Charters of the abbots: Gervase (nos. 251-74)

Gervase (nos. 251–74)

251. Grant by Abbot Gervase to the preceptor of 8s. from the tithes of Roding (Essex) for the repair of books. [1138 × 1157]

Gervasius, abbas Beati Petri Westmonasterii, totusque conventus eiusdem ecclesie, omnibus hominibus suis, tam presentibus quam futuris, salutem. Manifestum vobis fieri volumus nos amore Dei, pro reparandis libris armarii, et pro ceteris negotiis que ad cantoris nostri pertine[n]t officium, communi assensu et consilio, concessisse et dedisse cantarie viij solidos de decima de Roinges, quam tenet Aluricus presbiter, et his terminis: ad Annuntiationem Sancte Marie iiij solidos, et ad Festivitatem Sancti Petri ad Vincula iiij solidos. Quapropter volumus et precipimus ut cantor ecclesie Beati Petri Westmonasterii, quisquis ille fuerit, predictos habeat solidos bene et honorifice et in pace. Ne quis eum super hac nostra donatione et predicta elemosina ullo modo inquietet.

MSS: (1) WAM 1172A.

26 × 12.3 cm; t.u. 3.4cm.

Seals: (1) First seal of the convent: (Cat. Seals BM, 4299), red; attached by hemp cords inserted through a t.u. at the foot of the charter. (2) Seal of Gervase: pointed oval; 8.3 × 6 cm; monk presenting a church to the Virgin (seated) and Child: SIGILLUM GERVASII ABBATIS SANCTI PETRI [MON]ASTERII.

Endorsed: (a) Confirmatio capituli de Alba Royn' (13C). (b) Carta Gervasii, abbatis Westmonasterii eiusdem loci conventus de viij solidis de decima de Roinges percipiendis concessa precentori dicte ecclesie Westmonasterii qui pro tempore fuerit pro reparacione librorum armarii et pro ceteris negotiis que ad cantoris pertinet officium. (14C). (c) Cantor (15C).

(2) WAD, f. 648v.

Pd: Chaplais, 'Original Charters', no. 5, p. 102, with partial facsimile (Plate VII(c)); Robinson & James, 1 (from WAM).

252. Grant by Abbot Gervase of the manor of Kelvedon [Hatch] (Essex), for lights and other offices of the High Altar. [1138 × 1157]

Gervasius, Dei gratia abbas Beati Petri Westmonasterii, totusque eiusdem ecclesie conventus omnibus tam futuris quam presentibus Christi fidelibus, salutem et eternam felicitatem. Scire volumus fraternitatem vestram et caritatem que in Christo est, nos, uno et communi totius capituli nostri consilio propter honorem et reverentiam corporis Domini Nostri Jesu Christi, et Beati Petri Apostolorum Principis et advocati nostri, et omnium sanctorum quorum reliquie in nostra requiescunt ecclesia, ad luminare corporis Domini Nostri nominatim, et ad cetera altaris officia concessisse et dedisse necnon propriis manibus nostris Deo super altare Beati Petri advocati nostri manerium de Keleuedune sicut nostrum proprium cum omnibus rebus pertinentibus ad ipsum manerium optulisse. Volumus igitur ut ista donatio rata sit quia ab omnibus nobis ut ita sit confirmata est. Quicumque ergo hanc oblationem et hanc donationem temere violare et istud manerium ab illis officiis que supra nominavimus et sicut ordinavimus aliquo malo ingenio auferre vel elongare aut distrahere conatus fuerit, nisi citius ad congruam emendationem venerit, perpetue maledictionis et anathematis gladio feriatur, sit pars eius et portio cum Dathan et Abyron sit conversatio ipsius cum diabolo et angelis eius in igne perpetuo. Amen.

MS: WAD, f. 377v.

Rubric: Carta Gervasii Abbatis et conventus Westmonasterii de manerio de Keleuuedune.

Note: Kelvedon Hatch was given by Ailric the chamberlain in c. 1066 (Harmer, no. 74; DB, II., 14; Harvey, WA, 343).

253. Grant by Abbot Gervase for lights at the altar, of Bloxham (Oxon.) church, held by Robert de Chesney: Robert is to pay five marks (£3. 6s. 8d.) a year to the sacristy, and if he dies or enters a religious order or is promoted to higher office, the church is to revert to the use of the (high) altar of the Abbey. [1138 × 1148]

Universis sancte et catholice matris Ecclesie filiis, tam prelatis quam subditis, tam presentibus quam futuris, Gervasius abbas Westmonasterii, salutem. Sciant presentes et futuri me petitione et communi consensu capituli nostri concessisse et dedisse luminari ceterisque officiis altaris ecclesie nostre ecclesiam de Blokesham quam Rodbertus de Chaisn' tenet de me et de ecclesia nostra. Qua propter volumus et precipimus ut amodo predictus Rodbertus sacriste [sic] ecclesie nostre intendit et recognitionem quam nobis inde facere debebat, sicilicet v marcas argenti illi faciat: ad Pascha duas marcas et dimidiam; et ad Festum Sancti Michaelis tantundem eundem. Si vero predictus Robertus obierit aut vitam suam mutaverit aut ad dignitatis gradum promotus fuerit, predicta ecclesia cum omnibus pertinentiis suis altari ecclesie nostre quieta et libera permaneat. Qui vero hanc donationem aliqua perversitate interupit sacrosancti corporis et sanguinis Christi reus sit, cui iniuriam inferre presumit.

MS: WAD, f. 378r–v.

Rubric: Carta Gervasii abbatis et conventus Westmonasterii de eodem.

Date: Robert de Chesney became archdeacon of Leicester in 1145 × 1146 (Fasti III, 33). The absence of this title is not necessarily conclusive for the dating, but the charter was certainly issued before his election as bishop of Lincoln, 13 Dec., 1148 (ibid.).

Note: Robert de Chesney belonged to an Oxfordshire family (Eynsham Cartulary, ed. H. E. Salter, Oxford Historical Society 49 (Oxford, 1907), 411).

