Calendar of royal documents: William I (nos. 1-46)

CALENDARS OF ROYAL, PAPAL, AND EPISCOPAL CHARTERS

William I (nos. 1–46)

1.* 'First Charter' of W I, making offerings to the altars of the abbey; confirming its possessions (enumerated), and granting specified privileges. 1067.

CC VI,3 (12C forgery, with seal; MS damaged and lacunae filled from F). WAD, ff. 49–50v (incomplete); F, ff. 37v–44v; T, ff. 13v–16v (attestations omitted after that of the king); C, f. 30r–v (extracts); Rot. Ancient Charters, olim CC, PRO, C52/57, no. 2; Charter Roll 9 Ed. III, PRO, C53/122, mm. 17–16.

Pd: Cal. Chart. R. IV, 330–6, from the confirmation of Ed. III; Flete, 54, 82 (extracts), from WAD; W. de Gray Birch, 'On the Great Seals of William the Conqueror, Trans. Royal Soc. of Literature, 2nd ser., 10 (1874), 161–70, from CC VI, 3.

Cal: DKR XXIX, App., 34–6; Regesta I, no. 11; Hart, no. 81; Bishop and Chaplais, xxi, no. viii, where it is erroneously stated that the seal is still attached. Browning & Kirk, 221–4 (transl. excerpts).

Note: Identified as a forgery by Birch (above), 170–1; Chaplais, 'Original Charters', 92; Bishop and Chaplais, xxi; C. N. L. Brooke, 'Approaches to Medieval Forgery', in Medieval Church and Society: Collected Essays (1971), 106 ff. On the churches confirmed in this charter, see Oxley, 'Medieval Church Dedications', 118.

2.* Writ of W I, notifying Rémy, bp. of Lincoln, William Fitz Osbern, and his barons and officers of Herts., that he has confirmed to St Peter, Abbot Edwin and the monks of Westminster their manor of Aldenham as they held it TRE. [Dec. 1066 × June 1068]

WAD, f. 186; F, f. 58v; T, f. 20 (attestations omitted). The variant texts omit Dei gratia, but complete the concluding phrase torturam suam.

Pd: Regesta I, no. IX. from WAD.

Cal: Regesta I, no. 53.

Date: Abbot Edwin d. 12 June 1068 (Flete, 83; Heads, 76). Bp. Rémy was nominated to Dorchester soon after the Conquest, ? 1067, and consecrated before April 1070. His see was transferred to Lincoln before 21 April 1073, and prob. in 1072 (Fasti III, 1). The bp.'s title on the original writ was presumably altered, at Westminster, before the copies were made.

Note: Textually, this appears to be a complete fabrication. On Aldenham, cf. Harvey, WA, 345.

3.* Writ of W I, informing Remy, bp. of Lincoln, William Fitz Osbert and his officers of Oxon., that the church of St Peter of Westminster, Abbot Edwin and the monks are to have their manor of Islip, the birthplace of his kinsman King Edward, as that king granted it at the dedication of the abbey church. [1066 × 1068]

WAM XXV; F, f. 54; WAD, f.270; CAY, f. lxxviii verso (memorandum).

Pd: Regesta I, no. X, from WAD; J. O. Halliwell, 'Historical Notices of Islip, Oxfordshire', JBAA 5 (1850), 42, from F.

Cal: Regesta I, no. 52, describing the muniment as a 12C copy; Bentley, 40, no. 284 (Item 3), from CAY.

Date: Abbacy of Abbot Edwin (Heads, 76).

Note: A forgery, perhaps composed when petitioning King John for this manor. There survive copies of two writs of King Edward, dating from 1065 × 1066, by which he granted Islip to Westminster. Both are of doubtful authenticity (Sawyer, Anglo-Saxon Charters, nos. 1147, 1148), although the substance of the abbey's claim was prob. true. Westminster did not hold this manor between 1066 and 1203 (Barbara Harvey, 'Islip', VCH Oxon., VI, 208–9).

4. English writ of W I, informing Abp. Ealdred, Wulfstan, bp. of Worcester, Earl William Fitz Osbern and his thegns of Gloucs., Worcs., and Oxon., that he confirms to St Peter of Westminster the lands in Pershore and Deerhurst which were granted by King Edward. [1066 × Sept. 1069]

WAD, f. 278v; F, f. 113v; CAY, f. lxix (memorandum in Latin).

Pd: Monasticon I, 301, no. XL; Neufeldt, no. 34: from F.

Cal: Regesta I, no. 32; Bentley, 31, no. 254 (item 2), from CAY.

Date: Ealdred d. 11 Sept. 1069 (ASC, 149).

Note: Cf. Harvey, WA, 344, 363.

5. English writ of W I, informing Leofwine, bp. of Lichfield, Earl Edwin [of Mercia] and the thegns in Staffs., that the land of Perton pertains to St Peter of Westminster as fully as King Edward gave it. Abbot AEthelwig [of Evesham] and Thurkill the sheriff are to protect the land for the abbey. [1066 × 1071 (? 1066 × 1068)]

WAD, f. 648; F, f. 113v.

Pd: Monasticon I, 301, no. XXXIX; Neufeldt, no. 33: from F.

Cal: Regesta I, no. 25.

