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+The Project Gutenberg eBook, The Chronicle of Jocelin of Brakelond: A
+Picture of Monastic Life in the Days of Abbot Samson, by Jocelin de
+Brakelond, Edited by Sir Ernest Clarke
+
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+
+
+
+Title: The Chronicle of Jocelin of Brakelond: A Picture of Monastic Life in the Days of Abbot Samson
+
+
+Author: Jocelin de Brakelond
+
+Editor: Sir Ernest Clarke
+
+Release Date: October 17, 2011 [eBook #37780]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+
+***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE CHRONICLE OF JOCELIN OF
+BRAKELOND: A PICTURE OF MONASTIC LIFE IN THE DAYS OF ABBOT SAMSON***
+
+
+E-text prepared by Juliet Sutherland, Chris Pinfield, and the Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team (http://www.pgdp.net)
+
+
+
+Note: Project Gutenberg also has an HTML version of this
+ file which includes the original illustrations.
+ See 37780-h.htm or 37780-h.zip:
+ (http://www.gutenberg.org/files/37780/37780-h/37780-h.htm)
+ or
+ (http://www.gutenberg.org/files/37780/37780-h.zip)
+
+
+Transcriber's note:
+
+ Text enclosed by underscores is in italics (_italics_).
+
+ Text enclosed by equal sings is in bold face (=bold=).
+
+ Characters following a carat are superscrpted (example:
+ MCCC.LXXVII^o).
+
+ Small capitals are rendered in upper case.
+
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: frontispiece]
+
+
+THE CHRONICLE OF JOCELIN
+OF BRAKELOND: A PICTURE
+OF MONASTIC LIFE IN THE
+DAYS OF ABBOT SAMSON.
+
+Newly Edited by
+
+SIR ERNEST CLARKE M.A. F.S.A.
+
+[Illustration:
+_Seal of Abbot Samson.
+(Slightly enlarged. The length of the
+original is 3-1/2 inches._)]
+
+THE CHRONICLE OF
+JOCELIN OF BRAKELOND:
+A PICTURE OF
+MONASTIC LIFE IN
+THE DAYS OF ABBOT
+SAMSON
+
+Newly Edited by
+
+SIR ERNEST CLARKE
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+Alexander Moring
+The De La More Press
+298 Regent Street London W 1903
+
+
+
+"A VERITABLE MONK OF BURY ST. EDMUND'S: WORTH LISTENING TO, IF BY
+CHANCE MADE VISIBLE AND AUDIBLE. HERE HE IS; AND IN HIS HAND A
+MAGICAL SPECULUM, MUCH GONE TO RUST, INDEED, YET IN FRAGMENTS STILL
+CLEAR; WHEREIN THE MARVELLOUS IMAGE OF HIS EXISTENCE DOES STILL
+SHADOW ITSELF, THOUGH FITFULLY, AND AS WITH AN INTERMITTENT LIGHT."
+
+ _Carlyle: Past and Present._ Chapter 1.
+
+
+
+
+LIST OF CONTENTS
+
+
+ SEAL OF ABBOT SAMSON. _Frontispiece_
+
+ _EDITOR'S PREFACE._
+
+ Page
+ Samson and his arch-eulogist--The Chronicle--Previous
+ Editions of the Chronicle--The Chronicler--The Central
+ Figure of the Chronicle--Samson in Subordinate
+ Offices--Samson as Abbot--Relations with Church and
+ State--Samson as an Author--Samson's
+ Masterfulness--Samson as an Administrator--Epilogue xv.-xliii.
+
+ CHAPTER I.
+
+ _BURY ABBEY UNDER ABBOT HUGH._
+
+ The last years of Abbot Hugh--The monastery under a load of
+ debt, and in the hands of Jew money-lenders--Inquiry by
+ the Royal almoner--Caustic comment by Samson, master of
+ the novices--Exemption obtained by Hugh from visitation
+ by the Legate--Jocelin's reflection thereon--The Convent
+ debt--Entertainment of strangers--Samson in various
+ offices, but disliked by the Abbot--Accident to Hugh at
+ Canterbury--His death--His house despoiled by his
+ servants 1-11
+
+ CHAPTER II.
+
+ _THE MONKS DISCUSS THE VACANCY._
+
+ Wardens of the Abbey appointed by the King--Culpable
+ Weakness of the Prior--William the sacrist--Activity of
+ Samson as subsacrist--Jealousy of him--The Wardens stop
+ further building operations--Much discussion by the
+ monks as to the qualifications needed in the new
+ Abbot--Samson silently notes all that is said--Jocelin's
+ indiscretion in blurting out his private opinion 12-23
+
+ CHAPTER III.
+
+ _THE CHOICE OF A NEW ABBOT._
+
+ Henry II. orders the Prior and twelve delegates from the
+ Abbey to attend him to make choice of a new
+ Abbot--Selection of the twelve--Six electors appointed
+ to choose three names to be given under seal to the
+ delegates--The journey to the Court--Gossip and telling
+ of dreams amongst the monks left behind--The delegates
+ before the King at Bishop's Waltham--The sealed paper
+ opened--Samson eventually selected--Approval of the
+ King, and his comment on Samson's demeanour 24-35
+
+ CHAPTER IV.
+
+ _SAMSON'S INSTALLATION._
+
+ Reception of the news at the Monastery--Samson blessed by
+ the Bishop of Winchester--He journeys to Bury, and is
+ welcomed by the Convent on Palm Sunday--His address in
+ the chapter-house--Answer of Wimer the Sheriff--Jocelin
+ made Abbot's Chaplain--New Seal struck with mitre graven
+ thereon--Samson sets his household in order--General
+ Court summoned--Demand of aid from his knights 36-42
+
+ CHAPTER V.
+
+ _THE NEW ABBOT'S REFORMS._
+
+ Prepares an estate book--Buildings and repairs--Enclosure
+ of parks--Hunting and dogs--Land
+ improvements--Management of manors--General
+ survey--Makes a kalendar--New regulations made in
+ Chapter--Amount of the convent debts and their
+ discharge--Dismissal of William the sacrist--Samson
+ visits all the Abbey manors--His anxieties about the
+ debts--His skill and energy in managing the
+ estates--Appointed judge in ecclesiastical
+ courts--Jocelin's excuse for Samson's fondness for
+ betaking himself to his manors--The Abbot's complaint at
+ the burden of his charge--His dream as a child--His
+ control of temper--Order for production of convent
+ seals--Thirty-three given up, all retained by the Abbot,
+ except the prior's--Entertainment of guests 43-59
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+_SAMSON'S PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS._
+
+ His personal appearance--His temperance and
+ diligence--Abhors liars, drunkards and talkative
+ folk--His eloquence--Preaches to the people in the
+ Norfolk dialect--Management of his household--Strict
+ regulation of expenses--Appoints none but fit persons to
+ office--His treatment of his relatives--Gratitude for
+ past kindnesses--Provides free lodgings for poor
+ scholars--Expulsion of Jews from Bury--Purchase of the
+ Manor of Mildenhall--Giving up of King Henry II.'s cup
+ and its restoration--Samson's generosity--The Woolpit
+ living--Samson recounts his visit to Rome in his early
+ days, and his adventures 60-75
+
+ CHAPTER VII.
+
+ _THE ABBOT AS PEER OF PARLIAMENT._
+
+ Dispute with Archbishop of Canterbury as to jurisdiction
+ over manor of Eleigh--Quarrel with the Bishop of Ely,
+ the Chancellor--Samson wishes to take the cross: the
+ King refuses permission--Goes to siege of Windsor in
+ martial array--Visits Richard I. in
+ Germany--Excommunication by him of a company of
+ roystering young knights--Embassies to Rome--The claim
+ of the Earl of Clare to carry the Standard of St. Edmund
+ in battle--Adam of Cockfield's inheritance--Herbert the
+ dean and his windmill--Jocelin's New Year's gift--The
+ Abbot's struggle with his rebellious knights 76-100
+
+ CHAPTER VIII.
+
+ _THE CASE OF HENRY OF ESSEX._
+
+ Excesses of Henry of Essex--His cowardice in Wales--The
+ wager of battle on the island near Reading--Henry's
+ vision--His recovery and repentance 101-105
+
+ CHAPTER IX.
+
+ _TROUBLES WITHOUT._
+
+ The Bishop of Ely outwitted as to timber asked for by
+ him--Dispute as to town bailiffs--Murmurings of the
+ monks--Toll-right dispute with London merchants--Dues of
+ the burgesses--Samson grants a charter to the town 106-117
+
+ CHAPTER X.
+
+ _TROUBLES WITHIN._
+
+ Inefficient cellarers--New arrangements criticised--The
+ Archbishop of Canterbury claims authority to visit the
+ Abbey as legate--Samson's successful appeal to the Pope 118-127
+
+ CHAPTER XI.
+
+ _SAMSON'S CONTESTS WITH KNIGHTS,
+ MONKS AND TOWNSMEN._
+
+ King Richard's levies--The abbot's difficulties in making
+ his knights comply--Goes to Normandy and arranges
+ matters with the King--Samson's generosity to the
+ abbey--He takes the cellarer's department into his own
+ hands--Consequent discontent--Hamo Blund's will, and
+ Samson's comments thereon--Riots in the
+ churchyard--Rioters reduced to submission 128-141
+
+ CHAPTER XII.
+
+ _THE CARES OF OFFICE._
+
+ Restoration of the Coventry monks--Samson's hospitality at
+ Oxford--His endowment of the Bury schools--Abbey
+ improvements--The Abbot withstands King Richard over the
+ wardship of Nesta of Cockfield--The King appeased by a
+ present of horses and dogs 142-149
+
+ CHAPTER XIII.
+
+ _THE CUSTOMS OF THE TOWNSHIP._
+
+ Old oppressive customs changed or abrogated by Samson--The
+ Cellarer's difficulties in collecting _rep silver_--The
+ hard case of Ketel--The Cellarer's dues--Lakenheath
+ eels--Samson's reforms and his critics 150-161
+
+ CHAPTER XIV.
+
+ _THE SHRINE OF ST. EDMUND._
+
+ Fire around the shrine--The shrine unhurt--Vain attempts to
+ hush up the scandal--Samson dreams of St. Edmund
+ despoiled--The saint's body uncovered--Samson and
+ certain of the monks view the sacred relic 162-177
+
+ CHAPTER XV.
+
+ _THE MONASTERY IN REVOLT._
+
+ Death of King Richard--King John visits the Abbey--Samson
+ supports Ralph the porter against the monks--He
+ withdraws from the convent--Disturbances in his
+ absence--The monks submit--Reconciliation--Marshalling
+ of the Knights--Further troubles about the manors and
+ cellary 178-189
+
+ CHAPTER XVI.
+
+ _ELECTION OF A NEW PRIOR._
+
+ Death of Robert the Prior--Herbert the chaplain and Hermer
+ the sub-prior candidates for the post--Through the
+ Abbot's influence Herbert is elected--Jocelin
+ moralizes--The gibes of the unlearned 190-199
+
+ CHAPTER XVII.
+
+ _THE ABBOT'S FOIBLES._
+
+ Samson's faults--The dam at Babwell--Trouble with the Ely
+ monks--The Abbot summoned over sea to the King--Sets his
+ house in order--His unfulfilled promises--The story
+ breaks off 200-211
+
+ APPENDICES.
+
+ I. SAMSON AS AN AUTHOR 215-221
+
+ II. NOTES TO TEXT OF CHRONICLE 222-256
+
+ III. TABLE OF CHIEF DATES IN THE HISTORY OF
+ THE ABBEY OF ST. EDMUNDSBURY, A.D.
+ 870 TO 1903 257-278
+
+ _GENERAL INDEX_ 279-285
+
+
+PREFACE
+
+=Samson and his Arch-Eulogist.=--Abbot Samson of St. Edmundsbury and
+his biographer, Jocelin of Brakelond, undoubtedly owe such immortality
+as they possess to their introduction to the world at large by Thomas
+Carlyle. Learned historians and commentators of the past had made use
+of the dry facts of the Chronicle for their disquisitions and
+treatises; but none had recognized the human interest of Jocelin's
+narrative until the Sage of Chelsea seized upon it as evidence of that
+theory of Hero Worship on which he loved to insist.
+
+The whole of the seventeen chapters of Book II. of "Past and Present,"
+published in 1843, are devoted to a study of Abbot Samson, and the
+lessons which Carlyle thought "our own poor century" could learn from
+him.
+
+From that day to this, Samson has been more or less a household word;
+and, as John Richard Green says in his "Stray Studies" (1876), "In the
+wandering gossipy pages of Jocelin of Brakelond the life of the
+twelfth century, so far as it could penetrate abbey walls, still glows
+distinct for us round the figure of the shrewd, practical, kindly,
+imperious abbot who looks out, a little travestied perhaps, from the
+pages of Mr. Carlyle."
+
+=The Chronicle.=--Mr. Green further says:--"By a rare accident the
+figure of the silent, industrious Norfolk monk, who at the close of
+Henry the Second's reign suddenly found himself ruler of the
+wealthiest, if not the greatest, of English abbeys, starts out
+distinct from the dim canvas of the annals of his house. Annals indeed
+in any strict sense St. Edmund's has none; no national chronicle was
+ever penned in its scriptorium such as that which flings lustre round
+its rival, St. Albans; nor is even a record of its purely monastic
+life preserved such as that which gives a local and ecclesiastical
+interest to its rival of Glastonbury. One book alone the abbey has
+given us, but that one book is worth a thousand chronicles."
+
+The original manuscript of the Chronicle occupies 43 folios (121-163)
+of a thick quarto volume on vellum once in the library of Bury Abbey,
+afterwards in the hands of the family of Bacon of Redgrave, then
+belonging to Bishop Stillingfleet of Worcester, and now preserved in
+the British Museum amongst the Harleian Manuscripts. The contents of
+this _Liber Albus_ (Harl. MS. 1005) are very varied; and a complete
+list of the 144 items in it which relate to the Abbey will be found on
+pp. 122-4 of the 1821 Edition of the _Monasticon_. (Another copy of
+the Chronicle was in the Cottonian MS. Vitellius DXV., burnt in the
+fire of 1731.) Three facsimiles of portions of the MS. are given in
+the Camden Society's Edition of the Latin text (to be presently
+referred to), and the writing is there ascribed to the end of the 13th
+or beginning of the 14th century.
+
+=Previous Editions of the Chronicle.=--In the year 1840, John Gage
+Rokewode, F.R.S. (1786-1842), Director of the Society of Antiquaries,
+brought out for the Camden Society a thin quarto book in the familiar
+green cover, which he entitled "Chronica Jocelini de Brakelonda de
+rebus gestis Samsonis Abbatis Monasterii Sancti Edmundi." It was this
+book that attracted the attention of Carlyle, with the results already
+stated. Rokewode was a scion of the distinguished family of Gage of
+Hengrave, near Bury, and took the additional name of Rokewode on
+inheriting in 1838 the estates of the Rookwood family. He was a very
+learned genealogist, and the author of a History of Hengrave and of
+the Hundred of Thingoe. His observations on Suffolk families and
+topography are therefore to be relied upon, though subsequent
+investigation has corrected some of his notes on historical matters.
+
+Rokewode's text was in the original Latin; but to meet the popular
+demand for the Chronicle caused by Carlyle's published appreciation of
+it in "Past and Present" (1843), a translation into English was made
+by Thomas Edlyne Tomlins (1804-1872), and was published in 1844 by
+Whitaker & Co. in the "Popular Library of Modern Authors," under the
+title of "Monastic and Social Life in the Twelfth Century."
+
+Mr. T. E. Tomlins was a nephew of the better known Sir Thomas Edlyne
+Tomlins (1762-1841), assistant counsel to the Treasury, who wrote "The
+Law of Wills" and other well-known text-books. The younger Thomas was
+an attorney, and also wrote on legal subjects. Tomlins' translation of
+Jocelin was issued in the somewhat forbidding form of a tall
+paper-covered book of 64 pages of double columns of small type,
+without any break from start to finish: the few notes at the end being
+mostly on legal points, and none of them of great merit.
+
+It does not appear that Mr. Tomlins had any special knowledge of his
+subject; and, as a consequence, his translation contained a quantity
+of errors, both of omission and commission. His book has been used as
+the ground-work for the present edition, but the alterations made in
+the text have been so numerous and important as to be practically
+equivalent to a new translation altogether. The three Appendices
+(pages 215-278) are wholly new.
+
+The task of rendering the Latin text into satisfactory and accurate
+English has been made easier by the publication in 1890-6 of Mr.
+Thomas Arnold's three volumes of "Memorials of St. Edmund's Abbey"
+(No. 96 of the Rolls Series). "Tom" Arnold (1823-1900) was the second
+son of Arnold of Rugby and the younger brother of Matthew Arnold; and
+he undertook a quantity of work for the Rolls Series, not all of which
+he was able to carry through with the completeness that he desired.
+Especially with regard to the Annals of St. Edmundsbury there was a
+quantity of material that he could not deal with in the leisure at his
+command. But so far as concerns the Chronicle of Jocelin (which
+occupies 228 pages of his Volume I.), his edition of the original
+Latin text was carefully revised and annotated.
+
+=The Chronicler.=--Of Jocelin of Brakelond very little is certainly
+known beyond what he himself tells us in the Chronicle. There are two
+streets in Bury St. Edmunds known as the Long and Short Brackland or
+Braklond, and probably Jocelin took his name from his place of birth.
+In the text of the Chronicle, however, and in other 13th century
+documents in which his name is recorded, he appears simply as Jocelin.
+He tells us he took the habit in 1173, "the year when the Flemings
+were taken captive without the town" (page 1); and that he then came
+under the care of Samson, at that time master of the novices, who told
+him some of his own experiences by way of warning against interference
+with the constituted authorities (6).
+
+At the time of Samson's election as Abbot, in 1182, Jocelin was
+prior's chaplain, but within four months he was made abbot's chaplain,
+"noting many things and committing them to memory" (39): for which all
+students of English history are eternally grateful to him. In his
+capacity as Samson's chaplain, Jocelin was "constantly with him by day
+and night for six years, and had the opportunity of becoming fully
+conversant with the worthiness of his life and the wisdom of his rule"
+(56).
+
+Jocelin evidently starts at first with an admiration for Samson's
+vigorous and independent régime (see especially pages 52-3); but later
+on his faith in his master seems to have been a little shaken, and
+Samson's action in practically "jockeying" his favourite Herbert into
+the office of prior takes Jocelin's breath away. The eventful meeting
+of the chapter over, he sits down stupefied in the porch of the guest
+chamber (he being then hospitarius), and reflects on the situation
+(198). He cannot approve, moreover, Samson's action with regard to
+John Ruffus and Adam the Infirmarer, where he more than hints at the
+Abbot's acceptance of a bribe (200). The banking up by Samson of the
+fishpond at Babwell, thus flooding the pastures and gardens of others,
+he describes as "another stain of evil doing" (201): the Abbot's
+passionate retort that "his fish pond was not to be spoilt on account
+of our meadows," obviously offending Jocelin's sense of the
+proprieties. He demurs, moreover, to the willingness of certain of the
+monks to strip even the shrine of St. Edmund himself to obtain an
+exemption of the Abbey from episcopal visitation, pointing out that
+there might come a time when the convent might need the control of a
+bishop, archbishop, or legate, over a tyrannous or spendthrift abbot
+(7).
+
+It is perhaps for these reasons that we find Jocelin, at a date after
+Samson's death, on the side of the party of caution and moderation in
+the disputes over the election of a new abbot. The author, whoever he
+was, of the interpolated narrative in the Chronicle relating to Henry
+of Essex (101 _et seq._) refers to "Master Jocelin our almoner, a man
+of exalted piety, powerful in word and in deed"; and there can hardly
+be any doubt that this was our Jocelin. In the highly complicated
+story (printed in Mr. Arnold's second volume) of the preliminaries to
+the final approval by King John of Samson's successor, Abbot Hugh II.,
+Jocelin the almoner took the side of Robert of Gravelee, the sacrist,
+who advocated the adoption of the plan followed when the previous
+vacancy occurred, of submitting to the king names from whom he could
+make a selection (as indeed John had asked might be done by letter
+dated 25 July, 1213), instead of asking him, as they did, to confirm
+an election already made. Jocelin, in a speech delivered in the
+chapter-house, seems indeed to have been the first to start the view
+that the convent had made a mistake, and that it ought to put itself
+right with the king. He again insisted on this at a second debate in
+December, 1213, and took a prominent part in the subsequent
+discussions, his name being recorded in the division list of June,
+1214, when 30 voted on his side, and 32 for adherence to the claims of
+the Abbey.
+
+The three delegates, the Abbot of Wardon, the Prior of Dunstable, and
+the Dean of Salisbury, who had been appointed by the Pope on May 18,
+1214, to inquire into the Bury election, held the last but one of
+their numerous sittings on February 12, 1215, at which Jocelin was
+present. At last the delegates announced on March 10 their judgment
+confirming the election, which, with considerable trouble, they
+persuaded the sacrist and his party to accept, and to exchange with
+the new abbot the kiss of peace.
+
+When, on April 24, 1215, the abbot elect, unsuccessful in obtaining
+John's favour, and refusing to bribe the king, though advised to do so
+by the courtiers, appointed certain officials to the custody of Abbey
+manors, he took the advice, amongst other high officers, of Jocelin
+the almoner; and this is the last we hear of our Chronicler.
+
+Jocelin himself mentions (23) that he had written a book on the many
+signs and wonders in connection with the martyrdom by the Jews of the
+boy Robert, who was buried in the Abbey Church; but this work is not
+known to be extant. The inaccurate Bale also ascribes to him the
+authorship of the tract _Super Electione Hugonis_ (also in the Liber
+Albus), from which the above facts as to Jocelin's later life have
+been gleaned. But there is no authority for this; and, as Mr. Arnold
+points out (i. lix.), the style of that work is different from the
+Chronicle.
+
+Whatever criticisms one might be tempted to pass on Carlyle's
+appreciation of Samson, there need be no dissentient voice to his
+summing up of Jocelin's character:--
+
+ An ingenious and ingenuous, a cheery-hearted, innocent, yet withal
+ shrewd, noticing, quick-witted man; and from under his monk's cowl
+ has looked out on the narrow section of the world in a really human
+ manner.... The man is of patient, peaceable, loving, clear-smiling
+ nature; open for this or that.... Also he has a pleasant wit, and
+ loves a timely joke, though in mild, subdued manner. A learned, grown
+ man, yet with the heart as of a good child.
+
+=The Central Figure of the Chronicle.=--Whatever his other merits,
+Jocelin's strong point was certainly not chronological sequence. With
+the assistance of the Table of Dates printed on pages 261-267, the
+reader will, it is hoped, get some useful sort of idea of the busy
+life of Abbot Samson, both within and without the walls of the
+monastery, whilst it was under his vigorous rule; and as to his
+personal characteristics, virtues and foibles, they are writ large in
+almost every chapter of the Chronicle.
+
+He was obviously of humble origin, and his dialect was that of his
+native county of Norfolk (62). He seems to have lost his father early,
+for we read of his conferring, soon after he became Abbot, a benefice
+upon the son of a man of lowly station who had been kind to him in his
+youth and looked after his interests (66). As a child of nine, he had
+been taken by his mother to a pilgrimage to St. Edmund, after a dream
+which presaged his future service under that saint (56). When he was a
+poor clerk, William, the schoolmaster of Diss, had given him free
+admission to his school: a favour which he requited by giving Walter,
+son of William, the living of Chevington (67). Similarly, he helped
+those of his kinsmen who had recognized him when he was a poor clerk,
+provided they were worthy; but with those who had then held aloof from
+him he wished to have no dealings (66).
+
+At some early date Samson went to Paris to study, a friend who then
+supported him there by the proceeds of the sale of holy water
+receiving afterwards a benefice from him (66). Just as he did not
+forget the friends who had helped him in his early struggles so he
+remembered past kindnesses shown to him when he was a poor monk and
+out of favour with the authorities. When Hugh, his predecessor,
+clapped him into irons, Hugh's cupbearer Elias brought him some wine
+to quench his prison thirst (67); and when he needed a night's lodging
+on his return from Durham on the business of the Abbey, a resident at
+Risby gave him the shelter which a neighbour refused (68). Neither
+favour was forgotten when Elias and William of Risby came before him
+as landlord.
+
+By 1160 Samson was back from abroad as master of the schools at Bury,
+though he did not become a professed monk till 1166. Meanwhile he had
+been sent on an errand to Rome, with reference to the church at
+Woolpit, in which his native wit showed itself (73, 74). He seems to
+have been successful in his mission, getting from Pope Alexander III.
+a reversion for the monastery of the Woolpit living; but, perhaps
+because he returned too late to prevent Geoffrey Ridel being appointed
+by the king (74), Abbot Hugh banished him, on his return, to Castle
+Acre. Here he remained in exile a long time (74), and he was sent
+there again after he had become a cloister monk, and had spoken up
+"for the good of our Church" in opposition to the Abbot (6).
+
+=Samson in Subordinate Offices.=--Much as Hugh disliked Samson, he
+seems to have been a little afraid of him; and, to reconcile matters,
+he made Samson subsacrist. "Often accused," says Jocelin, "he was
+transferred from one office to another, being successively guest
+master, pittance master, third prior, and again subsacrist" (9). But
+he could not be induced to fawn on and flatter the Abbot, as other
+officials did; and Hugh declared that "he had never seen a man whom he
+could not bend to his will, except Samson the subsacrist" (10).
+
+When at length Hugh's trying dispensation came to an end, through his
+horse accident at Canterbury in 1180, Samson was, as subsacrist, busy
+with new building operations for the Church (14). His superior
+officer, the bibulous William Wiardel, the sacrist, was jealous of
+him, and persuaded the wardens of the Abbey to stop any further
+expense for works during the vacancy (15). But Samson knew some things
+to William's financial and moral discredit, on which he was later able
+to base the sacrist's dismissal from office (46-7).
+
+The gossip amongst the monks as to which of the brethren should fill
+Hugh's place is admirably told by Jocelin (Chap. ii.). Whilst the rest
+were babbling at blood-letting season, Samson the subsacrist sat
+smiling but saying nothing (21). The receipt of Henry II.'s order or
+permission to make choice of a new Abbot put the monastery in a
+flutter; and the selection of the deputation to wait upon the King,
+and their interview with their liege lord, is most naïvely described
+in chapter iii. The secret ballot at Bury for three names was a
+surprise to the higher officials (31), and they did what they could to
+diminish Samson's chances. But after some fencing the Bishop of
+Winchester asked the deputation point blank whom they wanted, and the
+answer was--Samson: "no one gainsaying this" (34).
+
+=Samson as Abbot.=--And so the once oppressed and obscure monk
+returned to Bury the absolute ruler of the foundation, with the king's
+remark in his ears when he noted, with apparent admiration at Bishop's
+Waltham, how Samson comported himself in the royal presence: "By the
+eyes of God, this Abbot elect thinks himself worthy to govern an
+abbey!" (35). So indeed he did, setting to work at once after his
+ceremonial installation (37) to institute reforms of all sorts. As
+Carlyle says, and his words must suffice in this place:--
+
+ How Abbot Samson, giving his new subjects seriatim the kiss of
+ fatherhood in the St. Edmundsbury chapter-house, proceeded with
+ cautious energy to set about reforming their disjointed, distracted
+ way of life; how he managed with his Fifty rough Milites (Feudal
+ Knights), with his lazy farmers, remiss refractory monks, with Pope's
+ Legates, Viscounts, Bishops, Kings; how on all sides he laid about
+ him like a man, and putting consequence on premiss, and everywhere
+ the saddle on the right horse, struggled incessantly to educe organic
+ method out of lazily fermenting wreck,--the careful reader will
+ discern, not without true interest, in these pages of Jocelin
+ Boswell.
+
+To tell the story of all this would be to paraphrase the Chronicle;
+and the reader is therefore referred to the List of Contents for
+instances of the Abbot's capacity and resourcefulness in dealing with
+the complicated interests under his control.
+
+But there is one aspect of his busy life to which allusion may perhaps
+here be made, as showing the influence and importance of the Abbot of
+St. Edmundsbury outside the monastery walls.
+
+=Relations with Church and State.=--Samson's abbacy extended over
+the pontificates of five Popes and the reigns of three Kings, by all
+of whom his strength of character and wisdom of counsel seem to have
+been appreciated. Pope Lucius III., who had succeeded, in 1181,
+Alexander III., to whom Samson had twenty years before paid a visit on
+behalf of the Abbey (72), appointed the new abbot a judge in the
+ecclesiastical courts within seven months of his election (51). Urban
+III. granted Samson in 1187-8, the privilege of giving the episcopal
+benediction (84) and other concessions. Celestine III. placed him in
+1197 on the commission for restoring the expelled monks at Coventry
+(142); and Innocent III. granted on December 1, 1198, without
+hesitation, on Samson's application, an exemption of Bury Abbey from
+episcopal visitation even by a legate unless he were a legate _a
+latere_ (124).
+
+King Henry II., who had apparently formed a favourable opinion of
+Samson from his demeanour on his election (35), practically decided in
+his favour on February 11, 1187, in his dispute with Archbishop Hubert
+concerning his abbatial jurisdiction over Monk's Eleigh, where a case
+of homicide had occurred (78). In the same year, the king at Clarendon
+favourably considered Samson's petition with reference to the immunity
+of Bury Abbey from certain taxes (96). Having taken the Cross on
+January 21, 1188, Henry II. came to Bury within a month to pay a
+pilgrimage to St. Edmund, when Samson endeavoured, without success, to
+obtain the king's permission to do likewise (81).
+
+In the next year Henry died at Chinon (July 6, 1189), and Samson had
+to deal with a new sovereign: at whose coronation on September 3,
+1189, he was present. One of Richard's earliest acts was the sale of
+offices, crown rights, crown property, and royal favours to fill his
+military chest; saying indeed that he would sell London if he could
+find a purchaser. Amongst the bargains of this sort was the sale to
+Samson of the manor of Mildenhall for 1,000 marks, after the astute
+abbot had offered him half that amount (70). The queen-mother was
+entitled by custom of the realm to 100 marks as a perquisite in
+connection with this transaction, and took in lieu thereof a gold cup
+which had been given to the abbey by Henry II. This same cup came back
+to Bury in exchange for 100 marks (71), when the 70,000 marks required
+to ransom King Richard was being raised in England (147).
+
+When the news of Richard's capture reached England, Samson rose in his
+place in the King's Council to express his readiness to seek the king
+in Germany, either in disguise or any other way: "by reason whereof,"
+says Jocelin, "he obtained great approbation" (81). Later on he did go
+to Germany, "and visited the king with many gifts" (82).
+
+Towards the end of Richard's reign, in 1198, Samson tried to avoid
+sending four of his knights to Normandy, in obedience to the King's
+orders, and went to see him, with the result that Richard accepted
+four mercenaries, and afterwards a hundred pounds to discharge the
+obligation (128-30). He brought back with him on this occasion for the
+adornment of the abbey church a golden cross and a valuable copy of
+the Gospels (130); and Jocelin records that so often as he returned
+from beyond sea on his numerous visits abroad, he brought back with
+him some offering for the church (131), besides making gifts to it on
+other occasions.
+
+In 1198 a serious quarrel took place between Richard and Samson over
+the wardship of Nesta of Cockfield, the daughter of a family whose
+tenure of lands from the Abbey is recorded with wearisome iteration in
+the Chronicle. Samson would not give way, despite the threats of the
+King, which he "very wisely passed over without notice," and in the
+end Richard yielded with a good grace, asking the abbot if he would
+send him some of his dogs. The abbot of course complied, and added
+some horses and other valuable gifts, in exchange for which Richard
+sent him a ring given to him by the new Pope, Innocent III. (147-9).