254. Grant by Abbot Gervase to William de Wenden and his wife Adelaide, daughter and heir of Walter Stantus, of all Walter's tenements and offices within and without the church. [1138 × 1157]

Gervasius, Dei gratia abbas Westmonasterii, omnibus probis hominibus suis, Francis et Anglis, salutem. Sciant tam presentes quam futuri me concessisse et dedisse Willelmo de Wendena (fn. 1) et Adelaidi uxori sue omnia tenementa que fuerunt Walterii Stantus, et ministeria infra ecclesiam et extra, in domibus et terris, et omnibus aliis rebus, quia predicta Adelaidis filia fuit eiusdem Walteri, et iustissima heres ipsius. Quam ob rem volo et precipio quod predictus Willelmus uxorque eius Adelaidis et heredes eorum habeant et teneant omnia predicta tenementa et ministeria cum corrediis et consuetudinibus omnibus eisdem ministeriis pertinentibus, ita plenarie et quiete et libere et honorifice, sicut unquam Walterus Stantus vel aliquis antecessorum melius tenuerunt, et sicut Gaufridus frater sepedicte Adelaidis eis quieta clamavit omnia predicta a die desponsionis eorum usque in eternum, et heredibus illorum. Teste Osberto de Clara, priore; W. Capes; Rogero Branc'; Ricardo de Hair', monachis; Gregorio Dapifero; Ricardo de Furmonwill'; Hugone Bello; Elia de Mulesham; Hugone de Bifort; Gaufrido filio Godefridi; Rogero de Moretein; Johanne, armigero abbatis; multisque aliis.

MSS: (1) WAM L.

16.8 × 8.9 cm; tongue 1.6cm.

Seals: (1) Seal of Gervase (as above, 251); green; on tongue. (2) Counterseal: 3 × 2 cm, from an antique intaglio gem: helmeted goddess in front of an altar; legend: SIGILLUM GERVASII ABBATIS WESTM.

Endorsed: Westmonasterium (14C).

(2) WAD, f. 87v.

Rubric: Carta Gervasii Abbatis de seriantiis vestibuli et pincernarie de quibus subsequenter quieta clamantia per magistrum Willelmum de Wandene.

Pd: Chaplais, 'Original Charters', no. 6, p. 103.

Note: As the WAD rubric shows, these offices were identified as the serjeanties of the vestibule and the buttery, when the later William de Wenden relinquished them to Abbot Walter de Wenlock (1283–1307): cf. Flete, 117. See also Harvey, 'Fee Farms', 130, on Gervase's grant.

255. Confirmation by Abbot G[ervase] to Nicholas son of Clement of the agreement between him and Bertram the clerk, son of Leodbert, concerning the church of St Matthew in London, as a charter testifies. Nicholas is to pay 10s. a year towards the monks' clothing. [1141 × 1150]

G[ervasius], Dei gratia abbas Westmonasterii, totusque conventus eiusdem ecclesie episcopo Lundon (fn. 4) universisque sancte Dei ecclesie filiis, salutem. Sciatis nos concessisse et confirmasse Nicholao filio Clementis conventionem que facta est inter Bertramnium clericum filium Leodberti et prefatum Nicholaum super ecclesiam Sancti Mathei in London' cum pertinentiis suis sicut carta capituli Sancti Pauli testatur. Quare volumus et precipimus quod ipse Nicholaus predictam ecclesiam (fn. 5) teneat et habeat ita libere et quiete et honorifice sicut predictus Bertramius vel aliquis antecessorum suorum melius et liberius et honorificentius et quietius tenuit salvo jure ecclesie nostre. Reddendo inde x solidos per annum ad vesturam nostram in cathedra Sancti Pauli. Testibus hiis: Rodberto de Corneil; Roberto clerico de Turri; (fn. 2) Guillelmo sacerdote de sancto Audoeno; Bernardo sacrista Sancti Pauli; Henrico; Philomena; Amando clerico; magistro Herveo; Elia clerico; Jerino ingeniatore; Salomone de Sutbbeheda; (fn. 3) Hugone Bello et multis aliis.

MSS: (1) WAD, f. 476.

Rubric: Confirmatio Abbatis et conventus Westmonasterii super conventione predicta, reddendo × solidos per annum.

(2) F, f. 288 (omits witnesses).

Pd: Harvey, 'Fee Farms', no. 1, pp. 138–9 (from WAD).

Date: The agreement between Nicholas and Bertram (380) was made with the consent of Robert de Sigillo, bp. of London 1141 × 1150 (Fasti, I, 2).

Note: St Matthew's church in Friday Street paid £3. 19s. to the abbey in c. 1291 (Taxatio Nicholai IV, p. 9b).

256. Grant by Abbot G[ervase] and the convent to Azo and Alice, his maternal aunt, of the land held by his father Alfred in London, near the cemetery of St Laurence on Thames, for an annual rent of 2s. [1138 × 1157]

G[ervasius] abbas Westmonasterii et totus conventus eiusdem loci concedunt Azoni et Aliz' matertere sue et heredibus ipsius terram quam Alvredus pater ipsius Azonis tenuit in Lundonia prope cimiterium Sancti Laurentii super Tamisiam. Et volumus ut eam bene et in pace teneant eo tenore quo predictus Alvredus tenuit, scilicet ij solidos reddendo per annum: ad Pascha xij denarios, et ad Festum Sancti Michaelis xij denarios. (fn. 7) His testibus. (fn. 6)

MSS: (1) BL Egerton 3031, f. 48v.

Rubric: Carta abbatis et conventus Westmonasterii super quadam terra in Londonia facta Azoni et Adelizie.

(2) BL Harleian 1708, f. 113.

(3) BL Cotton Vespasian E XXV, f. 60v.

Rubric (MSS (2) and (3)): Sigillum Sancti Petri Westmonasterii de terra Alueredi in London'.

Pd: B. Kemp, Reading Abbey Cartularies I, Camden 4th ser. XXXI (1986), 355, no. 462, from Egerton, Harley and Vespasian.

Date: Term of office of Abbot Gervase. On stylistic grounds, the charter appears more likely to be mid 12C than temp. Abbot Gilbert.

Note: The presence of this text in BL Egerton 3031 indicates that Reading held the land by 1193 at latest, although its transfer is not recorded. There is a possible link in the writ issued by Queen Eleanor as regent, Jan. 1156 × April 1157, ordering the sheriff of London to investigate a complaint by the convent of Reading that they had been unjustly disseised of unspecified land in London donated, from the tenure of the abbot of Westminster, by Richard Fitz B. when he became a monk at Reading. If Reading's title is proved, the sheriff is to reseise its convent of the land, saving the right of the abbot of Westminster (Reading Abbey Cartularies I, no. 466).

