and the ground of all Papal Encroachments complained of in this Sta∣tute of King Richard.

7ly. It is often adjudged, resolved in our b 1.203 Law-Books, c 1.204 Histories, and the Statutes of 16 R. 2. c. 1. 4. 1 H 6. c. 5. 1 H. 6. rot. Parl. n. 18. 21 R. 2. c. 9. 7 H. 4. 6. 25 H 8. c. 22. 26 H. 8. c. 13. 35 H. 8. c. 1. 1 Mariae, c. 1. & Parl. 2. c. 1, 2. 1 Eliz: c. 13. 13 Eliz: c. 1. 1 Jac. c. 1.

That the Kings of England can neither by their Charters nor last Wills, alter, change, entayl the hereditary discent and suc∣cession of the Crown of England, or disinherit the heir thereof, without the ge∣neral consent of the whole Nation by special Acts of Parliament; nor yet demise, grant, sell, alien or pledge the antient Jewels, goods, lands, rents, revenues, ships, forts, or ammunition of the kingdom, without particular Acts of Parliament enabling them; That all the Lands purchased by our Kings to them and their heirs, either in Gavelkind, Burrough English, or other Tenure, shall not descend to the Kings younger sons; nor the Crown and Crown-lands (where there are two daughters) descend to, or be divided between both, as in cases of common persons; but all Lands and possessions whereof the King is seised in Ius Coronae, shall secundum jus Coronae, attend upon and follow the Crown (as all Wards, pre∣sentations, and debts to the Crown, in the deceased Kings life-time, do likewise follow, and not go to the Kings Executors) and shall all descend, come to him or her alone to whom the Crown descends, for the better support of the King, king∣dom, and ease of the people from unnecessary Aydes;

(As was resolved in the cases of d 1.205 Queen Mary, Queen I••ne, and Queen Elizabeth, against the Will of King Edward the sixth, setling the Crown on Queen Iane, contrary to the Common Law, and two Acts of Parliament, whereupon it was adjudged void, though ratifi∣ed under the Great Seal of England, and by the subscription of all the Privy Council, Nobles, and Judges, except Hales) Therefore, à fortiori, our Lawes must null these Alienations of King Iohn, and Pension to the Pope, as void and illegal to all intents, being never ratified by common consent in Parliament, but oft protested against therein as invalid, as the premises demonstrate.

8ly. It is declared, adjudged by e 1.206 several Acts of Parliament, and all our Law∣books, That Feofments or Obligations made by menaces, force and Duresse, are voyda∣ble, and not obligatory in point of Law. To instance in particulars of greatest publike concernment. In the Grand Parliamentary Council about the year of Christ 536. under our famous f 1.207 British King Arthur, wherein were sundry Kings, Princes, Dukes, Earls, Nobles, Archbishops and Bishops present; this King receiving a Let∣ter from the Roman Senate, and their Procurator Lucius Tiberius, exacting the pay∣ment of the annual Tribute due to the Roman Senate and State from the Britons, which the Roman Emperor Julius Caesar reserved and commanded them annually to pay to the Romans upon their conquest of them: The Letter being read before the King and this

Great Council, they all unanimously adjudged: That this Tribute was exacted ex¦irrationabili causa, because it was exacted by Julius Caesar, who, invited by the di∣visions of the old Britons, arived in Britain, and by force and violence subiected it to their power, shaken with domestick commotions. Now for that they obtained it in this manner by force, Uectigal ex ea injuste ceperunt; Nihil enim quod vi et violentia acquiritur, juste ab ullo possidetur, qui violentiam in∣tulit. Irrationabilem ergo causam praetendit, quamvis Iure sibi tri∣butarios arbitratur. Whereupon they all peremptorily resolved not to pay id quod iniu••tum est, being thus extorted by force. The very case of the Rent, Pen∣sion, annual Tribute and Surrender of King John, extorted from him both by force and fraud. 2dly. Upon this very ground, King a 1.208 Harold receiving a Message from William the Conquerour before he actually invaded England, That according to his co∣venant with, and Oath made to him whiles in Normandy; that the Realm of England should remain unto him after the death of Edward the Confessor, he would deliver him the possession thereof, to avoid effusion of Christian blood; returned this answer to him, That he made this Oath through force and fear of death, whiles under his power in Normandy: That a forced Oath is not to be kept; For if an Oath which a Vir∣gin had knowingly made concerning her body in her fathers house, without her parents as∣sent, was revocable and void: much more the Oath which he being under the Scepter of the King, had made without his knowledge, by compul∣sion, ought to be nulled and made voyd. Moreover he affirmed, Nimis praesumptuosum fuisse, quod absque generali consensu Regni haere∣ditatem vobis juraverat alienandam. That King Edward being then living, he could neither give away the kingdom in possession or reversion to him or any other, with∣out the Kings consent, ET SINE POPƲLICONSENSV, SENATƲS DECRE∣TO super Regnum Angliae mulierem extraneam inconsultis Princi∣pibus me non debere, nec sine grandi injuria posse adducere, novit. That however he and Edward had tampered for the Kingdom, yet Edward himself com∣ing in by Election, not by any title of Inheritance, His promise (that he should enjoy it after him) was of no validity; for how could he give that, wherein he was not interessed? All which Allegations militate most strongly against the validity of King Johns Charter, Pension, and Oath of Homage to the Pope, gotten by meer force, from one who had no right to grant, or alienate his kingdoms, or prejudice his Successors. 3ly. The * Barons having by force of arms extorted the Confirmati∣on* 1.209 of the Great Charter from King John, Pope Innocent the 3d. himself upon King Johns complaint unto him against this force, repealed and nulled the Great Charter of their Liberties by his Bull, upon the account of force and fraud, Videns se omni con∣silio & auxilio destitutum, quicquid illi ausi sunt petere, non est ausus ipse n••gare. Unde compulsus est per vim et metum, qui cadere poterat in virum etiam* 1.210 constantissimum, compositionem inire cum ipsis, non solum vilem et turpem, verum etiam illicitam et iniquam; in nimiam derogationem ac diminutionem sui juris pariter et honoris, &c. Nos tantae malig∣nitatis audaciam dissimulare nolentes in Apostolicae sedis contemp∣tum, Regalis juris dispendium, Anglicanae gentis opprobrium, &c. nisi per authoritatem nostram revocarentur omnia, quae a tanto Prin∣cipe Cruce signato taliter sunt extorta; et ipso volente ea servare, ex parte Dei omnipotentis Patris et Filii et Spiritus sancti, au∣thoritate quoque Apostolorum ejus Petri et Pauli ac nostra, de com∣muni fratrum nostrorum consilio, compositionem hujusmodi reprobamus penitus et damnamus, sub intimatione Anathematis; prohibentes ne dictus Rex eas observari praesumat, aut Barones cum complicibus suis ipsam exigant observari; tam cartam quam obligationes, & cautiones quaecun{que} pro ipso vel de ipsa sunt factae, irritantes penitus et cassan∣tes, ut nullo unquam tempore aliquam habeant firmitatem. Therefore from this Popes own resolution against the Great Charter, within two years after King Johns most detestable Charter to himself of his kingdoms surrender, homage, and

annual pension, made with greater evidences of external and internal force, fear▪ (be∣sides apparent fraud) more injurious to the Kings Crown, opprobrious to the English Nation, then his Grand Charter to the Barons thus nulled, repealed, as never to be observed by the King or Barons, must much more then be void, and the observation thereof to be never exacted by the Pope or his complices. Vpon this Ac∣count the * 1.211 Great Charter was afterwards reconfirmed by New Oathes, and several Parliaments, without any force or fear upon our Kings, to take away all disputes concerning its validity. 4ly. Iudgements, Acts of Parliament themselves when ob∣tained by force, fear, fraud, circumvention, derogatory to the Kings Prerogative, and Rights of the Crown, have been totally repealed, nulled, and declared void by subsequent Parliaments for these very reasons; wiinesse the Parliament of 15 E. 3. reversed by 15 E. 3. Stat. 2. in the print, but in truth by 17 E. 3. rot. parl. nu. 3. the Parliament of 10 R. 2. reversed by 11 R. 2. c. 3. & rot. Parl. nu. 70. 113. & 21 R. 2. repealed by 1 H. 4. c. 3. the Parliaments of 38 & 39 H. 6. & 17 E. 4. c. 7. 1 Rich. 3. reversed by 1 H. 7. c. 1. Therefore much more ought King Johns forced Charters to be null and voyd upon this account, by the Fundamental Lawes of England, wherewith the Civil Law accords, it being a principle in that Law ratified by a perpetual Edict, a 1.212 Interpositas metu transactiones ratas non haberi. And the Emperors Honorius and Theodosius in their Code of Lawes, command, That those Sales, Donations and Transactions shall be void, quae per potentiam extor∣tae sunt, which are extorted by power, as King Iohns Charter was.

5. Pope Pascalis the 2. being in the Army of the Emperor Henry the 5th. almost in* 1.213 nature of a prisoner, about Investitures per Annulum & Baculum, of which he en∣deavoured to deprive the Emperor, after many contestations about them, did resign up the right of Investitures to the Emperor when he crowned and anointed him, Dato sibi in praesenti per manum Apostolico sub ttstimonio astantis Ecclesiae, privilegio investi∣turae Ecclesiasticae, juxta quod utriusque praedecessoribus placuerat, & permanere consue∣verat, cuius invulsibilem stabilitatem Dominus Papa mox sub Anathema∣te confirmavit: Whereupon they all sang Gloria in excelsis, &c. supposing all schismes and scandals utterly abolished thereby out of Christs kingdom. After which the Pope with all his Bishops, Cardinals, Clerks, as well great as small, pros∣pera Imperatori imprecantibus, & nimio amoris vinculo eum aliquandiu deducentibus per Longobardiam ad Alpes, inde ad terras Germanicas foeliciter est reversus. The very next year this Pope calling a Council of Bishops to Lateran, Gerhard Bishop of En∣golesm read the Popes Writing made to the Emperor before all the Council; Privilegi∣um illud, quod non est Privilegium, sed verè dici debet PRAVILEGIUM pro liberato∣rum captivorum Ecclesiae, à Domino Paschali Papa, per violentiam Regis Hen∣rici extortum. And upon this pretext, that it was extorted by force, they all pas∣sed this sentence upon it; Omnes hoc in sancto Concilio congregati canonica censura, et autoritate Ecclesiastica iudicio sancti Spiritus denunciavimus, et irritum esse iudicamus, et omnino ne quid autoritatis et efficacitatis habeat penitus excommunicamus: et clamabant omnes Amen, Amen. 6ly. After him, * 1.214 Pope Boniface the 8. Ann. 1301. in his Bull to K. Edw. the 1. (relating some things done by the Kings of Scotland, which seemed prejudicial to their Rights, whereof the King of England took advantage to prove his Soveraign Dominion over Scotland) resolved; Et licet contra morem solitum aliqua fuerint hactenus in prejudicium▪ ea ta∣men utpote per vim et metum, quae cadere poterunt in constantem, illicita, nequaquam debent de Iure subsistere, aut in eiusdem Regni praeiudicium re∣dundare. If then Pope Paschal the 2. and the whole Lateran Council adjudged his Charter or Bull of Priviledge, surrendring up to the Emperor only his antient, just right of Investitures, to be null, void, and of no efficacy at all, because extorted from the Pope by violence of the Emperor, notwithstanding his confirmation of the irrepeleable efficacy thereof with an Anathema, his, and all his Bishops, Cardinals, and Clergyes approbations thereof, prayers for the Emperor, and great expressions of love and loyalty to him when and immediately after it was made, but the very year before. And if by Pope Boniface his resolution, things done through force or fear ought not to stand in Law, or be prejudicial to the Realm of Scotland, All Popes and their Advocates, unlesse strangely intoxicated or blinded with partiality, must now at last acknowledge, that King Johns Charter extorted from him, with greater force, violence, fear, then that from Pope Pascalis, detestable to all the world,

dishonourable to the King, destructive to the Crown and its Regalities, prejudicial to the whole Kingdom, and so frequently condemned, abominated in all ages; and the Annual Pension, Oblation granted in it, was originally null, void, unobligatory in it self both to King John, his Successors and Kingdoms, for all the premised reasons and Authorities.

I have thus largely insisted on the proof of this Charters nullity for 2. reasons. 1. Because Popes and their Parasites have so much vaunted of, and insisted on it in for∣mer and late times, as intitling the Pope to the supreme Dominion and Soveraign∣ty of England and Ireland, and the Annual Pension of one Thousand Marks, as the grandest evidence of our Kings and Kingdoms vassalage to the Church of Rome. 2ly. Because it was the principal ground, occasion, introduction to all subsequent in∣tollerable Usurpations, Enchroachments, Exactions of Popes upon our Kings, King∣doms, Churches, Rights, Priviledges, Properties; the subverting, nulling whereof, will null and invalid all other Usurpations founded on, or springing from it. Which considerations may justly excuse my prolixity in discussing its invalidity, and di∣pressing somewhat therein from my Chronological order.

I now return to my Historical method, from the time of this Charters sealing.

The Pope and his Legate Nicholas having by this Charter in a manner dethroned* 1.215 King John of his Regal Dignity, Authority, and made themselves more then Kings, Lords both of England and Ireland in their own apprehensions, began forthwith to play REX, to shew themselves professed Tyrants, usurping the soveraign Authority both in Church and State, presenting to all Bishopricks, Abbies, Spiritual Promotions, and Benefices then void, without the Patrons con∣sent, by way of Provision and Collation, (which they oft attempted, but never could effect till now) to the prejudice of the Crown, and inthralling of the Church of Eng∣land, not vouchsafing to consult either with the King himself, the Archbishop or Bishops concerning their disposal: Thus storied by Matthew Paris.

EOdem tempore Innocentius Papa, Nicholao Apostolicae sedis Legato, Literas sub* 1.216 hac forma direxit. Cum non possit Ecclesiis Domini melius provideri, quam si eis Pastores pr••ficiantur idonei, qui non tam praeess••••••piant quam prodesse; fraternitati tuae, de qua plenam fiduciam obtinemus, per Apostolica scripta mandamus: quatenus Epis∣copatus et Abbatias Angliae nunc vacantes, facias cum tuo consilio de personis idoneis per electionem vel postulationem Canonicam or∣dinari; qui non solum vita, sed et scientia sint praeclari, verum * 1.217 etiam Regi fideles et Regno utiles, nec non ad auxilium et concilium efficaces, assensu Regio requisito. (Now inserted only to court the King out of his right, rather then to preserve it, as the sequel proved.) Cum ergo vacantium Ecclesiarum Capitulis, nostris Literis de∣mus in mandatis, ut tuo consilio adquiescant; tu Dominum habens prae oculis, consulas super his viros providos et honestos, qui ple∣ne norint merita personarum; ne te cujusquam astutia circumveni∣re contingat. Si qui vero contradictores fuerint vel rebelles, tu eos per Censuram Ecclesiasticam, appellatione remota, compellas. Datum Laterani Calendis Novembris, Pontificatus nostri Anno Decimo Sexto▪ Legatus vero cum hujusmodi authenticum à Domino Papa accepisset▪ factus de Rege Tyrannus, spreto Archiepiscopi et Episcoporum Regni consilio, ••um Clericis Regis et Ministris ad vacantes accedens Ecclesi∣as, ordinationes earum, secundum antiquum Angliae abusum, de personis minus idoneis celebrare praesumpsit. Nonnullos vero di∣versi ordinis, pro gravamine manifesto ad audientiam summi Ponti∣ficis appellantes, sed suspensos ad Curiam Romanam destinavit. Quibus adeo se inhumanum exhibuit, quod de rebus propriis, nec quidem denarium unum ad expensas itineris portare permisit. Pa∣rochiales insuper Ecclesias in locis diversis vacantes, Clericis suis distribuit, Patronorum consensu minine requisito. Vnde multo∣rum

indignationem, et multorum maledictionem pro benedictione promeruit: dum justiciam in injuriam, judicium in praejudicium commutavit.

This was the very original of Popes Provisions, and disposals of Bishopricks, Ab∣bies, with all sorts of spiritual Promotions and Benefices in England, (* 1.218 formerly at∣tempted▪ resisted, but not obtained till now) no Pope presuming to conferre any Bishoprick, Benefice, or Prebendary, in * 1.219 France or England, Usque ad tempora Domi∣ni Innocentii ••. qui primus assumpsit sibi jus istud in tempore suo; as the French Agent remonstrated to Pope Innocent the 4th. These Provisions after this Legate had thus once introduced with an high Tyrannical power, by pretext of Pope Innocents Bull▪ soon over-flowed the whole Church of England (and France too) like a general de∣luge, for many succeeding ages, notwithstanding all oppositions and bootlesse com∣plaints against them. Which the Archbishop & Bishops fore-seeing, (though the chief instruments to dethrone their lawfull indulgent King, and set up these Romish Ty∣rants in his Throne) to obviate this intollerable Papal innovation, and crush this Cro∣codile in the shell, perceiving withall the Legate more ready to gratifie the King and his Clerks in the disposal of Bishopricks & Ecclesiastical preferments, then themselves or their Confederates, meeting together at Dunstaple, drew up an Appeal against his proceedings, which he slighting, and sending to Rome by Pandulphus, together with K. Johns Charter, so highly magnified the King, and made such complaints to the Pope against the Archbishop and Bishops, as frustrated their Appeal; witness this relation.

DEinde post octavas Epiphaniae convenerunt apud Dunestapliam Stephanus Can∣tuariensis* 1.220 Archiepiscopus, cum suis Suffraganeis, ut de negotiis Ecclesiae An∣glicanae tractarent ibidem. Molestè enim supra modum ferebant, quod Legatus supra∣dictus, ut praediximus, illis inconsultis, Regiis favens voluntatibus, in Ecclesiis vacanti∣bus Praelatos minus sufficientes posuerat, intrusione magis quam electione Canonica. Tan∣dem cum hinc inde varia sorte tractassent, Archiepiscopus Cantuariensis duos Clericos, apud Burtonam super flumen Trente, ubi tunc Legatus erat, misit, qui eidem ex parte Domini Cantuariensis interposita appellatione prohibuerunt, ne contra dignitatem suam, ad quam ordinatio Ecclesiarum suae Di∣ocaesis de jure spectabat, Praelatos in Ecclesiis vacantibus instituere praesumeret. Legatus autem appellationi factae non deferens, misit assensu Regio Pand••lphum jam saepe dictum, ad Curiam Romanam, ut Archiepiscopi et Episco∣porum propositum irritaret. Quo cum pervenisset, famam Archiepiscopi Can∣tuariensis in conspectu summi Pontificis non mediocriter denigravit: Regem{que} Anglorum tantis ibidem extulit laudum praeconiis; asserens se Regem tam humilem tamque modestum eatenus non vidisse, ut in oculis Domini Papae idem Rex grati∣am admirabilem obtineret. Restitit autem Pandulpho ibidem Magister Simon de* 1.221 Langetuna, frater Archiepiscopi Cantuariensis. Sed quoniam Charta Regis auro Bullata, Domino Papae de subjectione et Tributo Regni Angliae et Hyberniae a praedicto Pandulpho nuper delata fuerat, Magister Simon in suis contradictionibus non potuit exaudiri. Asserebat praeterea Pandulphus memoratus, in praesentia Domini Papae, Archiepis∣copum et Episcopos in exactione, et ablatorum restitutione tempore Interdicti, nimis esse rigidos et avaros, quodque ipsum Regem et Regni Libertates plus aequo deprimebant. Et sic propositum Ar∣chiepiscopi & Episcoporum ad tempus accepit dilationem. A just reward for their for∣mer complyances with the Pope, against their most humble and modest King, thus highly applauded by Pandulphus, though most untruly aspersed by the Bishops and our Monkish Historians.

Upon Pandulphus his information of the extraordinary covetou••nesse and unrea∣sonablenesse of the Bishops, touching the Kings satisfaction of all their particular damages, beyond the rates of Justice or Conscience, before the Interdict released; and at the earnest sollicitation of the Kings Ambassadors and Procurators, sent to the Pope to reduce the Bishops damages to certainty; and the Kings caution both

by his Oath and Patent to pay them, that so the Interdict might be released: The Pope upon hearing all parties, made this agreement between them▪ which he sent to his Legate, with orders to release the Interdict, the more to ingratiate himself with the King, Nobles, and Commons of the Realm, now become his Vassals.

Clirca dies istos Papa Innocentius, Nicholao Thusculanensi Episcopo, pro relaxatio∣ne* 1.222 Interdicti, scripsit in haec verba.

INNOCENTIUS Episcopus, &c. Venerabilis frater noster Johannes Nor∣wicensis* 1.223 Episcopus, & dilectus filius noster Robertus de Marisco, Archidiaconus Northanhumbriae, & Nobiles viri Thomas de Hundint••na, & Adam Nuncii, Cha∣rissimi in Christo filii nostri Johannis Regis Angliae Illustris, ex una parte, necnon Magister Stephanus de Langetuna, A. & G. Clerici, Nuncii Venerabilis fratris nostri Stephani Cantuariensis Archiepiscopi, ex altera parte, nuper in praesentia nostra con∣stituti, asseruere concorditer & constanter, quod pro vitando grandium rerum dispendio, et gravi periculo animarum, expediebat quam plurimum, tam Regno, quam Sacerdotio, ut sine dilatione relaxetur senten∣tia Interdicti. Vnde nos pro affectu paterno, sollicite in Anglia in∣tendentes ad salutem et utilitatem communem, super his quae pacis sunt, tunc inde cum illis tractavimus diligenter, et tandem ipsis adquiescentibus, formam invenimus et statuimus infra scriptam: Sane praefatus Rex tantam pecuniam * 1.224 Archiepiscopo Cantuarien∣si, Londinensi et Eliensi Episcopis, vel aliis quos ad hoc assignare voluerint, faciat assignari: computatis his quae idem Rex noscitur persolvisse, quod summa Quadraginta Millia Marcarum implerit. Quibus * 1.225 solitis, & cautione praestita inferius annotata, protinus sublato cujuslibet conditionis et appellationis obstaculo, relaxes sententiam Inter∣dicti. Ac deinde singulis Annis, duodecim Millia Marcarum, in duobus terminis, in Commemoratione videlicet omnium Sanctorum, sex Millia Marcarum, & totidem in Festo Dominicae Ascensionis, apud Ecclesiam Sancti Pauli Londinensis eisdem faciat exhiberi, donec tota summa fuerit persoluta: * 1.226 Quae nobis Taxarint per Inquisitionem & mandato nostro perinde faciendam: Et ad hoc fideliter exequendum obligavit se * 1.227 ipsum, ipse Rex per proprium juramentum, et per Literas Paten∣tes, suo sigillo * 1.228 communitas, necnon pex fide jussionem Wintonien∣sis et Norwicensis Episc. * 1.229 Cestriensis, et Wintoniensis Episc. et Willielmi Mareschalli, Comitum, ita quod tam Haeredes ipsius Regis, quam successores eorum tenebuntur astricti. Quocirca nostra per Apostolica tibi scripta praecipiend•• mandamus, quatenus secundum formam praescrip∣tam procedere non postponas, nisi de mera & libera voluntate partes aliter duxerint compo∣nendum. Datum Laterani.

The Charter Roll thus differs from Matthew Paris: Cestriae & Wintoniae Comitum, & W. Briwere, & W. Marr. Com. de Pembrock, si in Anglia fuerit, & Com. de Ferrariis, vel de Arundell. Et si absens fuerit dictus Marr. ita quod tam Haeredes ipsius Regis, quam successores eorum pari obligatione tenebuntur astricti. Quo∣circa mandamus quatenus secundum praescriptam formam procedere non postponas, nisi forte in aliam formam partes convenerint de mera & libera voluntate. Et si quid fuerit attemptatum circa personam dicti Regis occasione Juramenti praestiti Archi∣episcopo ab eodem Rege in Pasch. praeter formam mandati nostri, acceptata forma ista denuncies illud penitus non valere.

The King receiving from his Agents the Popes Letters and Agreement touching the release of the Interdict, whiles he was demolishing the Castle of Melesin in France, which he had newly taken, dispatched Letters to William Earl Marshall, all the Barons, Knights, and Subjects of England in general, and to several Corporati∣ons in special, to inform them thereof, and to give their uttermost assistance for the

speedy discharge of the Interdict, which had so long continued on the whole Realm, which I shall here insert out of the Records, being not extant in our Historians.

REX dilecto & fideli suo W. Comiti Maresc. salutem. Sciatis quod sani Dei* 1.230 gratia & incolumes apud Rupellam, applicuimus die Sabbati proxima, &c. Dum adhuc moram fecissemus circa Castrum illud funditus prosternendum, venit ad nos a Curia Romana Willielmus de Sancto Andreno, afferens nobis Literas Domini Papae de forma Interdicti relaxandi in Anglia, quas Venerabili Patri nostro Domino P. Wintoni∣ensi Episcopo destinavimus, unde vobis mandamus rogantes, quatenus ad negotium illud exequendum ad honorem Dei & nostrum & vestrum, consilium & auxilium efficax im∣pendatis, & faciatis super negotio isto quod Dominus Wintoniensis Episcopus, Justiciari∣us noster vobis dicet, ad fidem et commodum nostrum, ut honorem inde habea∣mus et Regni nostri status in melius commutetur, unde merito vobis ad perpe∣tuas teneamur gratiarum actiones. Teste meipso apud Rupellam, Octavo die Martii.

Eodem modo scribitur omnibus Comitibus, Baronibus, & Magnatibus Angliae. Data eadem.

REX Baronibus, Militibus, & omnibus fidelibus suis totius Angliae, salutem.* 1.231 Sciatis quod die Martis proxima ante mediam quadragesimam suscepimus Literas Domini Papae in partibus Pictaviae de forma relaxationis Interdicti Angliae, quas desti∣navimus Venerabili Patri Domino P. Wintoniensi Episcopo, Justiciario nostro: Et vos rogamus attentius tanquam dilectos & fideles nostros, de quorum dilectione & fidelitate plene confidimus, quatenus secundum quod idem Episcopus vobis dicet, consilium et auxilium vestrum ad honorem nostrum et vestrum, et statum Regni nostri in melius commutandum efficaciter super hoc apponatis, ut vobis inde ad uberes teneamur gratiarum actiones, & ut dilectio quam hactenus erga nos habuistis in hoc merito debeat commendari. Ʋnicuique vestrum si fieri posset Literas nostras super hoc transmissemus, sed ut negotium istud quod & nobis & vobis ad commo∣dum cedet & honorem, cum majori expediretur festinatione, has Literas nostras Patentes vobis omnibus decrevimus destinare. Teste meipso apud Rupellam, Sexto die Martii, Anno Regni nostri Decimo Quinto.