+
+Just as Samson had "obtained the favour and grace of King Richard by
+gifts and money, so that he had good reason to believe that he could
+succeed in all his undertakings, the King died, and the abbot lost all
+his labour and outlay" (178). It became therefore necessary to
+propitiate Richard's successor. King John made an early pilgrimage to
+St. Edmund, but left in bad odour with the monastery, which had spent
+much money on his entertainment, but had only received in return
+thirteenpence offered by the king at the shrine of the Saint on the
+day of his departure, besides a silken cloth borrowed for the occasion
+from the sacrist and never paid for (178). John must, however, have
+thought highly of the abbot to summon him over sea in 1203 to confer
+with him as to the Pope's letter concerning the dispensation of
+Crusaders from their vows (207).
+
+=Samson as an Author.=--Once when Jocelin asked why he had been
+sighing so heavily and was so wakeful at nights, Samson confided to
+him how greatly he felt the burden of his charge; and on another
+occasion said that if he had known what it involved, he would, rather
+than be abbot and lord, have preferred to be keeper of the books, "for
+this office he had ever desired above all others" (55).
+
+Jocelin hints a polite incredulity; but there are evidences that
+Samson was fond of books, and was indeed an author. There is a small
+volume, Titus A viii. in the Cottonian collection, which includes in
+its contents a work in two books, entitled _De Miraculis Sancti
+Ædmundi_. From a number of marginal notes, of even date with the
+fourteenth century text, and which ascribe to Samson, amongst other
+writers, the authorship of various passages in the great legendary
+life of St. Edmund in the Bodleian Library (MS. 240), Mr. Arnold
+arrived at the conclusion that "the writer of the work was
+unquestionably Abbot Samson." For the evidence the reader is referred
+to Appendix I. (pages 215-21); but it would appear that the work was
+written before the date when he became abbot, and perhaps before he
+had been appointed to any one of the numerous offices in the monastery
+to which he was from time to time transferred by the capricious Hugh
+(9).
+
+Whenever any new event was recorded in his patron saint's honour,
+Samson caused it to be recorded: hence at his desire the episode of
+Henry of Essex, whom St. Edmund had "confounded in the very hour of
+battle" (102), was reduced to writing at Reading, and interpolated by
+some other monk in Jocelin's chronicle.
+
+=Samson's Masterfulness.=--Samson, like his prototype of Scripture,
+was a "strong man," and as such he came into constant conflict with
+those who sought to try conclusions with him, usually to their own
+regret. From instances innumerable, the following may be selected as
+typical. At his very first general court of his knights, Thomas of
+Hastings tried to press the claim of his nephew Henry--a minor--to the
+hereditary stewardship of the Abbey; but Samson said he would consider
+the matter when Henry could perform the duties (41). Richard, Earl of
+Clare, demanded his guerdon of five shillings for the office of
+Standard-bearer of St. Edmund. Samson retorted that the payment of the
+money would not inconvenience the Abbey; but there were two other
+claimants for the post, and Richard must settle first with them. The
+Earl said he would confer with Roger Bigot his kinsman, "and so the
+matter was put off even to this day" (86).
+
+Geoffrey Ridel, the Bishop of Ely, sent a blundering messenger to the
+abbot to ask for timber from woods at Elmswell, meaning Elmsett.
+Samson assented to the request for Elmswell, and meanwhile sent his
+foresters to Elmsett and cut down a great quantity of oaks, branding
+them as the property of the Abbey. The bishop overwhelmed his stupid
+servant with reproaches, and sent him back to explain. But it was too
+late, "and the bishop, if he wanted timber, had to get it elsewhere"
+(107).
+
+Herbert the dean erected a windmill upon the Haberdon, and tried to
+brazen it out with Samson. But the abbot bade him begone, and told him
+that before he had come to his house, he should hear what had befallen
+his mill. Whereupon the trembling dean had the mill pulled down
+himself, so that when the servants of the sacrist came to the spot,
+they found their work already done for them (90).
+
+In the domestic quarrel with his monks over the case of Ralph, the
+gate porter, who had been punished by Robert the prior with the assent
+of all the monastery, Samson upset the proceedings on his return from
+London, and, after a violent struggle, got his own way (179-83).
+
+There is a pleasing affectation of impartiality in the case of another
+Herbert, the junior candidate for the office of Prior, on the
+much-worried Robert's death in 1200. The monks were conscious that
+Samson "would seek the advice of each with great show of formality,"
+but that the affair would end as he had all along intended (193). On
+the day of election the Precentor was egged on by one of the elder
+brethren in an audible aside to nominate Herbert. Samson behaved as if
+this was a new light to him, but offered no objection to receive
+Herbert if the convent willed. And so, after a protestation of his
+unworthiness, Herbert was elected (196); and Jocelin tried, after
+these bare-faced proceedings, to recover his equanimity in the porch
+of the guest-chamber (197).
+
+=Samson as an Administrator.=--Samson seems to have been something
+of a financial genius; he certainly freed the monastery from debt, and
+brought its internal affairs and its landed estates from chaos into
+order. He was undoubtedly more of an administrator than an
+ecclesiastic. He obviously enjoyed his ceremonial duties as
+Commissioner for the King or for the Pope. He went to the siege of
+Windsor in 1193 in martial array, though Jocelin is constrained to
+admit that he was "more remarkable there for counsel than for piety"
+(82). He appeared to be in his highest spirits when he went to
+Coventry in January, 1198, to help to restore the monks there who had
+been ejected by their somewhat truculent Bishop, Hugh de Nonant.
+Samson gave magnificent entertainments at Oxford, where the Commission
+sat, and "never in his life did he seem so joyful as at that time"
+(143).
+
+He was fond, too, of country life, spending much time at his manors of
+Melford and elsewhere, "enclosing many parks, which he replenished
+with beasts of chase, and keeping a huntsman with dogs," though
+Jocelin is careful to add that he "never saw him take part in the
+sport" (43). With some of these dogs Samson appeased Richard's wrath
+when he flouted the king as to a disputed wardship (149). One of the
+complaints against him by those who chafed under his rule was that he
+was fond of betaking himself to his manors, and Jocelin's excuse for
+him is that "the abbot is more in spirits and in good humour elsewhere
+than at home" (53). Jocelin took him to task over this, but had a text
+from Ecclesiasticus hurled at his head, which induced him to "hold his
+peace henceforth" (54).
+
+With broader outlook than his obedientiaries, Samson recognized the
+necessity of granting greater freedom to the inhabitants of the town
+of Bury, and, despite the grumbling of his monks, he gave the
+burgesses a Charter in 1194 (116). The resentment against him in the
+monastery ran so high in 1199 that he professed to be afraid of his
+life (182). Though matters were then patched up, the old feeling of
+indignation against his concessions to the townsfolk endured, and an
+occasion for manifesting it arose when, early in 1203, Samson was
+summoned by King John to advise him on a brief sent by the Pope as to
+the dispensation of certain Crusaders from their vows. To the
+undisguised astonishment of Jocelin, Samson sought the advice of the
+monastery, "a thing he heretofore had seldom done" (207); but he was
+boldly asked what he proposed to do to get back the lost privileges of
+the Abbey (210). He was then "weakened by infirmity of body, humbled,
+and (as was not his wont) timid" (207); and it must be remembered that
+he was by this time not far short of seventy years of age. He spoke
+the monks fair, promised redress, and "that upon his return he would
+co-operate with us in everything, and make just order and disposition,
+and render to each what was justly his" (211).
+
+Jocelin hints by a quotation from Ovid that there was some
+apprehension that this promise would remain unfulfilled: and then in
+Carlyle's words--
+
+ Jocelin's Boswellian narrative, suddenly shorn through by the
+ scissors of Destiny, ends. Impenetrable Time-curtains rush down.
+ Monks, Abbot, Hero-Worship, Government, Obedience, Coeur de Lion,
+ and St. Edmund's Shrine, vanish like Mirza's vision; and there is
+ nothing left but a mutilated black ruin amid green botanic expanses.
+
+=Epilogue.=--As to what happened to Samson after he returned from
+the visit to his sovereign, we have no information whatever from any
+known source. Perhaps when he had reached the allotted span of life,
+he came to feel that the time had arrived to take things more easily,
+and to be less inelastic in his governance of the Abbey. The last nine
+years of his chequered life are an absolute blank so far as the
+available records are concerned, if we except his execution of certain
+formal documents included in the Suffolk Feet of Fines. But when at
+last, at the ripe age of 77, he died on the 30th December, 1211, at
+twilight (_inter lupum et canem_), on the night of the feast of St.
+Thomas the Martyr, a tenderer feeling towards him obviously existed
+amongst his monks.
+
+The compiler of the _Annales Sancti Edmundi_ (who from the last phrase
+but one would seem to have been a contemporary) thus records his
+decease:--
+
+ On the sixth day of Christmas, at St. Edmund's, died Samson, of pious
+ memory, the venerable abbot of this place. Who, after he had for
+ thirty years prosperously ruled the Abbey committed to him, and had
+ freed it from a load of debt,--had enriched it with privileges,
+ liberties, possessions, and spacious buildings, and had restored the
+ worship of the church, both internally and externally, in the most
+ ample manner, bidding his last farewell to his sons, by whom the
+ blessed man deserved to be blessed for evermore, while they all were
+ standing by, and gazing with awe at a death which was a cause for
+ admiration, not for regret (_non miserabilem sed mirabilem_), in the
+ fourth year of the interdict rested in peace (Arnold, ii. 19, 20).
+
+"In the fourth year of the Interdict": there is a significance in
+these words not perhaps immediately apparent. During the last few
+years of Samson's life, public worship in his beloved abbey was
+stopped; the altars were stripped, and the church doors closed, in
+view of the interdict hurled at the recalcitrant John by the Pope in
+March, 1208. More trying than this to the feelings of the age was the
+requirement that the dead should be buried in silence and in
+unconsecrated ground. So Samson was laid by his sorrowing monks in the
+bosom of mother earth "in pratello," where he remained until after the
+Interdict was removed in July, 1214. The writer of the _Electio
+Hugonis_ records, in barbarous Latin (Arnold, ii. 85), that on August
+9 of that year the sacrist raised the question as to the proper
+interment of Samson "of venerable memory." The prior (Herbert), the
+cantor and Master Thomas of Walsingham, with other high officials,
+thought Samson ought, for greater honour, to be buried in the Abbey
+church. The sacrist--William of Gravelee, of whose uncompromising
+character we have had a glimpse before--was alone in resisting this,
+saying that so long as he had any power in the matter, neither Samson
+nor any one else should be buried in the church. As the sacrist was
+the responsible official this objection could apparently not be got
+over, and so on August 12, 1214, the remains of Samson were exhumed,
+and reburied in the chapter-house, which in the days of his life had
+resounded to that eloquence of which Jocelin speaks (62).
+
+What happened to the chapter house after the suppression of the Abbey
+in 1539 is not known; but it seems probable that when the lead of its
+roof was stripped off, it was left to crumble to decay by itself, for
+some recent excavations in the winter of 1902-3 brought to light
+quantities of beautifully worked stone, granite and marble columns,
+and fragments of stained glass.
+
+On New Year's Day of this year five stone coffins, each with a
+skeleton within, and a sixth skeleton (uncoffined) were found under
+the floor of the chapter-house in the exact positions in which a MS.
+of circa 1425, now preserved at Douai, records the burial places of
+Samson, two of his predecessors, and three of his successors as
+Abbots; and there can be no reasonable doubt therefore that those who,
+like myself, were privileged to be associated with these excavations,
+have gazed upon the mortal remains of one of the grandest and most
+picturesque figures of Angevin times.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+I am indebted to many friends for hints and suggestions in the
+preparation of the Notes in Appendix II., especially to Lord Francis
+Hervey, Dr. Montague R. James, and Mr. Francis Ford, all three of whom
+have intimate personal knowledge of Bury St. Edmunds and its history.
+In addition, Dr. James has been good enough to critically compare the
+English text of the Chronicle with the Latin original, and has made
+many valuable improvements, for which my especial thanks are due to
+him. Mr. R. W. Chambers, M.A., Librarian of University College, has
+also given me much assistance in the revision of the text in the
+compilation of the Index.
+
+ 13A, HANOVER SQUARE, W.
+ _May_, 1903.
+
+
+ And to procede ferthere in this mater,
+ Yf ye list aduertise in your mynde,
+ An exaumplaire and a meror cler,
+ In this story ye shal now seen and fynde.
+ So as I kan, in soth I will nat spare
+ But heer in ordre reherse by wrytyng,
+ Folwyng myn auctours in euery maner thyng,
+ As in substance vpon the lettre in deede,
+ To do plesance to them that shal it reede.
+
+ JOHN LYDGATE.
+
+ (_Harleian MS._ 2278: _lines_ 417-20, 426-30.)
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+BURY ABBEY UNDER ABBOT HUGH
+
+
+That which I have heard and seen have I taken in hand to write, which
+in our days has come to pass in the Church of St. Edmund, from the
+year when the Flemings were taken captive without the town, at which
+time I took upon me the religious habit, being the same year wherein
+prior Hugh was deposed, and Robert made prior in his stead: and I have
+mingled in my narration some evil deeds by way of warning, and some
+good by way of profit.
+
+Now, at that time, Hugh the abbot was old, and his eyes were somewhat
+dim. A pious and kind man was he, a good and religious monk, yet not
+wise or far-sighted in worldly affairs; one who relied too much on his
+officers, and put faith in them, rather taking counsel of others than
+abiding by his own judgment.
+
+To be sure, the Rule and the religious life, and all pertaining
+thereto were healthy enough in the cloister, but outdoor affairs were
+badly managed; inasmuch as every one serving under a simple and
+already aged lord did what he would, not what he should.
+
+The townships of the abbot and all the hundreds were set to farm, the
+forests were destroyed, the manor houses threatened to fall,
+everything daily got worse and worse. One resource only the abbot had,
+and that was to take up moneys on interest, so that thereby he might
+be able in some measure to keep up the dignity of his house. There
+befel not a term of Easter or St. Michael, for eight years before his
+decease, but that one or two hundred pounds at least increased in
+principal debt; the securities were always renewed, and the interest
+which accrued was converted into principal.
+
+This laxity descended from the head to the members, from the superior
+to the subjects. Hence it came to pass that every official of the
+house had a seal of his own, and bound himself in debt at his own
+pleasure, to Jews as well as to Christians. Oftentimes silken copes
+and golden cruetts, and other ornaments of the church, were pledged
+without the knowledge of the convent. I myself saw a security passed
+to William Fitz Isabel for one thousand and forty pounds, but I never
+could learn the consideration or the cause. I also saw another
+security passed to Isaac, the son of Rabbi Joce, for four hundred
+pounds, but I know not wherefore. I also saw a third security passed
+to Benedict, the Jew of Norwich, for eight hundred and eighty pounds;
+and this was the origin of that debt.
+
+Our parlour was destroyed, and it was given in charge to William the
+sacrist, will he, nill he, that he should restore it. He privily
+borrowed from Benedict the Jew forty marks at interest, and gave him a
+security sealed with a certain seal, which used to hang at the shrine
+of St. Edmund, wherewith the gilds and letters of fraternity were wont
+to be sealed: a seal which later on, but alas! too late, was broken by
+order of the convent. Now, when this debt had increased to one hundred
+pounds, the Jew came bearing a letter from our lord the King, touching
+the debt of the sacrist; and then it was that all that had been secret
+from the abbot and convent was laid bare.
+
+The abbot waxed exceedingly wroth, and wished to depose the sacrist,
+alleging that he possessed a privilege of our lord the pope, giving
+him power of deposing William, his sacrist, whensoever it pleased him.
+Howbeit, some one went to the abbot, and excusing the sacrist, so
+wheedled the abbot that he permitted a security to be passed to
+Benedict the Jew for four hundred pounds, payable at the end of four
+years, namely, for one hundred pounds, which had then already accrued
+for interest, and also for another hundred pounds, which the same Jew
+had advanced to the sacrist for the use of the abbot. And the sacrist
+in full chapter undertook for the whole of that debt to be paid, and a
+deed was drawn up and sealed with the conventual seal: the abbot
+dissimulating, and not affixing his own seal, as if that debt was no
+concern of his.
+
+But at the end of the four years, there were no means of discharging
+the debt; and then a fresh deed was executed for eight hundred and
+eighty pounds, payable at set terms, at the rate of eighty pounds a
+year. Moreover, the same Jew had many other securities of smaller
+account, and one which was for fourteen years; so this debt alone came
+to one thousand and two hundred pounds, besides the interest that had
+accrued.
+
+Now R., the almoner of our lord the King, coming to us, signified to
+the abbot that such and such information had reached the King
+concerning such and such debts. Thereupon, after consultation had
+between the prior and a few others, the almoner was conducted into the
+chapter house, where all of us being seated, and holding our peace,
+the abbot said, "Look you, here is the King's almoner, our and your
+lord and friend, who, moved by the love of God and of St. Edmund, has
+intimated to us that the King has heard something wrong of us and you,
+and particularly that the affairs of the church, both internally and
+externally, are being badly managed; and therefore I desire and
+command that, upon your vow of obedience, ye state and explain openly
+how things really are." Hereupon the prior, standing up and speaking
+as one for all, said that the church was in good order, that the Rule
+was strictly and religiously observed indoors, and that matters out of
+doors were carefully and discreetly conducted, save some slight debt,
+in which ourselves, like our neighbours, were involved; but that, in
+fact, there was no debt which could embarrass us. The almoner, hearing
+this, said he was rejoiced that he had heard the testimony of the
+convent concerning this matter: meaning, what the prior had said.
+
+The very same words the prior upon another occasion used, as did
+Master Geoffry of Constantine, speaking on behalf of and excusing the
+abbot, when Richard the archbishop, in virtue of his office as legate,
+visited our chapter, before we had such exemption as we now enjoy.
+
+I myself, who was at that time a novice, on a convenient occasion,
+talked these things over with the master who instructed me in the
+Rule, and to whose care I was committed,--namely, Master Samson, who
+afterwards became abbot. "What is this," I said, "that I hear? How can
+you hold your tongue while you see and hear such things, you who are a
+cloistered monk, and desire not offices, and fear God more than man?"
+But he answering, said, "My son, the newly burnt child dreads the
+fire; so it is with me and many others. Hugh, the prior, has been
+lately deprived of his office and sent into exile; Dennis and Hugh and
+Roger of Hengham have but lately returned home from exile. Even I, in
+like manner, was imprisoned, and afterwards sent to Acre, because we
+spoke for the good of our church, in opposition to the abbot. This is
+the hour of darkness; this is the time when flatterers rule and are
+believed, and their might is strengthened, and we can do nothing
+against it; these things must be borne with for a time. 'Let the Lord
+look upon it and judge.'"
+
+Now a rumour reached Abbot Hugh that Richard, Archbishop of
+Canterbury, proposed coming to make a visitation of our church by
+virtue of his authority as legate; and thereupon the abbot, after
+consultation, sent to Rome and sought a privilege of exemption from
+the power of the aforesaid legate. On the messenger's return from Rome
+there was not wherewith to discharge what he had promised to our lord
+the pope and the cardinals, except, indeed, under the special
+circumstances of the case, the cross which was over the high altar,
+the little image of the Virgin, and the St. John (which images
+archbishop Stigand had adorned with a vast quantity of gold and
+silver, and had given to St. Edmund).
+
+There were certain of our convent who, being on terms of intimacy with
+the abbot, said that the shrine of St. Edmund itself ought to be
+stripped, as the means of obtaining such a privilege. But these
+persons did not consider the great peril that the possession of such a
+privilege might entail; for if there should hereafter be any abbot of
+ours who chose to waste the possessions of the church, and to despoil
+his convent, then there would be no one to whom the convent could
+complain touching the wrongs done by an abbot, as he would have no
+reason to fear a bishop, archbishop, or legate, and his impunity would
+lend him the courage to transgress.
+
+In these days the cellarer, as well as other officials, borrowed
+moneys at interest from Jurnet the Jew (without apprising the
+convent), upon a security sealed with the above-mentioned seal. Now,
+when that debt had mounted up to sixty pounds, the convent was
+summoned to pay the cellarer's debt. The cellarer was deposed,
+although he said it was hard to deal thus with him, stating that for
+three years he had entertained in the guest-house by the abbot's
+orders, whether the abbot were in residence or not, all the guests
+which the abbot ought himself to entertain, according to the rule of
+the abbey.
+
+Master Dennis was made cellarer in his stead, and by his
+circumspection and good management he reduced the debt of sixty pounds
+to thirty pounds; towards which debt we applied those thirty marks
+which Benedict of Blakenham gave to the convent for holding the manors
+of Nowton and Whepsted. But the securities of the Jew have remained
+with the Jew even to this day, wherein are contained the twenty-six
+pounds of principal and interest of the cellarer's debt.
+
+Now, on the third day after Master Dennis became cellarer, three
+knights with their esquires were received in the guest-house that they
+might there be refreshed, the abbot then being at home, and abiding in
+his inner chamber; all which, when this great-souled Achilles had
+heard, not willing to pay toll in his own domain, as the others had
+done, he rose up and took the key of the cellar, and taking with him
+those knights to the abbot's hall, and approaching the abbot, said,
+"My lord, you well know that the rule of the abbey is, that knights
+and lay folk should be entertained in your hall, if the abbot be at
+home. I neither will nor can receive those guests whom it belongs to
+you to entertain; else take back the keys of your cellar, and appoint
+some other cellarer at your good pleasure." The abbot hearing this,
+nill he, will he, entertained those knights, and ever afterwards
+entertained knights and lay folk according to the ancient rule, and so
+they are still received when the abbot is at home.
+
+Once upon a time, Abbot Hugh, wishing to conciliate Master Samson,
+appointed him sub-sacrist; and he, often accused, was often
+transferred from one office to another. At one time he was appointed
+guest-master, at another time pittance-master, at another time third
+prior, and again sub-sacrist; and many were then his enemies who
+afterwards flattered him. But he, not acting as the other officials
+did, never could be induced to turn flatterer; whereupon the abbot
+said that he had never seen a man whom he could not bend to his will,
+except Samson the sub-sacrist.
+
+In the twenty-third year of his abbacy, Abbot Hugh bethought him that
+he would go to St. Thomas for the purpose of performing his devotions.
+He had nearly got to the end of his journey, on the morrow of the
+nativity of the Blessed Mary, when, near Rochester, he most unhappily
+fell from his horse, so that his knee-pan was put out and lodged in
+the ham of his knee. The physicians came about him, and sorely
+tormented him, but they healed him not. He was brought back to us in a
+horse-litter, and received with great attention, as was most fitting.
+What more? His leg mortified, and the disorder mounted to his heart.
+The pain brought on a tertian fever, and on the fourth fit he expired,
+and rendered his soul to God on the morrow of St. Brice.
+
+Ere he was dead, everything was snatched away by his servants, so that
+nothing at all remained in the abbot's house except the stools and the
+tables, which could not be carried away. There was hardly left for the
+abbot his coverlet and two quilts, old and torn, which some, who had
+taken away the good ones, had placed in their stead. There was not
+even a single article of a penny's worth that could be distributed
+among the poor for the good of his soul.
+
+The sacrist said it was not his business to have attended to this,
+alleging that he had furnished the expenditure of the abbot and his
+household for one whole month, because neither the firmars who held
+the vills would pay anything before the appointed time, nor would
+creditors advance anything, seeing that he was sick even unto death.
+
+Luckily, the farmer of Palgrave furnished us with fifty shillings to
+be distributed among the poor, by reason that he entered upon the farm
+of Palgrave on that same day. But those very fifty shillings were
+afterwards again refunded to the King's bailiffs, who demanded the
+whole farm-rent for the King's use.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+THE MONKS DISCUSS THE VACANCY
+
+
+Hugh the abbot being buried, it was ordered in chapter that some one
+should give intelligence to Ranulf de Glanville, the justiciar of
+England, of the death of the abbot. Master Samson and Master R.
+Ruffus, our monks, quickly went beyond seas, to report the same fact
+to our lord the King, and obtained letters that those possessions and
+rents of the monastery, which were distinct from those of the abbot,
+should be wholly in the hands of the prior and convent, and that the
+remainder of the abbey should be in the hands of the King. The
+wardship of the abbey was committed to Robert of Cockfield and Robert
+of Flamville, the steward, who forthwith put by gage and safe pledges
+all those servants and relatives of the abbot to whom the abbot had,
+after the commencement of his illness, given anything, or who had
+taken anything away belonging to the abbot, and also the abbot's
+chaplain (a monk of the house), whom the prior bailed. Entering into
+our vestiary, they caused all the ornaments of the church to be noted
+down in an inventory.
+
+During the vacancy in the abbacy, the prior, above all things, studied
+to keep peace in the convent, and to preserve the honour of the church
+in entertaining guests, being desirous of irritating no one, of not
+provoking anybody to anger; in fact, of keeping all persons and things
+in quietude. He nevertheless winked at some acts in our officials
+which needed reformation, and especially in the sacrist, as if he
+cared not how that officer dealt with the sacristy. Yet during the
+vacancy, the sacrist neither satisfied any debt nor erected any
+building, but the oblations and incomings were foolishly frittered
+away.
+
+Wherefore the prior, who was the head of the convent, seemed by the
+greater part to be highly censurable, and was said to be remiss; and
+this thing our brethren called to mind among themselves, when it came
+to the point of making choice of an abbot.
+
+Our cellarer entertained all guests, of whatsoever condition they
+were, at the expense of the convent. William the sacrist, on his part,
+gave and spent as he chose, kind man! giving alike what he should and
+should not; "blinding the eyes of all with gifts."
+
+Samson the sub-sacrist, being master over the workmen, did his best
+that no breach, chink, crack or flaw should be left unrepaired so far
+as he was able; whereby he acquired great favour with the convent, and
+especially with the cloister monks. In those days our choir was
+erected by Samson's exertion; and he arranged the order of the
+paintings, and composed elegiac verses for them. He also made a great
+draught of stone and sand for building the great tower of the church.
+Being asked whence he procured the money for his work, he answered
+that certain of the burgesses had privily given him moneys for
+building and completing the tower.
+
+Nevertheless, certain of our brethren said that Warin, a monk of our
+house and keeper of the shrine, together with Samson the sub-sacrist,
+had conspired to remove some portion of the offerings to the shrine,
+in order that they might disburse the same for the necessary purposes
+of the church, and in particular for the building of the tower; being
+the more ready to believe this when they saw that the offerings were
+expended for extraordinary purposes by others, who, to speak plainly,
+stole them. And these before-named two men, in order to remove from
+themselves the suspicion of any such pious theft, made a certain
+hollow trunk, with a hole in the middle or at the top, and fastened
+with an iron lock. This they caused to be set up in the great church,
+near the door without the choir, where the common people usually pass,
+so that persons should put their contributions therein for the
+building of the tower.
+
+Now William the sacrist had a jealousy of his companion Samson, as had
+many others who took part with the same William, Christians as well as
+Jews; the Jews, I say, to whom the sacrist was said to be father and
+protector, whose protection they indeed enjoyed, having free ingress
+and egress, and going all over the monastery, rambling about the
+altars and by the shrine while high mass was being celebrated.
+Moreover, their moneys were kept safe in our treasury, under the care
+of the sacrist, and, what was still more improper, their wives with
+their little ones were lodged in our pittancy in time of war. His
+enemies or opponents having, therefore, consulted together how they
+might suddenly overcome Samson, they conferred with Robert of
+Cockfield and his colleague, who were wardens of the abbey, and
+persuaded them to this--that they should, on behalf of the King,
+forbid any one to erect any fabric or building so long as the abbacy
+was vacant; but that, on the other hand, the moneys from the offerings
+should be collected, and kept for the purpose of discharging some
+debt.
+
+And thus was Samson beguiled, and his "strength departed from him,"
+nor could he from thenceforth labour as he had desired. Indeed, his
+opponents were able to delay, but not annul, his purpose; for having
+regained his strength, and "pulled down the two pillars," that is,
+having removed the two wardens of the abbey, upon whom the malice of
+others relied, the Lord gave him, in process of time, the means of
+fulfilling his desire of building the aforesaid tower, and of
+finishing it even as he wished. And so it was, as if it had been said
+to him from above, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant; thou
+hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many
+things."
+
+During the time that the abbacy was vacant we oftentimes, as was our
+duty, besought God and the holy martyr St. Edmund that they would
+vouchsafe to us and our church a meet shepherd, thrice every week
+singing the seven penitential psalms prostrate in the choir, after
+going forth from chapter. There were some amongst us who, had it been
+known who was to be abbot, would not have prayed so devoutly.
+
+As concerned the choice of an abbot, assuming the King gave us free
+election, divers men spoke in divers ways--some publicly, some
+privately; and "so many men, so many opinions."
+
+One said of another, "That brother is a good monk, a likely person; he
+is well conversant with the Rule and custom of the house; although he
+may not be so perfect a philosopher as certain others, he would make a
+very good abbot. Abbot Ording was not a learned man, and yet he was a
+good abbot, and governed this house wisely: we read, too, in the
+fable, that it had been better for the frogs to have chosen a log for
+a king, upon whom they might rely, than a serpent, who venomously
+hissed, and after his hisses devoured his subjects."
+
+Another would answer, "How may this be? How can an unlearned man
+deliver a sermon in chapter, or to the people on festivals? How can he
+who does not understand the Scriptures attain the knowledge of
+'binding and loosing'? seeing that the cure of souls is the art of
+arts and science of sciences. God forbid that a dumb image should be
+set up in the Church of St. Edmund, where many learned and studious
+men are well known to be."
+
+Also said one of another, "That brother is a good clerk, eloquent and
+careful, strict in the Rule; he has much loved the convent, and has
+undergone many hardships in respect of the possessions of the church:
+he is worthy to be made abbot." Another answered, "From good clerks,
+Good Lord, deliver us: that it may please Thee to preserve us from the
+barrators of Norfolk, we beseech Thee to hear us, good Lord."
+Moreover, one said of another, "That brother is a good manager, which
+is proved from his department, and from the offices which he has well
+served, and by the buildings and reparations which he has performed.
+He is able to travail for and defend the house, and is, moreover,
+something of a clerk, although 'much learning has not made him mad':
+he is worthy to be made abbot." Another answered, "God forbid that a
+man who can neither read nor chant, nor perform Divine service--a
+wicked and unjust man, and a grinder of the faces of the poor--should
+be abbot."
+
+Also said one of another, "That brother is a kind man, affable and
+amiable, peaceful and well-regulated, open-hearted and liberal, a
+learned man and an eloquent, a proper man enough in looks and
+deportment, and beloved by many, indoors as well as out; and such a
+man might, with God's permission, become abbot to the great honour of
+the church." The other answered, "It is no honour, but rather a
+burden, to have a man who is too nice in his meat and drink; who
+thinks it a virtue to sleep long; who is expert in spending much, and
+yet gets little; who is snoring when others are awake; who always is
+desirous to be in plenty, nor yet cares for the debts which increase
+from day to day, nor considers the means of discharging expenses;
+hating anxiety and trouble; caring for nought so long as one day comes
+and another goes; a man cherishing and fostering flatterers and liars;
+a man who is one thing in name and another in deed. From such a
+prelate defend us, O Lord!"
+
+Also said a certain one of his fellow, "That man is almost wiser than
+all of us put together, both in secular and ecclesiastical matters; a
+wonderful counsellor, strict in rule, learned and eloquent, and of
+proper stature; such a prelate would do honour to our church."
+
+The other answered, "True, if he were of known and approved
+reputation. His character is questionable; report may lie, or it may
+not. And although the man you mean is wise, of lowly carriage in
+chapter, devout in psalmody, strict in the cloister whilst he is in
+the cloister, yet it is mere outward show with him. What if he do
+excel in any office? He is too scornful, lightly esteems the monks, is
+closely intimate with secular persons; and should he be angry,
+scarcely returns an answer with a good grace to any brother, or to one
+even asking a question of him."
+
+I heard in like manner one brother disparaged by some, because he was
+slow of speech; of whom it was said that he had paste or malt in his
+mouth when he was called upon to speak. And as for myself, being at
+that time a youth, "I understood as a youth, I spoke as a youth;" and
+said I never could consent that any one should be made abbot unless he
+knew somewhat of dialectics, and knew how to discern truth from
+falsehood. Again, a certain person, who in his own eyes seemed very
+wise, said, "May the almighty Lord bestow on us a foolish and simple
+shepherd, so that it should be the more needful for him to get help
+from us!"