257. Agreement whereby Abbot Gervase and the convent of Westminster granted to the chapter of St Martin [le Grand], London, at an annual rent of 7s., the church of St Agnes in London with its lands, as it was given to the abbey by Godric Lobbe when he became a monk. [1138 × 1157]

Hec est conventio inter ecclesiam Sancti Petri Westmonasterii et conventum eiusdem loci et ecclesiam Sancti Martini London' et capitulum eiusdem ecclesie: videlicet, ego Gervasius, abbas Sancti Petri Westmonasterii, et omnis conventus concedimus ecclesie Sancti Martini London' et toti capitulo eiusdem ecclesie tenendam de ecclesia nostra et conventu nostro ecclesiam Sancte Agnetis London' cum terris et omnibus rebus eidem ecclesie pertinentibus sicut Godricus Lobbe illas (fn. 8) tenuit melius, qui ecclesiam ipsam et teneduras suas donavit cum corpore suo die qua monachus effectus est ecclesie nostre. Volumus etiam quod honorabiliter et libere illas teneant inperpetuum (fn. 9) possessionem et quietam de omnibus consuetudinibus per vij solidos reddendo (fn. 10) ecclesie nostre per annum ad duos terminos: hoc est in Natale Domini xlij denarios, et infra septimanam Pasche xlij denarios. Quicumque vero aut ex conventu nostro aut de capitulo Sancti Martini hoc pactum infringere vel violare molitus fuerit, anethema sit et cum Juda proditore Dei infernales luat penes. Amen.

MSS: (1) WAD, f. 477.

Rubric: Camerar' (rubric heading): Cirographus inter ecclesias Westmonasterii et Sancti Martini London' super ecclesiam Sancte Agnetis, reddendo per annum vij solidos.

(2) F, ff. 288v–289.

Pd: Harvey, 'Fee Farms', no. 8, p. 142 (from WAD).

Note: The dean of St Martin le Grand during the latter part of Stephen's reign was Henry of Blois, bp. of Winchester and uncle of Abbot Gervase (Brooke & Keir, 311), which possibly influenced the terms of this grant (Harvey, 'Fee Farms', 134).

258. Grant by Abbot Gervase to his clerk Elias son of Goldwin of land in London between the house of Baldwin son of Ingelric and that of Wlgar, for an annual rent of 2s. 8d. towards the clothing of the convent. [1138 × 1157]

G[ervasius], Dei gratia abbas Westmonasterii, omnibus baronibus et civibus London' et amicis et tenentibus suis, Francis et Anglis, salutem. Sciant presentes et futuri me firmiter concessisse et dedisse Helie clerico meo filio Goldewini et suis hereditario jure quandam terram de feodo Sancti Petri in London', que est inter mansionem que fuit Baldewini filii Ingelrici et inter mansionem Wlgari in feodo finabiliter tenendam. Reddendo inde per annum ij solidos et viij denarios libere pro omni servicio ad vestituram conventus Westmonasterii. Quare volo quod ipse eam habeat et teneat cum omnibus libertatibus eidem terre pertinentibus ita bene et in pace et libere et honorifice et quiete sicut aliquis melius et liberius et honorificentius et quietius terram tenet de ecclesia Sancti Petri Westmonasterii. Hiis testibus: Ansgodo monacho; Ricardo de Bissea, monacho; Hugone novicio' monacho; Ricardo preposito; Magistro Herveo; Gervasio Peverello; Salonone (fn. 11) de Stibbeta; Radulfo fratre abbatis; Amalrico fratre suo; Hugone Bello; Osmundo coco; Simone coco; Ricardo Blundo; Ricardo dispensatore, parente, et pluribus aliis.

MS: WAD, f. 493v.

Rubric: Carta Gervasii abbatis Westmonasterii de quadam terra in London' reddendo ij solidos et viij denarios per annum.

Pd: Harvey, 'Fee Farms', no. 2, p. 139.

Note: See Harvey, 'Fee Farms', 134, 138.

259. Grant by Abbot Gervase to Godwin Loffa of Bishopsgate for an annual rent of 4s. of the land in Langbourn ward (London), near the church of St Denis, which his grandfather Wlfward Grafte gave to the church of Westminster. [1138 × 1157]

Gervasius abbas Westmonasterii totusque conventus vicecomiti et omnibus baronibus Lundiniensibus, salutem. Notum sit presentibus et futuris nos concessisse Godwino Loffa de Bissopesgate et heredibus suis terram illam quam Wlfwardus Grafte, avus suus, dedit ecclesie Westmonasterii in custodia Langebort iuxta ecclesiam Sancti Dionisii, ad tenendum de nobis iiij solidos reddendo per annum, totum ad Pascha. Et ita volumus quod idem Godwinus predictam terram teneat bene et in pace et libere et quiete, sicut aliquis antecessorum suorum melius tenuit.

MS: WAD, f. 504v.

Rubric: Telligraphus abbatis et conventus Westmonasterii de quadam terra in custodia de Langebort iuxta ecclesiam Sancti Dionisii.

Pd: Harvey, 'Fee Farms', no. 3, p. 139.

Note: In c. 1291 the abbey had 5s. rents in the parish of St Denis (Taxatio Nicholai IV, 10a). See also Harvey, 'Fee Farms', 136–7.

260. Confirmation by Abbot Gervase of the grant made by John son of Ralf to the church of St Pancras (Lewes) of the land Aluric Lambesheavod held in London, and two tenements which Wibert of Arras held of Westminster; St Pancras will hold all these for a total rent of 5s. a year. [1138 × 1157]

Gervasius abbas Westmonasterii et totus conventus vicecomiti et omnibus baronibus Lundonie, salutem. Sciant presentes et futuri nos concessisse et confirmasse donationem quam Johannes filius Radulfi dedit ecclesie Sancti Pancratii: videlicet, de terra quam AEluricus Lambesheavod tenuit in Lundonia et duas terras quas Wibertus de Arraz de nobis tenebat. Has terras concedimus ecclesie Sancti Pancratii de Leues ad tenendum de nobis, reddendo ecclesie nostre de terra AElurici Lambesheavod ii solidos per annum, et de terris Wiberti iij solidos. Et ita volumus ut bene et in pace predicta ecclesia Sancti Panchratii de ecclesia nostra teneat, quamdiu hos v solidos bene et legaliter reddiderit (fn. 12) his terminis: ad Pascha xxx denarios, ad Festum Sancti Michaelis xxx denarios. Hiis testibus: Petro Aldermanno, Alwardo presbitero, Radulfo de Arund', Rogero Pepercon, Ivone mercen[ario], AEadwardo Winpl', Willelmo filio Radulfi et aliis pluribus.

