| Description | From: Richard Gyllyngham, prior of Canterbury Cathedral Priory; the chapter of Canterbury Cathedral Priory
To: Robert de Stretton, bishop of Coventry and Lichfield
The priory is acting sede vacante. The priory sent the bishop a mandate ordering him to levy and collect a tax of ½d in the mark from the clergy of his city and diocese for the procurations of Bernard Folcant, bishop of Pamplona, Ralph de Castello, bishop of Sinigaglia, and Giles Sancti Minuonis, provost of Valencia, papal nuncios, and to send the money to 'Dominus' Robert, rector of St Gregory's, London, and 'Dominus' Ralph, rector of St Botolph's without Aldgate ('Aldrichesgate'), London, whom the priory has appointed as receivers. However, the bishop has failed to act on this mandate.
The priory has subsequently received a processus from Bernard, Ralph and Giles, dated 4 Sep 1374 at Bruges, addressed to the clergy of England (recited, with witness list), complaining that they have not received payment of 2,946 florins, representing their expenses until 1 Oct, and demanding a further 1,464 florins, plus 6 florins for the notary's salary, as their expenses until 1 Dec, making a total of 4,416 florins, to be paid at Bruges within 30 days. The nucios empower the archbishop of Canterbury, the priory sede vacante and the archbishop of York to apportion and collect the 4,416 florins.
It is necessary to levy another tax of ¼d in the £ to cover this payment. The priory commands the bishop to levy these taxes in his city and diocese within 30 days and send the money, together with his portion, to Robert and Ralph in St Gregory's church. Anything already contributed will be allowed for and any excess will be kept to pay similar expenses in the future. The bishop is to certify the amount collected and the names of those who have and have not paid.
Given at Canterbury.
Endorsed 'Coventr' et Lich' pro Pampilon'' in late 14th cent hand. |