Charters of the abbots: Ralph Arundel (nos. 327-38)

Ralph Arundel (nos. 327–38)

327. Grant by Abbot Ralph and the convent to their clerk, Alexander of Swerford, of their houses in London, between Ludgate and Fleet Bridge, formerly belonging to William Turpin, to hold in perpetuity for an annual rent of 8s. due to the proctor of the Lady Altar, for lights, saving the service due to the chief lords. [c. Sept. 1206 × ante Jan. 1214]

Omnibus Sancte Matris Ecclesie filiis ad quos presens scriptum pervenerit, Radulfus, Dei gratia abbas Westmonasterii, et eiusdem loci conventus, salutem in Domino. Noverit universitas vestra nos concessisse et hac presenti carta nostra confirmasse Alexandro de Swereford, clerico nostro, domos nostras in London', inter Ludgate et Pontem de Flete, scilicet domos que fuerunt Willelmi Turpin, tenendas et habendas sibi et heredibus suis de nobis libere et quiete inperpetuum, reddendo inde singulis annis, and luminaria altaris Beate Dei Genetricis Marie, ei qui pro tempore predictum altare procuraverit octo solidos ad quatuor anni terminos, scilicet: ad Natale Domini duos solidos; et ad Pascha duos solidos; et ad Festum Sancti Johannis Baptiste duos solidos; et ad Festum Sancti Michaelis duos solidos, pro omni servitio ad nos pertinente, salvo servicio capitalium dominorum. Et ut hec concessio et carte nostre confirmatio rata sit et stabilis permaneat, eam sigilli nostri appositione corroboravimus. Hiis testibus: Willelmo Eliensi, domini regis thesaurario; Willelmo archidiacono Huntingdon'; Roberto Mauduit, domini regis camerario; (fn. 1) Magistro Jocelino Marescallo; Willelmo de Boveneya; Willelmo de Castell; Ricardo de Dol; Odone aurifabro; Henrico Sumer; Richardo Testard; Johanne fratre eius; Richardo filio Edmundi; Stephano de Berking', et multis aliis.

MS: WAD, f. 561.

Rubric: Cirographus abbatis et conventus Westmonasterii de eodem.

Marginalia: j nova.

Date: Attestation of William of Cornhill as archdeacon of Huntingdon (Fasti III, 28), limited by term of office of Abbot Ralph (Heads, 77).

Note: The recipient is almost certainly the well-known Exchequer officer of that name (Matthew Paris, Chron. Majora, ed. H. R. Luard, IV (R.S. 1877), 587–88; F. M. Powicke, King Henry III and the Lord Edward (1947), 90–91; R. C. Stacey, Politics, Policy and Finance under Henry III 1216–1245 (1987), 41–2, 257). The 'chief lords' of the property were prob. the nuns of Clerkenwell, Roger de Friville and Ralph de Rosei, as listed in 386–7.

328. Notification by Abbot Ralph that, with the assent of the chapter, he has confirmed to Ralph Fitz Stephen of Boulogne, and his heirs in perpetuity, the land in Longditch Street, Westminster, between the land of Walkelin of the almonry and that of the fee of Stephen of Barking, which Thomas brother of Pancras, sergeant of the sacristy, granted to the high altar, to hold at an annual rent of 7s. due to the high altar, and saving the forinsec service pertaining to the vill. This concession, made by the convent in full chapter, has been written in their martyrology to preserve it for posterity, and the cirograph of this charter has been deposited in the treasury. [1200 × 1203]