REX probis hominibus suis Cantuariae salutem. Sciatis nos & fideles nostros* 1.232 quos nobiscum adduximus, in Pictavia sanos esse & incolumes, &c. Recepi∣mus & ibi suscepimus per manum fratris Willielmi de Sancto Andreno, Liter as Domi∣ni Papae de forma relaxationis Interdicti in Anglia, quas destinavimus Venerabili Patri nostro Domino P. Wintoniensi Episcopo, Justiciario nostro. Et vos rogamus attentius quatenus secundum quod idem Episcopus vobis scire faciet ad Interdictum illud relaxan∣dum, in praestito nobis subsidium efficaciter impendatis, ita quod dilectionem vestram me∣rito commendare debeamus; scituri quod praestitum quod nobis ad hoc feceritis plenè vobis reddi faciemus cum gratiarum actione. Et in hujus rei, &c. Vobis mittimus.

Eodem modo scribitur Majori & Baron. London. Majori & probis hominibus Wintoniae, probis hominibus Northamptonae, Linc. Eborac. Oxon. Glouc. Hereford. Exon. Wigorniae, Cantabridgiae, Hunting. Bristoll. Norwic. Data eadem.

Eodem etiam modo scribitur Burgis & Dominicis Domini Regis. Teste eodem.

By vertue of these Writs and Commissions the Legate and Nobles proceeded in this businesse during the Kings absence, and brought it to effect, which Matthew Paris thus relates.

TEmpore vero, quo Nicolaus Tusculanensis Episcopus & Apostilicae sedis Lega∣tus,* 1.233 per nuncios memoratos Domini Papae, authenticum acceperat, Rex Anglorum eratin partibus transmarinis. Sed quoniam idem Rex in recessu suo ab Angliae Legato jam dicto, & Willielmo Maraschallo, vices suas in hoc negotio com∣misserat, idem Legatus, in Urbe Londinensi Apud sanctum Paulum grande congre∣gavit Concilium: Ubi congregatis Archiepiscopis, Episcopis, Abbatibus, Prioribus, Comitibus, Baronibus, & aliis ad hoc negotium Interdicti spectantibus, proposuit

coram omnibus formam restitutionis super ablatis, & damnis a domino Papa par∣tibus consentientibus Romae provisum, praecipiens constanter, ut certificaretur de quantitate solutae pecuniae Episcopis & aliis quibuslibet, a Ministris Regis causa In∣terdicti, quatenus per pecuniam solutam sciret quantum unicuique ad solvendum restaret. Probatum est igitur ibidem certa computatione, Archiepiscopum & Mo∣nachos Cantuarienses, simul cum Londinensi, Elyensi, Herefordensi, Bathoniensi, Lincolniensi, antequam ab exilio in Angliam redirent, per manum Pandulphi Duo∣decim Millia Marcarum Legalium Esterlingorum accepisse. Post adventum quoque eorum in Concilio Septimo Idus Decembris apud Radingum celebrato, quinde∣cim Millia Marcarum, iidem Episcopi cum Monachis supradictis, inter se dividen∣da perceperunt, ita quod tota Summa simul conjuncta Viginti septem millium mar∣carum, quae ad supplementum Quadraginta Millium Marcarum praedictorum sol∣ven da restant sub fide jussione Wintoniensis & Norwicensis Episcoporum remanse∣runt, Additis Literis Regis Patentibus, ad majorem securitatem, juxta quod in Li∣teris Domini Papae continebatur expressum.

HIS ita gestis Nicholaus Thusculanensis Episcopus, & Apostolicae sedis Lega∣tus,* 1.234 in die Apostolorum beati Petri & Pauli in Ecclesia Cathedrali relaxa∣vit sententiam solenniter Interdicti, postquam duraverat annis sex, mensibus tribus, et diebus quatuordecim, ad Irrestaurabile dam∣num Ecclesiae, tam in temporalibus quam in spiritualibus. Qua relaxatione facta gaudium per totam terram pulsando, et hymno Te Deum Laudamus cantando, exortum est. And were not the Pope and English Bishops most Atheistically Impious, who continued this Interdict on the whole Church and Realm, so many years, months, days together, to Gods disservice, Religions scandal, the prejudice of the peoples souls, and irreparable damage of the Church both in spirituals and temporals, out of meer ambition, pride, avarice, Rebellion, obstinacy and usurpation? The King (as a reward for this service, as I conjecture) bestowed the custody of the rich Abby of St. Edmonds upon this Legat, by these his Letters Patents.

REX omnibus Vicicomitebus, ballivis, & fidelibus suis, &c. Mandamus vobis* 1.235 quod manuteneatis, protegatis & defendatis Abbatiam Sancti Edmundi, & homines, terras, res, & omnes possessiones ejus, nec eam vel bona ipsius in aliquo molestare praesumatis, quamdiu fuerit in manu venerabilis patris nostri Domini N. Thusculanensis Episcopi, Apostolicae sedis Legati, cui eandem Abbaciam commisimus custodiendam quamdiu nobis placuerit, retentis nobis excaetis & donationibus Ecclesiarum vacantium. Et in hujus rei testimonium vobis fieri fecimus. Teste me ipso apud Clarendon. Vicesimo Quinto die Januarii Anno regni nostri Decimo Quinto.

He likewise at this Legates petition, granted his safe conduct into, and in Eng∣land to one of his Agents, so as she gave security to the King, that no mischief should happen to the King or his Realm, by her or by any other persons she should bring along with her.

REX dilectae sibi Martil▪ de Curtenay, &c. Sciatis quod ad petitionem Domini* 1.236 N. Thusculanensis Episcopi Apostolicae sedis Legati, licentiam vobis dedimus & salvum conductum nostrum in veniendo ad nos in Angliam, & in morando, & in rediendo. Ita quod securitatem nobis faciatis quod per vos aut per alios quos vobiscum addureritis nullum malum nobis vel regno nostro eveniet. Et in hujus rei Testimonium, &c. Teste meipso apud Oxon. Decimo Quinto die Novembris Anno regni nostri Decimo Quinto.

King John having satisfyed and secured the dammages of the exiled Bishops and Monks before the Interdict released, according to his agreement, other Abbats, Priors, Clergymen and Laymen repaired to the Legate, craving full satisfaction too for their dammages sustained, by the Kings proceedings during the Interdict, though never insisted on before.

RElaxato itaque (ut dictum est) Interdicto venerunt ad Legatum Abbates, Pri∣ores,* 1.237 Templarii, Hospitillarii, Abbatissae, Moniales, Clerici & Laici, scili∣cet innumera multitudo petentes de damnis & injuriis Interdicti tempore sibi illatis, fieri restitutionem. Asserebant enim quod licet ab Anglia non exierint, remanserant tamen in continua Regis & ministrorum ejus persequutione corporum suorum, & rerum non indemni fatigatione: Legatus vero universae multitudini conquerenti ita re∣spondit, quod videlicet de damnis eorum & injuriis in literis Domini Papae nulla mentio facta fuerat. Unde nec debuit, nec de jure potuit mandati Apostolici fines praeterire. Sed tamen consilium dedit, ut de injuriis & damnis coram Domino Papa querelam deponerent & peterent sibi Justitiae plenitudinem exhiberi. His igitur auditis Universitas illa conquerentium Praelatorum sine spe melioris proventus ad propria sunt reversi.

The King in pursuance of his Agreement issued these two writs on behalf of the Archbishop of Canterbury, and Bishop of Lincoln, to restore them to the possessi∣on of their Temporaltes in the Cinqueports and other places.

REX Custodibus Portuum ••••••••••ae Mandamus vobis quod habere faciatis Vene∣rabili* 1.238 Patri nostro S 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Archiepiscopo talem seisinam Custodiae Por∣tuum de Sandwych, & de H••th, & de Rumenel, qualem Praedecessor ejus quondam Cantuariensis Archiepiscopus ••nde habuit die quo obiit. Teste meipso apud Novum Templum London, ••••r••io die Octobris.

REX Vicecomiti Nottingham, &c. Praecipimus tibi quod diligenter inquiri fa∣cias* 1.239 si aliqui in feod. Venerabilis Patris nostri, H. Lincolniensis Episcopi, vel in feodo Ecclesiae suae absque assensu et voluntate ipsius vel ex empto, vel ex vadio, vel alio modo se miserint. Et siquos tales inveneritis, illos a feodo illo amoveas, & praedicto Episcopo feodum ill••d in bona pace habere facias. Volumus etiam quod si qua certa tenementa vel feoda sua post inchoatam discordiam ad detrimentum ipsius Episcopi vel suorum immu∣tata inveneneritis, ei sine dilatione emendari fac. Teste meipso apud Porcest. Decimo Septimo die Julii Anno Decimo Quinto.

You have heard how this Archbishop and his Suffragans were restored to their Bishopricks, and all damages sustained out of the Kings Coffers, and otherwise re∣warded for their unparallel'd Treasons and Rebellions against King John. Yet on the contrary, all the Bishops and Clergy men who faithfully adhered to, complied or communicated with him, or any other excommunicated person, or received any Benefices from them during the Interdict and Excommunication, were by these Tray∣terous Prelates (made their Judges) and Popes censures, ordered to be suspended from all their Ecclesiastical Offices, Benefices, Preferments, and ordered to appear personally at Rome, before the Pope to be examined, ere their suspensions released, except only such as had given satisfaction to the Church for this offence, as this Re∣cord attests, mitigating this rigour in some part only.

N. Tusculanensi Episcopo, Apostolicae sedis Legato. Olim (prout bene memi∣nimus)* 1.240 Venerabilibus fratribus S. Cantuariensi Archiepiscopo, Sanctae Roma∣nae Ecclesiae Cardinali, W. London. E. Elyensi, E. Herefordensi, & H. Lincolniensi E∣piscopis, nostris dedimus Literis in mandatis, ut viros Eeclesiasticos qui Cha∣rissimo in Christo filio I. Regi Angliae Illustri, tunc excommunica∣tionis vinculo innodato, Ministerium, consilium vel auxilium praesti∣terunt, in hiis quae sunt contra Justitiam et libertatem Ecclesiasti∣cam attemptata: Illos quoque qui ab eodem Rege post excommu∣nicationem, vel ab aliis excommunicatis scienter per collationem vel praesentationem Ecclesiastica beneficia sunt adepti, et similiter eos qui ob causas excommunicati praedictas, excommunicationis suae tempore beneficia contulere, similiter Clericos et viros Religiosos qui publice communicaverunt praefato Regi, et aliis exc••ommunica∣tis Authoritate Apostolica nominatim in Casibus non concessis, ab

officiis et beneficiis Ecclesiasticis suspenderent, donec se Apostolicae conspectui praesentarent, cum suarum testimonio literarum plenam et meram continentium veritatem. Illis duntaxat exceptis qui per satisfactionem condignam ad mandatum Ecclesiae redierunt. (This was the first sentence denounced against them, which because it now seemed too severe and burdensome, was thus qualified.) Quia vero divina gratia inspirante idem Rex ad mandatum Ecclesiae rediit, propter quod ejus meruit gratiam & favo∣rem, et nimis onerosum esset ac durum ut tanta Clericorum multi∣tudo, praesertim cum quidam illorum minus, quidam vero gravius in praemissis deliquisse noscantur, ad nostram praesentiam elaboret. Man∣damus quatenus cum eis quos minus excessisse constiterit, mi∣sericorditer agas, prout pensatis undique circumstantiis videris expedire.

How mercifully these Ecclesiastical persons were dealt with for their Loyalty to the King, is evident by the * 1.241 fore-mentioned proceedings against the White Monks, but especially against Alexander Cementarius, (enforced to beg his bread) who had many other fellow sufferers in a very high degree, instead of being advanced, re∣warded, or at least indempnified, for their fidelity to their Soveraign.

* 1.242 Illis diebus, per praedictum Legatum depositus est Radulphus de Arundel, Abbas Westmonasteriensis in crastino Sancti Vincentii per N. Abbatem de Wastham, missum ex parte Legati; fracto ipsius sigillo in capitulo. Cujus loco substitutus est Williel∣mum de Humes; Prior Frontoniae Monachus Cadonensis; by this Legates usurped power, who plaid the part of a Pope as well as King in England.

The turbulent, trayterous Archbishop after the Interdict released, out of malice and discontent, stirred up the Barons to a new insurrection against the King about their Liberties, the ground-work whereof he had laid the year before; in pursuance of which, * 1.243 Convenerunt ad colloquium apud Sanctum Edmundum Comites & Barones Angliae, quasi orationis gratia, licet in causa aliud fuisset. Nam cum diu & secretius tractare coepissent, producta est in medium Charta quaedam Henrici Regis primi, quam iidem Barones à Stephano Archiepiscopo (ut praedictum est) in Urbe Londoniarum acceperant. Continebat autem ••harta quasdam Libertates, & Leges Regis Edwardi Sancti, Ecclesiae Anglicanae pariter & Magnatibus Regni concessas, ex∣ceptis quibusdam Libertatibus quas idem Rex de suo adjecit. Itaque convenerunt Ʋni∣versi ad Ecclesiam Sancti Edmundi, & incipientibus Majoribus, juraverunt super majus altare, quod si Rex Leges et Libertates jam dictas concedere diffu∣geret, ipsi ei guerram tam diu moverent et ab ejus fidelitate se sub∣traherent, donec eis per Chartam sigillo suo munitam confirmaret omnia quae petebant. Atque in hoc tandem, communiter consense∣runt, ut post natale Domini simul omnes ad Regem venientes, Li∣bertates praescriptas sibi peterent confirmari. Atque interim in equis sibi et Armis taliter providerent quod si forte Rex a proprio vellet juramento, quod bene credebant, resilire propter suam dupli∣citatem, ipsi protinus per captionem Castrorum suorum, eum ad satisfactionem compellerent. Et his ita gestis unusquisque ad propria remeavit.

* 1.244 After the Nativity, Anno 1215. they all coming to the King, demanded the* 1.245 confirmation of this Charter, who craved time to advise thereon till after Easter, being a great and difficult matter, highly concerning both himself and his Crown; the Archbishop and two more becoming his sureties, that then he should give satis∣faction to all of them. The Barons against the time, rather preparing themselves for a Battle, then Conference with the King, assembled together at Stamford, with an Army inestimable for number, having Archbishop Stephen their principal A∣bettor and Conspirer, who yet seemed to side with the King, and was most assiduous about him: The Barons marching as far as Brackly, the King sent the Archbishop to treat with them, who brought back a Schedule of their claimed Liberties, with this Message; That if he presently confirmed them not to them by his Charter, they would force him to it, by seising all his Castles and Possessions. Whereupon the King replyed,

Why do they not also demand the Kingdom; swearing never to enslave himself to such a concession? The Archbishop returning with this peremptory answer, the Barons forthwith seized Bedford Castle, and were admitted into London, the Citizens siding with them: whereupon the King appointed to treat with them at Running-meed, whither the Barons came with armed multitudes from all parts of the Realm; where after some parly, the King granted them their utmost desires, not only for their Li∣berties specified in Magna Charta, and Charta Forestae, which he then sealed, and by his Writs commanded to be put in due execution, but also that 25. Peers elect∣ed by them (to whom all were sworn to obey) should force the King to observe these Charters, if ever he receded from them, by seizing all his Castles, * 1.246 Juratum est etiam a parte Regis; Quod Anglicana Ecclesia Libera sit, & quod omnes homines de Regno nostro habeant & teneant omnes Libertates praefatas, jura & consuetudines benè & in pace, liberè & quietè, plenè & integrè, sibi & haeredibus suis, de nobis & haeredibus nostris, in omnibus rebus & locis in perpetuum: Et quod omnia supradicta, bona fide & sine malo ingenio, observabimus. All the Barons and Commons of the Realm then and afterwards taking the same Oath.

The Archbishop and Barons thrust into this new Charter many Articles, Clauses for their own, the Churches, and Popes advantage, not extant in the Charter of King Henry the 1. For whereas the first branch of his Charter runs thus: * 1.247 Sanctam Dei Ecclesiam liberam facio: Ita quod nec eam vendam, nec ad firmam ponam, nec mor∣tuo Archiepiscopo, vel Episcopo, vel Abbate, aliquid accipiam de dominio Ecclesiae, vel de hominibus, donec successor in eam ingrediatur. This clause is thus altered and inlar∣ged in King Johns Charter: * 1.248 In primis concessisse Deo, et hac praesenti Charta nostra confirmasse pro nobis et haeredibus nostris in perpe∣tuum, quod Anglicana Ecclesia libera sit, et habeat jura sua in∣tegra, suas et libertates illaesas, et ita volumus observari, quod ap∣paret ex eo, quod libertatem electionum quae maxima et magis ne∣cessaria reputatur Ecclesiae Anglicanae, mera et spontanea volunta∣te, ante discordiam inter nos et Barones nostros manifeste motam, concessimus, et Charta nostra confirmavimus, et eam obtinuimus a Domino Papa Innocentio Papa tertio, confirmari: quam et nos observabimus, et ab haeredibus nostris in perpetuum bona fide volu∣mus observari. By which Clause the Archbishop and Bishops cunningly obtain∣ed and wrested a new Charter from the King, concerning the freedom of Elections to Bishopricks and Abbies, (never insisted on before) to deprive the King of his antient Right and Prerogative of recommending such as he though fit and faithfull to him and the Kingdom thereunto, as right Patron of them. And whereas no Archbishop, Bishop, Abbot, Clerk, or Religious person could go out of the Realm, or repair to Rome, or to the Pope upon any occasion or Appeal, without the Kings special license first obtained, nor return without it in cases of contempt; they in∣serted this Article into this Charter: * 1.249 Liceat unicuique de caetero exire de Regno nostro, et redire salvo et secure per terram et per aquam, salva fide nostra; nisi in tempore guerrae per aliquod breve tempus, propter communem utilitatem Regni; exceptis Imprisonatis et Utlagatis, secundum Legem Regni, et gente contra nos guerrina et Mercatoribus. By which they obtained liberty to depart the Realm, and re∣pair to the Pope or Court of Rome, to all foreign Monasteries, Councils, and to re∣turn again freely at their pleasure, to the great prejudice of the King, Kingdom, and enlargement of the Popes usurped power and encroachments on the Crown. They likewise inserted for the Clergies advantage: * 1.250 Nulla Ecclesiastica persona amercie∣tur secundum quantitatem beneficii sui, sed secundum Laicum tenementum suum, (of which they had seldome any) & secundum quantitatem delicti. Moreover the Arch∣bishop and Clergy would not be satisfied with this Great Charter, thus ratified and sworn unto by the King, without another special Charter to themselves con∣cerning the freedom of Elections, which the King himself must not only confirm and seal, but the Pope too: * 1.251 Concessit insuper eodem Anno Rex Johannes, ut pro∣nius corda Praelatorum et Magnatum sibi conciliaret, liberas in omnibus Ecclesiae Angliae electiones. Et procuraverunt tam ipse

Rex, quam Magnates et Praelati, ut illa sua similiter hac Charta et concessio, A PAPA CONFIRMARETUR, (an Innovation not for∣merly usual, much advancing, countenancing the Popes usurped power above the Crown, as if his ratification were more valid then the Kings Charter under his Great Seal) unde ad maiorem securitatem, Regalis▪ Charta in Papali con∣firmatione inseritur Bullata. Volens autem Rex Johannes ad maiorem securi∣tatem et robur diuturnitatis haec inviolabiliter observari; (as if the Popes Bull were then more valid and perpetual then his own Charters) misit ad Dominum Papam Innocentium: rogans constanter, ut huic piae concessioni et confirmationi suae favorem dignaretur exhibere, et eandem Bullae munimine confirmare. Quae quia jam factus fuit obsequens Papae vassallus (an honourable Title for a King of England) et Rex Apostolicus, meruit quae petiit citius impetrare sub hac forma.

INNOCENTIUS Episcopus, &c. Venerabilibus fratribus & dilectis filiis universis Ecclesiarum Praelatis per Angliam constitutis, salutem & Apostolicam Be∣nedictionem. Dignis laudibus attollimus magnificentiam creatoris, postquam idem, qui est mirabilis & terribilis in consiliis super filios hominum, aliquamdiu tolleravit ut per flando discurret per Areolam horti sui spem tempestatis quasi ludens, taliter in orbe terrarum, ut sic ostenderet infirmitatem & insufficientiam nobis, statim cum voluit, dixit & Aquiloni, da, & Austro, noli prohibere, imperansque ventis per mare, statuit procellam in aura, ut nautae portum inveniant praeoptatum. Cum∣que enim inter Regnum et Sacerdotium Anglicanum, non sine magno periculo atque damno, super electionibus Praelatorum gra∣vis fuerit controversia diutius agitata; illo tandem, cui nihil im∣possibile est, quique ubi vult spirat mirabiliter operante, Charissi∣mus Iohannes Rex Anglorum illustris, liberaliter ex mera et spon∣tanea voluntate, (Therefore an Act of grace, though forced, not of right, duty to the Bishops and Church) de consensu communi Baronum suorum, pro salute animae suae, et praedecessorum suorum et successorum, nobis concessit, et suis Literis confirmavit: ut de caetero in universis et singulis Ecclesiis ac Monasteriis, Cathedralibus et Conventuali∣bus totius Regni Angliae, in perpetuum liberae fiant electiones quo∣rumcumque Praelatorum, majorum et etiam minorum. Nos igi∣tur hoc gratum et ratum habentes, concessionem hujusmodi vobis et per vos Ecclesiis et successoribus vestris, prout in eisdem Literis Regis perspe••imus contineri, authoritate Apostolica confirmamus, et praesentis scripti patrocinio communimus. Ad majorem autem firmitatem, et perpetuam memoriam hujus rei, praefatas Regis Literas super hoc confectas, praesentibus misceri fecimus, quarum tenor talis est.

JOHANNES Dei gratia Rex Angliae, Dominus Hiberniae, Dux Normaniae &* 1.252 * 1.253 Aquitaniae, Comes Andegavensis, Archiepiscopis, Episcopis, Comitibus, Baronibus, Militibus, Ballivis & omnibus has literas visuris salutem. Quoniam inter nos et venerabiles patres nostros Stephanum Cantuariensem, totius Angliae Primatem et sanctae Ecclesiae Romanae Cardinalem, Willielmum Londinensem, E. Elyensem, E. Herefordensem, Iohannem Bathoniensem et Glastonensem, et Hubertum Lincol∣niensem Episcopos super damnis et ablatis eorum tempore inter∣terdicti, per Dei gratiam de mera et libera voluntate utriusque partis plene convenit; volumus non solum eis quantum secundum Deum possumus satisfacere, verum etiam toti Ecclesiae Anglicanae salubriter et utiliter in perpettum providere. Inde est quod qua∣liscun{que}

liscunque consuetudo temporibus et praedecessorum nostrorum hac∣tenus in Ecclesia Anglicana fuerit observata, et quidquid Juris nobis hactenus vendicaverimus, de caetero in universis et singulis Ecclesiis et Monasteriis, Cathedralibus et Conventualibus, totius Regni Angliae, liberae sint in perpetuum, electiones quorum∣cunque Praelatorum, Majorum et minorum: salva nobis et Haere∣dibus nostris Custodia Ecclesiarum et Monasteriorum vacantium, quae ad nos pertinent. Promittimus etiam, quod nec impedire per∣mittemus, per nostros, nec procurabimus, quin in universis et singulis Monasteriis et Ecclesiis postquam vacaverint praelaturae, quemcumque voluerint libere sibi praeficient electores Pastorem; pe∣tita tamen a nobis prius et Haeredibus nostris licentia eligendi; quam non denegabimus nec differremus. Et si forte accidat quod denegaremus, vel differremus; nihilominnus procedant electores ad electionem Canonicam faciendam. Et similiter post celebratam electionem noster requiratur assensus, quem non denegabimus nisi ad∣versus eandem rationale proposuerimus, et legitime probaverimus propter quod non debemus consentire. Quare volumus et firmiter jubemus, ne quis vacantibus Ecclesiis vel Monasteriis, contra hanc nostram concessionem et constitution em in aliquo veniat vel venire praesumat. Si quis vero contra hoc aliquo tempore veniat, maledictionem Dei omnipotentis et nostram incurrat. His Testibus P. Wintoniensi Episcopo, W. Mareschallo, Comite Penbrock, Williel∣mo Comite Warrenniae, R. Comite Cestriae, S. Comite Wintoniensi, G. de Mandevilla Comite Gloverniae & Essexiae, W. Comite de Ferrariis, G. Briwere, W. filio Geraldi, W. de Cantelupo, H. de Novilla, Robertus de Wer, W. de Huntinfeild. Datum per manum Magistri Roberti de Ma∣risco Cancellarii nostri, decimo quinto die Januarii, apud novum Templum Londini; Anno Regni nostri decimo sexto. Nulli ergo omnino homini liceat hanc paginam nostrae confirmationis infringere, vel ei ausu temerario contraire. Si quis autem hoc attentare praesumpserit, indignatio∣nem omnipotentis Dei, et beatorum Petri et Pauli Apostolorum ejus, se noverit incursurum. Datum Laterani, Tertio Calendas Aprilis; Ponti∣ficatus nostri Anno Decimo Octavo.

That this Charter was originally contrived as well as promoted by the Arch∣bishop, is evident by this Record.

REX S. Cantuariensi Archiepiscopo, &c. Noverit sanctitas vestra quod grata* 1.254 est nobis, & accepta forma nobis nota de Electionibus faciendis, Salvo in omnibus Jure nostro. Dimittemus autem post nos Venerabilem Patrem nos∣trum P. Wintomensem Episcopum, una cum aliis fidelibus nostris quos deputabimus & potentes faciemus ad assensum nostrum praestandum in huiusmodi Electioni∣bus salva dignitate nostra. Sciatis etiam quod nulla inter nos est controversia. Teste me ipso apud Turrim London. Duodecimo die Jun.