Date: Bp. Leofwine was deposed at the legatine council of Winchester at Easter 1070, and formally resigned his see to the king at Easter 1071 (The Letters of Lanfranc archbishop of Canterbury, ed. and transl. Helen Clover and Margaret Gibson (1979), 34–8 and notes). Earl Edwin d. in 1071, after some months passed as a fugitive rebel (ASC, 154; Orderic II, 258). It is unlikely that he would be addressed in such a writ following his brief rebellion in 1068 (Orderic II, 214–18).

Note: Cf. Harvey, WA, 357.

6. English writ of W I, informing Abp. Stigand, Count Eustace and his thegns in Surr., that he has granted land in Battersea and Pyrford to St Peter of Westminster, to hold as fully as Harold [II] held them at his death. [1066 × 10 April 1070]

F,f. 112v.

Pd: Monasticon I, 301, No.XXXV; Neufeldt, no. 29; Browning & Kirk, 'Early History', 225, from F.

Cal: Regesta I, no. 45.

Date: Abp. Stigand was deposed c. 11 April 1070 (Fasti II, 3).

Note: Cf. Harvey, WA, 357–9. On the boundaries of the Westminster estate in Battersea, see Taylor, Our Lady of Batersey, 9–20; Browning & Kirk, 'Early History', 225–35. The nuns of Barking held Battersea before the destruction of their house in 870. Harold Godwinson's subsequent possession of land there reflects the strategic importance of this site, which commanded an important ford on the Thames (Robin Fleming, 'Monastic Lands and England's defence in the Viking Age', EHR 100 (1985), 256, 262). On the style of Harold II, see Garnett, 'Coronation and Propaganda', 98–101.

7. English writ of W I, ordering Bundi the staller, Swawold the sheriff and his thegns in Oxon. that the abbey is to have its half hide in Marston. Anything alienated is to be returned within seven nights of the receipt of this writ. [1066 × c. 1068]

WAD, f. 273; F, f. 112v; CAY, f. lxxviii verso (memorandum in Latin).

Pd: Monasticon I, 301, no. XXXIV; Neufeldt, no. 28: from F.

Cal: Regesta I, no. 18; Bentley, 41, no. 284 (item 17), from CAY.

Date: English language and addressees; cf. the spurious 3.

Note: The abbey was granted this land by Edward the Confessor, but never gained possession of it: cf. Harvey, WA, 356n; Sawyer, AngloSaxon Charters, no. 1147.

8. English writ of WI, ordering Edmund the sheriff [of Herts.], Alfwine Gottune and Leofwine Scune that St Peter of Westminster is to have full possession of the land at Watton and Datchworth, and enquiry is to be made into the king's rights there. [1066 × c. 1070]

WAD, f. 227; F, ff. 112v–113.

Pd: Monasticon I, 301, no. XXXVI; Neufeldt, no. 30: from F.

Cal: Regesta I, no. 16.

Date: English language and addressees.

Note: Cf. Harvey, WA, 346.

9. English writ of W I, ordering William bp. of London, Sweyn the sheriff and the thegns of Essex, that the abbey is to have the two estates of Feering and Ockendon in exchange for Windsor, to hold with sake and soke, as he first granted them. Whosoever holds the lands, Sweyn is to convey them to the abbey, and all alienated goods or possessions are to be restored within eleven nights from the time this writ is read. [1066 × 1075]

WAD, f. 243; F, f. 113.

Pd: Monasticon I, 301, no. XXXVII; Neufeldt, no. 31: from F.

Cal: Regesta I, no. 87; Hart, no. 73.

Date: William, bp. of London, attended the Council of London in April or May 1075 (Councils and Synods, ii, 607), but d. later that year (Fasti I, 1). Sweyn the sheriff was in office before the Domesday Survey (Sheriffs, 43).

Note: Cf. Harvey, WA, 338, 341, 343; Garnett, 'Coronation and Propaganda', 99–100.

10. Writ of W I, notifying William bp. of London, S[weyn] the sheriff, and the men of Essex, that he has conceded and given to St Peter of Westminster the land of Ockendon and Feering with everything pertaining to it TRE, as Earl Harold Godwinson held it at that time. [1066 × 1075]

WAD, f. 243; F, f. 59v; T, f. 20.

Pd: Regesta I, no. XI, from WAD.

Cal: Regesta I, no. 86; Hart, no. 74.

Date: See 9.

Note: Cf. Harvey, WA, 341, 343.

11.* Writ of W I, ordering William, bp. of London, Geoffrey de Mandeville, and the sheriff and officers of Mddx., that St Peter and the monks of Westminster are to have the land called Chalkhill (in Kingsbury), which he confirmed to augment their diet, to hold as Thurstan the housecarl held of King Edward, the king's kinsman, and as Thurstan gave it, and King Edward confirmed it, to the abbey. Westminster 25 Dec. [1066 × 1075]

WAD, f. 114v (only in this text is the attestation of Count Robert repeated); F, f. 58r–v; T, ff. 19v–20.

Pd: Regesta I, no. XII, from WAD.

Cal: Regesta I, no. 89; cf. ibid. II, 392.

Date: Prob. an authentic base, but with attestations added later. That of William of St Calais, bp. of Durham 1080–96, is incompatible with the address to William, bp. of London (cf. 9). Franchisal clauses prob. also added.

Note: It is doubtful whether the abbey ever held this land in demesne (Harvey, WA, 349 and n. 6).