Omnibus ad quos presens scriptum pervenerit Radulfus, divina miseratione abbas Westmonasterii, salutem in Domino. Noveritis nos assensu et voluntate totius capituli nostri dedisse et concessisse et hac presenti carta nostra confirmasse Radulfo filio Stephani de Bolonia totam terram nostram in villa Westmonasterii quam Thomas frater Pancracii, serviens de sacrista ecclesie nostre, ad magnum altare ecclesie nostre dedit et concessit, que videlicet terra iacet in vico de Langedich, inter terram Walkelini de elemosinaria ex una parte, et inter terram que est de feodo Stephani de Berkinges ex alia parte; habendam et tenendam cum omnibus pertinentiis suis ipsi Radulfo et heredibus suis inperpetuum in feodo et hereditate, libere et quiete, integre et plenarie, honorifice et pacifice; reddendo inde annuatim ad magnum altare ecclesie nostre septem solidos ad quatuor terminos anni, videlicet: ad Natale Domini viginti et unum denarios; et ad Pascham viginti et unum denarios; et ad Festum Sancti Johannis viginti et unum denarios; et ad Festum Sancti Michaelis viginti et unum denarios pro omni servitio et exactione, salvo servicio forinseco pertinente ad villam. Ut autem hec donatio et concessio firma sit et stabilis eam presenti scripto et sigilli mei appositione roboravimus. Et concessionem istam in pleno capitulo a conventu nostro factam redigi fecimus in scripturam in martirologio nostro ut ad noticiam perveniat posterorum, et cirographum presentis carte, in thesauro ecclesie nostre reponi fecimus in testimonium. Hiis testibus: Ricardo de Dol, senescallo Westmonasterii; Uliano Chendedut; Magistro Simone de London'; Odone aurifabro, tunc preposito Westmonasterii; Roberto de Rockingeham; Henrico Sumer; Ricardo filio Edmundi; Stephano de Berking'; Roberto de Krokesleg'; Walkelino de elemosinario; Galfrido de Cruce; Wymundo pistore; Willelmo pistore; Willelmo de Scardeburg'; Michaele filio eius; Ricardo Ospinel; Willelmo Noel, et multis aliis.

MS: WAD, f. 355r–v.

Rubric: Carta Radulfi abbatis Westmonasterii de tota terra quam Thomas frater Pancracii ecclesie (nostre)^c (Westmonasteri)ⁱ dedit in villa Westmonasterii.

Date: Ralph Fitz Stephen, perhaps to be identified with the recipient, d. 1202 × 1203 (Cart. Darley, I, xxiii).

Note: Ralph Fitz Stephen held another, less valuable, tenancy in Longditch, of Odo the goldsmith (442). The curialis Ralph Fitz Stephen would prob. need premises in Westminster. He did not normally style himself 'of Boulogne', but his first wife had been vicomtesse of Rouen (Cart. Darley, I, xxiii).

329. Confirmation by Abbot Ralph, at the petition of the king's chamberlain, Robert Mauduit II, and his wife Isabel, of gifts made to provide lights for St Mary's altar in the abbey. The names of the donors are to be entered in the abbey's martyrology and they will share in the spiritual benefits of the abbey. [Nov. 1200 × Jan. 1214]

Omnibus Christi fidelibus ad quos presens scriptum pervenerit, Radulfus, divina miseratione abbas Westmonasterii, et eiusdem loci conventus, salutem in Domino. Noverit universitas vestra nos ad petitionem Roberti Mauduit, domini regis camerarii, et Isabelle uxoris sue, et aliorum bonorum virorum, concessisse et hac presenti carta nostra confirmasse quod omnia bona collata vel conferenda altari Beate Marie eiusdem ecclesie Westmonasterii, sive in redditibus, sive in terris, sive in quibuscumque elemosinarum largitionibus, rata sint et stabilia ad luminaria eiusdem altaris ministranda, et alias elemosinas provisas ibidem faciendas. Et preterea concessimus quod nomina omnium illorum qui bona sua predicto altari contulerint vel collaturi sunt in martyrologio nostro conscribantur, et omnium bonorum que in ecclesia nostra fient, in orationibus, in jejuniis, in vigiliis, in missis, in disciplinis, et in omnibus aliis elemosinis, sint participes. Nos autem excommunicav[er]imus in pleno capitulo solempniter accensis candelis omnes quicumque in alios usus predicta bona absque communi consilio abbatis et conventus eiusdem loci transferent. Teste Deo, et Beata Maria, et omnibus sanctis Dei.

MSS: (1) WAM LIII.

18.3 × 11.5 cm; t.u. 2.5 cm.

Seals: attached by tags. (1) Green; damaged; 6.5 × 8 cm; abbot standing with crozier in left hand; right hand raised; legend: [SIGILLUM] RAD[ULPHI D]EI GR[ATIA ABBATIS WEST[MONASTERII]: on reverse: counter-seal, 2.5 cm diameter; two fishes; legend worn. (2) Green; fragmentary; obverse, seated cleric: reverse, seated figure.

