Charters of the abbots: Laurence (nos. 275-86)

Laurence (nos. 275–86)

275. Confirmation by Abbot Laurence to Baldwin Crisp of the lands he holds of the abbey in London by hereditary right for the annual rent of £1. 19s. 3d.: the lands are specified in five parcels. [1158 × 1173]

Noverint ad quos littere iste pervenerint quod ego L[aurentius], Dei gratia abbas Westmonasterii, et conventus eiusdem loci concedimus et presenti carta confirmamus Baldewino Crispo omnes terras quas de nobis tenet (fn. 1) in London' jure hereditarie possidendas, reddendo inde annuatim xxxix solidos et tres denarios, videlicet: de terra que in foro est que fuit Stephani filii Walding viginti novem solidos et xj denarios; de terra que fuit Roberti presbiteri de Sumersete chirch' iiij solidos et vj denarios; de terra in qua Gaufridus Pinchehaste manet xxxij denarios, de sopa Derman carnificis, quam Walterus le Lutre eidem Baldewino vendidit, ij solidos; de terra que fuit Willelmi le Lutre ij denarios. Hiis testibus: Magistro Radulfo; Magistro Mauricio; Alano dapifero; Rogero clerico; Simone clerico; Rogero cubiculario; Gerardo; Gileberto; Radulfo de Mulesham; Roberto clerico; Everardo aurifabro; Simone fratre eius; Johanne Thorneys; Osberto de Sutton; Johanne Blund; Alured de Westmonasterio; Aluredo filio Walteri.

MS: WAD, ff. 493v–494.

Rubric: Cirographum L. abbatis et conventus Westmonasterii de terris in London. Reddendo xxxix solidos et iij denarios per annum.

276. Notification by Abbot Laurence that he has remitted to Baldwin Crisp for life 3s. 3d. on the land in Cheap (in foro), (London), which belonged to Stephen son of Walding; and 8d. on the land where Geoffrey Pinchehaste lives. After Baldwin's death his heirs are to pay the usual rent, namely £1. 9s. 11d. on the former land and 2s. 8d. on the latter. [1158 × 1173]

Noverint ad quos littere iste pervenerint quod ego L[aurentius], Dei gratia abbas Westmonasterii, et conventus eiusdem loci remittimus Baldewino Crispo tantum in vita sua de terra que in foro est que fuit Stephani filii Walding, tres solidos et iij denarios; et de terra in qua Gaufridus Pinchehaste manet viij denarios. Post decessum vero Baldewini, heredes ipsius de prenominatis terris plenarie solitam censam persolvent, videlicet: de terra que in foro est xxix solidos et xj denarios, et de terra in qua Gaufridus Pinchehaste manet xxxij denarios, nisi forte a nobis impetrare possint ut eis inde aliquid condonetur. Hiis testibus: [none given]

MS: WAD, f. 493v.

Rubric: Moderacio L. abbatis Westmonasterii super redditum in foro facta Baldewino Crispo tamen in vita sua.

Date: Later than 275.

277. Grant by Abbot Laurence to Richard of Ilchester, archdeacon of Poitou, of the house in the Fishmarket, London, which the monk Peter of Windsor gave to the abbey; he is to hold it in fee for an annual rent of one pound of pepper at Easter. The archdeacon has paid ten marks (£6. 13s. 4d.) for this grant. [1158 × 1173]

Laurentius, Dei gratia abbas Westmonasterii, universis fidelibus ad quos presentes littere pervenerint, salutem. Notum sit omnibus quod nos provida deliberacione communicato fratrum nostrorum consilio concessimus et dedimus Ricardo archidiacono Pictavensi domum quam Petrus de Windesore monachus noster ecclesie nostre dedit London in piscaria; tenendam sibi et heredibus suis de ecclesia nostra inperpetuum in feudo et hereditate, reddendo michi j libram piperis annuatim in termino Pasche pro omni servicio. Quia ipse Petrus eandem domum sub ea condicione ecclesie nostre dedit ut predictus archidiaconus et heredes sui eam de ecclesia nostra hereditarie tenere deberent. Pro hac autem concessione et donacione dedit nobis idem archidiaconus decem marcas argenti. Testibus: Roberto de Burnham; Edwardo de Well'; Henrico de London'; Aluredo de Watm'; Magistro Gregorio; Elia capellano; Radulfo de Exonia; Willelmo de Sancta Fide; Johanne de Garlande; Johanne Buccuinte; Gaufrido filio Sabelli; Johanne Burg'; Alexandro de Barent'; Osberto Quarel; Roberto filio Alani; Osberto de Kinet'; Radulfo Marisco.

