Charters of the priors and convent: Nos. 339-49

Nos. 339–49

339. The weekly farm of the monks: specified foodstuffs; 1 mark for the servants; £8. 10s. from the more remote manors; for allowances and pittances £32 from Benfleet, Fanton, Paglesham and Wennington (all in Essex) and Comberton (Worcs.); £15 for firewood; for the chamber and all necessaries: all rents from London; Doddington (Lincs.); Chollington (Suss.); Cippenham (Bucks.) and Sulby (Northants.). One mill at Strat ford (Essex), and at Parham (Suss.). Total £70. For servants in specified offices: from Hanworth £1.10s.; from Cowley £1.10s. (both in Mddx.); from Titeburst 10s.; from Mardley 15s. (both in Herts.); from Ilteney £1.4s.; from Ockendon 5s. (both in Essex); from tenants of the vineyards, with exceptions, £1; for the Lord's Supper £3 from Wheatley (Essex) and 7s. from Knightsbridge (Mddx.). [temp. H.I, c. 1118 × 1120?]

Hec est firma monachorum in septimana: ad panem: vj cumbas et lx et vij solidos ad coquinam; et xx hops de brasio; et × de gruto; et iij cumbas avene; et ad servientes j marcam argenti. Et illa maneria que longinqua sunt et hoc reddere non poterint reddent pro tota septimana viij libros et x solidos. Ad karitates et pitancias: xxxij libri de Bienflet, de Fantone, de Pakelesam, et Winetona, et de Cumbritona; ad ligna xv libri; ad cameram et ad omnia que necessaria sunt omnes redditus Lundonie, et Dodintuna, et Cillentuna, et Sippeham, et Sulebi, et j molendinum apud Stretfort et Perham. Hec est summa: lx et × libri. Ad servientes coquine et pistrini et bracini et orti et vinee et infirmatorii, et portarii: de Hanewrde xxx solidi; de Coveley xxx solidi; de Titebirste × solidi; de Merdeleya xv solidi; de Elteneya xxiiij solidi; et v solidi de Okkenduna; et xx solidi de illis qui tenent terras vinearum, exceptis illis qui habent terrulas pro solidatis suis. Ad servicium cene Domini lx solidi de Wateleya; et vij solidi de Knichtebrigge.

MSS: (1) WAM 5670.

20.3 × 8.3 cm; no t.u.

Endorsed: (a) Extenta conventus Westmonasterii (12C). (b) Compositiones (15C).

(2) WAD, f. 629.

Pd: Gilbert Crispin, 41, from WAM.

Date: Later than the recovery of Comberton (66; 488), and of Doddington (61, 475). It has been suggested that the document represents the allowance made to the monks when the abbey was in the hands of H I, between the death of Abbot Gilbert and the appointment of Abbot Herbert (Gilbert Crispin, 44), but that would not explain why it was copied into WAD so long afterwards.

Note: Discussed in Gilbert Crispin, 42–50; Harvey, WA, 80.

340. Notification by the convent of Westminster to the citizens of London that they have conceded to Eorlwin, brother of Wlfwin, in fee and inheritance, the land with the building on it which Godric Catepol held of their chamberlain in Eastcheap, to hold at an annual rent of 7s., whether or not there is an outbreak of fire (which destroys the building). [1136 × 1138]

Conventus ecclesie Sancti Petri Westmonasterii omnibus civibus London', Francis et Anglis, salutem. Sciatis quod, communi consensu et concordi voluntate totius capituli, concessimus Eorlewino fratri Wlfwini terram et totum edificium quod super terra est, quam Godricus Catepol tenuit de camerario nostro in Eastceapa, in feudum et in hereditatem, tam sibi quam heredibus suis, ardeat civitas necne, unoquoque anno per redditionem vii solidorum in die Ramarum Palmarum. Hii sunt testes: Gregorius dapifer; Reinaldus Barill; Radulphus de Ponte Fracto; Willelmus de Winter; Tovius Ganet; Tovius corveisarius; Durandus Duredent, Wisgarus de Pirifo', et multi alii.

MS: WAD, f. 504v.

Rubric: Telligraphus conventus Westmonasterii de quadam terra in Estchepe.

Marginalia: London'.

Date: Gregory was dapifer under Abbots Herbert (250) and Gervase (254, 265), so this document was possibly issued during the vacancy between them.

