| Description | From: Thomas Brinton, bishop of Rochester
He has received a mandate from Pope Urban VI, dated 8 Mar 1388 at Perugia, concerning the appropriation of Rolvenden church by 'Dominus' John of Cobham, lord of Cobham (recited). John of Cobham showed ('expono') Pope Urban V that he had founded a chantry in Cobham church where his ancestors were buried to be served by five chaplains. Details relating to the appointment of new chaplains and the constitution of the college. John endowed the chantry with certain lands and rents and drew up a set of statutes with the consent of William Wittlesey, formerly bishop of Rochester, now bishop of Worcester. The pope confirmed John's foundation. John then wished add two more chaplains and gave the college the church of Rolvenden to support this. John has now asked to annex Rolvenden church to the college. The pope commands the bishop to annex the church to the college and ensure that a suitable portion is reserved for a vicar.
The bishop annexes the church to the college. When the present rector leaves or dies the college can take possession of it, provided a suitable portion is reserved for a vicar. The college is to present the vicar. The vicar is to support various financial burdens as specified from his portion. To compensate the archbishop of Canterbury, the prior and chapter of Canterbury Cathedral Priory and the archdeacon of Canterbury for lost income, an annual pension as specified is reserved to each, payable as specified in Canterbury Cathedral. Right of sequestration of Rolvenden church if payments in arrears. There are to be two new chaplains in addition to the existing seven. The new chaplains are to pray for the souls of 'Dominus' John de la Poole and 'Domina' Joan, his wife, 'Dominus' William de la Poole and 'Domina' Margaret, his wife, 'Dominus' John of Cobham and 'Domina' Margaret, his wife, and the souls of all the faithful departed, and for the souls of William Courtenay, archbishop of Canterbury, and 'Dominus' William de Pakyngton', archdeacon of Canterbury, after their deaths. Details of offices to be said, maintenance and clothing of the chaplains and duties of the holy water clerks ('aquebajulus'). Provisions relating to the use of surplus income from Rolvenden church.
Given at Trottiscliffe.
Notarial attestation and sign of Bartholomew Waryn, clerk, notary public of Norwich diocese, who wrote the document.
Witnesses: Mgr John Scharyngton, bachelor of decretals of Norwich diocese; Mgr Walter Ixworth, bachelor in decretals of Norwich diocese; John Blyklyng' 'literatus' of Norwich diocese
The master and fellows of Cobham College approve the ordinances and bind themselves and their successors to observe them. Walter Chudham, master of the College, John Moys, sub-master, and John Thurston', William Tanner, John Mercote, Richard Yonge and Ralph Lister, fellows of the College, have sworn to observe the ordinances and renounce any privileges which might present the implementation of them. Given at the chapter house of Cobham College, 1 Apr 1389.
William Courtenay, archbishop of Canterbury, consents to the appropriation and confirms the ordinances. Given at his manor of Croydon, 1389, no month.
The prior and chapter of Canterbury Cathedral Priory confirm the appropriation and ordinances. Given at their chapter house, 10 Apr 1389.
Confirmation of William de Pakyngton', archdeacon of Canterbury. Given at Canterbury, 13 Apr 1389.
Endorsed with description, describing the document as a composition between the prior and Cobham College concerning an annual payment of 20d from Rolvenden church, in late 14th cent hands. |