12.* Writ of W I, ordering William, bp. of London, Geoffrey the sheriff, and his officers in Essex, that St Peter and the monks of Westminster are to have the manor of Kelvedon Hatch as Alric granted it, and King Edward confirmed it, with sake and soke, and other rights. Windsor [1066 × 1075]

F, f. 60.

Pd: Harmer, 494 ('not authentic').

Cal: Hart, no. 82.

Date: William, bp. of London, d. 1075 (see 9). The first attestation, that of William of St Calais, bp. of Durham, is spurious, since he was elected only in Nov. 1080 (Fasti II, 85). The manor was given to the abbey when Alric the chamberlain (Harmer, 302, 554), who held it TRE, returned from a naval battle against W I, and the abbey occupied the manor in 1086 but was not seised of it (DB II, 14b). The authenticity of the Anglo-Saxon writ of Edward the Confessor confirming an earlier grant by Alric of the manor to the abbey has been queried, but Kelvedon Hatch was allegedly demesne manor from c. 1066 (Harvey, WA, 343), and therefore it is likely that the witness list was added at Westminster to a genuine writ, before the copy was made.

13.* Writ of W I, informing Bp. Walkelin of Winchester, Wulfwold, abbot of Chertsey, William Fitz Osbern, dapifer, Godfrey, son of Count Eustace, and the barons and officers of Surr., that he has confirmed to St Peter of Westminster, Abbot Edwin and the brethren the 'little manor' of Claygate, with appurtenant rights in Long Ditton and its woods, and legal and fiscal exemptions, as Earl Tostig and Countess Leofrune granted, and King Edward confirmed it. [1070 × 1071]

WAD, f. 465v.

Pd: Flete, 141.

Cal: Regesta I, no. 237.

Note: Post descriptionem Anglie follows the attestation of William, count of Mortain, who succeeded his father only in 1090 (Sanders, 14). These concluding phrases are a later addition, even if the text is based on a genuine grant, with the abbot's name miscopied. Abbot Edwin d. 1068, (Heads, 76) and William Fitz Osbern in 1071 (Sanders, 35). Bp. Walkelin was nominated 23 May, and consecrated 30 May 1070 (Fasti II, 85). The abbey held Claygate in 1086 (DB I, f. 32) but was not recorded as having any rights in Long Ditton (DB I, f. 35). Cf. Harmer, 305–6, 513; Harvey, WA, 358. Concerning the identity of Earl Tostig and Countess Leofrune, see Harmer, 303–4, 575–6; Barlow, Edward the Confessor, 30.

14.* 'Second Charter' of W I, confirming the privileges granted to the abbey by Edward the Confessor, as agreed at the Council of Westmins ter, with exemption from the jurisdiction of bps. or lay officers. Westminster, 22 May 1075.

WAM XXVII(b); WAD, f. 51 (second half of text, giving date as vj Kal. Maij); F, ff. 49–51; T, ff. 17v–18v (attestations omitted); BL Additional Roll 15895, no. 8 (extract).

Cal: Regesta I, no. 34; Bishop & Chaplais, xxxi, no. ix: date follows WAD.

Date: Anno dominice incarnationis millesimo lxx^mo quinto, etiam adepti imperii… regis Willelmi anno iiii^to die predicti festi Pentecostes xi^mo kal. Junii. The dates given are inconsistent: neither in 1075 (mlxxv) nor in 1070 (4 William I) did Pentecost fall on 22 May (11 kal. June). A synod was held in London in 1075, prob. in April or May-June (Councils and Synods, ii, 607) but the king did not attend, and is not known to have been at Westminster until Christmas (Regesta I, xxii). The attestations are impossible for either year, since Lanfranc was nominated to Canterbury only on 15 Aug. 1070 (Fasti II, 3), while William Fitz Osbern d. in 1071 (Sanders, 98). Forgery is also indicated by the language.

15.* 'Third Charter' of W I, confirming the property and privileges of St Peter of Westminster as granted by Edward the Confessor and his predecessors, and confirmed by successive popes. Westminster, 29 Dec. 1077.

WAD, ff. 51–52v; F, ff. 44v–49; T, ff. 16v–17v (attestations omitted after that of the king); BL Additional Roll 15895, no. 8 (extracts).

Cal: Regesta I, no. 90.

Note: The dating clauses and attestations contain inconsistencies, as do the language and purport of the charter (Regesta I, no. 90n.).

16. Writ of W I, notifying Sweyn the sheriff and his officers in Essex that he has granted to St Peter of Westminster and the brethren the manor of Feering, with its sokemen, and three appurtenant houses in Colchester, as Earl Harold Godwinson held it at the death of Edward the Confessor, and as he, William, held it. This grant is made on the advice of his barons, in exchange for Windsor. [Aug. 1070 × 1082]

WAD, f. 243; F, f. 59r–v T, f. 20 (no witnesses). Both F and T omit de Estsexa.

Pd: Regesta I, no. XVII, from WAD. The third attestation is recte Gosfrido Const'.

Cal: Regesta I, no. 163.

Date: Cf. 9.

Note: Cf. DB II, 14b; Harvey, WA, 338, 341; Garnett, 'Coronation and Propaganda', 99–100.