This Charter (though it saved this part of the Kings Prerogative, to petition him and his Heirs for licenses to elect & for his assent) gave a great wound to his Eccle∣siastical Supremacy, and made all Chapters, Covents, Bishops, Monks, yea Popes and their Agents to slight his Regal Authority, and licenses too, insomuch that he could preferre no person to any Bishoprick, Monastery, or Elective Dignity, but whom the Electors pleased to make choice of; and if he recommended any to them, though never so fit, and with great importunity, courtship, and submission to every Chapter or Covent, yet they to shew their pride, power; and preserve their freedom in

Elections, would seldome elect any whom our Kings recommended, unlesse upon some special reasons for their own emolument.

The Archbishop besides this general Charter, obtained from the King this spe∣cial Charter to him and his successors, of the Advowson, custody, disposition of the Bishoprick and Temporalties of Rochester, during the vacancy, and that they should restore the Bishop of Rochester his Regalia, and receive Fealty from him as Patron of this Bishoprick, without his regal assent before or after the election, reserving only a Fealty from the Bishop of Rochester, as to his Prince, but not for his Lands▪ whereby he created the Archbishop a petty King, and in some sort unkinged himself as to this Bishoprick, giving away all the services due to him and his Heirs out of it; to the Archbishop and his successors, to reclaime him from his Treachery and Rebel∣lion by this transcendent favour, which he presently turned into treachery.

JOHANNES Dei gratia Rex Angliae, &c. Archiepiscopis, &c. Sciatis nos* 1.255 pro saluto animae nostrae, & antecessorum, & successorum nostrorum Regum Angliae, de communi consilio Episcoporum, Comitum, Baronum, & aliorum fidelium nostrorum reddidisse & concessisse Deo & Ecclesiae Christi Cantuar. & Venerabili Patri nostro S. Cantuariensi Archiepiscopo, totius Angliae Primati, & Sanctae Romanae Ecclesiae Car∣dinali, Patronatum Ecclesiae Episcopatus Roffensis, cum omnibus pertinentiis, dignitati∣bus, libertatibus, & liberis consuetudinibus suis; Ita quod vacante illa sede Epis∣copali custodiam, et ordinationem illius Ecclesiae, idem Archiepisco∣pus et successores sui habeant libere et pacifice in perpetuum ut Pa∣troni. Ita quod in Ordinatione illius Ecclesiae de Episcopo et Episcopi electione, nec ante, nec post electionem Episcopi (marcke it) Regius requiretur assensus, set totum ad Archiepiscopum quicunque fuerit pertinebit. Episcopus autem vel electus loci illius temporalia quae prius vocabantur Regalia, de manu praedicti Archi∣episcopi et successorum suorum plenarie recipiet, et fidelitatem ei faciet de feodis pertinentibus ad Ecclesiam illam Episcopalem tan∣quam Patrono ejusdem Episcopatus: servitia autem quae nobis in∣de et Heraedibus nostris debentur, Episcopus, qui pro tempore ibi fuerit facerit predicto Archiepiscopo & successoribus suis in perpetuum tanquam Dominis et Patronis, et ipse Archiepiscopus et succes∣sores sui eadem servitia per manus suas nobis et successoribus nos∣tris facient. Faciet quoque Episcopus Roffensis nobis et Heredibus nostris fidelitatem tanquam Principi, set non propter feodum. Quare volumus et firmiter precipimus, quod predictus Archiepiscopus et suc∣cessores sui predictum Patronatum Episcopatus Roffensis cum custo∣dia et ordinatione ejusdem, cum vacaverit, habeant et teneant libere et quiete, pacifice, integre, et plenarie, cum omnibus pertinentiis dignitatibus, Libertatibus, et liberis consuetudinibus imperpetuum sicut praedictum est. Prohibemus autem ex parte Dei omnipoten∣tis, et Beatae Mariae, et omnium Sanctorum, et nostra, ne quis con∣tra hanc piam et liberalem redditionem et concessionem nostram venire praesumat. Quod si quis fecerit maledictionem Dei et Beatae Petri, et omnium Sanctorum ac nostram incurrat. Testibus Dominis W. Londonensi, P. Wintoniensi, R. Elyensi, E. Herefordensi, J. Bathoniensi & Glast. H. Hunting. Episcopis, R. Comite Cestriae, W. Marr. Comite Pembroc, W. Comite Arundell, W. Comite Warren. W. Comite de Ferrariis, S. Comite Winton. W. Briwerr. Roberto filio Walteri, Galfrido de Mandevill, Richardo de Muntificher, Thoma de Erdington. Dat. per manum Magistri Richardi de Marisc. Cancellarii nostri, apud Novum Templum London. xxij. die Novembris, Anno Regni nostri Sexto Decimo. How well he requited the King, by betraying Rochester Castle to the Barons, soon after you shall * 1.256 hear more.

The Archbishop, Bishops, and Barons, having by treachery fraud, and force thus wrested all these Charters, and confirmations from King John, thereby in a manner totaly devested him of all his Ecclesiasticall and Civil Royal authority

in Church and state, deemed themselves, the Church and Kingdom in a most happy secure, flourishing, prosperous condition for the future; when God by his provi∣dence sodenly blasted all their hopes, by alienating the Kings heart from them, and by making use even of the Popes usurped power, interest in England, (which they were the principal instruments to promote to dethrone their Lawful King,) the instrument to scourge, excommunicate, punish, and revenge their Rebellions against the King, and null most of the Charters wrested from him, by his Bulls. For King John with drawing and obscuring himself from his Bishops and Barons in the Isle of Wight, sent messengers secretly to Rome, to complain and appeal to the Pope against their Treasons, rebellions, and the Charters forcibly extorted from him, whiles under the Popes protection; who thereupon vacated the Charters, thus recorded by Matthew Paris.

PER idem tempus steterunt Romae in praesentia Domini Papae, nuncij Regis Ang∣lorum;* 1.257 allegantes coram eo rebelliones et Iniurias, quas Barones Ang∣liae (by the Archbishops initigation) excitaverant adversus Regem memora∣tum, exigentes ab eo quasdam Leges et libertates iniquas, quas dignitatem Regiam non decuit confirmare. Et cum post motam inter eos discordiam, Rex et Barones de pace tractaturi multo∣ties convenissent; idem Rex publice protestatus est coram eis, Regnum Angliae ratione Dominii ad Romanam Ecclesiam speci∣aliter pertinere. (which he only complementally affirmed, but the Ba∣rons utterly denied it.) Vnde nec potuit nec debuit praeter conscientiam Domini Papae de novo aliquid statuere, vel quicquam in ejus prae∣judicium in Regno immutare. Quocirca cum interposita appella∣tione, seipsum et omnia jnra regni sui sub protectione sedis Apos∣tolicae supposuisset; dicti Barones appellationi factae non deferentes, civitatam Londoniarum, quae caput regni sui est, proditione sibi traditam occuparunt, et adhuc detinent occupatam. Quod cum factum fuisset, ad equos convolantes et arma, exegerunt a Rege libertates praescriptas sibi confirmari. Ipseque eorum metuens im∣petum, quod petebant non ausus est denegare. Porrexerunt ergo nuncij memorati Domino Papae quaedam capitula de charta praedicta, in scriptum redacta, quae causae Regis magis videbantur congruere. Quae cum diligenter in∣spexisset, cum admiratione respondit, rugis contractis indignationem testantibus: Nunquid Barones Angliae Regem cruce signatum, et sub protec∣tione sedis Apostolicae constitutum, a solio regni nituntur expellere, et Dominium Romanae Ecclesiae ad alium transferre? * 1.258 Per sanctum Petrum, hanc injuriam non poterimus praeterire impunitam. Tunc Papa habita deliberatione cum Cardinalibus, chartam saepe dictam de libertatibus Regni Angliae concessis, in perpetuum per senten∣tiam diffinitivam damnatam cassavit, et in illius rei testimonium, Regi Anglorum privilegium subscriptum transmisit.

(By which sentence, and the several grounds, reasons therein alleaged for avoyding the great Charter as obtained from the King through force, fear, circum∣vention, rebellion, this Pope totally nuls and subverts King Johns Charter of Resig∣nation and oblation made unto himself by like means but the year before.)

INNOCENTIUS Episcopus, servus servorum Dei, universis Christi fi∣delibus* 1.259 hanc paginam inspecturis, salutem & Apostolicam Benedictionem. Et∣si Charissimus in Christo filius noster Johannes Rex Anglorum illustris, Deum et Ecclesiam vehementer offenderit, unde nos eum vinculo excom∣municationis innodavimus, et regnum ejus Ecclesiastico subjeci∣mus interdicto; ipse tamen (illo misericorditer inspirante) qui non vult

mortem peccatoris, sed convertatur & vivat, tandem conversus ad cor, Deo et Ecclesiiae humiliter satisfecit; in tantum, quod non solum recompensationem prodamnis, et restitutionem exhibuit pro ablatis, verum etiam plenariam libertatem contulit Ecclesiae Anglicanae. Quinimo utraque sententia relaxata, regnum suum tam Angliae quam Hyberniae, beato * 1.260 Petro et Ecclesiae Romanae concessit, re∣cipiens illud a nobis infeudum sub annuo censu Mille Marcarum, fidelitatis nobis inde praestito juramento, sicut per privilegium ejus Apparet * 1.261 Aurea Bulla munitum. Adhuc etiam Omnipotenti Deo amplius placere desiderans, signum vivificae Crucis reverenter accepit, profecturus in subsidium Terrae Sanctae, ad quod se magnifice praeparabat. Sed humani generis inimicus, qui semper consuevit bonis actibus invidere, suis * 1.262 callidis artibus ad∣versus eum Barones Angliae concitavit, ita ut ordine perverso in il∣lum insurgerent, postquam conversus Ecclesiae satisfecit, qui assistebant eidem quando Ecclesiam offendebat. Orta siquidem in∣ter eos dissensionis materia, cum plures dies statuti fuissent, ad tractandum de pace, utrinque interim sollemnes Nuncii ad nostram fuerunt praesentiam destinati. Cum quibus habito diligenti tractatu, post plenam deliberationem scripsimus per eosdem Stephano Cantuariensi Archiepiscopo et Episcopis Anglicanis; praecipiendo mandantes, ut ad reformandam inter u∣trosque veram et plenam concordiam diligens impenderent studium et operam efficacem, omnes conjurationes et conspirationes, si quae fuerant forte praesumptae a tempore subortae discordiae inter reg∣num et sacerdotium, Apostolica denuntiantes Authoritate cassa∣tas, et per excommunicationis sententiam inhibentes netalia de cae∣tereo praesumerentur a quoquam. Magnates et Nobiles Angliae mo∣nendo prudenter, et efficaciter injungendo, ut per manifesta devoti∣onis et humilitatis indicia, ipsum Regem sibi placare studerent: ac deinde si quid ab eo ducerent postulandum, non insolenter sed hu∣militer implorarent, regalem conservantes ei honorem, et exhi∣bentes servitia consueta, quae ipsi et praedecessores eorum sibi et praedecessoribus impenderunt: cum ab eis ipse Rer non debet abs∣que judicio spoliari, ut sic quod intenderent, possent facilius obti∣nere. Nos enim eundem Regem per Litteras nostras Rogavimus & monuimus, & per praefatos Archiepiscopum & Episcopos nihilominus rogari & moveri mandavimus, in remissionem sibi peccaminum injungentes; quatenus praedictos Magnates, et no∣biles benigne tractaret et justas eorum petitiones clementer admit∣teret; ut et ipsi congaudendo cognoscerent eum in meliorem sta∣tum divina gratia esse mutatum, ac per hoc ipsi et Haeredes eorum sibi et Haeredibus suis deberent promptius et devotius * 1.263 familiari: plena eis in veniendo, morando et recedendo securitate concessa, ita quod si forte nequiret inter eos concordia provenire, in Curia sua per pares eorum secundum leges et consuetudines regni suborta dissensio sopiretur. Verum antequam Nuncii cum hoc provido & justo mandato rediissent, illi * 1.264 juramento fidelitatis omnino contempto, cum et si Rex eos injuste gravasset, ipsi tamen non debuissent sic agere contra eum, ut in causa sua iidem judices et executores ex∣isterent. (Was not himself so in all his proceedings against King John?) Vassalli contra Dominum, et milites contra Regem, publice con∣jurantes non solum cum aliis, sed cum ejus manifestissimis inimicis praesumpserunt contra eum arma movere: (And did not the Pope, Arch∣bishops, Bishops and their partizans, then joyne with the French to invade and depose King John their lawful King, though his vassals and soldiers?)

Occupantes et devastantes terras illius ita quoque quod civitatem Londinensem, quae sedes est regni, proditione sibi traditam invase∣runt. Interim autem praefatis Nunciis revertentibus, Rex ob∣tulit eis secundum formam mandati nostri justitiae plenitudinem exhibere, quam ip•••• om••i∣no spernentes, caeperunt manus extendere ad peiora. (And did not the Pope and exiled Bishops the like before?) Vnde Rex ipse ad audientiam nostram apellans, obtu∣lit eis exhibere justitiam coram nobis, ad quem hujus causae judici∣um ratione Dominii pertinebat: quod ipsi sunt penitus aspernati. (Not acknowledging the Popes Dominion over them by King Johns Charter.) Deinde obtulit illis, ut tam ab ipso quam ab illis quatuor viri elige∣rentur prudentes, qui una nobiscum subortam inter eos discordi∣am terminarent; promittens, quod ante omnia revocaret vniversos abusus quicunque fuissent in Angliae suo tempore introducti: sed nec hoc illi dignati sunt acceptare. Tandem illis Rex proposuit, quod cum regni dominium ad Romanam Ecclesiam pertineret, ipse non poterat nec debebat absque nostro speciali mandato quicquam de illo in nostrum prejudicium immutare. Vnde rursus ad nostram audientiam appellavit, seipsum ac regnum cum omni honore, ac jure suo Apostolicae protectioni supponens. Sed cum nullo modo proficeret, postulavit ab Archiepiscopo et Episcopis, ut nostrum exequeretur mandatum; Ius Ecclesiae Romanae defenderent, ac tu∣erentur eundem secundum formam privilegii Cruce signatis indulti. Porro, cum ipsi nihil horum facere voluissent, (Though they readily Interdicted the whole Realm, excommunicated the King, and deprived him of his Crown upon the Popes command before) videns se omni auxilio et con∣silio destitutum; quicquid illi ausi sunt petere, non est ausus ipse negare. Vnde compulsus est per vim et metum, qui cadere poterat in virum etiam Constantissimum, compositionem inire cum ipsis non solum vilem et turpem, verum etiam et iniquam; in nimiam derogationem ac diminutionem sui juris pariter et honoris. (And was he not thus compelled by force, fear, more vilely to resign his Crown, kingdoms, to this Pope and resume them from him by his Charter?) Quia vero nobis a Domino dictum est in Propheta. Constitui te super gentes & regna ut evellas & destruas, aedifices, & plantes. (spoken to Jeremiah not the Pope, not then in being as I have largly proved)* 1.265 Itemque per alium Prophetam: Dissolve colligationes impietatis, solve fasciculos deprimentes. Nos tantae malignitatis audaciam dissimulare nolentes, in Apostolicae sedis contemptum, Regalis Iuris dispendium, Angli∣canae Gentis opprobrium, et grave periculum totius negotii cruci∣fixi; quod ubique immineret nisi per Authoritatem nostram revo∣carentur omnia, quae a tanto Principe Crucesignato taliter sunt extorta, et ipso volente ea servare, ex parte Dei omnipotentis Patris et Filii et Spiritus sancti, authoritate quoque Apostolorum ejus Petri et Pauli, ac nostra, de communi fratrum nostrorum con∣silio compositionem hujusmodi reprobamus penitus et damnamus sub intimatione anathematis prohibentes ne dictus Rex eam obser∣vare presumat, aut Barones cum complicibus suis ipsam exigant observari; tam Chartam, quam obligationes seu cautiones quaecun{que} pro ipsa vel de ipsa sunt factae, irritantes penitus ex cassantes; ut nullo unquam tempore aliquam habeant firmitatem. Datum Agnaniae nono Calendas S ptembris Pontificatus nostri Decimo Octavo. A direct Judgment in point against King Johns own Charter to this Pope.

The Pope after this sentence pronounced to null the great Charter and Charter of the Forest, thought meet to write another Letter and Bull to the Barons of England,

severely censuring them for their rebellion and desobedience to the King and his commands, and opposing his Papal interest in the Realm.

CAssatis hunc in modum Libertatibus praedictis, idem Papa Ba∣ronibus* 1.266 Angliae scrip•••••• in haec verba.

INNOCENTIUS Episcopus servus servorum Dei, Nobilibus viris Baronibus Angliae spiritum consili•• sanioris. Utinam in persequutione quam temere commovistis adversus dominum vestrum Regem, attendissetis prudentius fideli∣tatis praesiitae juramentum, jus Apostolicae sedis, nostrae provisionis mandatum, et privilegium Crucesignatis indultum. Quia procul∣dubio non sic processistis ad factum, quin omnes qui illud audiunt, quasi facinus detestantur; praesertim cum in causa vestra vos ipsos judices et executores feceritis eodem Rege parato Curia sua, vo∣bis per pares vestros secundum consuetudines et leges regni, justitiae plenitudinem exhibere, vel coram nobis, ad quem hujus causae ju∣dicium ratione Dominii pertinet, vel etiam coram arbitris eligen∣dis hinc inde una nobiscum in ipso negotio processuris. Vnde cum nihil horum dignati fueritis acceptare, ad nostram audientiam ap∣pellavit, seipsum ac regnum cum omni honore et jure suo Aposto∣licae protectioni supponens: publice protestando, quod cum ejusdem Regni dominium ad Romanam Ecclesiam pertineret, ipse non po∣terat nec debebat quicquam de illo in nostrum praejudicium immu∣tare. Cum igitur illa compositio qualis qualis ad quam per vim et metum induxistis eundem, non solum sit vilis et tur••is, verum etiam illicita ex iniqua, ut merito sit ab omnibus reprobanda, maxime propter modum: (and was not Kings Johns Charter to himself and successors much more such upon the same account?) nos qui tam Regi quam regno tenemur et spiritualiter et temporaliter providere, per Apostolica scripta vobis praecipiendo mandamus, & in recta fide consulimus, quatenus facientes de necessitate virtutem, renuncietis compositioni hujusmodi per vos ipsos, et satisfaciatis eidem Regi ac suis de damnis et. in∣juriis irrogatis: ut jdem Rex per manifesta devotionis et humilita∣tis indicia placatus a vobis, per seipsum emendet et benigne con∣cedat quicquid de jure fuerit concedendum. Ad quod etiam & nos ipsum efficaciter inducemus. Quoniam sicut nolumus, quod ipse Rex suo jure privetur: ita volumus ut ipse a vestri gravamine desistat: nec per consuetudines pravas et exactiones iniquas, sub nostro dominio regnum Angliae opprimatur. Eritque firmum et stabile in perpetuum, quod tali modo fuit ordinatum. Inspiret igitur vobis ille qui neminem vult perire, ut adquiescatis humiliter nostris salubribus consiliis et mandatis, ne si secus egeritis, in eum incidatis necessitatis ar∣ticulum quem tandem evadere sine multo gravamine non possitis. Quemadmodum ut de caeteris taceamus, nulla ratione dissimulare possemus grave periculum totius negotii Crucifixi quod utique emineret, nisi per Authoritatem nostram re∣vocarentur omnino, qu•• a tanto Principe Cruce signato taliter sunt extorta, etipso volente illa observari. Quare dum apud nos Archiepiscopus & Episcopi Angliae praesentes extiterint in Concilio generali quod ad expediendum crucis negotium principalius intendemus celebrare; procuratores idoneos ad nostram presentiam destinetis, secure vos nostro beneplacito committentes, quia nos ea favente Domino statuemus per quae gravaminibus & abusibus de Regno Angliae prorsus exclusis, Rex suo sit Iure et honore contentus, et tam clerus quam populus universus debita pace ac liber∣tatelaetetur. Datum Agnaniae nono Calendas Septembris Pontificatus nostri Anno Decimo Octavo. Cumque tandem Rege Anglorum procurante magnates Angliae has literas tam commonitorias quam comminatorias accepissent, noluerunt

desistere ab ineaeptis, sed adhuc insurgentes eum acriter infestabant, dicendo de Papa illud propheticum. Ve qui justificatis impium, &c. So much did they (together with the Archbishop their ringleader) then slight and Contemn the Pope with his Bulls, mandates and A postolical Authority when they crossed their own interests, and humors.

In the mean time the treacherous Archbishop, to demonstrate his gratitude to King John for the Patronage and Royalty of the Bishoprick of Rochester newly* 1.267 conferred on him and his successors, delivered up Rochester Castle with all the ammunition there∣in to the Barons: Erat autem paulo ante castrum illud a Rege Archiepiscopo fiducialiter commissum: veruntamen qua conscientia nescio. Dominus scit,* 1.268 regis illud tradiderit inimicis. Such an ingreatfull Archtraitor proved he to his indulgent Soveraign; who after 3. Months seige took it by force out of the Barons hands; who principally by his encouragment proceeded most obstinatly in their Re∣bellions against the King: whereupon the Pope proceeded to excommunicate them.

EOdem tempore Papa Innocentius, videns Baronum rebellionem, quod videli∣cet* 1.269 a persequutione Regis desistere contempserunt, excommunicavit eos∣dem, atque sententiae executionem Episcopo Wintoniensi, Abbati de Redinge, & Pan∣dulpho Ecclesiae Romanae Subdiacono, sub hac forma commisit. Innocentius Episcopus, &c. P. Wintoniensi Episcopo, Abbati de Redinge & Pandulpho Ecclesiae Romanae subdiacono salutem & Apostolicam benedictonem. Miramur plurirhum & move∣mur, quod cum charissimus in Christo filius noster Johannes illustris Rex Angliae, supra spem Domino et Ecclesiae satisfecerit, et presertim fratri* 1.270 nostro Stephano Cantuariensi Archiepiscopo, et Episcopis ejus, quidam eorum minus quam oportuerit et decuerit ad sanctae Crucis negotium, Apostolicae sedis mandatum, et fidelitatis praeftitae ju∣ramentum debitum, imo nullum habentes respectum; ei contra per∣turbatores regni, (quod ad Romanam Ecclesiam ratione dominii pertinere dinoscitur) auxilium non praestiterint vel favorem, quasi con∣scii, ne dicamus socii conjurationis iniquae: (A true character of these Traitorous Prelates, himself formerly made use of against the King,) quia non caret scrupulo societatis iniquae, qui manifesto facinori desinit obviare. Ecce qualiter patrimonium Romanae Ecclesiae Pontifices praefati defendunt? qualiter Crucesignatos tuentur, imo qualiter se opponunt his qui distruere moliuntur negotium Crucifixi? Pejores proculdubio Saracenis existentes; (so he reputed these Bishops) cum illum conantur a regno depellere de quo potius sperabatur quod deberet succurrere terrae sanctae. Vnde ne talium insolentia non solum in periculum Regni Angliae, verum etiam in pernitiem aliorum reg∣norum, et maxime, in subversionem totius negotii crucifixi valeat prae∣valere, Nos ex parte Dei omnipotentis, Patris, & Filii, & Spiritus sancti, authoritate quoque Apostolorum ejus Petri & Pauli, ac nostra; omnes hujus∣modi perturbatores Regis et Regni Angliae, cum complicibus et fautoribus suis excommunicationis vinculo innodamus, et ter∣ras eorum Ecclesiastico subijcimus interdicto; prefato Archiepiscopo et Coepiscopis suis in virtute obedientiae districtissime injungen∣tes, (who yet neglected to yeild him any obedience therein,) quate∣nus nostram sententiam singulis diebus Dominicis et festivis, pulsatis Campanis, et candelis accensis, solemniter per totam Angliam publicare procurent; donec satisfacerint Domino Regi de damnis et injuriis irrogatis, et ad ejus obse quium fideliter rever∣tantur. Universis insuper ejusdem Regis Uassallis in remissionem peccatorum ex parte nostra jungentes, ut contra perversores hu∣jusmodi, praefato Regi tribuant consilium et juvamen. Si qui au∣tem

Episcoporum, hoc nostrum praeceptum neglexerit adimplere, sciat se ab Episcopali officio suspensum, et subjectorum obedien∣tiam esse subtractam: quia justum est ut eis inferiores non obedi∣ant,* 1.271 qui suo superiori obedire contemnunt. Ne igitur mandatum alicujus tergiversatione valeat impediri, excommunicationis cau∣sam praedictorum, cum ceteris quaead hoc negotium pertinuerint, vo∣bis duximus committendum; per Apostolica vobis scripta mandantes, quatenusprotinus omni appellatione postposita, procedatis sicut vi∣deritis expedire.

The Archbishop and some of his Suffragans, cordial to the Barons, though pres∣sed by the King, refused to excommunicate any of them; whereupon to leave him voyd of any excuse, the Popes agents gave him a personal command to exe∣cute the excommunication which he delayed to do, whereupon they suspended him.

HAC praeterea tempestate, P. Wintoniensis Episcopus, & magister Pandulphus,* 1.272 ad Archiepiscopum Cantuariensem, personaliter accedentes, ex parte Do∣mini Papae firmiter praeceperunt, Ut sententiam sedis Apostolicae in Barones Angliae Romae generaliter latam, Suffraganeis Cantuariensis Ec∣clesiae committeret publicandam: et ipsemet, quantum ad ipsum spec∣tabat, singulis diebus Dominicis et festivis per totam Cantuari∣ensem diocesim faceret publicare. Erat autem jam idem naves ingressus, ut Romam ad Concilium properaret, unde postulavit inducias, quousque Domini Papae colloquio frueretur, ad senten∣tiam publicandam, constanter affirmans, quod tacita veritate senten∣tia fuerat in Barones lata; et ideo nullo modo se illam publica∣turum respondit donec super praemissis viva voce summi Pontificis cognosceret voluntatem. At memorati hujus rei executores, cum Archiepiscopum Domini Papae praeceptis inobedientem cognovissent, authoritate qua fungebantur usi, ipsum ab Ecclesiae ingressu acdivinorum celebratione suspenderunt. Quam ille suspensionem hu∣militer observans, sedem Apostolicam suspensus petivit. Cunc Episcopus Wintoniensis cum conjudice suo Pandulpho, Baro∣nes Angliae omnes, qui Regem a Regno depellere moliebantur, ex∣communicatos denuntians, singulis diebus Dominicis et festivis, latam sententiam innovavit. Sed Magnates quoniam in Authen∣tico Domini Papae nullus eorum fuerit nominatim expressus, dic∣tam sententiam non observantes, inanem et nullam reputabant.