Note: It is remarkable that the rent is due on Palm Sunday, rather than at the usual quarterly terms.

341. Notification by the convent of Westminster to their tenants and friends, that they have confirmed to William of Darnford the manor of Deerhurst (Gloucs.), to be held of the current abbot and of his heirs, at an annual rent of £30, as the former abbot, Gervase, granted that manor in fee-farm. William and his heirs may hold the manor with all liberties, as Abbot Gervase granted in the charter which William holds. [1158]

Omnibus amicis et tenentibus Sancti Petri Westmonasterii, tam clericis quam laicis, Francis et Anglicis, totus eiusdem loci conventus, salutem. Noveritis nos concessisse et confirmasse Willelmo de Derneford manerium de Derhurst cum omnibus suis pertinentiis; tenendum et habendum de abbate nostro qui pro tempore fuerit sibi et heredibus suis libere et quiete, integre et pacifice, iure hereditario inperpetuum; reddendo inde annuatim abbati nostro qui pro tempore fuerit xxx^ta libras argenti ad duos terminos, scilicet: infra octabas Pasche xv libras, et infra octabas Sancti Michaelis xv libras, pro omnibus serviciis, consuetudinibus et exactionibus secularibus ad ipsum abbatem qui pro tempore fuerit pertinentibus, sicuti Gervasius quondam abbas noster illud manerium de Derhurst in feodo firma illis dedit et concessit. Unde concedimus et confirmamus quod predicti Willelmus et heredes sui habeant et teneant predictum manerium de Derhurst cum omnibus suis pertinentiis adeo libere, quiete et integre, sicuti predictus Abbas Gervasius melius et liberius illis dedit et concessit cum omnibus libertatibus et liberis consuetudinibus in carta sua quam predictus Willelmus de Derneford de ipso habet plene contentis et specificatis. Nos autem, predictus conventus Sancti Petri Westmonasterii, uno cum abbate nostro qui pro tempore fuerit predictum manerium de Derhurst, cum omnibus suis pertinentiis et cum omnibus libertatibus [et liberis consuet]udinibus, a predicto Abbate Gervasio predictis Willelmo et heredibus suis datis et concessis pro predicto redditu, [in perpetuum warant]izabimus. Et nos excommunicationis sententiam a predicto abbate nostro Gervasio in omnes illos illatam qui libertates [et liberas con]suetudines predicto manerio de Derhurst pertinentes auferrent de Willelmo de Derneford vel de heredibus suis, firmiter concedimus et confirmamus. Hiis testibus: Helia priore Sancti Petri Westmonasterii; Osberto de Clare; Roberto Fol[et]; Rogero de Stant[on]; Willelmo de Mulas; Helia clerico; Gregorio senescallo, et pluribus aliis.

MSS: (1) WAM 32670.

23.5 × 11.5 cm.

Seal very damaged; fragments on tag.

Endorsed: (a) Derhurst (12C). (b) Carta . . . Willelmo de Derhurst . . . Derhurst (badly stained) (14C).

(2) WAD, ff. 316v–317.

Date: The vacancy following the deposition of Abbot Gervase.

Note: The related charter of H II confirms the manor in similar terms (136), as granted by the convent, and by the former Abbot Gervase (271). The existing text of the abbot's charter has been amplified in the thirteenth century (Harvey, 'Fee Farms', 131–3).

342. Final concord made between the Chapter of Westminster and Peter of Sutton and his wife Margaret, concerning land in Dowgate (London), of which she is co-heiress, formerly belonging to Sermann and now occupied by Robert of Marlborough, from which the monks used to receive 8s. annually. Mirabel, daughter of Oger the dapifer, will hold the land for life, without payment. After her d., or her entry into religion, or her vacating the land for any other reason, Peter and his wife will render 4s. annually in alms, payable to the monks' chamber, for that part of the land which they hold. The other 4s. rent will be rendered by John Tresgod and his wife Amy and their heirs, as their cirograph bears witness. Husting Court, London [1179–81]