17.* Writ of W I, informing Walkelin, bp. of Winchester, and O. the sheriff and his officers in Surr., that St Peter of Westminster and the monks are to have the manors of Battersea, Wandsworth and Pyrford, with appurtenances and customs, as Earl Harold Godwinson held them TRE. [Aug. 1070 × 1082]

WAD, f. 161; F, ff. 55v–56; LN, ff. xlvj verso–xlvij; CAY, f. xlix.

Pd: Regesta I, no. XVIII, from WAD; Browning & Kirk, 225, transl. from F.

Cal: Regesta I, no. 162; Bentley, 23, no. 177, from CAY.

Date: Attestations of Bp. Odo, disgraced in 1082 (Orderic IV, 40–4), and of Abp. Lanfranc, nominated and consecrated Aug. 1070 (Fasti II, 3).

Note: Cf. DB I, f. 32. The sentence: Et nolo … monasterii is reminiscent of the forgers' language. This document, and its more elaborate version (18) were prob. designed to strengthen the abbey's title after lands in Battersea had been wrongfully seized (82). See also Garnett, 'Coronation and Propaganda', 99–100; Harvey, WA, 357–9, on these lands.

18.* Notification by W I to his officers in Surr. that he has granted St Peter of Westminster and the brethren, to augment their diet, the manors of Battersea, Wandsworth and Pyrford, with all appurtenances and privileges, as Earl Harold Godwinson held them TRE. [Aug. 1070 × 1082]

WAD, f. 161; F, f. 55v; T, f. 19v; LN, f. xlvj verso; CAY, f. xlix.

Pd: Regesta I, no. XIX, from WAD; Browning & Kirk, 224–5, transl. from F.

Cal: Regesta I, no. 164; Bentley, 23, no. 176, from CAY.

Note: Amplification of 17, using extensively the inflated language of the forgers. Cf. Harvey, WA, 357–9. See also Garnett, 'Coronation and Propaganda', 99–100.

19. Writ of W I, notifying Abp. Lanfranc and Odo, bp. of Bayeux, that he has granted to Abbot Vitalis and the abbey hunting rights in Battersea wood (Surr.); the tithe of two hundred houses near the church; land in Chollington (Sussex); one house there and two in London; with Wick-byPershore and the tithes of all that the king holds in Droitwich (Worcs.). [1076 × 1082]

WAD, f. 161; F, f. 56r–v BL Lansdowne 863, f. 100v.

Pd: Regesta I, XX (from WAD); Browning and Kirk, 225, transl. from F.

Cal: Regesta I, no. 166.

Date: Abbot Vitalis's term of office, limited by the downfall of Odo of Bayeux (Orderic IV, 40–44).

Note: Cf. DB I, f. 174b; VCH Worcs. I, 300, 302; Harvey, WA, 357–8, 359n.5; 363–4; and on Droitwich, 71n., 101, 113n., 125.

20.* Writ of W I, informing Abp. Lanfranc, Odo, bp. of Bayeux, and his officers in Kent that he has confirmed to St Peter of Westminster, Abbot Vitalis and the monks the manor of Lessness, with its church, as King Edward conceded it. [1076 × 1082]

WAM XXII(1), pretended original; WAD, f. 647; F, f. 57r–v.

Pd: Formulare, no. LXII, from the pretended original; Monasticon I, 302, no. XLVI,. from Formulare.

Cal: Regesta I, no. 54.

Date: Abbot Vitalis's term of office (Heads, 76), limited by the disgrace of Bp. Odo.

Note: The attestations are spurious (Regesta I, no. 54), and the hand is that of the scribe who wrote other Westminster forgeries (Bishop and Chaplais, xxii, n. 1). In 1086, Robert Latimer held Lessness of Odo of Bayeux (DB I, f. 6v). In the reign of W II, Abbot Gilbert made an agreement with Robert Bloett concerning the abbey's manor there (81). See also Harmer, 299–301, on related documents concerning this estate.

21.* Writ of W I, informing Bp. Walkelin of Winchester and his barons and officers in Surr. that he has confirmed to St Peter, Abbot Vitalis and the monks of Westminster the three hides which Geoffrey, son of Count Eustace [of Boulogne] gave on behalf of his wife Beatrice, with the consent of Geoffrey de Mandeville: one hide in Balham, and the others in Walton near Morden, with quittance of murdrum, geld, and Danegeld. [1076 × April 1084]

WAD, f. 173.

Pd: Regesta I, no. XXV; Gilbert Crispin, 129, no. 3.

Cal: Regesta I, no. 202.

Date: Abbot Vitalis's term of office, limited by the attestation of Abbot Wulfwold of Chertsey (Heads, 38).

Note: The abbot's right in Balham is not recorded in 1086 (DBI, f. 36). Forgery indicated in the later clauses. The donor of this land is better known as Godfrey of Bouillon, Advocate of the Holy Sepulchre (Gesta Francorum, ed. Rosalind Hill (1962), 92 and n.2; see also Gilbert Crispin, 129).

22. Writ of W I, informing those wherever Vitalis, abbot of Westminster, holds land, that he is to have all his demesne in Worcs., insofar as he can demonstrate that Bp. Wulfstan, the abbot of Evesham and Rainbald the chancellor established Westminster's title to it. Similarly, he is to have his demesne throughout England, insofar as he can prove in the shire and hundred courts that Westminster had it of the grant of King Edward, and of the present king. The French and English of the fee are to come to terms with the abbot. [1076 × 1085 (? 1076 × 1077)]

WAD, ff. 52v–53; F, ff. 61v–62.