Hereupon King John complained to the Pope of the Barons obstinacy, in reject∣ing all his proposals of peace and reconciliation to them, though never so reason∣able, and that yet the Archbishops refused to excommunicate them.

DOmino Papae salutem, & debitam tanto Domino ac Patri cum devotione reve∣rentiam.* 1.273 Sanctitati vestrae grates referimus multiplices, de Literis vestris pro nobis a paternitate vestra Domino Cantuariensi Archiepiscopo & ejus Suffraganeis porrectis, ne•• non Magnatibus & Baronibus terrae nostrae, pro certo scituri, quod Barones ipsi Literas vestras in nullo exaudierunt; Dominus vero Cantuariensis Archiepiscopus, et ejus Suffraganei mandatum vestrum executioni demandare supersederunt. (Though they were very forwards to pronounce the Popes Interdict against the whole Realm, and Excommunication of King John himself, and promote his deposition at the Popes command.) Nos vero attendentes praemissa, asserebamus Baronibus nostris▪ Quod terra nostra* 1.274 Patrimonium erat Beati Petri, (A grosse mistake, since St. Peter was never actually possessed of it in his life time, nor trans∣mitted

the inheritance thereof to Popes, as his Children or Successors.) et eam de Beato Petro et Ecclesia Romana, et de vobis tenebamus. (When as the Barons would never acknowledge England to be St. Peters Patrimo∣ny, nor yet this King but only in complement and policy, to gain the Popes assist∣ance to suppresse the Bishops and Barons insolencies and Rebellions, St. Peter having no Patrimony at all therein.) Adjecimus etiam, Quod cruce signati eramus, & pet••ba∣mus beneficium & privilegium cruce signatorum, ne turbaretur terra hostra, (therefore the Kings, not St. Peters Patrimony, nor the Popes) & ne consumeretur in malos usus quam in subsidium terrae Sancta expendere proposueramus, & appellavimus, per W. Maraschallum, Comitem Pembrock, & W. Comitem Warren. contra perturba∣tores pacis terrae nostrae. Verum quia cruce signati fuimus volentes in omnibus cum humilitate & mansuetudine procedere, salva appellatione nostra, obtulimus Baronibus illis, quod omnes malas consuetudines suscitatas, et per quemcunque introductas temporibus nostris penitus aboleremus, nec non et ma∣las consuetudines tempore Regis Richardi, fratris nostri, subortas extirparemus; de consuetudinibus autem tempore Patris nostri suscitatis, si quae essent quae eos gravarent, per consilium fidelium nostrorum operare••ur. Sed nec hiis nec aliis supradictis contenti, omnia praemissa recusarunt. Videntes igitur quod ipsi manifeste nitebantur ad turbationem Regni nostri, rogavimus Dominum Cantuariensem Archiepis∣copum, et ejus Suffraganeos, quod exequerentur mandatum ve∣strum, scilicet, quod secundum tenorem Literarum vestrarum con∣sueta nobis exhibere et servitia. Et postea si quae a nobis petere vellent, cum humilitate et sine armis ea a nobis peterent, denunci∣antes eos excommunicatos qui p••st praedicta eis oblata pacem Reg∣ni nostri perturbarent. Et videbatur Episcopa Exon. et Magistro Pandulfo qui praesentes erant, quod de jure per sententiam excom∣municationis eos compescere debebant: sed Archiepiscopus respon∣dens ait, quod sententiam excommunicationis in eos nullo modo proferret, quia bene sciebat mentem vestram, et videbatur nobis simi∣liter, quod ita facere debebat, quia mandavimus gentem copiosam de terris extraneorum ad succursum terrae nostrae. Et promisit no∣bis quod si eos revocare vellemus, non solum sententiam excommu∣nicationis in eos inferret, verum etiam in quantum posset eis re∣sisteret: Vnde gentem nostram revocavimus. Postmodum autem ob∣tulimus eis per Literas nostras Patentes, per Dominum Cantuariensem Archiepisco∣pum, & duos vel tres Suffraganeos ejus eis delatas, quod nos eligerimus, ex parte nostra quatuor, & ipsi ex parte sua quatuor; Ita quod vos superiores constitu∣eremini, de omnibus querelis Libertatum quas ipsi proponerent et ad suas nos responderemus, quod quicquid vos una cum illis Octo statueretis super omnibus quae ipsi peterent a nobis, nos gratum haberemus et teneremus. Et quamvis se humiliare noluerunt versus nos sicut debuerunt, nos tamen pro servitio Dei, et succur∣su Terrae Sanctae in tantum nos humiliavimus, quod haec praedicta eis obtulimus. Et praeterea eis obtulimus quod de omnibus petitio∣nibus suis per considerationem Parium suorum Iustitiae plenitudi∣nem eis exhi••eremus. Quod ipsi recusarunt. Ad haec Domine, die Veneris in crastino Ascensionis Domini, venit ad hos frater Willielmus de Camera vestra, vester familiaris, deferens nobis Literas vestras continentes, quod disposito peregrinationis nostrae itinere sanctitatis vestrae pedibus aliquem de nostris in Concilio representa∣remus, paternitatem vestram de processu nostro et itineris nostri expeditione certi∣ficantes, super quo pie paternitati vestrae taliter respondemus, quod cum perversis Baronum praedictorum inquietationibus ut ex praemissis vobis inno∣tuit affligamur, nec possumus in eis bonum pacis invenire, quosal∣••em concordes afficiamur, ut sic facilius proposito insisteremus, vos

de itinere nostro, et itineris nostri expeditione certos reddere non possumus: Unum pro certo scientes, quod multi signatorum qui ad Terrae Sanctae succursum se accinxerunt de partibus longinquis, viri magni & nobiles ut in consor∣tio nostro eos reciperemus benigne per suas Literas & Nuncios postulaverunt, quos pro praedictis incommodis super mandatis suis adhuc certificare non potuimus. Prae∣terea Pater Reverende in praesentia praedicti fratris Willielmi vestri familiaris, nec non & Venerabilium Patrum Wygorniensis & Coventrensis Episcoporum, obtulimus prae∣dictis Baronibus, quod de omnibus petitionibus suis quas a nobis exigunt in vos benignissime compromitteremus, ut vos qui pleni∣tudine potestatis gaudetis, quod justum foret statueretis, et haec omnia efficere renuunt. Igitur pie Pater dominationi vestrae prae∣sentia duximus declaranda, ut de consueta benignitate vestra quod nobis videritis expedire inde statuatis. Teste meipso apud Odiham, xxix. die Maii.

Soon after this Letter of complaint to the Pope (whose power and usurpations in∣creased* 1.275 by the Barons Rebellions) there was a General Council held at Rome, to which the Archbishop was summoned, and there suspended from his Archbishoprick upon the Kings complaints against him.

EOdem Anno celebrata est Romae, Sancta & universalis Synodus in Ecclesia Sancti* 1.276 Salvatoris, quae Constantiana appellatur, mense Novembri, praesidente Papa Do∣mino Innocentio tertio, Pontificatus ejus Anno Decimo octavo.

In hoc Concilio steterunt contra Stephanum Archiepiscopum Cantuariensem, pro∣curatores Regis Anglorum; Abbas videlicet de Bello loco, Thomas de Hundintona, & Godefridus de Croucumbe, Milites, constanter accusantes eum de conniventia Baronum Angliae, quodque ipsius favore et consilio iidem Barones dictum Regem a solio depellere molirentur. Et cum a sede Aposto∣lica Literas accepisset, ut dictos Magnates per censuram Ecclesi∣asticam a persequutione Regis refraenaret, ipse id facere dissimu∣lans, ab Episcopo Wintoniensi, et suis conjudicibus a divinorum ce∣lebratione et ingressu Ecclesiae suspensus: sicque ad Concilium pro∣p••rans, manifestis indiciis se fuisse praeceptis Apostolicis rebellem ostendit. His & aliis multis, in hunc modum allegatis, Archiepiscopus quasi con∣victus, & non mediocriter confusus, nihil respondit; nisiquod a suspensione petiit absolvi. Cui Papa cum indignatione tale fertur dedisse responsum: Frater, * 1.277 per Sanctum Petrum non ita de facili beneficium absolutionis im∣petrabis, qui non solum ipsi Anglorum Regi, (This was no crime in him heretofore, but a virtue, by this Popes resolution) verum etiam Romanae Ec∣clesiae, tot et tales injurias irrogasti. (This indeed was the only cause of his in∣dignation, not his injuries to the King.) Volumus quoque cum plena fratrum nostrorum deliberatione decernere, qualiter tam temerarium punia∣mus excessum. Tandem habito super hoc cum Cardinalibus tracta∣tu, suspensionis sententiam in ipsum Archiepiscopum subscriptis Li∣teris confirmavit. (A just, divine retaliation for all his former Treasonable compliances with this Pope, and after that with the Barons against King John, from whom he had received so many obliging favours.)

When this suspension of the Archbishop was executed, the Pope commanded all his Suffragans and Subjects to disobey him, till by his humiliation and giving suffi∣cient caution for his future deportment, he should demerit it, as this Bull, or Letter to all the Clergy and Laity of his Province evidenceth.

INNOCENTIUS Episcopus, &c. Dilectis filiis Clericis & Laicis per Cantuariensem* 1.278 Provinciam constitutis, salutem & Apostolicam Benedictionem. Ad communem volumus notitiam pervenire, quod nos suspensionis sententiam quam Venerabilis frater noster P. Wintoniensis Episcopus, & dilectus filius P. Subdiaconus, & familiaris noster Nor∣wicensis electus, in Stephanum Cantuariensem Archiepiscopum authoritate Apostolica

protulerunt, ratam habemus, & praecipimus inviolabiliter observari, donec idem Archi∣episcopus, qui eam humiliter servat, mereatur ipsam juxta formam Ecclesiae Canonice prae∣stitam relaxari, uno vinculo in aliud commutato. Quocirca universitati vestrae per A∣postolica scripta mandamus quatenus & vos ipsi praescriptam sententiam firmiter observetis, cum interim nullam debeatis eidem obedientiam exhibere. Datum Laterani, 2. nonas Novembris. Pontificatus nostri Anno xviij.

Here we cannot but with admiration consider, the just retaliation inflicted by Gods wonderfull providence on this Arch-traytor to King John. 1. The whole Kingdom must be Interdicted by the Pope at this Arch-prelates instigation, for the Kings not admitting him to the actual possession of the See of Canterbury, against the rights of his Crown and Kingdom. 2ly. The King himself must be personally Excommunica∣ted and not conversed with. 3ly. All his Subjects absolved from their allegiance and obedience to him, till his humiliation to the Pope: And now this Pope even at Rome it self, not only suspends, but ratifies this Archbishops actual suspension from his Arch∣bishoprick, absolves all Clerks & Laymen in his Province from their obedience to him, and commands them to yeild him no obedience at all, till he should humble himself to, and give satisfaction and caution to him for his future good behaviour. 2ly. That this Archbishop (the Popes chief instrument to humble, depose K. John, & set up the Pope in his Throne) should become the greatest stickler against this Pope, the contemner, slighter of his Interdicts, Excommunications, Censures, wherewith himself so much terrified the King and Kingdom before. 3ly. That this Pope who had been the Kings professed Enemy and Dethroner, should now become his prime Protector against those Bishops and Barons which himself first engaged to Rebell against him; though not upon King Johns own account as their lawfull King, yet as his Vassal and Tributary to the Church of Rome, much against his will, which providenti∣ally proved his greatest advantage in some respects, though most prejudicial and dishonourable to him in others. 4ly. The just punishment inflicted by God and this Pope upon Simon the Archbishops Brother, a great stickler for him, and pro∣fessed Enemy to the King, and that at this very time, upon this occasion.

The Archbishoprick of York becoming void, the King by his Letters Patents granted the Chapter of York a License to elect a new Archbishop, in the presence of five Commissioners, therein specially named, and with their consents, to prevent the election of this Simon Langhton, the Archbishops Brother, a great Enemy to the King, this being the first License granted by him, after his * 1.279 forecited Charter to the Archbishop and Bishops for the freedom of Elections.

REX Decano & Capitulo Eborac. &c. Cum Ecclesia vestra jamdiu Pastorali fu∣erit* 1.280 regimine destituta, nos in hoc compatientes, Pastorem sibi praefici ido∣neum, Deo acceptum, et nobis et Regno nostro utilem, salva digni∣tate nostra, vehementer afectamus, unde Venerabiles viros R. Eborum, H. Belli loci Regis, & R. de Seleby, Abbates, una cum fidelibus nostris Willielmo Briwer, & Willielmo de Cantilupo, Senescallo nostro, loco nostro ad vos transmittimus, ut ipsis praesentibus et assensum praebentibus Pastorem vobis eligatis idoneum, et nos ratum habebimus et stabile quicquid in praesentia ipsorum de assensu eorundem, super hoc factum fuerit. Quod si non omnes interesse valeant, quod inde factum fuerit in praesentia praefati W. Briwere, una cum uno vel duobus praedictorum Nunciorum de as∣sensu eorundem, ratum esse volumus et inconcussum. Et in hujus rei Testimonium, &c. Vobis mittimus. Teste meipso apud Porec. Vicesimo sexto die Januarii, Anno Regni nostri xv.

••odem modo scribitur

• Priori & Conventui Coventr.
• Priori & Conventui Rames..
• Capitulo Exon.
• Decano & Capitulo Cicestr.
• Priori & Conventui de Sancto Edmundo.
• Priori & Conventui de Burgo.
• Priori & Conventui Dunolm.

••n relation to Elections to be made by them of Priors and Bishops, to their then va∣cant Churches.

After which the King sent this Patent of Appeal to the Chapter of York, in gene∣ral termes, not to elect any person for their Archbishop suspected to be an Enemy to him, to avoid all misconstructions of his former Charter for freedom of Elections.

REX dilecto sibi in Christo Capitulo Eboracensi, salutem. Sciatis nos appel∣lasse,* 1.281 ne quis de gremio Ecclesiae vestrae, vel alterius in Archiepis∣copum Eboracensem eligatur, vel postuletur, qui nobis sit suspectus. Hancque appellationem nostram per has Literas nostras Patentes renovamus. Teste meipso apud Waling. Decimo tertio die Maii. Anno Regni nostri xvi.

And because these two former inhibitions were generall, the King by his expresse Charter secretly prohibited them to elect Simon La••ghton by name, to whom he would never give his Royal assent.

UNiversis & singulis Capituli Eboracensis salutem. Prohibemus ne quis ve∣strum* 1.282 S. Decanum Eboracensem, eligat in Archiepiscopum Eboracensem, quia hoc esset contra honorem nostrum, et commodum Regni nostri: si quis autem ipsum elegerit, nunquam poterit sperare se pacem aut amorem nobiscum habiturum. Hoc autem secretum esse volumus.

The Chapter notwithstanding the Kings and Popes inhibition likewise, to gratifie Stephen Archbishop of Canterbury, elected Simon La••ghton his Brother Archbishop of York: * 1.283 Vir quidem parum habens gratiae popularis, ••tinam Dei: sed procurante Rege citò cassatus est. Poterat enim Rex jam factus Tributarius Papae, difficilia impetrare; Timebat autem Rex, ne si Stephanus Cantuariae Archiepiscopus in Australibus, & frater ejus Simon Ebor. Archiepiscopus factus in septentrionalibus dominarentur, quasi maximi Praelati in Anglia, omnia ad votum eorum disponerentur, et alter alterius auxilio fulciretur. So Matthew Westminister. Of which Matthew Paris renders us this larger account.

CIrca dies istos, Canonici Eboracensis Ecclesiae, m••lto jam tempore Pastore vidua∣ti,* 1.284 impetrata a Rege licentia, ad electionem faciendam pariter convene∣runt. Et licet a Rege multis precibus fuissent rogati, ut Walterum de Gray, Wigor∣mensem Episcopum, sibi susciperent in Pastorem; tamen reclamantes illiteratum, ipsum eligere distulerunt. Veruntamen in electione procedentes, elegerunt Magistrum Simonem de Langetona, fratrem Archiepiscopi Cantuariensis, sterantes in eo scientiam, quam ap∣pellant sapientiam, scilicet morum aromate conditam scientiam, insuper favorem Domini Papae obtinere. Sed cum facta electio ad Regis audientiam pervenisset, misit Nuncios ad Curiam Romanam, qui contra electionem illam in praesentia Domini Papae exceptio∣nes hujusmodi induxerunt. Allegabant enim Archiepiscopium Cantuariensem Regis Angliae hostem esse publicum, ut qui Baronibus Angliae incen∣tivum contra Regem eundem praebuit et consensum. Vnde si dictus Simon, qui frater ejus est Archiepiscopi memorati, ad Archiepisco∣patum Eboracensem promoveretur, par Regis et Regni diu stare non poterit. Haec igitur & similia allegantes incommoda, Papam ad consensum induxerunt: Unde Capitulo Eboracensi scripsit in haec verba.

INNOCENTIUS Episcopus servus servorum Dei, &c. Cum Magister Simon de Langetona, cum quibusdam aliis Canonicis Eboracensibus, in nostra nuper esset praesentia constitutus, nos ei viva voce interdiximus, ne ad obtinendum Archiepis∣copatum Eboracensem intenderet, quia id certis ex causis minime pateremur, & ipse qui∣dem, quantum verbis expressit, huic annuit reverenter. Vnde mirari cogimur et moveri, si ipsum ambitio adeo ercaecaverit, ut cum sciret se post nostram prohibitionem, et suam promissionem expressam de jure eligi non posse, si tali praestiterit electioni consensum, quam, nullo alio contradicente, nos irritam haberemus. Sed ne hac occasione fiat in Anglia novissimus error pejor priore, vel Eboracensis Ecclesia diutius maneat pastore

viduata, de communi fratrum noftrorum consilio, per Apostolica vobis scripta praecipiendo mandamus, et in virtute obedientiae districte praecipimus, quatenus electione hujusmodi non obstante appellatio∣ne, cum insolentias et machinationes hujusmodi sustinere nolumus, nec debemus, omni occasione ac tergiversatione cessantibus, aliquos ex vobis cum communi * 1.285 omni potestate ad instans Concilium desti∣netis, qui saltem usque Calendas Novembris nostro se conspectui re∣praesentent, personam idoneam, cum nostro electuri vel postulaturi con∣silio in pastorem. Alioquin extunc nos ipsi curabimus de idoneo vobis Praesule * 1.286 providere, contradictores, si qui fuerint, vel rebelles, per districtionem Canonicam graviter punituri. Si vero praefatus Si∣mon electioni de se factae consensit, nos poenam, in poenam suae prae∣sumptioni statuimus, ut intelligibilis fiat, ne de caetero, absque dis∣pensatione sedis Apostolicae speciali, ad Pontificalem eligi valeat vignitatem. Datum Idibus Septembris, Pontificatus nostri Anno xviij.

The Canons of York, notwithstanding this Bull, appearing in the Council at Rome, were so bold as to justifie their election, and present Simon Langhton to the Pope for their Archbishop elect, and presse his confirmation of him: Which Matthew Pa∣ris thus relates, together with its event.

HIS ita gestis, Canonici Eboracensis Ecclesiae praesentaverunt Domino Papae* 1.287 Magistrum Simonem de Langetona, postulantes ut ejus electionem con∣firmaret. Quibus Papa: Noveritis quod ipsum non habemus pro electo, qui illum ad tantam dignitatem promoveri certis••de causis non patimur. Et cum praecipue contra prohibitionem nostram ista sit electio celebrata, nos eam cassamus penitus, et in perpetuum damnamus; decernentes utique ut intelligibilis fiat, ne absque dispensatione sedis Aposto∣licae ad Pontificalem eligi valeat dignitatem. Cassata igitur electione praedicta, dominus Papa Canonieis praecepit ut statim in electione procederent, sin minus ipse eis pastorem provideret ido∣neum. (By his newly usurped power of provisions.) Tunc Canonici sicut prius provisum fuerat, postulaverunt Walterum de Grai Episcopum Wigorniensem, propter carnis munditiam, ut asserebant, ut qui ab utero matris p••rmanserat us{que} in praesentem diem. Ad hoe dicitur Papa respondisse: Per sanstum Petrum, virginitas magna virtus est, et nos eum damus vobis. Itaque accepto Pallio Episcopus me∣moratus, rediit in Angliam obligatus in Curia Romana de decem* 1.288 Millibus Librarum legalium Esterlingorum. (Which he Payd to this Pope for his Pall, as a true successor to Simon Magus, not to Simon Peter, in his Symonical extortions.) In fine autem, soluto Concilio, extorsit Papa de unoquoque Praelato infini∣tam pecuniam: quam cum viaticis cogebantur ab usurariis suis mutuo duris conditionibus sumere.

Matthew Paris in the Life of William Abbot of St. Albans, present in this Council,* 1.289 relates that, Idem Abbas Willielmus, cum soluto Concilio, accepta licentia cum bene∣dictione, vellet recedere, in muneribus non respecto, dixit ei Papa: Nonne tu es Abbas Sancti Albani, qui tot privilegiorum beneficia a nostra sede toties obtinuisti? Siccine decet talem ac tantum virum, me non respecto recedere? Et cum obtulisset quin∣quaginta Marcas, amice redargutus, coactus est antequam exisset a Camera (in quam poenituit eum intrasse) non sine turpi convitio, super solutionem Centum Marcarum satisfacere, quas mutuo ab usurariis Curiae, non sine duris accepit conditionibus. Levius tamen hoc tulit Abbas et aequanimius, quia hoc idem fecit Praelatis universis. Quam pecuniam numeratam, cum per aliquem de suis ante pedes Papales humiliter ac devote obtu∣lisset, dedit ei cum su••benedictione sic comparata, remeandi licentiam. Et sic recedens, Romam murmurando salutavit, ibique reliquit eum Magister Rogerus Porre∣tanus,

(one of his Monks who▪ accompanied him to Rome) vir supra modum ambitio∣sus, (who advised this Abbot whiles at Rome) ut Abbas resignaret Abbatia•••• suam in manus Papae, sub obtentu sanctitatis, s••iturus quod majorem & uberiorem, pro certo re∣ciperet dignitatem, si Papa in tanto viro, talem videret humilitatem, & tam evidens sancti∣tatis argumentum. Sed Abbas nolens certa pro incertis commutare, consiliis ejus nullatenus acquievit: Dixitque ei, Magister, dictum est in proverbio vulgari:

F••••lix quemfaciunt aliena pericula cautum.

Hoc fecisti tu de redditu tu•• Bathoniensi quem dimisisti, inhians uberiori, quem tamen nunquaem consequi valuisti. Et silui•• Rogerus redargutus & confusus. There being nothing given, but every Ecclesiastical preferment sold by this Pope, to those that would give most money for it, yet no Symony nor crime in this Innocent.

King John after all these proceedings against the Baron••, Bishops, and his good successes:

AUdiens autem Rex Barones Angliae esse excommunicatos, Archiepiscopum C••n∣tuariensem* 1.290 suspensum, Simonem fratrem ejus cassatum, Walterum de Gray pro∣motum, & quod de Castro Roffensi pro lubitu disposuisset: elevatum est nimis Cor ejus, & continuo Castra movens, apud Sanctum Albanum cum festinatione perrexit. Quo cum pervenisset, praesente Conventu Capitulum intravit, Liter as de suspensione Can∣tuariensis Archiepiscopi fecit manifestè recitari; constanter exigens a Conventu, qua∣tenus sub testimonio sigilli sui praefatae suspensionis confirmatio ad omnes Angliae Ecclesias, tam Cathedrales quam Conventuales, publicanda mitteretur. Iurta illud Poeticum: Stricto supplicat ense potens. Quod cum ei a Conventu concessum fuisset, forte invito, continuo post Capitulum in Claustro cum paucis Consiliariis sedr∣sim recedens, disposuit qualiter inimicos suos, Magnates scilicet Angliae confunderet, et quemadmodum exteris nationibus, quae sub ipso militabant, stipendia provideret. Tandem Rex duos ordinavit exercitus: ut videlicet ex uno Baronum irruptiones Londini morantium reprimeret; ex altero, ipse Aquilonares Angliae provincias igne simul & ferro, quaeque sibi obvia conte∣rendo, de••eret. These Souldiers of the King were so incensed against the Rebelli∣ous Priests and Clergy▪ * 1.291 Ʋt Sacerdotes ipsis altaribus ••stantes, signum Sancta Crucis manibus bajulantes, vel ipsum Dominicum corpus tractantes, sacris vestimentis venerabi∣les, altaribus astantes religione deferendi; irreverenter capiebantur, cruciabantur, spolia∣bantur, vulnerabantur: nec fuit Pontifex, Sacerdos, vel Levita, qui vulneribus inflictis oleum infunderet vel vinum: They likewise pillaged the Cathedral Church of Ely, which they entred with drawn Swords, and forced the Prior to pay them 200. Marks of silver to save their lives, and Church from burning, and wasted all the Barons Houses, Mannors, Lands with fire and sword.

King John by reason of these high contests between the Priesthood and Kingship, the Barons Liberties and his own Prerogative, was necessitated to resign up almost all his Ecclesiastical, as well as Temporal Jurisdiction, to the Pope and his Legates, retaining only his ancient right of granting Licenses to Chapters, Covents, to elect Bishops, Abbots, Abbesses, Priors, Deans, and of assenting to their Elections when made; which yet must be left arbitrary, with a si placet to the Pope and his Nuncioes approbations, who rejected or confirmed the person recommended, elected, assented to by the King, at their pleasures, who could hardly procure any Chapter or Covent to elect any person he had a mind to preferre, but with many petitions, solicitati∣ons to them by himself and his instruments, and by other unkingly shifts and de∣vices, being oft crossed, affronted, and seldome gratified therein, but with much dif∣ficulty and intreaty, as these ensuing Records demonstrate.