Hec est finalis concordia inter monachos Westmonasterii et Petrum de Sutton' et Margaretam uxorem eius, facta apud London' in Hustingo, existentibus tunc vicecomitibus Willelmo filio Sabel et Reginaldo veteri, et aliis baronibus Lundon' presidentibus, de una terra in Duvegate, que fuit Sermanni, in qua mansit Rob[ertus] de Marlebergia, de qua solebant idem [sic] monachi antiquitus viij solidos percipere per annum, videlicet: quod Mirable, que fuit filia Ogeri dapiferi, tenebit eandem terram tota vita sua libere sine censu. Post decessum autem ipsius Mirable, aut si forte ad religionem se transtulit, vel quocumque modo terra ilia de manu ipsius exierit, memoratus Petrus et uxor eius, et heredes eorum, vel quicumque eam tenuerint, reddent annuatim pro parte illius terre quam tenebunt iiij solidos inperpetuum camere prescriptorum monachorum in elemosinam, scilicet: ad Pascham ij solidos; ad Festum Sancti Michaelis ij solidos. Nec amplius poterunt monachi de parte Petri et uxoris sue sive heredum suorum exigere quam illos quatuor solidos per annum, sed Johannes Tresgod et uxor eius Amia et heredes eorum alios quatuor solidos monachis persolvent, sicut cirographum eorum testatur. Et illu actum est consilio et assensu Margarete uxoris [sue] supradicti Petri, que est heres ipsius terre. Hiis testibus: Gilleberto, constabulario Turris London'; Johanne Buchunte; Edwardo Blundo; Henrico filio Ailwini; Radulpho Brand; Rogero filio Alani; Ricardo filio Reyneri; Andrea Bucherel; Willelmo filio Sabel'; Johanne de Coveham; Willelmo de Haverhell; Walerammo; Johanne Burguinun; Radulfo Britone; Petro, Johanne, clericis vicecomitis, et toto Hustingo.

MS: WAD, f. 486v.

Rubric: Concordia facta in Hustingo London' inter monachos Westmonasterii et Petro de Suttun' et Margaretam uxorem eius de una terra in Duuegate. Reddendo iiij solidos.

Date: William Fitz Sabelina and Reginald le Viel as sheriffs: cf. Reynolds, 'Rulers of London', 355, where Reginald's colleague is listed as William Fitz Isabel. The Westminster charters distinguish clearly between these two men.

343. Final concord made between the Chapter of Westminster and John Tresgod and Amy his wife, concerning land in Dowgate (London), of which she is co-heiress, formerly belonging to Serman, and now occupied by Robert of Marlborough, from which the monks used to receive 8s. annually. Mirabel, daughter of Oger the dapifer, will hold the land for life, without payment. After her d., or her entry into religion, or her vacating the land for any other reason, John and his wife and their heirs will render 4s. annually in alms to the monks' chamber, for that part of the land which they hold. The other 4s. rent will be rendered by Peter of Sutton and his wife Margaret and their heirs, as their cirograph bears witness. Husting Court, London [1179–81]

Hec est finalis concordia inter monachos Westmonasterii et Johannem Tresgod et Amiam uxorem eius facta apud London' in Hustingo, existentibus tunc vicecomitibus Willelmo filio Isabell' et Reginaldo veteri, et aliis baronibus London' presidentibus, de una terra in Duvegate que fuit Sermani, in qua mansit Robertus de Marlebergia, de qua solebant idem monachi antiquitus viij solidos percipere per annum, videlicet: quod Mirable, que fuit filia Ogeri dapiferi, tenebit eandem terram tota vita sua libere sine censu. Post decessum autem ipsius Mirable, aut si forte ad religionem se transtulit, vel quocumque modo terra illa de manu ipsius exierit, memoratus Johannes et uxor eius et heredes eorum, vel quicumque eam tenuerit, reddent annuatim pro parte illius terre quam tenebint quatuor solidos inperpetuum camere prescriptorum monachorum in elemosinam, scilicet: ad Pascham duos solidos; ad Festum Sancti Michaelis duos solidos; nec amplius poterunt monachi de parte Johannis et uxoris sue, sive heredum suorum, exigere quam illos iiij^or solidos per annum. Sed Petrus de Suttuna et uxor eius Margareta et heredes eorum alios iiij^or solidos per annum monachis persolvent, sicut cirographum eorum testatur. Et istud actum est consilio et assensu Amie uxoris supradicti Johannis, que est heres ipsius terre. Hiis testibus: Gilleberto, constabulario Turris London'; Johanne Buchunte; Edwardo Blundo; Henrico filio Ailwini; Radulpho Brand; Rogero filo Alani; Ricardo filio Reinerii; Andrea Bucherel; Willelmo filio Sabel'; Johanne de Coveham; Willelmo de Haverhell'; Walerammo; Johanne Burguinun; Radulpho Britone; Petro, Johanne, clericis vicecomitibus, et toto Hustingo.