Pd: Regesta I, no. XXVIII; Flete, 84 (extract): from WAD.

Cal: Regesta I, no. 213.

Date: Abbot Vitalis's term of office (Heads, 76). The abbot of Evesham is almost certainly AEthelwig (cf. R. R. Darlington, 'Aethelwig, abbot of Evesham', EHR 48 (1933), 1 ff., 177 ff.) who d. in 1077 (Heads, 47), but the wording of the writ does not establish that he was still alive when it was issued. Similarly, Regenbald the chancellor is believed to have lost his office by 1069. See also Harvey, WA, 360–4.

23. Writ of WI, informing Sweyn, sheriff of Essex, that he has confirmed to St Peter of Westminster the land and marsh of Tilbury which Geoffrey de Mandeville granted for the soul of his wife [Alice]. [1068 × 1085]

WAD, f. 647, giving sheriff as S; F, f. 61.

Pd: Gilbert Crispin, 127, no. 1, from WAD.

Cal: Regesta I, no. 209.

Date: Sweyn's term of office ended before 1086 (Regesta I, no. 209n.) and Alice was d. by 1085 × 1086 (462; dated c. 1085 × 1086: Chaplais, 'Original Charters', 105). Alice was buried in the abbey cloisters (436).

Note: This grant was not fulfilled. In 1086 the abbey held no land in Tilbury, although Geoffrey held land in the hundred of Barstaple (DB II, 59b), land which probably lay in East Tilbury (VCH EssexI, 374). Sweyn, however, had wrongfully taken thirty acres of Geoffrey's land to add to his manor of West Tilbury (DB II, 59b; VCH Essex I, 374, 508).

24.* Writ of W I, informing Walkelin, bp. of Winchester, Hugh [de Aurea Valle], bp. of London, Ralph Baynard, Rannulf and Geoffrey [de Mandeville], the sheriffs, and their French and English barons of Surr. and Essex [and Mddx.], that he has confirmed to St Peter, Abbot Vitalis and the monks of Westminster those four hides in Tooting (Surr.) which Swein gave, and which his nephew, Ailnoth of London, now holds of St Peter and the monks. He also confirms the land in London, and the mill of Stratford (Essex) with its appurtenant land, of which Ailnoth made the abbey the heir. [1076 × 1085]

WAD, f. 496v; F, f. 56v; T, f. 19v (address includes the men of Mddx.).

Pd: Gilbert Crispin, 128, no. 2, from WAD.

Cal: Regesta I, no. 181.

Date: Abbot Vitalis's term of office (Heads, 76).

Note: A genuine writ (cf. DB, f. 32; Harmer, 311–13: see also Harvey, WA, 359), but with attestations added (Gilbert Crispin, 128).

25.* Writ of W I, informing the sheriffs and officers of London that he has reaffirmed to St Peter of Westminster and Abbot Vitalis the grant by Alwold of St Botolph's gate of his curia, with houses and a wharf lying at the head of London Bridge, as King Edward confirmed them. He orders that these are to be held peaceably, with all customary rights, as King Edward granted. [1076 × 1085]

WAD, f. 98; F, ff. 63v–64; T, f. 20v (attestations omitted).

Pd: Regesta I, no. XXXI, from WAD (reading omnibus for domibus).

Cal: Regesta I, no. 217 ('spurious').

Date: Abbot Vitalis's term of office (Heads, 76). The attestation of Henry de Beaumont, earl of Warwick, is incompatible with this, since he was created earl c. 1088 (Sanders, 93). William of St Calais attests as bp. of Durham, implying that the earlier limit should be set at Nov. 1080 (Fasti II, 29).

Note: The substance of the writ appears unexceptionable, and it may be that a genuine confirmation was inflated by the addition of the concluding clauses: Et volo … faciat, and of the attestations, before the copies were made (cf. Harmer, 306–8, and no. 75).

26. Writ of W I, informing Peter de Valognes [sheriff of Essex], Rannulf [sheriff of Surr.] and all his sheriffs, that the land of St Peter of Westminster is to be as undisturbed as it was TRE, and at the king's coming to England; and that Abbot Vitalis is to have justice against Anselm [of Aosta, abbot of Bec]. [1076 × 1085]

WAD, f. 53.

Pd: Regesta I, no. XXIX.

Cal: Regesta I, no. 214.

Date: Abbot Vitalis's term of office (Heads, 76). Both sheriffs were in office in 1086 (Sheriffs, 43, 135).

Note: The land claimed by Abbot Anselm was evidently that in Tooting, which adjoined Bec's estate of Tooting Bec (cf. Monasticon VI, 1053; Harvey, WA, 359).

27. Writ of W I, informing Ilbert of Hertford and his men that he concedes to St Peter of Westminster the land of Wormley which Leofsin of London gave. He orders that the abbey should hold it as formerly, as King Edward conceded it, and as he himself afterwards granted. [1066 × 1086]

WAD, f. 647v; F, ff. 59v–60.

Pd: Regesta I, no. XLIII, from WAD.

Cal: Regesta I, no. 250.

Date: Ilbert was in office before 1086 but not at the time of the survey (Sheriffs, 64).

