Durham Cathedral Archive: Registrum Papireum Diversarum Litterarum
Introduction
Contents
Arrangement
Related material - elsewhere
Bibliography

Catalogue

Reference code: GB-0033-DCD-Reg-Pap
Title: Durham Cathedral Archive: Registrum Papireum Diversarum Litterarum
Dates of creation: c.1400 with a few later additions
Extent: 127 leaves + 2 parchment endpapers, +8 modern endpapers
Held by: Durham University Library, Archives and Special Collections
Origination: Durham Cathedral Priory
Language: Latin, with occasional items in English as indicated

Contents

Formulary of letters written in around 1400 with a few later additions. Most of the letters have the addresses, names and dates omitted or reduced to initials, making identification difficult. The letters include a few which are probably not taken from genuine examples. Some (f.25-48) correspond almost exactly with letters in Lambeth Palace Library's MS 221 and others (f.55-65) are mostly taken from the register of Thomas Cobham, bishop of Worcester (1317-1327). The letters include a number between the king and the pope, about the war in France and Flanders, and about Durham cathedral priory, its cell of Coldingham and Oxford.
The register also includes a treatise on Dictamen, a list of Latin synonyms, and some documents concerning John Wyclif, including a fuller version of his text Differencia inter peccatum mortale et veniale edited by J. Loserth and F.D. Matthew in Tractatus de mandatis divinis for the Wyclif Society in 1922.

Accession details

Part of the medieval archive of Durham Cathedral Priory placed in the care of Durham University by Durham Dean and Chapter in 1948.

Conditions of access

Open for consultation.

Copyright and copying

Permission to make any published use of material from the collection must be sought in advance from Durham Cathedral Library (library@durhamcathedral.co.uk). The Library will assist where possible with identifying copyright owners, but responsibility for ensuring copyright clearance rests with the user of the material.

Arrangement

f.1v-4r Treatise on Dictamen.
f.4v-21r List of Latin synonyms.
f.21v-83v Formulary of letters.
f.84r-95v Summary of the constitutions of Benedict XII for the black monks.
f.96r-108v Formulary of letters.
f.109r-127v Theological treatises.

Processing

Listed by Alan Piper in c.1990 in Wordperfect. Converted to XML by Michael Stansfield in 2006.

Copies

A negative microfilm is 5TCFilm 229

Related material - elsewhere

Durham Cathedral Library MS C.IV.25 is a similar Durham Cathedral Library formulary of the 1380s and 1390s, similarly titled as “L Registrum papireum ...”

Bibliography

Discussed and described, with the Oxford letters printed, in W.A. Pantin, “Letters from Durham registers, c.1360-1390”, in Formularies which Bear on the History of Oxford c.1204-1420 vol.I, ed H.E. Salter, W.A. Pantin, H.G. Richardson (Oxford Historical Society, New Series IV, 1942), p.219-239.
Also described in E.J. Polak, Medieval and Renaissance Letter Treatises and Form Letters: a census of manuscripts found in part of Western Europe, Japan, and the United States of America, (Leiden 1994), p.288.

Handlist

f.1r-4r
Treatise on Dictamen.

f.1r   early 15th century
“Restistrum diuersarum [...]” (sic).
1r   mid 15th century
“Registrum diuersarum litterarum”.
f.1v-4r
“Notandum quod quelibet diccio trium aut plurimum ... pollicitam (f. 1) non admisit (vnde versus) Dictandi forma romane more petentes | Hanc teneant ... amittam libros meos etc. ecce conclusio”.
f.3r
Opening addresses for letters to lay and ecclesiastical figures of varying ranks.
f.4v-21r
List of Latin synonyms.

f.4v-10v & 13v-21r
“Incipiunt sinonomia dictatori necessaria secundum ordinem alphabeti seriosius compilata ... (line 8) aliis que in wlgari modo loquendi non sunt sepius recitata Aula atrium palacium: hall ... ”. A Latin wordlist.
(f. 10v) “Quere residuum post ad tercium folium”
f.11r   [18 December] 1377
Mandate by Simon [Sudbury] archbishop of Canterbury and William [Courtenay] bishop of London to the chancellor of Oxford University for the citation of John Wycliffe to St Paul's London, following letters of Pope Gregory XI, 15 Kal Jan. 1377.
f.11r
“Conclusio prima Totum genus concurrentium citra Christum non habet potentatem... eius temporalia auferre”.
f.11v-12r
Blank.
f.12v-13r   [22 May 1377]
Mandate by Pope Gregory XI to the chancellor of Oxford University to take John Wycliffe and place him in the custody of the archbishop of Canterbury or the bishop of London, referring also to the perverse opinions of Marsilius of Padua and John de Ganduno, 11 Kal June pont. 7.
f.13v-21r
More wordlist, starting “Obulus ... vt pro sicut et pro quando”.
f.21v-83v
Formulary of letters.