MSS: (1) PRO E 40/15564.

26 × 7.6cm; CIROGRAPHUM cut straight through. Endorsed: (a) Gervasii abbatis Westmonasterii. (b) Londoniensis diocesis de tenementis et terris in London'. (c) xvj. (d) [Illegible] in London.

(2) WAD, f. 476: variant, copied from Westminster's half of the cirograph. Text identical until the attestations, as follows: Willelmo de Coucham; Hugone filio Ulgeri; Johanne filio Radulfi filii Everardi; Roger Ganet; Salede; Estmundo, et aliis pluribus. Rubric: Carta abbatis et conventus Westmonasterii cirographata de donatione quam Johannes filius Radulfi dedit ecclesie Sancti Pancrati. Reddendo v solidos per annum.

Pd: Chaplais, 'Original Charters', no. 3, p. 101; partial facsimile (Plate IX(a).

Cal: Cat. Ancient Deeds, II, A.2389.

261. Grant by Abbot G[ervase] to Gerin the king's minister of the land of Endiff (near Charing in Westminster), which he bought from Walkelin, for 1lb. pepper annually at Michaelmas. Gerin gave 2s. to Walkelin's son and heir Robert for this concession. [1138 × 1157]

G[ervasius] abbas Westmonasterii omnibus hominibus suis et fidelibus, salutem. Sciatis me concessisse Gerino ministro regis, et homini meo, terram de AEnedetha, quam ipse emit de Walkelino et de heredibus suis, sibi et heredibus suis, dando per annum unam libram piperis abbati Westmonasterii ad Festivitatem Sancti Michaelis. Ad hanc conventionem hi fuerunt astantes et audientes ubi ipse Walkelinus, et Willelmus frater ipsius Walkelini, et Rodbertus filius Walkelini saisiaverunt ipsum Gerinum de terra illa, ita quod ipse Gerinus dedit Rodberto heredi ipsius Walkelini ij solidos pro una manca auri ut supradictam conventionem concederet: Helia prior; et Wimundus et Ricardus presbiteri; Ricardus prepositus; Salamon de Steb'; Rogerus de Meriend'; Herdewinus de AEnedeh'; Picotus cementarius; Rogerus de Curland'.

MSS: (1) WAM 17311.

18 × 6cm. Parchment tag, inserted through a t.u. at the foot of the charter, but seal lost.

Endorsed: (a) xv. (b) Celerarius (c) Terra de Anedehethe. (d) Carta G[ervasii] abbatis Westmonasterii de terra de Andehethe Gerino ministro regis concessa, reddendo inde annuatim abbati Westmonasterii unam libram piperis [in various 14C hands].

(2) WAD, f. 445.

Rubrics: (1) Celerarius. (2) Concessio G[ervasii] abbatis de terra de Andehethe.

Pd: Chaplais, 'Original Charters', no. 4, p. 101.

Date: Prior Elias, Picot cementarius and Salomon of Stepney all occur in documents of Gervase.

Note: Endiff lay on the Thames, between Westminster Abbey and Charing (PN Mddx, 168). On this grant, see Harvey, 'Fee Farms', 130, 138. Prior Osbert de Clare recorded the intercession of King Edward in the healing of a knight named Gerin, keeper of the royal palace at Westminster (Vita A Edwardi Regis, 126–7).

262. Grant by Abbot Gervase to his mother Damette of the manor of Chelsea (Mddx.) in fee farm for £4 a year. In return Damette has given £2 to the convent and a pall worth £5. [1138 × 1157]

Gervasius abbas Westmonasterii et totus conventus eiusdem loci omnibus hominibus suis Francis et Anglis, salutem. Sciant presentes et futuri nos concessisse manerium de Chelcheth' Damete, matri predicti abbatis, et heredibus suis ad tenendum in feudo et hereditate, cum omnibus eidem ville pertinentibus, in aqua et in terra, reddendo inde quatuor libras per annum, et defendendo erga regales consuetudines hiis terminis: ad Natale Domini xx solidos; ad Pascha xx solidos; ad Festum Sancti Johannis Baptiste xx solidos; ad Festum Sancti Michaelis xx solidos. Et ita volumus quod teneat bene et in pace, libere et honorifice, cum saca et soca et ceteris consuetudinibus liberis. Et pro hac concessione dedit predicta Dameta quadraginta solidos conventui et unum palleum centum solidorum.

MS: WAD, f. 114.

Rubric: Dimissio manerii de Chelcheth'.

Pd: Flete, 89.

Note: See Harvey, 'Fee Farms', pp. 131 and no. 2, 138; 242 above.

263. Memorandum of the grant by Abbot Gervase to Gilbert son of Gunter of the manor of Hendon (Mddx.) in fee-farm for a rent of £20 a year. [Dec. 1154 × 1157]

Gervasius, Dei gratia abbas Sancti Petri Westmonasterii, et totus conventus ecclesie concederunt Gisleberto filio Gunteri et heredibus suis manerium (fn. 13) de Hendona in feudofirme cum omnibus rebus ad illud pertinentibus, pro xx^ti libris reddendis inde per annum libere et honorifice et quiete, tenendum pro omnibus serviciis. Hiis testibus: Willelmo de Cuntevilla; Radulfo clerico; Mauricio clerico; (fn. 14) Godefrido presbitero fratre ipsius Gisleberti; Willelmo de Grest[ano]; Thomas pincerna; Willelmo de Mulesham; Stephano nepote Willelmi; Amalrico fratre abbatis; Radulfo Runt; Alexandro fratre eius; Ricardo preposito; Richerio filio eius; Richerio filio Evrardi et multis aliis.

MS: WAD, f. 124.

Rubric: Carta Gervasii abbatis de eodem [i.e. de manerio de Hendon'].

Pd: Harvey, 'Fee Farms', no. 7, p. 142.

Date: Prob. issued in response to the mandate of H II (124).

Note: See Harvey, WA, 352, and 'Fee Farms', 135–6.