Note: In the Domesday Survey, Westminster is not recorded as holding this land either in 1086 or TRE. The land was confirmed to the abbey by Edward the Confessor as the gift of Leofsin, surnamed Dodesone (Monasticon I, 299, no. XVIII; Harmer, no. 90). He was a mastermason (Harmer, 566), presumably a kinsman of Alwin Dodesone, who held land in Wormley TRW, in succession to Wlward, a man of Esegar the staller, one of the landholders there TRE (DBI, f. 142). The transfer did not take effect. Presumably the W I writ was sought fairly early in his reign to remedy this, but it proved equally ineffective.

28.* Writ of W I, informing all in Worcs. and Gloucs. that he has confirmed to St Peter of Westminster and the brethren, towards their diet, the manors of Pershore (Worcs.) and Deerhurst (Gloucs.), with all appurtenances, as King Edward gave them. Westminster 25 Dec. [1066 × 1086]

WAD, f. 278v; F, f. 61r–v.

Cal: Regesta I, no. 234.

Date: Witnesses prob. added later.

Note: Although the language of these copies is inflated, they are based on a genuine writ (cf. Harmer, 330, and no. 99; DBI, ff. 166, 174b–175; Harvey, WA, 344, 363, 366); C. S. Taylor, 'Deerhurst, Pershore and Westminster', Trans. Bristol and Gloucestershire Archaeological Society 25 (1902), 230–50.

29. Writ of W I, informing his sheriffs throughout England that St Peter of Westminster is to have all those lands, with their customary rights, which Edward granted them. [1066 × 1087]

WAD, f. 53; F, f. 63.

Pd: Regesta I, no. II, from WAD.

Cal: Regesta I, no. 17.

Date: Prob. early in the reign.

30.* Writ of W I, generally addressed, confirming St Peter of Westminster and the monks in the possession of all the lands which King Edward gave them, with those immunities which he gave them. [1070 × 1087]

F, f. 64v.

Date: Attestations of Abp. Lanfranc and of Walkelin, bp. of Winchester (Fasti II, 3, 85). That of Edward the sheriff might indicate a date towards the end of the reign (Sheriffs, 54, 107).

Note: The inflated language indicates that the forgers were dissatisfied with the concise terms of 29.

31. Writ of W I, informing Remy, bp. of Lincoln, Hugh the sheriff and the other barons of Lines., that St Peter of Westminster and Abbot Vitalis are to have the manor of Doddington and its appurtenant soke of Thorpe, which were granted by Ailric son of Meriet. Wiht [?Isle of Wight] [1076 × 1085]

WAD, ff. 500v–501; F, f. 62.

Pd: Monasticon I, 301, no. XLI, from F.

Cal: Regesta I, no. 212.

Date: Abbot Vitalis's term of office (Heads, 76).

Note: The Domesday Survey records the abbot as holding part of Ailric's former estate (DBI, f. 346), but, among the clamores for the Kesteven district of Lincs., the abbot claimed the land and soke of Ailric son of Meriet against a certain Baldwin, asserting his right to all the component parts, since the chief manor had been granted to St Peter (of Westminster). The whole shire court bore witness to the abbot's title (DB, I, f. 377). The king's writ perhaps confirms this verdict. See also Harvey, WA, 348.

32. Writ of W I, informing Osmund, bp. of Salisbury, and Edward of Salisbury, sheriff of Wilts., that he has confirmed to the church of St Peter of Westminster the land which Robert Fitz Wimarc granted. Cricklade [1078 × 1086]

WAD, f. 648v (giving sheriff's initial as O.); F, f. 62v.

Pd: Regesta I, no. LXX, from WAD.

Cal: Regesta I, no. 417.

Date: Absence of witnesses suggests temp. W I. Osmund became bp. of Salisbury in 1078 (Gams, 196), and d. 3 Dec. 1099 (Symeon of Durham, II, 230). Edward of Salisbury was sheriff of Wilts, before and at the time of the Survey (Sheriffs, 152). In 1086, the abbot of Westminster held in chief the church in Cricklade, with many (plures) burgesses and the third penny of the vill: total value £9 (DB I, f. 67r).

33.* 'Fourth Charter' of W I, notifying Hugh de Aurea Valle, bp. of London, Geoffrey de Mandeville, and others, including the citizens of London, that he confirms the property and privileges of the abbey in London, and grants protection to the merchants residing on the lands of St Peter. Westminster 2 Jan. 1081.

CC Aug. II, pt.54 (pretended original); WAD, ff. 96–97v; F, ff. 51–53v; T, ff. 18v–19; (attestations omitted, apart from that of the king).

Cal: Regesta I, no. 144.

Note: Attestations and language indicate forgery (Regesta I, no. 144). It appears to be a gross inflation of 36, while 39 prob. represents the first stage of fabrication.

34.* Writ of W I, ordering Walkelin, bp. of Winchester, Hugh de Port, and his sheriffs and officers of Hants., that St Peter and the monks are to have the manor of Eversley, with the meadow of Streatfield, as King Edward gave it, towards his burial. Westminster 25 Dec. [1081]

WAM XXIII(2), (pretended original); WAD, ff. 647v–648; F, ff. 56v–57.

Cal: Regesta I, no. 143.

