| Description | Relating to the case between the prior and convent of Canterbury Cathedral Priory, defendants ('pars rea'), and Mgr Richard de Ferringes, archdeacon of Canterbury, plaintiff ('pars actrix'), concerning sede vacante jurisdiction. Compiled for the priory.
[Document damaged. Small area of text lost. Sense unclear in places.] Summarises the mandate of Pope Boniface VIII, by which he appointed Mgr Roger of Rothwell, archdeacon of Bedford, John de rewyne ('dictus de rewyne'), canon of Exeter, and Philip de Barton, canon of Lichfield, as auditors in in England, to hear witnesses and other evidence in the case. Matthew [de Aquasparta], cardinal bishop of Porto and auditor of causes, sent the archdeacon's positions, together with other documents, to the auditors to obtain full replies from the priory. The auditors were to complete their work within 7 months of receiving the pope's mandate. Detailed account of progress of the case from 22 Oct 1297 to Jul 1298. Very little was achieved, usually because one of the auditors failed to appear, and John, the auditor chosen on behalf of the archdeacon, excused himself completely. Eventually, the auditors presented their relatio to both parties who refused to accept it. The priory appealed to the pope, but the auditors still sent their relatio to him. A day was appointed for the parties to appear at Rome, but the priory did not accept this and appealed. No date. [Date: latest date mentioned in document.] |