264. Confirmation by Abbot Gervase to the nuns of Kilburn (Mddx.) of the corrody held by Ailmar the hermit, the corrody of Abbot Gilbert and a third corrody which they held according to their charter (249). [1138 × 1157]

Notum sit omnibus ecclesie fidelibus tam presentibus quam futuris quod ego Gervasius abbas Westmonasterii dono et concedo, pro salute anime mee et pro anima Regis Edwardi, necnon et pro salute omnium successorum meorum, ancillis Christi de Keneburna unum plenarium moniale corredium: illud videlicet quod habuit Ailmarus heremita in pane et cervisia, in vino et medone, et in pitancia. Istud corredium prece ac petitione nostra communi consilio et consensu totius capituli nostri confirmari feci. Preterea, notum sit quod nos communiter et concordi voluntate corredium Gilberti abbatis illis concessimus, et tertium corredium quod secundum tenorem carte sue antea habuerunt, firmiter confirmo. (fn. 15) Volumus igitur et constanter precipimus ut hec tria beneficia in pane et cervisia et coquina, in vino, in medone et pitanciis, cum uno tantummodo clareto scilicet pro anima Gilberti abbatis, absque ulla contradictione et contrarietate et diminutione in perpetuam elemosinam habeant. Quincunque ergo hec beneficia manutenuerint et manutenendo pro Christo augere voluerint benedictionem Dei et nostram precipiant; qui vero diminuere presumpserit, semel et secundo ac tertio correptus, nisi digna emendatione satisfecerit iram Omnipotentis Dei et nostram maledictionem incurrat. Deus omnipotens sit testis et conservator ac susceptor huius donationis ac constitutionis nostre. Amen.

MSS: (1) F, ff. 327v–328.

Rubric: Carta Gilberti abbatis de tribus corrediis monialibus de Kylborne concessis.

(2) LN, f. cxxv verso.

(3) CAY, f. cxxxiv verso.

Pd: Monasticon, III, no. IV, 427 (from F).

Cal: Bentley, 64, no. 527, from CAY.

265. Grant by Abbot Gervase to the nuns at Kilburn of land at Gore in the manor of Knightsbridge (Mddx.). They are to hold it free of service, as they were seised of it by Brother Osbert de Clare, and as it was measured by the men of the vill. [1138 × 1157]

Gervasius, abbas ecclesie Sancti Petri Westmonasterii, et totus eiusdem ecclesie conventus, tam futuris quam presentibus, salutem. Notum vobis sit nos, communi assensu totius capituli et consilio, dedisse in elemosina, pro anima regis nostri Edwardi, fundatoris ecclesie nostre, et pro animabus omnium fratrum et benefactorum nostrorum, ancillis Dei que sunt in ecclesia Beati Johannis Baptiste de Keneburna, et omnibus que ibidem ad serviendum Deo future sunt, quandam terram ad sartandum in tenetura, manerii nostri quod vocatur Knihtebruga, et in loco qui Gara appellatur. Volumus igitur et firmiter precipimus ut in pace et quiete et libere et sine omni servicio teneant illam predictam terram sicut eas inde saysivit frater noster Osbertus de Clara, et sicut meta et divisio illius terre facta est per respectum et considerationem et mensuram hominum illius ville. Et si quis eis super hanc donationem et donationis libertatem aliquam inde violentiam vel dampnum vel contumeliam aut torturam aliquam fecerit, et elemosinam nostram violare vel auferre a predicta ecclesia presumpserit, nisi ancillis Dei citam et congruum satisfactionem fecerit, ab omni conventu ecclesie nostre excommunicetur, et a Christo pauperum suorum defensore perpetuo anathematis gladio feriatur. Amen. Hii sunt testes: Gregorius dapifer; Radulphus clericus; Mauricius clericus; Ricardus prepositus; et Hathewy, qui idem manerium tenebat, et multi alii.

MSS: (1) F, f. 328r–v.

Rubric: Carta Gervasii Abbatis et conventus Westmonasterii de terra de Gara in Knygthbrigge monialibus de Kylborne concessis.

(2) LN, f. cxxv verso.

(3) CAY, f. cxxxiv verso.

Pd: Monasticon, III, no. V, 427 (from F).

Note: See Harvey, WA, 353. See also 250 above.

266. Notification by Abbot Gervase to Earl Geoffrey [de Mandeville] that he has granted to Prior William of Hurley (Berks.) part of the pannage which the Abbey held in Edmonton (Mddx.), in the time of Geoffrey de Mandeville I. [1140 × 1157]

Gervasius, Dei gratia abbas, totusque conventus Sancti Petri Westmonasterii dilecto fratri et amico Comiti Gaufrido, et omnibus baronibus suis, salutem. Notum sit vobis omnibus quod, communi consensu totius capituli nostri, concessimus Deo et Beate Marie semper virgini, et Sancto Leonardo Confessori, et Willelmo Priori, cunctisque successoribus suis, et familie Christi monachis uidelicet Herleiensis monasterii, partem pasnagii nostri quod a diebus primi Gaufridi de Magnavilla possedit ecclesia nostra in Eadelmatona in porcis et denariis. Et precamur et volumus ut vos idem pro amore Dei et animarum vestrarum salute concedatis et faciatis et litteris vestris secundum quod in carta ista uidebitis ad ministros uestros confirmetis. Valete.

MS: WAM 3750*.

18.5 × 7.9 cm; tongue 2.5 cm.

Seal: Seal of Gervase (as above); red; on tongue.

Endorsed: (a) Gervasius abbas de pasnagio in Edelemantone (13C). (b) 8v (15C).

Pd: Chaplais, 'Original Charters', no. 8, p. 104; Wethered, Lands of Hurley, 32–3 (trans., ibid., 33–4).

Cal: Wethered, Lands of Hurley, no. 564, p. 12.

Date: William was prior of Hurley from some uncertain date post 1140 (Heads, 92). The Geoffrey de Mandeville addressed was perhaps the first earl (1140–44), but more prob. his s. the second earl (c. Jan. 1156-Oct. 1166) (HBC, 460).