MS: WAD f. 368.

Rubric: Carta Laurencii abbatis Westmonasterii de quadam domo in piscaria London'.

278. Confirmation by Abbot Laurence to John the Burgundian of the grant made to him by Richard of Ilchester, archdeacon of Poitou, of the house which Peter of Windsor had in the Fishmarket, London. John and his heirs will pay the archdeacon and his heirs one besant and one pound of pepper annually. [1158 × 1173]

Laurentius abbas Westmonasterii universis hominibus et fidelibus suis, salutem. Sciatis quod nos, communicato fratrum nostrorum consilio, concessimus, et hac carta nostra confirmavimus, Johanni Burgund' donationem quam Ricardus archidiaconus Pictavensis ei fecit de domo que fuit Petri de Windesor', London' in Piscaria, scilicet: ut Johannes et heredes sui teneant domum [de] ipso archidiacono et de suis heredibus in feodo et hereditate; reddendo inde eidem archidiacono et heredibus suis per annum unum bisantium et unam libram piperis, sicut ipse archidiaconus ei concessit et carta sua confirmavit. Testibus: Roberto de Burneham; Willelmo de Sancta Fide; Radulfo de Crout; Alano Senesc[allo]; Alexandro de Barent'; Osberto Quarel, et multis aliis.

MS: Royal Hospital of St Bartholomew Archives Hc. 1/1149.

13.8 × 8cm; t.u. 2cm.

Seal: Brown; 3.4 cm diameter, attached by tag; half-length figure of abbot; legend: SIGILLUM LAURENTII ABBATIS.

Pd: Moore, Hist. St Bartholomew's I, 76 (facsimile).

Cal: Cart. St Bartholomew's, no. 718.

Date: Later than 277.

Note: Richard's grant to John is pd. Moore, I, 73–4; cal. Cart. St Bartholomew's, no. 722.

279. Notification by Abbot Laurence to Brithstan (? Brihmer de Haverhill), sheriff of Mddx., that Siward of Dunstable has sought sanctuary because of a charge of theft. [1158 × 1174]

Domino Brithstano vicecomiti de Middilsex' Laurentius abbas et omnis congregacio Sancti Petri Westmonasterii, salutem. Sciatis quod iste Sywardus de Dunstapell' requisivit misericordiam Dei et Sancti Petri et sepulcrum Regis Edwardi propter reatum furti quod sibi imponitur. Scitote ergo quia talis est dignitas nostre ecclesie et Regis Edwardi quod postquam aliquis reus ibi misericordiam sicut supradictum est requisierit nec vitam nec membra pro illo reatu debet amittere. Precamur vos ergo et monemus ne contra Deum et contra auxilium tanti patroni facere presumatis. Valete.

MS: F, ff. 258v–259.

Rubric: Littera testimonialis Laurentii abbatis de eodem.

Pd: Monasticon I, no. LXIII, 310.

Date: Brithstan is not listed among the sheriffs of London and Mddx., although the sheriff at Michaelmas 1159 is unnamed. Prob. his name is a corruption of Brihmer, i.e. Brihmer of Haverhill, in office at Michaelmas, 1157, 1158, 1174 (Sheriffs, 200).

280. Confirmation by Abbot Laurence of the grants (249–50, 264–5) of Abbots Herbert and Gervase to the nuns of Kilburn (Mddx.). [1158 × 1173]

Laurencius abbas Westmonasterii universis Sancte Matris Ecclesie fidelibus, salutem. Pium est ac religiosum ea que Sanctis locis a fidelibus caritatis intuitu collata sunt confirmare et ne in posterum quorumlibet pravitate valeant auferri scriptorum munimine roborare; eapropter quecumque a predecessoribus nostris Hereberto et Gervasio abbatibus ancillis Christi de Kyneburna rationabiliter concessa sunt, nos auctoritate qua possumus ratum habemus et sigilli nostri impressione confirmamus. Hiis testibus: Radulfo fratre abbatis Westmonasterii; Magistro Mauricio, Symone clerico; Willelmo filio Isabelle; Radulfo de vij Fontibus, Hugone Bello et Roberto Testard.