+
+I heard in like manner a certain studious and learned man, and
+honourable by the nobility of his family, disparaged by some of our
+seniors merely for this reason--because he was a novice. The
+novices, on the other hand, said of the elders, that old men were
+valetudinarians, by no means fit to govern a monastery. And thus many
+persons spoke many things, "and each was fully persuaded in his own
+mind."
+
+I observed Samson the sub-sacrist as he was sitting along with the
+others at blood-letting season (at which time monks are wont to reveal
+to each other the secrets of the heart, and to talk over matters with
+each other). I saw him, I say, sitting along with the others, smiling
+and saying nothing, but noting the words of each, and after a lapse of
+twenty years calling to mind some of the before-written opinions. In
+whose hearing I used to reply to these critics, that if we were to put
+off the choice of an abbot until we found one who was above
+disparagement or fault, we never should find such a one, for no one
+alive is without fault, and "no estate is in all respects blessed."
+
+Upon one particular occasion I was unable to restrain myself but must
+needs blurt out my own private opinion, thinking that I spoke to
+trusty ears. I then said that a certain person who formerly had a
+great regard for me, and had conferred many benefits upon me, was
+unworthy of the abbacy, and that another was more worthy; in fact, I
+named one for whom I had less regard.
+
+I spoke according to my own conscience, rather considering the common
+weal of the church than my own advancement; and what I said was true,
+as the sequel proved. And, behold, one of the sons of Belial disclosed
+my saying to my friend and benefactor; for which reason, even to this
+day, never could I since, neither by entreaty nor good offices, regain
+his goodwill to the full. "What I have said I have said." "And the
+word once spoken flies without recall."
+
+One thing remains, that I take heed to my ways for the future; and if
+I should live so long as to see the abbacy vacant, I shall consider
+carefully what, to whom, and when I speak on such a matter, lest I
+either offend God by lying, or man by speaking unreasonably. I shall
+then advise (should I last so long), that we choose not too good a
+monk, nor yet an over-wise clerk, neither one too simple nor too weak;
+lest, if he be over wise in his own conceit, he may be too confident
+in his own judgment, and contemn others; or, if he be too boorish, he
+may become a byword to others; I know that it has been said, "In the
+middle you will be safest," also that "Blessed are they who hold a
+middle course."
+
+Perhaps, after all, it may be the best course to hold my peace
+altogether, and say in my heart, "He that is able to receive it, let
+him receive it."
+
+The abbacy being vacant, Augustine, the Archbishop of Norway, took up
+his abode with us, in the house of the abbot, receiving by the King's
+precept ten shillings a day from the revenues of the abbey. He was of
+considerable assistance in obtaining for us our free election, bearing
+witness of what was well, and publicly declaring before the King what
+he had seen and heard.
+
+At that time the holy child Robert suffered martyrdom, and was buried
+in our church; and many signs and wonders were wrought among the
+people, as we have elsewhere written.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+THE CHOICE OF A NEW ABBOT
+
+
+One year and three months having elapsed since the death of Abbot
+Hugh, the King commanded by his letters that our prior and twelve of
+the convent, in whose mouth the judgment of our body might agree,
+should appear on a certain day before him, to make choice of an abbot.
+On the morrow, after the receipt of the letters, we all of us met in
+chapter for the purpose of discussing so important a matter. In the
+first place the letters of our lord the King were read to the convent;
+next we besought and charged the prior, at the peril of his soul, that
+he would, according to his conscience, name twelve who were to
+accompany him, from whose life and conversation it might be depended
+upon that they would not swerve from the right; who, acceding to our
+charge, by the dictation of the Holy Ghost named six from one side and
+six from the other side of the choir, and without gainsaying satisfied
+us on this point. From the right-hand choir were named--Geoffrey of
+Fordham, Benedict, Master Dennis, Master Samson the sub-sacrist, Hugh
+the third prior, and Master Hermer, at that time a novice; from the
+left-hand side--William the sacrist, Andrew, Peter de Broc, Roger the
+cellarer, Master Ambrose, Master Walter the physician.
+
+But one said, "What shall be done if these thirteen cannot agree
+before our lord the King in the choice of an abbot?" A certain one
+answered that that would be to us and to our church a perpetual shame.
+Therefore, many were desirous that the choice should be made at home
+before the rest departed, so that by this forecast there should be no
+disagreement in the presence of the King. But that seemed a foolish
+and inconsistent thing to do, without the King's assent; for as yet it
+was by no means a settled thing that we should be able to obtain a
+free election from the King.
+
+Then said Samson the sub-sacrist, speaking by the spirit of God, "Let
+there be a middle course, so that from either side peril may be
+avoided. Let four confessors be chosen from the convent, together with
+two of the senior priors of the convent, men of good reputation, who,
+in the presence of the holy relics, shall lay their hands upon the
+Gospels, and choose amongst themselves three men of the convent most
+fit for this office, according to the rule of St. Benedict, and put
+their names into writing. Let them close up that writing with a seal,
+and so being closed up, let it be committed to us who are about to go
+to the court. When we shall have come before the King, and it shall
+appear that we are to have a free election, then, and not till then,
+shall the seal be broken, and so shall we be sure as to the three who
+are to be nominated before the King. And let it be agreed amongst us,
+that in case our lord the King shall not grant to us one of ourselves,
+then the seal shall be brought back intact, and delivered to the six
+under oath, so that this secret of theirs shall remain for ever
+concealed, at the peril of their souls." In this counsel we all
+acquiesced, and four confessors were then named; namely, Eustace,
+Gilbert of Alveth, Hugh the third prior, Anthony, and two other old
+men, Thurstan and Ruald. Which being done, we went forth chanting
+"Verba mea," and the aforesaid six remained behind, having the rule of
+St. Benedict in their hands; and they fulfilled that business as it
+had been pre-ordained.
+
+Now, whilst these six were treating of their matter, we were thinking
+differently of different candidates, all of us taking it for granted
+that Samson would be one of the three, considering his travails and
+perils of death in his journey to Rome for the advancement of our
+church, and how he was badly treated and put in irons and imprisoned
+by Hugh the abbot, merely for speaking for the common weal; for he
+could not be induced to flatter, although he might be forced to hold
+his tongue.
+
+After some delay, the convent being summoned returned to chapter; and
+the old men said they had done as they were commanded. Then the prior
+asked, "How shall it be if our lord the King will not receive any of
+those three who are nominated in the writing?" And it was answered
+that whomsoever our lord the King should be willing to accept should
+be adopted, provided he were a professed monk of our house. It was
+further added, that if those thirteen brethren should see anything
+that ought to be amended by another writing, they should so amend it
+by common assent or counsel.
+
+Samson the sub-sacrist, sitting at the feet of the prior, said, "It
+will be profitable for the church if we all swear by the word of truth
+that upon whomsoever the lot of election shall fall, he should treat
+the convent according to reason, nor change the chief officers without
+the assent of the convent, nor surcharge the sacrist, nor admit any
+one to be a monk without assent of the convent." And to this we all of
+us assented, holding up our right hands in token of assent. It was,
+moreover, provided, that if our lord the King should desire to make a
+stranger our abbot, such person should not be adopted by the thirteen,
+unless upon counsel of the brethren remaining at home.
+
+Upon the morrow, therefore, those thirteen took their way to court.
+Last of all was Samson, the purveyor of their charges, because he was
+sub-sacrist, carrying about his neck a little box, in which were
+contained the letters of the convent--as if he alone was the servant
+of them all--and without an esquire, bearing his frock in his arms,
+and going out of the court, he followed his fellows at a distance.
+
+In their journey to the court, the brethren conversing all together,
+Samson said that it would be well if they all swore that whosoever
+should be made abbot should restore the churches of the lordships
+belonging to the convent to the purposes of hospitality; whereto all
+agreed, save the prior, who said, "We have sworn enough already; you
+may so restrict the abbot that is to be, that I shall not care to
+obtain the abbacy." Upon this occasion they swore not at all, and it
+was well they did so, for had they sworn to this, the oath would not
+have been observed.
+
+On the very day that the thirteen departed we were all sitting
+together in the cloister, when William of Hastings, one of our
+brethren, said, "I know that we shall have one of our convent to be
+abbot." And being asked how he came to be so certain of this, he
+replied, that he had beheld in a dream a prophet clothed in white,
+standing before the gates of the monastery, and that he asked him, in
+the name of God, whether we should have an abbot of our own. And the
+prophet answered, "You shall have one of your own body, but he shall
+rage among you as a wolf"; of which dream the interpretation followed
+in part, because the future abbot cared more to be feared than loved,
+as many were accustomed to say.
+
+There also sat along with us another brother, Edmund by name, who
+asserted that Samson was about to be abbot, and told a vision he had
+seen the previous night. He said he beheld in his dream Roger the
+cellarer and Hugh the third prior, standing before the altar, and
+Samson in the midst, taller by the shoulders upward, wrapt round with
+a long gown down to his feet, looped over his shoulders, and standing
+as a champion ready to do battle. And, as it seemed to him in his
+dream, St. Edmund arose from his shrine, and, as if sickly, showed his
+feet and legs bare. When some one approached and desired to cover the
+feet of the saint, the saint said, "Approach me not; behold, he shall
+veil my feet," pointing with his finger towards Samson. This is the
+interpretation of the dream: By his seeming to be a champion is
+signified that the future abbot should always be in travail; at one
+time moving a controversy against the Archbishop of Canterbury,
+concerning pleas of the Crown, at another time against the knights of
+St. Edmund, to compel them to pay their escuages in full; at another
+time with the burgesses for standing in the market; at another time
+with the sokemen for the suits of the hundreds; even as a champion who
+willeth by fighting to overcome his adversaries that he may be able to
+gain the rights and liberties of his church. And he veiled the feet of
+the holy martyr when he perfectly completed the towers of the church,
+commenced a hundred years before.
+
+Such dreams as these did our brethren dream, which were immediately
+published throughout the cloister, afterwards through the court lodge,
+so that before the evening it was a matter of common talk amongst the
+townsfolk, they saying this man and that man are elected, and one of
+them will be abbot.
+
+At last the prior and the twelve that were with him, after many
+fatigues and delays, stood before the King at Waltham, the manor of
+the Bishop of Winchester, upon the second Sunday in Lent. The King
+graciously received them; and, saying that he wished to act in
+accordance with the will of God and the honour of our church,
+commanded the brethren by prolocutors--namely, Richard the Bishop of
+Winchester, and Geoffrey the chancellor, afterwards Archbishop of
+York--that they should nominate three members of our convent.
+
+The prior and brethren retiring as if to confer thereupon, drew forth
+the sealed writing and opened it, and found the names written in this
+order--Samson, sub-sacrista; Roger, celerarius; Hugo, tercius prior.
+Hereupon those brethren who were of higher standing blushed with
+shame; they also marvelled that this same Hugh should be at once
+elector and elected. But, inasmuch as they could not alter what was
+done, by mutual arrangement they changed the order of the names; first
+naming Hugh, because he was third prior; secondly, Roger the cellarer;
+thirdly, Samson, thus literally making the last first and the first
+last.
+
+The King, first inquiring whether they were born in his realm, and in
+whose lordship, said he knew them not, directing that with those
+three, some other three of the convent should be nominated. This being
+assented to, William the sacrist said, "Our prior ought to be
+nominated because he is our head," which was directly allowed. The
+prior said, "William the sacrist is a good man"; the like was said of
+Dennis, and that was settled. These being nominated before the King
+without any delay, the King marvelled, saying, "These men have been
+speedy in their work; God is with them."
+
+Next the King commanded that, for the honour of his kingdom, they
+should name three persons of other houses. On hearing this, the
+brethren were afraid, suspecting some craft. At last, upon conference,
+it was resolved that they should name three, but upon this
+understanding, that they would not receive any one of those three,
+unless by assent of the convent at home. And they named these
+three--Master Nicholas of Waringford, afterwards (for a season) Abbot
+of Malmesbury; Bertrand, Prior of St. Faith's, afterwards Abbot of
+Chertsey; and Master H. of St. Neot's, a monk of Bec, a man highly
+religious, and very circumspect in spiritual as well as temporal
+affairs.
+
+This being done, the King thanked them, and ordered that three should
+be struck off of the nine; and forthwith the three strangers were
+struck off, namely, the Prior of St. Faith's, afterwards Abbot of
+Chertsey, Nicholas, a monk of St. Albans, afterwards Abbot of
+Malmesbury, and the Prior of St. Neot's. William the sacrist
+voluntarily retired, two of the five were struck out by command of the
+King, and, ultimately, one out of the remaining three. There then
+remained but two, the prior and Samson.
+
+Then at length the before-named prolocutors of our lord the King were
+called to the council of the brethren: and Dennis, speaking as one for
+all, began by commending the persons of the prior and Samson, saying,
+that each of them was learned, each was good, each was of meritorious
+life and good character. But always in the corner of his discourse he
+gave prominence to Samson, multiplying words in his praise, saying
+that he was a man strict in life, severe in reforming excesses, and
+ready to work hard; heedful, moreover, in secular matters, and
+approved in various offices. The Bishop of Winchester replied, "We see
+what it is you wish to say; from your address we gather that your
+prior seems to you to have been somewhat remiss, and that, in fact,
+you wish to have him who is called Samson." Dennis answered, "Either
+of them is good, but, by God's help, we desire to have the best." To
+whom the bishop, "Of two good men the better should be chosen. Speak
+out at once; is it your wish to have Samson?" Whereupon several, in
+fact the majority, answered clearly, "We do wish Samson." No one
+gainsaid this, though some studiously held their peace, being fearful
+of offending either one or the other.
+
+Samson was then named to the King, and after a brief consultation with
+those about him, the King called all in, and said, "You present to me
+Samson--I know him not; had you presented to me your prior, I should
+have accepted him, because I know and am well acquainted with him; but
+now I will do as you desire me. Take heed to yourselves; by the very
+eyes of God, if you have done ill, I shall call you to severe
+account." And he inquired of the prior, whether he assented to this
+choice and agreed thereto; who replied that he was well content it
+should be so, and that Samson was worthy of a much greater dignity.
+
+Then the elect, falling down at the King's feet and kissing them,
+hastily arose, and forthwith went towards the altar, erect in gait,
+and with unmoved countenance, singing "Miserere mei Deus," together
+with his brethren.
+
+The King, observing this, said to the bystanders, "By the eyes of God,
+this abbot-elect thinks himself worthy to govern an abbey!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV
+
+SAMSON'S INSTALLATION
+
+
+Now when the news of the election arrived at the monastery, it
+gladdened all the cloister monks and some of the officers also, but
+only a few. "It is well," many said, "because it is well." Others
+said, "Not so; verily we are all deceived." The elect, before he
+returned to us, received his benediction from my lord of Winchester,
+who, at the same time, placing the mitre on the head of the abbot, and
+the ring on his finger, said, "This is the dignity of the abbots of
+St. Edmund; my experience long since taught me this." The abbot,
+therefore, keeping three monks with him, despatched the others
+homewards, sending word by them of his intended arrival on Palm
+Sunday, and giving charge to certain of them to provide the things
+necessary for his day of festival.
+
+As he returned homewards, a multitude of new relations came about him
+offering to serve him, but he answered all of them that he was content
+with the servants of the prior, nor could he retain others until he
+had obtained the assent of the convent. Nevertheless, he retained one
+knight who was well spoken and learned in the law, not so much upon
+the score of relationship, but on account of his usefulness, he being
+well practised in secular suits.
+
+This knight he took, while he was fresh to the work, as an assessor in
+secular controversies; for he was a new abbot, and inexperienced in
+such concerns, as he himself was free to declare: indeed, before he
+received the abbacy, he had never been present where gage and safe
+pledge had been given.
+
+With the accustomed honours, and with a procession, was he received by
+his convent on Palm Sunday. The abbot's reception was in this wise:
+overnight he lay at Kentford, and we, at the proper moment, went forth
+from the chapter-house to meet him with great solemnity, up to the
+gate of the cemetery, with ringing of bells inside the choir and
+without. He himself was surrounded by a multitude of men, and when he
+espied the fraternity, he dismounted from his horse outside the
+threshold of the gate. Causing his shoes to be taken off, he was
+received barefooted within the door, and conducted on each side by the
+prior and sacrist.
+
+We chanted the responses "Benedictus Dominus," in the office of the
+Trinity, and then "Martyri adhuc," in the office of St. Edmund,
+leading the abbot up to the high altar. This being finished, the
+organs and bells were silenced, and the prayer, "Omnipotens sempiterne
+Deus miserere huic," was said by the prior over the abbot, who was
+prostrate. An offering was then made by the abbot, and kissing the
+shrine, he returned into the choir. There Samson the precentor took
+him by the hand and led him to the abbot's throne at the west end;
+where, the abbot still standing, the precentor straight-way began, "Te
+Deum laudamus," and whilst this was being sung, the abbot was kissed
+by the prior and the whole convent in order. This done, the abbot
+proceeded to the chapter-house, the whole convent following him, with
+many others.
+
+"Benedicite" having been said, in the first place he gave thanks to
+the convent that they had chosen him--who was, he said, the least of
+them all--to be their lord and shepherd, not on account of his own
+merits, but solely by the will of God. And beseeching them briefly
+that they would pray for him, he addressed his discourse to the clerks
+and knights, requiring them that they should assist him with their
+advice according to the burden of the charge entrusted to him. And
+Wimer the sheriff, answering for them all, said, "We are ready to
+stand by you in counsel and assistance on every occasion, as we did by
+our dear lord whom God has called to his glory, and to the glory of
+the holy martyr St. Edmund." And then were the charters of the King
+concerning the gift of the abbacy produced and read in full audience.
+Lastly, after a prayer by the abbot himself, that God might guide him
+according to his Divine grace, and "Amen" being responded by all, he
+retired to his chamber, spending his day of festival with more than a
+thousand dinner guests with great rejoicing.
+
+While these things were taking place I was the prior's chaplain, and
+within four months was made the abbot's chaplain, noting many things,
+and committing them to memory. On the morrow of his feast the abbot
+called to him the prior and some few besides, as if seeking advice
+from others, though he himself knew what he would do. He said that a
+new seal should be made with a mitred effigy of him, although his
+predecessors had not the like; but for a time he used the seal of our
+prior, subscribing at the end of all letters, that he had no seal of
+his own and therefore he used for the time that of the prior.
+
+Afterwards, setting his household in order, he appointed divers
+servants to various duties, saying that he had decided to have
+twenty-six horses in his courtyard, and that a child must first creep
+and then stand upright and walk. He enjoined this to his servants
+beyond all things, that they should take heed that in his new state he
+be not dishonoured by a lack of meat and drink, but rather that they
+in all things should anxiously provide for the hospitality of the
+house. In ordering and appointing these and all other things, he fully
+relied upon God's providence and his own understanding, and judged it
+beneath him to require counsel at another's hand as if he were not
+able to look after his own affairs.
+
+The monks marvelled, the knights were discontented, accusing him of
+arrogance, and, in some measure censuring him at the King's court,
+saying that he refused to govern according to the advice of his own
+freemen. As for him, he removed from his own private counsel the heads
+of the abbey, lay as well as clerical; indeed, all those without whose
+advice and assistance the abbey, as it seemed, could not be governed.
+By reason of this circumstance, Ranulf de Glanville, Justiciary of
+England, at first held him in distrust, and was less gracious to him
+than was fitting, until it was made clear, by good evidence, that the
+abbot had been acting with due caution and prudence in respect of
+indoor as well as external matters.
+
+A general court having been summoned, all the barons, knights and
+freemen appeared to do homage on the fourth day of Easter; when,
+behold, Thomas of Hastings, with a great multitude of knights, came
+introducing Henry his nephew, not yet a knight, claiming the
+stewardship with its perquisites, according to the tenor of his
+charter. To whom the abbot replied, "I do not refuse Henry his right,
+nor do I wish so to do. If he were competent to serve me in his own
+person, I would assign him necessaries for ten men and eight horses in
+my own court-lodge, according to the tenor of his charter. If you
+present to me a steward, his deputy, who is competent and able to
+perform the duty, I will receive him in the same manner as my
+predecessor retained him at the time of his decease, namely, with four
+horses and their appurtenances. And if this does not content you, I
+shall carry the plaint before the King or his chief justice." Hereupon
+the business was deferred.
+
+Ultimately there was presented to him a simple and foolish steward,
+Gilbert by name, of whom, before he received him into his household,
+he spoke to his friends as follows: "If there be a default in the
+administration of the King's justice through the unskilfulness of the
+steward, he will be in mercy of the King, and not I, for this, that he
+claims the office by hereditary right; and therefore I had much rather
+receive him for the present than a sharper witted man to deceive me.
+By God's assistance I trust I shall be my own steward."
+
+ * * * * *
+
+After receipt of the homages, the abbot sued for an aid from the
+knights, who promised each twenty shillings; but immediately they took
+counsel together and withheld twelve pounds in respect of twelve
+knights, alleging that those twelve ought to assist the other forty in
+keeping their castle-guards, and for their escuages, as well as in
+respect of the abbot's aid. The abbot, hearing this, waxed wroth, and
+said to his intimate friends that if he lived long enough he would
+give them turn for turn and wrong for wrong.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V
+
+THE NEW ABBOT'S REFORMS
+
+
+After these things the abbot caused inquisition to be made throughout
+each manor, concerning the annual quit rents from the freemen, and the
+names of the labourers and their tenements, and the services due from
+each; and he reduced all into writing. Likewise he repaired those old
+halls and unroofed houses round which hovered kites and crows. He
+built new chapels, and likewise inner chambers and upper stories in
+many places where there never had been any dwelling-house at all, but
+only barns. He also enclosed many parks, which he replenished with
+beasts of chase, keeping a huntsman with dogs; and, upon the visit of
+any person of quality, sat with his monks in some walk of the wood,
+and sometimes saw the coursing of the dogs; but I never saw him take
+part in the sport.
+
+He cleared much land, and brought it into tillage, in all things
+looking forward to the benefit likely to accrue to the abbey; but I
+wish he had been equally careful in assigning the manors of the
+convent. Nevertheless, he, for a time, kept our manors of Bradfield
+and Rougham in hand, making up the deficiencies of the rents by the
+expenditure of forty pounds. These he afterwards reassigned to us when
+he heard that dissatisfaction was expressed in the convent, on account
+of his keeping our manors in his own hand. Likewise in managing these
+manors, as well as in all other matters, he appointed keepers who were
+far more careful than their predecessors--some monks, some laymen, to
+look after us and our lands more carefully.
+
+He also held the eight hundreds in his own hand, and, after the death
+of Robert of Cockfield, he took in hand the hundred of Cosford, all
+which he committed to the keeping of those servants who were of his
+own table; referring matters of greater moment to his own decision,
+and deciding by means of others upon matters of lesser import--indeed,
+wringing everything to his own profit.
+
+Moreover, by his command, a general survey was made throughout the
+hundreds of the leets and suits, of hidages and foddercorn, of
+hen-rents, and of other dues and rents and issues, which, for the
+greater part, had ever been concealed by the farmers. He reduced it
+all to writing, so that within four years from the time of his
+election, there was not one who could defraud him of the rents of the
+abbey to the value of a single penny, whereas he himself had not
+received from his predecessors any writing touching the management of
+the abbey, except one small schedule, wherein were the names of the
+knights of St. Edmund and the names of the manors, and what rent was
+due on each farm. This book he called his kalendar, wherein also were
+entered the debts he had satisfied; and this same book he almost daily
+perused, as if in the same he were beholding the face of his honesty
+in a glass.
+
+The first day that he held a chapter, he confirmed to us, under his
+new seal, sixty shillings from Southrey, which his predecessors had
+unjustly received from Edmund, surnamed the golden monk, for the
+liberty of holding the same vill to farm all the days of his life. He
+also proposed, as a general rule, that from thenceforth no one should
+pledge the ornaments of the church without the assent of the convent,
+as had been the custom heretofore, nor that any charter should be
+sealed with the convent seal, unless in chapter in the presence of the
+convent. He appointed Hugh as sub-sacrist, ordering that William the
+sacrist should not have anything to do with the sacristy, either in
+the matter of receipt or disbursement, unless by his consent. After
+this, but not on the same day, he transferred the former keepers of
+the offerings to other offices; lastly, he deposed the same William:
+wherefore those who liked William said, "Behold the abbot! Lo, here is
+the wolf of whom it was dreamed! See how he rages!"
+
+And some of them would have entered into a conspiracy against the
+abbot. When this was disclosed to him, he, not caring to be altogether
+silent, nor yet to disquiet the convent, entered the chapter-house on
+the morrow, and pulled out a little bag full of cancelled deeds, the
+seals yet hanging thereto, consisting of the securities, partly of his
+predecessor, partly of the prior, partly of the sacrist, partly of the
+chamberlain, and other officials, whereof the total was three thousand
+and fifty-two pounds and one mark without alloy, besides the interest
+that had accrued thereupon, the amount of which could never be
+ascertained. All these he had arranged for within one year after his
+election, and within twelve years entirely discharged. "Behold," said
+he, "the good management of William, our sacrist; look at the
+multitude of securities signed with his seal, whereby he has pledged
+silken copes, dalmatics, censers of silver and books ornamented with
+gold, without the knowledge of the convent, all which I have redeemed
+and have restored to you."
+
+He likewise added many other things, showing why he had deposed the
+said William: howbeit he suppressed the real cause, not wishing to put
+him to open shame. And when he put Samson the precentor in his place,
+a person approved by us, and above all objection, everything was quiet
+again. Furthermore, the abbot commanded that the houses of the sacrist
+in the cemetery should be entirely plucked up, as though they were not
+worthy to stand upon the earth, by reason of the frequent
+wine-bibbings, and certain other acts not to be named, which he, with
+grief and indignation, had witnessed while he was sub-sacrist. So
+completely did he obliterate the whole that, within a year, upon the
+spot where a noble dwelling had stood, we saw beans growing, and where
+casks of wine had lain, nettles abounding.
+
+After the end of Easter, the abbot went over every one of his and our
+manors, as well as over those we had confirmed to the farmers in fee,
+requiring from all of them aid and acknowledgment, according to the
+law of the land. Thus every day he was increasing in secular
+knowledge, and was turning his attention to the learning and method of
+ordering outdoor affairs. Now when he had come to Warkton, where he
+slept at night, there came to him a voice saying, "Samson, arise up
+quickly"; and, again, "Get up without delay." Getting up astonished,
+he looked around him, and perceived a light in a necessary house,
+namely, a candle ready to fall down upon the straw, which Reiner the
+monk had carelessly left there. When the abbot had put it out, going
+through the house, he perceived the door (which was the sole entrance)
+so fastened that it could only be opened by a key--likewise the
+windows fastened: so that if a fire had arisen, he, and all with him,
+who slept upon that floor, had surely perished, for there was no place
+whence they might get out or escape.
+
+At that time, wheresoever the abbot went, there came about him Jews as
+well as Christians, demanding debts, and worrying and importuning him
+so that he could not sleep. Thereupon he became pale and thin, and was
+constantly repeating, "My heart will never rest until I know the
+extent of my debts." The feast of St. Michael being come, he took all
+his manors into his own hand, with but small store of live or dead
+stock; he freely forgave Walter of Hatfield nineteen pounds arrears,
+that he might absolutely take back four manors which Hugh the abbot
+had confirmed to him, namely, Hargrave and Saxham and Chevington and
+Stapleford; Harlow, indeed, the abbot deferred to take to himself on
+the present occasion.
+
+Once on a time, as we passed through the forest in returning from
+London, I inquired in the hearing of my lord abbot, from an old woman
+passing by, whose was this wood, and of what town, who was the lord,
+and who was the keeper? She answered that the wood belonged to the
+abbot of St. Edmund, as part of the town of Harlow, and that the name
+of the keeper was Arnald. When I inquired further, how Arnald
+conducted himself towards the men of the town, she answered, that he
+was a devil incarnate, an enemy of God, and one to flay the poor
+alive; but now, she added, he is afraid of the new abbot of St.
+Edmund, whom he believes to be prudent and vigilant, and therefore he
+treats the men gently. On hearing this, the abbot was delighted, and
+deferred taking to the manor for a season.
+
+At that time there came unexpectedly the news of the death of the wife
+of Herlewin of Rungton, who had a charter to hold the same town for
+her life; and the abbot said, "Yesterday, I would have given sixty
+marks to have freed the manor from this incumbrance, but now God has
+freed it." And as he was going thither without delay, that he might
+take that town into his own hand, and on the morrow was going to
+Tillener, a part of that manor, there came a certain knight offering
+thirty marks for the tenure of that carucate of land, with the
+appurtenances, by the old rent-service, to wit, four pounds, whereto
+the abbot could not agree; and he had therefrom in that year
+twenty-five pounds, and the second year twenty pounds.
+
+These and such like things induced him to hold everything in his own
+keeping; as it is written elsewhere, "Cæsar was all in all." In the
+first place, far from being inert, he commenced building barns and
+byres, above all things solicitous to dress the land for tillage, and
+watchful in preserving the woods, in respect whereof, either in giving
+or diminishing, he confessed himself to be a very miser. There was but
+one manor, and that was Thorpe, which by his charter he confirmed to
+one of English birth, a villein, whose honesty he trusted the more, as
+he was a good husbandman, and could not speak French.
+
+Scarcely seven months had elapsed since his election, when, behold!
+there were presented to him the letters of our lord the Pope,
+appointing him a judge to determine causes, for the execution of which
+he was incompetent and inexperienced, although he was thoroughly
+imbued with liberal arts and divinity, as befitted a man of learning,
+a literate man, educated in the schools and a master in them, known
+and approved in his own province. Wherefore he invited two clerks,
+learned in the law, and associated them to himself. Of their advice he
+availed himself in ecclesiastical matters, employing himself upon the
+decrees and decretal epistles, when an opportunity offered; so that
+within a short time, as well by references to books as by the handling
+of causes, he became reputed a discreet judge, proceeding in every
+suit according to form of law; so a certain person said, "Cursed be
+the court of this abbot, where neither gold nor silver can help me to
+confound my adversary."
+
+In process of time, becoming somewhat practised in secular causes, and
+taught by an inborn commonsense, he became of so subtle a wit that all
+marvelled; indeed, by Osbert Fitz-Hervey, the under-sheriff, it was
+said, "This abbot is a wrangler; if he goes on as he has begun, he
+will outwit us all, many as we be." Now the abbot becoming an expert
+man in causes of this description, was made a justice errant, but yet
+he preserved himself from error and corruption. But "envy aims at the
+highest." When his men made their plaints to him in the court of St.
+Edmund, because he was unwilling to give hasty judgment, or to
+"believe every spirit," but preferred to proceed in due course of law,
+well knowing that the merits of causes are developed by the
+allegations of the parties, it was said of him that he would not do
+justice to any complainant, unless by the intervention of money given
+or promised.
+
+Because his aspect was acute and penetrating, with a Cato-like
+countenance, rarely smiling, it was said that he inclined to severity
+rather than kindness. In receiving amerciaments for any forfeiture, it
+was said that "Mercy rejoices against judgment"; for as it seemed to
+many, when it became an affair of receiving money, he seldom remitted
+what by law he was entitled to take.
+
+In like manner as he advanced in wisdom, so did he advance in
+thoughtful care, in respect of keeping and acquiring property, and in
+creditably regulating his expenses. But even here many backbiters took
+their ground, saying that he resorted to the sacristy at his own
+pleasure, sparing his own purse, letting his corn lie by for a dear
+season, and taking to his manors in other sort than his predecessors
+did, charging the cellarer with the entertainment of those guests he
+himself was bound to receive; so that by this craft it might be said
+that the abbot was careful and well stocked at the end of the year;
+while, on the other hand, the convent and officials were to be
+accounted careless and improvident. In reply to these back-bitings, I
+used to observe, that if he took anything from the sacrist, he turned
+it to the good account of the church, and this none of these
+slanderers could deny. And in good truth, greater and more numerous
+works were carried out by the help of the offerings to the sacristy
+within fifteen years after his election than in the forty years before
+it.