267. Grant by Abbot Gervase to Alger the clerk of the land which Puncelin his grandfather held in Ham (Essex), for an annual rent of £3. [? 1144 × 1156]

G[ervasius] abbas Westmonasterii et totus conventus eiusdem loci concedunt Algero clerico terram quam Puncelinus avus suus tenuit in Hamma, ipsi et heredibus suis ad tenendum de ecclesia Sancti Petri, bene et in pace, libere et quiete, reddendo per annum lx solidos: ad Natale xv solidos; ad Pascha xv solidos; ad Festum (fn. 16) Sancti Michaelis xv solidos. (fn. 17) Et ita teneat quamdiu (fn. 18) fideliter servierit. Hiis testibus: Willelmo priore Sancti Ivonis; Galfrido de Magna Villa; Warino filio Gerini; Henrico fratre suo; Alur[edo] clerico de Watham[stede]; Waltero de Lectona; Willelmo filio Alur[edi]; Simone filio Osberti; Radulfo de Querendona; Galure[do] Merc' et fratre suo, et multi alii. (fn. 19)

MS: WAD, f. 496v.

Rubric: Telligraphus (fn. 20) abbatis et conventus Westmonasterii de terra quam Puncelinus tenuit in Hamma, reddendo lx solidos. Marginalia: Hamme.

Pd: Harvey, 'Fee Farms', no. 6, p. 142.

Date: Since Geoffrey de Mandeville attests without a title, this witness is prob. Geoffrey III, attesting between the death of Geoffrey II in 1144, and 1156, when he himself was created earl of Essex (G. E. C., v, 116–7). William, prior of St Ives, was in office in 1143, and he, or a later William, was prior in 1185 × 1187 (Heads, 95).

Note: See Harvey, 'Fee Farms', 135, and WA, 342.

268. Memorandum of an agreement between Abbot Gervase and Prior Robert of Merton. Land in Wandsworth (Surr.) was granted to Westminster, to facilitate the siting of [fulling-]mills, in exchange for other land in Wandsworth, granted to Merton priory, near the granges of Dunsfold (Surr.). [1138 × 1157]

Sciant presentes et futuri hoc convenisse inter ecclesiam Sancti Petri Westmonasterii et ecclesiam Beate Marie de Merton': quod ecclesia Beate Marie concessit ecclesie Sancti Petri quondam partem terre sue de Wendleswrth, ad assidendum molendina sua, iiij perticarum in lato (fn. 21) coram molendino, et octo in longo, secus viam. Et ecclesia Beati Petri, in recompensationem huius rei, concessit ecclesie Beate Marie duas acras de terra sua eiusdem ville coram grangiis de Dunesford. Hec transmutatio facta est auctoritate Gervasii abbatis Westmonasterii et Roberti prioris Mertonie, et assensu utriusque capituli.

MS: WAD, f. 370.

Rubric: Cirographus inter ecclesiam Westmonasterii et ecclesiam de Merton de quadam parte terre pro molendinis fullenariis in Wendleswrth'.

Date: Robert de Tywe (1117–50) and Robert II (1150–67) were successively priors of Merton (Heads, 175).

Note: It is only in the rubric that these Wandsworth mills were described as fulling-mills during Gervase's abbacy, but the text is entered in WAD together with the confirmation to the convent by Abbot William d'Humez (1214–22) of a fulling-mill at Wandsworth, to maintain lights round the feretory of St Edward (WAD, f. 370). For the subsequent history of these mills, see Emma Mason, 'Westminster Abbey's fullingmills at Wandsworth', Bulletin of the Wandle Group, no. 13 (December 1984), 4.

269. Grant by Abbot G[ervase] to Robert his marshal of three virgates and other lands, all waste, in Wheathampstead (Herts.) in fee-farm for an annual rent of 10s. [1138 × 1157]

G[ervasius], Dei gratia abbas Westmonasterii, et totus eiusdem ecclesie conventus concedunt Roberto marescallo suo et heredibus suis tres virgatas terre in manerio nostro de Watamsted' in feodo et hereditate: terram, videlicet, quam Willelmus de Couele in eadem villa ex utraque parte aque (fn. 22) tenuit, et eam postea pro v^que annorum servicii et monachorum victus defectu ecclesie voluntarie reddidit et quietam finaliter clamavit, et terram similiter quam Geroldus camberarius abbatis Hereberti tenuit, et postea pro viij° annorum servicii et monachorum victus defectu ecclesie quiete reddidit, que antea Leofwini magistri fuerat, quam et ipsi Leofwini (fn. 23) etiam heredes ecclesie et monachis quietam et sine calumpnia reddiderunt et solutam omnino clamaverunt. Et ideo volunt ut ipse Robertus et heredes eius terram istam ita bene et in pace, libere et quiete teneant, sicut prefatus Leofwinus umquam eam melius tenuit et sicut ullus homo Sancti Petri in tota villa melius. Concedunt eidem Roberto et heredibus suis etiam terram quam Ricardus de Osumull tenuit et pro servicii iii annorum et monachorum victus defectu ecclesie et monachis ipse et heredes eius omnino liberam red diderunt et solutam et quietam clamaverunt, et unam similiter cotelondam que fuit Godwini porcarii ad se hospitandum et ad domos suas in ea faciendas. Omnes vero terre iste predicte vaste et deassise erant et eas versus regem de proprio illorum dominio singulis annis adquietari opportuit. Sed idem Robertus pro tribus virgatis amodo eas versus regem defendet. Hanc quidem donationem similiter et concessionem eidem Roberto et heredibus suis abbas et conventus Westmonasterii tam consilio et assensu totius capituli quam consideratione et iudicio proborum virorum illorum de Watamstede contulerunt et suo presenti scripto confirmaverunt et inde suum homagium in pleno capitulo susceperunt. Quare volunt et firmiter concedunt ut idem Robertus et eiusdem heredes terras teneant prenominatas bene et in pace, libere et quiete, in bosco et in plano, in terris et in aquis, cum omnibus consuetudinibus et libertatibus que in aliis terris Sancti Petri pertinent. Reddendo inde annis singulis x^tem solidos in firma manerii pro omni servicio hiis terminis: ad Natale xxx denarios; ad Pascha xxx denarios; ad Festum Sancti Johannis xxx denarios; ad Festum Sancti Michaelis xxx denarios. Et inde isti sunt testes: Radulfus clericus; Ricardus prepositus; Willelmus de Watamstede; Rogerus eiusdem (fn. 24) filius; Radulfus frater abbatis; Amalricus abbatis frater; Gerinus miles; Stephanus de Cuntav'; Willelmus (fn. 24) aurifaber; Hugo Bellus; Simon cocus; Radulfus eiusdem Roberti armiger, et multi alii.

MS: WAD, f. 205.

