Liber albus II: Fols. 152-72

Fols. 152–72

Ordinance of John bishop of Bath and Wells, upon the complaint of Walter vicar of the prebendal church of Jactone (Jatton), the revenues whereof are valued at 100 marks, while the vicar's portion is no more than 12 marks, and insufficient to maintain himself and his two chaplains, that to increase the same the vicar and his successors shall have the houses, garden with curtilage, and close to them anciently assigned, all manner of oblations to the church and the chapels thereof arising, the anniversary moneys, requests and bequests, the tithe of milk, cheese, calves, foals, swine, geese, doves and eggs and the moneys arising from the tithes of lambs, the tithe of mills, honey, flax, and of the gardens of the parish, the tithe of corn of the prebendary's demesne lands with the lands belonging to the chapels which the vicar used to take, pasture for four beasts of his on the rectory pasture, and one horse feeding in the prebendary's meadow, the corn arising yearly of the churchet of certain parishioners, one acre of meadow called Hengstham to maintain his horse, and 10s. yearly pension of the rector of Claverham chapel which he used anciently to take, the other tithes great and small (namely wool and lambs) and other portions not specified remaining to the rector or prebendary and his successors; the vicar to serve the church, chapels and parishioners with the cure of souls, and sustain his proportion of extraordinary charges, the prebendary bearing ordinary charges as before. One part to remain with the treasurer of Wells, the other with the vicar. Dated Banewelle, xviii kal. July 1327.
R.III. f. 152. (Reg. Drokensford, Somerset Record Soc. i. 270).

Ordinance of John bishop of Bath and Wells concerning the vicarage of the church of St. Mary de Stall', Bath, and of the chapel of Wydecombe dependent thereupon, appropriated to the prior and convent of Bath, a dispute having arisen betweeen them and Master John de Dudemerton vicar of the said church, namely that the vicar and his successors shall have the manse with curtilage to him assigned, the tithe of wool of the parishioners of Widecombe, Lincombe and Berewik, the tithe of their hay, of milk, geese, swine, doves, eggs, foals, flax, swine, apples, calves and beer, rents for the celebration of masses, requests, bequests and all manner of oblations and obventions arising from the said chapel and the parishioners thereof; also the tithe of beer of the parishioners of Bath, certain rents assigned for the celebration of masses yearly, tithes of flax, apples, calves, swine, geese and doves, bequests and all manner of oblations and obventions to the said church arising from the parishioners living or dead or from strangers, as their predecessors heretofore had: the vicar shall continually reside there, shall serve the said church and parishioners, shall find a chaplain to celebrate divine service in the chapel of Widecombe and there to dwell, and shall also be charged with the archdeacon's procuration at his visitation: the convent shall have the tithes of all manner of corn of the villenage of Lyncombe, of the corn and hay arising from the lands and meadow of Sir John de Westone, the tithe of lambs at Lyncombe with that of wool which they used to take yearly of the sheep of the brethren of St. Mary Magdalen, shall sustain all charges ordinary and extraordinary (the said procuration excepted) with the repair of the chancel of the said church. One part to remain with the prior and convent, the other with the bishop's registrar. Dated Wyvelescombe, id. February 1322.
R.III. f. 152d. (Reg. Drokensford, Somerset Record Soc. i. 212).