+
+To the other objections, that the abbot was fond of betaking himself
+to his manors, I was wont to answer, and did excuse him, saying, "The
+reason is because the abbot is more in spirits and in good humour
+elsewhere than at home." And this was true enough, whether it were by
+reason of the frequency of suitors who came about him, or from the
+tale-bearers, wherefore it frequently happened that by the appearance
+of severity in his face he lost much favour and grace in the eyes of
+his guests, notwithstanding they fared well in eating and drinking. I
+noticed this, and took an opportunity, when I was with him in private,
+to say, "There are two things in which I am much surprised at you."
+When he had inquired what these things might be, "One is that in spite
+of your position you still encourage the doctrine of the school of
+Melun, which says that from a false premiss no conclusion can follow,
+and other idle sayings."
+
+To which, when he had said his say, I added, "The other indeed is,
+that when you are at home you do not exhibit the same gracious
+demeanour you do when elsewhere, nor do you mix in society with those
+brethren who have a strong regard for you, and have chosen you for
+their lord; but contrariwise, you seldom associate with them, nor do
+you, as they say, make yourself on sociable terms with them." Hearing
+this, he changed countenance, and hanging down his head, said, "You
+are a simpleton, and speak foolishly; you ought to know what Solomon
+says--'Hast thou many daughters: show not thyself cheerful toward
+them.'" I indeed held my peace from thenceforth, setting a watch on my
+mouth.
+
+On another occasion I said, "My lord, I heard you this night after
+matins wakeful and sighing heavily, contrary to your usual wont." He
+answered, "No wonder; you are partaker of my good things, in meat and
+drink, in riding abroad, and such like, but you have little need to
+care concerning the conduct of the house and household of the saints,
+and arduous business of the pastoral care which harasses me and makes
+my spirit to groan and be heavy." Whereto I, lifting up my hands to
+heaven, made answer, "From such anxiety, almighty and most merciful
+Lord, deliver me!"
+
+I have heard the abbot say, that if he could have been as he was
+before he became a monk, and could have had five or six marks of
+income wherewith he could have been supported in the schools, he never
+would have been monk or abbot. On another occasion he said with an
+oath, that if he could have foreseen what and how great a charge it
+had been to govern the abbey, he would rather than abbot and lord have
+been master of the almonry, and keeper of the books, for this office
+he said he had ever desired above all others. Yet who would credit
+this? Scarcely myself; and not even myself, except that being
+constantly with him by day and night for six years, I had had the
+opportunity of becoming fully conversant with the worthiness of his
+life and the wisdom of his rule.
+
+He once related to me, that when he was a child of nine years old, he
+dreamed that he was standing before the gates of the cemetery of the
+church of St. Edmund, and that the devil, with outspread arms, would
+have seized him, had not St. Edmund, standing by, taken him in his
+arms; whereupon he screamed whilst dreaming in his sleep, "St. Edmund,
+save me!" and thus calling upon him whose name he had never heard, he
+awoke. His mother was alarmed at such an outcry, but having heard the
+dream, took him to St. Edmund for the purpose of praying there; and
+when they had come to the gate of the cemetery he said, "See, mother,
+this is the place, this is the very same gate which I saw in my dream
+when the devil was about to seize me"; and he knew the place as well,
+to use his own words, as if he had seen it before with his natural
+eyes. The abbot himself interpreted this dream thus: By the devil were
+signified the pleasures of this mortal state, which would fain have
+drawn him away; but St. Edmund threw his arms around him when he made
+him a monk.
+
+Once when he was told that certain of the convent grumbled at some act
+of his, he said to me as I sat by him, "Good God! there is need enough
+that I should remember that dream wherein it was dreamed of me, before
+I was made abbot, that I was to rage among them as a wolf. True it is
+that above all earthly things I dread lest the convent behave in such
+a way that I shall be compelled so to rage. But even so it is, when
+they say or do anything against my will, I bring to mind that dream of
+theirs, and although I do rage in my own soul, growling and gnashing
+my teeth in secret, I do violence to myself lest I should actually
+rage in word or deed," and "My hidden grief chokes me and my heart
+surges within me."
+
+Although by nature he was quick to wrath, and easily kindled to anger,
+yet with a great struggle he mostly restrained his temper in view of
+the dignity he held. Concerning which he sometimes used to boast,
+"This and that I saw, this and that I heard, yet I held my peace." The
+abbot once said, seated in chapter, certain words by which he seemed
+to eagerly desire the good-will of the monastery. "I do not wish," he
+said, "that any one should come to me to accuse another, unless he is
+willing to say the same openly. If any one does otherwise, I will
+publicly proclaim the name of the accuser. I wish also that every
+cloister monk shall have free access to me, that he may speak to me,
+whenever he chooses, concerning all things necessary to him." This he
+said, because our leaders in the days of Abbot Hugh, wishing that
+nothing should be done in the monastery except through them, had
+decreed that no cloister monk should speak with the abbot unless he
+had first told the abbot's chaplain what he wished to speak about.
+
+On a certain day he made an order in chapter, that every one who had a
+seal of his own should give it up to him, and so it was accordingly
+done, and there were found three-and-thirty seals. He himself
+explained the reason of this order, forbidding that any official
+should incur any debt above twenty shillings without the assent of the
+prior and convent, as had been the custom heretofore. To the prior and
+to the sacrist, indeed, he returned their seals, but kept the rest
+himself.
+
+At another time he ordered to be delivered up to him all the keys of
+the chests, cupboards, and hanapers, strictly enjoining that
+thenceforth none presume to have a chest or anything locked up, unless
+by special permission, or otherwise possess anything beyond what the
+rule allows. Notwithstanding this he gave general licence to every one
+of us to have money to the amount of two shillings, if so much
+happened to have been given to us by way of charity; so that it might
+be expended upon poor relations, or for purposes of piety.
+
+On another occasion the abbot said, that he was desirous of adhering
+to our ancient custom respecting the entertainment of guests; that is,
+when the abbot is at home, he is to receive all guests of whatsoever
+condition they may be, except religious and priests of secular habit,
+and except their men who present themselves at the gate of the court
+in the name of their masters; but if the abbot be not at home, then
+all guests of whatsoever condition are to be received by the cellarer
+up to thirteen horses. But if a layman or clerk shall come with more
+than thirteen horses, they shall be entertained by the servants of the
+abbot, either within the court-lodge, or without, at the expense of
+the abbot. All religious men, even bishops if they happen to be monks,
+are to be charged upon the cellary and at the expense of the convent,
+unless the abbot will do any one special honour, and entertain him in
+his own hall at his own expense.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI
+
+SAMSON'S PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS
+
+
+The abbot Samson was of middle stature, nearly bald, having a face
+neither round nor yet long, a prominent nose, thick lips, clear and
+very piercing eyes, ears of the nicest sense of hearing, arched
+eyebrows, often shaved; and he soon became hoarse from a short
+exposure to cold. On the day of his election he was forty and seven
+years old, and had been a monk seventeen years. He had then a few grey
+hairs in a reddish beard, and a very few in a black and somewhat curly
+head of hair. But within fourteen years after his election it became
+as white as snow.
+
+He was a man remarkably temperate, never slothful, of strong
+constitution, and willing to ride or walk till old age gained upon him
+and moderated such inclination. On hearing the news of the Cross being
+taken, and the loss of Jerusalem, he began to use under garments of
+horsehair and a horsehair shirt, and to abstain from flesh and flesh
+meats. Nevertheless, he desired that meats should be placed before him
+at table for the increase of the alms dish. Sweet milk, honey and such
+like sweet things he ate with greater appetite than other food.
+
+He abhorred liars, drunkards and talkative folk; for virtue ever is
+consistent with itself and rejects contraries. He also much condemned
+persons given to murmur at their meat or drink, and particularly monks
+who were dissatisfied therewith, himself adhering to the uniform
+course he had practised when a monk. He had likewise this virtue in
+himself, that he never changed the mess set before him.
+
+Once when I, then a novice, happened to be serving in the refectory, I
+wished to prove if this were true, and I thought I would place before
+him a mess which would have displeased any other than him, in a very
+black and broken dish. But when he looked at it, he was as one that
+saw it not. Some delay took place, and I felt sorry that I had so
+done; and snatching away the dish, I changed the mess and the dish for
+a better, and brought it to him; but this substitution he took in ill
+part, and was angry with me for it.
+
+An eloquent man was he, both in French and Latin, but intent more on
+the substance and method of what was to be said than on the style of
+words. He could read English books most admirably, and was wont to
+preach to the people in English, but in the dialect of Norfolk, where
+he was born and bred; and so he caused a pulpit to be set up in the
+church for the ease of the hearers, and for the ornament of the
+church. The abbot also seemed to prefer an active life to one of
+contemplation, and rather commended good officials than good monks. He
+very seldom approved of any one on account of his literary
+acquirements, unless he also possessed sufficient knowledge of secular
+matters; and whenever he chanced to hear that any prelate had resigned
+his pastoral care and become an anchorite, he did not praise him for
+it. He never applauded men of too compliant a disposition, saying, "He
+who endeavours to please all, ought to please none."
+
+In the first year of his being abbot, he appeared to hate all
+flatterers, and especially among the monks; but in process of time it
+seemed that he heard them more readily, and was more familiar with
+them. It once happened that a certain brother of ours, skilled in this
+art, had bent the knee before him, and under the pretence of giving
+advice, had poured the oil of flattery into his ears. I, standing
+apart, smiled. The brother having departed, I was called and asked why
+I had smiled. I answered, "The world is full of flatterers." And the
+abbot replied, "My son, it is long that I have known flatterers; I
+cannot, therefore, avoid hearing them. There are many things to be
+passed over and taken no notice of, if the peace of the convent is to
+be preserved. I will hear what they have to say, but they shall not
+deceive me if I can help it, as they did my predecessor, who trusted
+so unadvisedly to their counsel that for a long time before his death
+he had nothing for himself or his household to eat, unless it were
+obtained on trust from creditors; nor was there anything to be
+distributed among the poor on the day of his burial, unless it were
+the fifty shillings which were received from Richard the farmer, of
+Palgrave, which very fifty shillings the same Richard on another
+occasion had to pay to the King's bailiffs, who demanded the entire
+farm-rent for the King's use." With this saying I was comforted. His
+study, indeed, was to have a well-regulated house, and enough
+wherewith to keep his household, so managing that the usual allowance
+for a week, which his predecessor could not make last for five days,
+sufficed him for eight, nine or even ten days, if so be that he was at
+his manors without any extraordinary arrival of guests. Every week,
+indeed, he audited the expenses of the house, not by deputy, but in
+his own person, which his predecessor had never been wont to do.
+
+For the first seven years he had only four courses in his house,
+afterwards only three, except presents and game from his parks, or
+fish from his ponds. And if at any time he retained any one in his
+house at the request of a great man, or of a particular friend, or
+messengers, or minstrels, or any person of that description, by taking
+the opportunity of going beyond sea or travelling afar off, he
+prudently disencumbered himself of such hangers-on.
+
+The monks with whom the abbot had been the most intimate, and whom he
+liked best before he became abbot, he seldom promoted to offices
+merely for old acquaintance' sake, unless they were fit persons.
+Wherefore certain of our brethren who had been favourable to his
+election as abbot, said that he cared less for those who had liked him
+before he became abbot than was proper, and particularly that those
+were most favoured by him who both openly and in secret had spoken
+evil of him, nay, had even publicly called him, in the hearing of
+many, a passionate unsociable man, a proud fellow, and Norfolk
+barrator. But on the other hand, as after he had received the abbacy
+he exhibited no indiscreet partiality for his old friends, so he
+refrained from showing anything like hatred or dislike to many others
+according to their deserts, returning frequently good for evil, and
+doing good to them that persecuted him.
+
+He had this way also, which I have never observed in any other man,
+that he had an affectionate regard for many to whom he seldom or never
+showed a countenance of love; according to the common proverb which
+says, "Where love is, there is the regard of love." And another thing
+I wondered at in him was, that he knowingly suffered loss in his
+temporal matters from his own servants, and confessed that he winked
+at them; but this I believe to have been the reason, that he might
+watch a convenient opportunity when the matter could be advisedly
+remedied, or that by passing over these matters without notice, he
+might avoid a greater loss.
+
+He loved his kinsmen indifferently, but not less tenderly than others,
+for he had not, or assumed not to have, any relative within the third
+degree. I have heard him state that he had relations who were noble
+and gentle, whom he never would in any wise recognize as relations;
+for, as he said, they would be more a burden than an honour to him, if
+they should happen to find out their relationship. But he always
+acknowledged those as kinsmen who had treated him as such when he was
+a poor monk. Some of these relations (that is, those whom he found
+useful and suitable) he appointed to various offices in his own house,
+others he made keepers of manors. But those whom he found unworthy, he
+irrevocably dismissed from his presence.
+
+A certain man of lowly station, who had managed his patrimony
+faithfully, and had served him devotedly in his youth, he looked upon
+as his dearest kinsman, and gave to his son, who was a clerk, the
+first church that fell vacant after he came to the charge of the
+abbey, and also advanced all the other sons of this man.
+
+He invited to him a certain chaplain who had maintained him in the
+schools of Paris by the sale of holy water, and bestowed upon him an
+ecclesiastical benefice sufficient for his maintenance by way of
+vicarage. He granted to a certain servant of his predecessor food and
+clothing all the days of his life, he being the very man who put the
+fetters upon him at his lord's command when he was cast into prison.
+To the son of Elias, the cupbearer of Hugh the abbot, when he came to
+do homage for his father's land, he said, in full court, "I have for
+these seven years deferred taking your homage for the land which the
+abbot Hugh gave your father, because that gift was to the damage of
+the manor of Elmswell. Now I am overcome when I call to my mind what
+your father did for me when I was in fetters, for he sent to me a
+portion of the very wine whereof his lord had been drinking, and bade
+me be strong in God." To Master Walter, the son of Master William of
+Diss, suing at his grace for the vicarage of the church of Chevington,
+he replied, "Your father was master of the schools, and at the time
+when I was a poor clerk he granted me freely and in charity an
+entrance to his school, and the means of learning; now I, for the sake
+of God, do grant you what you ask."
+
+He addressed two knights of Risby, William and Norman, at the time
+when they were adjudged to be in his mercy, publicly in this wise:
+"When I was a cloister monk, sent to Durham upon business of our
+church, and thence returning through Risby, being benighted, I sought
+a night's lodging from Norman, and I received a blank refusal; but
+going to the house of William, and seeking shelter, I was honourably
+entertained by him. Now, therefore, those twenty shillings, which are
+'the mercy,' I will without mercy exact from Norman; but contrariwise,
+to William I give thanks, and the amerciament of twenty shillings that
+is due from him I do with pleasure remit."
+
+A certain young girl, seeking her food from door to door, complained
+to the abbot that one of the sons of Richard, the son of Drogo, had
+forced her; and at length, by the suggestion of the abbot, for the
+sake of peace, she took one mark in satisfaction. The abbot, moreover,
+took from the same Richard four marks for licence to agree; but all
+those five marks he ordered forthwith to be given to a certain
+chapman, upon the condition that he should take this poor woman to
+wife.
+
+In the town of St. Edmund, the abbot purchased stone houses, and
+assigned them for the use of the schools, so that thereby the poor
+clerks should be for ever free from house-rent, towards payment
+whereof all the scholars, whether rich or poor, were compelled twice
+in the year to subscribe a penny or a halfpenny.
+
+The recovery of the manor of Mildenhall for one thousand and one
+hundred marks of silver, and the expulsion of the Jews from the town
+of St. Edmund, and the founding of the new hospital at Babwell, are
+proofs of great virtue.
+
+The lord abbot sought from the King letters enjoining that the Jews
+should be driven away from the town of St. Edmund, he stating that
+whatsoever is within the town of St. Edmund, or within the banlieue
+thereof, of right belongs to St. Edmund: therefore the Jews ought to
+become the men of St. Edmund, otherwise they should be expelled from
+the town. Licence was accordingly given that he might put them forth,
+saving, nevertheless, that they had all their chattels and the value
+of their houses and lands. And when they were expelled, and with an
+armed force conducted to divers towns, the abbot gave order that all
+those that from henceforth should harbour or entertain Jews in the
+town of St. Edmund should be solemnly excommunicated in every church
+and at every altar. Howbeit it was afterwards conceded by the King's
+justices that if the Jews should come to the great pleas of the abbot
+to demand their debts from their debtors, on such occasion they might
+for two days and two nights lodge within the town, and on the third
+day be permitted to depart freely.
+
+The abbot offered King Richard five hundred marks for the manor of
+Mildenhall, stating that the manor was worthy sixty and ten pounds by
+the year, and for so much had been recorded in the great roll of
+Winchester. And when he had conceived hopes of success in his
+application, the matter rested till the morrow. In the meanwhile there
+came a certain person to the King, telling him that this manor was
+well worth yearly a hundred pounds. On the morrow, therefore, when the
+abbot urged his suit, the King said, "It is of no avail my lord abbot,
+what you ask me; you shall either give a thousand marks, or you shall
+not have the manor." And whereas the Queen Eleanor, according to the
+custom of the realm, ought to have one hundred marks where the King
+receives a thousand, she took of us a great gold cup of the value of a
+hundred marks, and gave us back the same cup for the soul of her lord,
+King Henry, who first gave the same cup to St. Edmund. On another
+occasion, when the treasure of our church was carried to London for
+the ransom of King Richard, the same Queen redeemed that cup for one
+hundred marks, and restored it to us, taking in return our charter
+from us as an evidence of our most solemn promise, that we should
+never again alienate that cup from our church upon any occasion
+whatever.
+
+Now, when all this money, which was got together with great
+difficulty, had been paid, the abbot held a chapter, and said he ought
+to have some portion of the great advantage derivable from so valuable
+a manor. And the convent answered that it was just, and "Let it be
+according to your wish." The abbot replied that he could well claim
+the half part as his own right, demonstrating that he had paid towards
+this purchase more than four hundred marks, with much inconvenience to
+himself. But he said that he would be content with a certain allotment
+of that manor called Icklingham, which was most freely granted him by
+the convent. When the abbot heard this, he said, "And I do accept this
+part of the land to my own use, but not that I intend to keep the same
+in my own hand, or that I shall give it to my relations, but for the
+good of my soul and for all your souls in common, I give the same to
+the new hospital at Babwell, for the relief of the poor, and the
+maintenance of hospitality." As he said, so it was done, and
+afterwards confirmed by the King's Charter.
+
+These and all other like things worthy to be written down and lauded
+for ever did the abbot Samson. But he said he had done nothing, unless
+he could have our church dedicated in his lifetime; which done, he
+said he wished to die. For the solemnization of this act, he said he
+was ready to pay two thousand marks of silver, so that the King should
+be present, and the affair be completed with the reverence it
+demanded.
+
+The abbot was informed that the church of Woolpit was vacant, Walter
+of Coutances being chosen to the bishopric of Lincoln. He presently
+convened the prior and great part of the convent, and taking up his
+story thus began: "You well know what trouble I had in respect of the
+church of Woolpit; and in order that it should be obtained for your
+exclusive use I journeyed to Rome at your instance, in the time of the
+schism between Pope Alexander and Octavian. I passed through Italy at
+that time when all clerks bearing letters of our lord the Pope
+Alexander were taken. Some were imprisoned, some hanged, and some,
+with nose and lips cut off, sent forward to the pope, to his shame and
+confusion. I, however, pretended to be Scotch; and putting on the garb
+of a Scotchman, and the gesture of one, I often brandished my staff,
+in the way they use that weapon called a gaveloc, at those who mocked
+me, using threatening language, after the manner of the Scotch. To
+those that met and questioned me as to who I was, I answered nothing,
+but, 'Ride ride Rome, turne Cantwereberei.' This did I to conceal
+myself and my errand, and that I should get to Rome safer in the guise
+of a Scotchman.
+
+"Having obtained letters from the pope, even as I wished, on my return
+I passed by a certain castle, as my way led me from the city; and
+behold the officers thereof came about me, laying hold upon me, and
+saying, 'This vagabond who makes himself out to be a Scotchman is
+either a spy or bears letters from the false pope Alexander.' And
+while they examined my ragged clothes, and my boots, and my breeches,
+and even the old shoes which I carried over my shoulders, after the
+fashion of the Scotch, I thrust my hand into the little wallet which I
+carried, wherein was contained the letter of our lord the pope, placed
+under a little cup I had for drinking. The Lord God and St. Edmund so
+permitting, I drew out both the letter and the cup together, so that
+extending my arm aloft, I held the letter underneath the cup. They
+could see the cup plain enough, but they did not see the letter; and
+so I got clear out of their hands, in the name of the Lord. Whatever
+money I had about me they took away; therefore I had to beg from door
+to door, without any payment, until I arrived in England.
+
+"But hearing that this church had been given to Geoffrey Ridel, my
+soul was heavy, because I had laboured in vain. Coming, therefore,
+home, I crept under the shrine of St. Edmund, fearing lest the abbot
+should seize and imprison me, although I deserved no punishment; nor
+was there a monk who durst speak to me, or a layman who durst bring me
+food except by stealth. At last, upon consideration, the abbot sent me
+to Acre in exile, and there I remained a long time.
+
+"These and innumerable other things have I endured on account of this
+church of Woolpit, but, blessed be God, who works all things together,
+behold! this very church, for which I have borne so many sufferings is
+given into my hand, and now I have the power of presenting it to
+whomsoever I will, because it is vacant. And now I restore it to the
+convent, and I assign to its exclusive use, the ancient custom or
+pension of ten marks, which you have lost for upwards of sixty years.
+I had much rather have given it to you entire, could I have done so;
+but I know that the Bishop of Norwich might gainsay this; or even if
+he did grant it, he would make it an occasion to claim to himself such
+subjection and obedience from you as it is not advisable or expedient
+you should acknowledge. Therefore let us do that which by law we may;
+that is, put a clerk in as vicar, who shall account to the bishop for
+the spiritualities, and to yourselves for ten marks. I propose, if you
+all agree, that this vicarage be given to some kinsman of Roger de
+Hengham, a monk, and one of your brethren who was joined with me in
+that expedition to Rome, and was exposed to the same perils as myself,
+and in respect of the very same matter."
+
+ * * * * *
+
+This said, we all rose and gave thanks; and Hugh, a clerk, brother of
+the said Roger, was nominated to the aforesaid church, saving to us
+our pension of ten marks.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII
+
+THE ABBOT AS PEER OF PARLIAMENT
+
+
+In that manor of the monks of Canterbury which is called Eleigh, and
+is within the hundred of the abbot, a case of homicide occurred; but
+the men of the archbishop would not permit that those manslayers
+should stand their trial in the court of St. Edmund. Thereupon the
+abbot made his plaint to King Henry, stating that Baldwin the
+archbishop was claiming for himself the liberties of our church, under
+authority of a new charter, which the King had given to the church of
+Canterbury after the death of St. Thomas. The King hereupon made
+answer, that he had never made any grant in derogation of the rights
+of our church, nor did he wish to take away from St. Edmund anything
+that had ever belonged to him.
+
+On this intelligence, the abbot said to his most intimate advisers,
+"It is the better counsel that the archbishop should have to complain
+of me than I of the archbishop. I will put myself in seisin of this
+liberty, and afterwards will defend myself thereupon by the help of
+St. Edmund, whose right our charters testify it to be." Therefore
+suddenly and at daybreak, by the assistance of Robert of Cockfield,
+there were dispatched about fourscore men to the town of Eleigh, who
+took by surprise those three manslayers, and led them bound to St.
+Edmund, and cast them into the body of the gaol there.
+
+Now, the archbishop complaining of this, Ranulf de Glanville, the
+justiciary, commanded that those men be put by gage and pledges to
+stand their trial in that court wherein they ought to stand trial; and
+the abbot was summoned to come before the King's court to answer
+touching the violence and injury which he was said to have done to the
+archbishop. The abbot thereupon offered himself several times without
+any essoin.
+
+At length, upon Ash Wednesday, they stood before the King in the
+chapter house of Canterbury, and the charters of the King on one side
+and the other were read in court. And our lord the King said: "These
+charters are of the same age, and emanate from the same King, Edward.
+I know not what I can say, unless it be that these charters contradict
+each other." To whom the abbot said: "Whatever observations may apply
+to the charters, we are seised, and hitherto have been; and of this I
+am willing to put myself upon the verdict of the two counties of
+Norfolk and Suffolk, if they do allow this to be the case."
+
+But Archbishop Baldwin, having first conferred with his advisers, said
+that the men of Norfolk and Suffolk greatly loved St. Edmund, and that
+great part of those counties was under the control of the abbot, and
+therefore he was unwilling to stand by their decision. The King at
+this waxed wroth, and in indignation got up, and in departing said,
+"He that is able to receive it, let him receive it." And so the matter
+was put off, and the case is yet undecided.
+
+However, I observed that some of the men of the monks of Canterbury
+were wounded even to death by the country folk of the town of Milden,
+which is situate in the hundred of St. Edmund; and because they knew
+that the prosecutor ought to make suit to the jurisdiction wherein the
+culprit is, they chose to be silent and to put up with it, rather than
+make complaint thereupon to the abbot or his bailiffs, because in no
+wise would they come into the court of St. Edmund to plead there.
+
+After this the men of Eleigh set up a certain cucking-stool, whereat
+justice was to be done in respect of deceits in the measuring of bread
+or corn; whereof the abbot complained to the Lord Bishop of Ely, then
+justiciary and chancellor. But he was anything but desirous to hear
+the abbot, because it was said that he was smelling after the
+archbishopric, which at that time was vacant. Some time afterwards,
+when he had come on a visitation, being entertained as legate, before
+he departed he made a speech at the shrine of the holy martyr. The
+abbot, seizing the opportunity, said to all present, "My lord bishop,
+the liberty which the monks of Canterbury claim for themselves is the
+right of St. Edmund, whose body is here present; and because you do
+not choose to render me assistance to protect the privileges of his
+church, I place that plaint between him and you. Let him from
+henceforth get justice done to himself." The chancellor deigned not to
+answer a single word; but within a year from that time was driven from
+England, and experienced divine vengeance.
+
+Now when the same chancellor, on his return from Germany, had arrived
+at Ipswich, and rested the night at Hitcham, news was brought that he
+wished to take St. Edmund in his way, and would hear mass with us on
+the morrow. The abbot, therefore, gave strict injunctions that the
+offices of the church should not be celebrated so long as the
+chancellor was present in the church; for he said he had heard at
+London that the Bishop of London had pronounced in the presence of six
+bishops that the Chancellor was excommunicate, and had left England
+excommunicate, particularly for the violence he committed upon the
+Archbishop of York at Dover.
+
+Therefore when the chancellor came to us on the morrow, he found no
+one, neither clerk nor monk, who would sing a mass. Indeed, not only
+the priest standing at the first mass, and beginning the canon of the
+mass, but the other priests standing before the altars, ceased,
+remaining with unmoved lips until a messenger came, saying that he had
+departed from the church. The chancellor put up with it at the time,
+but did many injuries to the abbot, until at length, by the
+intervention of friends, both parties returned to the kiss of peace.
+
+When King Henry had taken the Cross, and had come to us within a month
+afterwards to pay his devotions, the abbot privily made for himself a
+cross of linen cloth, and holding in one hand the cross and a needle
+and thread, he requested licence from the King to take upon himself
+the cross. But this privilege was denied him, upon the suggestion of
+John, Bishop of Norwich, who said that it was not expedient for the
+country, or indeed safe for the counties of Norfolk and Suffolk, that
+the Bishop of Norwich and the Abbot of St. Edmund should be both away
+at the same time.
+
+When the news came to London of the capture of King Richard and his
+imprisonment in Germany, and the barons met to take counsel thereupon,
+the abbot started up before them all, saying that he was quite ready
+to seek his lord the King, either in disguise or any other way, until
+he had discovered where he was, and had gained certain intelligence of
+him; by reason whereof he obtained great approbation.
+
+When the chancellor, the Bishop of Ely, filled the office of legate,
+and in that capacity was holding a council at London, he proposed
+certain decrees against the black monks, taking notice of their
+wandering to St. Thomas and St. Edmund, on the excuse of pilgrimage,
+and inveighed against abbots, restricting them in the number of their
+horses. Abbot Samson replied, "We do not admit any decree against that
+rule of St. Benedict which allows the abbots the free and absolute
+government of their monks. I keep the barony of St. Edmund and his
+kingdom; nor are thirteen horses sufficient for me as they may be for
+some abbots, unless I have more to enable me to execute the King's
+justice."
+
+Whilst there was war throughout England, during the captivity of King
+Richard, the abbot, with his whole convent, solemnly excommunicated
+all movers of the war and disturbers of the public peace, not fearing
+the Earl John, the King's brother, nor any other, so that he was
+styled the "stout-hearted abbot." After this he went to the siege of
+Windsor, where he appeared in armour with certain other abbots of
+England, having his own standard, and retaining many knights at heavy
+charges, being more remarkable there for his counsel than for his
+piety. But we cloister folk thought this act rather perilous, fearing
+lest in consequence some future abbot might be compelled to attend in
+person upon any warlike expedition. On the conclusion of a truce he
+went into Germany, and there visited the King with many gifts.
+
+After the return of King Richard to England, licence was granted for
+holding tournaments; for which purpose many knights met between
+Thetford and St. Edmund. The abbot forbade them; but they, resisting,
+fulfilled their desire. On another occasion there came twenty-four
+young men with their followers, sons of noblemen, to have their
+revenge at the aforesaid place; which being done, they returned into
+the town to put up there. The abbot hearing of this, ordered the gates
+to be locked, and all of them to be kept within. The next day was the
+vigil of Peter and Paul the apostles. Therefore, having passed their
+word and promising that they would not go forth without permission,
+they all dined with the abbot on that day. After dinner, when the
+abbot retired to his chamber, they all arose and began to carol and
+sing, sending into the town for wine, drinking and then shouting,
+depriving the abbot and convent of their sleep, and doing everything
+in scorn of the abbot. They spent the day until the evening in this
+manner; and refused to desist, even when the abbot commanded them. But
+when evening was come, they broke open the gates of the town and went
+forth by force. The abbot, indeed, solemnly excommunicated all of
+them, yet not without first consulting Archbishop Hubert, at that time
+justiciary; and many of them came, promising amendment and seeking
+absolution.
+
+The abbot often sent his messengers to Rome, by no means empty-handed.
+The first he sent, immediately after he was consecrated, obtained in
+general terms all the liberties and privileges which had been granted
+of yore to his predecessors, even in the time of the schism. Next he
+obtained, first among the abbots of England, that he might be able to
+give episcopal benediction solemnly, wheresoever he might happen to
+be, and this he obtained for himself and for his successors.
+Afterwards he obtained a general exemption for himself and his
+successors, from all Archbishops of Canterbury, which Abbot Hugh had
+only acquired for himself personally. In these confirmations Abbot
+Samson caused to be inserted many new privileges for the greater
+liberty and security of our church.
+
+There once came a certain clerk to the abbot, bearing letters of
+request for procuring a benefice. And the abbot, drawing forth from
+his desk seven apostolic writings, with the leaden seals hanging to
+them, made answer: "Look at these apostolic writings, whereby divers
+popes require that certain benefices should be given to divers clerks.
+When I shall have quieted those who have come before you, I will give
+you your rent; for he who first cometh to the mill ought first to have
+his grist."
+
+There was a general court summoned for the hundred of Risbridge, to
+hear the plaint and trial of the Earl of Clare, at Witham. He, indeed,
+accompanied by many barons and knights, including the Earl Alberic and
+many others, stated that his bailiffs had given him to understand that
+they were accustomed to receive yearly for his use five shillings from
+the hundred and the bailiffs of the hundred, and that this was now
+unjustly detained; and he alleged that the land of Alfric, the son of
+Withgar, who had in ancient time been lord of that hundred, had been
+granted to his predecessors at the conquest of England. But the abbot,
+taking thought for his own interest, without stirring from his place,
+answered, "It is a strange thing, my lord earl; your case fails you.