f.21v
“Pro Coldynghame”
f.21v-22r
Four variant letters by the prior and convent of Durham to King Richard [II] over the bishop of St Andrews requiring obedience from the prior presented to the cell of Coldingham, following the restitution by the king of Scots of the cell, after 18 years detention at a cost of £100 a year over and above the support of 8 monks there, and his order to the earl of March to put J[ohn] de A[ycliffe] in possession.
f.22r top margin
Title: paper register of various letters of the chancellor of Durham.
f.22v
“Littera regraciatoria perfic[..] et supplicans pro continuacione in negocio predicto” : to “dominus et magister” over his good offices in the [Coldingham] business.
f.22v-23r
“Littera missa auditori” [...]: to “dominus et magister” at the Roman Curia, reporting the receipt of his letter of January, but not of the remission of the [Coldingham] case carried by dom R de L, notifying sequestration on Mr O de G's counsel for his hospital of S delegated to Mr T de G, Mr W de B and the sender, and stating the difficulty of his having a pension of £10 on account of the [Coldingham] case, the appropriation of four churches to [Durham] College Oxford and of S church to the monastery of Durham, and the need to obtain £100 a year for the exchange of the churches of S and H.
f.23r   10 March [?1425]
Language:   English
Letter by T[homas Langley] bishop of Durham to [the king of Scotland] requesting men of counsel to assist the prior and convent of Durham recover the “more” town of Swinton.
Date, Auckland 10 March.
f.23r   [?March 1425]
Language:   English
Letter by Ralph de Neville earl of Westmorland to [the king of Scotland] requesting that the monks of Durham should have possession of the town of “more” Swinton.
f.23v   13 March [1425]
Language:   English
Letter by Joan [Beaufort] countess of Westmorland to [? her niece Joan Beaufort, queen] of Scotland, as in the previous.
Date, Raby (13 March 1424).
f.23v-24r   12 March [1425]
Letter by the prior and chapter of Durham to James [I] king of Scotland, following the parliament of Perth, asking that William de Wethirburn, guardian of John de Swinton's heir, be prevented from disturbing them in possession of Greater Swinton, granted to them by King Edgar, on the grounds of a grant in fee to John by the abbey and convent of Dunfermline during their occupation of Durham's cell of Coldingham.
Date, Durham 12 March (1424 [1425]).
Printed in The Priory of Coldingham, [ed J. Raine] (Surtees Society 12, 1841), p.97-99.
Also in DCD Reg. III f.111v-112r, where it has no year date.
f.24v
Blank.
f.25r   [?1332]
“Littera directa per capitulum Karl' episcopo Karliol' cui papa prouidit de episcopatu”.
Sending brother T de A.
f.25r-v   [?1332]
“Littera directa pape per regem ad supplendum defectu episcopi Karliol' consecrati domi [?] propter reseruationem curie”.
Over the election, consecration [19 July 1332] and enthronement of the prior of Carlisle J[ohn] de Ka [Kirkby] following the death of J[ohn] de R[osse].
f.25v
“Littera directa card' per regem de eadem materia”.
Opening words only.
f.25v   [?1332]
(“Littera capituli karlion' directa <pape> gardinali pro confirmacione sui electi” ). Requesting good offices following the election and consecration [19 July 1332] of brother J[ohn] de Ka [Kirkby] as bishop of Carlisle on the death of Jo[hn] de T [Rosse].
f.25v-26r   [?1332]
“Littera directa pape per proceres clerum et populum ciuitatis et diocesis Karl' (Littera comitatus pro eodem electo ad papam” )
Over the election, consecration [19 July 1332] and enthronement of the prior of Carlisle J[ohn] de Ka [Kirkby].
f.26r-v   [?1332]
“Littera directa pape per priorem et capitulum super eodem” prior and convent of Carlisle over the election, consecration [19 July 1332] and enthronement of the prior of Carlisle J[ohn] de Ka [Kirkby] on the death of Jo[hn] de K [Rosse].
f.26v-27r   [?1332]
“Littera directa pape per episcopum Karliol'” [John de Kirkby] prior of Carlisle over his election, consecration [19 July 1332] and enthronement as bishop of Carlisle on the death of Jo[hn] de Ka [Rosse].
f.27r
“Littera directa pape per regem pro appropriacione ecclesie de H Lincoln' dioc' ad episcopum Karelion'” )
The appropriation of the church of H, Lincoln diocese, to the bishop of Carlisle.
f.27r-v
“Aliter eidem super eundem”.
The king over the appropriation of the church of H, Lincoln diocese, to the bishop of Carlisle.
f.27v
“Littera ad cardinalem pro eadem materia (pro ecclesia approprianda” ).
[?King] E[dward III] to the cardinal deacon of St Adrian over the appropriation of the church of H to the bishop of Carlisle.
f.27v-28r
“Littera missa pape per regem pro clerico suo promouendo”.
The king seeking the promotion of his secretary W de L, M.A. & B.L.Civ., to the episcopate.
f.28r
Alia littera pro clerico.
On behalf of A.
f.28r
“Littere testimoniales super moribus et conuersacionis [sic] cuiusdam prioris”.
William [? Greenfield archbishop of York] over W[illiam ?] de T[anfield ?] prior of Durham.
f.28r
“Incepcio super eodem” 3 lines only
f.28v
“Item de eodem” 3 lines only.
f.28v
Letters testimonial of A chancellor of Oxford that T de R of Carlisle diocese has assiduously attended the schools.
f.28v
Letters testimonial (“Littera testimonialis vniuersitatis super conuersacione monachi Dunelm'”) of A chancellor of Oxford over R de A monk of Durham.
f.28v
“Littera credencie” For A de B.
f.28v
“Credencia per regem” E[dward] for the bearer R de E
f.28v
“Pape rex vt faciat quemdam [?] desistere a lite” over the claim by Alando to the church of H, Durham diocese, against M de A presented by the late King Edward [I or II] during a vacancy of the see.
f.29r
“Pape rex pro clerico” requesting a cathedral position for A, having resigned the church of C that he had under age.
f.29r
“De eodem” on behalf of J aged eighteen.
f.29r   [1328 x 1336]
“Supplicatoria pape per J de Etham” J[ohn] of E[l]tham earl of Cornwall on behalf of his clerks A and B who served his grandfather and father [Edward I and II].
f.29r
“De eodem per eundem” To the pope.
f.29r-v
“Pape rex pro clerico” on behalf of A., Prof.L.Can.
f.29v   [?1322 x 1330]
“Pape pro eodem” on behalf of P having heard nothing in response to his request over the archdeaconry of Rych[mond ?].
f.29v-30v
“Littera domini pape missa regi Anglie contra regem” ( “Contra prouisores” ) [Addressed generally ?] for lifting within four months of King Edward's seizure of benefices, etc. of cardinals and others.
f.30v-32r
“Littera Ed[wardi] regis Anglie ad papam” ( “Contra prouisores” )
Fixed to the door of Westminster hall.
f.32r-v   [?1333]
“Significat rex victoriam archiepiscopo contra Scotos qui insultarunt”
To S[imon Meopham] archbishop of Canterbury for prayers etc. following the battle [of Halidon] on 19 July [1333] and the recovery of Berwick.
[Change of ink hence]
f.32v-33r   [?1340]
“Rex manifestat victoriam sibi datam”.
Following the naval battle [of Sluys] on the Zwin on 24 June [1340].
f.33r   [?1356]
“Signat rex victoriam primogenito eius concessam”.
Edward [III] on the capture of Jean de Valois [John II] so called king of France by the Prince of Wales on 19 September [1356] near Poitiers.
[Return to ink as up to f. 32rv]
f.33v
Littera directa Iohanni [XXII] summo pontifex
People of Rome requesting the papal see's return.
f.33v
“Reprehendit quidam filium suum qui inhoneste viuit”
Taking his son who lives dishonestly.
f.33v
“Applaudit cardinal cuidam regi de statuo suo”
A cardinal congratulates a king for his statute.
f.33v
“Quod quid faciat fauorem et gratiam”.
Over business committed to a recipient by the pope.
f.34r
“De amicicia et affectione”.
Over the sender's papal provision in the church of O, a deanery and prebend once obtained by H, and K as executor of the provision, with the recipient's good offices requested.
f.34r
“Responsio [?] solatii ad amicum suum”.
f.34r
“Consolatoria de casu”.
f.34v
“Consolatoria post infirmitatem”.
f.34v
“Quidam recommendando milite amico suo orat pro eo”.
Over H, a knight in Italy.
f.34v-35r
“Quidam scribit prelato redarguens antequam fauet maliciose contra vnum laudabilem”. Over the recipient's support for D, clerk of the king's chancery, at the expense of Mr Jo in the king's regard.
f.35r
“Rex cuidam rogando vt continuet fidelitatem”.
f.35r   [1337]
“Pape per comitem regraciando” W[illiam] de M[ontague] earl of S[alisbury] on the translation of his “german” T [Simon Montacute] from the see of Worcester to Ely.
f.35r-v   [?1335]
“Ad orand' pro rege”, Jo[hn Stratford ?] archbishop of Canterbury to the bishop of Lincoln over the king's campaign against the Scots.
f.35v-36r   [?1360]
“Exhortatoria ad orand' pro rege”. The king to [?a bishop], following the French refusal to confirm the concord reached near Calais.
f.36r   [1351 x 1361: ?1354 or 1355]
“Ad orand' pro duce Lancast[e]r'” Henry [of Grosmont], setting out against the duke of B[rittany ?] on 4 December .
f.36r-v
“Ad orand' pro rege capitulo de Swthewell”. The king re the chapter of Southwell.
f.36v   [?1352 x 1373]
“Capitulo de Sowthewell ad orand' pro archiepiscopo Ebor'” John [Thoresby ?], on matters to be explained orally by “?J de T”.
f.36v
“Littere testimoniales cuiusdam mulieris que dedit repudiam”.
f.36v