Ordinance of John bishop of Bath and Wells, assigning a portion to William vicar of the prebendal church of Clyve and to his successors (which church is held by the abbot and convent of that place in perpetual farm of the abbot and convent of Bec), namely the manse with curtilage for the vicars anciently assigned, all oblations and obventions to the said church and to the chapel of St. Giles of Leigh arising, all small tithes as well in money as of mills, wool, lambs, kids, calves, foals, horses, swine, geese, doves, eggs, honey, flax, cheese, butter, apples, curtilages, hay, burials, requests etc. with the herbage of the churchyard, wherewith the vicar is content: he shall serve the said church, shall visit the chapel of Leigh every Sunday, and shall read the gospel there and present to the parishioners holy water and bread, and three times in the year, namely at Christmas, Easter and St. Giles' day, shall celebrate mass there as he used to do: he shall keep the key of the church, and the books, vestments and ornaments delivered to him by the rector, and keep them clean: the rents and revenues not above mentioned the abbot and convent of Clyve shall take as rectors, and shall entertain the ordinary when he passes by, saving the privileges and indults granted them by the papal see, and they shall take the oblations and proventions to the chapel of St. Mary by the sea arising, as they used to do from the foundation thereof, and support all charges ordinary and extraordinary to the said church belonging. One part to remain with the abbot of Clyve, one with the vicar, the third with the treasurer of Wells. Dated Evercriz, iiii kal. June 1320.
R.III. f. 153. (Reg. Drokensford, Somerset Record Soc. i. 185).

Ordinance of John bishop of Bath and Wells, upon the presentation by the prior and convent of Bath of Sir Henry de Everdon priest to the vicarage of the parish church of Corston (to them appropriated by Walter the bishop's last predecessor upon the decease or cession of the then rector), that the vicar and his successors shall have the hall with chambers, kitchen and bakehouse, a third part of the garden (duly divided from the two parts) with the dovecote to the rectory belonging, one acre of land of the rector's demesne consisting of three small parcels, with common of pasture for his pigs where the rector had it, and one quarter of good and clean wheat yearly of the person appointed by the rectors to keep the said church and the great tithes, all the altarage, all small tithes, tithes of beans, and of corn growing in the gardens or curtilages of the parish cultivated with the spade: the said convent as rectors shall have the arable land with the meadow to the church belonging (except the acre aforesaid), the great tithes of corn and hay, and support all charges ordinary and extraordinary. One part to remain with the treasurer of Wells, the other with the prior and convent, and a copy with the vicar. Dated Banewell, kal. November 1321.
R.III. f. 154. (Reg. Drokensford, Somerset Record Soc. i. 195).

Inspeximus and ratification by the dean and chapter of Wells of a charter or ordinance made by Savaricus bishop of Bath and Glastonbury, assigning the revenues of the church of Sumertune to the convent of Michelney, saving a portion for a vicarage; and similar inspeximus by the prior and convent of Bath.
R.III. ff. 154d., 155. (See R.I. f. 49, Nos. clxxxviii, clxxxix; above p. 57)

Return made by the official of the archdeacon of Wells to John bishop of Bath and Wells of an inquisition taken in the church of Cammell, by authority of a mandate of the said bishop dated Wells 4 August 1317, upon the petition of the abbot and convent of Clyva of the Cistercian order to whom the said church was appropriated, complaining that the vicar was usurping the rectory house and tithes; whereby it was found by Thomas rector of Trente, Thomas rector of Rympton, Richard rector of Sanford, James rector of Westcammel, Simon rector of Chilton, Thomas rector of Astington, Robert vicar of Modeford, Richard vicar of Merston, Nicholas Damene, John de Combe, Simon de Brueton, Roger Pyion, Thomas Tokel, Thomas le Taillour and Peter de Neweman (sic) laymen of Cammell upon oath, that the abbey has in demesne 131½ acres of arable land in two fields value 65s. 9d. a year (6d. an acre), 9½ acres of meadow to mow value 23s. 9d. (2s. 6d. an acre), 5 acres of arable land in a close value 13s. 4d., pasture for 8 oxen value 8s, 2s. yearly for tithe of the king's park, 13s. 4d. for tithe of the king's meadow, 7s. 4d. for tithe of the parishioners' meadow, tithe of corn value 17l. 16d. a year, total 23l. 14s. 10d.; also that the vicar has one messuage with garden, houses which are in the hands of the abbey, value 46s. 8d. a year, 4s. yearly rent of assise, 40 acres of arable land (as well in his close as without) value 20s., 5 acres of meadow to mow value 8s. 4d. (20d. an acre, because in light soil) and ½ acre in better soil value 15d., certain tithes at Atebar value 40s., certain tithes at Chilton with a pension of 2s. 6d. value 13s. 4d., pasture for 6 oxen value 6s., the obventions of the altar and small tithe estimated at 53s. 8d., total 9l. 13s. 3d. Dated Cammell, x kal. October the same year.
R.III. f. 155.