+King Edward the Confessor gave, and by his charter confirmed, to St.
+Edmund, this entire hundred; and of those five shillings there is no
+mention made therein. You must tell us for what service, or for what
+reason, you demand those five shillings." And the earl, after advising
+with his attendants, replied that it was his office to carry the
+standard of St. Edmund in battle, and for that cause the five
+shillings were due to him. The abbot answered, "Of a truth it seems a
+mean thing that such a man as the Earl of Clare, should receive such a
+petty gift for such a service. To the Abbot of St. Edmund, it is but a
+slight grievance to give five shillings. The Earl Roger Bigot holds
+himself as seised, and asserts that he is seised, of the office of
+bearing the standard of St. Edmund; indeed, he actually did bear it
+when the earl of Leicester was taken and the Flemings destroyed.
+Thomas of Mendham also claims this as his right. When, therefore, you
+shall have proved against these your right, I will with great pleasure
+pay you the five shillings you now seek to recover of me." The earl
+upon this said that he would talk the matter over with the Earl Roger,
+his kinsman, and so the matter was put off even to this day.
+
+On the death of Robert of Cockfield, there came Adam, his son, and
+with him many of his relations, the Earl Roger Bigot, and many other
+great men, and made suit to the abbot for the tenements of the
+aforesaid Adam, and especially for the half hundred of Cosford, to be
+held by the annual payment of one hundred shillings, just as if it had
+been his hereditary right; indeed, they all said that his father and
+his grandfather had held it for fourscore years past and more.
+
+When the abbot got an opportunity of speaking, putting his two fingers
+up to his two eyes, he said, "May I be deprived of these eyes on that
+day, nay, in that hour, wherein I grant to any one a hundred to be
+held in hereditary right, unless indeed the King, who is able to take
+away from me the abbey and my life with it, should force me to do so."
+
+Explaining to them the reason of that saying, he averred, "If any one
+were to hold a hundred as an inheritance, and he should make forfeit
+to the King in any wise, so that he ought to lose his inheritance,
+forthwith will the Sheriff of Suffolk and the King's bailiffs have
+seisin of the hundred, and exercise their own power within our
+liberties; and if they should have the ward of the hundred, the
+liberty of the eight hundreds and a half will be endangered."
+
+And then addressing himself to Adam, he said, "If you, who claim an
+inheritance in this hundred, should take to wife any free woman who
+should hold but one acre of land of the King in chief; the King, after
+your death, would possess himself of all that your tenement, together
+with the wardship of your son, if he be under age; and thus the King's
+bailiffs would enter upon the hundred of St. Edmund, to the prejudice
+of the abbot. Besides all this, your father acknowledged to me that he
+claimed nothing by right of inheritance in the hundred; but because
+his service was satisfactory to me, I permitted him to hold it all the
+days of his life, according as he deserved of me."
+
+Upon the abbot saying thus much, money was offered; but he could not
+be persuaded by words or money. At last it was settled between them
+thus: Adam disclaimed the right which he had by word of mouth claimed
+in the hundred, and the abbot confirmed to him all his other lands;
+but touching our town of Cockfield, no mention was made of that, nor
+indeed is it believed that he had a charter thereof; Semer and Groton
+he was to hold for the term of his life.
+
+Herbert the dean erected a windmill upon Haberdon. When the abbot
+heard of this, his anger was so kindled that he would scarcely eat or
+utter a single word. On the morrow, after hearing mass, he commanded
+the sacrist, that without delay he should send his carpenters thither
+and overturn it altogether, and carefully put by the wooden materials
+in safe keeping.
+
+The dean, hearing this, came to him saying that he was able in law to
+do this upon his own frank fee, and that the benefit of the wind ought
+not to be denied to any one. He further said that he only wanted to
+grind his own corn there, and nobody else's, lest it should be
+imagined that he did this to the damage of the neighbouring mills. The
+abbot, his anger not yet appeased, answered, "I give you as many
+thanks as if you had cut off both my feet; by the mouth of God I will
+not eat bread until that building be plucked down. You are an old man,
+and you should have known that it is not lawful even for the King or
+his justiciary to alter or appoint a single thing within the banlieue,
+without the permission of the abbot and convent; and why have you
+presumed to do such a thing? Nor is this without prejudice to my
+mills, as you assert, because the burgesses will run to you and grind
+their corn at their pleasure, nor can I by law turn them away, because
+they are freemen. Nor would I endure that the mill of our cellarer,
+lately set up, should stand, except that it was erected before I was
+abbot. Begone," he said, "begone; before you have come to your house,
+you shall hear what has befallen your mill."
+
+But the dean being afraid before the face of the abbot, by the counsel
+of his son, Master Stephen, forestalled the servants of the sacrist,
+and without delay caused that very mill which had been erected by his
+own servants to be overthrown. So that when the servants of the
+sacrist came thither, they found nothing to be pulled down.
+
+The abbot was sued in respect of the advowson of certain churches, and
+gained the case. Certain others he also retained, although his right
+thereto was challenged, viz., the church of Westley, of Meringthorp,
+of Brettenham, of Wendling, of Pakenham, of Nowton, of Bradfield in
+Norfolk, the moiety of the church of Boxford, the church of Scaldwell,
+and the church of Endgate. All these, although the right was
+challenged by others, he retained, and he restored to his own right of
+patronage three portions of the church of Dickleburgh, and brought
+back the tenements belonging to those shares to the frank fee of the
+church, saving the service which was due therefrom to the manor of
+Tivetshall. But the church of Boxford being void, when an inquest was
+summoned thereupon, there came five knights tempting the abbot, and
+inquiring what it was they ought to swear.
+
+The abbot would neither give nor promise to them anything, but said,
+"When the oath shall be administered, declare the right according to
+your consciences." They, indeed, being discontented, departed, and by
+their inquest took away from him the advowson of that church, namely,
+the last presentation. Nevertheless, he ultimately recovered it after
+many charges, and for a fine of ten marks.
+
+The abbot also retained the church of Honington. This had not become
+vacant, but the right was challenged in the time of Durand of
+Hostesley, although he produced as evidence of his right the charter
+of William, Bishop of Norwich, wherein it was specified that Robert of
+Valognes, his father-in-law, had given that church to Ernald Lovell.
+
+The moiety of the church of Hopton being void, a controversy arose
+thereupon between the abbot and Robert of Elm; and a day of hearing
+being appointed at Hopton, after much altercation, the abbot being
+guided by I know not what sudden impulse, said to the aforesaid
+Robert, "Do you but swear that this is your right, and I will allow
+that it shall be so." And since that knight refused to swear, it was
+by the consent of each party, referred to the oath of sixteen lawful
+men of the hundred, who swore that this belonged to the abbot as his
+right. Gilbert Fitz-Ralph and Robert of Cockfield, lords of that fee,
+were there present and consenting thereto.
+
+Thereupon, Master Jordan de Ros, who had the charter of abbot Hugh, as
+well as the charter of the aforesaid Robert, starting forward, urged
+that whichever of them succeeded in proving his claim to the church,
+he (Jordan) might hold the parsonage, that he was parson of the whole
+church, and that the clerk last deceased had been his vicar, rendering
+him a yearly payment for that moiety. In proof thereof he produced the
+charter of Walchelin the archdeacon.
+
+The abbot, greatly moved and angry with him, never received him in a
+friendly manner, until the said Jordan, in a chapter of the monks at
+Thetford, at the abbot's instance, resigned into the hands of the
+bishop there present that very moiety, without any reservation or
+expectation of afterwards recovering the same, before a great
+multitude of clerks. This done, the abbot said, "My lord bishop, I am
+engaged by promise to bestow the rent upon some one your clerk; and I
+now give this moiety of this church to whomsoever of your clerks you
+will." Then the bishop requested that in a friendly manner it should
+be given to the same Master Jordan; and so upon the presentation of
+the abbot, Jordan got it back again.
+
+Afterwards a controversy arose between the abbot and the same Jordan,
+touching the land of Herard in Harlow, whether it were the frank fee
+of the church or not. And when there was summoned a jury of twelve
+knights to make inquest in the king's court, the inquest was taken in
+the court of the abbot at Harlow, by the licence of Ranulf de
+Glanville, and the recognitors swore that they never knew that land at
+any time to have been separated from the church, but nevertheless that
+land owed such service to the abbot as that to which the land of
+Eustace, and certain other lands of laymen in the same town were
+subject. At length it was agreed between them thus: Master Jordan in
+full court acknowledged that land to be lay fee, and that he claimed
+nothing therein, unless by the abbot's grace. He will therefore hold
+that land all the days of his life, rendering yearly to the abbot
+twelve pence for all services.
+
+Since, according to the custom of the English, many persons gave many
+presents to the abbot, as being their head, upon the day of the
+Circumcision of our Lord, I, Jocelin, thought to myself, What can I
+give? And I began to reduce into writing all those churches which are
+in the gift of the abbot, as well of our manors as of his, and the
+reasonable values of the same, upon the same principle that they could
+be fairly set to farm, at a time when corn is at its ordinary standard
+price. And, therefore, upon the commencement of a new year, I gave to
+the abbot that schedule, as a gift to him, which he received very
+gratefully.
+
+I, indeed, because I then was pleasing in his sight, thought in my
+heart, that I should hint to him that some one church should be given
+to the convent, and assigned for the purposes of hospitality, just as
+he had wished when he was a poor cloister monk: for this same thing he
+himself had, before his election, suggested the brethren should swear,
+that upon whomsoever the lot should fall, that man should do it. But
+while I thought upon these things, I remembered that some one
+previously had said the very same thing, and that I had heard the
+abbot reply, that he could not dismember the barony; in other words,
+that he ought not to diminish the liberty and dignity which abbot Hugh
+and others his predecessors had had, of giving away churches, which
+after all scarcely brought any gain or profit to the convent. On
+considering this, I held my peace.
+
+The writing I have alluded to was the following:--
+
+ "These are the churches of the manors and socages of the ABBOT: The
+ church of Melford is worth forty pounds; Chevington, ten marks;
+ Saxham, twelve marks; Hargrave, five marks; Brettenham, five marks;
+ Boxford, one hundred shillings; Fornham Magna, one hundred shillings;
+ Stow, one hundred shillings; Honington, five marks; Elmswell, three
+ marks; Cotton, twelve marks; Brocford, five marks; Palgrave, ten
+ marks; Great Horningsherth, five marks; Kingston, four marks; Harlow,
+ nineteen marks; Stapleford, three marks; Tivetshall, one hundred
+ shillings; Worlingworth cum Bedingfield, twenty marks; Soham, six
+ marks; the moiety of the church of Wortham, one hundred shillings;
+ Rungton, twenty marks; Thorp, six marks; Woolpit, over and above the
+ pension, one hundred shillings; Rushbrook, five marks; the moiety of
+ the church of Hopton, sixty shillings; Rickinghall, six marks; three
+ parts of the church of Dickleburgh, each part being worth thirty
+ shillings and upwards; the moiety of the church of Gislingham, four
+ marks; Icklingham, six marks. Concerning the church of Mildenhall,
+ which is worth forty marks, and of the moiety of the church of
+ Wetherden, what shall I say? Wendling, one hundred shillings; the
+ church of Len, ten marks; the church of Scaldwell, five marks; the
+ church of Warkton ...
+
+ "These are the churches of the manors belonging to the CONVENT:
+ Mildenhall, Barton, and Horningsherth, twenty-five marks, besides the
+ pension; Rougham, fifteen marks, besides the pension; Bradfield, five
+ marks; Pakenham, thirty marks; Southrey, one hundred shillings;
+ Risby, twenty marks; Nowton, four marks; Whepstead, fourteen marks;
+ Fornham St. Genevieve, fifteen marks; Herringswell, nine marks;
+ Fornham St. Martin, three marks; Ingham, ten marks; Lackford, one
+ hundred shillings; Elveden, ten marks; Cockfield, twenty marks;
+ Semer-Semer, twelve marks; Groton, five marks; the moiety of the
+ church of Fressingfield, fourteen marks; Beccles, twenty marks; Broc,
+ fifteen marks; Hinderclay, ten marks; Warkton, ten marks; Scaldwell,
+ five marks; Westley, five marks; the church in Norwich, two marks,
+ over and above the payment of herrings; and two churches in
+ Colchester, three marks, over and above the pension of four
+ shillings; Chelsworth, one hundred shillings; Meringthorp, four
+ marks; the moiety of the church of Bradfield in Norfolk, three marks;
+ staffacres and fouracres, and the third part of the tithes of the
+ lordships of Wrabness, six marks."
+
+The two counties of Norfolk and Suffolk were put in the "mercy" of the
+King by the justices in eyre for some default, and fifty marks were
+put upon Norfolk, and thirty upon Suffolk. And when a certain portion
+of that common amerciament was assessed upon the lands of St. Edmund,
+and was sharply demanded, the abbot, without any delay, went to our
+lord the King. We found him at Clarendon; and when the charter of King
+Edward, which discharges all the lands of St. Edmund from all gelds
+and scots, had been shown to him, the King commanded by his writ that
+six knights of the county of Norfolk and six of Suffolk should be
+summoned to consider before the barons of the exchequer, whether the
+lordships of St. Edmund ought to be quit from common amerciament. To
+save trouble and expense, only six knights were chosen, and these for
+the reason that they had lands in either county; namely, Hubert of
+Briseword, W. Fitz-Hervey, and William of Francheville, and three
+others, who went to London with us, and on behalf of the two counties
+gave their verdict in favour of the liberty of our church. And
+thereupon the justices then sitting enrolled their verdict.
+
+The abbot Samson entered into a contest with his knights--himself
+against all, and all of them against him. He had stated to them that
+they ought to perform the service of fifty individual knights in
+escuages, in aids, and the like, because, as they themselves said,
+they held so many knights' fees. The point in dispute was, why ten of
+those fifty knights were to be without performing service, or by what
+reason or by whose authority the forty should receive the help of
+those ten knights. But they all answered with one voice, that such had
+ever been the custom, that is to say, that ten of them should assist
+the other forty, and that they could not thereupon--nor ought they
+thereupon--to answer, nor yet to implead.
+
+When they were summoned in the King's court to answer hereupon, some,
+by arrangement, excused themselves from appearing, the others
+cunningly appeared, saying that they ought not to answer without their
+peers. On another occasion, those presented themselves who had first
+absented themselves, saying in like manner, that they ought not to
+answer without their peers who were joined with them in the same
+plaint. And when they had several times thus mocked the abbot, and had
+involved him in great and grievous expenses, the abbot complained of
+this to Hubert, the archbishop, then justiciary, who replied in open
+court that each knight ought to plead singly, and in respect of his
+own tenure, and said straight out that the abbot was clever enough and
+able enough to prove the rights of his church against all and every
+one of them. Then the earl, Roger Bigot, first of all freely confessed
+that, in law, he owed to his superior lord the abbot his service of
+three entire knights' fees, in reliefs as well as in escuages and
+aids; but, so far as concerned his performing castle-guard at the
+castle of Norwich, he said nothing.
+
+Next came two of these knights, then three, and again more, until
+nearly all of them had come, and, by the earl's example, acknowledged
+the same service. Because such acknowledgment thereupon made in the
+court of St. Edmund was not sufficient in law, the abbot took all of
+them to London at his own charges, with the wives and women who were
+inherited of the lands so held, that they should make the
+acknowledgment in the King's court, and they all received separate
+charters of the concord thus made. Alberic de Vere and William of
+Hastings and two others were in the King's service beyond sea when
+this was done, and therefore the plaint concerning them was stayed.
+Alberic de Vere was the last who held out against the abbot; but as it
+was, the abbot seized and sold his cattle, wherefore it behoved him to
+come into court, and answer, as did his fellows. Taking advice upon
+it, he at length acknowledged to the abbot and St. Edmund their right.
+
+The knights, therefore, being all defeated, a great profit would have
+accrued to the abbot from this victory unless he had been inclined to
+spare some of them; for so often as twenty shillings are charged upon
+a fee, there will remain twelve pounds to the abbot, and if more or
+less are assessed, more or less will remain over as a surplus to him,
+according to the strict apportionment. Also the abbot was wont, as
+were his predecessors, at the end of every twenty weeks to give seven
+shillings for the guard of the castle of Norwich out of his own purse,
+for default of three knights, whose fees Roger Bigot holds of St.
+Edmund. Each of the knights of four constabularies used to give
+twenty-eight pence when they entered to perform their guards, and one
+penny to the marshal who collected those pence; and they were
+accustomed to give twenty-eight pence and no more, because the ten
+knights of the fifth constabulary ought to assist the other forty, so
+that whereas they ought to have given three shillings entire, they
+only gave twenty-nine pence, and he whose duty it was to enter to
+perform his guard service at the end of four months, entered at the
+end of twenty weeks. But at the present time all the knights give the
+full three shillings, and there remains to the abbot the surplus which
+accrues beyond twenty-nine pence, from whence he can re-imburse
+himself of the aforesaid seven shillings. It is apparent what force
+had the words of the abbot which he spoke the first day, when he took
+the homage of his knights, as aforesaid, when all the knights promised
+him twenty shillings, and immediately revoked what they had said,
+refusing to give him more than forty pounds in one sum, alleging that
+ten knights ought to assist the other forty in aids and castle-guards,
+and all such like services.
+
+There is certain land in Tivetshall of the abbot's fee, which used to
+pay to the watchmen of the castle of Norwich waite-fee, that is,
+twenty shillings per annum, payable five shillings on each of the four
+Ember fasts. This is an ancient customary payment which the abbot
+would well wish to do away with if he could, but considering his
+inability to do so, he has up to now held his peace and closed his
+eyes to it.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII
+
+THE CASE OF HENRY OF ESSEX
+
+
+[For the purpose of diffusing the knowledge of the blessed King and
+martyr, we have annexed this, we hope not irrelevantly, to the
+foregoing. Not that I who am so insignificant a person, and of
+scarcely any account, should set it forth with a historical title; but
+insomuch as Master Jocelin, our almoner, a man of exalted piety,
+powerful in word and deed, did so begin it at the request and desire
+of his superior, I may look upon it as my own work, because, according
+to the precept of Seneca, whatever has been well said by another, I
+may without presumption ascribe to myself.
+
+When the abbot came to Reading, and we with him, we were suitably
+entertained by the monks of that place, among whom we met Henry of
+Essex, a professed monk, who, having obtained an opportunity of
+speaking with the abbot, related to him and ourselves as we all sat
+together, how he was vanquished in duel, and how and for what reason
+St. Edmund had confounded him in the very hour of battle. I therefore
+reduced his tale into writing by the command of the lord abbot, and
+wrote it in these words.
+
+As it is impossible for us to shun evil unless it be apparent, we have
+thought it worthy to commit to historical record the acts and excesses
+of Henry of Essex, as a warning and not for imitation. The warnings
+that can be enforced by anecdotes are useful and beneficial. The
+aforesaid Henry, therefore, while in prosperity was in high esteem
+amongst the great men of the realm, a man of much account, of noble
+birth, conspicuous by deeds of arms, the king's standard-bearer, and
+feared by all on account of his power. His neighbours endowed the
+church of St. Edmund, the King and martyr, with possessions and rents;
+but he not only shut his eyes to this fact, but also by force and by
+injuries, with violence and evil speaking, wrongfully withheld an
+annual rent of five shillings, and converted it to his own use. Nay,
+indeed, in process of time, when a cause touching the rape of a
+certain damsel was prosecuted in the court of St. Edmund, the said
+Henry came thither, protesting and alleging that the same plaint by
+law ought to be decided in his court, in view of the birthplace of the
+same damsel, who was born within his lordship of Lailand; and by
+reason of this pretext he presumed to harass the court of St. Edmund
+with journeys and innumerable expenses for a long space of time.
+
+In the meantime, in these and such like acts, fortune, smiling upon
+his desires, suddenly brought in upon him the cause of perpetual
+sorrow, and, under the appearance of a joyful beginning, she contrived
+for him a joyless end; for she is wont to smile that she may
+afterwards rage, to flatter that she may deceive, to raise up that she
+may cast down. All at once, there rose up against him Robert of
+Montfort, his kinsman and equal in birth and power, impeaching and
+accusing him before the princes of the land, of treason against the
+King. For he asserted that Henry, in the war with the Welsh, in the
+difficult pass of Coleshill, had traitorously thrown down the standard
+of our lord the King, and had with a loud voice proclaimed his death,
+and so turned to flight those who were hastening to his assistance. In
+point of fact, the aforesaid Henry of Essex did believe that the
+famous King Henry the Second, who had been intercepted by the
+stratagems of the Welsh, had been killed; and this would indeed have
+been the case, if Roger Earl of Clare, illustrious (clarus) by reason
+of birth, and more illustrious by deeds of valour, had not come up in
+good time with his Clare men, and raised the standard of our lord the
+King, to the encouragement and heartening of the whole army. Henry,
+indeed, strenuously opposed the aforesaid Robert in a speech, and
+absolutely denied the accusation, so that after a short lapse of time
+it came to a trial by battle. And they came to Reading to fight in a
+certain island hard by the abbey; and thither also came a multitude to
+see what issue the matter would take.
+
+Now it came to pass, while Robert of Montfort thundered upon him
+manfully with hard and frequent strokes, and a bold onset had promised
+the fruit of victory, Henry, his strength a little failing him,
+glanced round on all sides, and lo! on the border of the land and
+water he saw the glorious King and martyr, Edmund, armed, and as if
+hovering in the air, looking towards him with a severe countenance,
+shaking his head with threats of anger and indignation. He also saw
+with him another knight, Gilbert of Cereville, not only in appearance
+inferior, but less in stature from the shoulders, direct his eyes upon
+him as if angry and wrathful. This man, by the order of the same
+Henry, had been afflicted with chains and torments, and had closed his
+days in prison at the instance and on the accusation of Henry's wife;
+who, turning her own wickedness upon an innocent person, stated that
+she could not endure the solicitations of Gilbert to unlawful love.
+Therefore, Henry, on sight of these apparitions, became anxious and
+fear-stricken, and remembered that old crime brings new shame.
+Becoming wholly desperate, and changing reason into violence, he
+assumed the part of one who attacked, not one who was on the
+defensive; who, while he struck fiercely, was more fiercely struck;
+and while he manfully fought, was more manfully attacked in his turn.
+In short, he fell vanquished.
+
+As he was believed to be dead, upon the petition of the great men of
+England, his kinsmen, it was permitted that the monks of that place
+should give his body the rites of sepulture. Nevertheless, he
+afterwards recovered, and now with restored health, he has wiped out
+the blot upon his previous life under the regular habit, and in his
+endeavour to cleanse the long week of his dissolute life by at least
+one purifying sabbath, has so cultivated the studies of the virtues,
+as to bring forth the fruit of happiness.]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX
+
+TROUBLES WITHOUT
+
+
+Geoffrey Ridel, Bishop of Ely, sought from the abbot some timber for
+the purpose of constructing certain great buildings at Glemsford. This
+request the abbot granted, but against his will, not daring to offend
+him. Now the abbot making some stay at Melford, there came a certain
+clerk of the bishop, asking on behalf of his lord, that the promised
+timber might be taken at Elmswell; and he made a mistake in the word,
+saying Elmswell when he should have said Elmsett, which is the name of
+a certain wood at Melford. And the abbot was astonished at the
+request, for such timber was not to be found at Elmswell.
+
+Now when Richard the forester of the same town had heard of this, he
+secretly informed the abbot that the bishop had the previous week sent
+his carpenters to spy out the wood of Elmsett, and had chosen the best
+timber trees in the whole wood, and placed his marks thereon. On
+hearing this, the abbot directly discovered that the messenger of the
+bishop had made an error in his request, and answered that he would
+willingly do as the bishop pleased.
+
+On the morrow, upon the departure of the messenger, immediately after
+he had heard mass, the abbot went into the before-named wood with his
+carpenters, and caused to be branded with his mark not only all the
+oaks previously marked, but more than a hundred others, for the use of
+St. Edmund, and for the steeple of the great tower, commanding that
+they should be felled as quickly as possible. When the bishop, by the
+answer of his messenger, understood that the aforesaid timber might be
+taken at Elmswell, he sent back the same messenger (whom he
+overwhelmed with many hard words) to the abbot, in order that he might
+correct the word which he had mistaken, by saying Elmsett, not
+Elmswell. But before he had come to the abbot, all the trees which the
+bishop desired and his carpenters had marked were felled. So the
+bishop, if he wanted timber, had to get other timber elsewhere. As for
+myself, when I witnessed this affair, I laughed, and said in my heart,
+"Thus art is deceived by art."
+
+On the death of Abbot Hugh, the wardens of the abbey desired to depose
+the bailiffs of the town of St. Edmund, and to appoint new bailiffs of
+their own authority, saying that this appertained to the King, in
+whose hand the abbey then was. But we, complaining thereof, sent our
+messengers to lord Ranulf de Glanville, then justiciary. He answered,
+that he well knew that forty pounds a year ought to be paid from the
+town to our sacrist, specially for the lights of the church; and he
+said that Abbot Hugh, of his own will, and in his privy chamber,
+without the consent of the convent, had granted the bailiwick as often
+as he chose, and unto whom he chose, saving the forty pounds payable
+to the altar. And therefore it was not to be wondered at if the King's
+bailiffs required this same thing on the King's behalf. Speaking in
+bitter language, he called all our monks fools for having permitted
+our abbot to do such things, not considering that the chief duty of
+monks is to hold their peace, and pass over with closed eyes the
+excesses of their prelates; nor yet considering that they are called
+barrators if they, whether it be right or wrong, contravene their
+superiors in anything; and, further, that sometimes we are accused of
+treason and are condemned to prison and to exile. Wherefore it seems
+to myself and others the better counsel to die as confessors rather
+than as martyrs.
+
+On the return of our messenger home, and on his relating what he had
+seen and heard, we, as being unwilling and, as it were, under
+compulsion, resolved, so far as we were able, that the old bailiffs of
+the town should be deposed, as well with the common consent of the
+convent, as by the keepers of the abbey. Samson, then sub-sacrist, was
+very reluctant to join in this proposition. However, when Samson was
+made abbot, he, calling to remembrance the wrong done to the abbey, on
+the morrow after the Easter following his election, caused to be
+assembled in our chapter-house the knights and clerks, and a number of
+the burgesses, and then in the presence of them all, said that the
+town belonged to the convent and to the altar, namely, to find tapers
+for the church; and that he was desirous of renewing the ancient
+custom, so that in the presence of the convent, and with the consent
+of all, some measure should be taken concerning the bailiwick of the
+town, and of such like matters which appertained to the convent.
+
+At that time were nominated two burgesses, Godfrey and Nicholas, to be
+bailiffs; and a discussion taking place from whose hand they should
+receive the horn, which is called the moot-horn, at last they took it
+from the hands of the prior, who, next to the abbot, is head over the
+affairs of the convent.
+
+Now these two bailiffs kept their bailiwick in peace many years, until
+they were said to be remiss in keeping the King's justice. On the
+abbot's suggestion that greater security should be given to the
+convent upon this point, they were removed, and Hugh the sacrist took
+the town into his own keeping, appointing new officers, who were to
+answer to him concerning the bailiwick. In process of time, I know not
+how, new bailiffs were subsequently appointed, and that elsewhere than
+in chapter, and without the concurrence of the church; wherefore a
+like or perhaps greater peril is to be apprehended after the decease
+of Abbot Samson than even was after the death of Abbot Hugh.
+
+One of our brethren, too, fully relying upon the regard and friendship
+of the abbot, upon a fit opportunity and with propriety and decency,
+talked over the matter with him, asserting that dissatisfaction was
+expressed in the convent. But the abbot upon hearing this was silent
+for a long time, as if he was somewhat disturbed. At length he is
+reported to have said, "Am not I, even I, the abbot? Does it not
+belong to me alone to make order concerning the affairs of the church
+committed to my care, provided only that I should act with wisdom and
+according to God's will? If there should be default in the
+administration of the King's justice in this town, I shall be
+challenged for it; I shall be summoned; upon myself alone will rest
+the burden of the journey, and the expenses, and the defence of the
+town and its appurtenances; I alone shall be deemed a fool, not the
+prior, not the sacrist, nor yet the convent, but myself, who am and
+ought to be their head. Through me and my counsel, with God's
+assistance, will the town be securely preserved to the best of my
+ability, and safe also will be those forty pounds payable annually to
+the altar. Let the brethren grumble, let them slander me, let them say
+amongst themselves what they will, I am still their father and their
+abbot; so long as I live 'I will not give my glory to another.'" This
+said, that monk departed, and reported these answers to us.
+
+I for my part marvelled at such sayings, and argued with myself in
+various ways. At length I was compelled to remain in a state of doubt,
+inasmuch as the rule of law says and teaches, that all things should
+be under the governance of the abbot.
+
+The merchants of London claimed to be quit of toll at the fair of St.
+Edmund. Nevertheless many paid it, unwillingly indeed, and under
+compulsion; whereof a great tumult and commotion was made among the
+citizens in London at their hustings. They came in a body and informed
+Abbot Samson that they were entitled to be quit of toll throughout all
+England, by authority of the charter which they had from King Henry
+the Second. The abbot answered that were it necessary, he was well
+able to vouch the King to warrant that he had never granted them any
+charter to the prejudice of our church, or to the prejudice of the
+liberties of St. Edmund, to whom St. Edward had granted and confirmed
+toll and theam and all regalities before the conquest of England; and
+that King Henry had done no more than give to the Londoners an
+exemption from toll throughout his own lordships, and in places where
+he was able to grant it; but so far as concerned the town of St.
+Edmund he was not able so to do, for it was not his to dispose of. The
+Londoners, hearing this, ordered by common council that none of them
+should go to the fair of St. Edmund. For two years they kept away,
+whereby our fair sustained great loss, and the offering of the sacrist
+was much diminished. At last, upon the mediation of the Bishop of
+London and many others, it was settled between us and them that they
+should come to the fair, and that some of them should pay toll, but
+that it should be forthwith returned to them, that by such a
+colourable act the privilege on both sides should be preserved.
+
+But in process of time, when the abbot had made agreement with his
+knights, and as it were slept in tranquillity, behold again "the
+Philistines be upon thee, Samson!" Lo! the Londoners, with one voice,
+were threatening that they would lay level with the earth the stone
+houses which the abbot had built that very year, or that they would
+take distress by a hundredfold from the men of St. Edmund, unless the
+abbot forthwith redressed the wrong done them by the bailiffs of the
+town of St. Edmund, who had taken fifteen pence from the carts of the
+citizens of London, who in their way from Yarmouth, laden with
+herrings, had made passage through our demesnes. Furthermore, the
+citizens of London said that they were quit of toll in every market,
+and on every occasion, and in every place throughout all England, from
+the time when Rome was first founded, and that London was founded at
+the very same time. Also, that they ought to have such an exemption
+throughout all England, as well by reason of its being a privileged
+city, which was of old time the metropolis and head of the kingdom, as
+by reason of its antiquity. The abbot asked that the matter might be
+deferred until the return of our lord the King to England, that he
+might consult with him upon this; and having taken advice of the
+lawyers, he replevied to the claimants those fifteen pence, without
+prejudice to the question of each party's right.
