| Description | From: Geoffrey of Romney ('Romenal'), precentor of Canterbury Cathedral Priory, staying on monte Viterbo; the fellows of Geoffrey of Romney ('Romenal'), precentor of Canterbury Cathedral Priory, staying on monte Viterbo
To: Henry of Eastry, prior of Canterbury Cathedral Priory; the chapter of Canterbury Cathedral Priory
[They had gone to Italy to obtain papal confirmation of Robert Winchelsey's election as archbishop, but the papacy had been vacant since 4 Apr 1292.] Gives a detailed account of their severe financial difficulties and their attempts, mostly unsuccessful, to obtain loans. They ask the priory to contact the Florentine merchants in England to arrange a loan from their fellows at the curia. They hope there may soon be a new pope, because many of the cardinals are in favour of the Orsini candidate, and then they believe their business will soon be dealt with.
Given at St Martin de Monte [Abbey], Viterbo [Roma, Italy].
Endorsed with address and description, as a letter by the chapter's proctors in the business of confirming the archbishop-elect at Rome ('per procuratores capituli in negocio confirmacionis electi nostri in Romana'), in late 13th cent hands. |