Date: Prob. based on a genuine grant. The manor was held by Westminster in 1086, although four thegns held it TRE (DB I, f. 43b). Attestations added. Count Robert attested a charter of Philip I on 6 Jan. 1082 (Recueil des Actes de Philippe I^er Roi de France (1059–1108), ed. M. Prou, Chartes et Diplomes relatifs à I'Histoire de France (Paris, 1908), 270–1), therefore, it is unlikely that he had attended the Christmas court at Westminster. The phraseology and script indicate that this writ is a product of Osbert de Clare's forgery team (cf. Chaplais, 'Original Charters', 95).

Note: On the manor, see Harvey, WA, 345.

35.* Writ of W I, ordering William, bp. of London, Geoffrey de Mandeville, and the sheriff and officers of Essex that the church of St Peter of Westminster, Abbot Vitalis and the monks are to have the manor of Wennington with its church, and the appurtenant soke of Aveley, as Eadser and Ealvida granted, and King Edward conceded. [Nov. 1080 × June 1085]

F, ff. 60v–61; T, f. 20r–v (attestations omitted).

Pd: Formulare, no. LXI, from the 'original' charter, then among the abbey muniments, but now missing; Harmer, 493, from F.

Date: Abbot Vitalis's term of office (Heads, 76), limited by the attestations of William of St Calais, bp. of Durham, elected 9 Nov. 1080, and consecrated at Gloucester 27 Dec., or 3 Jan. 1081 (Fasti II, 29; Symeon of Durham I, 119), and Robert, count of Meulan, who acquired his title in 1081 (G.E.C. VII, 523–6). But William, bp. of London, d.1075 (Fasti I, 1), and if a scribe wrote W[illelmo] for M[auricio], Bp. Maurice was elected only on 25 Dec. 1085 (Fasti I, 1), six months after Vitalis is said to have d.

Note: The place-name was defective in the abbey muniment: […]tun', Winiton' (F); Winton' (T). The phrase omnimoda [libertate] was also defective but complete in F and T. The authenticity of this writ, and of a writ of Edward the Confessor confirming the grant of Wennington to Westminster by Aetsere Swearte and Aelfgyth his wife (Harmer, no. 73), is questioned by Harmer (301), but Wennington was held by the abbey in 1086 (DB II, 15) and it is possible that a genuine writ was addressed to Bp. William, 1066 × 1075, but that this was subsequently amended by the insertion of Vitalis's name and the addition of witnesses. See also Harvey, WA, 344.

36.* Notification by W I to Geoffrey de Mandeville, the sheriff of London, William the chamberlain and all the citizens and officers, that he has granted to St Peter, Abbot Vitalis and the monks the lands in London which Edward the Confessor gave, towards his burial, and those which he himself gave. He extends his protection over all merchants on the abbey's property. Westminster Pentecost [1081 × 1085]

CC XVI 30 (pretended original): last three lines damaged, missing text and attestations supplied from copies; WAD, f. 97v; F, f. 63r–v T, f. 20v (attestations omitted).

Pd: Gilbert Crispin, 129–30, no. 4, from WAD.

Cal: Regesta I, no. 216, 'either a forgery or grossly interpolated'.

Date: Before the d. of Abbot Vitalis, 19 June, prob. 1085 (Heads, 76), and after the election to Durham of William of St Calais, who attests.

Note: Language is that of the Westminster forgeries.

37. Writ of W I, ordering Remy, bp. of Lincoln, Peter de Valognes, and the sheriff and officer of Herts., that St Peter and the monks of Westminster are to have the manor of Ayot St Lawrence, as King Edward confirmed it. Windsor [Nov. 1080 × 1086]

WAD, f. 226v; F, ff. 58v–59

Pd: Regesta I, no. XXXVIII, from WAD.

Cal: Regesta I, no. 235.

Date: W I's confirmation is recorded in DB (I, f. 135). Attestations prob. added later. William, bp. of Durham, was nominated to his see in Nov. 1080 and consecrated 27 Dec. or 3 Jan. following (Fasti II, 29). See also Harvey, WA, 72, 74.

38.* Writ of W I, notifying his sheriffs and officers in Mddx. that he has confirmed to St Peter of Westminster and the brethren, to augment its diet, the manor of Staines with all appurtenances and privileges as King Edward gave it, and additional exemptions of his own. Westminster 25 Dec. [1081 × 1086]

WAD, f. 133r–v F, ff. 54–55; LN, f. xij verso; CAY, f. xiii verso.

Pd: Regesta I, no. XXXVII, from WAD.

Cal: Regesta I, no. 233; Bentley, 6, no. 47, from CAY.

Date: Witnesses prob. added later.

Note: Although the language of the copies is inflated they were probably based on a genuine writ (cf. Harmer, nos. 97–8; DB I, f. 128a–b). The value of the manor differs TRE from when it was subsequently received (or reacquired) by the abbot, although the manor was held by the abbey before the survey (Harvey, WA, 354).

39.* Writ of W I, informing his officers and burgesses of London that he has confirmed to St Peter of Westminster all the lands in London which King Edward gave. Westminster [1080 × 1087]

WAD, ff. 97v–98; F, ff. 64v–65.

Pd: Regesta I, no. XXX, from WAD.

Cal: Regesta I, no. 215.

Note: The inflated language indicated forgery. See also 33 and 36.

