The historie of tithes that is, the practice of payment of them, the positiue laws made for them, the opinions touching the right of them : a review of it is also annext, which both confirmes it and directs in the vse of it / by I. Selden.

CAP. XIV.

I. The iurisdiction of Ecclesiastique causes, in the Saxon times, exercised by the Shrife and the Bishop in the Countie Court. and among them that of Tithes also was then to haue been there determind. The Bishops Consistorie seuered from the Countie Court by William the first.

II. After the Normans, Originall suits for Tithes, were aswell in the Temporall Courts as in the Spirituall. and that continued till Henrie the second or about King Iohn.

III. Of the time since about King Iohn or Hen∣rie the second. Of the Indicauit and the Writ of right of Aduowson of Tithes. What the Law was in an Indicauit before that Statut of Westm. 2. A touch of ancient Prohibitions, De non Decimando.

IV. Writs of Scire facias for Tithes. Enquests taken vpon Commission to enquire of the right of Tithes.

V. Fines leuied of Tithes (in the time of Ri∣chard the first, of King Iohn, and Henrie the third) vpon Writs of right of Aduowson.

VI. Scire facias by the Patentees against the pernor of Tithes granted by the King.

VII. Command of paiment by the Kings Writ. And of Tithes in Forests. Triall of the right of Tithes incident in some issues.

AS a corollarie to the former parts that di∣rectly concerne the payment or consecra∣tion of Tithes, we thought fit to adde here in the Conclusion of the Treatise, the Historie also (but only the Historie) of the iurisdiction of Tithes in this Kingdom. It is cleer by the pra∣cticed cōmon Law, both of this day as also of the ancientest times that we haue in our yeer books, that regularly the iurisdiction of spiritual Tithes (that is, of the direct and originall question of their right) belongs, I thinke as in all other States of Christendom, properly to the Ecclesia∣sticall Court. and the later Statuts that haue gi∣uen remedie for Tithes infeodated from the Crown after the Dissolution, leaue also the an∣cient right of Iurisdiction of Tithes to the Ec∣clesiastique Courts. But how the difference of Ages hath herein bin amongst vs, is litle enough known euen to them which see more then vul∣garly. In declaration thereof, we shall aptly de∣uide the time tripartitly; into that of the Sax∣ons; that from the Normans till about Henrie the second; and what intercedes from thence till this day.

I.

In the Saxon times a iurisdiction of Eccle∣siastique causes (among which you may reckon that of Tithes, although not much signe of it, in exacting payment of them, appears in the moniments of that age) was exercised iointly by the a 1.1 Bishop of the Diocese, and by the Shrife or Alderman of the sciregemot, or Hundred, or Countie Court, where they both sate, the one to giue Godes right, the other for ƿuruldes right, that is, the one to iudge according to the Laws of the Kingdom, the other to direct according to Diuinitie. and in the Laws made for Tithes by K. Edgar and K. Knout, you see vpon default of paiment it is ordaind, that the Bishop and the Kings Bailife, or Shirife, with the Bailife of the Lord of the Land, should see that iust restitution should be made. particulars of the exercise of this kind of iurisdiction, I haue not seen. But at the Norman Conquest, this kind of holding Ec∣clesiastique pleas in the Hundred or Countie Court, was taken away. Remember that as at this day most of the Pleas Ecclesiastique are in the Ordinaries Court within the Diocese, so most suits in the secular or common Law were Viscontiel and held in the Countie or Hun∣dred Court of the Shrife in those ancienter times, which may best be obserued out of one of the books of Ely b 1.2 the most especiall moni∣ment that is extant, for the holding of Pleas in the Saxon times. That alteration at the

Norman Conquest, was by a Law made by the Conqueror, and directed to all Tenants in the Diocese of Remy, that was first Bishop of Lincoln whither his See was then translated from Dorchester. and although it be sent in the direction by name to them only, yet it seems, it grew afterward to be a generall Law, no other∣wise then the Statut of Circumspectè agatis, that hath speciall reference only to the Bishop of Norwich. The words of it c 1.3 as they are recor∣ded, are,

Sciatis vos omnes & caeteri mei fi∣deles, qui in Anglia manent, quod Episcopa∣les leges, quae non benè secundum sanctorum Canonum praecepta, vsque ad mea tempora in regno Anglorum fuerunt, communi Con∣silio Archiepiscoporum meorum & caetero∣rum Episcoporum & Abbatum, & omnium Principum Regni mei emendandas iudicaui. Proptereà mando, & Regiâ autoritate praeci∣pio, vt nullus Episcopus vel Archidiaconus de legibus Episcopalibus amplius in Hun∣dret placita teneant, nec causam quae ad regi∣men animarum pertinet, ad iudicium secula∣rium hominum adducant, sed quicunque se∣cundum Episcopales leges, de quacun{que} cau∣sa, vel culpa interpellatus fuerit, ad locum quem ad hoc Episcopus elegerit & nomina∣uerit, veniat, ibique de causa sua respondeat, & non secundum Hundret, sed secundum Ca∣nones & Episcopales leges rectum Deo, &

Episcopo suo faciat.

Which I rather tran∣scribe here, because also it seems to giue the ori∣ginall of the Bishops Cosistorie, as it sits with vs, diuided from the Hundred or Countie-Court, wherewith, in the Saxon time, it was ioyned. And in the same Law of his, is further added, Hoc etiam defendo vt nullus Laicus homo de legibus quae ad Episcopum pertinent se intro∣mittat &c.

II.

Afterward, vnder the succeeding Prin∣ces, till about Henrie the second, it seemes, that the Iurisdiction of Tithes was exercised in both Courts, as well Secular as Spirituall, and that by originall suit; not only in the one by the first in∣stance (as regularly the later common Law would haue it) and in the other by Prohibition only. I know, little proof will serue most men to iustifie, that the Spirituall Court had then a Iurisdicti∣on of them. but also some testimonie I haue seen of a particular recouerie of Tithes in the Bishops Court in that age. The Monks of Northampton, vnder d 1.4 King Stephen, recouered two parts of the Tithes of the demesnes of Wullaueston against Anselm de Cochis, before Robert Bishop of Lin∣coln, as Ordinarie. In plenaria Synodo coram Ro∣berto Lincolniensi Episcopo disrationauerunt, as the words are in a sealed Charter of Simon the second, Earle of Northampton, then liuing; wherein hee testifies both the recouerie, as also Anselme's confirmation of the same two parts,

according to the recouerie, and addes also of his own volo & praecipio vt illam Eleemosynam habe∣ant & teneant liberam & quietam. And to this you may adde the Appeales to Rome from the Audience of the Archbishop of Canterburie and other Ecclesiastique Conisans touching e 1.5 Tithes, that are (as the ancientest Precedents of any such Ecclesiastique proceeding in England) remai∣ning among the Epistles of Iohn of Salisburie, a great fauorite of Thomas Becket Archbishop of Canterburie in the beginning of Henrie the se∣cond. In one of them it is obseruable by the way f 1.6, that one Richard, the Tenant of Land lying within the Parish of Lenham, being sued in the Audience by Andrew the Rector for his Tithes, alledges in Court, Sibi a nobili viro Wil∣lielmo fratre Regis, Domino suo, esse prohibitum, ne, eo absente, super Decimis de quibus agebatur, causam ingrederetur. Yet the Court ceased not therefore to proceed; but Sentence being readie to be giuen for the Rector, the Cause was sent to Rome, vpon the defendants Appeale. And al∣though the g 1.7 title were only vpon the Grant of him that arbitrarily consecrated, yet was it som∣time determined in the Spirituall Court. But also that in this elder age before about the time of Henrie the second, the Kings secular Courts of Iustice originally held plea of the right of Tithes, is as plain by infallible proofe of ancient Moniments. To begin with the eldest times of