REX Venerabili Patri in Christo, N. Dei gratia Tusculanensi Episcopo, Aposto∣licae* 1.292 sedis Legato, &c. Noverit prudentia vestra Priorem & Conventum de Burton, secundum Deum & consuetudinem Regni nostri, eligisse sibi in Abbatem S.

Priorem Wintoniensem, et Nos electioni eorum assensum praebuimus, ipsumque electum ad vos mittimus, Rogantes quatenus electionem eius SI PLACET, confirmare velitis. Et in hujus rei Testimonium, vobis mittimus. Teste me ipso apud Clarens, Vicesimo tertio die Januarii, Anno Regni nostri xv.

MANDATUM est Domino Wintonienfi Episcopo quod omnem curam & sol∣licitudinem* 1.293 apponat ut Amita Roberti Ross, Monialis de Berking. pro∣moveat in Abbatissam ejusdem domus; Et si hoc fieri non potest, quod soror Johannis de Basingburn, Priorissa de Elleschirch, promoveatur in Abbatissam, & si neutra illarum possit promoveri, quod Priorissa ejusdem domus in Abba∣tissam promoveatur. Et quod nullo modo permittat, quod soror Roberti filii Walterii in Abbatissam ejusdem domus promoveatur. The Kings hands and Peroga∣tive being so bound up by his Charter for free Elections, that he could not so much as promote, or hinder the promotion of any Abbesse, Dean, Bishop, but only by his instruments, in such a disjunctive manner as this, and such a precarious way as was below a King, as he used this next ensuing for the Dean of York.

REX Capitulo Eborac, &c. Quoniam de honestate dilecti nostri Magistri W.* 1.294 Archdiaconi Noting. certi sumus, & de fidelitate confidimus, vos Ro∣gamus attentius, quatenus cum Ecclesiae vestrae utilis, et nobis dig∣noscatur esse fidelis, omni cessante Contradictione unanimi assensu ipsum eligatis in Decanum, quia nos in personam ejus favoribiliter assentimus. Tantum igitur inde facere velitis intuitu nostri et ob∣tentu precum nostrarum, maxime cum justae sint et honestae, ut ad u∣berrimas vobis pro eo teneamur gratiarum actiones.

REX Domino P. Wintoniensi Episcopo, &c, Quoniam de honestate dilecti no∣bis* 1.295 Magistri W. Archidiaconi Notingh. non dubitamus, ut de ejus fidelitate confidimns, nec possit ad praesens effectum capere voluntas vestra quam gessi∣mus in corde de Nepote vestro in Decan. Eborum promovendo, quod moleste ferimus, ut omnis sopiatur contentio in praedicta Ecclesia, Uolumus, et vobis mandando injungimus, ut non obstante quod Nepos vester praedictus Decanatum illum non adeptus est, efficiatis quod dictus Archi∣diaconus Noting. ad Decanatum Eborum promoveatur, quia nos in personam ejus assentimus. Nec sit vobis haec res molesta, quoni∣am dicto Nepoti vestro alibi per Dei gratiam sufficienter provi∣debimns et decenter. Apud Parten. Uicesimo die Septembris.

REX Domino P. Wintoniensi Episcopo Justiciario Angliae, &c. Quoniam ar∣duis perplexi negotiis in partibus Pictaviae petitioni Prioris & conventus* 1.296 sancti Albani nobis factae, de eligendo sibi Abbate operam non potuimus ad prae∣sens dare efficacem: Mandavimus eisdem, ut ab electione facienda ces∣sent donec in Angliam venerimus, et post 15. diesex quo audierint nos advenisse in Angliam, coram nobis compareant nobiscum locuturi. Uos igitur eos inducatis ne dilationem istam moleste ferant, pro∣videntes ne interim electionem facere praesumant. Terr as autem eorum, tenementa, Nemora & homines, & omnia sua, sub protectione & Custodia nostra tuta esse faciatis & tranquilla, it a quod in nullo vastentur, destruantur, vel minuantur; Teste me ipso apud Niort. vicesimo primo die Septembris. To such shifts was the King put by his Char∣ter for free elections, to obtain his ends.

How much the Covent and Monks of Durham opposed, affronted King John in the election of their Bishop, whereupon he was enforced to make use of the Popes and Legates plenitude of power, and yet could not effect his ends, but the Pope obtains his, to dispose of all Elections and Bishopricks at his pleasure, will appear by these Records.

REX Priori & Conventui Dunolmensi, &c. A temero proposito resilire* 1.297 Quomam mandatum vestrum quod nobis fecistis de Decano Sarum, Deo et dignitati nostrae et voluntati domini Papae repugnare dignoscitur, cum preces vobis jamdudum fecerimus pro alio, pro quo etiam Dominus Papa scripsit Legato suo Angliae, ut vos induceret ad ipsum postulandum; post quidem postulaveritis eundem, et nos Regium praebuerimus Assensum vestrae postulationi, & nos in∣super inde Domino Papae, cui super hoc nobis scribere placuit significaverimus voluntatem nostram, quae eidem ut credimus grata erit & accepta, cujus adhuc re∣sponsum non audivimus plene; plane vobis asserimus, quod nec manda∣tum vestrum gratum habemus, nec ei favorem adhibemus, nec as∣sensum. Teste meipso apud sanctum Maxen. Sexto die Septembris.

INNOCENTIUS Episcopus Servus Servorum Dei. Charissimo in Christo filio Johanni illustri Anglorum Regi salutem & Apostolicam Bene∣dictionem.* 1.298 Credentes utilitati & honori tuo plurimum expedire si Venerabilis frater noster Norwicensis Episcopus, quem tibi omnino devotum coguo∣vimus et fidelem, ad Dunolmensem Ecclesiam transferretur, ignari capitulum illius Ecclesiae dilectum filium Sarisburiensem Decanum, virum praefecto scientia, vita & fama praeclarum concorditer eligerint in Pastorem, Vene∣rabili fratri nostro Thusculan. Episcopo Apostolicae Sedis Legato, direximus scrip∣ta nostra, ut faceret Dunolmense Capitulum Norwicensem Episcopum praedictum in suum Episcopum postulare. Cumque Legatus ad eorum accessisset Ecclesiam, ipsi decretum electionis quam fecerant praesentantes, ab eo confirmationem cum instantia postularunt. Legatus autem habens profecto Zelum sed non secundum Scientiam, in hac parte cum nos consuluisse debuer it, sine nostri exquisitione mandati, ex quo videbat electionem concordem fuisse processum apud idem Capitulum plurimum institit ut Norwicenscem prae∣dictum in Episcopum postularent, set illis electoni firmiter innitentibus, tandem ad hoc eos per multam coartavit instantiam, ut salvo jure electionis, postulatio fieret, & utrius{que} electionis & postulationis videlicet, praesentaretur Apostolicae sedi decretum. Accedentes autem ad sedem Apostolicam Duo Monachi ex parte Dunolm. praesentato nobis utroque decreto apud nos pro electionis affirmatione sicut in mandatis acceperant, institerunt, eidem firmiter inhaerendo, praesertim cum in majori concordia electio quam postulatio celebrata fuisset, prout ex subscriptionibus apparebat. Nos vero electionem protinus confirmare distulimus, quia non fuerat Regius requisitus assensus. Verum memorato Decano monendo & suggerendo Man∣davimus, ut quantum in eo est negotium ipsum omnino transfe∣rat in nostrum arbitrium, ita ut sive de juris rigore, sive de modera∣mine providentiae prout expedire viderimus procedamus. Cum igitur sit idem Decanus plene sufficiens ad officium pastorale, ac nos providere intenda∣mus, utraque transcripta Literarum quas accepimus a Legato, nec non utriusque decreti regali excellentiae mittimus praesentibus interclusa; & nihil ominus consu∣lentes, ut super ordinatione Dunelmensis quam Norwicensis Ecclesiae, si eam vacare contigerit, te penitus nostro committas Arbitrio, quia quantum cum Domino poterimus, libenter et efficaciter intendemus ad ea quae tuum respiciant commodum et honorem. Caeterum dilectus filius Magi∣ster Annuncius tuus, vir providus & fidelis, serenitati Regiae viva voce plenius expri∣mere poterit super hiis & aliis sicut a nobis accepit, nostrae beneplacitum volun∣tatis. Tu ergo beneplacitum tuum nobis differas intimare. Dat. Romae apud Sanctum Petrum, ii. Idus Maii. Pontificatus nostri Anno Septimo Decimo. (You may here behold the Popes jugling with the Dean, Chapter, and King too.) To which the Popes Legate returned this Answer.

SAnctissimo in Christo Patri ac Domino J. Dei gratia Pontifici, suus J. Dei & sui gratia Episcopus Tusculanus se ipsum ad pedes & ejus orationibus commendari. Peracto negotio Eboracensis Ecclesiae, per Dei gratiam concorditer & in pace sicut per alias Literas vestrae beatitudini nunciavi, ad Dunolmensem Ecclesiam subsequen∣ter accessi, Priori & Conventui ejusdem Ecclesiae diligenter proponens, ut juxta

mandatum vestrum eidem Ecclesiae cum meo consilio de persona Idonea provi∣derent: Ipsi vero licet affeveranter proposuerint, se Authoritate quarundam Literarum vestrarum electionem fecisse, quas Literas & decretum eorum, qualiter De∣canum Saresburiensem elegerant in Praelatum, mihi in Capitulo ostenderunt, tamen propter Literas vestras quas mihi misistis pro Venerabili fratre Episcopo Norwicensi, eisdem Literis & meo consilio coartati, salvo tamen jure si quid habent in electione prae∣dicta, praefatum Norwicensem Episcopum in suum duxerunt Episcopum concorditer postulandum, & decretum inde solenniter factum per suos Nuncios vobis mittunt, a sancti∣tate vestra mecum humiliter deposcentes, ut inde quod vobis inspiraverit Dominus, facia∣tis. Dat. apud Midleham vi. Kalend. Marcii.

IN Nomine Patris & Filii & Spiritus Sancti, Amen. Omnibus sanctae Matris* 1.299 Ecclesiae filiis, praesentis Decreti paginam inspecturis, W. humiles Prior & conventus Ecclesiae Dunolmensis, salutem in Domino. Sicut praevio bono pastore in∣grediuntur & egrediuntur & sibi pascua inveniunt Oves dominicae, ita quidem fure vel mercenario aliunde quam per hostium intrante, eodem veri Pastoris des∣titutae sollicitudine Lupis rapacibus expositae extra loca pascuae devagantur erra∣bundae. Nos igitur attendentes quod Ecclesia nostra jampridem boni Pastoris so∣latio privata, per multos inutiles pastores, nec non & longam vacationem magnis sit honoribus & multis libertatibus turpiter mutilata, cura quoque & consilio pene penitus destituta, ut juris ordine per omnina observato, de dei vultu Ecclesiae nostrae dudum Pastore carentis procederet electio; ita tandem Ecclesiae nostrae duximus. Post trinam ammonicionem E. bonae memoriae quondam Archiepiscopi nostri, prae∣cedente etiam mandato Apostolico super electione facienda ad nos facto, nec non domini Regis assensu saepius super hoc requisito, porrectis nobis insuper a Domino Rege precibus pro quibusdam personis Ecclesiae nostrae minus inutilibus, et ad tanti honoris Dnus portandum minus sufficientibus, convocatis ad hoc fratribus nostris, in Capitulo convenimus, & ibidem consistentes, Spiritus sancti gratia vitae invocata, & matura deliberatione praehabi∣ta, virum venerabilem Richardum Decanum Ecclesiae Saresburiensis, unanimi consensu & sine Contradictione elegimus in Pastorem. Ʋirum utique integrae famae, cuide Ca∣nonicis nihil credimus obviare institutis, in temporalibus bene providum, & in spiritu∣alibus multum devotum, moribus & literatura praeclarum, quem credimus & scire & velle Ecclesiae nostrae deperdita restaurare, ac restaurata diligentius custodire, parati pro ipso quantum patitur justitia, & res exponere & personas: appellantes insuper tam pro electione quam pro electo nostro, ne inimico homine machinante aliquid in praejudici∣um hujus facti attemptetur. Ut autem factum nostrum debitae robur obtineat fir∣mitatis stabile manens & inconcussum, praesens decretum sigillorum subscriptioni∣bus roboravimus, & sigilli nostri appositione vallavimus. Ego W. Prior Subscribo † Ego Henr. Subprior Subscribo † Robertus Hostellarius Subscribo † Ego Johan∣nes Subscribo † Ego Willus Subscribo † Ego Ambrosius Elmosinarius Subscribo † Ego Radulphus Subscribo † Ego Thomas Subscribo † Ego Oswaldus Subscribo † Ego Johannes Subscribo † Ego Robertus Subscribo † Ego Rogerus Subscribo † Ego Willus Subscribo † Ego Robertus Subscribo † Ego Andreas Subscribo † Ego Michael Subscribo † Ego Galfridus Subscribo † Ego Anketinus Subscribo † Ego Hammond Subscribo † Ego Simond Subscribo † Ego Petrus Subscribo † Ego Johannes Subscribo † Ego Thomas Subscribo † Ego Henericus Subscribo † Ego Rogerus Subscribo † Ego Johannes Subscribo † Ego Heneri. Subscribo † Ego Robertus Subscribo † Ego Germanus Subscribo † Ego Robertus Subscribo † Ego Bartholomeus Subscribo † Ego Willus Subscribo † Ego Johannes Subscribo † Ego Willus Subscribo † Ego Willus Subscribo † Ego Radulphus Subscribo † Ego Gil∣bertus Subscribo † Ego Germanus Subscribo † Ego Robertus Subscribo † Ego Ham∣mond Subscribo † Ego Robertus Subscribo. This Decree and Appeal they all thus sealed and subscribed, in direct affront and opposition to the Kings Letters and re∣quests unto them.

The same year with some strugling the King procured R. de Marisco to be elected Bishop of Winchester, as these Records attest.

REX dilectis sibl Abbatibus Eborac. & de Bello loco Regis & de Seleby, &* 1.300 Willielmo Briwer, & Cantalupo Senescal salutem. Sciatis quod quicquid vo∣bis

alias Mandaverimus de assensu vestro communiter vice nostra prestando in Electione Wintoniensi Ecclesiae, in personam tamen dilecti et fi∣delis nosiri Magistri R. de Marisc. Archid. Northumb. Ecclesiae illi prae∣ficiendum firmiter assentimus, et constanter, volentes proculdubio quod hoc mandatum nostrum speciale generali mandato nostro derogat prius vo∣bis facto, maxime cum tempore illo sedes dictae Ecclesiae dignoscatur non vacasse. Mandamus igitur vobis quod in ejus personam cujuslibet alterius persona exclusa, assensum vice nostra praebeatis, quem quidem ratum habebimus, et inconcussum. Et in hujus rei testimonium, &c. Teste meipso apud Volvent. Vicesimo secundo die Maii Anno Regni 16.

REX Priori & Conventui sancti Swithini Wint. salutem. Cum omni con∣sonum* 1.301 sit rationi quod Principis Petitio, maxime pro pace et tranquilitate Regni porrecta, de facili debeat exaudiri, confidentes devobis quod nihil attemptare velitis nostrae contrarium dignitati, universitatem vestram audacter imploramus, attentius exhortantes, dilectum et fidelem nostrum Magistrum R. de Marisc. Archidiaco∣num Northumbr, Virum utique providum, Literatum, & honestum, nobis fidelem, Regno utilem ad consilium et Auxilium efficacem, vobis in Episcopum intuitu Dei et nostri liberaliter eligatis, maxime cum Dominus Papa sui gratia ejus affectet promotionem, scituri proculdubio, quod in ejus personam firmiter assentimus et constan∣ter, nullatenus vol entes ab hoc proposito resilire. Et ut facilius huic petitioni nostrae condescendatis, ipsum R. ad vos destinamus a nexibus curiae penitus absolutum. Et in hujus rei testimonium, &c. Vobis mittimus. Teste ut supra. Eodem modo scribitur Priori sancti Swithini Wint. sine Conventu.

He being elected upon these importunate Letters, and approved, the King thus Writ to the Popes Legat to confirme him.

DOmino N. Tusculanensi Episcopo Apostolicae sedis Legato J. Dei gratia Rex* 1.302 Angliae, &c. Noveritis quod monachi Wint. Ecclesiae dilectum & fidelem nostrum Magistrum R. de Marisc. Archidiaconum Northumb. unanimi assensu Capi∣tuli sui elegerunt, & nos huic electioni praebuimus et praebemus assensum, unde paternitati vestrae devotissime supplicamus, quatenus & vos manum con••••rmationis apponatis, cum constet nobis hanc vobis a Domino Papa concessam fuisse potestatem; Dominum autem Cantuariensem Archiepiscopum super hoc sollici∣tare nolumus, aestimantes quod ejus confirmationem maliciose dif∣ferre attemptaret. Teste meipso apud Niors. Vicesimo octavo die Junii. Anno Decimo sexto.

I find not in any of our Historians, nor in Godwins Catalogue, that he was ever consecrated Bishop of Winchester, notwithstanding his election, and the Kings appro∣bation and Letters on his behalf, so that he miscarried in this design, as he did in this of Hugo Foliot to St. Davids.

REX R. Hereford. Episcopo, &c. Quoniam ex fideli Magnatum & fidelium no∣strorum* 1.303 didicimus testimonio, dilectum & fidelem Hugonem Foliot, Archidia∣conum Salop. magnae honestatis virum esse, scientia etiam & moribus bene ornatum, necnon Ecclesiae Menevensi, nobis & Regno nostro utilem, vos attentius rogamus, quatenus pro amore nostro ad Ecclesiam Menevensem, cum Literis nostris quas Capi∣tulo ejusdem Ecclesae de memorato H. in Ecclesia promovendo destinamus, acce∣dentes, ipsum Capitulum moneatis, et modis omnibus quibus pote∣ritis inducatis, ut huic petitioni meae favorem praebeant benignum, ut ob meritum hujus nostrae petitionis ab eisdem exauditae, tam in rebus Ecclesiae suae alienatis revocandis adjutores, quam in aliis Ec∣clesiae suae negotiis suis promovendis benigni ipsis existere debeamus.

Placeat discretioni vestrae ita dignitati et honori nostro in promoti∣one praefati fidelis nostri insistere quod diligentia vestra a nobis me∣rito debeat commendari. Apud Gendef. Decimo sexto die Januarii.

REX dilectis sibi in Christo Capitulo Menevensis Ecclesiae, salutem. Quoniam ex* 1.304 fideli Magnatum nostrorum didicimus testimonio, dilectum & fidelem nostrum Hugonem Foliot, Archidiaconum Salop. magnae honestatis virum esse, scientia etiam & moribus ornatum, necnon Ecclesiae vestrae et Regno nostro utilem, nullis laboribus et expensis nostris parcere volentes, universitatem vestram attentius rogamus, quatenus tam Ecclesiae vestrae, quam nostrum et Regni nostri honorem pensantes, et utilitatem, ipsum H. in Pasto∣rem, et Episcopum Ecclesiae vestrae eligere velitis. Hanc autem peti∣tionem nostram tam benigne exaudire velitis, ut in jure Ecclesiae vestrae confovendo, et negotiis vestris efficaciter promovendo ob meritum praesentis petitionis nostrae exauditae nos benignos, et benevolos invenire de∣beatis. Apud Ge•• def.

I cannot find that he succeeded in this suite, nor yet in this his recommendation of three several persons to the Prior and Covent of Ramesy.

REX Priori & Conventui de Rames. &c. Audito rumore quod Ecclesia vestra* 1.305 Pastore est destituta, eidem ad honorem Dei providere affectantes, pro dilectis nostris Abbate Eborum, Priore de Coventr. & Priore de Coldingham, universitatem vestram duximus rogandam, quatenus unum istorum trium vobis in Pastorem invocata Spiritus Sancti gratia unanimiter eligere non differatis. Speramus enim unum praedictorum virorum, praecipue cum magnae sint Authoritatis, & bonae famae nobis et Regno nostro utilem, et Ecclesiae vestrae Gubernati∣oni, necnon et omnium rerum vestrarum dispositioni necessarium. Adquiescentes igitur taliter consilio nostro Petitiones nostras exaudientes, quod id ad honorem Dei cedere valeat & vestrum commodum, & quod proinde vobis gra∣tias exsolvere debeamus. Teste meipso apud Farnham, Decimo nono die Aprilis.

What interest King John claimed in giving his Royal assent or dissent to the uni∣ting of Bishopricks and Abbies, whereof he was Patron, appears by these Records, concerning the union and disuniting of the Bishoprick of Bath and Wells, and Abby of Glastonbury, wherein the Pope had exercised the principal Jurisdiction by Usurpation.

SAnct••ssimo Patri, &c. J. Dei gratia, &c. Et tam debitam quam devotam ut Do∣mino* 1.306 & Patri in omnibus reverentiam. Quoniam nostri et Haeredum no∣strorum plurimum interest ne unio Bathoniae et Glaston. Ecclesiarum dissolva∣tur, parati sumus jus nostrum defendere sicut decet habita opportu∣nitate. Ad quod tamen ea diligentia intendere non possumus ad praesens, tum propter statum & negotia Regni nostri, tum propter expeditionem quibus nos opor∣tet omnem & continuam diligentiam adhibere. Quapropter Sanctitati vestrae supplicamus cum omni qua possumus instantia, quatenus negotium super unione praedicta, saltem suspendi velitis quousque a peregrina∣tione nostra nos reduxerit miseratio divina. Teste Domino P. Wintoniensi Episcopo, apud Walling. secundo die Maii.

SAnctissimo Domino & Fratri J. Dei gratia Rex, &c. salutem. Quoniam ea quae* 1.307 Apostolicae Authoritatis deliberatione providè statuta sunt consistere decet stabilitate perpetua, ut nullatenus infirmentur, eo confidentius Paternitati vestrae duximus supplicandum pro conservatione unionis Bathoniae & Glastoniae Ecclesiarum, quam de assensu R. quondam Regis Angliae fratris nostri, Sanctae recordationis Do∣minus E. praedecessor vester stabilitat. Et postmodum vestra prudentia multiplici Authenticorum vestrorum beneficio roboravit: Cui etiam multis a retro

Annis nostrum praebueramus assensum. * 1.308 Meminimus autem nos vacante s••de Bathoniensi & Glastoniensi sublimitati vestrae scripsisse pro ipsa unione rescindenda. Et similiter ad magnam instantiam nostram, et Regni nostri Mag∣nates, Episcopi quidem, et Abbates, quamplurimum etiam Batho∣niensis et Wellensis Capitula ob idem nobis supplicarunt. Quod proculdubio minime fecissemus, si tunc mem••res fuissemus assensus nostri quem eidem unioni adhibueramus, aut si multiplex praejudici∣um quod nobis et Haeredibus nostris, et dispendium quod Ecclesiis memoratis Bathoniensi et Wellensi, et etiam Glastoniensi immi∣nere dignoscitur▪ animadvertissemus, sicut nunc clarius intuemur. Quodque vobis super eodem iterato scripsimus id nos fecisse recoli∣mus ob iram et indignationem, quam adversus Uenerabilem Pa∣trem nostrum I. Bathoniensem et Glastoniensem Episcopum, con∣ceperamus, eo quod cum inimicis nostris Interdicti temporibus An∣gliae, fuerat in partibus transmarinis, nondum insuper intendentes ad praejudicia et dispendia praedicta, quae nunc videmus, sed nec etiam assensum nostrum quem praediximus ad memoriam reducentes. Pla∣ceat igitur Sanctitati vestrae, ut praedictarum unio Ecclesiarum in∣dultam sibi firmitatem obtineat in perpetuum, ne ad successionem maliciosam tantae tamque sollempnis Authoritatis ordinem enerve∣tur. Quod in non modicum nostri et Haeredum nostrorum similiter in Bathoniensis et Glastoniensis et Wellensis Ecclesiarum cederet praejudicium. Apud Walling. secundo die Maii.

Hereupon the Pope referred the examination of this cause to his Legates in Eng∣land, before whom King John constituted his Proctor by this Writ.

REX N. Tusculanensi Episcopo, & Magistro Pandulpho, Domini Papae Subdiaco∣no* 1.309 & Decano Sarr. salutem. In causa super unione Bathoniae & Glastoniae Ec∣clesiarum vobis a Domino Papa commissa, ad diem Jovis proximam ante Dominicam in Ramis palmarum in Capella Sancti Thomae juxta Oseneyam, apud Oxon. dilectum & fidelem nostrum Henricum de Ver, procuratorem nostrum constituimus; ratum ha∣bituri quicquid dictis die & loco in dicta causa mediante justitia fecerit, ad appellan∣dum etiam si necesse fuerit dictum H. procuratorem constituimus. Judicatum solvi promittimus pro eodem idem parti adversae significamus. Teste meipso apud Oxon. Octavo die Aprilis, Anno Regni nostri xvi.

Sub eadem forma scribitur Episcopo Cicestriae, & Magistro Pandulpho. Teste eodem. Dat. eadem. Anno eodem.

The conclusion was this: That the Monks of Glastonbury prevailed with money* 1.310 and importunity to have their Abby severed from the Bishoprick, and to be govern∣ed by an Abbot as formerly, parting with no lesse then 4. Mannors, and the Patro∣nage of 6. Benefices to Ioceline Bishop of Bath and Wells, and his Successors, by way of composition, to obtain this disunion.

The Pope and his Legates having stripped King John of his Crown, and most of the Prerogatives thereto belonging, seemed to make him some kind of recompence, by these two insignificant empty Priviledges which they indulged to him, to give him some content, being meer Cyphers in themselves, without any substance.

In this 16. year of King John, Robert de Corcu•• a Cardinal of Rome, by the Popes Authority, held a Council at Burdeaux in France, wherein he made sundry Decrees concerning Jews, Tithes, and other particulars, enchroaching upon the Rights of Temporal Princes and Barons, subjecting their persons to Excommunications, and Lands to Interdictions: and that in particular. From all which Statutes and Canons this Legate specially exempted King Johns and his Heirs rights, as no wayes to be im∣paired thereby, but rather preserved; which was but a meer Complement, neither he nor his Kingdoms or Subjects being obliged thereby.