Ordinance of John bishop of Bath and Wells (upon the complaint of Robert vicar of the prebendal church of St. Decuman that his portion will not suffice for the support of himself and his two chaplains, the revenues of the said church amounting to 80 marks 8s. 8d. and the vicar's portion only to 9 marks 4s. 6½d.,) that the said vicar and his successors shall have the houses, garden and curtilage for the vicar anciently assigned, the tithe of calves, swine, foals, geese, eggs, flax, hemp, of curtilages, of four mills, one of Ralph Fitzurse at Wyliton, a second at Wachet, that of John de Lodehywysch (Dodehywysch) and that of Edmund Martin, of five dovecotes, whereof in times past they used to take tithes, with all oblations and obventions to the said church and the chapels arising or to the altarage thereof belonging, and to increase the same 1 acre of arable land called St. Decuman's acre on the north side of the church, the tithe of. wool, lambs, honey and butter with the small tithes of Duneford, and the tithe of hay of three free tenants at Duneford, namely Nicholas de Berton (Werton), John de Lynche (Dynche), and John Crubbe to maintain his horse, with the herbage of the churchyard, the tithes of beans and of corn growing in the gardens or curtilages of the parish cultivated with the spade, which tithes so increased are found by inquisition to be worth 8 marks a year: the rector shall have the great tithes not above mentioned, the tithe of cheese, [milk,*] gardens and other tithes not assigned, and when he has to pay tenths granted by the clergy or the like impost the vicar shall contribute 10s. for the above increase beyond the tenth he used to pay, the rector sustaining the ordinary charges: the vicar shall serve the church and chapels and the parishioners, with power to remove the clerks and ministers serving in any chapel, provided that every year such clerks and ministers shall swear fealty to the rector when requited; and he shall cause the books for matins to be bound and duly kept. One part to remain with the treasurer of Wells, the other with the vicar. Dated Wyvelescombe, xiv. kal. April 1320.

R.III. f. 156, repeated f. 373. (Reg. Drokensford, Somerset Record Soc, i. 180). * Omitted in the second copy.

Presentation by W. abbot of St. Augustine Bristol and the convent of Sir Anthony priest to the vicarage of Poulet, addressed to J. bishop of Bath: the vicarage consisting of the oblations and small tithes, the tithe of the mill and of their demesne (namely of the corn and hay thereof) which they had in the year 1239, the tithes of hay then or thenceforward to be acquired, the tithe of 6 acres to them given by Hugh Trevet, 4½ acres of meadow in the old moor, 1 acre of meadow by Horseacre, 2 acres of meadow which the priest there serving formerly had, and 1 acre of arable land whereon the vicar's manse is built: the vicar shall pay 1 mark yearly for them to the sisters of Bocland at Michaelmas and Easter, be answerable to the archdeacon of Wells for his procuration and gift of 12d., and pay 15d. Easter custom to the church of Pereton, supporting the other ordinary charges and his proportion of the extraordinary.
R.III. f. 157.

Certificate of Stephen de Tornaco to J. bishop of Bath, that the vicarage of Boclaunde consists of the oblations of the altar with the small tithes, except wool, flax and lambs, and of 11 acres of land, to wit Chescrofte and Stochlande.
R.III. f. 157d.

Ordinance of bishop J[oscelin] concerning the patronage of Kingesbiry.
R.III. f. 157d. See R.I. f. 46d., No. † clxxviii; above p. 53.