“Rogat quis amicum suum vt exponat quod ?dat suo que pudet scribere”.
f.36v-37r
“Regraciatissima [?] pro exeniis”.
f.37r
“Consolacio super amissione cuiusdam castri”. [?Pope] over the loss of “Castrum Dapoth” and the implications for the Holy Land.
f.37v   [?1326]
“Littera pro collegio beate Marie Oxon'”, King [?Edward II], over the establishment of [?Oriel] College.
f.37v   [?1337]
“Pape rex super confirmacione cuiusdam collegii Cantabrig' ”. Over the foundation of a college [?King's Hall] for 32 scholars with a “custos”, endowed inter alia with the patronage of St Peter's church North[ampton ?], Lincoln diocese.
f.37v
“Preces porrecte vt mite agatur cum aliquo”. To [?the pope], for dispensing Jo a former templar.
f.38r
“Alia super eadem materia”.
f.38r   [1356 x 1362]
“Littera missa principi post capcionem Jo regis Francie”. Pope Innocent [VI] to [?Edward III], sending [Elias] Talleyrand bishop of Albano and Nicholas cardinal priest of St Peter.
[cf. f.50r below]
f.38v-39r   [?1338]
“Rex pape scribendo de iure suo in Francia”, following the abortive mission of Cardinals P of S. Praxedis and [O] of S. Maria in Aquiro.
cf. f.69v below.
f.39r
“Scolaris magistro”.
f.39r
“Littera contra mendacem monachum”. Mandate [?by a bishop] to a superior to recall a monk.
f.39r
“Supplicatoria vt recipiatur aliquis in religionem”.
f.39v
“Congaudet quis de prosperitate amici dolens de elongacione promocionis”. [?Member of the chapter of York] to [?the archbishop of] York over the raising of the latter's cross throughout the realm of England.
f.39v-40r   [?1304 x 1305, 1314 x 1316]
“Littere regis ad cardinalem condolens de diutina vacacione Romane ecclesie”. [King] Edward to Jo, also referring to matters to be explained by G and P.
f.40r-v   [December 1352]
“Littere summi pontificis misse regi super creacione sua”, Innocent [VI], following his election.
cf. f.49r below.
f.40v
“Littere responsiue ad predictas”.
f.41r
“Contra infringentes libertatem ecclesiasticam”. Mandate by William archbishop of York to the archdeacons of Richmond and York, etc., over despoilers of the goods of Furness abbey.
f.41r   [1355]
“Significat imperator regi coronacionem suam”. [Charles IV of Luxembourg], on his coronation in [Rome] on Easter day [5 April 1355] by Peter cardinal of Ostia and bishop of Velletri, and also of his wife Anna.
f.41r-v
“Littera responsiua”.
f.41v
“Littera missa amicos”. To the viscount and mayor of [?] Cadellstanes'.
f.41v 42r
“Alia consimilis”. In reply to news of the death of John de Penereth, referring to former times in Oxford.
Extracts printed in W.A. Pantin, Formularies which bear on the History of Oxford, c.1204-1420, (Oxford Historical Series, New Series, IV, 1942) p.226.
See A.B. Emden, Biographical Register of the University of Oxford to A.D. 1500, (Oxford 1957-1959), p.1458, for two John de Penereths, both with Durham connections, one d. February 1354, the other 1365 +.
f.42r
“Contra ingratitudinem”.
f.42r-v
“Littera ad amicum”, for sending 30s.
f.42v
“Alia littera amico”.
Extract printed in W.A. Pantin, Formularies which bear on the History of Oxford, c.1204-1420, (Oxford Historical Series, New Series, IV, 1942) p.226.
f.42v
“Littere affectionis”, to a paragon of hospitality for northerners in Oxford university. (Classical allusions: Rome, Mergurca, Paris, Helen, Jason, Ulysses, Penelope).
Repeats Durham Cathedral Library MS C.IV.25, f.63v.
Printed in W.A. Pantin, Formularies which Bear on the History of Oxford, c.1204-1420, (Oxford Historical Series, New Series, IV, 1942) p.234-235.
f.42v
“Amicus conqueritur amico quod amicicie obliuiscitur”, complaining of friendship forgotten.
f.43r
“Ricardus de Pophis (Prima littera ex est illa vltima precedens)”.
“Adulatur aliquis mulieri”.
f.43r
“Preces pro philomena”.
f.43v
“Littera compassionis super casu amici”.
f.43v
“Amicus amicum redarguit quod (non) visitat eum”.
f.43v-44r
“Amicus amicum rogat quod ei compaciatur”.
f.44r
“Congaudet quis de prosperitate amici”.
f.44r
“Requirit solacium ab amico afflicto”.
f.44r-v
“Littere affectionis ad deuotum”.
f.44v
“De eodem”.
f.44v
“Littera affectionis et deuotionis”.
f.44v-45r
“Littere amicicie et affectionis”.
f.45r
“Littere affectionis”. [?Pope to the patriarch of Jerusalem.]
f.45r
“Scribit archiepiscopus domino pape excusando se quod nihil fecit contra ecclesiam”. Archbishop and chancellor of England [William Greenfield or John Thoresby of York; Walter Reynolds, John Stratford or Simon Langham of Canterbury].
f.45v   16th century
“John garth”, scribble.
f.45v    [?1353 x 1373]
“Archiepiscopus pro subsidio”, John [le Romeyn or Thoresby archbishop] of York.
f.45v
“Quidam scribit abbati qualiter inuenit quemdam aptum ad religionem”. Over two possible candidates with almost ten years experience of the royal chancery.
Repeats Durham Cathedral Library MS C.IV.25, f.77r.
Printed in W.A. Pantin, Formularies which Bear on the History of Oxford, c.1204-1420, (Oxford Historical Series, New Series, IV, 1942) p.235.
f.45v
“Rex quibusdam regraciando sibi de fidelitate et rogando continuacionem”.
f.45v-46r
“De eodem”.
f.46r
“Supplicatoria aliquo restituendo ad statum”. King over his clerk A and A's kinsman Mr B de H.
f.46r-47r   [1332 x 1352]
“Denunciacio excommunicacionis contra crentes manus violentes in episcopum Karliol'”. William [Melton or Zouche] archbishop of York to the official of the chapter of the archdeacon of Carlisle following an assault with arrows and stones in a suburb of Carlisle on [John] de Kirkeby [bishop of Carlisle].
f.47r   [?1340]
“Exhortacio ad habend' auxilium per regem”, King [Edward III] to the captains and whole town of T[?ournai], reported as receiving from Philip de Valois promises and letters asking them to block the king's passage.
f.47r-v
“Ad orand' pro rege”. An official [to bishops].
f.47v
“Littere cuiusdam generosi conquerentis”.
f.47v-48r
“Littera responsiua”.
f.48r
“Littera socio super nouis malis”.
f.48r
“Littera ad amicum”.
f.48r-v   1 August [1372]
“Littera ad cancellarium Oxon ad orand' pro rege et populo”. E[dward III] to the chancellor of Oxford university, following the breach of the peace made with the captured [King] John [II] of France and his son Charles.
Date, Westminster, 1 August 46 [Edward III].
f.48v
“Littera missa duobus sociis”.
f.48v   [1334 x 1335]
“Supplicatoria vt in negocio fiat fauor”, [Robert de Stratford ?] to a cardinal, requesting support for his proctor A de S in the matter of his provision as dean of Wells, contested in the court of Canterbury by Mr W[ibert] de L[utleton] claiming to have been elected as dean.
f.49r   [May 1342]
“Littera pape Clementis super creacione sua misse ad regem”, Clement [VI] to Edward [III], following his election.
cf. f.40r-v above.
f.49v
“Littera responsiua per regem”.
f.49v
“Littera gaudens de prosperis amici aduentu amici”, welcoming the recipient's arrival in England.
f.49v   [c.1350 x 1355]
“Littera commendatiua cuiusdam”. To the pope, requesting the provision of T[homas] de Percy B.A. to a prebend of York.
See A.B. Emden, Biographical Register of the University of Oxford to A.D. 1500, (Oxford 1957-1959), p.1462.
f.49v
“Littera derisoria”.
f.50r
“Littera missa pape per executores mandati apostolici excusando”.
[?The chapter] of Carlisle, over difficulties in being commissioned in a case appealed by bishop of Durham against the archbishop of York and his officers: “non est iuris copia peritorum”, distance, etc.
f.50r   [1356 x 1362]
“Littera missa Edwardi [sic] principi post capcionem regis Francie”. Pope Innocent [VI to Edward Prince of Wales], sending [Elias] Talleyrand bishop of Albano as his nuncio, [after the capture of King John II at the battle of Poitiers].
cf. f.38r above.
f.50r-v   [1356 x 1362]
“Alia de eodem”. Pope Innocent [VI], following reports from his nuncio [Elias] Talleyrand bishop of Albano.
cf. f.38r above.
f.50v
“Rex pape de obstinacio[ne] filiorum”.
f.50v-51r
“Dolor de morte amici”. On the death of a nephew L., [?to his fellow religious].
f.51r
“Eodem modo cuidam alii”. Advice on electing a religious superior.
f.51r-v
“De eodem uxori defuncti”. To a widowed niece.
f.51v
“De eodem fratri defuncti”. On the death of a nephew L, to his surviving brother, referring to his studies under Mr T.
f.51v
“Ad orand' pro rege ad archiepiscopum Ebor'”. The king [to the archbishop of York], having been detained in B, is now setting out for France.
f.51v-52r   [?3 July 1335]
“Rex absoluit iusticiarium commendando eum”. [?Edward III to William de Herle] licensing retirement having served as chief justice of Common Pleas under his father and himself.
f.52r
“Alia super eadem materia”. [?Edward III] to a justice of King's Bench under his father and from the start of his own reign.
f.52r
“Littera super materia precum”. That J might have the manor of P at farm and so better promote the business of the recipient's order in England.
f.52r
“De eadem materia”.
f.52r-v
“Littera ad amicum”, to Oxford, speculating on its revival and the death of young men.
Extracted in W.A. Pantin, Formularies which Bear on the History of Oxford, c.1204-1420, (Oxford Historical Series, New Series, IV, 1942) p.226.
f.52v
“Amicus regraciatur amico de beneficiis”, for a loan of 100s to be repaid at Michaelmas next.
f.52v-53r   [1361]