this part of our Diuision; there remaines h 1.8 yet recorded a Plea held apud Fulcardi montem, vn∣der William the second, betweene the Monks of Salmur and Philip de Braiosa; wherein, the Monks claiming against him and the Abbey of Fischamp (in Normandie) Parochiam quae ad Sanctum Cuthmannum pertinet de Castello de Staninges (these are in England, I thinke in Sussex) de Bedingas, & de Bedelingtona; by the testimonie of Robert Earle of Mellent, a Iudgement of the Conquerors time is cited, by which the Abbey of Fischamp had the Parish of S. Cuthmann adiudged to it in the Kings Court. And thereupon (it being denied by none) it was now again adiudged, that the Monks of Salmur should restore whatsoeuer they had taken post mortem Regis in Decimis & Sepulturis & Of∣frendis &c. to the Church of Fischamp. And while some delay was in the execution, the King sent his Writ ad Iusticiarios suos de Anglia, that is, to Ralf Bishop of Chichester, Randoll his Chap∣laine, Hamon his Sewer, and Vrso de Abetot, whereby hee commanded, Vt facerent Ecclesiam S. Trinitatis (that is, of Fischamp) habere totam Parochiam S. Cuthmanni & Decimas & Cor∣pora & omnes Custumas tam de viuis quam de mortuis sicut pertinebant ad praedictam Ecclesiam S. Cuthmanni antequam Willielmus de Braiosa haberet Castellum de Bembra (Bramber Castle, in Sussex, giuen by William the first to William de

Braiosa) & quicquid de supradictis custumis Mo∣nachi de Salmur ceperint reddi. The right of Tithes and Offerings appeares here plainely to haue been determined in the Temporall Court by two Iudgements, the one vnder the Conque∣ror, the other vnder his sonne William. And it is found vpon record, that about i 1.9 10. Hen. 1. a Writ was sent to Manasses Arsic, out of whose Lands, diuers Tithes were conueyed into the Monasterie of Fischamp, commanding him, Qua∣tenus Decimas a parentibus suis inuiolabili iure concessas & datas Fiscamensi Ecclesiae, Monachos suos apud Coges degentes omnes in pa••e & qui∣ete habere faciat; sinon, Iustitiae Regis facerent. Whereupon he sends his Precept to all his Te∣nants of such Lands, commanding them to make payment. Si quis autem aliter (saith he) facere praesumpserit Regis irae & nostrae poenam sine du∣bio patietur. So among the Liberties of Saint Iohn of Beuerley k 1.10, this Writ is found of Hen∣rie the first.

Henricus Rex Anglorum Os∣berto Vicecomiti de Eboraco & Geraldo de Bridesala salutem. Praecipio vobis, vt faci∣atis habere Ecclesiae Sancti Iohannis de Be∣uerlaco, Decimas suas sicur vnquam melius habuit, in tempore Regis Edwardi & patris mei, de illis videlicet terris omnibus de qui∣bus homines Comitatus Eboraci testimoni∣um portabunt quod eas habere debent. Et quicunque detinuerit, sciatis quod ego volo

vt rectum faciat Deo & S. Iohanni & mihi. T. Ran. Cancellario, & Comite de Mellet, a∣pud Londonias, &c.

What is this else then a kind of Iusticies to the Shirife of Yorkeshire, for the right of Tithes determinable by the Countrie? Doth not homines Comitatus Eboraci denote as much? Of the same time also, in a l 1.11 Vo∣lume of Constitutions & other things belonging to the Church of York:

Henricus Rex An∣glorum Osberto Vicecomiti de Eboraco salu∣tem. Mando tibi & praecipio vt Archiepisco∣pum Girardum permittas & facias honorificè tenere Ecclesias meorum propriorum Mane∣riorum quas S. Petro & eidem dedi cum om∣nibus Capellis suis, & cum omnibus Decimis suis, & cum omnibus terris suis, videlicet Ec∣clesiam de Bokelinton, & de Driffeild, & de Killum, & de Pickering, & de Burgo. Waltero & Euremaro Ministris de Driffeild praecipio vt Decimas de hoc praeterito Augusto, quas non reddiderunt, plenariè reddant sicut Ec∣clesia eas iustè habere debet & sicut vnquam eas melius habuit tempore patris mei siue meo antequam eas dedissem S. Petro, & videant ne ampliùs inde clamorem audiam. si quis inde iniuriam fecerit Archiepiscopo, tibi, Osberte Vicecomes, praecipio vt plenariam rectitudi∣nem inde facias. Teste Rogero Episcopo Sa∣risburiense apud Westmonasterium in Natali Domini.

And another is there, in these words:

Henricus Rex Anglorum Ansch. Vicecomiti & omnibus Praepositis & Ministris suis de Driffeild, & de Pokelinton, & de Killum, & de Pikering, & de Burt, salutem. Volo & praeci∣pio quod faciatis habere Hugoni Decano & Clericis suis benè & plenariè omnes rectas Decimas de Dominijs meis in omnibus rebus per haec praedicta Maneria mea & de omnibus Parochianis, qui ad Ecclesias horum praedi∣ctorum Maneriorum meorum pertinent. Si∣militèr facite ei habere benè & plenariè & Decimas & omnia iura praedictarum Ecclesia∣rum in terris & capellis. Quia pro salute ani∣mae meae & omnium antecessorum meorum beato Petro eas concessi in Eleemosynam. No∣lo autem quod pro recti penuriâ quicquam perdant quod iustè habere debent. T. apud Eborum

. And about 6. Hen. 2. when Turstin Fitz-Simon vsurpt the Tithes of Mercham, be∣longing to the Abbey of Abingdon, one of the Monks were sent ouer to the King into France, Vt per eius iustitiam & autoritatem (as my m 1.12 Au∣tor saies) rectum suum Ecclesiae suae restitueretur. Quod & ita factum est. Rediens enim frater qui missus fuerat breue à Rege transmissum in haec ver∣ba reportauit. Then the writ followes, directed from Tours to the Shirife of Barkshire.

Hen∣ricus Rex Angliae & Dux Normanniae & Aqui∣taniae & Comes Andegauiae, Vicecomiti suo & ministris suis de Berchesira salutem. Si Eccle∣sia

de Abbendona habuit Decimam de Mer∣cham ad luminare Ecclesiae tempore Henrici Regis aui mei & anno & die quo fuit mortuus & viuus & post, & inde sit disseisita iniustè & sine iudicio, tunc praecipio quod sine dilatione inde eam resaisiatis, Et ita benè & in pace & liberè & iustè tenere faciatis sicut meliùs & liberiùs tenuit tempore Henrici Regis aui mei, Et praecipio quod quando Turstinus filius Si∣monis redierit in Anglia, quod Abbas Abben∣doniae plenum rectum habeat de terra quam praedictus Turstinus filius S. tenet de feudo Abbatiae. Et si Abbas poterit disrationare quod non defecerit de recto praedicto T. in Curia sua, Abbas inde ei in Curia sua rectum teneat. T. Magistro Iohanne de Oxenford a∣pud Turonem.