Ordinance of John bishop of Bath and Wells, upon the presentation of John Marleward of Bath priest to the vicarage of the prebendal church of Wyk' by Bath by Master Peter de Inkepenne the rector and prebendary, by assent of the abbess and convent of Wherewell the patrons thereof, assenting to the assignment of portions for the said vicarage and for the chapel of Wolleye thereupon depending, namely for the vicarage a plot of ground in the rector's garden on the east side, from the rest thereof divided and enclosed, to make a curtilage and build the necessary houses, the tithe of wool, lambs, calves, cheese, milk, butter, swine, foals, geese, doves, eggs, flax, honey, of gardens, curtilages, mills, and other small tithes whatsoever, with all oblations and obventions to the said church and chapel arising, or to the altarage thereof belonging, the tithe of beans and corn growing in the curtilages or closes of the parishioners cultivated with the spade, with the tithe of hay of all the villeins of the said parish: the rector shall have the great tithes, with the hay of the abbey and rectory demesnes and other tithes not above mentioned, and the rent of Wolleye cottage, as he used to have, supporting all charges ordinary and extraordinary: the vicar shall serve the church and chapel and the parishioners, finding processional candles, binding the books, cleaning and keeping clean the vestments and ornaments: the rector shall present to the vicarage. One part to remain with the treasurer of Wells, the other with the rector, and a copy with the vicar. Dated Jevele, iii id. February 1320.
R.III. f. 157d. (Reg. Drokensford, Somerset Record Soc. i. 179).

Ordinance of John bishop of Bath and Wells concerning a portion for the vicarage of the parish church of Hampton, appropriated to the prior and convent of Bath, an inquisition having found that the great tithes of corn and hay do not in ordinary years exceed 11 marks 20d., and the small tithes, with the oblations, obventions. rents, issues etc. 63s. 8d.; that the vicar shall dwell in the houses belonging to the rectory, namely the hall with the lower chambers on the west side thereof, and the chamber with the kitchen on the east side, and a house in the rector's court if necessary to keep the vicar's tithes until provision be made by the convent for houses and curtilage for him in the town of Hampton; he shall have the tithe of wool, lambs, calves, swine, foals, geese, doves, eggs, flax, honey, cheese, milk, butter, of gardens, curtilages, mills, and other small tithes whatsoever with oblations and obventions to the said church or to the altarage thereof arising, and take of the convent 20s. a year at Easter and Michaelmas: the convent shall have the great tithes, namely corn and hay only, and support the charge of the procuration by reason of visitation, the chancel, books and ornaments, and all charges ordinary or extraordinary to the rectory belonging: the vicar shall serve the church and the parishioners, support all charges pertaining to his portion, find processional candles, bind the books and repair the surplices: the convent shall present to the vicarage. One part to remain with the bishop, the other with the convent, and a copy with the vicar. Dated Chyu, xii kal. November 1317.
R.III. f. 158d.

Commission by Ralph bishop of Bath and Wells to Master John de Bryutone and Master John Marcel canons of Wells, to admit and institute John de Burford priest to the parish church of Burnham, at the presentation of the chapter of Wells to whom (as they allege) the said church is appropriated, provided the appropriation thereof be first inspected by them and found to be canonical; also to inquire as to the portions assigned for the vicarage, and to assess the same. Dated North Cory, 6 November 1334.
R.III. f. 159.

Inspeximus and assent by Thomas prior of Bath and the convent to a gift and appropriation made by Joscelin bishop of Bath to the hospital of St. John Baptist in Wells, of the church of Evercriz in frank almoin for the maintenance of the poor and those ministering to them therein, saving maintenance for a vicar to minister in the said church; dated London, vi id. November 26 bishop Joscelin, by John de Templo.
R.III. f. 159.

Gift by Robert Cotele son of Hamon Cotel of Stikelinch to the church of St. Andrew Wells in almoin of one acre of meadow called Rodacre in the meadow of Wuttune, to be held by the chapter of grantor and his heirs to the pious uses of the said church, with warranty. Done at Wells in chapter, May 1218.
R.III. f. 159d.