ITem si Barones vel quicunque alii per Quadragintos dies veleo amplius excommunica∣tionem* 1.311 in eos latam sustinuerint, eorum subditi ab eorum fidelitate absolvantur, & eo∣rum terra Interdicto supponantur, & nihilominus per eorum Dominos & Praelatos, & com∣munes totius Provinciae contra eos directas puniantur, eorum Principe prius Convento, Feoda vero & terrae excommunicatorum in potestate Dominorum suorum consistant, quousque in∣juriam passis & Ecclesiae ab eisdem satisfactum fuerit competenter. Item, non compellan∣tur inviti viduae vel alii per Principes ad Matrimonia contrahenda, &c. Attendentes autem devotionem & obedientiam Charissimi nostri Johannis illustris Regis Angliae, Domini Hiberniae, Ducis Norman. Aquit. & Comitis Andegaviae, nolumus quod per haec statuta nostra, vel alia quae fecerimus vice legationis in Regno Franciae, aliquid juris sui vel Haeredum suorum depereat; Sed potius jura sua volumus per omnia conservari. Et in hujus rei testimonium, haec Statuta nostra eidem Domino sigillo nostro signata habenda concessimus. Ita scilicet quod non noceant sibi vel Haeredibus suis.

Besides, the Pope to gratifie King John by putting a Feather in his Cap, when he had wrested his Crown from his head, and Scepter out of his hand, granted him this pretended new priviledge, exempting his Chappels from Episcopal Excommunicati∣on and Jurisdiction, without the Popes special command; which in truth were by the Laws of the Realm exempted from them long before, by the Kings inherent Re∣gal prerogative; by which kind of grants of pretended priviledges the Pope came to challenge and enchroach new Jurisdictions in the Realm, which they never exercised nor claimed before.

IN NOCENTIƲS Episcopus servus servorum Dei, Charissimo in Christo* 1.312 filio Johanni illustri Regi Anglorum, salutem & Apostolicam Benedictionem. Apostolicae sedis ampla benignitas sincere obsequentium vota fidelium favore bene∣volo prosequi consuevit, & illustrium virorum personas quas in devotione sua promp∣tas invenerit & ferventes, quibusdam titulis decentius decorare. Vt igitur ex speciali devotione quam ad Romanam Ecclesiam et personam no∣stram habere dignosceris, Apostolicum tibi sentias accrevisse favo∣rem, statuimus ne a quoquam tua possit Excommunicari vel In∣terdici Capella sine mandato sedis Apostolicae speciali. Tu ergo ne inde nascantur injuriae unde jura nascuntur, talem te super hiis satagas exhibere, ne per abusum (quod absit) privari ab hujusmodi be∣neficio merearis; quia juxta Canonicas sanctiones, privilegium mere∣rur amittere, qui permissa sibi abutitur potestate. (And had not this Pope by this rule forfeited all his pretended priviledges and right in England long before, by his Interdict, Excommunication, and dis-inheriting of K. John and his Heirs for ever?) Nulli ergo omnino hominum liceat hanc paginam nostrae constitutionis infringere, vel ei ausu temerario contra ire; si quis autem hoc attemptare praesumpserit, indignationem Omnipotentis Dei, et Beatorum Petri et Pauli Apostolorum ejus, se noverit in∣cursurum. Dat. Romae, apud Sanctum Petrum, xviij. die Kalend. Maii. Pontifica∣tus nostri Anno xvij.

This priviledge was made the ground of exempting the Kings Free Chappels from the ordinary Taxes of the Clergy, Provisions of the Pope, Procurations, Tenthes, Archiepiscopal and Episcopal Visitations, as will hereafter appear; when as in truth the Common Law of England, Prescription time out of mind, and the Great Parliamentary Council of Clarendon, gave them this exemption without the help of this Bull.

The greatest and best advantage King John gained by the surrender of his Crown, and most of his Regal Jurisdiction to the Pope, was his real assistance of him against his Arch-enemy Stephen Archbishop of Canterbury, and his Rebellious Barons, ra∣ther to preserve his own usurped interest in England then King Johns. In pursu∣ance whereof, he having formerly excommunicated all the Barons in general, which they slighted as null, proceeding still more obstinately in their Wars and Rebel∣lions

then before; the Pope at the Kings request, proceeded to excommunicate some of them by name, with all others that should assist them, or that should in∣vade or enter the Realm to deprive him of his Crown, he being the Church of Romes Vassal, and the Realm of England belonging thereunto; and Interdicted all the Barons Lands.

Circa dies istos, fummus Pontifex Barones Angliae, quos prius excommunicaverat* 1.313 in genere, ad instantiam Regis Anglorum, per subscriptas Literas excommu∣nicavit nominatim & in specie.

IN NOCENTIUS Episcopus, &c. Abbati de Albendune, Archidiacono Pictaviensi, & Magistro Roberto Officiali Norwicensis Ecclesiae, salutem. Ad vestram volumus pervenire notitiam, quod nos nuper in generali Concilio constituti, excommunicavi∣mus & Anathematisavimus ex parte Omnipotentis Dei Patris, & Filii, & Spiritus Sancti, authoritate quoque Beatorum Petri & Pauli Apostolorum ejus, ac nostra, Barones Angliae cum adjutoribus & fantoribus suis, qui Johannem illustrem Regem Anglorum Cruce signatum, & * 1.314 Vassallum Romanae Ecclesiae persequ••••tu••, molientes ci Regnum auferre, quod ad Romanam Ecclesiam dignoseitur perti∣nere. Insuper excommunicamus et Anathematisamus onnies illos, qui ad occupandum vel invadendum Regnum ipsum, aut impedien∣dum euntes in ejusdem Regis succursum, operam vel opem impen∣derunt, et terras eorundem Baronum Ecclesiastico subjicimus In∣terdicto. Aggravamus etiam in eosdem fortius manus nostras, st nec sic a suo dessiterint iniquo proposito, cum in hac parte * 1.315 pejores sint Saracenis: decernentes, ut si quis Clericus cujuscunque dig∣nitatis aut ordinis, praedictas excommunicationis aut Interdicti sen∣tentias violare praesumpserit, Anathematis se sciat mucrone percus∣sum: et ni quantocius resipuerit, ab omni officio et beneficio depo∣nendum. Quocirca discretioni vestrae per Apostolica scripta praecipiendo mandamus, quatenus per totam Angliam publicari faciatis praescripta, eadem∣que faciatis authoritate nostra, sublato cujuslibet conditionis et ap∣pellationis obstaculo inviolabiliter observari. Volumus etiam nihilo∣minus & mandamus, ut quosdam Barones Angliae, quos Venerabilis Frater noster Wintoniensis Episcopus, & dilecti filii Abbas de Ridding, & Magister Pandulphus Sub∣diaconus & familiaris noster, delegati a nobis, excommunicatos persona∣liter nominaverunt, quia ipsos in praescriptis culpabiles invenerunt, videlicet, Cives illos Londinenses, qui fuerunt Principales praeno∣minatae perversitatis auctores, & Robertum filium Walteri, S. Comitem Wintonien∣sem, R. filium ejus, G. de Mandevilla, & Willielmum fratrem ejus, Comitem de Clare, & G. filium ejus, H. Comitem de Hereford, R. de Percy, E. de Vesci, J. Constabula∣rium Ces••riae, Willielmum de Mumbray, Willielmum de Albineto, W. fil um ejus, R. de Ros, & W. filium ejus, P. de Brus, R. de Cressi, Johannem filium ejus, Ranulphum filium Roberti, R. Comitem Bigod, H. filium ejus, R. de Ver, Fulconem filium Warini, W. Malet, W. de Monte-acato, W. filium Marescalli, W. de Bello Campo▪ S. de Kime, R. de Monte Begonis, Nicholaum de Stutevilla, necnon et alios in praedictorum prae∣judicium sententia nominatim expressos, cum complicibus et fautori∣bus eorundem, Authoritate Apostolica excommunicatos per totam Angliam publice denunciare faciatis, et ab omnibus arctius evitari, singulis diebus Dominicis et festivis solemniter innovari hujusmodi sententiam facientes ac denunciantes inviolabiliter observari: Ci∣vitatemque Londinensem Ecclesiastico suppositam Interdicto, con∣tradictores per censuram Ecclesiasticam appellatione postposita com∣pescendo. Magistrum etiam Bervasium Londinensem Cancellari∣um, qui sicut a Judicibus praefatis accepimus, dicti Regis, et sua∣rum manifestissimus extitit persecutor, excommunicatum publice denuncietis ac suspensum, graviori etiam poena, nisi congrue satis∣fecerit,

puniendum. Quod si nos omnes, &c. Datum Laterani xvij. Kalend. Januarii. Pontificatus nostri Anno xviij.

How these Excommunications were executed by them he thus informes us.

CUmque omnes Judices praedicti Literas memoratas accepissent, scripserunt omni∣bus* 1.316 Angliae Ecclesiis Cathedralibus sive Conventualibus sub hac forma.

INNOCENTIƲS Episcopus, &c. Hujus igitur Authoritate mandati, vobis districte praecipiendo mandamus, quatenus Barones Angliae cum omnibus adjutoribus et fautoribus suis, qui Dominum Iohannem Regem Angliae persequuntur, et omnes illos qui ad occu∣pandum vel invadendum Regnum ipsum, vel impediendum euntes in ejusdem Regis succursum operam vel opem impenderunt, excom∣municatos denuncietis; et terras eorundem Baronum Ecclesiasti∣co Interdicto suppositas publicetis. Denuncietis etiam excommu∣nicatos omnes Barones, qui in praemisso Domini Papae rescripto personaliter nominantur; cum aliis omnibus in praedictorum Iudi∣cum sententia nominatim expressis. Videlicet, Walterum de Nor••una, Osbertum filium Alani, Oliverium de Wallibus, H. de Braibrock, R. de Ropesse, W. de Hobruge, W. de Manduit, Mauritium de Gaunt, R. de Berkele, Adam de Lincolana, R. de Mandevilla, W. de Lanvaleie, Philippum filium Johannis, Willielmum de Tuin∣tuna, W. de Huntingfield, Alexandrum de Pointuna, R. de Munfichet, R. de Gressei, Galfridum Constabularium de Meutuna, W. Archidiaconum de Hereford, J. de Fereby, R. Capellanum Rob. r••i filium, W. Alexandrum de Suttuna, W. de Coleville, R. filium ejus, Osbertum Giffard, Nicholaum de Stanevile, Tho. de Muletune, Cives illos Lon∣dinenses, Magistrum G. Cancellarium, & Civitatem Londinensem, Ecclesiastico sup∣positam Interdicto, publice denuncietis. Has vero excommunica∣tionis et Interdicti sententias in Ecclesiis vestris, tam Conventua∣libus quam Parochialibus ad vos pertinentibus publicari, ac singu∣lis diebus dominicis et festivis faciatis solemniter innovari, ita dili∣genter singula Capitula mandati Apostolici exequendo, et quantum ad vos pertinet firmiter observando, ne in poenam Canonicam et contumacibus debitam incidatis. Valete.

His igitur excommunicationis & Interdicti sententiis per totam Angliam in brevi publicatis, cum ad omnium notitiam pervenisset; sola Civitas Londinensis per contumaciam multiplicem illas adeo contemnendo desperit; quod nec eas Barones observare, nec Praelati publicare decreverunt. Dicebant enim generaliter, omnes Literas falsa suggestione fuisse impetratas, et ideo nullius eas esse momenti; et ex hoc maxime,* 1.317 quod non pertinet ad Papam ordinatio rerum Laicarum: cum Pe∣tro Apostolo et ejus successoribus non nisi * 1.318 Ecclesiarum dispositio rerum a Domino sit collata potestas. Vt quid ad nos se extendit Romanorum insatiata cupiditas? Quid Episcopis Apostolicis, et militiae nostrae? Ecce successores Constantini, et non Petri: non imitantur Petrum in meritis vel Operibus, nec assimilandi sunt in potestate: justus enim est Deus in meritorum recompensatione. Proh pudor! marcidi ribaldi, qui de armis vel liberalitate minime norunt, jam toti mundo propter excommunicationes suas volunt dominari, ignobiles usurarii, et simoniales. O quantum dissimiles Petro, qui sibi Petri usurpant partem? Sic igitur blasphemantes et recalcitrantes, ponentes os in Caelum, ad interdicti sive ex∣comunicationis sententiam nullum penitus habentes respectum; per∣totam civitatem celebrarunt divina, signa pulsantes et vocibus al∣tisonis modulantes. Such was their high contempt of this Popes Authority,

Excommunications, Interdicts, and just censure of his usurped Authority, degenera∣cy from St. Peters Doctrine and example.

Upon the noyse of this Excommunication and Interdict, the Barons slighting them with highest indignation, reviled K. Iohn for enthralling himself, them, and the whole Realm to the Pope, and him for countenancing the King against them, refused to own him any longer for their Soveraign, and elected Lewes of France for their King, in such manner as I have * 1.319 formerly related; who thereupon, notwithstand∣ing this Popes, and Walo his Legates * 1.320 forecited Inhibitions, Excommunications, In∣terdicts, soon after entred England with a potent Army to ayd the Barons.

In the mean time the Archbishops suspension was taken off, upon caution given, and a condition not to enter England till a peace concluded between the King and his Barons; and the Excommunication and Interdict against the Barons, Londoners, and their Complices, renewed.

EOdem tempore, Stephanus Cantuariensis Archiepiscopus; Romae da•••• cautione* 1.321 quod staret judicio Domini Papae de rebus superius expressis, a sententia suspensionis absolutus est: ita tamen, quod ante pacem inter Regem et Barones Angliae plene reformatam, Angliam non intraret.

Per idem tempus, instante festo Paschali, cum Abbas Abbendunensis, & conjudices ejus, contumaciam Baronum et Londinensis Civitatis cognovissent, manus suas in eosdem ertendentes, iterato edicto, omnibus Angliae Ecclesiis Conventualibus dederunt in mandatis, ut latam sententi∣am sub hac forma publicarent.

H. Dei gratia Abbas Abbendunensis, &c. Exequentes mandatum Apostolicum nobis sic impositum, sicut tenor Literarum nostrarum, quas nuper vobis transmisi∣mus, vobis plenius intimavit: Sancti Pauli, Sanctique Martini Capitulis, G. de Bo∣clande ejus Ecclesiae Decano, & Conventui Sanctae Trinitatis Londonensis, Literas nostras Domini Papae, rescripti verba continentes, non solum semel, sed saepe mi∣simus, ejus Authoritate Apostolica districte praecipientes, ut Excom∣municationis et Interdicti sententias latas in persequentes Domi∣num Regem et Civitatem Londinensem, diligenter publicantes, in∣violabiliter Observarent. Qui adeo irreverenter Apostolicum vi••∣pendere mandatum praesumunt, quod easdem sententias publicare vel etiam observare per contumaciam contempserunt: in divinis obsequiis excommunicatis scienter communicantes, sententiarum Domini Papae violatores, et mandati ejus contemptores manifestos omnino se in omnibus exhibendo. De quibus per Patentes ••••••eras Capituli Sancti Pauli, Sanctique Martini, Clericos & Nuncios ejusdem Decani nobis speciali∣ter destinatas; & per alias sufficientes probationes plenam habentes certitudinem, constiterit. Praeterea de Regno Francorum quidam Nobiles advenerunt, cum arma∣ta manu Militum & Clientum; quos omnes proculdubio eadem excommunicationis senten∣tia volumus esse ligatos. Nam contra Dominum Regem et Sanctam Romanam Ecclesiam invadunt Regnum Angliae, quotidie deprae∣dantes illud, et pro parte detinent occupatum, quod est cunctis in Anglia et multis alibi manifestum. Quocirca jam dictos Nobiles, Castel∣lanum scilicet de S. Audemaro cum suis sociis, qui contra Regem ad occupandum vel invadendum Regnum Angliae opem vel operam impenderunt; Insuper praedictum Decanum, necnon & omnes Canonicos, & Clericos, cujuscun{que} dignitatis aut ordinis, de Ecclesiis praefatis & Civitate, ad quorum notitiam mandatum pervenerit, vel qui se absentaverunt, vel quocun{que} modo procuraverunt, quo minus perveniret ad illos; Au∣thoritate Apostolica, qua fungimur in hac parte, denunciamus excom∣municatos: vobis eadem authoritate injungentes, quatenus omnes praedictos excommunicatos publice denuncietis, et faciatis per totam Parochiam vestram publicari, tam Decanum, quam Nobiles supra∣dictos personaliter nominando. Ita & circa hoc & illud quod in primis Literis

vobis directum continetur mandatum, solliciti existentes, ne penes summum Pontificem quod absit, possitis redargui negligentiae, sed potius de diligentia commendari. Valete.

The Londoners and Barons slighted this Excommunication as much as the former, and so doth Lewes of France the Inhibition of the Pope and his Legate, not to invade England, for which undertaking having furnished himself, and his Father Philip by the Legates importunity inclining to disswade him from it; thereupon,

LOdovicus postea in crastino Sancti Marci Evangelistae apud Melun, veniens ad* 1.322 Patrem suum; rogavit eum cum lachrymis, ne sui itineris propositum impediret. Addit etiam, quod Baronibus Angliae juramentum praestiterat, quod ipsis veniret in succursum: unde praeelegit ad tempus excommuni∣cari a Papa, quam crimen incurrere falsitatis. Videns autem Rex con∣stantiam filii sui, & animi augustiam, mente, voluntate, & adjutorio consensit: sed praevidens futurorum eventuum pericula, palam assensum non adhibuit: Et sic non quasi volendo vel persuadendo, sed quasi permitt endo licentiam concessit, & cum benedictio∣ne dimisit. Tunc Lodovicus, missis ad Curiam Romanam nunciis, qui ibi jus, quod sibi de Regno Augliae vendicabat, coram Domino Papa protestarentur: sub omni celeritate cum Comitibus, Baronibus, Militibus, & servientibus multis, qui secum iter Angli∣canum juraverunt, festinavit ad mare, ut Legatum in Angliam praeveniret. Where he arrived with 600. Ships and Vessels from Calice, in the Isle of Thanet, Iune 12. and thence marching to London, cum ingenti omnium Baronum laetitia susceptus est; who together with ihe Citizens of London did all Homage and Fealty to him as their King. Ille vero tactis sacro-sanctis Evangeliis juravit, quod singulis eorum bonas leges redderet, simul & amissas haereditates: To gratifie the Archbishop his great friend, then absent at Rome, and promote his designs against King Iohn, Constituit dictus Lodovicus, Magistrum Simonem de Languetuna Cancellarium suum; cuius praedica∣tione tam Cives Londinenses, quam Barones omnes excommuni∣cati divina celebrare fecerunt, qui etiam ipsum Lodovicum ad con∣sensum traxerunt. So little did they value the Popes Thunderbolts or Interdicts.

EOdem tempore, cum Walo Legatus de progressu Lodovici in Angliam certificatus* 1.323 fuisset, ipse ut diligens mandati executor Apostolici, ipsum sequuturus transfre∣tavit, atque illaesus inter hostes transiens, apud Gloverniam ad Regem Iohannem per∣venit. Quem Rex cum magna alacritate suscipiens, spem suam to∣tam in eo posuit hostibus resistendi. At Legatus, Episcopis, Abba∣tibus, cum Clericis, quos habere poterat convocatis; Lodovicum nominatim cum complicibus et fautoribus suis, et praecipue Magi∣strum Simonem de Languetuna, pulsatis campanis et candelis ac∣censis, excommunicavit; praecipiens Episcopis et aliis universis, ut singulis dominicis diebus, ac festivis per totam Angliam sententiam publicarent. Sed ad haec Magister Simon de Languetuna, et Ma∣gister Gervasius de Hobrugge, Ecclesiae Sancti Pauli Londinensis Praecentor, cum quibusdam aliis, dixerunt se pro jure et statu Lodo∣vici appellasse, unde sententiam illam irritam habuerunt et inanem. Such a pitifull Bug-bear was it.

In the mean time Lewes his Proctors at Rome endeavoured to satisfie the Pope that King Iohn had no good Title to the Crown of England, and to make good his own Title thereunto, craving Justice against him therein, which put Pope Innocent to a great dilemma, as this account of these proceedings evidenceth.

CIrca dies istos Lodovici nuncii, quos ad Curiam Romanam miserat, eidem scripse∣runt* 1.324 sub hac forma.

Excellentissimo Domino suo Lodovico, Domini Regis Francorum primogenito, D. de Corbolio, I. de Montevisito, & G. Limeth, nuncii, salutem & fidele servitium.

Noverit excellentia vestra, quod nos die Dominica ad mensem Paschae venimus ad Dominum Papam, salvis personis nostris & rebus; & eodem die intravimus statim ad ipsum. Quem hilarem invenimus, sed vultu tristem se nobis exhibuit. Et praesenta∣tis Literis nostris, & proposita salutatione ex parte vestra, ipse nobis respondit: Do∣minus vester non est dignus salutatione nostra. Ego vero statim respondi: Pater, credo quod auditis rationibus & excusationibus Domini nostri, invenietis eum dignum salutatione vestra, utpotè Christianum Catholicum, vobis & Romanae Ecclesiae devotum. Et sic illa die a praesentia Domini Papae recessimus. Sed in recessu nostro benignissime nobis dixit Dominus Papa; quod nos libenter audiret, quando & quoties vellemus. Se∣quenti die Martis, Dominus Papa misit servientem quendam ad hospitium nostrum, ut veniremus ad ipsum, & statim venimus ante eum, & ipse multa dixit contra nos, cum proposuissemus causam nostram, & quae vid bantur impugnare factum vestrum, & ratio∣nes vestras. Et statim finito sermone, percusso pectore suo cum magno gemitu, in∣fremuit spiritu, & dixit: Heu mihi, quia in hoc facts Ecclesia Dei non potest evadere confusionem. Si enim Rex Angliae vincitur, in ipsius con∣fusione confundimur: quia Vassallus noster est, et tenemur eum de∣fendere.* 1.325 Si Dominus Lodovicus vincitur, quod Deus avertat, in ipsius laesione laeditur Romana Ecclesia; et ipsius laesionem pro∣priam reputamus. Secure enim semper habuimus, et adhue habe∣mus; quod ipse in omnibus necessitatibus debeat esse brachium, so∣latium in oppressionibus, et refugium in persecutionibus Ecclesiae Romanae. Et in fine dixit, quod melius vellet mori, quam aliquod malum vobis accideret in hoc facto. Et sic illa die recessimus. Praeterea de consilio quorundam Cardinalium expectamus diem Ascensionis, ne quid statua∣tur contra vos, quoniam illa die solet Papa innovare sententias suas. Dixerat enim nobis Papa, quod ipse expectaret Nuncios Domini Walo∣nis. Valete.

After this Lewes his Advocates propounded three Objections against King John before the Pope, to invalid his Title to the Crown of England, which the Pope him∣self answered, with their replyes to make them good; thus exemplified by Mat∣thew Paris.

PRima propo sitio contra Regem Angliae fuit in praesentia Domini Papae, a nun∣ciis* 1.326 supradictis quod Arthurum nepotem suum propriis manibus per proditio∣nem interfecit, pessimo mortis genere, quod Angli murdrum appellant. Pro quo facto, idem Rex condemnatus fuit ad mortem in curia Regis Francorum, per judicium Parium fuorum. Ad hanc objectionem opponit dominus Papa, quod Barones Franciae non potuerunt judicare eum ad mortem condemnari▪ quia sit Rex* 1.327 inunctus, & ita sit superior: per Barones, tanquam inferiores, non potuit* 1.328 ad mortem condemnari; quia major dignitas quodam modo absorbet mino∣rem. Et praeterea incivile videtur, & contra Canones esse; in hominem absen∣tem, non vocatum, non convictum, nec confessum mortis ferre sententiam. Ad hoc nuncii supradicti responderunt: Consuetudo est in regno Francorum, quod Rex habet omnimodam Jurisdictionem in homines Ligies suos: & Rex Angliae erat suus homo Ligius, tanquam Comes & Dux: Ergo licet esset alias Rex inunctus, tamen tanquam Comes & Dux, erat de Jurisdictione Domini Regis Francorum. Sed si Comes & Dux in regno Francorum delinqueret; posset & deberet judicari ad mortem per Pares suos. Imo si non esset Dux vel Comes, vel homo Ligius Regis Franciae, & deliquisset in regno Franciae, ratione delicti in regno perpetrati, potu∣erunt Barones eum judicare ad mortem. Alioquin si Rex Angliae, quia Rex erat inunctus, non posset judicari ad mortem: impune posset intrare regnum Franciae, & interficere Barones Franciae, sicut interfecerat Arthurum.

Hujus autem negotii veritas talis est: Revera non fuit Rex Johannes juste vel rite abjudicatus a Normannia: quia idem Rex non Judicialiter sed violenter spoliatus, misit propter restitutionem Regi Francorum Phil. nuncios solemnes & prudentes, videlicet Eustachium Episcopum Elyensem & Hubertum de Burgo, viros disertos, & facundos, significans ei quod libenter veniret ad curiam suam juri per omnia super

illa re pariturus ac responsurus; sed ut provideretur ei salvus conductus. Et re∣spondit Rex Philippus, sed non sereno vultu vel corde: Libenter. In pace salvus veniat. Et Episcopus: Domine, & redeat. Et Rex: Ita sit, si Parium suorum ju∣dicium hoc permittat. Et cum supplicassent omnes nuncij Regis Angliae ut liceret ei salvo venire & redire; Rex Franciae iratus, cum juramento solito respondit: Per Sanctos Franciae, non nisi mediante judicio. Et cum adderet Episcopus pericula quae possent contingere per adventum ejus, ait: Domine Rex, non posset Dux Nor∣manniae ad curiam vestram venire, nisi veniret Rex Angliae, cum una persona sint Dux & Rex, quod non permitteret aliquo modo Barnagium Angliae, etsi ipse Rex hoc vellet: eminerent enim pericula, ut nostis capturae vel caedis. Cui respondens Rex, dixit. Et quid hoc Domine Episcope? Bene scitur quod Dux Normanniae qui meus tenens est, Angliam sibi adquisivit violenter. Ec si subdito aliquid accrescit in honorem, perdatne per hoc Dominus Capitalis? absit. Ad quod cum Nuncii nihil po∣terant rationabiliter respondere, redierunt ad Dominum Regem Angliae, quae audie∣rant & viderant nunciantes. Rex autem noluit se Committere dubiis casibus, & Judiciis Francorum qui illum non diligebant, maxime cum timeret, ut ei de turpissima morte Arthuri objiceretur, juxta illud Horatii:

—quia me vestigia terrent, Omnia te adversum spectantia, nulla retrorsum.

