| Description | From: Humphrey Hawardyn', DCL, dean of Arches and commissary general of John Morton, archbishop of Canterbury and papal legate, in the court of Canterbury
Definitive sentence in a case of withdrawal of tithes between the prior and chapter of Canterbury Cathedral Priory, rectors of Seasalter parish, plaintiffs ('pars actrix'), and John Martyn of Harbledown, defendant ('pars rea').
Recites the libel submitted on behalf of the priory and summarises the course of the case. The priory as rector claims all tithes within Seasalter parish. John pastured 200 of his animals on a marsh called 'Chapell Merssh'' in Seasalter between Apr 1479 and Jul 1485 and refused to pay his tithes. The tithes of 'Chapell Merssh' are worth 20s a year to the priory. John denies the libel.
The judge decides that the priory is entitled to the tithes of pasture from 'Chapell Merssh''. John has unjustly withdrawn his tithes, in contravention of various provincial constitutions on this subject mentioned in the libel. John is therefore excommunicated and sentenced to pay the priory's costs. An assessment of the costs of the court is reserved.
Given at the church of St Mary-le-Bow, London.
Notarial attestation and sign of John Belle, clerk, of London diocese, notary public, who wrote the document.
Witnesses: Mgr James Hutton, advocate of the court of Canterbury; Mgr Richard Nyk, advocate of the court of Canterbury; Mgr Robert Middelton, advocate of the court of Canterbury; Mgr William Warham, advocate of the court of Canterbury; Mgr Thomas Shenkwyn', advocate of the court of Canterbury; Mgr John Totoft, advocate of the court of Canterbury; Richard Spencer, principal registrar of the court of Canterbury and keeper of the court's register; Nicholas Trap', proctor general ('procurator generalis') in the court of Canterbury; John Reed, proctor general ('procurator generalis') in the court of Canterbury
Endorsed with description in 18th cent hand. |