+
+In the tenth year of the abbacy of Abbot Samson, by the common counsel
+of our chapter, we complained to the abbot in his own hall, stating
+that the rents and issues of all the good towns and boroughs of
+England were increasing and augmenting, to the profit of the
+possessors, and the well-thriving of their lords, all except this our
+town, which had long yielded forty pounds, and had never gone beyond
+that sum; and that the burgesses of the town were the cause of this
+thing. For they held so large and so many standings in the
+market-place, of shops and sheds and stalls, without the assent of the
+convent, indeed from the sole gift of the bailiffs of the town, who in
+old time were but yearly renters, and, as it were, ministers of the
+sacrist, and were removable at his good pleasure. The burgesses, being
+summoned, made answer that they were under the jurisdiction of the
+King's courts, nor would they make answer in derogation of the
+immunity of the town and their charters, in respect of the tenements
+which they and their fathers had holden well and peaceably for one
+year and a day without claim. They also said the old custom had been
+that the bailiffs should, without the interference of the convent,
+dispose of the places of the shops and sheds in the market-place, in
+consideration of a certain rent payable yearly to the bailiwick. But
+we, gainsaying this, were desirous that the abbot should disseise them
+of tenements for which they had no warranty.
+
+Now the abbot coming to our council, as if he were one of us, said to
+us in private, that he was willing enough to do us right, according to
+the best of his ability, but that he, nevertheless, was bound to
+proceed in due course of law; nor could he, without the judgment of a
+court, disseise his free men of their lands or rents, which they had
+held for many years, were it justly or unjustly. If he should do this,
+he said, he should fall into the King's mercy by the assize of the
+realm. Therefore, the burgesses, taking counsel together, offered to
+the convent a rent of one hundred shillings for the sake of peace; and
+that they should hold their tenements as they had been wont to do. But
+we, on the other hand, were by no means willing to grant this, rather
+desiring to put that plaint in respite, hoping, perhaps, in the time
+of another abbot, to recover all, or change the place of the fair; and
+so the affair was deferred for many years.
+
+When the abbot had returned from Germany, the burgesses offered him
+sixty marks, and sued for his confirmation of the liberties of the
+town, under the same form of words as Anselm, and Ording, and Hugh had
+confirmed them; all which the abbot graciously accorded.
+Notwithstanding our murmuring and grumbling, a charter was accordingly
+made to them in the terms of his promise; and because it would have
+been a shame and confusion to him if he had not been able to fulfil
+his promise, we were not willing to contradict him, or provoke him to
+anger.
+
+The burgesses, indeed, from the period when they had the charter of
+Abbot Samson and the convent, became more confident that they, at
+least in the time of Abbot Samson, would not lose their tenements or
+their franchises; so that never afterwards, as they did before, were
+they willing to pay or offer the before-named rent of one hundred
+shillings. At length, however, the abbot giving attention to this
+matter, discoursed with the burgesses hereupon, saying that unless
+they made their peace with the convent, he should forbid their
+erecting their booths at the fair of St. Edmund.
+
+They, on the other hand, answered that they were willing to give every
+year a silken cope, or some other ornament, to the value of one
+hundred shillings, as they had before promised to do; but
+nevertheless, upon this condition, that they were to be for ever quit
+of the tithes of their profits, which the sacrist sharply demanded of
+them. The abbot and the sacrist both refused this, and therefore the
+plaint was again put in respite.
+
+In point of fact, we have from that time to the present lost those
+hundred shillings, according to the old saying, "He that will not when
+he may, when he will he shall have nay."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X
+
+TROUBLES WITHIN
+
+
+The cellarers quickly succeeded each other, and every one of them at
+the year's end became involved in a great debt. There were given to
+the cellarer, in aid, twenty pounds out of Mildenhall, but this did
+not suffice. After that, fifty pounds were assigned to the cellarer
+each year from the same manor; and yet the cellarer used to say that
+this was not enough. The abbot, therefore, being anxious to provide
+for his security from loss and comfort, as well as for our own,
+knowing that in all our wants we must have recourse to him as to the
+father of the monastery, associated with the cellarer a certain clerk
+of his own table, by name Ranulf, so that he might assist him both as
+a witness and companion in the expenses and receipts. And lo! many of
+us speak many things, murmurings thicken, falsehoods are invented,
+scandals are interwoven with scandals, nor is there a corner in the
+house which does not resound with venomous hissing.
+
+One says to another, "What is this that is done? Who ever saw the
+like? There never was such an insult offered to the convent before.
+Behold! the abbot has set a clerk over a monk; see, he has made a
+clerk a master and keeper over the cellarer, as if he could do no good
+without him. The abbot thinks but lightly of his monks; he suspects
+his monks; he consults clerks; he loves clerks. 'How is the gold
+become dim! How is the fine gold changed!'" Also one friend says to
+another, "We are become a reproach to our neighbours. All of us monks
+are either reckoned faithless or improvident; the clerk is believed,
+the monk is not. The abbot had rather trust the clerk than the monk.
+Now is this clerk a whit more faithful or wise than a monk would be?"
+
+And again, one friend would say to another, "Are not the cellarer and
+sub-cellarer, or can they not be, as faithful as the sacrist or the
+chamberlain? The consequence is, that this abbot or his successor will
+put a clerk along with the sacrist, a clerk with the chamberlain, a
+clerk with the sub-sacrists to collect the offerings at the shrine,
+and so on with all the officials, wherefore we shall be a
+laughing-stock and derision to the whole people."
+
+I, hearing these things, was accustomed to answer, "If I, for my part,
+were cellarer, I had rather that a clerk were a witness for me in all
+my transactions; for if I did well he would bear witness of the good.
+If, again, I had, at the end of the year, become laden with debt, I
+should be able to gain credence and to be excused by the testimony of
+that clerk."
+
+I heard, indeed, one of our brethren, a man truly discreet and
+learned, say something upon this subject which struck myself and
+others very much. "It is not," he said, "to be wondered at, should the
+lord abbot interpose his exertions in the safe conduct of our affairs,
+especially as he wisely manages that portion of the abbey which
+belongs to him, and is discreet in the disposing of his own house, it
+being his part to supply our wants in case of our carelessness or
+inability to do so. But there is one thing," he added, "which will
+prove dangerous after the death of the abbot Samson, such as has never
+come to pass in our days or in our lives. Of a surety the King's
+bailiffs will come, and will possess themselves of the abbey, I mean
+the barony which belongs to the abbot, as was done in the past after
+the deaths of other Abbots. As after the death of Abbot Hugh, the
+King's bailiffs likewise desired to appoint new bailiffs in the town
+of St. Edmund, alleging as their warrant that Abbot Hugh had done
+this, in the same way the King's bailiffs will, in process of time,
+appoint their clerk to keep the cellary, in order that everything
+shall be done therein by him, and under his discretion. And then we
+shall be told that they are entitled to act in this manner because
+Abbot Samson did so. Thus they will have the power of intermixing and
+confusing all the concerns and rents of the abbot and of the convent;
+all which, indeed, Abbot Robert, of good memory, had, with due
+consideration, distinguished in account, and had separated one from
+the other."
+
+When I heard these and such like expressions from a man of great
+thought and foresight, I was astonished, and held my peace, not
+wishing either to condemn the lord abbot, or to excuse him.
+
+Hubert Walter, the Archbishop of Canterbury and legate of the
+apostolic see, and Justiciary of England, after he had visited many
+churches, and had by right of his legation made many changes and
+alterations, was on his way home from his natural mother, who lived at
+Dereham and was then dying. He sent two of his clerks over to us,
+bearing the sealed letters of their lord, wherein it was contained
+that we should give credit to what they should say and do. These men
+inquired of the abbot and convent whether we were willing to receive
+their lord, the legate, who was on his way to us, in such wise as a
+legate ought to be received, and, in fact, is received by other
+churches. If we were agreed to this, he would shortly come to us, for
+the purpose of making order concerning the matters and affairs of our
+church according to God's will; but if we were not agreed, those two
+clerks could more fully communicate to us their lord's behest.
+Thereupon the abbot called together most of the convent, and we came
+to the decision that we would give a gracious answer to the clerks
+thus sent to us, saying that we were willing to receive their lord as
+legate with all honour and reverence, and to send together with them
+our own messengers, who, on our part, should communicate the same to
+the lord legate.
+
+Our intention was that, in the same way as we had done to the Bishop
+of Ely and other legates, we would show him all possible honour, with
+a procession and ringing of bells, and would receive him with the
+usual solemnities, until it should come to the point, perhaps, of his
+holding a visitation in chapter. If he were to proceed in doing this,
+then all of us were to oppose him might and main to his face,
+appealing to Rome, and standing upon our charters. And the lord abbot
+said, "If at this present time the legate will come to us, we will do
+as is aforesaid, but if indeed he shall defer his arrival to us for a
+time, we will consult the lord Pope, and inquire what force the
+privileges of our church ought to have, as being those which have been
+obtained from him and his predecessors, against the archbishop who has
+now obtained power from the apostolic see over all the privileged
+churches of England." Such was our determination.
+
+When the archbishop had heard that we were willing to receive him as
+legate, he received our messengers graciously and with giving of
+thanks. And he became favourable and kindly disposed towards the lord
+abbot in all his concerns, and for certain pressing causes deferred
+his visit to us for a time. Therefore, without the least delay, the
+abbot sent to the Pope the same letters which the legate had sent to
+him and the convent, wherein it was contained that he was about to
+come to us by authority of his legation, and by the authority of the
+Pope, and, moreover, that to him was given power over all the exempt
+churches of England, notwithstanding the letters of exemption obtained
+by the church of York or any other.
+
+The abbot's messenger expediting the matter, our lord the Pope wrote
+to the lord of Canterbury, asserting that our church, as his spiritual
+daughter, ought not to be accountable to any legate, unless he were a
+legate of our lord the Pope sent _a latere_, and enjoined him that he
+should not stretch forth his hand against us; and our lord the Pope
+added as from himself a prohibition against his exercising
+jurisdiction over any other exempt church. Our messenger returned to
+us, and this was kept a secret for many days. Nevertheless, the same
+was intimated to the lord of Canterbury by some of his adherents at
+the court of our lord the Pope.
+
+When, at the end of the year, the legate made his visitation through
+Norfolk and Suffolk, and had first arrived at Colchester, the legate
+sent his messenger to the abbot, privately letting him thereby know
+that he (the legate) had heard say that the abbot had obtained letters
+contravening his legation, and requesting that he, in a friendly way,
+would send him those letters. And it was done accordingly, for the
+abbot had two counterparts of these letters. The abbot, indeed, did
+not pay a visit to the legate, either by himself or by proxy, so long
+as he was in the diocese of Norwich, lest it should be thought that he
+wished to make fine with the legate for his entertainment, as other
+monks and canons had done. The legate, disconcerted and angry and
+fearing to be shut out if he came to us, passed by Norwich, by Acre
+and by Dereham to Ely, on his way to London.
+
+The abbot meeting the legate within the month, between Waltham and
+London, on the King's highway, the legate censured him for having
+refused to meet him, as being justiciary of our lord the King whilst
+he was in that country. The abbot answered that he had not travelled
+as justiciary, but as legate, making visitation in every church; and
+alleged the reason of the time of year, and that the passion of our
+Lord was nigh at hand, and that it behoved him to be concerned with
+Divine services and cloister duties.
+
+When the abbot had opposed words to words, and objections to
+objections, and could neither be bent nor intimidated by threatening
+language, the legate replied with scorn that he well knew him to be a
+keen wrangler, and that he was a better clerk than he, the legate,
+was. The abbot, therefore, not timidly passing by matters inexpedient
+to allude to, nor yet arrogantly speaking upon matters that were to be
+discussed, in the hearing of many persons made answer that he was a
+man who would never suffer the privileges of his church to be shaken
+either for want of learning or money, even if it should come to pass
+that he lost his life, or was condemned to perpetual banishment.
+However, these and other altercations being brought to a close, the
+legate began to flush in the face, upon the abbot lowering his tone
+and beseeching him that he would deal more gently with the church of
+St. Edmund, by reason of his native soil, for he was native born of
+St. Edmund, and had been his fosterling. And, indeed, he had reason to
+blush, because he had so unadvisedly outpoured the venom which he had
+bred within him.
+
+On the morrow it was communicated to the Archbishop of Canterbury,
+that the lord Archbishop of York was about to come as legate into
+England, and that he had suggested many evil things to the Pope
+concerning him, stating that he had oppressed the churches of England
+by reason of his visitation to the extent of thirty thousand marks,
+which he had received from them. The legate, therefore, sent his
+clerks to the abbot, begging him that he would, with the other abbots,
+write to our lord the Pope and justify him.
+
+This the abbot willingly did, and thereby offered his testimony that
+the lord of Canterbury had not been to our church, nor had he
+oppressed any other church, speaking according to his conscience. And
+when the abbot had delivered those letters to the messengers of the
+archbishop, he said before us all that he did not fear, even if it
+were the archbishop's wish to deal deceitfully with those letters. The
+clerks answered on the peril of their souls, that their lord did not
+contemplate any subtle dealings, but only wished to be justified. And
+so the archbishop and the abbot were made friends.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI
+
+SAMSON'S CONTESTS WITH KNIGHTS, MONKS AND TOWNSMEN
+
+
+King Richard commanded all the bishops and abbots of England that for
+every nine knights of their baronies they should make a tenth knight,
+and that without delay those knights should go to him in Normandy,
+with horses and arms, in aid against the King of France. Wherefore it
+behoved the abbot to account to him for sending four knights. And when
+he had caused to be summoned all his knights, and had conferred with
+them thereon, they made answer that their fees, which they had holden
+of St. Edmund, were not liable to this charge, neither had they or
+their fathers ever gone out of England, although they had, on some
+occasions, paid escuage by the King's writ.
+
+The abbot was indeed in a strait; on one hand observing that hereby
+the liberty of his knights was in peril, on the other hand
+apprehending that he might lose the seisin of his barony for default
+in the King's service, as indeed had befallen the Bishop of London and
+many English barons. So he forthwith went beyond seas to the King; and
+though fatigued with many troubles and expenses, and very many
+presents which he gave the King, in the first instance he could make
+no agreement with the King by money. For the King said that he did not
+want either silver or gold, but that he instantly required four
+knights; whereupon the abbot obtained four mercenaries. When the King
+had got these, he sent them to the Castle of Eu, and the abbot paid
+them thirty-six marks down for their expenses for forty days.
+
+Now on the morrow, there came certain of the King's attendants, and
+recommended the abbot to carefully look to what he was about, stating
+that the war might possibly last a whole year or more, and that the
+expenses of the knights would consequently increase and multiply, to
+the endless damage of him and his church. They therefore advised him
+that before he left the court he should make fine with the King, so
+that he might be quit in respect of the service of the aforesaid
+knights after the forty days were passed. The abbot, having adopted
+this good counsel, gave to the King one hundred pounds for such a
+quittance. Thus being in favour with his sovereign, he returned to
+England, bringing with him the King's writ, commanding that his
+knights should be distrained by their fees to render him that King's
+service which he had got performed for them.
+
+The knights, being summoned, alleged their poverty and manifold
+grievances, and prevailed upon their lord to accept two marks upon
+every shield. The abbot, indeed, not forgetting that he had that same
+year burdened them much, and had impleaded them to make them render
+their escuage individually, was desirous of conciliating their esteem,
+and in good part accepted what they with a good grace offered.
+
+At that time, although the abbot had been put to great expenses beyond
+sea, yet he did not return home to this church empty-handed; for he
+brought with him a golden cross, and a most valuable copy of the
+Gospels, of the value of fourscore marks. On another occasion when he
+returned from beyond seas, sitting in chapter, he said that if he had
+been cellarer or chamberlain he would have made some purchase which
+would have been serviceable to his office; and since he was abbot, he
+ought to purchase something that should beseem him as abbot. After
+saying this, he offered to the convent a valuable chasuble, and a
+mitre interwoven with gold, and sandals with silken buskins, and the
+head of a crozier of silver and well wrought. In like manner, so often
+as he returned from beyond sea, he brought along with him some
+ornament or other.
+
+In the year of grace one thousand one hundred and ninety-seven,
+certain innovations and alterations took place in our church, which
+ought not to be passed over in silence. Insomuch as his ancient rents
+were not sufficient for our cellarer, Abbot Samson ordered that fifty
+pounds from Mildenhall should be given by way of increase to the
+cellarer yearly by the hands of the prior, not all at one time, but by
+monthly instalments, so that he should have something every month to
+expend, and that it should not all be disbursed at one time of the
+year.
+
+And so it was done for one year. But the cellarer with his fellows
+complained of this, saying that if he had that money in hand, he would
+provide himself and preserve a sufficient stock. The abbot, although
+unwillingly, granted his petition. Now, on the commencement of the
+month of August, the cellarer had already spent all, and, moreover,
+was in debt twenty pounds, and a debt of fifty pounds was about to
+fall due before Michaelmas.
+
+Hearing of this, the abbot was wroth, and thus spoke in chapter: "I
+have often and often threatened that I will take the cellarership into
+my own hands on account of your default and improvidence, for all of
+you keep incumbering yourselves with heavy debts. I put my own clerk
+with your cellarer as a witness, and in order that matters should be
+more advisedly managed; but there is neither clerk nor monk who dares
+to inform me of the real cause of debt. It is nevertheless said that
+excess of feasting in the prior's house, by the assent of the prior
+and cellarer, and superfluous expenses in the guest-house by the
+carelessness of the hospitaller, are the cause of all this. You see,"
+he continued, "what a great debt is now pressing; give me your advice,
+and tell me how this matter can be amended."
+
+Many of the cloister folk hearing this, and half smiling, took what
+was said in very good part, saying privily, "All that the abbot says
+is true enough." The prior cast the blame upon the cellarer, the
+cellarer in his turn upon the hospitaller; each one justified himself.
+We all of us well knew the truth of the matter, but we held our
+tongues, for we were afraid. On the morrow came the abbot, and said
+again to the convent: "Give me your opinion as to the means whereby
+your cellar can be better and more economically managed." But there
+was no one who answered, except one, who said that there was no
+superfluity at all in the refectory which could occasion such a debt
+or pressure. On the third day the abbot spoke the same words, and one
+answered, "That advice ought to proceed from yourself, as from our
+head."
+
+Then the abbot said, "As you will not state your opinion, and as you
+are incapable of managing your house for yourselves, the management of
+the monastery rests solely upon myself as father and supreme keeper. I
+take," he said, "into my own hand your cellar and the charge of the
+guests, and the stewardship of everything indoors and out of doors."
+So saying he deposed the cellarer and hospitaller, and put in their
+stead two other monks, under the style of sub-cellarer and
+hospitaller, associating with them Master G., a clerk of his own
+table, without whose assent nothing could be done, either in respect
+of meat or drink, or in regard to disbursements or receipts.
+
+The old purveyors were removed from their buying in the market, and
+provisions were bought by the clerk of the abbot, and all deficiencies
+were supplied out of the abbot's purse. The guests that ought to be
+entertained were received, and the honourable were honoured; the
+officials and monks, all of them alike, took their meals in the
+refectory, and on all sides superfluous charges were retrenched.
+However, some of the cloister monks said among themselves, "Seven, ay
+seven there were who devoured our substance, of whose devourings if
+any one did speak, he was accounted guilty of treason." Another would
+say, stretching forth his hands to heaven, "Blessed be God, who hath
+imparted this resolution to the abbot to correct such excesses"; and
+very many of them said that it was well done. Others would say, "Not
+so," they considering that such reform was an abatement of respect;
+and they styled the prudence of the abbot the ferocity of a wolf.
+Verily, they were again beginning to call their old dreams to mind,
+that the future abbot was to rage as a wolf.
+
+The knights marvelled and the townsfolk marvelled at the things that
+came to pass, and some one of the common folk said, "It is a strange
+thing that so many monks and learned men should permit their
+possessions and rents to be confused and mingled with the possessions
+of the abbot; especially as they have been always accustomed to be
+kept distinct and apart from each other. It is strange also that they
+take no heed of the peril that may befall them after the death of the
+abbot if our lord the King should find them in such a condition."
+
+Another person said that the abbot was the only one amongst them who
+acted wisely in the governing of external affairs, and that he ought
+to govern the whole who has the knowledge requisite to govern the
+whole. And there was one who said, "If there had been but one wise
+monk in such a large convent, who knew how to govern the house, the
+abbot would not have done as he has." And so we became a
+laughing-stock and a scoff to our neighbours.
+
+About this time it came to pass that the anniversary obit of abbot
+Robert was to be sung in chapter, and it was ordered that a _placebo_
+and _dirige_ should be sung more solemnly than ordinarily, namely,
+with tolling of the great bells, as upon the anniversaries of abbots
+Ording and Hugh, on account of the noble act of the aforesaid abbot
+Robert, who made the division between our possessions and rents, and
+the rents of the abbot. This solemnity, indeed, was performed by the
+advice of certain persons, so that thus at least the heart of the lord
+abbot might thus be stirred up to do what was right. There was also
+one who thought that this was done as a reproach to the abbot, who, it
+was said, was desirous of confusing and mingling together our and his
+possessions and rents, insomuch as he had seized the cellarership into
+his own hands. The abbot, however, hearing the unwonted noise of the
+bells, and well knowing and observing that it was done against all
+usage, discreetly ignored the reason of its being done, and solemnly
+chanted the mass.
+
+Indeed, on the next Michaelmas day, desiring to appease the murmurings
+of certain persons, he appointed him who had been formerly
+sub-cellarer to be cellarer, and he ordered some other man to be named
+sub-cellarer; the aforesaid clerk, nevertheless, remaining with them,
+and managing all things as before. But when that clerk began to exceed
+the bounds of temperance, saying, "I am Bu," meaning the cellarer,
+when he had exceeded the bounds of temperance in drinking, and without
+the knowledge of the abbot was holding the court of the cellarer,
+taking gages and pledges, and receiving the annual rents, disbursing
+them by his own hand, he was called by the people the chief cellarer.
+
+It was his habit to stroll about the court followed by a crowd of
+debtors, rich and poor, and of suitors of all ranks preferring various
+complaints, as if he were the master and high steward. On one such
+occasion, one of our officers happened to be standing in the court,
+and, upon seeing this, for confusion and shame, he wept outright,
+considering that this was a disgrace to our church, pondering upon the
+peril consequent thereon, and realizing that a clerk was preferred to
+a monk, to the prejudice of the whole convent.
+
+Therefore some one, who shall be nameless, undertook, through a third
+party, that these things should be intimated to the abbot in a proper
+and reasonable manner; and he was given to understand that this
+species of arrogance in the clerk, which was committed to the disgrace
+and dishonour of the society, was very likely to breed a great
+disturbance and dissension in the convent. The abbot certainly did,
+when he heard of this, forthwith summon the cellarer and the aforesaid
+clerk before him, and gave orders that thenceforth the cellarer should
+consider himself as cellarer in receiving moneys, in holding pleas,
+and in all other things, save that the aforesaid clerk should assist
+him, not as an equal, but as a witness and adviser.
+
+Hamo Blund, one of the wealthier men of this town, on his death-bed
+could hardly be persuaded to make a will. At last he did, but disposed
+of only three marks, and this in the hearing of no one, except his
+brother, wife and chaplain. The abbot, ascertaining this after the
+man's decease, called those three persons before him, and sharply
+rebuked them, especially upon this point, that the brother (who was
+his heir) and his wife would not suffer any one else to approach the
+sick man, they desiring to take all. The abbot said in audience, "I
+was his bishop, and had the charge of his soul; let not the folly of
+his priest and confessor turn to my peril. Insomuch as I could not
+advise the sick man when alive, I being absent, what concerns my
+conscience I shall now perform, late though it be. I therefore command
+that all his debts and his moveable chattels, which are worth, as it
+is said, two hundred marks, be reduced into a writing, and that one
+portion be given to the heir, and another to the wife, and the third
+to his poor kinsfolk and other poor persons. As to the horse which was
+led before the coffin of the deceased, and was offered to St. Edmund,
+I order that it be sent back and returned; for it does not beseem our
+church to be defiled with the gift of him who died intestate, and whom
+common report accuses of being habitually wont to put out his money to
+interest. By the face of God, if such a thing came to pass of any one
+again in my days, he shall not be buried in the churchyard!" On his
+saying these things, the others departed greatly disconcerted.
+
+On the morrow of the Nativity of our Lord, there took place in the
+churchyard meetings, wrestlings, and matches, between the servants of
+the abbot and the burgesses of the town; and from words they came to
+blows, from cuffs to wounds and to the shedding of blood. The abbot,
+hearing of this, called to him privately certain of those who were
+present at the sight, but yet stood afar off, and ordered that the
+names of the evil-doers should be set down in writing. All these he
+caused to be summoned, that they should stand before him on the morrow
+of St. Thomas the archbishop, in the chapel of St. Denis, to answer
+therefor. Nor did he, in the meantime, invite to his own table any one
+of the burgesses, as he had been wont to do, on the first five days of
+Christmas.
+
+On the day appointed, having taken the oaths from sixteen lawful men,
+and having heard their evidence, the abbot said, "It is manifest that
+these evil-doers have incurred the penalties of the canon _latæ
+sententiæ_; but because both parties are laymen, and do not understand
+what a crime it is to commit such a sacrilege as this, I shall by name
+and publicly excommunicate them, in order that others may be deterred
+from doing the like: and that in no wise there be any diminution of
+justice, I shall first begin with my own domestics and servants." And
+it was done accordingly, we putting on our robes and lighting the
+candles. So they all went forth from the church, and being advised so
+to do, they all stripped themselves, and altogether naked, except
+their drawers, they prostrated themselves before the door of the
+church.
+
+When the assessors of the abbot had come, monks as well as clerks, and
+informed him, with tears in their eyes, that more than a hundred men
+were lying down thus naked, the abbot wept. Nevertheless, making a
+show of legal severity both in word and countenance and concealing the
+pity he felt, he desired to be persuaded by his counsellors that the
+penitents should be absolved, knowing that mercy is exalted over
+judgment, and that the church receives all penitents. Thereupon, they
+being all sharply whipped and absolved, they swore all of them that
+they would abide by the judgment of the church for sacrilege
+committed.
+
+On the morrow, penance was assigned to them, according to the
+appointment of the canons; and thus the abbot restored all of them to
+unity of concord, uttering terrible threats to all those who by word
+or deed should furnish matter of discord.
+
+Further, he publicly forbade meetings and shows to be had in the
+churchyard; and so all things being brought to a state of peace, the
+burgesses feasted on the following days with their lord the abbot,
+with great joy.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII
+
+THE CARES OF OFFICE
+
+
+A commission of our lord the Pope had been directed to Hubert,
+Archbishop of Canterbury, and to the lord Bishop of Lincoln, and to
+Samson, Abbot of St. Edmund, touching the reformation of the church of
+Coventry, and the restoration of the monks thereto, without any
+revision of their case. The parties being summoned to Oxford, the
+judges received letters of request from our lord the King, that this
+business should be respited.
+
+The archbishop and the bishop, seeming to know nothing, were silent,
+as if seeking the favour of the clerks. The abbot was the only one who
+spoke out, and he did so as a monk for the monks of Coventry, publicly
+advocating and defending their cause. And by his means it was so far
+proceeded with on that day, that a certain simple seisin was made to
+one of the monks of Coventry by delivery of one book. But corporate
+institution was deferred for a time, that so in some degree the abbot
+might obey the request of our lord the King.
+
+At that time he entertained in his inn fourteen monks of Coventry who
+had appeared there; and when the monks were sitting at the table on
+one side of the house, and the masters of the schools who had been
+summoned thither on the other, the abbot was applauded as noble and
+liberal in his expenses. Never in all his life did he seem so joyful
+as at that time, for the reverence he bore towards reform of monastic
+rule. The feast of St. Hilary being now at hand, the abbot journeyed
+on to Coventry in high spirits, neither was he overcome by fatigue or
+charges, for he said, that even if he had to be carried in a
+horse-litter, he would not remain behind. On his arrival at Coventry,
+where for five days he was waiting for the archbishop, he kept with
+him all the afore-named monks, with their servants, in most honourable
+fashion, until a new prior was created, and the monks had been
+formally inducted. "He that hath ears to hear, let him hear," for it
+is an act worthy to be had in remembrance.
+
+After this the abbot Samson and Robert of Scales came to an agreement
+concerning the moiety of the advowson of the church of Wetherden, and
+the same Robert acknowledged it to be the right of St. Edmund and the
+abbot. Thereupon the abbot, without any previous understanding taking
+place, and without any promise previously made, gave that moiety which
+belonged to him to Master Roger of Scales, brother of the same knight,
+upon this condition, that he should pay by the hand of our sacrist an
+annual pension of three marks to that master of the schools who should
+teach in the town of St. Edmund. This the abbot did, being induced
+thereto by motives of remarkable generosity; in order that as he had
+formerly purchased stone houses for the use of the schools, that poor
+clerks should be free from house rent, so now from thenceforth they
+might be freed from all demand of moneys which the master of the
+school demanded by custom for his teaching. And so, by God's will, and
+during the abbot's life, the entire moiety of the aforesaid church,
+which is worth, as it is said, one hundred shillings, was appropriated
+to such purposes.
+
+Now the abbot, after that he had built in his vills throughout the
+abbacy many and various edifices, and had taken up his quarters at his
+manor houses oftener and more frequently than with us at home, at
+length, as if returning to himself, and as if making good better, said
+that he would stay more at home than he had been used to do; and would
+now erect some buildings within the court for necessary purposes,
+having regard to internals and externals, and as if he was aware that
+"the presence of the master is the profit of the field." Therefore he
+gave directions that the stables and offices in the court lodge and
+round about the same, formerly covered with reeds, should be newly
+roofed, and covered with tiles, under the supervision of Hugh the
+sacrist, so that thus all fear and risk of fire might be prevented.
+
+And now, behold the acceptable time, the day of desire, whereof I
+write not but with great joy, myself having the care of the guests.
+Lo! at the command of the abbot the court lodge resounds with spades
+and masons' tools, for pulling down the guest-house; and now it is
+almost all levelled. Of the rebuilding, let the Most High take
+thought! The abbot built for himself a new larder in the court lodge,
+and gave to the convent the old larder (which was situated, in a very
+slovenly fashion, under the dorter) for the accommodation of the
+chamberlain. The chapels of St. Andrew and St. Katherine and St. Faith
+were newly covered with lead; many repairs were also made, both inside
+the church and without. If you do not believe, open your eyes and see.
+Also in his time our almonry, which previously was of wood and out of
+repair, was built in stone; whereto a certain brother of ours, Walter
+the physician, at that time almoner, contributed much of what he had
+acquired by his practice of physic.
+
+The abbot also observing that the silver retable of the high altar,
+and many other precious ornaments, had been alienated for the purpose
+of the recovery of Mildenhall and the ransom of King Richard, was not
+desirous of replacing that table or such-like matters, which upon a
+similar occasion were liable to be torn away and misappropriated. He
+therefore turned his attention to the making of a most valuable
+cresting for the shrine of the glorious martyr Edmund, that his
+ornament might be set in a place whence it could by no possibility be
+abstracted, and whereon no human being would dare to put forth his
+hand.
+
+For indeed, when King Richard was captive in Germany, there was no
+treasure in England that had not either to be given up or redeemed;
+yet the shrine of St. Edmund remained untouched. However, the question
+was raised before the justices of the exchequer, whether the shrine of
+St. Edmund should not, at least in part, be stripped for the ransom of
+King Richard. But the abbot standing up, answered, "Know ye of a
+surety, that this never shall be done by me, nor is there a man who
+can compel me to consent to it. But I will open the doors of the
+church: let him enter who will, let him approach who dare." Each of
+the justices replied with oaths, "I will not venture to approach it."
+"Nor will I." "St. Edmund grievously punishes those who are far off as
+well as those who are near at hand; how much more will he inflict
+vengeance upon those who take away his vesture!"
+
+Upon this neither was the shrine despoiled, nor redemption paid.
+Therefore passing by other things, the abbot carefully and advisedly
+turned his mind towards the making of a cresting for the shrine. And
+now the plates of gold and silver resound between the hammer and the
+anvil, and "the carpenters wield their tools."
+
+Adam of Cockfield dying, left for his heir a daughter of three months
+old; and the abbot gave the wardship of his fee to whom he would. Now
+King Richard, being solicited by some of his courtiers, anxiously
+sought for the wardship and the child for the benefit of one of his
+servants; at one time by letters, at another time by messengers.