Endorsed: (a) Confirmatio abbatis et conventus de redditibus Sancte Marie (another hand but contemporary with charter). (b) Parti cipatio beneficiorum capelle Beate Marie Westmonasterii (14C). (c) Scriptum Radulfi abbatis (14C).

(2) WAD, ff. 507v–508.

Pd: Mason, 'The Mauduits and their Chamberlainship', 21–22.

330. Final concord between Abbot Ralph, plaintiff, and William de Ginnes and his wife Matilda, defendants, concerning a carucate of land in Battersea (Surr.), and the wood and land of Penge (Surr.). Curia Regis, Westminster. Easter term 1204.

Hec est finalis concordia facta in curia domini regis apud Westmonasterium a die Pasche in j mensem, anno regni Regis Johannis quinto, coram Gaufrido filio Petri, Ricardo de Her[iet'], Simone de Pat[es]hull, Eustachio de Faucunb[er]g, Johanne de Gestling, Osberto filio Hervei, Godefrido de Insula, Waltero de Creping', justiciariis, et aliis baronibus domini regis tunc ibi presentibus, inter Radulfum abbatem Westmonasterii, petentem, et Willelmum de Ginnes, et Matildem uxorem suam, tenentem, de una carucata terre cum pertinentiis in Batricheseya sicut aquaductus designat usque ad propriam terram predicti Willelmi, et a nemore archiepiscopi Cantuariensis usque ad parcum de Beke[n]ham. Unde placitum fuit inter eos in prefata curia, scilicet: quod predicti Willelmus et Matildis recognoverunt totam predictam terram cum pertinentiis esse ius ipsius abbatis et ecclesie Sancti Petri de Westmonasterio. Et pro hac recognitione et fine et concordia predictus abbas concessit predicto Willelmo et Matildi et heredibus ipsius Matildis totam predictam terram cum pertinentiis, tenendam de ipso abbate et successoribus suis inperpetuum per liberum servicium viginti solidorum per annum pro omni servicio, reddendo ad duos terminos anni, scilicet: ad Pascha decem solidos, et ad Festum Sancti Michaelis decem solidos. Et pro hac concessione predicti Willelmus et Matildis remiserunt et quietum clamaverunt predicto abbati et successoribus suis totum ius et clamium quod habuerunt in bosco et in terra de Pange de se et heredibus ipsius Matildis inperpetuum, ita quod predictus abbas et successores sui possint facere voluntatem suam de predicto bosco et terra sine contradictione predictorum Willelmi et Matildis et heredum ipsius Matildis: ita tamen quod predictus abbas concessit predicto Willelmo et Matildi et heredibus ipsius Matildis communam herbagii in bosco suo de Pange de omnibus propriis averiis de Bekenham, exceptis capris et alienis averiis, quamdiu boscum clausum non fuerit. Et preterea idem abbas concessit predictis Willelmo et Matildi et heredibus ipsius Matildis triginta porcos in predicto bosco quietos de pannagio et omnes alii porci et omnia averia de Bekenham removeantur de predicto bosco de Pange quamdiu pessio durat, scilicet: inter Festum Sancti Michaelis et Festum Sancti Martini. Et si forte contigerit quod predictus abbas vel successores sui predictum obscum de Pange clauserunt predicti Willelmus et Matildis et heredes ipsius Matildis habebunt in predicto bosco pasturam ad quadraginta animalia et ad centum oves et predictos triginta porcos quietos de pannagio. Et si forte contigerit quod idem abbas vel successores sui de predicto bosco essartare voluerint licet bene facere eis hoc sine contradictione predictorum Willelmi et Matildis vel heredum ipsius Matildis sed tamen remanebit de predicto bosco et herbagio non sartato quod idem Willelmus et Matildis et heredes ipsius Matildis habeant sustentacionem ad predictos triginta porcos et ad quadraginta animalia et ad centum oves. Et idem abbas cepit homagium ipsius Willelmi de predicta terra in eadem curia.