Grant and quitclaim by Henry de Lascy earl of Lincoln and constable of Chester and Margaret his wife to Henry de Pontibus canon of Wells in the prebend of Hengestrege, of the chapel of Whitchirch (Whitthirch) within the boundaries of the church of Hengestrige, to be henceforth annexed to the church of Hengestrige which is a prebend of Wells, to be held by the said canon and his successors in almoin. Witnesses: William bishop of Ely, Sir Tybottot (sic), Sir Richard de Hedon, Sir Thomas de Sancto Vigor', Sir Peter Malorre knights, Walter de Wyk', John de Haddon. Dated London, 6 February 20 Edward [I].
R.III. f. 161.

Letters patent of King Edward, tested at Westminster 24 March 20 Edward [I], being an inspeximus and confirmation of the above grant and quitclaim.

(Note that the second witness is here Sir Robert Tibotot knight).

R.III. f. 161d. Pat. Cal. p. 481, where the name is read de Portibus. Compare f. 383d. below p. 490; and Somerset Record Soc. vi. 292.

Letter of attorney from Henry de Lascy earl of Lincoln and constable of Chester to Thomas de Fisseburn, to give seisin of the chapel of Whitchirch, which he has annexed to the church of Wells, to Henry de Pontibus canon of Wells in the prebend of Hengestrige. Dated London, 4 February 20 Edward [I].
R.III f. 162.

Resignation and quitclaim by John de Mount Gauter physician, to Sir Henry de Lascy earl of Lincoln and constable of Chester, of the chapel of Whitchirch within the boundaries of the church of Hengestrige, which he had by the collation of the said Henry. Dated Kyngeston in Dorsete, 25 February 20 Edward [I].
R.III f. 162.

[Exemplification of proceedings among the pleas enrolled at Westminster before William Babyngton and others justices de Banco in Michaelmas term 14 Henry VI, roll cccxl.]

Somerset to wit. John Grene vicar of St. Cuthbert in the city of Wells was summoned by John Forest dean of Wells and the chapter for 10l. arrears of a yearly rent of 20l. due to them: plaintiffs say that Richard Harewell the vicar's predecessor, by a writing (produced) dated Wells 18 September 12 Henry VI, gave the said rent to the dean and chapter and their successors, and John bishop of Bath and Wells the ordinary, by a writing (likewise produced) dated at his manor of Dogmersfeld county Southampton 10 December 1434, confirmed the said gift, by virtue of which gift and confirmation they were seized of the said rent until Easter last before the date of their writ (17 July 13 Henry VI), but the said now vicar refuses to pay; and claim damages 20l. (Copy of the bishop's inspeximus and confirmation, fully reciting the gift above mentioned, made by Richard Harewell, for the maintenance of the choristers and markers (tabularii) (fn. 1) serving in the cathedral church, with bond for payment of the same, of 100s. for default in any quarterly payment, and of 40s. in case he or his successors shall allege any writing or acquittance in discharge of such payments save only an acquittance or release of the dean and chapter or their communar bearing date in the said cathedral, and any other writing or acquittance to be null or void.) Defendant comes by Martin Jacob his attorney, and cannot gainsay the action of the dean and chapter, nor the several deeds of the said Richard Harewell and the said ordinary, nor that 10l. are in arrear. Judgment for plaintiffs. [Tested by R. Brudenell, Westminster, 5 July 21 Henry VIII.]
R.III. ff. 162–164. The heading and test clause inserted in another hand.

Bull of Pope Boniface [IX] addressed to the dean and chapter of Wells, granting their petition that, whereas the parish church of St. Cuthbert Wells was formerly by papal authority incorporated in their church, a portion being reserved for the maintenance of a perpetual vicar there, upon the decease, cession, or other demise of the then perpetual vicar the said church might be ruled by a priest by them removable, for the better maintenance of the charges of their church, the revenues whereof were grievously impaired by inundations and failure of crops, (their revenues by common estimation not exceeding 880 marks, and those of the said church 80 marks,) with indult to convert the revenues thereof to their own use without requiring the licence of the diocesan. Dated St. Peter Rome, vi id. May 7 Pope Boniface.
R.III. f. 164.