40.* Writ of W I, informing Maurice, bp. of London, Geoffrey de Mandeville and his officers in London that he has conceded to St Peter of Westminster and Abbot Gilbert the grant which Alward of London made of St Mary Newchurch, which he confirms with its land and houses, sake and soke and other customary rights. Westminster [1085 × 1087]

WAD, f. 505r–v; F, f. 64.

Pd: Gilbert Crispin, 131, no. 5, from WAD; Monasticon I, 302, no. XLV, from F.

Cal: Regesta I, no. 278, as a writ of W I.

Date: Attestation of William of St Calais (Fasti II, 29).

Note: This is prob. based on the writ of W I to which W II refers (54), but interpolated with franchisal liberties, and attestations added later. They include a group often utilized by the forgery team (Regesta). That of the earl of Warwick is given as R (WAD); Hugone (F), but the first earl, 1088–1119, was Henry.

41. Writ of W I, informing his officers in Essex that he has confirmed to St Peter and Abbot Gilbert the manor of Moulsham with the land of Broomfield (Brorn'), which Wlmar held of the abbey, with all customary rights as King Edward conceded. [1085 × 1087]

F, f. 60r–V.

Pd: Harmer, 507.

Cal: Hart, no. 99.

Date: Abbot Gilbert's term of office (Heads, 77).

Note: Cf. Harmer, no. 84; DB II, 15; Harvey, WA, 343.

42. English writ of W I, informing his 'true friends' in all shires in which St Peter has lands, that Abbot Gilbert is to enjoy sake and soke, and other judicial privileges. [1085 × 1087]

WAD, f. 53; F, f. 113r–v.

Pd: Monasticon I, 301, no. XXXVIII; Neufeldt, no. 32: from F.

Cal: Regesta I, no. 279, 'spurious'.

Date: The king's last years, following the appointment of Abbot Gilbert (Heads, 77).

Note: The English grammar is bad, although this might be due to the copyist's errors. It is unlikely that the Chancery would issue writs in English at this late date. An English writ survives in Abbot Gilbert's name (238), and it might be that an abbey scribe drew up the present document for the king to ratify.

43.* Land-book (Telligraphus) of W I, confirming the abbey's lands in numerous shires. [1085 × 1087]

WAM XXVI, pretended original, a twelfth-century work; WAD, ff. 46v–49; F, ff. 120–128v.

Cal: Regesta I, no. 251 ('an obvious forgery'); Hart, nos. 80, 96 ('spurious'; both entries relate to this charter).

Date: Mention of Abbot Gilbert Crispin, succeeded c. 1085 (Heads, 77), and of Geoffrey de Mandeville [I]'s second wife (Chaplais, 'Original Charters', 105), suggest that this complete forgery claimed to date from the last years of the reign.

Note: 'Telligraphus' is the title in the rubric of WAD text. The language clearly indicates forgery. Cf. also Hart, 6–7 (extended n. to no. 80), and 12 (n. to no. 96).

44. Writ of W I, informing Rannulf the sheriff and his officers in Surr. that he has granted to St Peter of Westminster and Abbot Gilbert eight hides of the manor of Pyrford, which are in his demesne, within Windsor Forest, quit of scot and geld. [1086 × 8 Sept. 1087]

WAM XXIV(3), original; WAD, f. 174v; F, f. 56v; LN, f. xvij recto; CAY, f. xlix.

Pd: Formulare, no. CCCXCVI; Foedera I, 4; Monasticon I, 307, no. XLVIII; Bishop & Chaplais, 26 and plate XXIV; Gilbert Crispin, 29n.: from WAM.

Cal: Regesta I, no. 236; Bentley, 23, no. 178, from CAY.

Date: Post descriptionem totius Anglie follows attestations. Rannulf was in office at the time of the Domesday Survey (Sheriffs, 135).

Note: Cf. Harvey, WA, 359.

45. Writ of W I, informing Hugh de Port that he has granted the tithe of Rutland to St Peter of Westminster and ordering him to deliver seisin. [1086 × 1087]

CC XVI(2) (original); WAD, f. 594; F, f. 62v.

Pd: Monasticon I, 302, no. XLIV; Formulare, no. CCCCXCII: from F; Bishop & Chaplais, no. 27, and plate XXV (a) and (b), from CC.

Cal: Regesta I, no. 382.

Date: There is no mention in the Domesday Survey that the abbey held the tithe in 1086. The seal is that of W I.

46.* Writ of W I, informing Remy, bp. of Lincoln, Hugh de Port and his officers in Notts., that he has confirmed to St Peter of Westminster and the monks the churches of Uppingham and Wardley in Rutland, with the church of Belton (Lincs.), with lands, tithes and appurtenant chapels, and all rights pertaining to those churches TRE. [1086 × 1087]

WAD, f. 242v; F, f. 62r–v.

Pd: Monasticon I, 301, no. XLII, from F; Regesta I, XLIV, from WAD.

Cal: Regesta I, no. 275.

Note: The Domesday Survey did not record these churches as being held by Westminster. The language is inflated: Et volo …, and this combination of witnesses is suspect. Prob. this document was composed at Westminster in order to identify the churches, and to amplify the terse wording of the genuine royal writs (55–6) concerning them. On the subsequent history of these churches and their dependencies, see Mason, 'Rutland Churches', 163–6; Harvey, WA, 404.