MS: WAD, f. 168r–v.

Rubric: Concordia inter abbatem Westmonasterii et Willelmum de Ginnes et Matildem uxorem suam de una carucata terre in Batricheseya.

Pd: English transl., in full, Browning and Kirk, 240–41.

Cal: Fines Surrey, 6.

331. Final concord between Aubrey de Vere, plaintiff, and Abbot Ralph, tenant, concerning the manor of Feering (Essex), following a plea between them. Aubrey quitclaimed the manor, and in return the abbot granted and conceded to him Little Coggeshall (Essex), pertaining to Feering, to hold in perpetuity, for an annual rent of 2s. and saving the forinsec service. Curia Regis, Westminster, Michaelmas term 1201.

Hec est finalis concordia facta in curia domini regis apud Westmonasterium a die Sancti Michaelis in unum mensem, anno regni Regis Johannis tercio, coram G. filio Petri, Ricardo de Her', Simone de Pateshill', Johanne de Gestling', Eustacio de Faucunberg', Godefrido de Insula, Waltero de Creping', justiciariis, et aliis baronibus domini regis tunc ibi presentibus, inter Albricum de Ver, petentem, et Radulfum abbatem Westmonasterii, tenentem, de toto manerio de Feringes cum omnibus pertinenciis. Unde placitum fuit inter eos in prefata curia, scilicet: quod predictus Albericus remisit et quietum clamavit predicto abbati et successoribus suis totum ius et clamium quod habuit in predicto manerio cum omnibus pertinenciis, de se et heredibus suis imperpetuum; et pro hac quieta clamia et fine et concordia, predictus abbas dedit et concessit predicto Albrico et heredibus suis totam terram que vocatur Parva Coggeshale, que pertinet ad predictum manerium de Feringes; habendam et tenendam de se et successoribus suis imperpetuum, per servicium duorum solidorum per annum pro omni servicio, salvo forinseco servitio, reddendum ad Festum Sancti Michaelis.

MSS: (1) WAM 1043.

26 × 9.8 cm; top and left side indented for cirograph; no tag or seal. Endorsed: Albrico de Ver (13C).

(2) WAD, f. 266.

(3) PRO, CP25(1), 52/6, no. 53 (variant).

Cal: Fines Essex, I, 24, no. 53.

Note: Cf. Harvey, WA, 341; Curia Regis Rolls I, 464–5.

332. Notification by Abbot Ralph to the men of Benfleet that he has granted the manor of Benfleet (Essex) to the prior and convent, as it had belonged to their pittancer from ancient times and which the abbot had held from them for a term. [1200 × 1214]

Radulphus, divina miseratione abbas Westmonasterii, universis hominibus de Benflet, tam liberis quam aliis, salutem. Noverit universitas vestra nos reddidisse et quietum clamasse inperpetuum dilectis filiis nostris priori et conventui Westmonasterii totum manerium suum de Benflet, cum omnibus possessionibus et redditibus et omnibus pertinentiis suis sine aliquo retinemento, quod scilicet manerium ad pitanceriam eorum pertinet, et ad eandem antiquitus fuit assignatum, quod videlicet manerium ad terminum de eis tenuimus per eorum voluntatem et concessionem. Iccirco vobis mandamus quatinus sicut nobis fuistis intendentes, decetero predictis priori et conventui intendatis. Mittimus autem ad vos latores presentium monachos nostros ut predicti manerii loco predicti prioris et conventus saisinam recipiant et ut vobis viva voce dicant et ostendant quod litteris testamur presentibus. Valete.

MSS: (1) BL Additional Charter 8474.

19.1 × 3 cm; bottom left-hand corner torn where a step might have been.

Endorsed: Cives . . . Benfleta . . . (legible remains of three lines, very faded and rubbed, and partially overwritten with modern notes).

(2) WAD, f. 602v.

Note: Cf. Harvey, WA, 340; 299, 317, 344.