The Shirife, by vertue of this Writ, vpon enquirie of the point of it in his Countie-Court, restored the Abbey to the pos∣session of those Tithes. The words of the Booke are,

Cum verò per lectum esset Regis breue in pleno Comitatu & manifestè compertum to∣tius Comitatus testimonio n 1.13 quoniam praefata Decima ad luminare Altaris S. Mariae perti∣neret, & quod eam Turstinus iniustè tenebat, Vicecomes ex parte Regis illum dissaisiauit, & eam Altari cui adiacebat restituit.

What can be plainer, then that in those times (if these examples haue credit, as indeed they cannot iust∣ly be impeached) the Temporall Courts held Iu∣risdiction

of Tithes in point of right; and not only the Spirituall. and to confirm it, we adde also the autoritie of Iohn of Sarisburie o 1.14 that then liud. he in an Epistle to the Bishop of Ex∣cester relating some of those Positions of the common Laws; or the Auitae consuetudines (as they called them) which Thomas Archbishop of Canterburie about 12. of Hen. 2. so much with∣stood, mentions one to be Quod Laici, siue Rex, siue alius, causas de Ecclesijs & Decimis tractent. which well agrees with the autorities before ci∣ted. But this was vtterly disallowd then by the Pontificiall Laws, as, beside the autoritie of the common Canons, may be seen in an Epistle of Alexander the third, to the p 1.15 Bishop of Exceter and the Dean of Chichester, wherein it appears, that one William a Clerk of Chichester had ap∣pealed to the Pope about Tithes, the suit being twixt him and the Parson of Curket. and the Parson had on the other side appealed Ad audi∣entiam Domini Regis. whereupon saies the Pope, Quoniam nemini liceat super rebus spiritualibus ad secularem Iudicem appellare, they should enquire of the matter, depriue the Parson, and send him to Rome.

III.

The frequencie of such originall suits for Tithes, in the temporall Courts (through the Canons and the power of the Pope increasing, and growing more dreadfull to Henrie the se∣cond, and King Iohn) became about their times

to be, it seems, more out of vse, and possessed ra∣ther by Ecclesiastique iurisdiction. Neuerthelesse in the sundrie ages since, the determination of the right and payment of Tithes hath been sub∣iect to the temporall Courts, by diuers kinds of originall proceeding, which for orders sake may be all comprehended in these Fiue. I. By Prohibitions touching the modus or Customs of Tithing, or other matter concerning the Kings q 1.16 right, triable only in his own Court, or the like. II. The Writ of Right of Aduowson of Tithes, wherto you must annex the writ of Indica∣nit, that is but a speciall prohibition making way for the Writ of Right of Aduowson. III. By Scire facias IV. By bare processe of command of payment. V. By the actions vpon the late Statuts of 32. Hen. 8. and 2 Ed. 6. For the first and last of these; because they are now both in common practice, and thence known enough in generall to euery man, I abstain purposely to speak more of them; sauing only that for the first; out of the more ancient ages, I obserue som∣what by the way which may belong to the vse of the present. In 21. Hen. 3. when all the Clergie of England, in the Nationall Synod held at London, vnder Otho the Popes Legat, made sub∣plication to haue redresse from the King, of some grieuances, r 1.17 one was, Quod iudices seculares non decidant causas Ecclesiasticas in foro seculari &c. & vtrum dandae sint Decimae de Lapicidinis, vel

Syluicedijs, vel Herbagijs, vel Pasturis, vel de a∣lijs Decimis non consuetis. which shews that the temporall Courts also in those elder times, de∣termined what was titheable or not, & so made prohibitions De non decimando, according to the Processes in France vpon their Philippin, and in Spain vpon the Carolin, and according to that note in the s 1.18 Register and t 1.19 Fitzherbert touch∣ing the Iustices determination of what is tithe∣able. agreeing to this is a Case of 8. Hen. 3. u 1.20 where in a prohibition was granted against a Parson that sued for the Tithes of Rent. But you shall haue it as it is in the Record. Warwick.

Ma∣gister Eustachius de Cestreton attachiatus fuit rd respondendum Hugoni de Lege, quare contra prohibitionem &c. trahit eum in pla∣citum in Curiam Christianitatis de Laico feodo ipsius Hugonis in Cestreton; vnde Idem Hugo queritur quod ipse exigit ab eo in Cu∣ria Christianitatis de certa pecunia pro Deci∣mis molendinorum, & certum pratum, scili∣cet tres acras prati, & praetereà de Wareto suo; & de terris incultis si illas locauerit ipse petit Decimum denarium &c. Et Magister Eustachius venit & defendit contra eum & contra sectam suam, quod nunquam traxit eum in placitum de aliqua re certa nisi tantùm de Decimis faeni & molendinorum sicut Deci∣mae inde dari debent, nec aliquam acram pra∣ti petit nec denarios de molendinis, nec ali∣quid

de Wareto vel terra nisi tantùm garbas; & ideò praeceptum est eidem Eustachio quod de nullo placito de caetero sequatur in Curia Christianitatis▪ nec de aliquo Laico feodo nec de aliquo quod sit contra Coronam Domini Regis.

But, to leaue this and to go to the II. and III. and IV. courses of proceeding for Tithes in temporall Courts, which are not so obuiously known; for the II. touching the Writ of Right of Aduowson of Tithes, and the Indicauit. it hath bin cleer euer since the Statut of Westminster 2. cap. 5. and of Circumspectè aga∣tis, both made in 13. Ed. 1. (this as well as the other long since being receiud into practice by the name of a Statut, and so called in Acts of Parlament; although it were anciently reputed rather as an Ordinance made x 1.21 by the King and Prelats) that if A. Parson of Sale (for examples sake) libell against B. Parson of Dale in the spi∣rituall Court, for so much Tithes and Offrings, possessed by B. as amount to the fourth or a greater part of the value of the Church of Dale, B. may haue him prohibited by an Indicauit di∣rected to him and the spirituall Iudge, after which the Patron of A. hath no other remedie for himselfe or his Encumbent (what right soe∣uer they haue) then to bring a Writ of Right in the cōmon Pleas, of the Aduowson of that fourth part, against the Patron of B. in which Writ, the right of those Tithes must be tried by the

common Law. and herewith expresly agrees the Statut of Articuli Cleri. and the reason is be∣cause that if the determination of this Plea should be allowd to the spirituall Court, then might the Patrons Aduowson of such a part be there lost by iudgement according to the Ca∣nons, whereas the right of Aduowson and Pa∣tronage of Churches or Tithes only belongs, by our ancient Laws and at this day, to the secular Court. Neither is the Writ so much of the Tithes as of the Aduowson of the Tithes; Praeci∣pe A. (so are the words) quod reddat B. aduocatio∣nem Decimarum tertiae vel quartae partis Ecclesiae de C. &c. And howeuer by the Canon Law the right of Tithes be meerly spirituall, and so not due to the Rector so much by reason of his pre∣sentation from the Patron, as of the common right challenged by the Ministerie (whereupon also a 1.22 Lindwood, like a Canonist, thinks it not preiudicall to the Patron, which way soeuer the Tithes alone be determind of, in regard that all the Patrons interest is, hee saies, originally in the foundation, building, or endowing of the Church with Manse, Glebe, or Rent, and hath no relation to the Tithes which by common right are receiud without his Donation) yet by reason it seems both of our ancient practiced Law of Dotation of Churches by arbitrarie conueian∣ces of Tithes, at the owners pleasure, in which doubtlesse Patrons very frequently b 1.23 encreased