Magnates autem Franciae nihilominus processerunt in judicium, quod rite non de∣buerunt facere, ex quo judicandus abfuit, qui adesse voluit si posset. Unde si Rex Johannes abjudicatus fuerit per * 1.329 adversarios suos non rite abjudicabatur. Ad haec Papa, multi Imperatores, & Principes, & etiam Francorum Reges, multos in Annalibus occidisse leguntur Innocentes, nec tamen quenquam illorum legimus morti addictum. Et cum Arthurus apud Mirebel Castrum, non ut Innocens, sed quasi nocens, & proditor Domini & avunculi sui, cui homagium, & ligantiam fecerat, captus fuerit, potuit de Jure morti etiam turpissimae sine Judicio con∣demnari.

SEcunda objectio contra Regem fuit, quod saepe citatus non personaliter juri pariturus comparuit, nec sufficientem responsalem pro se ad curiam Franciae destinavit. Ad hoc dicit Papa, quòd si Rex Angliae fuit tantum contumax, quia citatus non venit nec misit, sed propter contumaciam non solet quis puniri ad mor∣tem, nec debet. Ergo Barones Franciae, non potuerunt judicare eum ad mortem, sed saltem alio modo punire eum; per ablationem scilicet feudi sui. Nuncii re∣sponderunt: Consuetudo est in Regno Franciae, quod ex quo aliquis accusatur coram suo judice, de tam crudeli homicidio quod Murdrum appellatur; & ille qui accusatur non venit, vero modo legitimo se excusat, pro convicto habetur, & tanquam con∣victus per omnia judicatur, & etiam ad mortem, ac si praesens esset. Ad haec Papa respondit: Quod pactio potuit esse inter Regem Franciae, & Ducem Normanniae, vel antiqua consuetudo, quod Dux Normanniae non debet venire ad citationem Re∣gis Franciae, nisi in Marchiam: Unde si non venit citatus, nec deliquit, nec propter hoc potuit taliter puniri. Item dicit Papa: Quod si sententia lata fuerit contra Re∣gem Angliae, non tamen mandata fuit executioni, quia non fuit occisus; unde proles, quam suscepit postea, debet ei in Regno succedere: quia * 1.330 Rex Angliae non commi∣sit crimen laesae Majestatis, nec crimen haereseos, pro quibus tantum filius exhaereda∣tur, pro delicto Patris. Ad haec Nuncii responderunt: Consuetudo est in Regno Franciae, quod ex quo aliquis est damnatus ad mortem, quod proles suscepta post sententiam damnationis, succedere non debet, geniti tamen ante sententiam succede∣re debent. Sed tamen super hoc, Nuncii litigare noluerunt. Item dicit Papa, Quod Rex Anglorum judicatus esset ad mortem, & etiam filii de carne sua geniti, non ideo Blanca deberet ei succedere; sed propinquiores de genere ejus, videlicet proles fratris primogeniti, & ita soror Arthuri, vel Otho, qui fuit filius sororis primogenitae. Et si ponatur, quod Regina Castellae debeat succedere, & ita Blanca filia ejus, non est verum: quia masculus debet praeferri, Rex scilicet Castellae. Et si nullus esset mas∣culus, praeferri deberet Regina Legionum, tanquam primogenita. Ad haec Nuncii dixerunt: Filii fratris non debent succedere, ex quo tempore latae sententiae frater non vivebat: & ita neptis, soror scilicet Arthuri, non debet succedere, quia non est

in linea descendenti, cum sit filia fratris: Similiter tempore latae sententiae mater Othonis non vivebat, ergo non successit, ergo Otho non debet succedere. Sed Regina Castellae vivebat, quae soror erat, & ideo successit: Ergo mortua Regina Castellae, proles successit, & succedere debuit. Ad haec dicit Papa: Quod Rex Castellae, suc∣cedere debet, quia masculus est; vel Regina Legionum tanquam primogenita. Nun∣cii dixerunt: Quod cum plures sint haeredes, qui alicui debent succedere, & ille qui primo loco debet succedere, taceat; vel haereditatem investiri debet haereditate illa secundum consuetudinem approbatam, salvo tamen jure alterius, si reclamaverit. Et ideo Dominus Lodovicus intrat Regnum Angliae, ut suum. Et si quis propinqui∣or velit super hoc reclamare, Dominus Lodovicus faciet inde quod debet.

TUnc dixit Papa: Quod Regnum Angliae suum proprium est, et est in* 1.331 possessione Dominii ratione fidelitatis, quae super hoc est ei facta per juramentum, et etiam ratione census, qui jam ei solutus est de Regno: Unde cum in nullo delinqueret, non deberet sibi guerram movere Lodo∣vicus, nec deberet eum spoliare a Regno Angliae * 1.332 per guerram; maxime cum Rex Angliae multas habeat terras in feudo Regis Franciae, de quibus potest ei movere guer∣ram. Ad haec Nuncii: Mota fuit guerra & justum Bellum contra Regem Angliae, antequam Regnum illud esset Domini Papae. Sed de Regno Angliae venit Willielmus de Longa spata, & multi alii cum eo, in manu valida & armata; qui dam∣na multa & injurias intulerunt Domino Lodovico in terra sua propria; & ideo Do∣minus noster potest movere justum Bellum contra Regem Anglorum. Ad haec Papa dixit: Quod licet Rex Angliae tanquam Vassallus ejus Lodovico, non ipse tamen deberet ei movere guerram; sed deberet conqueri Domino superiori, scilicet Papae, cui subest Rex Angliae, tanquam Vassallus ejus. Ad haec Nuncii responderunt. Quod consuetudo est, ex quo aliquis Vassallus alterius movet guerram alicui authoritate sua, ille cui mota est guerra, potest ei movere guerram authoritate sua, nec tenetur conqueri Domino illus. Et si Dominus vult de∣fendere Vassallum suum quamdiu movet talem guerram, ipse Domi∣nus dicitur facere guerram. Item dicit Papa: Quod in generali Concilio statu∣tum est, quod inter omnes discordantes debet esse pax vel treuga usque ad quatuor annos, pro succursu Terrae Sanctae; & ideo tempore medio Lodovicus non debet Regno Angliae guerram movere. Nuncii dixerunt: Quod in recessu suo a Francia Lodovicus non fuit requisitus de pace vel treuga: & si requisitus esset, crediderunt tantam esse malitiam Regis Angliae, quod noluit pace vel treuga gaudere. Item dicit Papa: Quod Rex Angliae, cruce signatus est: unde ex constitutione generalis Concilii, ipse Rex & omnia sua debent esse sub protectione Ecclesiae. Ad hoc Nun∣cii responderunt: Quod Rex Angliae aute crucem sumptam guerram moverat Do∣mino Lodovico, & damna multa fecerat, Castra sua ceperat; & adhuc Milites suos & servientes incarceratos retinet, & hucusque in guerra est contra Dominum Lodovi∣cum, nec pacem vel treugam cum eo habere voluit, super hoc etiam saepe requisitus. Item dicit Papa: Quod de communi consilio generalis Concilii excommunicaverat Barones Angliae, & omnes fautores eorum, & ita Dominus Lodovicus fententiam in∣currisse videtur. Nuncii dixerunt: Quod Lodovicus non adjuvat Barones Angliae, nec fovet eos, sed jus suum prosequitur: nec etiam credit Lodovicus, nec credere debet, quod Dominus Papa, vel tantum Concilium, injuste velit aliquem excommu∣nicare. Nam tempore latae sententiae Dominus Papa nesciebat, quod Lodovicus ha∣beret jus de Regno Angliae, & cum hoc illi constiterit, non credit Dominus Lodovi∣cus, quod Concilium possit ei jus suum auferre. Item dicit Papa: Quod Rex Franco∣rum & Lodovicus filius ejus, post sententiam a Baronibus Franciae in Regem Angliae latam, ipsum Regem appellaverunt, & pro Rege habuerunt: & cum eo tanquam cum Rege Angliae treugas statuerunt. Ad haec Nuncii responderunt: Quod post latam sententiam a Baronibus in Regem, nunquam illum pro Rege habuerunt: sed ipsum Regem depositum appellaverunt, sicut, Abbas depositus, & quilibet alius dici solet. Novissime vero dicit Papa: Quod ipse * 1.333 statuet super hiis antequam veniant Nuncii Domini Walonis.

By which relation we see the Pope himself became King Johns Advocate, as well as Judge, not as King of England, but only because he was his Vassal, (as he fre∣quently stiles him) and the Kingdom of England his Kingdom, not Johns, in point of Interest. Whiles these things were agitated at Rome, England was miserably* 1.334 wasted and harried by Lewes and his Army in the East and South, and by King John in the West and North; whereupon 40. of the Barons, considering the miseries of their native Country, the power, successes of K. John, became sensible of their errors in rejecting him, and calling in and Crowning Lewes for their King, and being like∣wise informed by Vicount Melun on his death-bed, upon his salvation, That Lewes and 16. others of his chief Earles and Barons, whereof himself was one, had taken an Oath, That if ever the Crown of England were quietly setled on his head, he would condemn to perpetual exlle all the English who now adhered to him against King John, as Traytors to their lawfull Soveraign, and would actually extirpate all their kinred; counselling them, timely to prevent their miseries, and lock up his words under the seal of secrecy; thereupon addressed their Letters of submission to K. John, hoping that Royal blood was ever ready to shew mercy to such who were ready to yield and prostrate themselves, as sollicitors for mercy. But before these Letters delivered, or any answer returned, King John fell suddenly sick at Swinshed Abby, being at the mercy of an higher Soveraign. When he perceived that his death approached, he with penitent confession of his sins, and great devotion, re∣ceived the blessed Eucharist, having the Abbot of Croxston both for his bodily and ghost∣ly Physitian; and then not only gladly forgave all his mortal Enemies and Persecutors, (though very difficult to flesh and blood) but also sent command to Henry his son to do the like, to whom he caused all present to swear Fealty, as next heir to the Crown, and sent Letters to all his Officers abroad to assist him. After which he commended his soul to God, and his body to be interred in Worcester Church, where he was afterwards so∣lemnly buried, near the body of Bishop Wolston, renowned for his constant fidelity to his Prince, against the Nobles of his time. Our Historians much differ about his sicknesse, and true cause of his sudden death; some relate he died of grief, others of a feaver, a third sort of a flux, a fourth of a surfet, a fifth of poyson: the most pro∣bable opinion is, that he was poysoned by a Monk of Swinshed Abby, where he dyed, being of the Cisteaux Order, which the King had formerly b 1.335 much oppressed and incensed; whereupon by way of revenge (to prevent further miseries to the Church, Realm, and gratifie the Rebellious Bishops, Monks, Clergy, Barons, his professed Enemies, then highly enraged against him) this Monk presented the King with an en∣venomed Cup, whereof the King commanded him to be the Taster, of which both of them drinking, this Votary became the Diabolical instrument of his own and his So∣veraigns destruction. Some of our Monkish Historians themselves relate, that the Monk revealing his intention of poysoning the King to his Abbot, though he poyson∣ed himself to effect it, and saying, That he would suffer this voluntary Martyrdome for the publique, as Caiphas said of Christ, better one perish then a whole Nation; the Abbot at this resolution and constancy of his, wept, and praysed God for joy: whereupon the Monk being absolved before hand by the Abbot, resolutely took the Cup wherewith he poysoned both himself and the King. For a reward and memory of which his exe∣crable Treason, after his decease, five Monks of that Abby did sing for this their Brothers soul specially, and so would do whiles the Abby stood, as the Manu∣script Chronicle of St. Albans, Caxton, Eulogium,(c 1.336) Mr. Fox,(d 1.337) Speed, and others more at large relate: whereas on the contrary these Monks fable, That it was reveal∣ed to a Monk, That King John was in Hell, though a Poet for so saying is cen∣sured bye 1.338 Matthew Paris himself as Reprobus versificator, who (though a bitter Enemy to K. John, as if he thought ill of, and renounced his Religion) gives us this final judgement of his death and future estate, only for his liberality to two Mona∣steries.f 1.339 Cum autem regnasset Rex Johannes annis octodecim, mensibus quinque, diebus autem quatuor, ab hac vita post hujus saeculi multas perturbationes, & labores inutiles, in multa mentis amaritudine subtractus, transmigravit; Nihil terrae, imo nec seipsum possidens. (Such was his infelicity througst his Prelates, Subjects Treachery.) Sperandum est autem, et certissime confidendum, quod quaedam bona opera, quae fecit in hac vita, allegabunt pro eo ante Tribunal Iesu Christi: construxit enim Abbatiam Cisterciensis ordinis de Bello

loco, et moriturus domui de* Crokestuna decem librarum terram contulit, opulentam. Yet the malice of many of his Bishops, Monks, Clergy, and other Enemies against him was such, that they would neither permit him to enjoy his Tem∣poral Crown and Kingdoms on earth whiles he lived, nor permit God himself to be∣stow on him any Crown, or share at all in the Kingdom of Heaven, after his untime∣ly death.

I have now with all possible industry and integrity presented you out of our Histo∣ries and Records with the exactest Chronological History hitherto published, of the Popes and Prelates manifold, unparalleld, grand Usurpations upon the Crown, Kingdoms, Churches of England and Ireland, during the reign of King John, with his strenuous various oppositions against them for sundry years, till by armed violence, fear, fraud, treachery, perjury, rebellion, enforced to resign up his Crown, Scep∣ter, Kingdoms, to his grand Enemy Pope Innocent the 3d. who afterwards undertook his protection against his Rebellions Prelates and Barons, not out of any love or respect unto him as King of England, but meerly as his sworn Vassal and Tributa∣ry, by an enforced Charter, the nullity whereof both in Law and Conscience I have atg 1.340 large demonstrated, against all Popes and their Parasites pretences. The new Usurpations made by this Pope, and the English Bishops confederating with him, upon this Kings supream Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction, during his unfortunate reign, are reducible to these heads.

1. An usurped arbitrary power for the Pope to examine in the Court of Rome, the Elections of Archbishops, Bishops, Abbots, though duly made by the Electors with the Kings license. 2ly. A Jurisdiction for the Pope to compell some few members of Chapters and Covents in England to elect whomsoever he recommended to be their Archbishop, Bishop, Abbot, without the consent of the majority of the Chapter or Covent, even in Rome it self, against their Oathes, Trusts, Charters, Priviledges. 3ly. A Jurisdiction without the Kings previous Regal license to elect, or subsequent assent to such Elections, to compell the King himself to invest Bishops in the actual possession of their Temporalties, by Ecclesiastical censures, and force of armes, a∣gainst the Rights and Priviledges of the Crown. 4ly. A new Prerogative for the Pope or his Legates by their own Provisions or Translations to promote whom they pleased to any Archbishoprick, Bishoprick, Abby, Deanery, Benefice, in England or Ireland, whereof the King himself or any other was rightfull Patron, without and against his Royal assent, or the Patrons. 5ly. A meer arbitrary Jurisdiction to In∣terdict the King and Kingdom of England, to prohibit all Divine Service and Sacra∣ments therein for sundry months, yea years together, against Gods and the Kings expresse commands; and that not for any personal or national scandalous crimes, found in the King or Kingdom, but meerly for opposing the Popes apparent in∣croachments on the Rights of the Kings imperial Crown. 6ly. A power personal∣ly to excommunicate the King himself, and all others who should either eat, drink, discourse or communicate with him, only for disobeying the Popes illegal com∣mands, against his antient Rights and Priviledges. 7ly. An Authority to absolve all his Subjects from their Oathes of Allegiance and Obedience to him, till confor∣mable to his Papal pleasure; and to dispence with the Kings own Oathes to his Ba∣rons and people. 8ly. A pretended supream Antichristian Papal authority, ac∣tually to deprive the King and his Heirs of his very hereditary Crown, Kingdoms, and give them away to other foreign Princes. 9ly. To command foreign Kings, and all Christian Nobles, Knights, Souldiers, by force of armes to seize upon and expell him his Kingdoms, and issue out Crossadoes to War against and dethrone him, as if he were a meer Saracen and Turk. 10ly. A Jurisdiction to deprive, sus∣pend, sequester, excommunicate the Archbishops, Bishops, Abbots, Priors, Ecclesi∣astical and Temporal Peers, and Cities of the Realm at his Papal pleasure, and sum∣mon them to attend the Pope personally at Rome, to undergo his Papal censures. 11ly. A liberty inserted into the Great Charter for all Bishops, Clergymen, Monks, and o∣thers to depart out of the Realm, resort to Rome, or to the Kings Enemies, without his Royal license first obtained, and to return again at their pleasures. 12ly. A li∣berty for all Chapters, Covents, Monks, Clergymen, freely to elect whom they pleased to Bishopricks, Monasteries, Deaneries, and other preferments in the Kings Donation, and to reject whatever persons the King should specially recommend un∣to them, though never so deserving; so as the King could prefer no person to any

elective Dignity within his Realms, but whom the Chapters, Covents, Clergy should voluntarily elect, and the Pope or his Legates actually confirm at their plea∣sures. 13ly. A power to sequester, suspend, deprive, excommunicate, and reduce to extream necessity all such Scholars, Clergymen, and Loyal Subjects, who had so much loyalty and courage as to appear in defence of the King and his Cause, against the Popes illegal injurious encroachments; and to protect, advance, reward, encourage all Traytors and Rebells against the King, to advance the Popes Usurpati∣ons. 14ly. A power to sell Archbishopricks, Bishopricks, Monasteries, and all other Ecclesiastical preferments, Palls, to those who would give most money for them; to extort monies for Papal Benedictions, Valedictions, dismissions from attendance in General Councils, or the See of Rome, upon summons thither. 15ly. An over-awing authority over all the Bishops, Clergy of England & Ireland, to obey the Popes most unjust, treasonable commands, against the expresse commands, protestations of the King, Barons, Kingdoms, to the Kings, Realms, and Churches prejudice. 16ly. A power to hear and determine, by Appeal or otherwise, all causes and controversies concerning elections, unions or disunions of Churches, or other Ecclesiastical Offices.

As to the Kings and Kingdoms Temporal Rights and Jurisdictions, Pope Innocent made these unparalleld encroachments on them. 1. An actual Interdiction of the whole Realm sundry years, for a pretended personal contempt in the King alone; and after that the like Interdict of the Londoners and Barons temporal Estates, for their Rebellions and civil offences against the King. 2ly. An Antichristian power to dethrone, dis-inherit the King and his Heirs of their hereditary right in the Crown, Kingdoms of England and Ireland, and to transfer them to foreign Kings and Ene∣mies, without the Kings or Kingdoms consent, or any tryal, hearing of the King or Kingdom. 3ly. A forcible wrested resignation from the King of his Crown, Scep∣ter, Kingdoms to the Pope and his Successors, without his Barons or Kingdoms con∣sents, by a void, illegal, extorted Charter. 4ly. A resuming of them by King John and his Heirs from the Pope and his Successors, under an Annual Rent or Pension; and extorting of an Oath of Homage and Fealty from the King, as a meer Vassal and Tributary to the Pope and Church of Rome, directly contrary to the Rights of the Crown, and freedom, Office, Royaly of a King. 5ly. A power to confirm, null, re∣peal the Kings own Temporal Charters, yea Great Charters of Liberties and the For∣rest, and judge of their validity or invalidity at his Papal pleasure. 6ly. A power to examine, hear, determine the Right and Title of King John and others to the Crown of England, and decide them in the Court of Rome, as the supream Judicature in such cases. 7ly. A Jurisdiction to hear and determine all civil controversies touching Pri∣viledges, Rights, Franchises, between the King and his Barons, and excommunicate them for not submitting to his Papal Edicts therein. 8ly. A power to make Tru∣ces, and prohibit Christian Kings to War upon each others Kingdoms, under pain of Excommunication and Interdiction. 9ly. A pretended right to protect all Kings and Nobles who took up the Crosse, from any civil proceedings, Wars against each o∣ther, during the Crossado, and to recommend, promote, grant, prescribe Taxes, Tenths, to maintain those Wars against the Turks, but in truth to fill his Papal cof∣fers. 10ly. A power to exempt Treacherous, Rebellious Clergymen from being Out-lawed or Interdicted by the King, and force the King by publike Patents to dis∣claim this his antient Prerogative, with his power of detaining any Clerks in Prison, for capital Crimes or Felonies, if demanded to be delivered by and to their Ordina∣ries. All these with some other Usurpations of lesse concernment, reducible to these heads, were introduced by Pope Innocent the 3d. during the reign of King John, ne∣ver practised in England before by any of his ambitious Predecessors; and so fastned upon the necks of the King, Kingdom by wholesale, by means of King Johns forced resignation of his Crown to the Pope, intestine Wars, differences between the King, his Bishops, Barons, this Pope and his Legates policies, that his Successors for many years after, though they frequently complained, petitioned against them, with much earnestnesse and regret, yet were hardly able with all their power or policy to resist, much lesse to shake them off, but only by piece-meal and inches as they had strength and opportunity to do it.

I shall now proceed to his Sons and Successors long, yet troublesome reign, by like unhappy contests between the Cros••er and Scepter, the King and his Barons, upon pretext of publike Liberty, and our Ecclesiastical affairs under him.

Notes

• a 1.1

  Mat. Paris, p. 2.
• * 1.2

  Mat. Paris Hist. Angl. p. 225. Mat. Westm. p. 92, 93.
• * 1.3

  Mat. Paris Hist. Angl. p. 2. 5, ••26. Mat▪ Westm. p. 9••▪ 93.
• * 1.4

  Nota.
• * 1.5

  Anno 1213▪
• a 1.6

  Chron. part 7. Johan.
• b 1.7

  Speeds Histo∣ry p. 571. Fox Acts and Mo∣numents, vol. 1. p. 329.
• c 1.8

  In Phil. Au∣gusto, Speeds Hist. p. 576.
• * 1.9

  Mat. Paris Hist. Angl. p. 227. Mat. Westm. p, 93.
• * 1.10

  All the pre∣mises prove the contrary, that it was done by fraud, force, cir∣cumvention, a∣gainst his will, and without the Barons advice.
• * 1.11

  Observe that it is not said, His Testibus, but Coram H. &c. they refu∣sing to subscribe such an execra∣ble deed, Sealed and delivered only in their presence, if at all.
• * 1.12

  Mat. Paris, Hist. Angliae p. 227, 228.
• * 1.13

  How this came to be St. Peters Patrimony, a∣gainst his ex∣presse precept, 1 Pet. 2. 13, to 18. c. 5. 2, 3, 4. I cannot define.
• * 1.14

  Book. 1. Chap. 4. 5.
• * 1.15

  Mat. Paris Hist. Angl. p. ••28.
• * 1.16

  •• Mat. Paris p. 228. 229.
• * 1.17

  * Mat. Paris p. 229.
• * 1.18

  It was but Duodecim as the Record resolves.
• * 1.19

  Pat. 15. Johan. Regis m. 12. Dorso parte prima.
• * 1.20

  Pat. 15. Johan. m. 12. intus num. 48.
• * 1.21

  Pat. 15. Johan▪ Regis▪ •• 12.
• * 1.22

  Pat. 15. Johan. Regis parte secunda m. 8. Intus.
• * 1.23

  Claus. 15. Jo∣hannis Regis, parte 2. Dors. m. 8.
• * 1.24

  Pat. 15. Johan. Regis, parte 2. m. 8. intus.
• * 1.25

  Mat. Paris Hist. Angl▪ p. 229, 230.
• * 1.26

  Lo the Kings transcendent humility to these Traytors, who should have fallen down on their knees to him.
• * 1.27

  Non▪
• * 1.28

  Claus 15. Jo∣hannis Regis, parte 2. m. 8. Dorso.
• * 1.29

  Claus. 15. Jo∣hannis Regis, pars 2. m. 8. dorso.
• * 1.30

  Claus. 15. Jo∣hannis Regis, pars 2. m. 8. dorso.
• * 1.31

  Mat. Paris Hist. Angl. p. 229, 230.
• * 1.32

  Mat. Paris, p. 230.
• * 1.33

  Hist. Angliae. p. 230. 231. Rog Wendover. n. s. Speeds. Hist. p. 579.
• * 1.34

  Mat. Paris. p. 230.
• * 1.35

  Pat. 15. Johan. Regis part 1. m. 11. 12. intus.
• * 1.36

  Tit. 4▪ 26.
• * 1.37

  Mat. Paris p. 233.
• * 1.38

  Misprinted injancto.
• * 1.39

  A forgery for the Popes ad∣vantage.
• * 1.40

  He was nei∣ther.
• * 1.41

  † A likely story
• * 1.42

  A very pro∣bable tal•• that he should thus defame King John, and yet be rewarded and advanced by him for this Embassy.
• * 1.43

  A likely story.
• * 1.44

  It was grant∣ed him 3 years, or more before this fictitious Embassy.
• * 1.45

  The true ground of this fiction, and ••lander of King John.
• * 1.46

  Note this Embassy or his relation of him∣self and King John.
• * 1.47

  Speeds Histo∣ry p. 588.
• * 1.48

  Speeds Histo∣ry p. 588.
• * 1.49

  Hist. p. 234. Speeds History p. 567, 568.
• * 1.50

  Mat. Paris Hist. Angl. p. 235.
• * 1.51

  A true Cha∣racter of Pope Innocent.
• * 1.52

  Claus 15. Jo¦hannis Regis, parte 2. D••••s, m 7.
• * 1.53

  Mat. Paris Hist. Angl. p. 236, 237.
• * 1.54

  A very Roy∣al Guard.
• * 1.55

  * Mat. Paris. p. 237.
• * 1.56

  It seems there was but one Charter, yet twice sealed and delivered, as this passage in∣timates.
• * 1.57