“Littera missa vniuersitate pro fratre admittendo”, Edward [III king of England], that Guiliotus de Limosano O.F.M., secretary to Louis king of Jerusalem and Sicily [d.1355], might incept in theology [at Oxford] after Pentecost 1361.
See A.B. Emden, Biographical Register of the University of Oxford to A.D. 1500, (Oxford 1957-1959), p.11147.
f.53r
“Forma appellationis J de B”.
f.53r
“Alia forma A de B rector of H”.
f.53v
“Littera vt informetur quis in dictamine”.
f.53v
“Littera responsiua” alluding to Peter of Blois.
f.53v-54r
“Alia contra predictam” alluding to Peter of Blois.
f.54r
Mr T de S's visit having been too sudden and brief for the matter of the recipient's stay at Oxford for the coming year to be settled, undertaking to arrange with the chief of the recipient's friends for his being in Durham about the feast of St Thomas [trans.: 7 July ?] or otherwise continuing his studies, sending a mark in gold as part of T de H's exhibition for the present term, and indicating that R de L should come to Durham at the end of term but allowing that it might suggested to the principal of his hall that he could be admitted at half commons for the coming year as hitherto, there being no possibility otherwise of his being exhibited, and requiring absolute certainty on the matter on R's coming.
Printed in W.A. Pantin, Formularies which bear on the History of Oxford, c.1204-1420, (Oxford Historical Series, New Series, IV, 1942) p.235-236 and discussed there p.223-224.
f.54r
[?Replying to the previous item], the clerk of Mr Io de A not having coming to Oxford as expected, reporting receipt of a mark in gold for T de L (?recte H)'s expenses and travel to Durham after term, and on T's lack of gear and clothing.
Printed in W.A. Pantin, Formularies which bear on the History of Oxford, c.1204-1420, (Oxford Historical Series, New Series, IV, 1942) p.236-237 and discussed there p.223-224.
f.54v
“Littera vt ponatur puer ad dimidias communas”. [?Replying to the previous item but one], reporting the principal of R's hall as unwilling to accept R at half commons before the beginning of the year and not likely to yield with W and all the scholars from the [Durham] region planning to leave that hall at the end of term, W's hopes of being principal of a hall next year and his promise to arrange for R at half commons, and with the writer's request to know promptly whether he will be remaining in Oxford beyond the year.
Printed in W.A. Pantin, Formularies which bear on the History of Oxford, c.1204-1420, (Oxford Historical Series, New Series, IV, 1942) p.237 and discussed there p.223-224.
f.54v
“Littera pro certis necessitatibus et ne reuocetur quis a studio”. [?Writer as for the previous item], having waited a fortnight after Easter and the recipient's clerk not having arrived, he suggests to the lord p[?rior] prompt provision of means of travel should he be planning to recall the sender from Oxford at the end of the year.
Printed in W.A. Pantin, Formularies which Bear on the History of Oxford, c.1204-1420, (Oxford Historical Series, New Series, IV, 1942) p.237-238 and discussed there p.223-224.
f.54v
“Littera pro mutuando libro Bellum Troianum”, borrowing the book about the Trojan war for a modest time.
Printed in W.A. Pantin, Formularies which bear on the History of Oxford, c.1204-1420, (Oxford Historical Series, New Series, IV, 1942) p.238 and discussed there p.223-224.
f.54v-55r
“Littera prelati ad subditum pro admittenda custodia pueri”. [?Prior of Durham], at the request of the bishop of Durham's justice R[?oger] de F[?ulthorpe], putting his son in the recipient's custody while studying at Oxford, having him lodged in a hall at mediocre commons of 7d or 8d a week, and interviewing him every festive day.
Printed in W.A. Pantin, Formularies which bear on the History of Oxford, c.1204-1420, (Oxford Historical Series, New Series, IV, 1942) p.238-239 and discussed there p.223-224.
f.55r
“Littera missa abbati quod promoueat clericum vel sibi concedat annuam pensionem” T [bishop ?], over N de B in accordance with diocesan custom.
f.55v
“Littera vt recipiatur aliquis in religionem T”, over T clerk being received as a regular canon at a college.
f.55v
“Alia super eodem T”, over T being received at a monastery.
f.55v-56r
“Licet missa episcopi pro negociis cuiusdam recommendand'” over R de B commensal clerk and a licence for his non residence according to the custom of Canterbury province, and sending Mr J de B with fuller information.
f.56r
“Littera quod quidem amicabiliter componat cum aduersario”, T to a rector over his dispute over tithes with the prior of A.
f.56r
“Littera missa abbati pro familiari clerico”, T for confirmation under the common seal of the grant of a robe and 2 marks a year to R de C his clerk and alumnus.
f.56r
“Littera regraciatoria pro negociis” T over the business of R his clerk pending in the recipient's court and stirring the king to its favourable completion.
f.56v
“Littera regraciatoria pro amico” over assisting his kinsman R de G in obtaining a prebend.
f.56v
“Alia de eodem missa episcopo” over assisting the business of his clerk R de B.
f.56v
“Littera credencie” to [bishop ?] for R.
f.56v
“Littera ad promouend' negocia cum credencia” to the dean of L for Mr H.
f.56v
“Alia consimilis” to approach Abbot C over the business of H de P's exchange.
f.56v-57r
“Littera quod aliquis faciat permutacionem” T bishop of W to A abbot of S over the presentation by the recipient of R de L rector of the church of M, Lincoln diocese, as vicar of S by way of exchange with H de P, with J de T and L de C mentioned.
f.57r
“Littera quod quis bene ge habeat in negociis”. [A bishop] for good offices in the court of C[anterbury ?], sending its certificatory mandate over the church of L in the sender's diocese.
f.57r
“Littera regraciatoria episcopo”, referring to the sender's familiar clerk P / N de H.
f.57r
“Littera pro amicali composicione facienda” to the prebendary of W over discord with the sender's vicar H over tithes.
f.57v
“Littera pro expedicione permutacionis” between W de K rector of S in the recipient's diocese and R de T rector of T, Lincoln diocese.
f.57v
“Littera vt visitans sit fauorabilis alicui”. Bishop T to Mr G de 9 archdeacon of A over the sender's commensal clerk L de R rector of T in the recipient's archdeaconry and defects found in the house or church from the time of T de L's illegal intrusion, contested by the sender's clerk in the Roman curia.
f.57v
“Littera ad promouend' negocia”, requesting help, as also from the abbot, over business to be divulged by Mr J de O the sender's official.
f.57v
“Littera quod aliquis sit in obsequio non obstante cura ecclesie” To [a bishop] over P rector of W in the recipient's diocese entering the sender's service for three years.
f.58r
“Responsio ad eandem”, [a bishop] to [?the sender of the previous item], having ordered letters as requested by the recipient over the service of P rector of W in the sender's diocese notwithstanding his cure, asking the recipient's good offices while at the papal court on the king's business.
f.58r
“Littera super recommendacione status et pro confirmacione cartarum in cancellaria regis”. [Bishop of Worcester] to [bishop ?], for assistance in obtaining royal confirmation of two royal charters for the church of Worcester entrusted to the recipient's clerk J de S.
f.58r-v
“Deprecatoria pro negociis clerici familiaris”. Request over the vacant vicarage of M farmed by Mr R de T, the sender's chancellor, while also writing to the chapter of Salisbury on the matter with the support of his german Bishop W.
f.58v
“Littera pro pecunia mutuanda”. [To a monastic superior: abbot, see the next] sending J de O the sender's official.
f.58v
“Littera quod prior iuuet ad promouend' negocia supradicta”. Request for good offices in obtaining the abbot's assistance in a matter to be related by Mr J de O the sender's official.
f.58v   [1334]
“Littera quod episcopus veniat ad intronizacionem archiepiscopi”, [John de Stratford's enthronement], at Canterbury on Sunday feast of St Denis [9 October] next.
f.58v-59r
“Littera deprecatoria pro dispencacione vt promotus maneat in obsequio episcopi et vt sequestrum relaxetur”. To the archbishop of Canterbury over R de D rector of L in the recipient's dicoese.
f.59r   [1334 x 1335]
“Littera facta patrono quod concedat clerico episcopi presentacionem ex causa permutacionis”. [A bishop] to [Richard de Bury bishop of Durham, (see the next)] chancellor of England for the presentation of Mr R de S rector of H in the sender's diocese as rector of T / M Hereford diocese and in the king's patronage by way of exchange with H de P.
f.59r   [1334 x 1335]
“Littera super eodem facta amico in curia regis”. [A bishop] for good offices over a request to R[ichard de Bury] bishop of Durham chancellor of England for the presentation of Mr R de H rector of S in the sender's diocese as rector of M, Hereford diocese, by way of exchange with the sender's clerk H de P.
f.59r
“Littera credencie vt abbas concedat pensionem debitam episcopo sorori sue”. [Bishop] S to the abbot of V over sending the sender's clerk and steward J de S on a matter of the pension and church of L in the sender's diocese.
f.59v