MSS: (1) F, ff. 328v–329.

Rubric: Carta confirmacionis Laurentii abbatis de donacione predecessorum suorum ancillis de Kylborne c[apitulu]m clj.

Marginalia: (partially erased) Et confirma[cio] Laurentii [abbatis] de donatione predecessorum ancillis de Kelborne.

(2) LN, f. cxxv verso (omitting attestation of William fitz Isabel).

(3) CAY, f. cxxxiv verso.

Pd: Monasticon III, 427, no. VI.

Cal: Bentley, 64, no. 527.

Date: Possibly William Fitz Isabel attested in his capacity as sheriff: in office at Michaelmas 1162, and also in other years outside Laurence's abbacy (Sheriffs, 200).

281. Quitclaim made in the Exchequer at Westminster by Abbot Robert of St Albans and Robert Taileboys and his brothers to Abbot Laurence of charges in Aldenham (Herts.). In return, Abbot Laurence gave the brothers twenty-three marks (£15. 6s. 8d.) and quittance of pannage for twenty pigs in Aldenham wood yearly. 29 Sept. 1165.

Sciant omnes fideles, tam presentes quam futuri, quod Robertus abbas ecclesie Sancti Albani, pro se et conventu suo, et Robertus Tailleb[oys] et fratres eius Rogerus et Simon, pro se et heredibus suis, quietamclamaverunt Laurentio abbati et ecclesie Westmonasterii omnem calumniam quam Robertus abbas faciebat adversus ecclesiam Westmonasterii et abbatem pro Roberto Tailleb[oys] et fratribus eius Rogero et Simone in Aldenham, tam in bosco quam in plano. Pro hac autem quietatione dedit abbas Westmonasterii predictis fratribus xxiij marcas argenti consentiente Roberto abbate Sancti Albani. Concessit etiam abbas et conventus Westmonasterii supradictis fratribus et eorum heredibus quietationem pannagii xx porcorum in bosco de Aldenham singulis annis tempore glandis. Hec autem quietatio facta est ad scaccarium apud Westmonasterium anno xi regni Regis Henrici Secundi, in Festo Sancti Michaelis, assidentibus iusticiis regis: Nigello, episcopo Heliensi; Gaufrido archidiachono Cantuariensi; Ricardo, archidiacono Pictaviensi; Ricardo, thesaurario regis; Widone, decano de Waltham; Roberto, comite Legrensi; Ricardo de Luci; Henrico filio Geroldi, Willelmo Mald', camerariis regis: Symone filio Petri; Alano de Novilla; Gaufrido monacho; Willelmo filio Audel', mareschallo regis; Philippo de Daventr'.

MSS: WAM 4465, 4497. These have identical texts, apart from an occasional omission of a punctuation mark by one or the other, but are in different hands.

(1) WAM 4465.

18.1 × 13 cm; tongue (stub only): 2.6cm; 12C hand. No seal.

Endorsed: (a) Quietaclamatio de calumnia Roberti Tayleboys et fratrum suorum de terra in Aldeham (13C). (b) facta ecclesie Westmonasterii (14C). (c) De calumnia Robertj Tailebois (12C).

(2) WAM 4497.

15.3 × 12.2cm; t.u. 2.8cm. Formal 12C bookhand.

Seal: red; on tag endorsed iiij; 8.5 × 6cm; cleric standing; right hand raised in blessing; left hand holding crozier. Legend (worn): SIG . . . PISCOP

Counterseal: 3.6 × 3.3cm. Classical figure; reclining against pillar to left; bird (?swan) to right. Legend: SIGILLA . . . NT. . . BATIS W. . .

Endorsed: (a) Transactio facta inter abbatem Westmonasterii et abbatem Sancti Albani pro calumpnia Roberti Tayleboys et fratrum suorum de terra in Aldenham (13C). (b) Transactio facta inter abbatem Westmonasterii et abbatem Sancti Albani de Aldenham (12C). (c) 113 (?16C).