the reuenues of foundations with the Tithes of their Demesnes; as also of that other ancient vse of Inuestiture, wherein the very interest of all the Glebe, Tithes annext▪ and other reuenues, was transferd into the Encumbent by the Pa∣tron; it was thought fit that the Aduowson of the Tithes alone should be equally reputed, for what concerned the Patron, with any other part of the Churches reuenue. And the Law hath been cleer thus, and so still practiced c 1.24 since the Statuts before cited. they permit not the spiritu∣all Court to hold Plea of Tithes of the value of the fourth part, where the Patronage is question∣able; but will haue the Aduowson thereof tried alwaies by the common Law after the prohibiti∣on of Indicauit, which (being purchased aswell at the suit of the Patron as of the Parson) re∣cites that the Parson defendant in the spirituall Court Tenet d 1.25 medietatem or quartam partem om∣nium Decimarum prouenientium de &c. de aduo∣catione of the Patron &c. And then, Quia mani∣festum est quod praedictus the Patron iacturam ad∣uocationis Decimarum praedictarum incurreret si praedictus Rector in causa illa (that is the Parson plantif) obtineret, vobis prohibemus ne placitum illud teneatis in Curia Christianitatis donec discus∣sum fuerit ad quem illorum pertineat earundem Decimarum aduocatio. And then according as the right shall afterward be tried in the Writ of right, the spirituall Iudge is to giue e 1.26 sentence.

The same Statuts allow, to the spirituall Iurisdi∣ction, conisans of the fift, and of all parts lesse then a fourth of the value of the Church in tithes controuerted twixt two Parsons. and no Indica∣uit f 1.27 is grantable to forbid the suit of one of them, commenced for any lesse part, in respect of the Patrons right only. Neither vpon them, by consequence, hath any Writ of right of any part of Tithes that g 1.28 appears not to be a fourth part of the Churches value, been allowable. But, for this point; how the Law was before those Statuts of 13. Ed. 1. is a great question in our yeer books, and diuers are the Opinions touch∣ing it. Some h 1.29 think that before the Statut of West. 2. cap. 5. (out of which, ioind with Circum∣spectè agatis, they limit the Indicauit to the fourth part) no Writ of right of Aduowson of any Tithes lay by the common Law. Others ghesse that before that time a Prohibition or In∣dicauit lay vpon euery suit in the spirituall Court i 1.30 for Tithes, and that the Patron might haue had his Writ of k 1.31 right vpon such prohi∣bition against the suit of his Encumbent, either of a fift or sixt part, and that these Statuts re∣straind him to the value of the fourth part at least Others haue herein other fancies. But, it is plain first, that long before those Statuts, Tithes were demandable, of the owner detaining them, of their own nature, and pleadable, in the Spiri∣tuall Court. and that affirmd in Fleta, was regu∣larly

before true. Decimae l 1.32 in quantum Decimae (it suits against the Parishioners) debent in foro Ecclesiastico intentari, wherewith Bracton, * 1.33 li∣uing in the time of Henrie the third, also agrees. But it is as plain that before those Statuts, if the Rectors of two Churches of seuerall Auowries, had controuerted the right of a fourth part (or of the value of either of their Churches more) in Tithes, by suit commenced in the spirituall Court, the Patron of the Rector-defendant might haue had an Indicauit, to prohibit the prosecution and holding of the Plea. Bracton teaches vs that; and hath the forme of the Writ to the same purpose, and giues his reason, Quia posset Patronus, iacturam suae aduocationis incur∣rere. But somwhat doubtfully he limits the quan∣titie of the Tithes to the sixt part at the least, be∣yond which denomination the Indicauit, hee thinks, lay not for any part. His words are: Si contentio fuerit inter Rectores de aliquibus Decimis quae aestimari possunt vsque ad quartam, quintam, vel sextam partem aduocationis, vltra quam par∣tem non extenditur prohibitio vt videtur, tunc fiat Iudicibus (Ecclesiasticis) Prohibitio in hac forma. Rex talibus Iudicibus salutem. Indicauit mihi &c. But he mentions no Writ of right of Aduowson of Tithes that should follow. Hee saies indeed that vpon the Indicauit, by consent only of the Patrons, there may be an enquest taken (the Iu∣rie being returnd into Court by Venire facias or

Distringas had by petition of them so consen∣ting) tanquam de Aduocatione, to find Vtrum talis praesentatus à tali Patrono recentèr fuerit in seisina de talibus Decimis tanquam spectantibus ad Ec∣clesiam suam quam tenet de praesentatione talis Patroni sui, vel si talis alia persona inde fuit in seisina tali tempore vt de Decimis spectanti∣bus ad Ecclesiam suam talem quam tenet de aduocatione talis Patroni sui. But how euer Bracton's owne opinion (yet doubtfully) be, that the Indicauit might bee brought for the sixt part, and for no lesse, yet, it seemes, the practice of the age was otherwise. and that no determination was in his time, nor before 13. Edw. 1. of any certaintie therein; which is expressely deliuered in the Grieuances com∣prehended in the Nationall m 1.34 Councell of Lon∣don in 21. Hen. 3. where all the Clergie entreated Otho the Popes Legat, that hee would perswade the King to alter and correct certaine procee∣dings, quae fuerunt in regno Angliae in praeiudicium libertatis Ecclesiasticae; among which, one is, Item ne currat prohibitio (you must vnderstand the Indicauit) Ne Iudices Ecclesiastici cognoscant de iure Pat••onatus quominus Clerici possunt petere Decimas tanquam de iure Communi ad Ecclesias suas pertinentes. Quia Patroni Ecclesiarum vel Capellarum quae Decimas petitas possident, dicunt per talem petitionem Iuri Patronatus sui derogari, & nolunt Iusticiarij Domini Regis Iudicare quota

pars Decimarum peti possit vel debeat coram Iu∣dice Ecclesiastico. And another, Item ne currat prohibitio Domini Regis, ne Rector Parochialis Ec∣clesiae impetat eos qui percipiunt Decimas infra limites Parochiae suae. By both which, compared with the ancient Bookes, it appeares, that the Kings Prohibition lay commonly, if the Aduow∣son of the Tithes were between two persons que∣stioned, and that also (for aught occurres to the contrarie, except Bracton's coniecture) if any part of the Tithes or the Aduowson (which in such a suit were reputed as one) had been con∣trouerted. To these testimonies may be added this, in the Epistles of the most learned n 1.35 Robert Grossetest Bishop of Lincolne vnder Henrie the third, whereby the course of Indicauit is proued, and also taxed for iniustice against the libertie of the Church. Thus is it spoken of among other grieuances of the Clergie.