Bull of Pope Boniface [IX], directed against the abuse which has grown up in the church of Wells that any canon or prebendary intending to reside therein is bound at the beginning of his residence to entertain the bishop of Wells, the dean, canons, vicars and other ministers, at the excessive expense of 150 or 200 marks, whence disputes and scandals often arise, ordering that in future, in lieu of such entertainment, every prebendary or dignitary intending to reside shall at his entry pay 150 marks to the dean and chapter in aid of the maintenance of the fabric, and in relief of their other charges, that every canon upon admission shall be sworn to obey this ordinance, that none shall be counted as resident until such sum be contented, and upon payment shall be admitted and so counted without further observance, on pain of excommunication. Dated St. Peter Rome, xv kal. April 12 Pope Boniface.
R.III. f. 164d.

Appropriation by John bishop of Bath and Wells, with the consent of both chapters, by special licence of the king, to Master Robert de Wambergh archdeacon of Wells and his successors, of the parish church of Berwe of their patronage, upon the decease or cession of the now rector, to the honour of St. Peter. St. Paul and St. Andrew his patrons, subject to a yearly payment of 10l. to the dean and chapter or to their communar towards the maintenance of three chaplains, two for the souls of the bishops Button and provost Button, according to the ancient foundation, and one for the said now archdeacon and bishop John, in recompense for their pains and costs in this matter, to compensate for certain lands and rents in the manor of Middelton, which came to William de Button formerly bishop of Bath and Wells by the death of John de Button his uncle provost of Wells, and were by him given to Thomas de Button his brother archdeacon of Wells and his successors, subject to a yearly rent of 10 marks to be paid to Edward dean of Wells and the chapter and to their successors towards the maintenance of a chantry of two chaplains to celebrate daily in the church of Wells for the soul of the said John (sic), of William de Button formerly bishop of Bath and Wells (likewise uncle of the said bishop William), and of the said provost, whereof they were long in peaceable possession, but afterwards the archdeacons were so troubled by divers exactions in respect of the said lands, of suits of courts and hundreds, homage, fealty, and other king's services, and by the perils of evictions therefrom, that they must needs lose them altogether or part with them at a low price, whereby the said chantry was impaired, the souls of the said deceased persons damnably deceived, the founder defrauded of his laudable intent and the church of her divine worship, and the portions of the archdeaconry so much straitened that they would not suffice for keeping hospitality, for repairing the buildings of the archdeaconry in Wells, Hywysch and Brente, and for other charges: saving to to the dean and chapter two thirds of the sequestration of the church during a vacancy of the archdeaconry, and to the bishop power to ordain a perpetual vicarage of the revenues thereof, at the presentation of the archdeacon. Dated Banewell, iii non. August 1328.

Confirmations by Robert prior of Bath and the chapter, and by John de Godelegh dean of Wells and the chapter, dated pridie non. August and vii id. August respectively, the same year.
R.III. ff. 165d.–167.

Grant and bond indented, made by the John abbot of Glastonbury and the convent to the dean and chapter of Wells, (to indemnify them for their interest in the church of Boddeclegh, which with the chapel of Baltenesborgh thereto annexed has been appropriated to their monastery and to the abbot's table by bull of Pope Boniface IX,) of a yearly pension of 13s. 4d. payable at Michaelmas in the church of Wells to the steward or communar of the dean and chapter, secured upon the revenues of the parish church of Doultyng to them also appropriated, and further upon a yearly pension of 13s. 4d. payable by the dean and chapter by reason of the parish church of Wynscombe to the precentor of the said monastery. Sealed by the parties. Dated the chapter house [Glastonbury], 31 July 1392.
R.III. f. 167.