333. Settlement between Abbots John of St Albans and Ralph of Westminster of the dispute about view of frankpledge in Aldenham (Herts.) and suit of the hundred court. The abbot of St Albans will send his bailiff to view frankpledge in Aldenham and take the pledges and escheats, which will belong to the abbot of Westminster through his bailiff, who is to pay each year to the abbot of St Albans two besants or 4s., whether or not there are any escheats. This is saving suit of the hundred court as it was formerly rendered, and the pleas of the Crown. [1200 × 1214]

Sciant tam presentes quam futuri hanc esse formam firme pacis inter Abbatem Johannem de Sancto Albano et Abbatem Radulphum de Westmonasterio de controversia que fuit inter illos de visu francplegiorum de Aldenham et de secta hundredi, videlicet: quod Abbas Sancti Albani Johannes premissa summonitione congrua mittet quem voluerit de baillivis suis ad videndum francplegium ad Aldenham, ita quod suscepto ab eodem baillivo abbatis Sancti Albani iuramento hominum de Aldenham et audito vero dicto de his unde requisiti fuerint, ipse baillivus abbatis Sancti Albani vadia ab his qui in misericordia fuerint recipiet, et ipsa vadia et omnes forisfacture que illa die de visu francplegiorum pervenient remanebunt quieta abbati Westmonasterii in manu baillivi sui, per sic quod singulis annis in die visus francplegiorum baillivus abbatis Sancti Albani recipiet per manum baillivi abbatis Westmonasterii duos bizancios, vel iiij^or solidos sterlingorum, sive fuerint forisfacture, sive non fuerint. Nec poterit amplius exigi ab abbate Westmonasterii, vel baillivo suo vel hominibus de Aldenham pro visu francplegiorum, salva secta hundredi sicut antiquitus fieri solebat, et salvis placitis corone. Et ut hac forma pacis stabilis sit et firma, sigillorum munimine utriusque partis roboratur. His testibus: Willelmo de Sisseverna, senescallo abbatis Sancti Albani; Ricardo de Dol, senescallo abbatis Westmonasterii; David de Jarpenvill'; Philippo de Oxehai; Uliano Cheneduit; Laurentio de Theburg'; Roberto de Mikelefeld; Rogero de Muriden'; Rogero filio Simonis; Nicholao dispensatore; Ricardo Testard'; Bartholomeo pincerna; Jacobo ostiario; Waltero marescallo, et multis aliis.

MSS: (1) WAM 4501.

17.5 × 19.4 cm; t.u. 2.6 cm; top indented: CIROGRAPHUM.

Seal: brown; 7 × 4.8 cm; mitred abbot, crozier in left hand, right hand raised in blessing; legend: [SIG]ILLUM . . . SANCTI AL[BANI].

Counterseal: head and shoulders of a man, classical style, profile to right; legend: [SE] CRETORU[M] SIGNACULUM.

Endorsed: (a) Carta inter abbatem Westmonasterii et abbatem Sancti Albani (contemporary with MS). (b) de visu francplegiorum de Aldenham et secta hundredi (13C). (c) vj (13C).

(2) WAD, f. 186v.

Note: Cf. 318. On the exchange rate of the besant to sterling, cf. H. Med. Exch., 295.

334. Final concord between Thomas de Preston, plaintiff, and Abbot Ralph, defendant, concerning the advowson of Parham, (Sussex) following an assize of darrein presentment summoned between them. Thomas quitclaimed the advowson, and the abbot and convent admitted him to their spiritual benefits and prayers. Curia Regis, Westminster, Easter term 1208.

Hec est finalis concordia facta in curia domini regis apud Westmonasterium a Die Pasche in unum mensem, anno regni Regis Johannis nono, coram ipso domino rege, Simone de Pateshull', Jacobo de Poterne, Henrico de Ponte Audemar, justiciis, et aliis fidelibus domini regis tunc ibi presentibus, inter Thomam de Preston', petentem, per Alexandrum Walensem, positum loco suo ad lucrandum vel perdendum, et Radulfum abbatem Westmonasterii, deforciantem, de advocacione ecclesie de Perham. Unde recognitio ultime presentacionis summonita fuit inter eos in prefata curia, scilicet: quod predictus Thomas recognovit advocacionem predicte ecclesie esse ius ipsius abbatis et conventus, et ecclesie Sancti Petri de Westmonasterio, et eam remisit et quietam clamavit de se et heredibus suis eidem abbati et conventui et eorum successoribus et ecclesie Sancti Petri de Westmonasterio imperpetuum; et predictus abbas et conventus receperunt eum in singulis beneficiis et orationibus que fuerint in ecclesia sua de Westmonasterio imperpetuum.

