| Description | Relating to a cause between Mgr Alexander, rector of Meopham, and Prior Thomas de Ringmere and the convent of Canterbury Cathedral Priory, heard before Ralph de Baldock, archdeacon of Middlesex, commissary of the dean of St Paul's Cathedral, London, papal judge delegate. Alexander initially appeared in person, but was later represented by his proctor Robert de Theuelby, clerk. The priory's proctor was Robert de Seleseya, monk, who substituted for Hugh de Derby.
Alexander claimed that the rectors of Meopham were entitled to all tithes belonging to the church, but that the priory, by its almoner, had kept one-third of the church's greater tithes and arable land. He also claimed that the goods of Richard Hanibaud, deceased, rector of Meopham, his immediate predecessor, valued at 50 marks, were in the hands of the priory almoner and had been sequestrated by Roger de la grave, commissary of Rochester diocese sede vacante, to repair defects in the houses, chancel and books of the church. Since then the rector has repaired these defects at at a cost of 40 marks to himself.
The priory held the church at farm from Richard Hanibaud, but neglected many of the buildings, sold or burnt part of the timber, allowed other buildings to be used by its laymen and cut down or uprooted many ash trees and fruit trees in the rector's courtyard, causing damage to the value of £10.
The rector asks the judge to restore the tithes to him and compel the priory to make satisfaction.
The prior's proctor alleges that a suit could not be brought against the priory more than a certain distance from its monastery and in support of this exhibits a privilege of Pope Honorius III. The judge concludes that the priory cannot be compelled to answer the rector in his (the judge's) presence.
Recites documents dating from 8 Apr 1282 to 28 Apr 1284. No date. [Date: date of latest document recited.]
Endorsed with descriptions and note of registration in late 13th and 14th cent hands. |