Rubric: Carta G[ervasii] abbatis Westmonasterii et totus eiusdem ecclesie conventus de tribus virgatibus terre in manerio de Wathamstede.

Marginalia: (1) supl' paucis gariantibus. (2) supl' paucis. (3) Gervasius abbas.

Pd: Harvey, 'Fee Farms', no. 5, p. 141.

Date: The lands were perhaps waste as a result of some incident during the civil war. Both Stephen and Matilda visited St Alban's, while Geoffrey de Mandeville had his headquarters not far away.

Note: See Harvey, WA, 347, and 'Fee Farms', 133.

270. Grant by Abbot G[ervase] to Elias the deacon of the church of Islip (Northants.) for an annual payment of half a mark (6s. 8d.), saving the rights of the church of Westminster and the holding of the sokemen of Islip who hold of that church. [1148 × 1157]

G[ervasius], Dei gratia abbas Westmonasterii, R[oberto] episcopo et toti clero episcopatus Lincolniensis, salutem. Sciant me in elemosinam canonice concessisse Helie, decano ecclesiam de Islepa, salvo iure ecclesie Beati Petri Westmonasterii, et salvo tenemento soccamanorum de Islepa, qui de ecclesia Beati Petri Westmonasterii tenent, reddendo michi per annum dimidiam marcam argenti. Hiis testibus: Ricardo de Bissea, monacho; Johanne monacho; Henrico, presbitero de Sudburgo; Gaufrido, presbitero de Dena; Hugone capellano suo; Ricardo presbitero de Sudwica; Sueinone, presbitero de Stanerda; (fn. 25) Henrico, presbitero de Apetorp; Helia clerico; Radulfo de Septem Fontanis; Radulfo filio Nigelli; Willelmo de Grestano; Gaufrido fratre suo; Andrea de Hwath; Waltero de Sudburgo; Helia de Mulesham; Gaufrido filio Parentis; Ricardo Blundo.

MS: WAM 15183.

16 × 6.5 cm. Step in left-hand corner.

CIROGRAPHUM cut in two along bottom.

Endorsed: Islepe. Scriptum G[ervasii], abbatis Westmonasterii, de ecclesia de Islepa. (14C)

Pd: Chaplais, 'Original Charters', no. 7, p. 103, with facsimile (Plate VIII(a)).

Date: Limited by terms of office of Abbot Gervase and of Robert de Chesney, bp. of Lincoln (cf. Fasti III, 2).

Note: The Northamptonshire Survey, an early twelfth-century compilation, subsequently revised before the middle of the century (VCH Northants., I, 357–8), stated that four of the King's sokemen held one hide of the fee of Westminster Abbey (ibid., I, 365). This estate was prob. the land, comprising 1 hide 1 virgate, which was held in 1086 by the bp. of Coutances (DB I, f. 220v.). The identification of the church as that of Islip, Northants (rather than of Islip, Oxon.), is confirmed by the attestations of local clergy, incl. those of Sudborough and Deene, in both of which Westminster held demesne manors (cf. Harvey, WA, 355).

271.* Grant by Abbot Gervase to William of Darnford in fee-farm of the manor of Deerhurst (Gloucs.) for an annual payment of £30; also the half hundred of Deerhurst with all its liberties as they were granted to the abbey by King Edward. [1138 × c. 1141]

G[ervasius], Dei gratia abbas Westmonasterii, omnibus amicis et tenentibus Sancti Petri Westmonasterii, tam clericis quam laicis, Francis et Anglis, salutem. Noverit universitas vestra nos unanimi consensu totius conventus nostri Sancti Petri Westmonasterii dedisse et concessisse et hac presenti carta nostra confirmasse Willelmo de Derneford in feodofirma manerium de Derhurst' cum omnibus pertinenciis suis. Tenendum et habendum de nobis et de successoribus nostris sibi et heredibus suis, libere et quiete, bene et in pace, jure hereditarie inperpetuum. Reddendo inde annuatim nobis et successoribus nostris xxx^ta libras argenti ad duos anni terminos: scilicet, infra octabas Pasche xv libras, et infra octabas Sancti Michaelis xv libras pro omnibus serviciis, consuetudinibus et exactionibus secularibus ad nos vel ad successores nostros pertinentibus. Quare volumus et concedimus pro nobis et successoribus nostris quod predicti Willelmus et heredes sui habeant et teneant predictum manerium de Derhurste cum omnibus libertatibus et liberis consuetudinibus, in bosco et plano, in pratis et pasturis, in aquis et molendinis, in viis et semitis, in stagnis (fn. 26) et vivariis, in mariscis et piscariis, infra villam et extra, et in omnibus aliis locis ad predictum manerium de Derhurst' pertinentibus. Concedimus etiam predictis Willelmo et heredibus suis dimidium hundredum de Derhurst cum duabus sectis visus franciplegii per annum, et cum omnibus aliis sectis et omnibus libertatibus: videlicet, in homagiis, releviis, herietis, eschaetis recipiendis et habendis, et in omnibus aliis ad predictum manerium de Derhurst pertinentibus. Et quod nos vel successores nostri vel nostri ballivi nullum ingressum habeamus infra libertatem predicti manerii de Derhurst ad districtiones vel ad aliquas submonitiones faciendas, nisi tantum pro firma nostra si forte retineatur ultra terminos predictos, et tunc namia que capta fuerint pro eadem non ducantur extra libertates predicti manerii de Derhurst'. Omnes vero alias districtiones et submonitiones infra predictum manerium faciendas predictis Willelmo et heredibus suis inperpetuum liberas concedimus et quietas. Concedimus etiam pro nobis et successoribus nostris quod, si predicti Willelmus vel heredes sui in comitatu, hundredo vel in aliqua alia curia per querimoniam de ipsis factam sint inplacitati et nos per libertates nostras curiam nostram exigerimus de ipsis sicuti de hominibus nostris, et curia nostra nobis per iudicium fuerit concessa, nos vel successores nostri curiam nostram alibi non tenebimus nisi infra predictum manerium de Derhurst, et tunc, si predicti Willelmus vel heredes sui vel homines nostri in predicto manerio de Derhurst sint amerciati coram nobis vel ballivis nostris pro quacumque causa vel forisfacto, predicti Willelmus vel heredes sui misericordiam illam absque alia contradictione habeant, tam de hominibus nostris quam de eorum hominibus propriis, ad firmam nostram predictam melius perficiendam et nobis reddendam. [Concedi]mus etiam predictis Willelmo et heredibus suis omnes libertates et liberas consuetudines quas gloriosus Rex Sanctus Edwardus nobis contulit et concessit. Et si no[s] (fn. 27) vel successores nostri in posterum aliquas libertates de aliis regibus seu aliis fidelibus Anglie perquisiverimus, nos easdem libertates eisdem concedimus et [confirm]amus, ita quod illis adeo libere et plenarie utantur sicuti nos melius et liberius illis utimur in dominicis maneriis nostris seu in aliis locis ubicumque libertates habuerimus. Nos autem et successores nostri predictis Willelmo et heredibus suis predictum manerium de Derhurst cum omnibus pertinentiis et omnibus libertatibus et liberis consuetudinibus predictis contra omnes homines et feminas pro predicto redditu inperpetuum warantizabimus, manutenebimus et defendemus. Et nos una cum conventu nostro predicte domus nostre Sancti Petri Westmonasterii ad hoc assensum probente et confirmante excomunicavimus omnes illos qui predictas libertates et liberas consuetudines de predictis Willelmo vel heredibus suis auferunt vel auferre nituntur, quoniam illis adeo specialiter et firmiter pro nobis et pro successoribus nostris illas concedimus et confirmamus sicuti nos specialius et liberius alicui illas dare possumus, concedere vel confirmare. Hiis testibus: Helia, priore Sancti Petri Westmonasterii; Ansgodo monacho; Ricardo de Bissea monacho; Adam monacho de Malvernia; Roberto Folet; Rogero de Stanton; Oliverio; Hugone Bello; Adam filio Godefridi de Persora, et pluribus aliis.

