to the upper part of the chapter-house, where by Wyndesor “sic purecta fecerunt in communi,” and then solemnly, in form written, declared the election of Berne; when all, “antedicto nostro electo excepto, approbantes et ratificantes, cepimus decantare solemniter ‘Te Deum laudamus’, et sic canentes dictum electum ad majus altare ecclesie deduximus, ut apud nos est moris. Then Wyndesor electionem clero et populo infra chorum dicte ecclesie congregatis publicavit, et personam electi publice et personaliter ostendit.” We then returned to the chapter-house, except our prior; and Wyndesor was appointed by the other two their proctor, to desire the assent of the elected, and to notify what had been done to the bishop; and to desire him to confirm the election, and do whatever else was necessary. Then their proctor, before the witnesses required Berne’s assent in the chapter-house; “qui quidem instanciis et precibus multiplicatis devictus,” consented, “licet ndignus electus,” in writing. They therefore request the bishop’s confirmation of their election “sic canonice et solemniter celebrata,” etc., etc. Sealed with their common seal, and subscribed and attested by the notary. Dat. in the chapter-house September 5th, 1472.
In consequence, September 11th, 1472, in the bishop’s chapel at Esher, and before the bishop’s commissary, appeared W. Wyndesor, and exhibited the above instrument, and a mandate from the bishop for the appearance of gainsayers of the election there on that day; and no one appearing, the absentees were declared contumacious and the election confirmed; and the vicar of Aulton was directed to induct and instal the prior in the usual manner.
Thus did Canon Berne, though advanced in years, reassume his abdicated priorship for the second time, to the no small satisfaction, as it may seem, of the Bishop of Winchester, who professed, as will be shown not long hence, a high opinion of his abilities and integrity.