MS: WAD, ff. 486v–487.

Rubric: Concordia inter monachos Westmonasterii et Johannem Tresgod et Amiam uxorem eius de predicta terra in Duvegate.

Reddendo iiij solidos annuatim.

Date: See 342.

344. Record of a payment to the Exchequer by the prior [William Postard] and convent for the enrolment on the Pipe Roll of a memorandum that William of Eynsford III quitclaimed to them his vill of Benfleet (Essex), which he held of them for life, at a farm of £24, and that he restored the charter concerning this, in the Curia Regis in presence of the Barons of the Exchequer. 29 Sept. 1189.

Prior Ecclesie Beati (fn. 1) Petri de Westmonasterio et conventus eiusdem loci redd[iderun]t compotum de j marca ut scribatur in Magno Rotulo quod Willelmus de Einesford tertius clamavit eis villam suam de Benflet (fn. 2) cum pertinentiis suis quietam, quam debuit tenere de eis tantum in vita sua ad firmam pro xxiiij libris, et quod reddidit eis cartam suam quam habuerat de hac conventu (fn. 3) in Curia Regis coram Baronibus de Scaccario. In thesauro liberaverunt. (fn. 4) Et quieti sunt. (fn. 5)

MSS: (1) PRO, E372/35, membr. 25 (dorse).

(2) WAD f. 602v (insertion in margin of folio). Marginale: Bemflete.

Pd: Pipe Roll 1 Ric. I, 230.

Cal: Formulare, xxi.

Date: The Pipe Roll records the Michaelmas audit of the Exchequer.

Note: Although William Postard's dates as prior are uncertain, he was in office during Walter's abbacy (302) and also during the vacancy, which concluded in his own election (Ric. of Devizes, 54; Diceto, II, 100–01). On Benfleet see Harvey, WA, 340.

345. Notification by Prior Robert of Moulsham and the convent of the celebration, at the request of Abbot Ralph Arundel, of four feasts with copes and processions and with wine and pittances. The abbot in return has given the convent their manor of Benfleet (Essex), which he held at farm from them for some years. [1200 × 1214]

Omnibus Sancte Matris Ecclesie filiis ad quos presens scriptum pervenerit, R[obertus] dictus prior Westmonasterii, et eiusdem loci conventus, salutem eternam in Domino. Noverit universitas vestra nos bono animo et unanimi assensu et voluntate et divini amoris obtentu concessisse et carta nostra in pleno capitulo nostro confirmasse venerabili et dilecto patri et abbati nostro, Radulfo de Arundel, ad petitionem et voluntatem ipsius, incrementa quatuor festorum per anni revolutionem celebranda in cappis et processionibus cum vinis et pitanciis honorabiliter in eisdem festis inveniendis, videlicet: Festum Beati Laurentii, Festum Beati Vincentii, Festum Beati Nicholai, et Festum Translationis Beati Benedicti, que omnia prius cum cervisia et pitancia simpliciter statuta, cum vinis et pitanciis et processionibus statuimus honorabiliter celebranda. Statuimus etiam quicquid fiat de pitanceria nostra vel festivitatibus similibus ut, scilicet aliter disponantur et mittentur ne aliquid de predictis quatuor festivitatibus minuatur aut mittetur si possibilitas assit, ut modo prenominato possint celebrari. Huius autem auctoritate confirmationis et caritative assensu concessionis, concessit et reddidit et confirmavit nobis idem venerabilis pater noster et abbas ad petitionem et voluntatem nostram manerium nostrum de Bainflete (fn. 6) per aliquot annos ab eodem ad firmam possessum cum omnibus pertinentiis, emendationibus, instauris, possessionibus, consuetudinibus, et omnibus rebus quecumque fuerint ad idem manerium pertinentibus. Ut autem hec confirmatio et concessio nullatenus a posteris abbatibus, videlicet, seu prioribus, vel quicumque alii fuerint, possit infringi eam auctoritate Beati Petri et omnium sanctorum et nostra confirmamus, eiusque infractores in pleno capitulo nostro data sententia vinculo anathematis innodantes. Sigilli nostri appositione eam roboravimus.