MSS: (1) WAM 4035.

19.7 × 6.9 cm; top and left side indented: cirograph.

Endorsed: (a) Quieta clamancia Thome de Prestun' de advocacione ecclesie de Perham capitulo Westmonasterii concessa (14C). (b) Infirmarius (15C). (c) 92 (?16C).

(2) WAD, f. 578.

(3) PRO C.P.25 (1), 233/5, no. 7 (variant).

Pd: Formulare, 220, CCCLXIV, from WAM.

Note: Cf. Curia Regis Rolls, V, 111, 188.

335. Grant and confirmation by Abbot Ralph to the convent in perpetuity, of the vill of Parham (Sussex) with the advowson of the church, for his own soul and those of his predecessors and successors. This grant is without prejudice to the existing grant of 8s. per day to the kitchen. The abbot is to receive any homage due from the manor but the convent will receive any relief. The convent may appoint any monk or layman as warden, and he cannot be dismissed by the abbot—similarly with any parson whom the convent present to the church. Chapter, Westminster [c. Sept. 1206 × Jan. 1214]

Omnibus Sancte Matris Ecclesie filiis ad quos presens carta pervenerit, Radulfus, divina miseratione abbas Westmonasterii, eternam in Domino salutem. Noverit universitas vestra me, divine pietatis intuitu et pro salute anime mee et antecessorum meorum et successorum, dedisse et concessisse et hac presenti carta mea confirmasse, sine ullo retinemento placiti vel relevii et sine omni exactione tallagii, vel cuiuscumque rei, conventui Sancti Petri Westmonasterii villam de Pereham, cum terris sibi adiacentibus et cum advocatione ecclesie et cum omnibus pertinentiis suis quatinus idem manerium in propria habeant dispositione et in perpetuum possideant, et in usus suos et utilitates redditus prefati manerii et exitus cum auxiliis et tallagiis convertant et assignent ubi assignare voluerint et quicquid de prefato manerio poterit provenire, sine calumpnia et illatione iniurie vel molestie, mei vel successorum meorum, in perpetuum habeant et possideant. Ita quod occasione concessionis prefati manerii de servitiis coquine prefati conventus cotidianis, videlicet octo solidis diebus singulis de abbate qui pro tempore fuerit, vel ballivo loco ipsius posito, percipiendis: nichil omnino in modico vel in maximo ullo tempore minuatur, nec occasione predicti manerii in usus prefati conventus confirmati aliquid auxilium a prefato conventu aliquando ego vel successores mei poterimus exigere vel accipere. Quare si fortasse aliquo tempore contigerit de aliquo tenemento prefati manerii homagium debere fieri, ego vel successores mei in persona nostra homagium recipiemus; relevium vero conventui nostro in usus suos quietum remanebit. Custodem vero poterit prefatus conventus licite et libere in dicto manerio monachum seu laicum quem voluerint apponere et cum voluerint ammovere sine contradictione mei vel successorum meorum. Nec poterimus ego vel successores mei custodem prefati manerii qui pro tempore fuerit amovere vel distringere aut aliquid nobis de prefato reddat manerio. Si vero ecclesia prefati manerii vacaverit, conventus prefatus quem voluerint ad personatum dicte ecclesie per se libere presentabit, absque contradictione mei vel successorum meorum. Con testor igitur omnes successores meos abbates Westmonasterii per (fn. 2) tremendum Dei iudicium ne ipsi faciant vel fieri permittant ullam infractionem seu diminucionem huic mee donacioni et concessioni in maximo vel minimo immo augeant et confirment. Hanc autem concessionem spontanea voluntate feci in capitulo Westmonasterii et sigillo proprio roboratam super ipsum altare Beati Petri apostolorum principis devotus optuli. Augmentatores et conservatores commendans Deo Patri ut sint heredes Dei et coheredes autem Christi; infractores vero sue diminutores huius beneficii et omnes qui hanc meam concessionem consilio, consensu vel auxilio vel etiam ausu temerario infringere vel diminuere vel irritam facere presumpserint ex auctoritate Dei Patris Omnipotentis et Filii et Spiritus Sancti, et ex auctoritate Beatorum Apostolorum Petri et Pauli, et Beati Regis Edwardi et omnium sanctorum Dei, et ex potestate michi tradita, terribiliter anathematizans portas celi eis claudens et portas inferni referans excommunicationis vinculo innodavi et eterne dampnationis ignibus deputavi, ubi vermis non moritur et ignis non extinguitur. Hoc autem factum est toto conventu Westmonasterii assistente et accensis candelis summam latam confirmante, et pro beneficii istius collatione et confirmatione gratias omnimodas Deo referente. Hiis testibus: Domino Willelmo Eliensi, domini regis thesaurario; Willelmo archidiacono Huntindon'; Magistro Roberto de Gloucestria; Magistro Jocelino Marescallo; Roberto Mauduit; Henrico Foliot; Willelmo de Buveneya; Johanne filio Willelmi; Thoma de Chimili; Willelmo de Castell'; Gaufrido de Say; Johanne de Sterteford; Roberto de Rasingburn'; Alexandro clerico; Lodovico clerico; Ricardo de Dol, tunc senescallo Westmonasterii; Uliano clerico; Magistro Simone de London'; Odone aurifabro; Willelmo filio Andree; Roberto de Rokingeham; Henrico Somer; Thoma de camera; Bartholomeo filio Hugonis; Stephano de Berking'; Roberto de Crokesleg'; Thoma de Dol, et multis aliis.

