| Description | From: Bernard Roiardi, archdeacon of Xanten ('xanctonen''), papal chaplain, auditor of contradictory letters
Nicholas de Lodelawe, proctor of Ralph de Drayton, rector of Lowick ('Luffewyk') [Northamptonshire] in Lincoln diocese, obtained papal letters. Recites the letters of Pope John XXII, dated 13 Dec 1316 at Avignon [Vaucluse, France], addressed to the prior of Newstead ('novo loco iuxta Staunford'') [Lincolnshire], in Lincoln diocese. Ralph had complained to the pope showing that, although he was the lawful rector of Lowick, Adam de Narehamton', clerk, of Lincoln diocese ('dicte diocesis'), had falsely claimed that the benefice was vacant and arranged for himself to be presented to it by the patron, the bishop of Lincoln. The bishop did not allow this presentation, so Adam appealed to the court of the archbishop of Canterbury, first before the dean of Arches, general auditor of causes of Archbishop Robert [Winchelsey], and then, after the archbishop's death, before the official of the chapter of Canterbury, sede vacante. When the article of the appeal in the principal cause was lost, the official published a definitive sentence against the rector, who appealed to the pope. The rector did not prosecute the appeal within the legal time because of a just impediment and asked the pope to provide a remedy, the lapse of time not withstanding.
Mgr Ralph de Lacu, the priory's proctor, opposed these letters on behalf of the priory, but withdrew his objection on condition that the letters would not be used against the priory, which the other party promised in Bernard's presence.
Given at Avignon [Vaucluse, France]. |