MSS: (1) BL Add. Charter 8473.

16.6 × 12.1 cm; t.u. 2.2 cm.

Seal: on tag; brown; 6.5 cm diameter. Obverse: seated figure in habit, ? bearded; right hand raised in benediction. Reverse: ? coronation of the Virgin (seriously damaged). No surviving legend. Cat. Seals BM, I, no. 4303, p. 801.

Endorsed: (a) De iiij festis in capis celebrandis ad instantiam Radulphi abbatis, videlicet Sanctorum Laurentii, Vincentii, Nicholai et Translationis Sancti Benedicti abbatis. (b) Dupplicatur xiiij. (c) Pitanciarius.

(2) WAD, f. 602v.

(3) F, f. 246v–247.

Pd: Flete, 99–100.

346. Confirmation made in form of a cirograph by Prior Robert of Moulsham, with the assent of the convent, to William English of Westminster and his heirs, of a messuage in the vill of Westminster, lying between the land of Geoffrey Smith and that of William parmenter, which messuage William English and his wife Isabel received in fee and inheritance from the aforesaid Geoffrey son of Jocelin Smith and his heirs, by service of 3s. annually, which rent Geoffrey and his heirs granted to provide lights for the Lady Altar. William English and his heirs were assigned to render this rent to Prior Robert, or to anyone else who might be warden of the altar, as Geoffrey's charter testifies. William and Isabel, in presence of the better and more lawworthy men of the vill of Westminster, constituted the Blessed Virgin and the warden of the altar their heirs. Prior Robert, as chief lord, on behalf of the Blessed Virgin, and in his capacity as warden, has confirmed the messuage to William and his heirs, at an annual rent of 4s. 6d. due to him (Prior Robert) or to anyone who is warden for the time being. [c. 1199 × 1207]

Sciant presentes et futuri quod ego Robertus de Mullesham, prior Westmonasterii, assensu et voluntate tocius conventus nostri, dimisi et concessi et hac presenti carta confirmavi Willelmo Anglico de Westmonasterio et heredibus suis unum masuagium cum pertinentiis in villa Westmonasterii; quod masuagium iacet inter terram Gaufridi fabri ex una parte, et terram Willelmi parmentarii ex altera, et quod masuagium predictus Willelmus Anglicus et Isabella uxor eius receperunt in feudo sibi et heredibus eorum de predicto Gaufrido filio Jocilini fabri et heredibus suis per servitium trium solidorum per annum pro omni servitio et per gersummam quattuordecim solidorum. Redditum quorum trium solidorum predictus Gaufridus et heredes sui dederunt et concesserunt ad administrationem luminaris altaris Beate Marie in ecclesia nostra pro xl solidis. De quibus tribus solidis predictus Willelmus et heredes sui assignati fuerunt reddere mihi, vel alii qui pro tempore esset custos predicti altaris, sicut carta ipsius Gaufridi testatur. Unde sciendum est quod predictus Willelmus ante decessum Isabelle uxoris, eius assensu et voluntate utriusque, de predicto masuagio cum pertinentiis Beatam Mariam et custodem altaris ipsius qui pro tempore fuerit, coram melioribus et legalioribus hominibus ipsius ville Westmonasterii, heredes fecerunt et constituerunt. Ego autem vice gloriose Virginis et nomine ipsius altaris custodis tamquam capitalis dominus concessi et dimisi et presenti scripto confirmavi predicto Willelmo et heredibus suis predictum masuagium cum pertinentiis vel cui assignare vel dare voluerit; reddendo inde singulis annis mihi vel alii qui pro tempore fuerit custos predicti altaris iiij^or solidos et vj denarios, unde prius reddidit nisi tres solidos tantummodo. Habendum et tenendum sibi et heredibus suis, vel assignatis, libere et quiete, integre et plenarie, per liberum servitium predictorum iiij^or solidorum et vj denariorum reddendorum ad iiij^or anni terminos, videlicet: ad Natale Domini tresdecim denarios et obolum; et ad Pascha tresdecim denarios et obolum; et ad Festum Sancti Johannis Baptiste tresdecim denarios et obolum; et ad Festum Sancti Michaelis tresdecim denarios et obolum. Ut autem hec omnia securam firmitatem futuris temporibus obtineant ego Robertus, vice gloriose Virginis et nomine altaris ipsius tunc temporis custodis, sigillum meum apposui parti carte cyrographate quam remanet ipsi Willelmo et heredibus vel assignatis suis, et ipse Willelmus sigillum suum apposuit parti carte cyrographate que remanet penes me vel alium tunc temporis ipsius altaris custodem. Hiis testibus: Domino Willelmo Eliensi, domini regis thesaurario; Domino Roberto Mauduit; Johanne de Sterteford; Willelmo de Castell; Alexandro clerico; Ludovico clerico; Odone aurifabro; Henrico Sumer; Ricardo filio Edmundi; Roberto de Claigate; Stephano de Berking; Roberto de Crokesl'; Laurentio Muschat, et toto alimoto Westmonasterii.