+
+But the abbot answered that he had given the ward away, and had
+confirmed his gift by his charter. Sending his own messenger to the
+King, he did all he could, by entreaty and good offices, to mitigate
+his wrath. And the King made answer, with great indignation, that he
+would avenge himself upon that proud abbot who had thwarted him, were
+it not for reverence of St. Edmund, whom he feared. When the messenger
+returned, the abbot very wisely passed over the King's threats without
+notice, and said, "Let the King send, if he will, and seize the ward;
+he has the strength and power of doing his will, indeed of taking away
+the whole of the abbacy. I shall never be bent to his will in this
+matter, nor by me shall this ever be done. For the thing that is most
+to be apprehended is, lest such things be made a precedent to the
+prejudice of my successors. On this business I will never give the
+King money. Let the Most High look to it. Whatever may befall, I will
+patiently bear."
+
+Whilst, therefore, many were saying and believing that the King was
+exasperated against the abbot, lo! the King wrote in a friendly way to
+the abbot, and requested that he would give him some of his dogs. The
+abbot, not unmindful of that saying of the wise man--
+
+ Gifts, believe me, influence both men and gods,
+ By the offer of gifts Jove himself is appeased--
+
+sent the dogs as the King requested, and moreover, added some horses
+and other valuable gifts. The King graciously accepted them, and in
+public most highly commended the honesty and fidelity of the abbot.
+
+He also sent to the abbot by his messengers, as a token of intimacy
+and affection, a ring of great price, which our lord the Pope,
+Innocent the Third, of his great grace had given him, being indeed the
+very first gift that had been offered after his consecration. Also, by
+his writ, the King rendered him many thanks for the presents the abbot
+had sent him.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII
+
+THE CUSTOMS OF THE TOWNSHIP
+
+
+Many persons marvelled at the changes in the customs that took place
+by the order or permission of the lord abbot Samson. From the time
+when the town of St. Edmund received the name and liberty of a
+borough, the men of every house used to give to the cellarer one penny
+in the beginning of August, to reap our corn, which annual payment was
+called rep-silver. Before the town became free, all of them used to
+reap as serfs; the dwellings of knights and chaplains, and of the
+servants of the court lodge being alone exempt from this payment. In
+process of time, the cellarer spared certain of the most wealthy of
+the town, demanding nothing from them. The other burgesses, seeing
+this, used openly to say that no one who had a dwelling house of his
+own was liable to pay this penny, but only those who rented houses
+from others.
+
+Afterwards, they all in common sought this exemption, conferring
+thereon with the lord abbot, and offering an annual rent as a
+composition of this demand. The abbot, indeed, considering the
+undignified way in which the cellarer used to go through the town to
+collect rep-silver, and the manner in which he used to take distresses
+in the houses of the poor, sometimes taking trivets, sometimes doors,
+and sometimes other utensils, and how the old women came out with
+their distaffs, threatening and abusing the cellarer and his men,
+ordered that twenty shillings should be given every year to the
+cellarer at the next portman-moot, at the hand of the bailiff before
+August, by the burgesses, who were to pay the rent to discharge this.
+And it was done accordingly, and confirmed by our charter, there being
+given to them another quittance from a certain customary payment,
+which is called sorpeni, in consideration of four shillings, payable
+at the same term. For the cellarer was accustomed to receive one penny
+by the year for every cow belonging to the men of the town for their
+dung and pasture (unless perchance they happened to be the cows of the
+chaplains or of the servants at the court lodge). These cows he used
+to impound, and had great trouble in the matter.
+
+Afterwards, indeed, when the abbot made mention of this in the
+chapter, the convent was very angry, and took it in ill part, so much
+so that Benedict the sub-prior in the chapter, answering for all,
+said, "That man, abbot Ording, who lies there, would not have done
+such a thing for five hundred marks of silver." The abbot, although he
+himself felt angry, put off the matter for a time.
+
+There arose also a great contention between Roger the cellarer and
+Hugh the sacrist concerning the appurtenances of their offices, so
+that the sacrist would not lend to the cellarer the prison of the town
+for the purpose of detaining therein the thieves who were taken in the
+cellarer's jurisdiction. The cellarer was thereby oftentimes harassed,
+and because the thieves escaped he was reprimanded for default of
+justice.
+
+Now it came to pass that one holding as a free tenant of the cellarer,
+dwelling without the gate, by name Ketel, was charged with theft, and
+being vanquished in a trial by battle, was hanged. The convent was
+grieved by the offensive words of the burgesses, who said that if that
+man had only dwelt within the borough, it would not have come to the
+ordeal, but that he would have acquitted himself by the oaths of his
+neighbours, as is the privilege of those who dwell within the borough.
+Therefore the abbot and the more reasonable part of the convent seeing
+this, and bearing in mind that the men without the borough as well as
+those within are ours, and ought all of them in like manner to enjoy
+the same liberty within the jurisdiction, except the villeins of
+Hardwick and their like, deliberately took thought with themselves how
+this could be done.
+
+Thereupon the abbot, being desirous of limiting the offices of the
+sacristy and the cellary by certain articles, and of quieting all
+contentions, commanded, as if taking the part of the sacrist, that the
+servants of the town bailiff and the servants of the cellarer should
+together enter upon the fee of the cellarer for the purpose of seizing
+thieves and malefactors, and that the bailiff should have half the
+profit for their imprisonment and safe keeping and for his pains
+therein; and that the court of the cellarer should go to the
+portman-moot, and judge the prisoners in common. It was also ordered
+that the men of the cellarer should come to the toll-house with the
+others, and there renew their pledges, and should be inscribed upon
+the bailiff's roll, and should there give the bailiff that penny which
+is called borth-selver, whereof the cellarer was to have one half
+part; but at this time the cellarer receives nothing at all from this.
+The intent of all this was, that every one should enjoy equal
+privilege. Nevertheless, the burgesses at this time say, that the
+dwellers in the outskirts ought not to be quit of toll in market,
+unless they belong to the merchant's guild. Moreover, the bailiff (the
+abbot conniving at the matter) now claims for himself the fines and
+forfeitures accruing from the fee of the cellarer.
+
+The ancient customs of the cellarer, which we have seen, were these:
+The cellarer had his messuage and barns near Scurun's well, at which
+place he was accustomed to exercise his jurisdiction upon robbers, and
+hold his court for all pleas and plaints. Also at that place he was
+accustomed to put his men in pledge, and to enroll them and to renew
+their pledges every year, and to take such profit therefor as the
+bailiff of the town was to take at the portman-moot. This messuage,
+with the adjacent garden, now in the occupation of the infirmarer, was
+the mansion of Beodric, who was of old time the lord of this town, and
+after whom also the town came to be called Beodricsworth. His demesne
+lands are now in the demesne of the cellarer, and that which is now
+called averland was the land of his rustics. And the total amount of
+the holding of himself and his churls was thirty times thirty acres of
+land, which are still the fields of this town.
+
+The service thereof, when the town was made free, was divided into two
+parts, so that the sacrist or town bailiff was to receive a free
+annual payment, namely, for each acre twopence. The cellarer was to
+have the ploughings and other services, namely, the ploughing of one
+rood for each acre, without meals (which custom is still observed),
+and was to have the folds wherein all the men of the town, except the
+steward, who has his own fold, are bound to put their sheep (which
+custom also is still observed); and was to have aver-peni, namely, for
+each thirty acres twopence (which custom was done away with before the
+decease of abbot Hugh, when Gilbert of Elveden was cellarer).
+
+Furthermore, the men of the town were wont upon the order of the
+cellarer to go to Lakenheath, and bring back a day's catch of eels
+from Southrey. They often, indeed, used to return empty-handed, so
+they had their trouble without any profit to the cellarer. It was
+therefore settled between them that each thirty acres, from
+thenceforth, should pay one penny by the year, and the men were to
+remain at home. But, in fact, at this time, those lands are subdivided
+into so many parts, that it can hardly be ascertained by whom that
+annual payment is to be made; so that I have seen the cellarer, in one
+year, receive twenty-seven pence, but now he can hardly get tenpence
+halfpenny.
+
+The cellarer was also wont to exercise authority over the ways without
+the town, so that it was not lawful for any one to dig for chalk or
+clay without his licence. He also was accustomed to summon the fullers
+of the town, that they should furnish cloth for his salt. Otherwise he
+would prohibit them the use of the waters, and would seize the webs he
+found there; which customs are still observed. Also, whosoever bought
+corn, or indeed anything from the cellarer, was accustomed to be quit
+from toll at the gate of the town when he went homewards, wherefore
+the cellarer sold his produce dearer; which usage is still observed.
+Also, the cellarer is accustomed to take toll of flax at the time of
+its carrying, namely, one truss from each load. Also, the cellarer
+alone ought, or at least used to have, a free bull in the fields of
+the town; now many persons have bulls.
+
+Also, when any one surrendered his burgage land in alms to the
+convent, and this was assigned to the cellarer, or other official,
+that land used, thenceforth, to be quit of haggovele, and most
+especially so to the cellarer, on account of the dignity of his
+office, for he is the second father in the monastery, or even as a
+matter of reverence to the convent, for the estate of those who
+procure our provisions ought to be favourable. But the abbot says that
+usage is unjust, because the sacrist loses his service. Further, the
+cellarer was accustomed to warrant to the servants of the court lodge,
+that they should be quit of scot and tallage; but now it is not so,
+for the burgesses say that the servants of the court lodge ought to be
+quit only so far as they are servants, but not when they hold burgage
+in the town, and when they or their wives publicly buy and sell in the
+market.
+
+Also, the cellarer was used freely to take all the dunghills in the
+street, for his own use, unless it were before the doors of those who
+were holding averland; for to them only was it allowable to collect
+dung, and to keep it. This custom gradually lapsed in the time of
+abbot Hugh until Dennis and Roger of Hingham became cellarers. Being
+desirous of reviving the ancient custom, they took the cars of the
+burgesses laden with dung, and made them unload; but a multitude of
+the burgesses resisting, and being too strong for them, every one in
+his own tenement now collects his dung in a heap, and the poor sell
+theirs when and to whom they choose.
+
+The cellarer was also wont to have this privilege in the market of
+this town, that he and his purveyors should have pre-emption of all
+the provisions for the use of the convent, if the abbot were not at
+home. Also, that the purveyors of the abbot, or cellarer, whichever of
+them first came into the market, should buy first, either the latter
+without the former, or the former without the latter. But if both were
+present, then preference was to be given to the abbot. Also, in the
+season when herrings were sold, the purveyors of the abbot should
+always buy a hundred herrings at a halfpenny less than other people,
+and likewise the cellarer and his purveyors. Also, if a load of fish
+or other provisions should come first into the court lodge, or into
+the market, and that load should not have been discharged from the
+horse or from the cart, the cellarer or his purveyors might buy the
+whole and take it home with them without paying toll. But the abbot
+Samson commanded his purveyors that they should give preference to the
+cellarer and his men, because, as he himself said, he had much rather
+himself go without than his convent. Therefore the purveyors, "in
+honour preferring one another," if they find there is any one thing to
+be bought which is not enough for both parties, buy it between them,
+and divide it, share and share alike, and so between the head and the
+members, and the father and the sons, there remains an agreement in
+disagreement.
+
+The poet has said, "Envy aims at the highest," and it is for this
+reason that I repeat these words, that when some one was perusing this
+narrative, and while he was reading of so many good acts, he called me
+a flatterer of the abbot, and a seeker of favour and grace, saying
+that I had silently suppressed some things which ought not to have
+been passed by.
+
+When I inquired which and what sort of acts they might be, he
+answered, "Do you not see how the abbot grants away, at his own good
+pleasure, the escheats of land belonging to the demesnes of the
+convent, and the female heirs of lands, and the widows, as well within
+the town of St. Edmund as without? Also, do you not see how the abbot
+draws to himself the plaints and pleas of those who demand by the
+King's writ lands which are of the fee of the convent, and especially
+those plaints from which profit arises; and those from which no gain
+ensues, he turns over to the cellarer or sacrist, or other officials?"
+Whereto I answered, as I believe the fact to be, perhaps rightly,
+perhaps wrongly, and said that every lord of a fee whereto there is
+homage, ought by right to have an escheat whenever it shall have
+fallen within the fee in respect whereof he has received homage. By
+parity of reason, there is due to him general aid of the burgesses,
+and also the wardships of boys, and the gifts of widows and girls, in
+those fees in respect whereof he has received homage; for all these
+things seem to belong to the abbot alone, unless by chance the abbey
+shall be vacant.
+
+Moreover, in the town of St. Edmund a special custom has place, by
+reason of its being a borough, that the next in blood shall have the
+wardship of a boy with an inheritance, until the years of discretion.
+Furthermore, I thus answered him concerning the plaints and pleas,
+that I had never seen the abbot usurp jurisdiction that belonged to
+us, unless in default of our administering justice; but nevertheless,
+he had on some occasions taken money, in order that by the
+intervention of his authority plaints and pleas should attain their
+final determination. Also, I have sometimes seen pleas which belonged
+to us decided in the court of the abbot, because there was not any in
+the commencement of the suit who would, on the part of the convent,
+assert jurisdiction.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV
+
+THE SHRINE OF ST. EDMUND
+
+
+In the year of grace one thousand one hundred and ninety-eight, the
+glorious martyr Edmund was pleased to strike terror into our convent,
+and to instruct us that his body should be kept more reverently and
+diligently than it had hitherto been.
+
+There was a wooden platform between the shrine and the high altar,
+whereon stood two tapers, which the keepers of the shrine used to
+renew and stick together, by placing one candle upon the stump of
+another in a slovenly manner. Under this platform there were many
+things irreverently huddled together, such as flax and thread and wax,
+and various utensils. In fact, whatever was used by the keepers of the
+shrine was put there, for there was a door with iron gratings.
+
+Now, when these keepers of the shrine were fast asleep, on the night
+of St. Etheldreda, part of a candle that had been renewed, and was
+still burning, fell, as we conjecture, upon the aforesaid platform
+covered with rags. Consequently, all that was near, above or below,
+began to burn rapidly, so much so that the iron gratings were at a
+white heat. And lo! the wrath of the Lord was kindled, but not without
+mercy, according to that saying, "In wrath remember mercy"; for just
+then the clock struck before the hour of matins, and the master of the
+vestry getting up, observed and noticed the fire. He ran at once, and,
+striking the gong as if for a dead person, cried at the top of his
+voice that the shrine was consumed by fire.
+
+We then, all running thither, found the fire raging wonderfully, and
+encircling the whole shrine, and almost reaching the woodwork of the
+church. Our young men, running for water, some to the well, some to
+the clock, some with their hoods, not without great labour,
+extinguished the force of the fire, and also stripped some of the
+altars upon the first alarm. And when cold water was poured upon the
+front of the shrine, the stones fell, and were reduced almost to
+powder. Moreover, the nails by which the plates of silver were affixed
+to the shrine started from the wood, which had been burnt underneath
+to the thickness of my finger, and the plates of silver were left
+dangling one from the other without nails. However, the golden image
+of the Majesty in front of the shrine, together with some of the
+stonework, remained firm and untouched, and brighter after the fire
+than it was before, for it was all of gold.
+
+It so happened, by the will of the Highest, that at that time the
+great beam which used to be over the altar had been removed, in order
+to be adorned with new carving. It also happened that the cross, the
+small image of St. Mary and St. John, the chest with the shirt of St.
+Edmund, and the reliquaries and other shrines which used to hang from
+the same beam, and other holy things which also stood upon the beam,
+had every one of them been previously taken away. Otherwise all these
+would have been burnt, as we believe, even as a painted cloth was
+burnt which hung in the place of this beam. But what would it have
+been had the church been curtained?
+
+When, therefore, we had assured ourselves that the fire had in no
+place penetrated the shrine, by carefully inspecting the chinks and
+crannies, if there were any, and had perceived that all was cold, our
+grief in a great measure abated: but all at once some of our brethren
+cried out with a great wailing, that the cup of St. Edmund had been
+burnt. When many of us were searching here and there for the stones
+and plates among the coals and cinders, they drew forth the cup
+entirely uninjured, lying in the middle of the great charred timbers,
+which were then put out, and found the same wrapped up in a linen
+cloth, half burnt. But the oaken box in which the cup was usually
+placed had been burnt to ashes, and only the iron bands and iron lock
+were found. When we saw this miracle, we all wept for joy.
+
+Now, as we observed that the greater part of the front of the shrine
+was stripped off, and abhorring the disgraceful circumstances of the
+fire, after a general consultation we sent for a goldsmith, and caused
+the metal plates to be joined together and fixed to the shrine without
+the least delay, to avoid the scandal of the matter. We also caused
+all traces of the fire to be covered over with wax or in some other
+way. But the Evangelist testifies that "there is nothing covered which
+shall not be revealed": for some pilgrims came very early in the
+morning to make their offerings, who could have perceived nothing of
+the sort. Nevertheless, certain of them, peering about, inquired where
+was the fire that they had just heard had been about the shrine. And
+since it could not be entirely concealed, it was answered to these
+inquirers that a candle had fallen down and that three napkins had
+been burnt, and that by the heat of the fire some of the stonework in
+front of the shrine had been destroyed. Yet for all this there went
+forth a lying rumour, that the head of the saint had been burnt. Some
+indeed contented themselves with saying that the hair only was singed;
+but afterwards, the truth being known, "the mouth of them that spake
+lies was stopped."
+
+All these things came to pass by God's providence, in order that the
+places round about the shrine of His saint should be more decently
+kept, and that the purpose of the lord abbot should be sooner and
+without delay carried into execution; which was, that the shrine
+itself, together with the body of the holy martyr, should be placed
+with greater security, and with more pomp, in a more dignified
+position. For before this aforesaid mishap occurred, the cresting of
+the shrine was half finished, and the marble blocks whereon the shrine
+was to be elevated and was to rest, were for the most part ready and
+polished.
+
+The abbot, who at this time was absent, was exceedingly grieved at
+these reports; and he on his return home, going into the
+chapter-house, declared that these and the like, nay, much greater
+perils might befall us for our sins, more especially for our grumbling
+about our meat and drink; in a certain measure turning the blame upon
+the whole body of the convent, rather than upon the avarice and
+carelessness of the keepers of the shrine. To the intent that he might
+induce us to abstain from our pittances for at least one year, and to
+apply, for at least a year, the rents of the pittancy, for the purpose
+of repairing the front of the shrine with pure gold, he himself first
+showed us an example of liberality by giving all the treasure of gold
+he possessed, namely, fifteen golden rings, worth, as it was believed,
+sixty marks, in our presence, towards the reparation of the shrine.
+
+We, on the other hand, all agreed to give our pittancy for such
+purpose; but our resolution was afterwards altered, by the sacrist
+saying that St. Edmund could very well repair his shrine without such
+assistance.
+
+At this time there came a man of great account, but who he was I know
+not, that related to the abbot a vision he had seen, whereat he
+himself was much moved. Indeed, he related the same in full chapter,
+with a very bitter speech. "It is indeed true," he said, "that a
+certain great man has seen a vision, to wit, that he saw the holy
+martyr St. Edmund lie outside his shrine, and with groans say that he
+was despoiled of his clothes, and was wasted away by hunger and
+thirst; and that his churchyard and the courts of his church were
+negligently kept."
+
+This dream the abbot expounded to us all publicly, laying the blame
+upon us, in this fashion: "St. Edmund alleges that he is naked,
+because you defraud the naked poor of your old clothes, and because
+you give with reluctance what you are bound to give them, and it is
+the same with your meat and drink. Moreover, the idleness and
+negligence of the sacrist and his associates, are apparent from the
+recent misfortune by fire which has taken place between the shrine and
+the altar." On hearing this the convent was very sorrowful; and after
+chapter several of the brethren met together, and interpreted the
+dream after this fashion: "We," said they, "are the naked members of
+St. Edmund, and the convent is his naked body; for we are despoiled of
+our ancient customs and privileges. The abbot has everything, the
+chamberlainship, the sacristy, the cellary; while we perish of hunger
+and thirst, because we have not our victuals, save by the clerk of the
+abbot and by his ministration. If the keepers of the shrine have been
+negligent, let the abbot lay it to his own charge, for it was he who
+appointed such careless fellows."
+
+In such wise spoke many in the convent. But when this interpretation
+of the dream was communicated to the abbot, in the forest of Harlow,
+on his way from London, he was very wroth, and was troubled in mind,
+and made answer: "They will wrest that dream against me, will they? By
+the face of God! so soon as I reach home I will restore to them the
+customs that they say are theirs. I will withdraw my clerk from the
+cellary, and will leave them to themselves; and I shall see the fruits
+of their wisdom at the end of the year. This year I have been residing
+at home, and I have caused their cellary to be managed without
+incurring debt; and this is the way in which they render me thanks."
+
+On the abbot's return home, having it in purpose to translate the
+blessed martyr, he humbled himself before God and man, meditating
+within himself how he might reform himself, and make himself at peace
+with all men, especially with his own convent. Therefore, sitting in
+chapter, he commanded that a cellarer and sub-cellarer should be
+chosen by our common assent, and withdrew his own clerk, saying, that
+whatsoever he had done he had done it for our advantage, as he called
+God and his saints to witness, and justified himself in various ways.
+
+"Hear, O Heaven!" the things that I speak; "give ear, O earth!" to
+what Abbot Samson did. The feast of St. Edmund now approaching, the
+marble blocks were polished, and everything made ready for the
+elevation of the shrine. The feast day having therefore been kept on a
+Friday, a three days' fast was proclaimed on the following Sunday to
+the people, and the occasion of the fast was publicly explained. The
+abbot also announced to the convent that they should prepare
+themselves for transferring the shrine, and placing it upon the high
+altar, until the masons' work was finished; and he appointed the time
+and the manner for doing this work.
+
+When we had that night come to matins, there stood the great shrine
+upon the altar, empty within, adorned with white doeskins above,
+below, and round about, which were fixed to the wood by silver nails;
+but one panel stood below, by a column of the church, and the sacred
+body still lay in its accustomed place. Lauds having been sung, we all
+proceeded to take our disciplines. This being performed, the lord
+abbot and those with him vested themselves in albs; and approaching
+reverently, as it was fit they should, they hastened to uncover the
+coffin.
+
+First there was an outer cloth of linen, overwrapping the coffin and
+all. This was found tied on the upper side with strings of its own.
+Within this was a cloth of silk, and then another linen cloth, and
+then a third. And so at last the coffin was uncovered, standing upon a
+tray of wood, that the bottom of it might not be injured by the stone.
+
+Affixed to the outside, over the breast of the martyr, lay an angel of
+gold, about the length of a man's foot, holding in one hand a golden
+sword and in the other a banner. Underneath it, there was a hole in
+the lid of the coffin, where the ancient custodians of the martyr had
+been wont to lay their hands, for the purpose of touching the sacred
+body. And over the figure of the angel was this verse inscribed:--
+
+"Martiris ecce zoma servat Michaelis agalma."
+
+("_Behold the martyr's body St. Michael's image keeps._")
+
+At the two heads of the coffin were iron rings, as there used to be on
+Danish chests.
+
+So, raising up the coffin with the body, they carried it to the altar,
+and I lent thereto my sinful hand to help in carrying it, although the
+abbot had strictly commanded that no one should approach unless he was
+called. The coffin was placed within the shrine, and the panel was put
+thereon and fastened down.
+
+Now we all began to think that the abbot would exhibit the coffin to
+the people on the octave of the feast, and would replace the sacred
+body before all of us. But we were sadly deceived, as the sequel will
+show; for on Wednesday, while the convent was singing compline, the
+abbot spoke with the sacrist and Walter the physician, and it was
+resolved that twelve brethren should be appointed who were strong
+enough to carry the panels of the shrine, and skilful in fixing and
+unfixing them.
+
+The abbot then said that it had been the object of his prayers to see
+his patron saint, and that he wished to join with him the sacrist and
+Walter the physician when he looked upon him; and there were also
+nominated the abbot's two chaplains, the two keepers of the shrine,
+and the two keepers of the vestry, with six others, Hugh the sacrist,
+Walter the physician, Augustine, William of Diss, Robert and Richard.
+The convent being all asleep, these twelve vested themselves in albs,
+and drawing the coffin out of the shrine, carried and placed it upon a
+table near where the shrine used to be, and commenced unfastening the
+lid, which was joined and fixed to the coffin with sixteen very long
+iron nails. When, with considerable difficulty, they had performed
+this, all were ordered to go further away, except the two forenamed
+associates.
+
+Now the coffin was so filled with the sacred body, both in length and
+width, that even a needle could hardly be put between the head and the
+wood or between the feet and the wood. The head lay united to the
+body, somewhat raised by a small pillow. The abbot, looking
+attentively, next found a silk cloth veiling the whole body, and then
+a linen cloth of wondrous whiteness, and upon the head a small linen
+cloth, and after that another small and very fine silken cloth, as if
+it had been the veil of some nun. Lastly, they discovered the body,
+wound round with a linen cloth, and then it was that all the
+lineaments of the saint's body were laid open to view.
+
+At this point the abbot stopped, saying he durst not proceed further,
+or view the holy body naked. Taking the head between his hands, he
+sighed and spoke thus: "Glorious martyr, St. Edmund, blessed be the
+hour wherein thou wast born! Glorious martyr, turn not my boldness to
+my perdition, for that I, miserable sinner, do touch thee, for thou
+knowest my devotion and my intention!" And proceeding, he touched the
+eyes and the nose, which was very massive and prominent. Then he
+touched the breast and arms, and raising the left arm, he touched the
+fingers, and placed his own fingers between the fingers of the saint.
+Proceeding further, he found the feet standing stiff up, like the feet
+of a man who had died that day, and he touched the toes, and in
+touching counted them.
+
+It was then proposed that the other brethren should be called forward,
+in order that they might see these wonders; and six, being thus
+called, approached, and also six other brethren with them, who had
+stolen in without the abbot's assent, and saw the saint's body,
+namely, Walter of St. Alban's, Hugh the infirmarer, Gilbert the
+brother of the prior, Richard of Hingham, Jocell the cellarer, and
+Thurstan the little, who alone put forth his hand, and touched the
+feet and knees of the saint. And the Most High so ordering it, that
+there might be abundance of witnesses, one of our brethren, John of
+Diss, sitting upon the roof of the church with the servants of the
+vestry, saw all these things plainly enough.
+
+All this being done, the lid was fastened down on the coffin with the
+same, and with the same number of nails, and in like manner as before,
+the martyr being covered up with the same cloths and in the same order
+as he was when first discovered. Finally, the coffin was placed in the
+accustomed place, and there was put upon the coffin, near to the
+angel, a certain silken bag, wherein was deposited a schedule written
+in English, containing certain salutations of Ailwin the monk, as is
+believed, which schedule was found close by the golden angel when the
+coffin was uncovered. By the abbot's order, there was forthwith
+written another short memorandum, also deposited in the same bag, in
+the following form of words: "In the year of the incarnation of our
+Lord, 1198, the abbot Samson, upon the impulse of devotion, saw and
+touched the body of St. Edmund on the night after the feast of St.
+Catherine, these being witnesses." And thereto were subscribed the
+names of the eighteen monks.
+
+The brethren also wound the whole coffin up in a suitable linen cloth,
+and over the same placed a new and most valuable silken cloth, which
+Hubert, Archbishop of Canterbury, had offered at the shrine that very
+year, and they placed lengthwise a certain linen cloth doubled under
+it and next to the stone, to prevent the coffin or the tray whereon it
+stood from being injured by the stone. Afterwards the panels were
+brought forth, and properly joined together on the shrine.
+
+When the convent assembled to sing matins, and understood what had
+been done, all who had not seen these things were very sorrowful,
+saying among themselves, "We have been sadly deceived." However, after
+matins had been sung, the abbot called the convent to the high altar,
+and briefly recounting what had been done, alleged that he ought not
+to call--and could not call--all of them to be present on such an
+occasion. Hearing this, with tears we sang "Te Deum laudamus," and
+hastened to ring the bells in the choir.
+
+On the fourth day after, the abbot deposed the keepers of the shrine
+and the keeper of St. Botolph, appointing new ones, and establishing
+rules, so that the holy places should be more carefully and diligently
+kept. He also caused the great altar, which heretofore was hollow, and
+wherein many things were irreverently stowed away, and that space
+which was between the shrine and the altar, to be made solid with
+stone and cement, so that no danger from fire could arise by the
+negligence of the keepers, as had been already the case; according to
+the saying of the wise man, who said,
+
+"Happy is he who learns caution from the danger of others."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV
+
+THE MONASTERY IN REVOLT
+
+
+Now when the abbot had obtained the favour and grace of King Richard
+by gifts and money, so that he had good reason to believe that he
+could succeed according to his desire in all his undertakings, the
+King died, and the abbot lost his labour and outlay. However, King
+John, immediately after his coronation, setting aside all other
+affairs, came down to St. Edmund, drawn thither by his vow and by
+devotion. We, indeed, believed that he was come to make offering of
+some great matter; but all he offered was one silken cloth, which his
+servants had borrowed from our sacrist, and to this day have not paid
+for. He availed himself of the hospitality of St. Edmund, which was
+attended with enormous expense, and upon his departure bestowed
+nothing at all, either of honour or profit, upon the saint, save
+thirteen pence sterling, which he offered at his mass on the day of
+his departure.
+
+About that time some of our officials made complaint, stating in our
+chapter that Ralph the porter, our servant, maintained causes and
+actions against them to the damage of the church and to the prejudice
+of the convent. It was ordered by the prior, with the assent of us
+all, that he should be punished according to the custom whereby our
+servants are usually punished, that is, by the withholding of their
+stipends. It was therefore ordered that the cellarer should withhold
+from him, not the corody which of right belonged to his office
+according to the tenour of his charter, but certain additions and
+perquisites which the cellarer and sub-cellarer allowed him without
+knowledge of the convent at large. Now the aforesaid Ralph,
+accompanied by certain of the abbot's table, complained to the abbot
+on his return from London, that the prior and convent had disseised
+him of his corody, whereof he was seised when the abbot had first come
+to the abbacy. They also stated to the abbot that this act was done
+without his sanction, and to his dishonour, and unreasonably, without
+his advice, and without investigation. The abbot indeed believed him,
+and, in other wise than was either fitting or customary, became
+excited. He instantly justified Ralph, and affirmed that he was
+innocent. Coming into chapter and complaining thereof, he said that
+what had been done was to his prejudice and without his consent. And
+it was answered by one of us, the others all joining him, that this
+was done by the prior, and with the assent of the whole convent.
+
+The abbot was confused at this, saying, "I have nourished and brought
+up children, and they have rebelled against me." Not overlooking this
+(as he ought to have done) for the sake of peace to the many, but
+rather exhibiting his power with a resolution not to be over-mastered,
+he openly gave command to the cellarer that he should restore to
+Ralph, fully and wholly, all that had been taken from him, and that he
+should drink nothing but water till he had restored everything. But
+Jocell the cellarer, hearing this, chose for that day to drink water,
+rather than restore the corody to Ralph against the will of the
+convent. When this came to the abbot's knowledge on the morrow, he
+forbade both meat and drink to the cellarer until he restored all.
+With these words the abbot immediately departed from the town, and
+stayed away for eight days.
+
+On the same day on which the abbot had departed, the cellarer arose in
+chapter, and exhibiting the precept of the abbot, and holding his keys
+in his hand, said that he had rather be deposed from his office than
+do anything in opposition to the convent. And then there began a great
+tumult in the convent, such as I had never before seen; and they said
+that the precept of the abbot was not to be obeyed. But the seniors
+and more prudent men of the convent, discreetly holding their tongues,
+upon being urged gave it as their opinion that the abbot was to be
+obeyed in everything, except in things manifestly against God's
+pleasure; and intimated that we must bear with this scandalous
+behaviour for a time for the sake of peace, lest worse should befall.
+Now when the prior had begun to sing "Verba mea" for all deceased, as
+is the rule, the novices withstood him, and with them nearly the half
+of the convent; and raising their voices, they all cried out in
+answer, and opposed it. Nevertheless, the senior part of the convent
+prevailed, although they were few as compared with the rest.