Item in Ecclesiae libertatem non mediocritèr delinquitur, cum Iudices Ecclesiastici, ne causas quas notum est purè esse Ecclesiasticas in foro discindant Ec∣clesiastico, à domino Rege prohibentur. Vt per literas Regias inhibetur ne Iudex Ecclesi∣asticus iudicialitèr cognoscat vtrum Ecclesia vel Capella talis loci sit Capella Matricis Ec∣clesiae alicuius alterius loci, & vtrum Decimae talis terrae ad hanc vel ad illam pertineant Ec∣clesiam, eò quòd si Actor in huiusmodi causâ euincat possessionem, Ecclesiae Rei contingeret

imminui ac per consequens, vt aiunt, ius Patro∣natus eiusdem Ecclesiae deteriorari, Ecclesiâ ad quam Patronus praesentabat effectâ minus pingui. Accideret namque ratione consimili, omnem causam super possessionem vel quasi possessionē Ecclesiasticam inter duos Rectores duarum Ecclesiarum diuersorum Patronatu∣um emergentem, ne ventilaretur coram iudi∣cibus Ecclesiasticis a domino Rege debere prohiberi; eo quod Actore in huiusmodi causa euincente, cōtinget semper Ecclesiam Rei im∣minui ac per hoc, secundum quod dicunt, Pa∣tronatum eiusdem deteriorari. Consequetur autem & sic quod huiusmodi causae Eccle∣siasticae nunquam discindentur. A seculari enim iudice discindi non poterunt, neque ab Ecclesiastico iudice, obstante Regiâ prohibi∣tione. Fortè autem nec consequitur quod in huiusmodi casu, euincente actore, imminue∣tur Patronatus alterius Ecclesiae. Non enim minus est Patronus qui minoris Ecclesiae est Patronus, sed nec minùs est pater qui minoris hominis est pater. Patronatus enim seu ius Patronatus non intenditur vel remittitur ex maioritate vel minoritate rei cuius est Patro∣natus. Praetereà sed tubera & ea quae contra naturam excrescunt in carne hominis non au∣gent ipsum hominem, & medicinalis abscissio innaturalium huiusmodi excrementorum ip∣sum hominem non imminuit sed potius pul∣crificat

& sanat. Ita iniustè possessiones & quasi possessiones Ecclesias ipsas non augent sed deturpant, & earum abscissio per iustum iudicium non est Ecclesiarum imminutio, sed potius pulcrificatio quaedam & sanatio; vnde & Patronatus seu ius Patronatus per huius∣modi abscissionem nullo modo potest immi∣nui vel deteriorari, sed multò ampliùs emen∣dari.

I faithfully relate it, and censure not the Arguments. You may doe that, Reader, while you smile at the Magis and Minus in it. But also, although the Indicauit prohibited the Spirituall Court, yet it seemes the Temporall, before the Statute of Westminster 2. and after the time of Henry the second, or thereabouts, held no Plea of right of Aduowson of Tithes, except only vpon Inquest taken by consent of both Pa∣trons. something, as you see, might be tried in it. May we not conclude then, that the same Statut, in those words, Habeat Patronus Rectoris sic im∣pediti breue ad petendum Aduocationem Decima∣rum petitarum, was the first Autor (at least after the change about the time of Henrie the second) of the Writ of Right of Aduowson of Tithes? Which also is well iustified by the pleading of the Abbot of Selbies case, within six yeeres after the Statute, wherein the parties (according to the fashion of argument in pleading of that time) agree, o 1.36 Quod breue de quarta parte De∣cimarum primo locum habere caepit à tempore Sta∣tuti

Regis nunc apud Westmonasterium inde editi &c. Neither rests any scruple, touching the fourth part, why the Prohibition in the Indica∣uit and the Writ of Right, should bee of the fourth part only, or of a greater, although the Statute of Westminster 2. speak of no certaine part. For, that of Circumspectè agatis ordaines, That no Prohibition or Indicauit should lye, where the part controuerted is lesse then a fourth (it being before grantable vpon such suit for a sixt part, by Bracton's opinion; and it seems in∣deed, vpon suit for any part) and the Statute of Westminster the 2. giues the Writ of Right only where the Indicauit is first sued. And for this matter of Indicauit (which concernes properly suit between Rector and Rector, not between the Rector and the Parishioner) take as a note by the way the aduice of the Bishops among themselues in 41. Hen. 3. against the Temporall Courts. In the Annales of Burton it is extant, & thus speaks. Concilium Archiepiscopi & omnium Episcoporum super Articulis propositis apud London. Petit per∣sona Ecclesiastica Decimas coram Iudice Ecclesi∣astico. Iudicanti & petenti porrigitur Regia Pro∣hibitio nomine Patroni Ecclesiae cuius Rector con∣uenitur, ne super Aduocatione seu Patronatu Ec∣clesiae Iudex ille cognoscat; si actor prosequatur & Iudicantis officium * 1.37 assumat, vterque attachiatur & attachiati veniunt Consilium tale est, quod si Iusticiarij causam Decimarum sub colore querelae

Aduocationis Ecclesiarum ad se trahere velint & de non prosequendo vlterius causam Decimarum in foro Ecclesiastico & Iudice siue a Parte securita∣tem exigunt, in nullo eis caueatur. Et si propter hoc aristentur, per loci Diocesanum requirantur siue per Episcopum proprium. Et si libere non tra∣dantur Ecclesiae, competenti monitione praemissa excommunicentur Iudicantes & detentores. Et si queratur a Iudice quota pars vel quanta petatur, non respondeatur. But this aduice of theirs was to litle purpose, nor durst they, questionlesse, haue put it in execution. The Statuts of West∣minster the 2. and Circumspectè agatis gaue them some remedie; whereof enough alreadie.

IV.

Of Writs of Scire facias, graunted to call men to answer in the Chancerie for Tithes, sufficient testimonie is in the Statute made for the Clergie in 18. Ed. 3. chap. 7. Item que per la ou briefs (so are the words) de Scire facias eient este grantez a garnir Prelates, Religieuses, & au∣tres Clerks a respondre des Dismes en nostre Chan∣cellarie & a monstre s'ils eient riens pur eux ou sa∣chent riens dire pur quoy tielx Dismes a les de∣mandants ne deuient estre restituees & a responder auxibien a nou•• come a la partie de tielx Dismes &c. By this it appeares, that some vse was to graunt such Writs for Tithes. Whence also Fitzherbert well inferres, that the right of Tithes was determinable in the Kings Court. But wee haue not in our Yeere-Bookes any case

of further declaration of that vse before the Sta∣tute. But out of good ground you may conie∣cture, that in these Three speciall cases, Writs of Scire facias were grantable anciently for Tithes, and that in those times, before the Statut; either vpon the title of the demandant, first found by Inquest, to the Tithes, or returnd by the Shirife; or out of Fines, it seemes, leuied of Tithes; or vpon Patents of Tithes legally graunted by the King, when, against the Grant, any Clergie man by the Canon Law took them from the Patentee. Of all these, there is faire proof enough. But the third (it seems) hath principall reference to that Statute, as shall anon be shewed. For the course of taking an Inquest by commission, which being returnd, might be sufficient ground for a Scire facias, it appeares in Escaet. 8. Ed. 1. numer. 67. that a commission was sent to Adam of Euering∣ham, Steward of the Forest of Shirewood, to en∣quire by Oath of the Foresters and Verderors, whether the Priors of Lenton had vsed to haue all Tithes of the Kings Venison, taken in the Countie of Notingham, which they claimed per Cartas quorundam praedecessorum &c. And in the Inquisition returned, it is found, that they had vsed to haue it, and that first by the Grant of p 1.38 King Iohn. And in the same bundell, num. 72. a Commission is to Nicholas of Stapleton, commanding him to enquire, whether the Prior of Wyrkesep ought to haue the Tithes of all pro∣fits

