CH/20/92

CH/20/92

Item

Letter from the Chapter to the Dean, John Gordon, about a grant to the Bishop, 1618

The Chapter's Letter to the Dean

9 Apr 1618

1 sheet

A letter from the Chapter to Dean John Gordon (Dean, 1604-1619) apparently in response to a number of challenges: 1. Although the Chapter's Charter has not been confirmed by the present king, James I, it was confirmed by "the late Queen", presumably Elizabeth I. 2. The value of the rents returned by the Chapter is in accordance with the Charter. 3. The Chapter knows of no lands purchased by the Bishop since the Charter, although some lands have been exchanged with the King. 4. The Chapter knows of no disposal of "fruits of the bishopric" during a vacancy otherwise than to the Dean and Chapter. While the Chapter does not fear that either the Bishop or the King will challenge its Charter, it is acknowledged that, because Bishop Robert Abbot died on 2 March 1618, before Lady Day (25 March), the Chapter has benefitted financially during the vacancy. It offers to grant £300 to the new Bishop if his consecration is before midsummer. Martin Fotherby was consecrated as Bishop of Salisbury on 19 April 1618. Signed by Thomas Hyde (Canon Residentiary, Chancellor 1588-1618); Giles Thornborough (Canon Residentiary, Subdean 1599-1637); John Barnston (Canon Residentiary c1614-1645); and a [Reginald?] [Coldwell?]. A "Mr Coldwell" is also mentioned in the body of the letter but cannot be traced. An endorsement on the document in a later hand describes the letter as "promising 300£ to Bp Toulson towards his Consecration", presumably in error. Robert Tounson (or Toulson) was consecrated as Bishop of Salisbury on 9 July 1620; he died on 15 May 1621. With a summary by Penelope Rundle, Archive Volunteer (late 2010s).

English

Material: paper