(3) WAD, f. 186r–v.

Pd: Formulare, p. xix (from Hec autem quietatio only) (from original).

Cal: Eyton, p. 85.

Note: Abbot Laurence was formerly a monk of St Albans (Heads, 77). Early in his abbacy, he is said to have received material support from Abbot Robert, but responded with ingratitude, prompting the onset of the dispute resolved by this present charter (Gesta Abbatum I, 112, 133–4). On its background, see ibid., 43–4; Harvey, WA, 345. Laurence's alleged offences included the admission to Westminster of Alquin, the deposed and absconded prior of St Albans (Gesta Abbatum I, 107–10), who became prior of Westminster during his abbacy (Pearce, Monks of Westminster, 44).

282. Agreement between Abbots Laurence of Westminster and Simon of St Albans concerning the dispute about land at Sandridge. They exchange eight acres near Sandridge and Wheathampstead (Herts.) respectively. [1167 × c. Easter 1169]

Hec est convencio inter monasterium Beati Petri Westmonasterii et monasterium Beati Albani super controversia[m] cuiusdam terre que iacet ex orientali parte strate que dirigitur ad Marford inter terram de Sandrug' et fluvium de Marford. Laurentius abbas Westmonasterii, assensu conventus sui, et consilio et assensu hominum suorum ad quos ius illius terre spectabat, in presentia Nicholai vicecomitis et multorum hominum de comitatu de Hereford, (fn. 2) concessit Symoni abbati et monachis ecclesie Sancti Albani totam illam terram de qua controversia erat inter pretaxata monasteria, et aliam eidem terre contiguam que iuris Beati Petri dinoscebatur esse, videlicet: octo acras plenarias et tantumdem amplius quantum spacium pedis et semis continet in latitudine, et in longitudine quadrantane unius. Symon vero abbas ecclesie Sancti Albani, assensu conventus sui et hominum suorum consilio, in escambium predicte terre concessit Abbati Laurentio et monasterio Westmonasterii tantundem terre in Sandrugia que est contigua terre sue de Wathamest' scilicet: octo acras plenarias et tantundem amplius quantum spacium pedis et semis continet in latitudine, et in longitudine unius quadrantane, et hoc assensu Gregorii presbiteri de Sandrug', ad cuius ius illa terra spectabat. Tenebunt itaque prenominata monasteria predictas terras inperpetuum, liberas ab omni servicio et calumnia. Abbas quippe Westmonasterii warantizabit terram illam quam dedit abbati et ecclesie Sancti Albani contra omnes homines. Abbas similiter ecclesie Sancti Albani terram quam in escambium dedit abbati Westmonasterii warantizabit contra omnes homines. Hoc ergo factum est pro pace utriusque ecclesie et in scriptum redactum ne illius terre occasione de cetero possit inter eas litigium iterandi prompta haberi facultas.

MSS: (1) WAM 8956.

44.8 × 10.7 cm. Top edge has lower half of CIROGRAPHUM.

Seal (on tag): 7.8 × 5.5cm; damaged. Seated figure holding object (? pastoral staff).

Endorsed: (a) Carta Aldenham (12C). (b) Cirographum inter monasterium Sancti Petri Westmonasterii et monasterium Sancti Albani de terra iuxta Marfford (13C). (c) de viij acris terre . . . (four and a half lines illegible: badly stained) pro terra iuxta Marford' (14C).

(2) WAD, f. 186.

Date: Abbot Laurence 1158 × 1173; Abbot Simon of St Albans 1167 × 1183 (Heads, 67, 77; Nicholas' term as sheriff (PR II Henry II, 15; PR 15 Henry II, 121).

Note: Cf. Gesta Abbatum, I, 133–4; Harvey, WA, 347.