of the Mannor of Gringeley; Nobis super iure Prioris in hac parte & facto contrario (that is, the subtraction of them by Henrie de Aleman∣nia, against whom the Prior complaind) certio∣rari volentibus &c. Whereupon the Commissi∣oner returnes, that the Priorie had right by pre∣scription, and that Henry de Alemannia had sub∣tracted them. What could be more proper, then to haue a Scire facias vpon the Inquisition, ac∣cording to the intent of that preample of 18. Ed. 3. in which Scire facias, the right might be tried between the parties, and so iudgement be giuen? To these may be added that in Inquis. ad quod damnum 8. Ed. 2. num. 79. Where, per Pe∣titionem q 1.39 in Consilio, the Abbesse of Godestow hath a Writ directed Custodi equitij sui de Wood∣stock &c. which relates that ex parte dilectae no∣bis in Christo Abbatissae de Godestow per petitio∣nem suam coram nobis in Consilio nostro exhibitam, nobis est ostensum quod cum per cartas r 1.40 progenito∣rum nostrorum quorundam Regum Angliae Conces∣sum sit ei, quod ipsam Decimam omnem in Manerio nostro de Wodestoke, & parco nostro ibidem per annum renouantium percipiat & habeat, praetextu cuius. the Abbesse and her Predecessors had enioied it, and that the Bailife kept from her the Tithe of the Colts, bred in the same Park; where∣fore it commands him to restore them if they be so due; which supposes, I think, that he should return an inquest or some discouerie of the truth

or falshood of the Plaintifes pretence, although indeed this example may serue also for that part of our diuision of this kind of proceeding which touches Patents. But to that Writ is annext the return, that is, the Bailifes acknowledgment in French of her right. his name is William Beaux∣amys. So in Escaet. 7. Ed. 3. num. 83. a Com∣mission is sent out to enquire of the right of the Tithes of the Demesnes of the Kings Castle of Tikhull, which the Prior of S. Oswald claimed. the enquest was taken of it at Le Faure Okes, in the confines of Yorkeshire and Nothingham. and in it the particulars of the right are returned. and what should want, that vpon such returns, writs of Scire facias might not haue been granted. we omit that before cited out of the Parlament Rols of 18. Ed. 1.s 1.41 And light also to this practice in the temporall Courts of that elder time, may be had from other Cōmissions or Processe in the Rolls; as from that sent by Henrie the third into Ire∣land, to the Archbishop of Cassile, the Bishop of Ferne, and the Bishop of Lismore, commanding them, that, taking with them Ieffrey de Marisco then Iustice (or Lord Deputie) of Ireland, or some other whom hee should appoint, they should enquire by the Othes of both Lay and Clergie men, whether Bartholmew de Camera Parson of the Chappell of Limeric, or William of Caerdiff Treasurer there, had seisin of the Tithes, De Piscaria & Molendinis de Limeric,

tempore Ioannis Regis Patris nostri ante guerram motam inter ipsum & Barones &c. But it may be also that these Enquests or Returns made of the Title to Tithes by the Shrife, were only in case where the Tithes increased out of the Kings Demesnes, or perhaps immediat Tenancies. The examples seem not to go further▪ and in t 1.42 6. Ed. 1. a Petition was exhibited in Parlament by one Piers a Chaplain of the Earle of Sauoy, against the Prior and Couent of Lewes, for a Tithe gi∣uen him by the Prior and Couent in the Parish of Westun, in the Diocese of Ely, whereof ano∣ther grant had been afterward made by them to one Richard de Meuton; and Piers beseeches the King to send his writ to the Shrife of Cambridge, to put him in possession; but this answer is indor∣sed. Rex non intromittit se de hijs quae talitèr spe∣ctant ad forum Ecclesiasticum; sed prosequatur Ius suum versus Clericum qui tenet Ecclesiam, co∣ram Ordinario. Here was an expresse exclusion of the Temporall iurisdiction in such a case, where an originall Writ or Commission was commanded to setle or inquire of the right of Tithes, that toucht only common persons. But wheneuer through such means the title appeared vpon record, I vnderstand not why a Scire facias might not aswell be issuable (although I haue not met with an expresse example of that kind) as in the last course that is vpon the title appea∣ring in Patents of the King or his Ancestors.

V.

For that second ground of Writs of Sci∣re facias, which we suppose to be Fines, leuied of Tithes; why was it not as likely that vpon such Fines leuied, Writs of Scire facias should lie as vpon any others of Lands or Rents. and that Fines of the right of Tithes were in the Kings Courts anciently leuied, is manifest: not as I re∣member vpon Writs of Couenant, which yet may (for aught I know) at this day be brought, in the temporall Court, for spirituall u 1.43 Tithes, in regard no Tithes but damages are only to be re∣couered; but chiefly in Writs of Right of Ad∣uowson. For example, In Fin. Trinit. 10. R. Io∣hannis Wilt. apud Windlesore coram ipso Rege, Simone de Pateshulle, Iacobo de Poterna, Hen∣rico de Audemero Iusticiarijs & alijs Domini Regis fidelibus tunc ibidem praesentibus. vpon a Writ of right of Aduowson brought by Asceli∣na Abbesse of Wilton, against Henrie of Abeny for the Patronage of the Chappell of the greater Wicheford, the concord is, that the Abbesse grants it to him in Fee, sauing a pension of two shillings yeerly to the Church of Neweton, being a Prebend of Wilton.

Et pro hac recognitio∣ne & quieta clamatione & fine & concordia idem Henricus remisit & quietum clamauit de se, & haeredibus suis praedictae Abbatissae & Ecclesiae sanctae Edithae Virginis in Wilton, & eiusdem loci conuentui, all his right in certain Lands, & recognouit & concessit omnes De∣cimas

de Dominico suo in maiori Wicheford, esse pertinentes ad praedictam Ecclesiam de Neweton, quae est Praebenda de Wilton sicut eas habere solet, excepta Decima bladi pro∣ueniente ex viginti acris terrae quas persona praedictae Capellae elegerit de Dominico ipsi∣us Henrici. quam Decimam persona per Hen∣ricum praedictum, vel haeredes suos ad praedi∣ctam Capellam de Wicheford praesentata, & admissa per visum personae quae praedictam Praebendam de Niweton habuit, vel per visum balliui eius debet recipere in autumno, sicut ab antiquo recipere consueuit.

The record is worthy of speciall obseruation. And in the Lei∣ger book of the Priorie of Merton in Surrey, a Fine is of Pasch. 12. R. Ioh. before the King and the same Iustices, between William de Cantelupo Defendant, and Walter Prior of Merton, vpon the right of Aduowson of the Church of Eyton, wherein it is agreed that the Chaplain of the demandants in Eyton, shal not take à parochianis eiusdem Ecclesiae nec in Decimis, nec in Oblationi∣bus, nec in Confessionibus &c. but leaue them all to the Parish Church of Eyton. and in this, some may, as in the other, note the pretended interest of the Patron, in disposition of any of the Reue∣nues of the Church. which anciently claimed, while Inuestitures continued, was not as yet o∣mitted in these Legall proceedings or instru∣ments, that is, Fines; which are of greatest curio∣sitie.

and according hereto is a Fine of 7. Rich. 1. leuied between the Prior of Stanes and Alice Hopton, of the Aduowson of the Church of Chek∣legh in Staffordshire, where Alice as Patronesse grants to the Priorie, among other things, Om∣nes Decimas villae de Northmankote in perpetuum quae est de eadem Parochia, that is of Cheklegh. and in the a 1.44 Chartularie of Gisburn, in a Fine of 23. Hen. 3. between Peeter de Bruis plaintif, and Iohn Prior of Gisburn (in the Prouince of York) defendant, In droit d'Aduowson, Peeter grants vt ius suum omnes Decimas superscriptas quas &c. The like also doth he in a Fine of 26. Hen. 3. there transcribed. and in 30. Hen. 3. also, of which more particular mention is before made.

VI.