MSS: (1) WAM 17326.

20.3 × 17 cm; t.u. 2.3 cm. Indented CYROGRAPHUM at top.

Seal: on tag; red; 4 × 3.5 cm. Obverse: fieur-de-lys; legend: + S. WILL LE ANGLEIS DE CHECCER.

Endorsed: (a) Convencio inter capellam et Willelmum Anglicum de Westmonasterio de tribus solidis annui redditus solvendis eidem capelle ad luminaria sustentanda pro quodam mesuagio in villa Westmonasterii. (b) Westmonasterii capella lvj.

(2) WAD, ff. 547v–548.

Pd: Richardson, 'William of Ely', 86–7, no. VI.

Date: William English, sergeant of the Exchequer, transported treasure in the early years of John's reign (Rot. Litt. Claus. I, 12, 13, 16). He was active on Exchequer business in the latter part of H II's reign and was prob. a brother of Richard of Ely, royal treasurer and subsequently bp. of London, and a kinsman of his successor as treasurer, William of Ely; he is last mentioned in 1207 (Richardson, 'William of Ely', 47 and n. 2; 86–87n.).

Note: Geoffrey son of Jocelin's charter is 433. Walter, a later proctor of the Lady Altar, granted this messuage to Robert son of Maurice and his heirs, c. 1225 × 1235 (WAM 23638(d)).

347. Confirmation by Prior Robert of Moulsham, in his capacity as warden of the Lady Altar, and with the assent of the convent, to Mr Geoffrey Pic[ot] and his heirs, of a messuage in Westminster [formerly held by] Gilbert [ ] and his wife Alice, which messuage lies between the house of Roger Enganet and that of Agnes of Claygate. Gilbert [ ] gave this messuage to the Lady Altar when he set out for Jerusalem, [the grant to take effect] after the d. of his wife, since it was their purchased and acquired land. Mr Geoffrey [Picot] would hold this land, rendering 8d. annually to the Lady Altar, and the service of 3s. 4d. due to [the chief lord] of that fee. [? Temp. John]

Sciant tam presentes quam futuri quod ego Robertus de Molesham, prior Westmonasterii, tunc custos altaris Beate [Marie] [ concessi et dedi] et hac presenti carta mea confirmavi, consilio et assensu tocius conventus eiusdem loci, Magistro Gaufrido [ ] et heredibus suis, et illi cuicumque dare vel vendere, vel assignare voluerit mesuagium illud in Westm[onasterio ] [ ] Aliz uxoris eius; quod mesuagium iacet inter domum Rogeri Henganet, et domum Agnetis de Cleigat', ex[ ]; et quod mesuagium predictus Gilebertus, quando iter arripuit Ierosolimam, dedit altari Beate Marie predicti loci [ ] uxoris sue, scilicet post decessum eiusdem uxoris sue sicut eorum empcionem, et adquisicionem. Prefatus vero Magister [Galfridus ], vel alii qui custos efficietur predicti altaris ad opus luminaris Beate Marie predicti loci octo denarios: ad [Festum Sancti] Michaelis duos denarios; et ad Nathale Domini duos denarios; et ad Pascham duos denarios; et ad [Festum Sancti Johannis Baptiste] duos denarios. Hoc vero mesuagium tenebit predictus Magister Gaufridus Pic[ot], vel heredes sui, vel ille cuilibet m[ ] de predicto altari, libere et pacifice et quiete, ab omni exactione et consuetudine per predictum serv[icium ] eiusdem feodi, scilicet: quadraginta denarios (fn. 7) qui reddendi de predicto mesuagio annuatim per quatuor [terminos] loci. Ego vero Robertus de Molesham, prior predicti loci, tunc custos, altaris Beate Marie, vel ille qui custos eiusdem [altaris] predicto Magistro Gaufrido Pic[ot] et heredibus suis, vel illi cuicumque hoc mesuagium dederit, vel vendiderit, vel [ ] servicio contra omnes homines et feminas inperpetuum. Et ut hec donacio et concessio et presentis carte [ ] permaneat, eam istius sigilli mei munimine roboravi. Hiis testibus: Roberto capellano; Willelmo [ ] clerico; Willelmo filio Andree; Ricardo Testard; Odone aurifabro, tunc preposito; Henrico Sumer; R[ a ]ⁱ Willelmo pistore, e[ ].