MSS: (1) WAM 32668.

26.5 × 19.5cm; t.u. 1.5cm; MS stained. Two vertical and three horizontal folds. Tag sur double queue. This charter is written in a 13C hand, and both the phraseology and the detailed legal provisions show that it cannot be a true copy of its putative original (Harvey, 'Fee Farms', p. 132 and n. 1).

Endorsed: (a) ij (13C). (b) Carta Gervasii abbatis Westmonasterii facta Willelmo Deneford' de manerio de Derestrt cum pertinentiis (13C). (c) Derherst (13C). (d) Derhurst' (13C).

(2) WAD, f. 316r–v.

(3) CAY, f. lxxj verso (memorandum: payment given as £34).

Pd: Harvey, 'Fee Farms', no. 4, pp. 139–41 (from WAM), setting out grounds for its being a forgery.

Cal: Bentley, 36, no. 258 (item 2), from CAY.

Alleged date: The empress's confirmation is 1138 × 1148, prob. no later than 1141: cf. Regesta III, no. 259. Compare with the charter from the convent (341) confirming the grant made by 'Gervasius quondam abbas noster', and with Henry II's confirmation (136).

Note: Deerhurst (Gloucs.) was given to Westminster along with other former possessions of Pershore Abbey by the Confessor (Harmer, nos. 99–102, and pp. 290–294). It was assessed in DB at 50 hides (the halfhundred of Deerhurst was the only hundred possessed by the abbey and was worth £40 TRE and £41 in 1086). See also Harvey, WA, 344–5, and 'Fee Farms', 131–3.

272. Notification by Abbot Gervase to Aylwin the sheriff of Sussex that Turbern of the Weald has fled to sanctuary. [1138 × 1154]

Gervasius abbas et omnis congregatio Westmonasterii Aylwyno vicecomiti et omnibus baronibus de Southsexia, salutem. Sciatis quod Turbernus de Welda misericordiam Dei et altarem Sancti Petri atque sepulcrum Regis Edwardi ad liberacionem sui requisivit. Est autem consuetudo et privilegium et ab antiquis Anglie regibus dignitas ista ecclesie Sancti Petri donata ut amplius pro ea forisfactura de qua calumpniatus erat non perdat neque vitam, neque membra, neque omnino aliquid suarum rerum amittat. Valete.

MS: F, f. 258v.

Rubric: Littera testimonialis antiqua de visitacione magni altaris

Sancti Petri Westmonasterii et sepulcri Regis etc.

Pd: Monasticon, I, no. LXI, 310.

Date: No known sheriff of Sussex is named Aylwyn in the reign of Henry II, so that this writ antedates his accession.

273. Notification by Abbot G[ervase] to R sheriff of Sussex that — has fled to sanctuary. [1138 × 1157]

G[ervasius] abbas humilis et omnis congregacio Sancti Petri Westmonasterii R vicecomiti et omnibus baronibus de Sussex, salutem. Sciatis quod iste [name erased] misericordiam Dei et altare Sancti Petri et sepulcrum Regis Edwardi ad liberacionem sui requisivit. Est autem consuetudo et privilegium et ab antiquis Anglie regibus dignitas ista ecclesie Sancti Petri donata, ut amplius forisfactum de quo calumpniatus erat non perdat neque vitam neque membra sua neque omnino aliquid suarum rerum amittat. Valete.

MS: WAD, f. 79v.

Date: Richard de Humez was sheriff of Sussex 1156 × 1157, and was succeeded by Ralph Picot 1157 × 1160 (Sheriffs, 141). However, R. was perhaps an otherwise unidentified sheriff in Stephen's reign, since before the end of Gervase's abbacy, and prob. before the end of Stephen's reign, there was a further development in the wording of the fugitive writ (274).

274. Notification by Abbot G[ervase] to N sheriff of Mddx. that H has fled to sanctuary because of a charge of theft. [1138 × 1157 (? × 1154)]

Domino N vicecomiti Midlesexie G[ervasius] humilis abbas et omnis congregacio Sancti Petri Westmonasterii, salutem. Iste H requisivit misericordiam Dei et Sancti Petri et sepulchrum Regis Edwardi propter reatum furti quod sibi imponitur. Scitote igitur talis est dignitas ecclesie nostre et Regis Edwardi postquam aliquis reus ibi misericordiam sicut supradiximus requisierit nec vitam nec membrum pro illo reatu debet amittere; precamur ergo vos et monemus ne contra domum et auxilium tanti patroni facere presumatis. Valete.

MS: WAD, f. 79v.

Date: There is no known N sheriff of Middlesex for the early years of Henry II. so this document almost certainly dates from Stephen's reign.

Note: This form of fugitive writ was prob. the latest issued during Gervase's abbacy, since Laurence's writ is a development of its format (279).