But for Writs of Scire facias brought vpon the third ground, that is, in Case where the title appears vpon record in Patents made of the Tithes from the King or his Predecessors; take this speciall example of 17. Ed. 3. A Writ was directed to the Shrife b 1.45 of Essex, relating that Maude, Quondam Regina Angliae, granted to the Deane and Canons of the Kings free-Chappell of S. Martins in London, the Chur∣ches of Witteham and Chersinges, Cum Capellis & Decimis &c. and that they were thereof and of the Tithes of Witteham and Cheresinges, seised till 16. Ed. 2. and that since the Abbot of Saint Iohns of Colchester took from them two parts of the Tithes &c.

Et quia nos omnia & singula

iura liberae Capellae nostrae supradictae manu∣tenere volumus & tenemur, & ea quae substra∣cta fuerint siue iniustè occupata reuocare, tibi praecipimus quod scire facias nunc Abbati quod sit in Cancellaria nostra in quindenam S. Iohannis Baptistae prox. futurum vbicun{que} tunc fuerit ad respondendum tam nobis quam praefatis Decano & Capitulo de vsurpationi∣bus, occupatione, & detentione dictarum dua∣rum partium decimarum praedictarum & ad ostendendum si quid pro se habeat vel dicere sciat quare dictae duae partes Decimarum ea∣rundem eisdem Decano & Capitulo adiudi∣cari non debeant, & ad faciendum & ad reci∣piendum vlteriùs quod curia nostra conside∣rauerit &c. teste &c. apud Westmonast. 17. Iunij anno regni nostri 17. Per Regem & Con∣silium.

This Writ was returnd with Scire fe∣ci by H. Garnet Shrife of Essex, and by consent of the parties it is referd to Mihelmas Terme following In Statu pro nunc. the Writ is both in part 1. and 3. of that yeer, but to that in part 3. which is of Trinitie Terme, a Plea of the Ab∣bots is annext in these words.

Et praedictus Abbas per atturnatum suum dicit quod prae∣dicti Decanus & Capitulum per breue suum non supponunt quod Ecclesiae de Witteham & Cheresinges sunt de fundatione dictae liberae Capellae Domini Regis, sed quod illas Eccle∣sias tenent de dono Matildae quondam Regi∣nae

Angliae post fundationem dictae liberae Ca∣pellae, & dicit quod tempore doni, praedi∣ctae Ecclesiae fuerunt in iurisdictione ordina∣riâ videlicet Episcopi London. & continuè post donum hucusque fuerunt & ad huc sunt in praesenti in iurisdictione ordinaria. Et dicit quod praedictae Ecclesiae fuerunt visitabiles & visitatae per Episcopos London. in visitationi∣bus suis à tempore à quo memoria non extat. & praedicti Decanus & Capitulum per breue suum petunt decimas quas supponunt esse par∣cellam earum Ecclesiarum quae sunt in iuris∣dictione Ordinaria in forma praedicta, & sic Decimae illae sunt merè spiritualia & non pla∣citabilia nisi in curia Christianitatis; per quod non intendit quod Curia ista in hoc casu cog∣nitionem habere debeat.

Here it appeares, that the Counsell of the Abbot of Colchester De∣fendant, supposed that the conisans of the Tithes was spirituall only, vnlesse they were originally part of the Kings free Chappell. how the Case was determined, appears not. But in the next Parlament following was a Petition exhibited by the Clergie in those words before cited §. IV. complayning of the granting of such Writs of Scire facias, and vpon that Petition the King answered, Que tielx breifs desore nauant ne soient grantes, & que les Proces pendant sur tielx breifs soient anentes & que les parties soient dismisses de∣uant secular Iudges de tielx manner de Plees salue

a nous nostre droit tiel come nous & nostre ancestors auoient ewe & soloient auer de reson. I think we need not doubt but that this very Case of the Abbot of Colchester was no small cause of that Petition of the Clergie. and you see mention is, in the answer, of some Writs hanging, whereof this is most likely to haue been one. But howe∣uer the Petition was answered, and although out of this Petition and answere that Act of 18. Ed. 3. hath been receiud among our Statuts, and commonly goes for one, yet might it de∣serue further consideration then I will here seem to take of it. only I admonish that within foure yeers after, a Scire facias was b 1.46 brought by a Patentee of Tithes in the Forest of Inglewood, and that against a Prior being Pernor of them; and by iudgement the Writ was allowd without mention or the least regard had of that Act. why that was so, or what force the Act hath, let others examin; I purposely abstain.

VII.

But for Processe of bare command of payment of Tithes, or the like; when the title was by Patent cleerly supposed true, the Shrife or other Officer was sometimes commanded by Writ to take order that the demandant might enioy his Tithes. As in Claus. 7. Hen. 3. part. 1. membran. 6. the King directs his Writ to Brian de Insula Keeper of the Forest of Shire∣wood, telling him, that pro salute animae Do∣mini Ioannis Regis patris nostri concessimus Mo∣nachis

de Basingwere, quod percipiant hac vi∣ce vsque ad Festum S. Michaelis Anno reg∣ni nostri VII. Decimas de bladis seminatis in defenso nostro inter Blakebroc & Glossop, & ideo vobis mandamus quod ipsos Monachos hac vice sine impedimento permittatis Decimas prae∣dictas percipere. T. &c. And such more som∣times occurre. But this, and the most of that age that are of this matter, indeed appeare to haue bin of Tithes in a Forest also, as that of 22. Ed. 3. is in the Booke of Assises (which happe∣ned after the Statute of 18. Ed. 3.) and you may remember those before cited out of 6. Ed. 1. and 18. Ed. 1. in Chapter XI. §. III. and the ex∣ample of 8. Ed. 2. before rememberd touching Woodstock Parke. So in Rot. Claus. 5. Hen. 3. part. 2. membr.. 14. the Bishop of Salisburie hath his fiftie shillings yeerely nomine Decimae, out of New-Forest (which c 1.47 Henrie the second had granted to his Church by the name of omnes Decimas de Noua Foresta &c.) and other like out of other, paid him by Writ to the Sherife; and in Rot. Pat. 11. Hen. 3. membrana 5. part. 1. Eustace Bishop of London hath the Tithe of the Kings Venison, taken in the Forest of Essex, (according to King d 1.48 Iohns Graunt) by Writ directed to the Foresters and Bailifes of that Countie. Neither would they (it seemes) in that age permit any suit for the Tenths of Venison or Beasts of the Forest in the Spirituall Court,

(although those Tenths were most commonly setled in one Church or another by Grant) as may be seen in e 1.49 Mich. 9. & 10. Hen. 3. Rot. 15. where Iohn Fitz-Robert, in an Attachment vpon a Prohibition against Philip of Ardern Clerk, in the pleading allows, that for Tithe of Hay and Mills, the prosecution in the Spiritu∣all Court was lawfull; but hee further sayes, that de Decima Bestia Forestae eum implacitauit contra prohibitionem &c. And herewith may be considered also the Kings f 1.50 command, sent to the Constable of Windsore Castle, that the Church of Saint Iohn in Windsore should haue Decimas Gardini Regis de Windleshores. But out of these all (as out of the examples before brought of Commissions to be returned) it may perhaps be collected, that only the Tithes of the Kings lands, or belonging to his Churches, were to be ordered or commanded to be paid by these kind of Processes. I confesse I haue not seene enough to perswade me otherwise, for the time after about King Iohn or his neere predecessors. Yet, that as I leaue the iudgement of all, which historically I relate to the able Reader, so I may not defraud him of what in any kind may giue light; here I offer him also this Writ of 24. Hen. 3. that seems to touch the temporall Courts determination of the right of such Tithes, as, for aught appears, belonged nei∣ther to the Kings Churches, nor were encrea∣sing