MS: WAD, ff. 572–573.

Rubric: Carta Radulfi abbatis de eodem.

Date: Attestation of William of Cornhill as archdeacon of Huntingdon (Fasti III, 28), limited by term of office of Abbot Ralph. See also 487.

336. Confirmation by Abbot Ralph to the convent for his own soul, and those of his parents and ancestors, and for the support of their infirmary, of twenty-one marks (£14) a year from the churches of Oakham and Hambleton (Rutl.). His successors are exhorted to maintain and augment the donation. [1200 × 1214]

Omnibus sancte Matris Ecclesie filiis ad quos presens carta pervenerit, Radulphus, Deo disponente abbas Westmonasterii, eternam in Domino salutem. Hostiam Deo satis immolat acceptabilem qui pietatis affectu confirmatur infirmis et super miseros affluit misericordie visceribus. Hinc est quod consolationi fratrum nostrorum infirmorum pie sollicitudinis oculo providere desiderans et multiplicem quam (fn. 3) egrotantes patiuntur miseriam compaciendo cupiens relevare, divine miserationis intuitu concessi, et pro salute anime mee, et animarum patris et matris mee et antecessorum meorum, dedi et hac carta mea confirmavi dilectis in Christo filiis et fratribus nostris conventui, videlicet Westmonasterii, ad infirmariam eorum sustentandam viginti et unam marcas argenti singulis annis de ecclesiis de Ocham et de Hameledon' percipiendas, et inperpetuum quiete possidendas, ita quod per consilium conventus et per manum infirmarii qui pro tempore fuerit, in usus et necessitates fratrum infirmorum prout expedient fideliter expendantur. Obtestor autem omnes successores meos abbates per tremendum Dei judicium, ne ipsi ullam infractionem huius nostre concessionis faciant vel fieri permittant, set eam potius augeant, confirment et conservent. Scituri quod particeps mercedis efficitur qui bonam alterius constitutionem pro salutem favore prosequitur. Si quis vero hanc nostram concessionem et donationem in magno vel in minimo infringere voluerit, vel alios ad hoc quolibet modo induxerit, indignacionem Omnipotentis Dei, nisi resipiscat, incurrat. Ut autem hec nostra concessio perpetuum robur optineat, eam presentis scripti testimonio et sigilli mei appositione roboravi. Hiis testibus: Hugone filio Ricardi; Ernulfo Postard; Ricardo janitore; Stephano de Berking'; Willelmo de Bukingham; Andrea et Albino de Scaccario; Gaufrido camerario meo; Rogero Engan[et]; Willelmo filio Roberti; Odone aurifabro, et multis aliis.

