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barons or tenants in capite by the same or the like tenure that themselves held of the king. Brady's Int. p. 116.
| 4. BISHOP[1] OF ROCHESTER. | 5 b. |
| 5. BISHOP OF BAIEUX. |
This great man was not only bishop of Baieux in Normandy, but half brother to the Conqueror by the mother's side, and earl of Kent. He was also Count Palatine, and Justiciarius Angliæ, and had the high titles of "totius Angliæ vice dominus sub rege-princeps Palatii-cura Palatinæ regnique negotiis specialius præpositus et rege fecundus," given him by historians; and, what was of more eminence, he was at that time reputed "the wisest man in England." He had 184 lordships, or the greatest part of them in Kent alone, and 255 in other counties, and, looking upon himself rich enough to purchase the papacy, when it should become vacant, he in 1082 collected his treasures together, sent part of them over to Rome, and was preparing with a great retinue to follow them; but William, having intelligence of his design, hastened over from Normandy, surprized him in the Isle of Wight, just as he was going to sail, seized him as earl of Kent with his own hands, and sent him to prison in Normandy. His treasure was seized, and his estates afterwards confiscated, and he did not regain his liberty till William Rufus ascended the throne.
- ↑ Gundulphus.