MS: WAM 23638(e). 15.5 × 10.7 cm (as muniment survives). The text has been cut away at the right-hand side and also covered at the lower edge to form a membrane of a compotus roll on the reverse. Annotated: Quaere registratur.

Date: Gilbert's grant to the Lady Altar was prob. made c. 1189, when the contingent from England was preparing to embark on the Third Crusade. The attestations to Prior Robert's grant suggest a date about the middle of King John's reign.

Note: Despite the cavalier treatment of this charter, it had not been entered into any cartulary.

348. Grant by Prior Robert of Moulsham to Adam sergeant of the church of Westminster of that land in Westminster which the prior bought from Peter Fauset. The land is in the fee of Hamund de Hotot next to the holding John Pimerich once had in the same fee. Adam is to hold it freely in perpetuity of the proctors of the Lady Altar for 2s. a year, saving only the forinsec service of the abbot. [Temp. John]

Sciant presentes et futuri quod ego Robertus de Mulesham, prior Westmonasterii, voluntate et assensu conventus eiusdem loci, concessi et dimisi et hac presenti carta confirmavi Ade servienti de ecclesia Westmonasterii, totam terram illam cum pertinentiis in villa Westmonasterii quam emi de Petro Fauset, que fuit de feodo Hamundi de Hotot: que videlicet terra jacet iuxta terram quam Johannes Pimerich aliquando tenuit que fuit de eodem feodo. Habendam et tenendam ipsi Ade et heredibus suis de nobis et successoribus nostris altaris Beate Virginis Marie in eadem ecclesia procuratoribus libere et quiete, integre, inperpetuum: reddendo inde singulis annis de predicta terra duos solidos procuratori prefati altaris qui pro tempore fuerit ad quatuor principales anni terminos pro omni servitio, salvo tamen forinseco servitio abbatis. Hanc autem terram predicto Ade et heredibus suis warantizabimus contra omnes homines et feminas per predictum servitium. Ut autem hec concessio et carte presentis confirmatio rata sit et stabilis eam sigilli mei appositione corroboravi. Hiis testibus: Odone aurifabro; Ricardo Testard; Gaufrido de Cruce; Wimund pistore; Johanne filio Alani; Gaufrido de Ecclesia; Gervasio portitore; Ivone de Medmeham; Willelmo filio Herberti; Nicholao de cellario; Helia parmentario; Gervasio Tatin; Laurentio Muschat, et multis aliis.

MSS: (1) WAM 17329. 14.3 × 12.3 cm; t.u. 2 cm. Seal: green; on tag; 4.8 × 3.3 cm; obverse: standing angel: SIG[ ]ERT DE MVLESHAM Endorsed: (a) Robertus de Molesham prior Westmonasterii dimittit Ade servienti de ecclesia Westmonasterii quandam partem terre in Westmonasterio predicto . . . (13C). (b) reddendo inde annuatim custodi capelle Beate Marie ecclesie Westmonasterii ij solidos per annum (14C). (c) Westmonasterii capelle redditus lv (14C).

(2) WAD, f. 547r–v.

