| Description | Copies of two documents relating to Sandwich:
(1) Inquisition
Record of an inquisition taken in 1127 by William of Eynsford, sheriff of Kent (as in DCc-ChAnt/X/1). The information was provided by 24 sworn man, 12 of Dover [and 12 of Sandwich]. The names of the men of Dover are given as W Wyne, son of Henry, Uulfyne Dod, Edwin, Knud ('canutus') and Keneward. The jurors testified that Canterbury Cathedral Priory had sole right to the port of Sandwich, toll and customs ('consuetudines maritimas') from 'Edburgegate' to 'Merkesfleot' on either side of the river and a small ship ('navicula') for ferrying ('transfreto'). William de Corbeil, archbishop of Canterbury and papal legate, John II, bishop of Rochester, and Hugh of Trottiscliffe, abbot of St Augustine's Abbey, Canterbury, were also present.
(2) Mandate
From: Henry of Eastry, prior of Canterbury Cathedral Priory; the convent of Canterbury Cathedral Priory
To: the mayor and barons of the port of Sandwich
The priory has granted Eleanor of Castile, consort of Edward I, all customs duty, rents, liberties and all other gifts and customs in the town ('villa') and port of Sandwich, except the houses and quays it has in the town and the profits from them. Also reserving to the priory and the abbot and convent of St Augustine's Abbey, Canterbury, and their servants ('famulus') free passage ('passagium') in the port in the little boat ('batellus') called 'Verebot'. Also reserving to the priory, its men and tenants liberty to buy and sell in the port and town without paying toll or customs duty and, of loading, unloading and carrying away all their goods which come there as often as necessary.
The priory commands the mayor and barons that henceforth they should submit and answer to the queen and her bailiffs in all things. Original dated at the chapter house of Canterbury Cathedral Priory, 28 Jun 1290.
No date. [Date: handwriting.] |