| Description | From: Robert Hathbrande, prior of Canterbury Cathedral Priory
To: the presidents of the provincial chapter of the monks of the order of St Benedict in England
He cannot attend the chapter to be held in Northampton on 22 Sep for several reasons. First, he received such short notice of the chapter from Mgr Robert de Myddelond', treasurer of Exeter Cathedral, that he has not had time to make arrangements for the management of the priory in his absence, particularly because autumn is a busy time of year. He has also not had time to arrange for his household to accompany him. The see of Canterbury is vacant following the death of Archbishop Simon Islip and the priory has to adminster the vacant see. Also he is old and his health is poor and the journey would be too far for him. He appoints John Redynggate and James of Stone, his fellow monks, as proctors to attend in his place.
Given at Canterbury.
Notarial attestation and sign of Richard Wodeland of Pynham ('Calceto'), clerk, Chichester diocese, notary public, who wrote the document.
Witnesses: Robert de Bourne, rector of Freckenham ('Frakenham') [Suffolk], Norwich diocese; John Craneborne, rector of Hope in Canterbury diocese |