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Fig. 159). It is not, however, until the first quarter of the XIVth century that we are able to give an illustration of an actual weapon of this type.

The first falchion which we illustrate is an historically famous weapon known as the Conyers falchion, now preserved in the library of the cathedral church of Durham (Figs. 157 and 158 a, b). In the time of Bishop Flambard the manor of Sockburn in the county of Durham was granted with others to Roger de Conyers, which grant was subsequently confirmed by deed of Henry II, together with that of the Priory and Convent of Durham.

Fig. 156. The Falchion

From the Louterell Psalter. Early XIVth century. Cott. MS. Nero, D ii, British Museum

The manor was held under the Bishops of Durham on a tenure which required the Conyers of the day to present a falchion to the Bishop on his first entering his diocese. The tenure is distinctly described, and a falchion mentioned, in the inquisition held on the death of Sir John Conyers in 1396: "Tenuit manerium de Socburne per servicium demonstrandi Episcopo unam fawchon, ita quod postea Dom. Episcopus illud viderit restituat ostendenti, pro omnibus aliis serviciis."

Fig. 157. The Conyers Falchion

Early years of the XIVth century. A view of the whole Preserved in the library of the cathedral church of Durham

In the very interesting description of the Conyers falchion contained in "Archaeologia Aeliana," Mr. Clement Hodges states that the occurrence of the three lions passant of the Plantagenet kings on one side of the pommel (Fig. 158a) indicates that the date could not be earlier than the time of Henry II; therefore there could be little doubt that the falchion was of the