  Carta 15 Jo∣hannis Regis, num: 31: intus
• * 1.58

  Sigillo nostro
• * 1.59

  Humiliemus.
• * 1.60

  Interdicti.
• * 1.61

  Conferimus.
• * 1.62

  ab eo.
• * 1.63

  Secundarius▪
• * 1.64

  not in the first▪
• * 1.65

  not in the first
• * 1.66

  not in the first
• * 1.67

  Obligationis.
• * 1.68

  not in the first
• * 1.69

  Obligationis.
• * 1.70

  Carta 15 Jo∣hannis Regis namero 15.
• * 1.71

  Eorum.
• * 1.72

  Obligationis.
• * 1.73

  Those Bishops only attest it who were bani∣shed.
• * 1.74

  Of the Popes Temporal Mo∣narchy, p. 245, 246.
• * 1.75

  a De Romano Pontif. p. 82, 83 b Pars 1. c. 25. 18. 20. c De Planctu Eccles. lib. 1. Artic. 37. to 66. d De Donatio∣ne Constantini p: 100. to 200. See Dr. Cra∣kenthorp of the Popes Tempo∣ral Monarchy, cap: 1. p. 10, •••• 20
• * 1.76

  e Baronius Anno 1068. num. 1. Dr. Craken-thorp of the Popes Temporal Monarchy, p. 14.
• * 1.77

  f Part. 1. c. 15 n. 14. c. 25: n. 20. c. 29. n. 13, 14, 15. g De Potestate Romano Pont••f. l. 2. c. 21. n. 5. c. 16. n. 31. c. 21. n. 7 h Ecclesiast: c. 51. p. 168. 169. Dr. Craken∣thorp of the Popes Tempo∣ral Monarchy, p. 11, 12, 13, 17, 19, 20. a Apologia pro Torto c. 3, 4. Stanisl. Christ. in Exam. Ca∣thol: f. 33. Ba∣ronius, Anno 1173: n, 9, 10. Becanus contro. Angl: qu. 9. n. 1, 2. c. 26. n. 39. Dr. Crakenth: of the Popes Temporal Mo∣narchy, p. 19, 20 b Mat: Paris, p. 277, &c. c See Halls Chronicle, Ho∣linshed, Fox, Stow, Baker, & others. d In the Suppli∣cat: of Souls: see Speeds hist: P. 577.
• * 1.78

  e Hist. of Irel. l. 2. c. 3. f Aeneadis 9. l. 5 Basileae, 1538. p. 549.
• * 1.79

  g Mat. Paris, Mat. Westmin. Wendover, Po∣lichronicon, Walsingham Ypodigma. Bromton, Hen. de Knyghton, Speed, Holin∣shed, Graston, Stow in his life.
• * 1.80

  Edit. 1511.
• * 1.81

  g Histor. l. 15. h Cent. Magd. 13. c. 8. col. 760. Speeds History, p. 577.
• * 1.82

  a Annis 1213, 1214, 1231. p. 245.
• * 1.83

  b Mat: Paris▪ ••▪ 237. Archiepis∣copo dolente & reclamante,
• * 1.84

  c Mat. Parker, Ant••qu. Eccles. Brit. 15••.
• * 1.85

  d Hist: Angl. p: 370, 371 Edit: Londini 1640.
• * 1.86

  Nota.
• * 1.87

  •• Gervasius Do∣robernensi An∣tiquitates Ec∣clesiae Brit. in vita Edmundi & Godwins Ca∣talogue of Bi∣shops, p 66, 67.
• * 1.88

  Hist. Angl. p. 264.
• * 1.89

  Hist. Ang. Edit Londini p. 278 279.
• * 1.90

  * Mat. Paris p 256.
• * 1.91

  Dr. Crakenth▪ of the Popes Temporal Mo∣narchy, ch 12. d. 348, 349. Speeds History, p. 581.
• * 1.92

  Mat. Paris Hist. Angl. p. 253. 254.
• * 1.93

  Hist. Angl. p. 254.
• * 1.94

  Hist. Angl. p. 255.
• * 1.95

  Nota.
• * 1.96

  Hist. Angl. p. 270. 271.
• * 1.97

  Permiteret.
• * 1.98

  Nota.
• * 1.99

  Nota.
• * 1.100

  Mat. Paris, p. 270. 271.
• * 1.101

  See Mat. Pa∣ris, Mat. West∣minster, Holin∣shed, Daniel, Speed, & others Anno 1 H. 3.
• * 1.102

  a Hist. Angl. p. 639, 646. b Flores Hist. pars 2. p. 193, 195.
• * 1.103

  Antiqu. Eccl. Brit. p. 450.
• * 1.104

  Hist. Angl. p. 228.
• * 1.105

  Hist. Angl. p. 648.
• † 1.106

  Hist. Angl. p. 660.
• * 1.107

  Prov. 24. 21. 1 Pet. 2. 17.
• * 1.108

  Rot. Parl An. 40 E. 3. n. 7, 8.
• * 1.109

  Num. 8.
• * 1.110

  a I Cor. 6. 8. I Thes. 4 6. b Summa An∣gelica & Rosel∣la, tit. Dolus & Fraus, Gratian caus. 16. qu. 6. & 26. qu. 3. 20. qu. 4. Lit∣tleton, sect. 676 &c. Cookes I Instit. f. 317. 209. b Brook & Fitz∣herbert Abridg∣ment, tit. Co∣vin, Collusion, Duresse c Summa An∣gelica & Rosel∣la tit. Judex. Littleton, sect. 212, 2 R. 2. c. 2. 33. I H. 6. c. 4. 20 E 23. Cooks I Instit: f. 141, 234. & 8 Report f. 118. 3 Instit. f. 32, 33. Alensis, Sum. Theolog. pars 3. qu. 40. sect. I. qu. 4. Artic. 15. d Hobards Reports. f. 85, 86.
• * 1.111

  * 1 H. 4. c. 6. 2 H. 4. c. 2. 6 H. 4. c. 2. 6 H 8. c. 15. 31 H 8. c. 13. 1 Edw. 6. c. 8. 18 Eliz c. 2. 43 Eliz. c. 2. Brook Pa∣tents 1, 2, 54, 93. 97. 102. 48. Fitzherb. Grant 29, 30, 35, 36, 58, 110 Cook 2 Rep. f. 50. to 54. 3 Rep. f. 31. 75 76. 5 Rep. f. 93. 94. 6 Rep. f. 55. 56. 8 Rep. f. 28. 58. 167.
• * 1.112

  Acts 5. 1. 2, 3.
• * 1.113

  Here, p. 271, 272.
• * 1.114

  Here, p. 271▪ &c.
• * 1.115

  John 8. 44.
• * 1.116

  Here, p. 294, to 302.
• * 1.117

  Here p. 296, to 300.
• * 1.118

  Here, p. See 16 R. 2. c. 5. 37 H 8. c. 17 1 Eliz: c. 3. 1 Jac. c. 1.
• * 1.119

  Prov. 8. 15, Dan. 4. 25.
• * 1.120

  * Acts 4. 19, 20▪ c. 5. 29.
• * 1.121

  Most of our Historians ig∣norantly stile it, an Obligati∣on, from Matth: Paris his mi∣stake.
• * 1.122

  De Planctu Eccles. l. 1. Art. 31.
• * 1.123

  See Sir Hum∣fry Lyndes Via Devia, Bishop Morton of the Church, Bellarmin. de Ecclesia; Dr. John Whites Way to the true Church, & Defence thereof
• * 1.124

  * See here, p. 290.
• * 1.125

  Hist. Angliae p. 278.
• * 1.126

  * Liberate 12 H. 3. mem. 8. intus.
• * 1.127

  Anno 1229.
• * 1.128

  Mat. Paris, Hist: p: 342, 343. Antiqu. Eccles. Brit: & Godwin in the Life of Richard
• * 1.129

  Anno. 1238. Liberate 13. Hen. 3. mem. 7. intus.
• * 1.130

  Claus. 19. H. 3. part 2. mem. 6. intus.
• * 1.131

  They deemed not the Pope alone, to be the Church of Rome in that age.
• * 1.132

  Claus. part 2. Anno. 19. Hen. 3. mem. 6. intus.
• * 1.133

  Anno 1239. Liberate 22. Hen. 3. mem. 10. intus.
• * 1.134

  Here p. 293, 299, 300.
• * 1.135

  Anno 1246.
• * 1.136

  Hist. Angl. p. 669, 670.
• * 1.137

  Nota.
• * 1.138

  Anno 1247. Liberate 31. Hen. 3. mem. ••. intus.
• * 1.139

  Hist. Angl. p. 699.
• * 1.140

  Mat. Paris, Hist. p. 788.
• * 1.141

  Anno 1251.
• * 1.142

  Liberate 35 H. 3. m. 2. intus.
• * 1.143

  Anno 1261.
• * 1.144

  Liberate 45 H. 3▪ m. 13. intus Pro Domino Papa.
• * 1.145

  Histor. Angel p: 958.
• * 1.146

  Anno 1267. Pat. 51 H. 3. m. 11. intus.
• * 1.147

  Anno 1270. Pat. 54. Hen. 3. mem. 27. intus.
• * 1.148

  Anno 1275.
• * 1.149

  Anno Dom. 1283.
• * 1.150

  Claus. 10. Edw. 1. mem. 4. dorso.
• * 1.151

  Claus. 17 E. ••. m. 4.
• * 1.152

  Liberate 17 E. 1. m. 2. intus.
• * 1.153

  Here, p. 301, 302.
• * 1.154

  Pat. 6. Edw. 1. mem. 24. intus.
• * 1.155

  Liberate 13. Edw. 1. mem. 5. intus.
• * 1.156

  Pat. 29. Edw. 1 mem. 6. intus.
• * 1.157

  Pat. 30. Edw. 1. mem. 7. intus.
• * 1.158

  Pat. 31. Edw. 1. mem. 41. intus. De pensione concessa Cardi∣nali.
• * 1.159

  Nota.
• * 1.160

  * Surius Concil Tom. 2. p. 865, 866.
• a 1.161

  In Cod. De omni agro de∣sert. l. Quicun∣que desertum. f. 185, 186. Pa∣risiis 1509.
• b 1.162

  Dr. Craken∣thorps Defence of Constantine cap. 8. p. 160. 167.
• c 1.163

  Index Expur∣gat. juxta Con∣cil. Trident. Decretum Phil. 2. Regis Ca∣tholico jussu concinnatus.
• d 1.164

  In Prooemio de feud. n. 32, 33
• * 1.165

  Anno 1571.
• a 1.166

  In Rubr. ff. de Verborum ob∣ligat.
• b 1.167

  De Pontificis Potestate Axio∣ma.
• c 1.168

  Pract. Quaest. c. 4. nu. 1.
• d 1.169

  Boetius Epon Heroic. quaes. qu 3. nu. 43.
• * 1.170

  e Ibid. quaest. 5. nu. 19.
• * 1.171

  •• Ibid. num. 27.
• * 1.172

  Glossa in cap. Constanti∣nus, post. 1. qu. 5. nu. 211.
• g 1.173

  De Quadrie∣nii praescript. Bene à Zenonii nu. 4. f. 111. col. 4.
• h 1.174

  De Jurisdict, Jud: lex finali S. per iniquum n. 4. f. 146.
• a 1.175

  Monarchiae. pars 1. c. 70, 71 p. 295, 296, 297, 298, 299.
• b 1.176

  De Jure Belli & Pacis l 2. cap 6. sect. 2. to 12 &c.
• c 1.177

  Belluga in pr. ••pec. in rub. 8. p. 3, & 4. Roch. de Curte de consuet: q. 5. col 6. Tom. 1. & alii alegat. a Vasq. lib. 1. cap. 1.
• * 1.178

  * Smith de Re∣p••b. Angl. c. 9. B••ch. in Balio∣lo. Frossard. l. 1. c. 214. & 246. Monstrel Hist. c. 22. &c. Guicc. l. 16.
• d 1.179

  Alberic. in c. intellectos de jurejur. Bart. in l. prohibens plane D. quod vi. Corset ••n tract: de excell: Regis q. 4. Loazes alla Vasq. c. 5. Natat cons. 367. Bo∣ni••. Rug. cons. 49. u. 43.
• f 1.180

  fol. 4. c. 16.
• * 1.181

  e De Jure Belli & Pacis l. 1. c 4 sect. 10. p. 89.
• g 1.182

  De Jure Belli l. 2. c. 13. Sect. 12, 13, 14.
• h 1.183

  Tacitus hist. l. 3.
• i 1.184

  Curt. jun. cons. 138. n. 4. cons. 157. n. 18. C••a∣vetta de autem, 2. p. 1. partis primae n. 28. Bell. in spec. princ. rubr. 26. Ant. Gabr. lib. 1 tit. de jure quaes. non tol∣lendo concl 6. n. 20. & concl. 7 vide citatos per Rein••ingium, libr. 11. class. 11. cap. 8. num. 26.
• * 1.185

  The General Hist: of France p. 576, 577, 578 Grimstons Im∣perial History, p. 646, 647.
• * 1.186

  Bodin in his Common∣wealth, lib. 6. p. 650, 651, 652, 653.
• * 1.187

  Nota.
• * 1.188

  Nota.
• * 1.189

  Nota.
• * 1.190

  Nota.
• * 1.191

  See Bodin in his Common∣wealth, Lib. 6. p. 654, 655.
• * 1.192

  (a) Lambardi Archaion, Fox Acts & Monum. Vol. 1. p. 214, Bp. Bilsons true Difference &c. part. 3. p. 494.
• a 1.193

  Chronicon Johan. Bromp∣ton col. 1046, 1047.
• b 1.194

  Historiae Ang. l. 2. c. 2.
• * 1.195

  See here, p. 297, 298, 299.
• c 1.196

  Chron. Johan. Brompton, col. 1259. Nubri∣gensis Hist. l. 5. c. 1. Grafton, p. 90. 149.
• d 1.197

  Mat. Paris, Hist. Angl. p. 306, 308. Speed, p. 597. Daniel, p. 78, 80, 89, 123. Grafton, p. 401
• * 1.198

  a Hist. Angliae, p. 868.
• * 1.199

  b See Walsing∣ham, Holinshed Speed, Daniel; An: 14. E. 3. & the Parlia∣ment Rolls.
• * 1.200

  Notá.
• * 1.201

  c Walsingham, Hist. p. 112. Speeds History, p. 688. Daniels Hist. p. 220. Henry de Knyghton de Eventibus Ang∣liae, l. 8. c••l. 2556.
• a 1.202

  See An Exact Abridgement of the Records of the Tower, p. 430, 433, 439, 443, 444, 471, 473. 510, 565, 566, 568, 569, 654, 655, 683,
• b 1.203

  21 E 3. 39. 24 E 3. 42. Fitzh. Q••. Im∣pedit 35, 53, 54 115, 118, 189, Presentment al Esglisse 1 i. Li∣very 23. 1 H 5 Executors, 1. 8. 34 H 6. 34. 35 H 6. Fitzh. Devise 5. Plow∣den f. 245, 251. 256. 21 E 4. f. 45. b. Cook 3 Re••: f. 97. 1 In∣stit. f. 15. b. 16. a.
• c 1.204

  Hills Chro∣nicle f. 10. 1••. •• Daniel f. 122, 138, 138.
• d 1.205

  Fox Acts and Monuments, Vol. 3. p. 13. 16. 17.
• e 1.206

  1 E 3. c. 3. 5 R. 2. c. 6. See Brooks A∣bridgment, & Ashes Tables, tit. Duresse.
• f 1.207

  Galfrid. Mon∣mutensis Hist: Regis Brit. l. 10 c. 10, 11, 12, 13, 14.
• a 1.208

  Ingulphi Hist Mat. Paris, Mat Westm. Hun∣tingdon, Hove∣den, Walsing∣ham, Ypodigm. Brompton, Hig∣den, Polychro∣nicon, Fabian, Knighton, Ho∣linshed, Daniel, Stow, Grafton, Sir Jo H••ywood and others in the Life of K. Harold. Radul∣phus de D ce••o Abbreviationes Chronicon col. 481. Eadmerus Hist. Novor: l. 1. p. 5. &c.
• * 1.209

  b Mat. Paris, p. 243, to ••49. Speeds History.
• * 1.210

  c Mat. Paris, Hist. p. 256, 257.
• * 1.211

  See Cooks 2 Instit. the Pre∣face▪ Mat. Pa∣ris, p. 305, 306, 311, 312, 314, 324, 325, 375, to 385. 390, 391, 416, 420, 421, 451, 452, 624, 879.
• a 1.212

  Cod. de Trans∣actionibus l. In∣terpositas, Ho∣norius & The∣odosius Cod de iis quae vi & metu gesta sunt L. Venditurus
• * 1.213

  b Abbas Usper∣gens. Chron. Ann. 1111, 1112▪ p. 255, 256. Alb. Sta∣dius & Naucle∣rus, An. 1112.
• * 1.214

  Mat. Westm. Anno 1301. p. 421, 422.
• * 1.215

  An. Dom. 1213
• * 1.216

  Mat. Paris▪ Hist. Angl. p. 237, 238.
• * 1.217

  This clause was formerly inserted into all the Kings Conge desliers, or Li∣censes to elect.
• * 1.218

  Here p. 234, to 239.
• * 1.219

  Mat. Paris, Additamenta, 135. Sir Roger Twisdens Histo∣rical Vindicati∣on, p. 59.
• * 1.220

  An Dom. 1214 Mat. Paris Hist. Angl. p. 238.
• * 1.221

  Nota.
• * 1.222

  An. Dom. 1214 Claus. 16 Jo∣hannis Regis, pars 1. memb. 2. dorso. The Clause Roll differs in some particulars from the print in Matthew Paris.
• * 1.223

  Mat. Paris Hist Angl. p. 239.
• * 1.224

  Hiis quibus facta est restitu∣tio in manus fe∣cerit assignari. So the Clause R••••••
• * 1.225

  Solutis.
• * 1.226

  Omitted in Mat. Paris.
• * 1.227

  idem se.
• * 1.228

  munitas.
• * 1.229

  Cestriae & Wintoniae, Comitum▪
• * 1.230

  Claus. 15 Joh. Regis, pars 1. m. 1. dorso.
• * 1.231

  Pat. 15 Johan. Regis, pars 1. m. 9. intus.
• * 1.232

  Pat. 15 Johan. Regis, m. 9.
• * 1.233

  Anno Dom. 1214. Mat. Paris, Histor. Angl. p: 239. Mat. Westm. Anno 1214.
• * 1.234

  * Mat. Paris, p. 240.
• * 1.235

  Pat. 15. Johan. Reg. Par. prima. m 5. intus.
• * 1.236

  Pat. 15. Johan. Reg. Par. 1. m. 7. intus.
• * 1.237

  Mat Paris. Hist. Angl p. 240.
• * 1.238

  Claus. 15. Johan. Reg. par. 2. m. 5. intus.
• * 1.239

  Claus. 15. Johan. par. 2. m. 5. intus.
• * 1.240

  Charta 16 Jo∣hannis Regis, m. 8. intus.
• * 1.241

  Here, p. 257, 258, 259.
• * 1.242

  Mat. Paris, Hist. Angl. p. 240.
• * 1.243

  Mat. Paris, Hist. Angl. p. 243.
• * 1.244

  Mat. Paris, Hist. Angl. p. 143, 144, to 254. Speeds History, p. 581, 582. Roger de Wendover. Holinshed, Grafton, Da∣niel.
• * 1.245

  Anno 1215.
• * 1.246

  Mat. Paris, Hist. Angl. p. 252.
• * 1.247

  Mat. Paris, Hist. Angl. p. 230, 231.
• * 1.248

  Mat. Paris, Hist. Angl. p. 246.
• * 1.249

  Mat. Paris, Hist. Angl. p. 249.
• * 1.250

  Mat. Paris, Hist. Angl. p. 248.
• * 1.251

  Mat. Paris, Hist. Angl. p. 252, 253.
• * 1.252

  Anno 1215.
• * 1.253

  * Mat. Paris, Hist. Angl. ••▪ 253.
• * 1.254

  Charta 16 Jo∣hannis Regis, part 2. m. 3. intus.
• * 1.255

  Carta. 16 Jo∣hannis Regis▪ m. 6. intus in cedula.
• * 1.256

  Here▪ p. 34••
• * 1.257

  Hist. p. 255. 256 Claus. 17. Johan. Regis. m. 22. dors.
• * 1.258

  Popes cannot only ruffle but prophanly swear, when their own U∣surped interests are concerned.
• * 1.259

  Mat. Paris Hist. Angl. p. 256. 257.
• * 1.260

  Deo, & Pa••••o, are omitted.
• * 1.261

  He mentions no other Char∣ter but this.
• * 1.262

  Did not him∣self excite his his own Pre∣lates, Barons, Sub••ects, the French, and all Christian soul∣diers against him by like sub∣tile arts?
• * 1.263

  Famulari.
• * 1.264

  Was not his own absolving of them from their oathes of Allegiance more unjust?
• * 1.265

  ^• Here, p. 23, 24 25.
• * 1.266

  Claus 15. Johan. Reg. m. 22. dor••o. Mar. Pa••is▪ Hist. Angl. p. 257. 258.
• * 1.267

  Here, p. 339.
• * 1.268

  Mat. Paris, p. 258.
• * 1.269

  Anno Dom. 1215. Mat. Paris, Histor. Angl. p: 260, 261.
• * 1.270

  Nota.
• * 1.271

  Note.
• * 1.272

  Mat. Paris, p.261. 26••.
• * 1.273

  Claus. 17 Joh. Regis, m. 32. dorso.
• * 1.274

  Patrimonium signifies only an inheritance actually vested in the Father, and from him descending or bequeathed to his Children, not to his Suc∣cessors or meer strangers, as Popes are to St. Peter.
• * 1.275

  An. Dom. 121••
• * 1.276

  Mat. Paris Hist▪ Angl. p. 262, 263, 264.
• * 1.277

  Popes can swear publickly▪
• * 1.278

  Claus. 17 Joh. Regis, m. 17. dorso.
• * 1.279

  Her•• p. 336, 337.
• * 1.280

  Pat. 15 Johan. Regis. pa••s 1. m. 5. intus.
• * 1.281

  Pat. 16 Johan, Regis, pars 2. m. 3. dorso.
• * 1.282

  Chart. 16 Joh. Regis, m. 10, doiso.
• * 1.283

  Mat. Westm. Anno 1216. p. 99.
• * 1.284

  Mat. Paris Hist. Angl. p. 261.
• * 1.285

  omnium.
• * 1.286

  By way of Provision.
• * 1.287

  Mat. Paris, Histor. Angl. p: 263.
• * 1.288

  Nota.
• * 1.289

  Vitae Viginti Trium Sancti Albani Abba∣tum, p. 117.
• * 1.290

  * Mat. Paris, Hist. Angl. p. 263, 264.
• * 1.291

  Mat. Paris, p. 265.
• * 1.292

  Pat. 15 Johan. Regis, pars 1. m. 5. intus.
• * 1.293

  Claus. 16. Johan. Regis part. spiscissima m. 21. dorso.
• * 1.294

  Claus. 16. Johan Regis, dors. 21.
• * 1.295

  Ibidem.
• * 1.296

  Claus. 16. Johan. Regis, dors. 21.
• * 1.297

  Claus. 16. John. Regis part. spiscissima m. 21. dorso.
• * 1.298

  Chart. 16. Johan, Regis, m. 9.
• * 1.299

  Carta. 16 Jo∣hannis Regis, m. 9. intus in scheduia.
• * 1.300

  Pat. 16 Johan. Regis, pars 1. m. 16. dorso.
• * 1.301

  Ibidem.
• * 1.302

  Ibidem.
• * 1.303

  Claus. 16 Joh. Regis, pars 3. m. 5. dorso.
• * 1.304

  Ibidem.
• * 1.305

  Pat. 17 Johan. Regis, m. 2. dorso.
• * 1.306

  Cl••us. 16 Jo•• Regis, ••a〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••. m 3. dorso.
• * 1.307

  Ibidem.
• * 1.308

  See Godwins Catalogue of Bishops, p. 296.
• * 1.309

  Claus. 16 Joh. Regis, pars 1. m. 4. intus.
• * 1.310

  Godwins Cata∣logue of Bps. p. 196. in the life of Joceline.
• * 1.311

  Pat. 16 Johan. Regis, pars 1. m. 15. dorso.
• * 1.312

  Chart. 16 Joh. Regis, m. 9.
• * 1.313

  An. Dom 1216 Mar. Paris Hist. Angl. p. 266, 267, 268.
• * 1.314

  This was the only motive, ground of these Excommunica∣tions.
• * 1.315

  Were not this Pope, the exil∣ed Archbishop and Bishops worse then the Barons or Sara∣cens, when him∣self abetted them in their Treasons before his surrender of the Crown?
• * 1.316

  Mat. Paris, Histor. Angl. p: 267, 268.
• * 1.317

  Nota.
• * 1.318

  Ecclesiastica∣rum.
• * 1.319

  Here p. 295.
• * 1.320

  Here p. 296, 297.
• * 1.321

  Mat. Paris Hist. Angl. p. 269, 270.
• * 1.322

  * Mat. Paris, Hist. Angl. p. 271, 272.
• * 1.323

  * Mat. Paris, Hist. Angl. p. 272.
• * 1.324

  * Mat. Paris, Hist. Angl. p. 27a.
• * 1.325

  Note.
• * 1.326

  * Mat. Paris, Hist. Angl. p. 273. 274.
• * 1.327

  * Fuit.
• * 1.328

  * Therefore King John be∣ing Supream in his own Realm, by St: Peters Doctrine, this Pope could nei∣ther excommu∣nicate him, nor depose him from his Crown, whiles absent and unheard at he did, nor examin his title to it.
• * 1.329

  His very case in relation to Pope Innocent, when Interdict∣ed, excommuni∣cated, deprived, by him, being then his capi∣tal Enemy.
• * 1.330

  How then could he deprive him & his Heirs being guil∣ty of neither?
• * 1.331

  Nota.
• * 1.332

  Why would himself do it be∣fore his Char∣ter of Surrender by War & force of Armes▪
• * 1.333

  non.
• * 1.334

  a Mat. Paris, Hist. Angl. p. 357. Speed, p. 585. Holinshed and others.
• b 1.335

  Here, p. 262.
• c 1.336

  Acts and Mo∣numents, vol. 1. p. 332, 333.
• d 1.337

  History of Great Britain, p. 586, 587.
• e 1.338

  Mat. Paris, Anno 1226.
• f 1.339

  Mat. Paris, Hist. Angl. p. 277.
• g 1.340

  Here, p. 274 to 330.