Proceedings before Ralph bishop of Bath and Wells in his chamber at his manor of Wyveliscombe, 11 August 1363, between the dean and chapter of Wells (by Master Robert de Nettelton their proctor) and Sir Robert Raulyn rector of Norton under Hamedon, the dean and chapter alleging that the church of Norton was of old time subject to a yearly pension of 40s. payable to them half yearly, whereof they were in possession for 60, 50 or 40 years or more beyond the memory of man, and craving sentence to that effect, and the rector admitting that their count was true, the bishop pronounces sentence in favour of the dean and chapter, condemning the rector in the said payment. (Copy of proxy by Stephen Penpel dean of Wells and the chapter to Master Robert de Nettelton, Master William Derby and Master Robert atte Sloo canons of Wells, dated Wells, 4 August 1363.) Sealed by the bishop. Present, Sir Robert Caunteloo rector of Wynfryth, William Whyte succentor of Wells, Nicholas Spicer, Robert de Honyngton and Adam atte Wille clerks. Attested by Robert atte Sloo clerk of the diocese of Bath and Wells notary public.
R.III. ff. 168–9.

Grant and bond made by John prior of Longleat and the convent of the order of St. Augustine, Salisbury diocese, to the dean and chapter of Wells, to indemnify them for their interest in the church of Lullyngton, which has been appropriated to the said priory (the patrons) by Ralph bishop of Bath and Wells on the decease or cession of the now rector, of a yearly pension of 6s. 8d. payable at Michaelmas in the church of Wells to the steward or communar of the dean and chapter, secured upon the revenues of the said church, with power to distrain for default upon their manor of Lullyngton. Dated the chapter house Longleat, 8 January 1394.
R.III. ff. 169d., 170.

Inspeximus and confirmation by Stephen Penpel dean of Wells and the chapter, dated 10 April the same year, of the appropriation made by John bishop of Bath and Wells to the prior and canons of Staverdale in that diocese of the perpetual vicarage of the church of Wyncaulton, not exceeding the value of 10 marks yearly, (whereof they are patrons, and already possessed of the rectory and revenues of the said church,) upon the decease or cession of Sir John Bryan now vicar, in relief of the chargeable access of guests to the said priory, and of their poverty by reason of the barrenness of their lands, the mortality of their cattle and their debts, to put an end to their disputes with the vicars concerning tithes and obventions, and at the petition of John de Stourton; ordering that they shall keep a secular parish chaplain for the cure of souls (or in case of necessity a canon of their said priory for a quarter or half a year at most) to serve the parishioners in the divine ministry and in the sacraments of the church; one canon thereof shall celebrate mass of the office of the dead daily, immediately after the singing of prime in the priory choir, in the chapel of the Virgin, St. Peter, St. Paul and St. James under the belfry of the priory church, for Philippa late queen of England, the said bishop John and his successors, Roger and Joan his father and mother (deceased), for John de Stourton. Alice his wife, Richard Bisschop vicar of Meere in the diocese of Salisbury, John de Bekynton (now living), for William de Stourton and Joan his wife (deceased) parents of the said John, his brethren and sisters, Lettice and Alice his wives, Gilbert de Rokeborn, Joan his wife and John their son, Master Walter de Shireborne, Walter Kyngessettele, Thomas and Alice parents of Sir Richard Bisshopp, Sir William Ryby chaplain and John and Emma his parents, Sir William de Milleborn knight and Margery his wife; one canon shall also say daily mass of the Blessed Virgin with the prayer Inclina domine for the persons aforesaid: the former canon shall receive from the prior at the end of his week 7d. for his pains, and all the canons of that foundation (eight in number including the prior) 6s. 8d. apiece yearly for their clothing over and above what they used to have; and every year on the morrow of the Circumcision the prior and brethren shall celebrate an anniversary for the same persons, with the usual vigils beforehand, and divide that day 13s. 4d.; for every omission they shall be bound to pay 20s. to the bishop's alms; also 3s. 4d. to the bishop in his palace at Wells, and 3s. 4d. to the dean and chapter or to their communar in the cathedral of Wells yearly on St. Andrew's day, to indemnify them for such appropriation; the now prior and every future prior at his creation shall take of the bishop the cure of souls, when he shall be bound to exhibit this ordinance, and be sworn to observe the same: dated at the bishop's manor of Evercrych, 18 March 1374.

Sealed by the prior and canons of Staverdale in chapter at Staverdale, 28 April the same year.
R.III. ff. 170d.–172.