“Littera quod consangineus episcopi possit studium adire et suam ecclesiam ad firmam dimittere”. To [a bishop] over a licence in accordance with the constitution “Cum ex eo” for V de ?K rector of L in the recipient's diocese.
f.59v
“Littera regraciatoria pro clericis suis et quod wlt <venire> loqui cum ipso in parliamento”. For the recipient's attendance at parliament.
f.59v
“Littera quod episcopus faciat gratiam canonico a domo expulsa [sic]” over a prior's treatment of brother G de V canon of S in the recipient's diocese.
f.59v
“Littera pro petenda licencia pro quodam volente studere”, to [a bishop] over J de P clerk of recipient's diocese seeking a licence to study.
f.59v
“Littera reprehendens episcopum quod sue littere dictis sui nuncii non concordant et quod non appropriauit ecclesiam vt promisit”. To [a bishop] over the response to the king's request over the church of S in the recipient's diocese and the report of Mr W de H.
f.60r
“Responsio ad eandem”. [A bishop] to [the sender of the previous item], having received the king's mandate and the recipient's letters, by the advice of Mr W de H, he wrote to the sender's chapter, and by special commissaries enquired over the appropriation of the church of S to the prior and [Augustinian] canons of the Holy Sepulchre, undertaking to deal with any defect on coming to London, but referring to trouble caused to the sender in the court of Arches and elsewhere by the prior of the Holy S[epulchre].
f.60r
“Littera inhibicionis ne monachi sint vagabundi”. [Bishop] T to the subprior and convent of L over brother W de P, heeding brother W de L.
f.60v
“Littera quod abbas corrigat incontinenciam monachorum quos episcopus visitauit et nichil sinister inuenit”. Thomas to the abbot and convent of S re his visitation.
f.60v-61r
“Littera quod episcopus intendit visitare monasterium diffamatum”. Thomas, over the unauthorized behaviour of monks in Canterbury, London and elsewhere, following the loss of the prior, to the detriment of hospitality, worship and manors.
f.61r   [?1323]
“Procuratorium excusacionis de non veniendo ad parliamento”. T bishop of Winchester to W archbishop of Canterbury, for a council at Lincoln on the morrow of St Hugh [18 November].
See next.
f.61r   [?1323]
“Alia de eodem”. For a council at Lincoln on the morrow of St Hugh [18 November].
[Corresponds to no church council recorded The Handbook of British Chronology, p. 594-599; the only likely Lincoln council is 14 January 1323].
f.61r
“Deputacio curatoris super rectorem impotentem littera clausa”. T [bishop] to T rector of ?G sending W de O chaplain of London diocese.
f.61r-v
“Commissio patens super eodem”. T bishop over T rector of T.
f.61v
“Contra non admittentem curatorem sibi datum”. T [bishop] over W de O [or C] as coadjutor.
f.61v
“Littera vt aliquis iuuet excusacionem admitti”. T bishop of W to Mr R de B for assistance over the former's excuse of sickness ( “apostema”) from attending on the king and then going to France.
f.61v-62r
“Contra nolentes decimare”. T over parishioners of C and specifically T de O priest, farmer of the manor of B Abbey.
cf. f.63r.
f.62r
“Littera concedens participacionem orationum et bonorum operum”. T abbot of York and convent.
f.62r
“Licencia pro ordinibus celebrandis”. T bishop to R bishop of Clonfert for ordination on the vigil of Trinity.
f.62r-v
“Littera pro expediendo negocio”. To an ecclesiastical lord on behalf of W de L knight.
f.62v
“Littera vt Abbas mittat monachos qui pugnarunt ad Episcopum de veritate dicenda”. T over A de B's attack on the prior M de T in the dormitory and summoning the former to T's manor of B.
f.62v
“<Commendac> Commissio Episcopi ad sedandam discordiam inter religiosos”. Bishop T over the house of T and brother R de B now claiming to be married.
f.63r
“Littera contra non soluentes decimas”. T over parishioners of T and specifically the farmer of the manor of R Abbey over the non-payment of tithes.
cf. f.61v-62r.
f.63r
“Procuratorium bonum”. Prior and convent of T[ynemouth ?] appropriators of the church of W, diocese of Durham, appointing Mr J de A over an ordinance for W church by T bishop of Durham.
f.63r
“Littera deprecatoria”. J de N to R de T over J de H recovering land in chancery after being given the king's goodwill at York.
f.63v
“Deprecatoria quod continuet incepta” to an ecclesiastical lord over Isab' former abbess of M.
f.63v
“Regratiatur de nouis scriptis” over a repayment by Mr R de L.
f.63v
“Littera quod Prior parcat litteris regiis sibi premissis”. To an ecclesiastic over J de C for whom the king writes.
f.63v
“Pro religioso apostata volente redire”. T over W de F twice apostatized.
f.63v
“Quod Episcopus graciose expediat Prouisorem”. To an ecclesiastical lord over papal grace granted to a familiar and domestic clerk R de T and the abbey of C's vacant church of T.
cf. next entry.
f.64r
“Regraciatoria pro expedicione negociorum clerici sui”. To the abbot and convent of C over their vacant church of T and the sender's familiar clerk R de K.
cf. preceding entry.
f.64r
“Littera spiritualis”. W to T [both bishops ?] over T's letters for his cousin Mr R de W.
f.64r-v
“Littera regraciatoria de exennio vel dono”. T bishop of Worcester to Cardinal Vitalis bishop of Calumen', giving information for the new pope on the parliament in London attended by the archbishop of Canterbury and 17 of his suffragans, and reporting on his peace mission to the Scots.
f.64v
“Commissio pro visitacione inchoata continuanda”. T bishop to N and J to continue the visitation interrupted by the king's business.
f.64v
“Procuratorium” A de B for O de B over an institution etc.
f.64v
“Littera Episcopi missa cuidam rectori vt admittat curam bonorum monasterii dilapidati”. T over the custody of the goods of the monastery of T.
f.65r
“Littera missa abbati pro monacho qui deliquit vt micius agatur cum eo”. T over the treatment of W de R.
f.65r
“Littera directa decano ad citandum laicos qui se intromittunt de bonis ecclesie”. T over lay intrusion into goods of the poor of the hospital of T in the care of W de B rector of S, with br. A de S also to be summoned to B.
f.65r
“Littera ad habendam copiam litterarum de registro domini regis”. T over liberate letters, copied from the royal registry, handed to J de L on receiving payment.
f.65v   [1320]
“Littera quedam”. A[dam Orleton ?] bishop of Hereford to Bishop T[homas Cobham of Worcester ?] over A's crossing to France with the king and thence to the curia with H[ugh] de L [le Despenser] senior and B[artholomew] de H [Badlesmere], thanking T for performing episcopal functions on his behalf, enclosing a copy of a papal penitentiary's censure of dom. Hamo [?de Hethe bishop of Rochester], and referring to Bishop T's petition on behalf of J de E.
Cf Haines, Orleton, pp. 23 24; ? Worcester Reg. Cobham pp. 80 82.
f.66r   [1320]
“Commissio permutacionis” W[illiam Melton] archbishop of York to T[homas Cobham] bishop of Worcester, as requested by King E[dward III], over W de T [Robert de Valognes] precentor of York and Mr T[homas] de B[erton] rector of N [Bishop's Cleeve] in Worcester diocese.
f.66r
“Certificatorium” T to an ecclesiastical lord in response to the above, reporting Mr T's incapacity to support his cure of O parish, the absence of an ordained vicarage but the assistance given by R.
f.66r-v   [1320]
“Confirmacio permutacionis” W[illiam Melton] archbishop of York to Mr O de B [Thomas de Berton] collating the precentorship of York by way of exchange for L [Bishop's Cleeve] church in Worcester diocese with R de W [Robert de Valognes].
f.66v
“Littera supplicatoria pro negociis”. T bishop of W to H bishop of Lincoln over Mr H de L rector of S in Lincoln diocese.
f.66v-68r   [?1340]
“Littera regis”. Edward [III] to the dean and chapter of St Paul's over the publication of the king's needs, payment of a clerical subsidy towards French war, the treachery of J[ohn Stratford] archbishop of Canterbury, and referring to the missions of Nicholas de Catalupe [?] and R de H steward of the king's household, during the siege of Tournai.
f.68r   [1342 x 1350]
“Commissio regis ad tractandum de pace”. [Edward III] over the mission of R[alph Stafford] bishop of London, T[homas] de Beauchamp earl [of Warwick] and Nicholas de L at the instance of Pope C[lement] VI to treat for peace with P[hilip] de W[Valois].
f.68r-v
“Littere regis directe duci Austrie” responding reprovingly to letters brought by T and brother L.
f.69r
“Littera pape principi Achaye de dimittenda persecucione”, the prince of Achaea to desist from quarrelling with the lords of Athens and Negroponte [Euboea] and thereby endangering the Holy Land.
f.69r
“Littere Gocie [?] succursu habendo”, requesting armed assistance to depopulate Sens [?] following rebellion.
f.69r
“Littera super promissione succursus”.
f.69v    [?1337]
“Pape rex” promising a response following the arrival of Cardinals P of S. Praxedis and O of S. Maria in Aquiro on 2 December.
cf. f.38v-39r.
f.69v   [1327 x 1350]
“Regi Castell' per regem Anglie de pactis seruandis”. Edward [III] to Alphonso [XI], hoping for the cessation of wars in Spain and for the increase of support between them.
f.69v-70r
“Alia littera ad eundem”. Undertaking to see justice done to Castilian merchants in Flanders.