Note: Peter Fauset's grant is 430. This and related documents refer only to a Lady Altar. A special fund was apparently set up under Abbot Ralph to raise money for the building of a new Lady Chapel: building was actually begun during the abbacy of his successor, William d'Humez (History of the King's Works, ed. H. M. Colvin, 6 vols. (1963–1973), I, 131). At least forty documents in the abbey muniments concern properties in Westminster assigned to the fund, and endorsed 'Westm' capell''.

349. The form of the oath to be taken by those fleeing to sanctuary at Westminster. [Early 13C]

Forma juramenti confugientium ad sanctuarium Westmonasterii. In primis: jurabit quilibet ad dicendum veram causam adventus sui et condiciones eiusdem et adversus quales personas.

Item: jurabit quod fideliter et honeste se habebit dum infra sanctuarium manserit, jura quoque et privilegia ac consuetudines eiusdem loci sustinebit, pro posse suorum defendet.

Item: jurabit quod omnem correctionem et jurisdictionem presidentis ibidem, necnon judicia et precepta licita, justicia et equitate suadentibus obedienter subibit et tollerabit, et contra eam non veniet quovismodo directe vel indirecte, salvis provocationibus et appellationibus ad sedem apostolicam licite directis.

Item: jurabit quod pacta et contractus que et quos infra dictum sanctuarium fecerit fideliter observabit.

Item: jurabit, si propter debitum ad prefatum sanctuarium confugerit, quamcito comode poterit satisfaciet creditoribus suis ac adversus eosdem in colloquiis et tractatibus honeste et modeste ac sine garula et probosis verbis se habebit.

Item: jurabit quod panem unum, serviciam ac alia victualia in dicto sanctuario non vendet communiter, sine licencia speciali domini archidiaconi (fn. 8) Westmonasterii vel ipsius locumtenentis petita et optenta.

Item: jurabit quod non recipiet aliquem fug[i] tivum (fn. 9) seu aliquos fugitivos aut alios suspectos in domum suam vel mensam ad hospitandam sine licencia supradicta. (fn. 10)

Item: jurabit quod arma defensiva non portabit infra sanctuarium sine predicta licencia sed ipso (fn. 11) ad immun[i] tatem recepto, illa si que habet, dicto archidiacono (fn. 12) vel eius locumtenenti sine contradictione liberabit cum fuerit requisitus.

Item: jurabit quod non exibit sanctuarium die vel nocte postquam receptus sine licencia predicta, nisi fecerit finem cum adversariis suis.

Item: jurabit quod false, subdole, aut maliciose aliquem fugitivum non diffamabit, nec quovismodo defraudabit.

Item: jurabit quod violenciam voluntariam in dicto sanctuario non faciet nec alicui illicite fieri videbit qui illud pro posse suo impediet. Hoc omnia fideliter observari promittet, sicut Deus se adiuvet et Sancta Dei Ewangelia etc.

MSS: (1) LN, f. cxxxix verso.

(2) CAY, f. cxlviii verso.

(3) WAD f. 37; memorandum inserted in lower margin: forma juramenti confugiencium ad sanctuarium Westmonasterii querentium in novo Registro Nigri paperio et. . . [faded] articulo (late 14C hand).

Date: The earliest documented (monastic) archdeacon is Richard de Crokesley, but all that is known of his term of office is its termination on his election to the abbacy in Dec. 1246 (Pearce, Monks of Westminster, 4, 212). It is not known when the office originated. The style and content of the oath suggest a date early in the thirteenth century, while the clause referring to appeals to the papal curia probably post-dates the Concordat of Avranches (23 May, 1172).

Note: On the sanctuary precincts, see Honeybourne, 'Sanctuary Boundaries'. From the customary compiled under the direction of Abbot Richard de Ware (1259–83), it is clear that the daily allocation of bread in a monastic corrody was generous (Customary of the Benedictine Monasteries of Saint Augustine, Canterbury, and Saint Peter, Westminster, ed. E. M. Thompson, Henry Bradshaw Society, XXIII and XXVIII (1902–4), II, 103; on the corrody see also 102, 180, 244), hence the temptation of the fugitive to sell his surplus to pilgrims who remained in the church overnight. The duty of maintaining good order in the church itself fell upon the sacrist, who was particularly enjoined to maintain adequate lighting (ibid., 42 ff. and especially 47–8, 61, 268).