the prior and convent of the cathedral of Winton, appointing David Husband and Michael Cleve, dated September 4th, 1484 then that of the bishop, appointing W. Gyfford, Radulphus Langley and Will. Cowper, dated September 3rd, 1484. Consec. 38°°.—“Quo die adveniente in dicta ecclesia parochiali,” appeared, "coram nobis,” James Preston to prove the contents of his libel, and exhibited some letters testimonial with the seal of the bishop, and these were admitted; and consequenter Preston produced two witnesses, viz., Dominum Thomam Ashforde, nuper priorem dicti prioratus, et Willm. Rabbys, literatum, who were admitted and sworn, and examined as the others, by the commissary; “tum & ibidem assistente scriba secrete & singillatim"; and their depositions were read and made public, as follows:—
Mr. W. Gyfford, S. T. P., aged 57, of the state of Magd. Coll. etc., etc., as before.
Mr. John Nele, aged 57, proves the articles also.
Robert Baron, aged 56.
Johannes Chapman, aged 35, also affirmed all the five articles.
Dompnus Thomas Ashforde, aged 72 years—"dicit 2 dum. 3um. 4um. articulos in eodem libello contentos, concernentes statum dicti prioratus de Selbourne, fuisse et esse veros.”
W. Rabbys, ætat 40 ann., agrees with Gyfford, etc.
Then follows the letter from the bishop, "in subsidium probationis,” above-mentioned—"Willmus, &c., salutem, &c., noverint universitas vestra, quod licet nos prioratui de Selbourne, &c. pie compacientes sollicitudines pastorales, labores, diligentias quam plurimas per nos & commissarios nostros pro reformatione status ejus impenderimus, justicia id poscente; nihilominus tamen,” etc., as in the article—to "desperatur,” dated "in manerio nostro de Esher, Aug. 3d, 1485, & consec. 39.” Then on the 6th August, Preston, in the presence of the other proctors, required that they should be compelled to answer; when they all allowed the articles, "fuisse & esse vera;" and the commissary, at the request of Preston, concluded the business, and appointed Monday, August 8th, for giving his decree in the same church of Esher, and it was that day read, and contains a recapitulation, with the sentence of union, etc., witnessed and attested.