f.70r
“Rex cuidam nobili quod continuet fidelitatem et sibi veniat in succursum” Edward [III], to come when warned by the seneschal of Gascony, payment of the recipient's fee by the seneschal and the constable of Bordeaux being ordered.
f.70r
“Littere increpatorie quod aliquis non est admissus ad prebendam”, over the sender's kinsman Mr J de S.
f.70r
“Clausula bona” (3 lines).
f.70v   [c.1335]
“Pape rex pro archidiacono Surr' contra episcopum Wynton”, for the preservation of the court of Canterbury's jurisdiction following an appeal from it by A[dam Orleton] bishop of Winchester in a case against W[illiam Inge] archdeacon of Surrey committed to Oliver de Cereto papal auditor.
[see R.M. Haines, ed, Calendar of the register of Adam de Orleton Bishop of Worcester, 1327-1333, (1979) p.206 n.26 refs].
f.70v-71r
“Littera archiepiscopi similis [?] pro eodem” John [Stratford] archbishop of Canterbury, with details as preceding.
f.71r
“Littere commendatiue cuiusdam militis per dominum regem” King Edward [?III] for T de B lord of B entering the service of the church of Rome.
f.71r   [1328 x 1350]
“Littere significantes quod quidam excusatur super toxicacione” over a rebuttal in parliament before the king of England, two cardinals, etc. by W de L of an allegation against the recipient and T de O by Philip [VI] king of France.
f.71v   [?1337]
“Rex imperatori”, Edward [III] to Ludwig [Louis IV], Holy Roman Emperor, sending ambassadors.
f.71v   [?1337]
“Rex marchioni Brandeburg”, [Edward III] to Ludwig [Louis], margrave of Brandenburg, son of the Holy Roman Emperor, sending ambassadors.
f.71v   [?1337]
“Rex duci Bauarr'”, [Edward III] to Robert [?recte Rudolf] count Palatine of the Rhine and duke of Bavaria, sending ambassadors.
f.72r   [March x August 1337]
“Cancellarius Oxon vniuersitati Cantebrig' ne clericus admittatur ad statum” R de T [Robert de Stratford], over Mr W de B [William de Barneby] having attracted students to Stamford and now wishing to incept in canon law at Cambridge.
Printed, from BL MS Royal 12 D.xi, in W.A. Pantin, Formularies which Bear on the History of Oxford, c.1204-1420, (Oxford Historical Series, New Series, IV, 1942) p.94-95.
f.72r   [?1337]
“Rex episcopo et consilio suo”, [Edward III] to C de H canon of Liege and counsellor of the bishop of Liege, with thanks for the good offices reported by H bishop of Lincoln and other messengers to imperial parts, and undertaking to perform as they had promised.
f.72r   [?1337]
“Rex comiti”, [Edward III] to R[?eginald II] count of G[?elderland] and T his brother, with thanks for the good offices reported by king's ambassadors returning from imperial parts, to be requited on their coming to St Thomas [Becket] of Canterbury.
f.72v
“Littere redarguentes clericum”. [A bishop ?] to a clerk first nourished and then promoted to his church of C/O by the abbess and convent of [Nunnaminster] Winchester, to desist from reported interference with servants in their manor of O/C.
f.72v   [1337 x 1344]
“Pape W de M.acuto super recommendacione fratris sui”. W[illiam] de Montague earl of Salisbury, over the translation of his german S[imon Montague] from the see of Worcester.
f.72v-73r   [?1333]
“Rex regine Francie”, Edward [III] to [Queen Joan] for good offices over the mission of W[illiam Airmyn] bishop of Norwich, T[homas Sampson] and R Prof.L.Civ. to King P[hilip VI] of France.
f.73r
“Rex cuidam militi”.
f.73r   [?1334]
“Littera regis pape excusando clerico” over provision to the Lincoln prebend of B[anbury] collated to the royal clerk P[aul] de Monte Florum.
f.73r-v   [?1332 x 1349]
“Rex archiepiscopo pro liga facienda” [Edward III] to [?Walram von Jülich] archbishop of Cologne, with thanks for his good offices to messengers recently sent to imperial parts..
f.73v   [c.?1333]
“Pape rex pro gratia facta clerico”, for the continued effectiveness of the existing grace for Mr R de T [?Robert de Taunton] the queen's chancellor for a prebend at Wells in plurality with the church of M, having resigned that church for the modest prebends of R in L[incoln?] and C in H[astings?].
f.73v   [c.?1333]
“Rex episcopo Pen' pro eodem negocio”, to the cardinal bishop over Mr R de T [?Robert de Taunton] the queen's chancellor and his papal grace for a prebend at Wells.
f.74r
“Littera pro clerico habendo in consiliar'”, to [?the dean] of H that his fellow canon Mr T de A should have a residentiary's receipts while absent on the business of the realm.
f.74r   [1327 x 1350]
Rex regi Castell' pro succursu habendo, [Edward III] to A[lfonso ?XI], king of Castile.
f.74r
“Rex communitati de probitate”.
f.74v
“Har' commendatoria” K[ing ?].
f.74v
“Rex fideli” B.
f.74v-75r   [1335]
“Pape rex regraciando”, [Edward III] to [Benedict XII] in reply to his announcement of his creation [Dec. 1334], referring to a parliament to be held at York on the morrow of Ascension [26 May 1335].
f.75r-v   [?1336]
“Pape rex pro clerico promouendo”, for the provision of Mr Robert de Stratford archdeacon of Canterbury and german of the archbishop of Canterbury as bishop of Norwich following the death of William [Ayrmin on 27 March 1336].
f.75v
“Rex nobilibus pro clerico”, to nobles and magnates of a “civitas” for the release of Mr J and Mr A / P germans of the king's clerk Mr J de R.
f.76r
“Rex episcopo cardinali pro commissione”, for his good offices over the revocation of the commission to the Roman curia of a case brought by Amblardus de Bargiis claiming a prebend in Beverley by papal provision over the despoliation of his property by G and M laymen, familiars of R de F holder of that prebend.
f.76r-77r
“Pape communitas Anglie” over complaints of the effects of provisions, reservations, etc.
f.77r-78r
“Pape rex de relaxandis omnibus impositis” over reservations and provisions, especially for foreigners.
f.78r
“Littere archiepiscopi ad or[an]d'”, to [?a bishop], with the king setting out against the Scots.
f.78v-79r
R de T to R king of England, sending Angelus and Marius O.F.M. and counts A and B, and requesting support for the Holy Land with the mainland Christian presence reduced to Armenia following the fall of Acre to the sultan, the loss of Tripoli and the abandonment of Syria, Tyre, Sidon, Beirut, 'Dac'.
f.79r-v
[The archbishop of Canterbury] to the pope over resolving a dispute with W archbishop of York.
f.79v-80r   [1327 x 1350]
“Pape rex quod paratus est inire pacem” in response to letters brought by Mr Peter of Burgundy papal chaplain, over the peace mission of Cardinals P priest of S. Praxedis and B deacon of S. Maria in Aquiro to Philip [VI] king of France, and the matter of Ludwig of Bavaria.
f.80v   [1334 x 1342]
“Rex cardinalibus mittens eis litteras de conductu”, Edward [III] to P priest of S. Praxedis and B deacon of S. Maria in Aquiro following letters of Pope B[enedict] XII over a settlement with Philip [VI] king of France.
f.80v
“Rex pape quidam promittens quod instabit erga dominum rex”, from [a subject of the king of England] over efforts as directed in support of the cardinals' mission to make peace between England and France.
f.81r   [1335 x 1348]
“Littere recommendatorie”, to a kinsman of W de B a friend of the sender studying at Bologna, to write over Francesco de Orsini treasurer of York licensed by the pope to study at Bologna but cited to reside by the archbishop of York.
f.81r-v   [1326 x 1344]
“Rex littere credencie comitatibus”, for Oliver de Ingham seneschal of Gascony.
f.81v   [1328 x 1347]
“Rex significat Baur quod instetit erga cardinales”, Edward [III] to Ludwig [Louis IV] of Bavaria, Holy Roman Emperor, referring to P priest of S. Praxedis and B deacon of S. Maria in Aquiro then in England.
f.82r   [?1337]
“Litere credencie regis direct'”, To [?John III] duke of Brabant and Lotharingia over Lord de B and R de H.
f.82r   [?c.1338]
“Rex mittit Angl' pro domino G [?] de” over G de S [?Geoffrey de Scrope] chief justice [?of King's Bench]. Cf. next.
f.82v   [?c.1338]
“Rex domino G de Scrop vt celeriter accedat ad eum”, to Geoffrey de Scrope chief justice [of King's Bench] to join the king overseas [?in Flanders].
f.82v   [1338]
“Episcopo per Lundon electum vt atte[n]dat ad intronizacionem suam”, to R[ichard] de B[entworth] for his consecration in Lambeth chapel by John [Stratford] archbishop of Canterbury on Sunday after translation of Thomas m. [12 July] as bishop of London.
f.83r   [?early 1339]
“Litere Bauarr' regi Angl'”, Ludwig [Louis IV], Holy Roman Emperor, to Edward agreeing to meet him at Pentecost at Sinzig in the Rhine valley as arranged by William margrave of Juliers and John de Montgomery knight.
f.83r   [?1339]
“Bauar' rex excusans se”, Edward [III] to Ludwig [Louis IV, Holy Roman Emperor] over a meeting agreed in Ludwig's letter of 3 Id. [13] May for Sinzig in the Rhine valley, sending W[illiam] de B[ohun] earl of Northampton and G de S [?Geoffrey de Scrope].
f.83v
First 8 lines, crossed out, of a letter as on f.96r-97r, presumably abandoned for lack of space.
f.83v
“Regina Romana episcopo” Anna, queen of the Romans (sic), to G bishop of Verdun over a marriage alliance with England.
f.83v
“Litere regis regraciatorie”.
f.83v
“Har' de remission dilecti facta”.
f.84r-95v
Summary of the constitutions of Benedict XII for the black monks.