in his Demesnes or immediat Tenancies. Henricus Dei gratia Rex * 1.51 Angliae & Vicecomiti Hertford salutem. Licet aliàs tibi signifi•• auerimus quòd non permitteres Ecclesiam de Hamelamstede spoliari Decimis ad ipsam pertinentibus, & quod Ecclesiam ipsam manuteneres, & defenderes in eo statu in quo ••uit tempore Syluij quondam Rectoris eiusdem Ecclesiae, non tamen fuit intentionis nostrae quòd occasione illius praecepti aliqua alia Ecclesia Decimis suis spoliaretur. Et ide•• praecipimus quod occasone illius praecepti nullam violentiam inferas vel inferri permittas Monachis S. Albani super Decimis spectantibus ad Ecclesiam suam de Red∣burne quas per XX. annos hactenus pacifice pos∣siderunt. T. meipso apud Westm. 1. die Septem∣bris an. r. n. XXIV. And in like forme was a Writ sent to the Constable of Berkhamstede. But this kind of Processe, and all other such Writs of Scire facias, either vpon Commissi∣ons returned, Fines, or Patents, or otherwise, (for aught I could yet learne) haue long since ceased, by reason especially of that receiued Act of 18. Ed. 3. Neither since that one case of 22. Ed. 3 as I ghesse, hath any vse been of an origi∣nall suit for Tithes in the Temporall Courts, sauing only vpon Prohibitions and the Statutes of 32. Hen. 8. & 2. Ed. 6. I say, originall suit. for otherwise, the question of the right of Tithes, incident in an Issue at the Kings g 1.52 suit, hath since been triable in the Temporall Court; and

between h 1.53 common persons also; especially if the right of Tithes, vpon the Issue, were but in∣directly or inclusiuely in question. And although it were directly the very Issue, yet also it hath sometimes been tried in an Action of Trespas in the Kings Bench, as you may see in Mich. 12. Ed. 2. Rot. 66. betweene Philip de Say Parson of Hodenet in Shropshire, and Geffrey of Wol∣sele Parson of Chedleton, for Tithes in Mar∣chumle. But of these things hitherto; and enough.

Notes

• a 1.1

  Videsis Leg. E∣t••el••••ni apud Fox in Eccles. Hist lib. 3 ••ag 135. col. 1. Hinc de∣bent Episcopi &c.
• b 1.2

  In Biblioth. Cottonianae.
• c 1.3

  In Rot. Insp ex. Chart. 2. Rich. 2. prodec. & cap. Lincoln. membran 12. Idem est quod habetur An∣gl••cē apud Foxum Hist. Eccles. An∣glic. lib. 4 pag. 154. col. 2.
• d 1.4

  Ch••rta Simonis Comitis North in Thesaur. Cotton.
• e 1.5

  I. Sarisbur. epist. 21.84.92.109. & 133.
• f 1.6

  Idem Epist. 109.
• g 1.7

  Append▪ ad Con∣cil Lateran. part. 47. cap. 5.
• h 1.8

  Chart. antiq. EE. 1 in Arce Londin.
• i 1.9

  Chart. antiq ib. S. 7. vide supr. cap. 8. §. 17.
• k 1.10

  Ms. In Biblioth. Cottoniana.
• l 1.11

  In Bibl. autoris
• m 1.12

  Colici•• Abindi∣nensis Ms. Bibl. Cotton.
• n 1.13

  L. quòd.
• o 1.14

  Epist. 159.
• p 1.15

  App. ad Concil. Lateran. part. 10. cap. 26.
• q 1.16

  Vide Eliz••. Nat. B••. fol. 40. N.
• r 1.17

  Annal. Burton. Monast. in Bibl. V. Cl••••h. Allen. Oxon. subanu. 1237.
• s 1.18

  Fol. 54. b.
• t 1.19

  N.B. fol. 5••.
• u 1.20

  Placit. & In∣quisit. 8. Hen. 3. in Arce Londin.
• x 1.21

  16. Ed 3. tit Ju∣risdiction 28. & See Cosius Apolo¦gie part. 1. pag. 57. &c. & Rot. Par∣lam. 25. Ed. 3. ar∣tic. 62.
• a 1.22

  Constit. Prouin. tit. de fore compe∣tent. c. Circumspe∣ct••. verb. quarta part.
• b 1.23

  Videsis Matth. Paris pag 716. lin. 40.
• c 1.24

  7. Ed. 3 fol. 42. b 8. Ed. 3. fol 50. a. Regist. Orig fo 29. b 38 Ed 3. fol. 1••. a. 16. Ed. 3. tit. Qua ••e impedit 147. 38 Hen. 6. fol 20 a. Fitzh. N.B. fol 30 c Se••german. fol. 108.
• d 1.25

  31. Hen. 6. fol. 14. b. & Bract. lib 5. tract de Ex∣ceptionibus cap. 4. fol. 403. a. & vide Fitzh. Nat. Br. fol. 45. D.
• e 1.26

  Westm. 2. cap. 5.
• f 1.27

  Artic. Cleri. cap. 2.
• g 1.28

  18. Ed. 2. tit. Brief 825. & Re∣gist. Orig. fol 29. b. Vide Fitzh. Nat. Br. 45. D.
• h 1.29

  Moile 38. Hen. 6.20. a. For••es••. 31. Hen. 6.14. a. ••eingerm. fol. 108. & voye•• 38. Ed 3.19 a. 16. Ed. 3. tit. Qua••e impe∣dit 147.
• i 1.30

  Markham 38. Hen 6. fol 20. a. & Parn. 4 Ed 3. fol. 27. b.
• k 1.31

  Regist Orig. fol. 29. b Fitzh. B. 30. •• Fortesc. 38. Hen. 6. fol. 20. a.
• l 1.32

  Fleta. lib. 6. cap. 37.
• * 1.33

  Lib. 5. de Excep∣tionibus cap. 4. fol. 403. & cap. 10. fol. 407.
• m 1.34

  Annal. Burton· in Biblioth. V.C. Thoma Allen. Oxon.
• n 1.35

  In Epist. Rob. Li•••• Mss. in Biblioth. Cotton.
• o 1.36

  Platit. de Banco Pasch. 19. Ed. 1. rot. 45.
• * 1.37

  f. index.
• p 1.38

  Videsis Rot. Claus. 21. Hen. 3. membran. 3.
• q 1.39

  Videsis Rot. Parl. 8 Ed. 2. rot. 23
• r 1.40

  Vide, si placet, Rot. Claus. 21. Haw. 3. membr. 19.
• s 1.41

  Pat· 9. Hen. 3. part. 2. membr. 3.
• t 1.42

  Jn fascic. Pet. 6. Ed. 1. in Arc•• Londin.
• u 1.43

  38. Ed. 7. fol. 8. & Regist. Orig. fol. 165.
• a 1.44

  In Bibl. Cotton.
• b 1.45

  Fascicul. Bren. de 17 Ed. 3. part. 1. & 3. in Arce Londin.
• b 1.46

  22. Assis. pl. 75.
• c 1.47

  Cart. Antiq. CC. in dors. 10. in Arce Lond.
• d 1.48

  Rot. Chart. 6. R. Ioh. membr. 12. ch. 107.
• e 1.49

  In Arce Londin.
• f 1.50

  Pat. ••6. Hen. 3. membr. 7.
• * 1.51

  In Codice Ab∣ba••. S. Alba••••. Ms.
• g 1.52

  38. Assis pl. 20.
• h 1.53

  Vide 50. Ed. 3. fol. 20. & 2••. Ed. 4. fol. 24. a.