283. Grant by Abbot Laurence to the Sacristy of the church of Sawbridgeworth (Herts.), to provide lights for the altar, and wine and a pittance in the refectory on the Second Feast of St Agnes (28 Jan.), (to commemorate) the anniversary of the abbot's father and mother, and of the predecessors and benefactors of the monks. [1161]

Sciant [tam] presentes quam futuri quod ego Laurentius, Dei gratia abbas Westmonasterii, communi assensu et voluntate totius capituli nostri, donavi Deo et altari Sancti Petri ecclesie nostre, ad luminare ante corpus Christi et sanctorum reliquias que inibi continentur, ecclesiam de Sabrihteswrtha cum omnibus ad eam pertinentibus in perpetuum ius, ita quod per monachum qui prefuerit obedientie secretarii nostri, tanquam magister procuratorque, fiet omne ordinamentum ipsius ecclesie, videlicet de Sabrihteswrtha, et clericorum suorum et rerum et rectitudinum et omnes redditus venient ad manus ipsius quos fideliter expendet in usus necessarios predicti altaris et luminaris. Et preterea inde inveniet omni anno toti conventui in refectorio vinum et pitanciam die que dicitur Agnetis Secundo, videlicet quando sit anniversarium pro animabus patris et matris mee, omniumque predecessorum et benefactorumque fratrum huius loci. Hanc donationem L[aurentius] abbas, ut dictum est, donavit in capitulo Westmonasterii, et post capitulum statim super ipsum altare apostolorum principis Petri confirmavit. Ex Deo et eodem apostolo sanctissimo et ex potestate a Deo sibi tradita terribiliter eos anathematizans quicunque hanc donationem sive constitutionem suam infringeret. Et fracte scilicet huius donationis compotes quamdiu illam redintegrare nollent. Fecit autem hoc astante et unanimiter confirmante conventu.

MSS: (1) WAM 8579.

19.7 × 11.2 cm; t.u. 2.8cm. Tag but no seal.

Endorsed: (a) Carta Domini Laurentii abbatis de Sabrithswrth' (12C). (b) ad sacristiam deputatur et ad inveniendum vinum et pitanciam conventui Die Sancte Agnetis. ij (13C). (c) Sacristarius.

(2) WAD, f. 379v–380.

(3) F, f. 286v–287.

Date: Pope Alexander III's confirmation of Sawbridgeworth church to the Sacristy is dated February 1161 (170).

284. Grant for life by Abbot Laurence to his clerk Maurice, perpetual vicar of Sawbridgeworth (Herts.), of the gifts and offerings made to that church, in return for the annual payment to the Sacristy of £15. Maurice would pay episcopalia and other burdens, and at appointed terms would render the stock. At his death everything would revert to the abbot. If Maurice died after making an annual payment, the abbot would recompense his assign or grant him custody down to the following Michaelmas. [? c. 1161]

Noverint ad quos littere iste pervenerint quod ego Laurentius, Dei gratia abbas Westmonasterii, et conventus eiusdem loci concessimus Mauricio clerico nostro, qui perpetuam ecclesie de Sabricheswrth vicariam habet, obvenciones et beneficia eiusdem ecclesie in vita sua, ita ut inde singulis annis persolvat ad officium sacriste et ad opera ecclesie nostre xv libras: dimidium, videlicet, ad Pascha et dimidium ad Festum Sancti Michaelis, ita sane ut infra octavas utriusque termini totum persolvat. Episcopalia ipse persolvet et cetera onera ecclesie sustinebit. Hec autem predicta ei concedimus quamdiu legitime erga nos se habuerit et statutis terminis bene reddiderit instauramenta que ibi recepta estimata sunt lxiij solidis et x nummis. Beneficia ecclesie in terra eiusdem ecclesie collocabuntur et ibidem ad voluntatem ipsius expendentur, opera etiam homines in possessione ecclesie manentium eis invitis alias transferre non poterit. Post mortem eius tota possessio libera et quieta et absque omni calumpnia in manu nostra remanebit cum predictis instauramentis et cum omnibus emendacionibus quas in ea fecerit. Si vero contigerit Mauricius decedere post aliquam anni solucionem factam, aut quantum ab eo tunc acceptum fuerit alicui pariter ipsius cum ipse diviserit de quo securi simus restituemus, aut eidem possessionem usque ad proximum Festum Sancti Michaelis dimittemus, et ipse totum acquietabit. Hiis testibus: Ysaac, canonico de Walth[am], et Willelmo fratre eius; Philippo et Mauricio; Simone clerico et Johanne nepote abbatis.