f.84r-95v   [1343]
“In tractatu subscripto continentur articuli contenti in constitucionibus Benedictinis cum declaracionibus earumdem.”
“In constitucionibus editis per sanctissimum patrem et dominum dominum Benedictum papam xij super salubri statu ordinis (nigrorum) monachorum .. .. .. Modificacio finalis vsque Annum domini M.CCC.xliij Indiccione xj die xxvjto mensis Augusti dominus papa remisit de gracia speciali”
Benedict XII, Constitutions for the Benedictine Order, summarized.
f.96r-108v
Formulary of letters.

f.96r-97r   [1328 x 1334]
“Litere pulcre domini pape directe imperatori grecorum”, Pope John [XXII] to [Emperor] Andronicus [III] Palaeologus, over the unity of the Church.
f.97rv
“Litere Cant' directe episcopo cancellar'”, that he should not lend himself to the royal mandates for bishops to hold separate convocations to grant a subsidy.
f.97v-98r
“Litere imperiales” delegating the power to present T to a benefice.
f.98r   [?1346]
“Litere Bauar principi Lorinen” announcing the victory achieved with the help of the king of Hungary over O king of Bohemia [?] on Friday after St Bartholomew [26 August +].
[Fictitious: based on the death of John king of Bohemia among the French forces defeated by King Edward III at the battle of Crécy, 26 August 1346. Possibly satirical in intent: the emperor Ludwig [Louis IV] claiming the credit for the death of the head of the Luxemburg party, assisted by Ludwig [Louis I] of Hungary.]
A transcript of and letter about this entry by H.S. Offler of 13 December 1388 discussing the entry's historical basis is inserted at the front of the volume.
f.98v
“Pape pro peticionibus clericorum suorum”, on sending br C and T over forming a friendship with Charles king of Sicily.
f.98v-99r
“De sponsalibus consumandis” over the marriage of his daughter to the son of the late O king of Bohemia [?].
f.99r
“Litere credinali [i.e. credencie cardinali] per regem”, E to M bishop of Sabina, for H de B and W de C at the papal curia.
f.99r-v
“Rex cardinali pro negociis nunciorum”, Edward [III] to P bishop of Penestrinum, sending H and W to the papal curia over injuries done by P de T [?Philip de Valois, ie Philip VI] king of France.
f.99v-100v   [?1337 x 1340]
“Regi Anglie per comitatem Baion'”, community of Bayonne to Edward [III] protesting their loyalty, recounting the provision of ships under Peter de Villa against Genoese galleys but not deployed when the French fleet reached La Rochelle and attacked Blaye since news has been received of its loss and of Bourg, also with Reginald de Ponte active and [Gaston] the count of Foix besieging Sorde.
2 lines corrupt on f.100v.
f.100v-101r
“Rex comitati Baion' de bonis factis suis continuandis”.
f.101r-v   [May 1342]
“Litera missa regi per Clementem papam”, Clement [VI] to [Edward III] on his creation.
f.102r-v   [1342 x 1352]
“Litera missa regi per Clementem papam”, Clement [VI] to Edward [III], following the letters to Edward of cardinals P bishop of T and R deacon of S. Maria Nova, referring to the standing of M de P dean of C papal chaplain, and announcing the mission of bishops P of Penestrinum and ?? A T.
f.102v-103r   [1342 x 1352]
“Litera missa regi per Clementem papam”, Clement [VI] to Edward [III], over the mission of cardinal bishops P [?] and W, following that of P de C dean of “Lync” papal chaplain and John de O archdeacon of “Elen” and the letters of cardinals T bishop of C and R deacon of S. Maria Nova.
f.103r-104r
C cardinal priest of SS Nereus & Achilleus to P bishop of Liege, over the restitution of bales and baggage of Francesco Andree and Nicholas his son and other Florentine merchants, familiars of Cardinals Ne Apostol deacon of S. Adrian and John de Columpnia deacon of S. Angelo, from Flanders and Brabant to Florence.
f.104r
“Litera missa pro certis negociis”, following business concerning the king and at a convocation in London at Easter octave, giving credence to the bearer, J de O, the sender's marshall.
f.104r
“Litere regraciatorie”, [the bishop] of a diocese beset by warfare.
f.104v
“Litera exhortatoria .. .. ..”, to the prior and convent of Durham's proctor of the church of N, to come and render his account and status.
f.104v-105r   [1391]
“Litera deprecatoria .. .. .”, [John of Hemingbrough] newly elected prior of Durham to [the bishop of Lincoln] over the presentation and admission of R[obert] de P[igdon] as prior of St Leonard's Stamford in the sender's place.
f.105r
“Litera directa episcopo Dunelm' pro expedicione negociorum cum credencia”, [the prior and convent of Durham], over R de B fellow monk and bearer.
f.105r-v   [1381 x 1388]
“Regraciatoria litera missa .. .. ..”, [the prior of Durham] to [the bishop of Durham] over his auditors' refusal to allow for payment of £100 made to J de B late monk [of Durham] by W[illiam] de E[lmeden] constable and receiver of Durham on the [bishop's] authorization, asking that the allowance be made, to forestall vexation by W, and sending his fellow monk R de B.
[See f.107r-v below].
f.105v
“.. Monachus .. ..” [Prior of Durham] to [prior of Holy Island ?], sending commission to exercise archidiaconal jurisdiction in the Northumberland churches appropriated to the monastery, asking him to arrange for this and himself to come to discuss a response to the earl of Northumberland over the matter of the keeping of Holy Island in the face of war, raised recently by the earl on his way to London, and also to discuss the business over the cell of C[oldingham].
f.105v-106r
[The prior of Durham], asking for the customary good offices in the business of the restitution of the cell [of Coldingham].
f.106r
( “Comiti Northumbrie” ), [the prior of Durham], agreeing to an exchange of their prebends in H[owden] church for his parish church of S.
f.106r
“Litera .. .. ..”, to [?an abbot or prior] for a letter to Bishop O over the occupation by J de C and his accomplices of the church of the bearer Mr J de S rector of <S> B, also concerning payments of arrears of his pension from that church, and commending the value of his knowledge to the recipient's affairs at the Roman curia and elsewhere.
f.106v
( “pro cella de Coldyngham” )
f.106v
“Litera responsiua”, [the prior of Durham] to [?a monk of Durham], over a response to letters of the earl of March about the cell of C[oldingham], and following a visit to Durham by the earl of Northumberland and his undertaking to provide for a payment due at Christmas, as previously arranged with the recipient, for which the repayment of £20 was promised by Candlemas, calling on the recipient to be as sollicitous as possible over the earls and over repayment, and particularly with the earl of M[arch], for confirmation by the king of Scots of undisturbed tenure of the cell, letters of thanks having been sent to the earl, notifying him of payment to be made by the earl of N[orthumberland] before Christmas.
See related letters in The Priory of Coldingham , [ed J. Raine] (Surtees Society 12, 1841), p.63-65.
f.106v   [?c.1386 x 1400]
[?A recently elected prior of Durham] to [a bishop of Durham], with thanks for his letters received on the Wednesday after Circumcision [1 January], particularly for his good will over a cause between the sender's predecessor and Mr J[ohn] R[epham] archdeacon of N[orthumberland] in the Roman curia, asking him to write to Mr J to desist until a special discussion between the sender and the recipient, and expressing his readiness to accept the recipient's judgement.
f.106v-107r
“Litera .. deprecatoria .. ..”, [a prior of Durham] to [?a bishop of Durham], with thanks for his help over business, particularly over Durham College Oxford with T de M and the parishioners of .. for R de B [Robert Blacklaw ?], monk [of Durham], asking for good offices, before his departure for France on the business of the realm, over J de C and accomplices harassing with royal writs the title of the bearar, Mr J de S, as rector of the sender's church of B.
f.107r-v   [1388 x c.1400]
“Litera Capituli directa Episcopo Elien”, the chapter [of Durham] to [John Fordham, formerly bishop of Durham], having sent letters by R de B [monk of Durham, see f.105r-v above], the present bearer, requesting exoneration over £100 from the ward of E[?asington] paid by W[illiam] de E[lmeden constable and receiver of Durham] to the late J de B [monk of Durham] but not allowed by the auditors, and following the result of the inquest by J de Buri master of S Hospital then requested by the bishop, imploring exoneration to save further harassment by the said W.
f.107v
“Litera Prioris missa domino Episcopo”, the prior [of Durham] to the bishop [?of Durham], having failed, on account of the debts incurred before the sender came into office, to find lenders willing to provide the large loan required by the ruinous position revealed by investigation, requesting £500, to be repaid on a bond at £100 a year or by a pledge of tithes in the county of A, with R de B monk [of Durham] as bearer.
f.107v
“Licencia pro ordinibus capiendis”, John prior of Durham for R monk [of Durham].
f.108r
From ?N to a monk about his religious conduct.
f.108r-v
[Prior of Durham] to ?E de T and T de R, re payment of expenses and a pension at [?Durham] college, J bursar.
f.108v
[?To a bishop], detained on tough and dangerous business, prayers needed, and counsel over C[oldingham], cell of the church of Durham, and J[ohn] de ?A[clif] prior there.
f.108v
[?The prior to the bishop], referring to royal letters [?] and the appointment of J de K as porter at A.
f.109r-127v
Theological treatises.