MSS: (1) WAD, f. 577v–578.

Rubric: Carta Radulfi abbatis Westmonasterii de pensione xxj marcarum de ecclesiis de Ocham et Hameldon'.

Marginalia: Ocham et Hameldon'.

(2) F, f. 268v: ends at Obtestor.

Date: The confirmation was probably made early in Ralph's abbacy, since seven of the witnesses also attested the original grant of Abbot William (321). Bishop Hugh of Lincoln confirmed these churches 1196 × 1200 (226).

Note: On these churches, see Harvey, WA, 404; Mason, 'Rutland Churches', 163–5. Abbot Ralph's grant perhaps implies that an anniversary should be kept for his kindred, although if so, it is not otherwise recorded.

337. Confirmation by Abbot Ralph and the convent of the grant by Robert of Ardre, parson of the church of Oakham (Rutl.), to William de Remis of two virgates in Thorp, to hold of their church in Oakham at an annual rent of 2s. [1200 × 1214]

Sciant presentes et futuri quod ego R[adulfus], Dei gratia abbas Westmonasterii, et eiusdem loci conventus ratam habemus et presenti carta confirmamus Willelmo de Remis et heredibus suis donacionem illam quam Robertus de Ardre, persona ecclesie de Okham, eis fecit, de duabus scilicet virgatis terre in villa de Thorp, habends et tenendis de ecclesia nostra de Okham; reddendo eidem ecclesie annuatim duos solidos pro omni servicio, sicut carta predicti Roberti de Ardre testatur. Ut autem hec nostra concessio stabilis et rata permaneat, eam presentis scripti testimonio et sigilli nostri appositione roboravimus. Hiis testibus: Ricardo de Dol.

MS: WAD, f. 600r–v.

Rubric: Confirmatio R. abbatis Westmonasterii super donationem quam Robertus de Ardre fecit de duabus virgatis terre in Thorp.

Date: Attestation of Richard de Dol, seneschal of Abbot Ralph.

338. Final concord between Abbot Ralph, plaintiff, and Simon of Deene, defendant, following a recognition concerning the advowson of Uppingham (Rutl.). Simon quitclaimed the advowson to the abbot and convent, who received him and his heirs into the spiritual benefits and prayers of the abbey. Curia Regis, Northampton, Michaelmas term 1210.

Hec est finalis concordia facta in curia domini regis [apud] Norhtanton' a Die Sancti Michaelis in quinque septimanis, anno regni Regis Johannis xij^mo, coram ipso domino rege, Simone de Patshull', Jacobo de Poterna, Henrico de Ponte Aldemer', Roberto de Aumar', Rogero Huscarl', justiciariis, et aliis fidelibus domini regis tunc ibi presentibus, inter Radulfum abbatem de Westmonasterio, petentem per Odonem aurifabrum positum loco suo ad lucrandum vel perdendum, et Simonem de Den, deforciantem per Ivonem filium suum positum loco suo ad lucrandum vel perdendum, de advocatione ecclesie de Huppingeham'. Unde recognitio ultime presentacionis summonita fuit inter eos in eadem curia, scilicet: quod predictus Simon recognovit advocationem predicte ecclesie cum pertinentiis esse ius ipsius abbatis et conventus et ecclesie Sancti Petri de Westmonasterio et eam remisit et quietam clamavit de se et heredibus suis predicto abbati et successoribus suis inperpetuum; et idem abbas recepit ipsum Simonem et heredes suos in singulis beneficiis et orationibus que fient de cetero in ecclesia sua de Westmonasterio inperpetuum.

MSS: (1) WAM 20616.

14 × 10.5 cm; indented CIROGRAPHUM top and right-hand side.

Endorsed: (a) Finalis concordia inter Radulphum abbatem Westmonasterii et Simonem de Deen de advocatione ecclesie de Yppyngham (13C). (b) Yppingeham (15C). (c) Yppinkeam (contemporary with muniment).

(2) WAD, f. 242v.

(3) PRO, C.P. 25(1), 192/2, no. 21 (variant).

Note: See Mason, 'Rutland Churches', 163–5.