MS: WAD, ff. 648v-649.

Rubric: Littera L. abbatis et conventus Westmonasterii cirographata de ecclesia de Sabrichewrth' et pensione xv librarum.

Marginalia: Sabricheswrth'.

Date: Alexander III's confirmation of the church to the sacristy is dated February 1161 (170).

Note: See Harvey, WA, 409.

285. Grant by Abbot Laurence to Prior William and the brethren of Hurley of the church of Easthampstead (Berks.) to provide extra food on the feast of St Edward. [1158 × 1174]

Laurentius abbas Westmonasterii omnibus Sancte Matris ecclesie fidelibus, salutem. Ad pii patris spectat officium ut necessitatibus filiorum tempestive provideat et discret[e], ea propter fratrum de Herleia necessitati consulere satagens et utilitati ecclesiam de Iezthamesteda. Willelmo eiusdem loci priori, et fratribus ibidem degentibus in perpetuam elemosinam concedo, et hac presenti carta nostra eandem cum omnibus pertinentiis suis eis confirmo, quatinus inde fratres in Festo Beati AEdwardi singulis annis ampliorem habeant refectionem, et huius intuitu beneficii in predicti sancti veneratione ipsi se fratres devotiores exhibeant ac promptiores. Testibus: Alano dapifero; Magistro Rogero de Lolleswurda; Simone clerico abbatis; Mauritio de Sancto Albano; Magistro Waltero de Constant'; Willelmo de Mulesham et Radulfo fratre eius; Radulfo de Coggeshala; Roberto de Cliveloride.

MS: WAM 2280.

14.5 × 8.3 cm; tongue (torn): 1 cm.

Endorsed: Yesthamsted (13C).

Cal: Wethered, St Mary's, Hurley, no. 25, 98–9.

Note: TRE Westminster held ten hides valued at 100s., but in 1086 only five hides valued at 50s. The reduction in value was prob. due to part of the holding being incorporated into Windsor Forest. See also Harvey, WA, 337.

286. Grant by Abbot Laurence to Mr Ralph [de Beaumont] his physician, a royal clerk, of the church of Bloxham (Oxon.), for an annual payment of five marks (£3. 6s. 8d.) to the Sacristy. Ralph must not alienate the church, and if he died, or became a religious, or a bishop, the church would revert to the abbey. [1158 × 1170]

Universis Sancte Matris Ecclesie filiis L[aurentius], Dei gratia abbas Westmonasterii, et conventus eiusdem loci, salutem. Quos in ecclesiasticis negociis devotiores et fideliores intelligimus, eos ad ecclesiastica beneficia propentius et securius promovemus: hac usi consideracione Magistro Radulpho medico dilecto nostro, clerico domini nostri regis, ecclesiam de Blockesham cum omnibus ad eam pertinentibus in elemosinam concessimus, quam volumus eum libere et quiete et honorifice tenere. Reddendo inde annuatim officio sacriste ecclesie nostre, cui ab antiquo deputata est predicta ecclesia, v marcas argenti: ad Festum videlicet Sancti Michaelis ij marcas et dimidiam; ad Pascham ij marcas et dimidiam. Istud autem illi hoc tenore concedimus ne possit ecclesiam istam aut alii dare, aut aliquo modo a manu sua alienare, nisi per licenciam nostram. Si vero prefatus Radulphus aut decesserit, aut habitum religionis susceperit, aut ad gradum episcopatus promotus fuerit, ecclesia prenominata libera et quieta in manu nostra remanebit.

MS: WAD f. 378.

Marginalia: Blockesham.

Rubric: Carta Laurencii abbatis et conventus Westmonasterii de collacione ecclesie de Blockesham et de pensione v marcarum eiusdem ecclesie.

Date: Mr Ralph de Beaumont, medicus et familiaris of Henry II, was drowned in March 1170 when the king and his entourage were crossing from Normandy to Portsmouth (Gesta Henrici, I, 4).

Note: Ralph's influence at court perhaps prompted the abbot to present him to this church (J. E. Lally, 'Secular patronage at the court of Henry II', BIHR, 49 (1976), 173.