f.109r-124v   [c.1391]
“Restat discutere differentiam inter peccatum mortale et veniale ad statum .. .. .. in quo non sit necesse procuratorie sic” [orare lost].
John Wyclif, “De civili dominio” Bk 3 caps xxiv, xxvi, xxvii (last chapter on the value of prayer); ed. J. Loserth, ((Wyclif Soc., 1884/5 1904) iv. p.512-562, 603-647. The only other manuscript of English origin listed by W.R. Thomson, The Latin Writings of John Wyclyf, (Toronto 1983), sub nos 28-30, is Florence, Bib. Laurenziana, Plut.XIX.33, containing Bk 3 cap. xxvii. For the first part of cap. xxiii circulating as a separate, slightly revised, tract, “De differentia inter peccatum mortale et veniale”, and found in three Prague manuscripts, see “De mandatis divinis”, (Wyclif Soc., 1922 for 1913-1914), p.527-533; Thomson, no. 51.
f.118-127
Lacking up to two thirds from the outer edges of the leaves.
“f.119v”    February 1397
[?] List presented to the Canterbury convocation.
Printed in D. Wilkins, Concilia Magnae Britanniae et Hiberniae, (1737), vol.iii, p.229-230; [info. Prof. Anne Hudson.]
f.124v
Moralization on a man's reflection in a mirror (11 lines).
f.125r-v
“Fabula moralizata de fide .. .. Erat quidam rex nomine Nedeles id est .. [? filium] vocatum Helples sibi similitudinem quem temerime diligeb.. .. .. bona et honesta vita hic saluus erit” etc.
f.126r
“Transcriptum testamenti Ruben quec.. .. xxv anno vite ipsius Post an.. .. .. nuditatem”.
f.126v
Parts of three letters, in the hand of f.105-108v; the first concerns the sender's absence from some future occasion; the second a forthcoming marriage and its location; the third, from the subprior of Durham.
f.127r
Blank.
f.127v
Fragments of 3 letters, the third 1413x1414, and a note of a payment of 6s 3d in a pyx.