+
+The abbot, although absent, yet by his messengers terrified some by
+threats. Some others he drew over to him by fair words; and the more
+influential men of the convent, as though they were afraid even of his
+garment, he caused to secede from the counsel of the generality, that
+that gospel should be fulfilled which says, "Every kingdom divided
+against itself is brought to desolation." Moreover, the abbot said
+that he would by no means come amongst us, by reason of the
+conspiracies and oaths which, as he said, we had made against him,
+that we should kill him with our knives. However, returning home, and
+sitting in his inner chamber, he gave orders to one of our brethren
+whom he vehemently suspected, that he should come to him; and because
+he would not come, fearing to be taken and bound, he was
+excommunicated; and the whole day after he was put into fetters,
+remaining till morning in the infirmary. Three others the abbot also
+included in a lighter sentence, in order that the others might fear.
+
+On the morrow it was resolved that the abbot should be sent for, and
+that we should humble ourselves before him, both in word and
+demeanour, so that his anger might be appeased; and it was done
+accordingly. He, on the other hand, answering meekly enough, but
+always alleging his own rectitude, laid the blame upon us. Yet when he
+saw that we were willing to be overcome, was himself fairly overcome.
+Bursting into tears, he swore that he had never grieved for any one
+thing as he had upon the present occasion, as well on his own account
+as on our account also, and more especially for the scandal, the evil
+report which had already gone abroad concerning our dissension, to the
+effect that the monks of St. Edmund wished to kill their abbot.
+
+And when the abbot had told us how he went away on purpose till his
+anger had cooled, repeating this saying of the philosopher, "I would
+have taken vengeance upon thee had I not been angry," he arose,
+weeping, and embraced all and every one of us with the kiss of peace.
+He wept, and we also wept. The brethren who had been excommunicated
+were immediately absolved; and thus "the tempest ceased, and there was
+a great calm." Yet for all this the abbot gave private orders that the
+accustomed corody should be given without stint to Ralph the porter,
+as heretofore; to which matter, however, we shut our eyes, being at
+last made to understand that there is no lord who will not bear rule,
+and that battle is perilous which is undertaken against the stronger,
+and is begun against the more powerful party.
+
+In the year of grace one thousand two hundred a marshalling took place
+of the knights of St. Edmund and of their fees, whereof their
+ancestors had been infeoffed.
+
+ Alberic de Vere holds five knights' fees and a half: namely, in
+ Loddon and in Brome, one knight's fee; in Mendham and Preston, one
+ knight's fee; in Rede, one knight's fee; and in Cockfield, half a
+ knight's fee; and in Livermere, two knights' fees.
+
+ William of Hastings holds five knights' fees: to wit, in Lidgate, and
+ in Blunham and in Harling, three knights' fees; and in Tibenham and
+ in Gissing, two.
+
+ The Earl Roger holds three knights' fees in Norton and Brisingham.
+
+ Robert Fitz Roger holds one knight's fee in Marlesford.
+
+ Alexander of Kirkby holds one knight's fee in Kirkby.
+
+ Roger of Eu holds two knights' fees, in Mickfield and in Topscroft.
+
+ Arnald of Charneles and his co-parceners, one knight's fee, in
+ Oakley, and in Quiddenham, and in Thurston, and Stuston.
+
+ Osbert of Wachesham, one knight's fee in Marlingford and in Wortham.
+
+ William of Tostock, one knight's fee in Randestune.
+
+ Gilbert Fitz Ralph, three knights' fees: namely, in Thelnetham and in
+ Hepworth, one knight's fee; in Reydon (in Blithing) and in Gissing,
+ one knight's fee; and in Saxham, one knight's fee.
+
+ Ralph of Buckenham, half a knight's fee in Buckenham.
+
+ William of Bardwell, two knights' fees in Barningham, and in
+ Bardwell, and in Hunston, and in Stanton.
+
+ Robert of Langtoft holds three knights' fees, in Stow, and in
+ Ashfield, and in Troston, and in Little Waltham in Essex.
+
+ Adam of Cockfield, two knights' fees: namely, in Lavenham, and in
+ Onehouse, one knight's fee; and in Lelesey.
+
+ Robert Fitz Walter, one knight's fee, in Great Fakenham and in
+ Sapiston.
+
+ William Blund, one knight's fee in Thorp (in Blackbourn).
+
+ Gilbert of Peche, two knights' fees: namely, in Waude and in Gedding,
+ one knight's fee; in Felsham, and in Euston, and in Groton, one
+ knight's fee.
+
+ Gilbert of St. Clare, two knights' fees, in Bradfield and in
+ Wattisfield.
+
+ Geoffrey of Whelnetham and Gilbert of Manston, one knight's fee, in
+ Whelnetham and in Manston.
+
+ Hubert of Ansty, half a knight's fee in Briddinghoe.
+
+ Gervase of Rothing, one knight's fee, in Chipley and in Rothing.
+
+ Robert of Halsted, one knight's fee in Halsted, and half a knight's
+ fee in Brockley.
+
+ Reginald of Brockley, one knight's fee in Brockley.
+
+ Simon of Patteshall, half a knight's fee in Whatfield.
+
+ Peter Fitz Alan, half a knight's fee in Brockley.
+
+ Ralph of Presseni, half a knight's fee in Stanningfield.
+
+ Richard of Ickworth, two knights' fees, in Ickworth and in Wangford.
+
+ Robert of Horning, half a knight's fee in Horning.
+
+ Walter of Saxham, one knight's fee, in Ashfield and in Saxham.
+
+ William of Wordwell, half a knight's fee in Whelnetham.
+
+ Norman of Risby, half a knight's fee in Risby.
+
+ Peter of Livermere and Alan of Flempton, one knight's fee in
+ Livermere and Ampton.
+
+ Roger of Morieux, one knight's fee in Thorpe.
+
+ Hugh of Eleigh, in Eleigh, and in Preston, and in Bradfield, two
+ knights' fees.
+
+ Stephen of Brockdish, one fourth part of a knight's fee in Brockdish.
+
+ Adam of Barningham, one fourth part of a knight's fee in Barningham.
+
+ William of Wordwell, in Little Livermere and in Wordwell, one fourth
+ part of a knight's fee.
+
+ The total is fifty-two fees and one-half and one quarter.
+
+Now Geoffrey Ruffus, one of our monks, although he deported himself
+in somewhat too secular a manner, yet was a useful person to us in
+the keeping of the four manors of Barton, Pakenham, Rougham, and
+Bradfield, where there had often been heretofore a deficiency in the
+farms. But the abbot, although hearing of the evil report of his
+continence, yet winked at it for a long time, most likely because
+Geoffrey seemed to be serviceable to the community. At length, when
+the truth was known, the abbot suddenly made a seizure of his chests,
+put them in the vestry, and caused all the stock of the different
+manors to be kept most closely, and remanded Geoffrey to the
+cloister. There was found much gold and silver, to the value of two
+hundred marks, the whole of which the abbot said was to be laid by
+for the purpose of making the front of the shrine of St. Edmund.
+
+On the feast of St. Michael it was decreed in chapter that two
+brethren, not one alone, should succeed to the keepership of the
+manors, whereof one was Roger of Hingham, who promised before us all
+that he was willing and able to undertake the charge of the manors
+and cellary together. The abbot gave his assent thereto, but the
+convent was reluctant. And Jocell, who had well and carefully managed
+his office, and for two years had been in charge of the cellary
+without incurring debt, as other cellarers had used to do, was
+deposed from the cellary and was made sub-cellarer. But at the end of
+the year, Roger, on rendering account of his receipts and outgoings,
+affirmed that he had received sixty marks from the stock of the
+manors to supply the deficiency of the cellarer. Therefore, upon
+counsel being taken, it was resolved that Jocell should be restored
+to the cellary; and Mildenhall and Chebenhall and Southwold were
+granted to him. The other manors were committed to Roger and Albin,
+and were divided from the cellary, lest the manors should be ruined
+by the cellary, or the cellary be ruined by the manors.
+
+Adam of Cockfield being dead, the abbot could have had three hundred
+marks for the wardship of the only daughter of the same Adam; but
+because the grandfather of the damsel had taken her away privily, and
+inasmuch as the abbot was not able to obtain seisin of the damsel,
+unless by the aid of the archbishop, the abbot granted that wardship
+to Hubert, Archbishop of Canterbury, for the consideration of one
+hundred pounds. The archbishop, for five hundred marks, granted to
+Thomas de Burgh, the brother of the King's chamberlain, that same
+wardship; and the damsel was delivered to him, with her rights, by
+the hand of the abbot. Thomas, therefore, at once required the seisin
+of these manors, which we had in our hands after the death of
+Adam--Cockfield, Semer, and Groton--we believing that we had power to
+retain all of them in our demesne, or at least two of them, Semer and
+Groton; both because Robert of Cockfield, being on his deathbed, had
+publicly affirmed that he could claim nothing by right of inheritance
+in these two manors, and also because Adam, his son, had re-assigned
+to us those two manors in full court, and had made his charter
+thereof, wherein it was contained that he holds those two manors by
+the permission of the convent during his life only.
+
+Thomas, therefore, suing a writ of recognition thereof, caused the
+knights to be summoned, that they should come to be sworn before the
+King at Tewkesbury. Our charter read in public had no force, for the
+whole court was against us. The oath being administered, the knights
+said that they knew nothing about our charters, or of any private
+agreements; but this they said they did believe, that Adam and his
+father and his grandfather, for a hundred years back, had holden the
+manors in fee-farm, one after the other, on the days of their
+respective deaths. Thus we were disseised by the judgment of the
+court, after much trouble and many charges expended, saving
+nevertheless our ancient fee-farm rents payable annually.
+
+The lord abbot seemed to be "misled by a certain appearance of
+right," because, forsooth, the Scripture saith, "I will not give my
+glory to another." The abbot of Cluny coming to us, and received by
+us in such wise as he ought, our abbot would not give place, either
+in chapter or in the procession on Sunday, but he must needs sit and
+stand in the middle between the abbot of Cluny and the abbot of
+Chertsey. Wherefore divers thought different things, and many
+expressed their feelings in various ways.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI
+
+THE ELECTION OF A NEW PRIOR
+
+
+Robert the prior was at this time in a dying state; but while he was
+yet alive many opinions were uttered as to appointing a new prior.
+Some one, therefore, related to us, that the abbot sitting in the
+choir, and steadfastly beholding all the brethren from the first to
+the last, found no one upon whom his spirit might rest to make him
+prior, save Herbert his chaplain. By these and similar acts the will
+of the abbot was made apparent to most of us. One of us hearing this,
+answered that it was not to be believed; asserting "that the abbot, a
+diligent and prudent man, to such a man, a youth and almost beardless
+novice of twelve years, who had only become a cloister monk four
+years ago, not approved in the cure of souls, nor in doctrinal
+learning--to such a one," said he, "he will never give the priorate."
+
+Now, when the prior died, the abbot was staying in London; and a
+certain person said, "A month has scarcely elapsed since the abbot
+made Herbert the chaplain, sub-sacrist, and when he committed that
+office to him, in the chapel of St. Nicasius, he promised that if he
+could, by any means, make him prior, he would use his utmost
+exertions on his behalf." Some one hearing of this, who was desirous
+of making himself agreeable to the abbot and the future prior, most
+urgently solicited many of us, seniors and juniors alike, that when
+the opportunity presented itself they would nominate Herbert, at
+least with some others, for prior. He affirmed that by this means
+they would gratify the abbot, for such indeed was his desire.
+
+There certainly were many of us, as well of the seniors as the
+juniors, who asserted that the same Herbert was an amiable and
+affable man, and worthy of much honour. Also, there were some--few in
+number, indeed, but whose advice was more respected, and who belonged
+to the wiser part of the convent--who were desirous of promoting
+Master Hermer the sub-prior to be prior, as being an experienced,
+learned and eloquent man, skilful and expert in the cure of souls,
+who at that time had governed the cloister for fourteen years in good
+discipline, an approved sub-prior, and well known. This man, I say,
+they were desirous of preferring, according to that saying of the
+wise man, "believe an experienced master."
+
+But the greater number of us secretly grumbled in opposition, saying
+that he was a passionate, impatient, restless, fussy and fretful man,
+a litigious person, and a disturber of peace, deriding him, and
+saying, "The discretion of a man deferreth his anger, and it is his
+glory to pass over a transgression." Also, another one said, "This
+one thing, as being a scandal, is to be much guarded against, namely,
+that if the sub-prior be removed, henceforward learned clerks will
+not deign to take on them the religious habit in our house, if it
+should happen that any dumb image be set up, and a wooden log be
+preferred in such a convent as ours." And the same brother added
+somewhat more, saying that a person to be prior of our convent,
+should be such a one that if any question of great importance arose
+in the abbot's absence concerning ecclesiastical or secular affairs,
+it might be referred to the prior, as being the highest and most
+discreet person.
+
+A certain one of our brethren, hearing these and such like things,
+said, "What good is it that ye multiply so many and such sayings?
+When the abbot comes home, he will do as he pleases about it. Perhaps
+he may seek the advice of each of us singly, and with great show of
+formality; but in the end, by allegations and by plausible reasonings
+and circumlocutions, he will at last come down to the fulfilment of
+his own desire; and the affair will end as he has all along
+intended."
+
+The abbot, therefore, having returned, and sitting in chapter, set
+forth to us amply and eloquently enough what sort of man ought to be
+appointed prior. John the third prior answered, in the presence of us
+all, that the sub-prior was a worthy and fit person. But the greater
+number immediately opposed, saying, "A man of peace, let a man of
+peace be given us." Two of us, therefore, replied to them, saying
+that a person should be appointed who knew how to direct the souls of
+men, and to distinguish "between leprosy and leprosy," which saying
+gave great offence, for it seemed to favour the part of the
+sub-prior. But the abbot hearing this uproar, said that he would
+after chapter hear what each had to say, and so proceed advisedly in
+the business, and upon the morrow would dispatch it as he thought
+fit.
+
+In the meantime some one said that the abbot would go through this
+formality in order that the sub-prior should be cautiously shelved
+from the office of prior, as if it had been done by the advice of the
+convent, not by the desire of the abbot; and so he, the abbot, would
+be held excused, and by this policy the mouth of them that speak lies
+should be stopped.
+
+On the morrow the abbot, as he sat in chapter, wept sorely, saying
+that he had passed the whole night without sleep, for sheer anxiety
+and apprehension that he might chance to nominate one who was
+displeasing to God. He swore upon peril of his soul that he would
+nominate four of us who, according to his opinion, were most
+serviceable and fit, so that we should choose one from those four.
+Therefore the abbot, in the first place, named the sacrist, whom he
+well knew to be infirm and insufficient, as the sacrist himself
+testified with an oath. Forthwith, in the presence of all, he named
+John the third prior, his cousin, and Maurice his chaplain, and the
+before-named Herbert, all indeed young men, of about forty years old
+or under, and all of them of moderate learning, and, so far as
+respects the cure of souls, rather requiring to be taught than
+learned therein, nevertheless apt to learn.
+
+These three the abbot nominated and preferred, passing over the
+sub-prior, and passing by many others of the seniors and elders,
+experienced and learned men, some who had formerly been masters of
+the schools, as well as all others. The abbot dwelt long in speaking
+of and commending the person of John in many respects; but,
+nevertheless, on the other side, alleged that the great number of his
+relations in this province would lie heavy on his neck if he were
+prior.
+
+Now, when the abbot was about to allege the same thing concerning
+Maurice (and he could with reason do it), so that in a roundabout way
+he should come to make mention of Herbert, his discourse was
+interrupted by one of the elders of the convent saying, "Master
+precentor, you have the first voice; name Master Herbert." "He is a
+good man," said he. On hearing the name of Herbert, the abbot stopped
+speaking, and turning to the precentor, said, "I have no objection to
+receive Herbert if you will." On this saying, the whole convent cried
+out, "He is a good man; he is a good and amiable man"; and this same
+thing also many of the elders testified. Immediately hereupon the
+precentor and some one in alliance with him, and two others on the
+other side, arose with all haste, and put Herbert in the midst.
+
+Herbert, indeed, at first humbly begged to be excused, saying that he
+was insufficient to fill such a dignity, and particularly, as he
+said, he was not of such perfect knowledge that he should know how to
+make a sermon in chapter in such manner as would become a prior. Most
+of those who witnessed this were amazed, and for very confusion
+struck dumb. However, the abbot said in answer many things to
+re-assure him, and as it were in disparagement of learned men, saying
+that he could well remember and con over the sermons of others, just
+as others did; and began to condemn rhetorical flourishes, and
+pompous words, and choice sentences, saying that in many churches the
+sermon in convent is delivered in French, or rather in English, for
+moral edification, not for literary ostentation.
+
+After this had been said, the new prior advanced to the feet of the
+abbot and kissed them. The abbot received him with tears, and with
+his own hand placed him in the prior's seat, and commanded all that
+they should pay him the reverence and obedience due to him as prior.
+
+The chapter being over, I being hospitaller, sat in the porch of the
+guest-hall, stupefied, and revolving in my mind the things I had
+heard and seen; and I began to consider closely for what cause and
+for what particular merits such a man should be advanced to so high a
+dignity. And I began to reflect that the man was of comely stature
+and of striking appearance; handsome and pleasant looking; always
+cheerful; of a smiling countenance, be it early or late; kind to all;
+a man calm in his bearing, and grave in his gait; polite in speech,
+possessing a sweet voice in chanting, and expressive in reading;
+young, strong, of a healthy body, and always in readiness to undergo
+travail for the needs of the church; skilful in conforming himself to
+every circumstance of place or time, either with ecclesiastics,
+clerks or seculars; liberal and social, and gentle in reproof; not
+spiteful, not suspicious, not covetous, not tiresome, not slothful;
+sober and fluent of tongue in the French idiom, as being a Norman by
+birth; a man of moderate understanding, who, if "too much learning
+should make him mad," might be said to be a perfectly accomplished
+man.
+
+When I regarded these things I said in my mind, such a man would
+become very popular, but "there is nothing every way blessed," and I
+wept for joy, saying that "God hath visited his people; as the Lord
+pleased, so it hath been done." But of a sudden another thought
+occurred to me: "Be cautious in your praise of a new man, for honours
+alter manners, or rather they show them. Wait and see who and what
+sort of men will be his counsellors, and to whom he will give ear,
+for each thing naturally draws to its like. The event will prove his
+doings, and therefore be sparing in your praises."
+
+On the same day certain unlearned brethren, as well officials as
+cloister-folk, came together, and "whetted their tongues like a sword
+that they might shoot privily at" the learned, repeating the words of
+the abbot, which he had that day spoken, as it were to the prejudice
+of the learned. Thus they said to one another, "Now let our
+philosophers take to their philosophies: now is it manifest what
+their philosophies are worth. So often have our good clerks declined
+in the cloister that they are now declined. So much have they
+sermonized in chapter that all are driven away. So much have they
+spoken of discerning between leprosy and leprosy that as lepers they
+are all put out. So often have they declined _musa_, _musae_, that
+all of them are reckoned musards" (drivellers). These and such like
+things certain uttered in ridicule and scandal of others, justifying
+their own ignorance: they condemned the knowledge of polite learning,
+and disparaged learned men, being very merry, and expecting great
+things, which, in all probability, will never come to pass, for "Hope
+of good is often deceived in its expectation."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII
+
+THE ABBOT'S FOIBLES
+
+
+The wise man hath said, "No one is in every respect perfect"; nor was
+the abbot Samson. For this reason let me say this, that according to
+my judgment the abbot was not to be commended when he caused a deed
+to be made and ordered the same to be delivered to a certain servant
+of his, for him to have the sergeanty of John Ruffus, after the
+decease of the same John. Ten marks, as it was said, "did blind the
+eyes of the wise." Wherefore, upon Master Dennis, the monk, saying
+that such an act was unheard of, the abbot replied: "I shall not
+cease from doing as I like a whit the more for you than I would for
+that youngster." The abbot also did the like thing in respect of the
+sergeanty of Adam the infirmarer, upon payment of one hundred
+shillings. Of such an act it may be said, "A little leaven leaveneth
+the whole lump."
+
+There is, also, another stain of evil doing, which I trust in the
+Lord he will wash away with tears, in order that a single excess may
+not disfigure the sum total of so many good deeds. He built up the
+bank of the fish-pond at Babwell so high, for the service of a new
+mill, that by the keeping back of the water there is not a man, rich
+or poor, who has land near the water, from the gate of the town to
+Eastgate, but has lost his garden and his orchards. The pasture of
+the cellarer, upon the other side of the bank, is spoilt. The arable
+land, also, of the neighbouring folk has been much deteriorated. The
+meadow of the cellarer is ruined, the orchard of the infirmarer has
+been flooded by the great flow of water, and all the neighbouring
+folk are complaining thereof. Once, indeed, the cellarer argued with
+him in full chapter, upon this excessive damage; but he, quickly
+moved to anger, made answer, that his fish-pond was not to be spoilt
+on account of our meadows.
+
+The Dean of London writes thus in his chronicles: "King Henry the
+Second, having conferred with the archbishop and bishops concerning
+the vacant abbacies, so far observed the rule of the canons in
+appointing abbots, that it was the custom to appoint them upon votes
+solicited from other houses; thinking, perhaps, that if pastors were
+set up in every place from their own body," a previously contracted
+familiarity would afford impunity to vice, and old acquaintanceship
+would give indulgence to wickedness, and thereby too great remissness
+would obtain in cloisters. Another has said: "It does not seem fit
+that a pastor should be elected from his own house, but rather from
+some other house; because, if he is taken from elsewhere he will
+always believe, according to the greatness of the monastery which he
+has undertaken to rule, that many are good men and true, whose advice
+he will seek if he is a good man, and whose honesty he will fear if
+he is a bad one. But a servant of the house, better knowing the
+ignorance, inability and incompetence of every one, will the more
+carelessly serve therein, mixing square with round."
+
+The monks of Ramsey followed this line of reasoning; for in those
+days, when they were able to choose one of their own body, on two
+occasions they chose an abbot from other houses.
+
+In the year of grace one thousand two hundred and one there came to
+us the abbot of Flay, and through his preaching caused the open
+buying and selling which took place in the market on Sundays to be
+done away with, and it was ordained that the market should be held on
+the Monday. The like the abbot brought to pass in many cities and
+boroughs of England.
+
+In the same year the monks of Ely set up a market at Lakenheath,
+having the permission, as well as the charter, of the King. Now, we
+in the first place, dealing peaceably with our friends and
+neighbours, sent our messengers to the chapter of Ely, and, first of
+all, to the lord Bishop of Ely, letters of request that he should
+forbear his intentions; adding that we could, in a friendly way, for
+the sake of peace and preserving our mutual regard, pay the fifteen
+marks that were given as a fine for obtaining the King's charter. Why
+make a long story of it? They would not give way, and then upon all
+sides arose threatening speeches, and "spears threatening spears."
+
+We therefore procured a writ of inquest to ascertain whether that
+market was established to our prejudice, and to the damage of the
+market of the town of St. Edmund. The oath was made, and it was
+testified that this had been done to our damage. Of all which, when
+the King was informed, he caused it to be inquired, by his registrar,
+what sort of charter he had granted to the monks of Ely; and it was
+made to appear that he had given to them the aforesaid market, under
+such conditions that it should not be to the injury of the
+neighbouring markets. The King, therefore, forty marks being offered,
+granted us his charter that from thenceforward there should be no
+market within the liberty of St. Edmund, unless by the assent of the
+abbot. And he wrote to Geoffrey Fitz-Peter, his justiciary, that the
+market of Lakenheath should be abolished. The justiciary wrote the
+same to the sheriff of Suffolk.
+
+The sheriff, being well aware that he could not enter upon the
+liberties of St. Edmund, or exercise any authority there, gave it in
+charge to the abbot, by his writ, that this should be performed
+according to the form of the royal command. The steward of the
+hundred, therefore, coming thither upon the market day, with the
+witnessing of freemen, in the King's name openly prohibited that
+market, showing the letters of the King and the sheriff; but being
+treated with great abuse and violence, he departed, without having
+accomplished his object.
+
+The abbot, on the other hand, deferring this matter for awhile, being
+at London, and consulting the learned thereupon, commanded his
+bailiffs, that taking with them the men of St. Edmund with horse and
+arms, they should abolish the market, and that they should bring
+along with them in custody the buyers and sellers therein, if they
+should find any. So at dead of night, there went forth nearly six
+hundred men well armed, proceeding towards Lakenheath. But when the
+scouts gave intelligence of their arrival, all who were in the market
+ran hither and thither, and not one of them could be found.
+
+Now, the prior of Ely on that same night had come thither, with his
+bailiffs, expecting the arrival of our men, in order that, to the
+best of his ability, he might defend the buyers and sellers; but he
+would not stir out of his inn. When our bailiffs had required from
+him gage and pledge to stand trial in the court of St. Edmund for the
+wrong committed by him, and he had refused, upon consultation, they
+overturned the butchers' shambles and the tables of the stalls in the
+market, and carried them away with them. Moreover, they led away with
+them all the cattle, "all sheep and oxen; yea, and the beasts of the
+field," and set off towards Icklingham. The bailiffs of the prior
+following them made suit for their cattle, by replevin within fifteen
+days: and their suit was allowed. Within the fifteen days there came
+a writ, whereby the abbot was summoned to come before the court of
+exchequer to answer for such act, and that the cattle taken should in
+the meantime be delivered up without charge. For the Bishop of Ely,
+who was an eloquent and well-spoken man, in his own person had made
+complaint thereof to the justiciary and the nobles of England, saying
+that a most unheard-of piece of arrogance had been committed in the
+land of St. Etheldreda in time of peace; wherefore many were highly
+indignant with the abbot.
+
+In the meanwhile another cause of disagreement arose between the
+bishop and the abbot. A certain young man of Glemsford had been
+summoned to the court of St. Edmund, for a breach of the King's
+peace, and had been sought for a long while. At length the steward of
+the bishop brought forth that young man in the county court, claiming
+the jurisdiction of the court of St. Etheldreda, and exhibiting the
+charters and privileges of his lord; but our bailiffs, claiming the
+jurisdiction of the plaint and the seisin of such liberty, could not
+be heard. The county court, indeed, put that plaint in respite until
+the justices in eyre should arrive, wherefore St. Edmund was ousted
+of his jurisdiction. The abbot, on hearing this, proposed to go over
+to the King; but because he was sick, he decided to defer the matter
+till the Purification.
+
+And, behold! on St. Agnes day there came the King's messenger,
+bearing the writ of our lord the Pope, wherein it was contained, that
+the bishop of Ely and the abbot of St. Edmund should make inquisition
+concerning Geoffrey Fitz-Peter and William de Stutville, and certain
+other lords of England who had taken the cross, for whom the King
+required discharge, alleging their personal infirmity, and the
+necessity for their advice in the government of his kingdom. The same
+messenger also brought letters from our lord the King, commanding
+that he, upon the sight thereof, should come to him to confer upon
+the message of our lord the Pope. The abbot was troubled in his mind,
+and said, "I am straitened on every side; I must either offend God or
+the King: by the very God, whatsoever may be the consequence to me, I
+will not wittingly lie."
+
+Therefore, returning home with all speed, somewhat weakened by
+infirmity of body and humbled, and (as was not his wont) timid, by
+the intervention of the prior, he sought advice of us (a thing he
+heretofore had seldom done), as to what course he was to pursue in
+respect of the liberties of the church which were in jeopardy, and
+whence the money was to come if he took his journey, and to whom the
+keeping of the abbey was to be committed, and what should be done for
+his poor servants who had a long time served him. And the answer was,
+that he might go, and that he was at liberty to take up at interest
+sufficient money, to be payable out of our sacristy and from our
+pittances, and from our other rents at his pleasure; and that he
+should give the abbey in charge to the prior, and some other clerk
+whom he had enriched, and who could, in the interval, live upon his
+own means, that thereby a saving might take place in the expenses of
+the abbot, and that he might give to each of his servants money
+proportioned to his length of service.
+
+He, hearing such counsel, was pleased therewith, and so it was done.
+The abbot, therefore, coming into chapter the day before he took his
+departure, caused to be brought with him all his books, and these he
+presented to the church and convent, and commended our counsel which
+we had signified to him through the prior.
+
+In the meantime we heard certain persons murmuring, saying that the
+abbot is careful and solicitous for the liberties of his own barony,
+but he keeps silence respecting the liberties of the convent which we
+have lost in his time; namely, concerning the lost court and
+liberties of the cellarer, and the liberty of the sacrist, as regards
+the appointment of the bailiffs of the town by the convent.
+Therefore, the Lord raised up the spirit of three brethren of but
+indifferent knowledge, who, having got many others to join them,
+conferred with the prior thereupon, in order that he should speak
+with the abbot respecting these matters. On our behalf the prior was
+to ask him, at his departure, to provide for the security of his
+church in respect of those liberties. On hearing this, the abbot
+answered that no more was to be said upon the subject, swearing that
+so long as he lived he would be the master; but towards evening he
+talked more mildly thereupon with the prior.
+
+On the morrow, indeed, sitting in chapter, as he was about to depart
+and ask licence so to do, he said he had satisfied all his servants,
+and had made his will just as if he was now to die; and beginning to
+speak concerning those liberties, he justified himself, saying that
+he had changed the ancient customs in order that there should not be
+a default in the administration of the King's justice, and threw the
+blame upon the sacrist, and said that if Durand, the town bailiff,
+who was now sick, should die, the sacrist might hold the bailiwick in
+his own hand, and present a bailiff to the chapter for approval, as
+the custom had been of old, so nevertheless that this be done with
+the assent of the abbot; but the gifts and offerings to be made
+yearly by the bailiff he would in no wise remit.
+
+Now, when we asked him what was to be done in respect of the
+cellarer's court which was lost, and especially of the halfpence
+which the cellarer was accustomed to receive for renewing pledges, he
+became angry, and asked us in his turn by what authority we demanded
+the exercise of regal jurisdiction, and those things which appertain
+to regalities.
+
+To this it was replied that we had possessed it from the foundation
+of the church, and even three years after he had come to the abbacy,
+and this liberty of renewing pledges we possessed in every one of our
+manors. We stated that we ought not to lose our right in
+consideration of a hundred shillings, which he received privately
+from the town bailiff every year; and we boldly required of him to
+give us such seisin thereof as we had had even in his time.
+
+The abbot, being as it were at a loss for an answer, and willing
+enough to leave us all in peace and to depart quietly, ordered that
+those halfpence and the other matters which the cellarer demanded
+should be sequestrated until his return; and he promised that upon
+his return he would co-operate with us in everything, and make just
+order and disposition, and render to each what was justly his. On his
+saying this, all was quiet again; but the calm was not very great,
+for
+
+ "In promises any man may wealthy be."
+
+
+ FINIS.
+
+
+ APPENDICES:
+
+ PAGE
+
+ I _SAMSON AS AN AUTHOR_ 215
+
+ II _NOTES TO THE TEXT OF THE CHRONICLE_ 222
+
+ III _TABLE OF CHIEF DATES IN THE HISTORY
+ OF THE ABBEY OF ST. EDMUNDSBURY_
+ (A.D. 870 _to_ 1903) 257
+
+
+
+
+APPENDIX I
+
+SAMSON AS AN AUTHOR.
+
+
+Samson having been generally looked upon as a man of action rather
+than as a man of letters, it seems desirable to consider at greater
+length than is possible in the general Introduction, his claims to be
+regarded as a literary character.
+
+In the Bodleian Library at Oxford is a huge codex of 898 pages (MS.
+240) in a script of the 14th century. This once belonged to Bury
+Abbey, as at the beginning is the note "Liber monachorum Sancti
+Edmundi, in quo continetur secunda pars Historia auree, quam scribi
+fecit dominus Rogerus de Huntedoun sumptibus graciarum suarum anno
+domini MCCC.LXXVII^o." Over the title is written on the margin
+"Thomas Prise possidet," and in another hand "Io. Anglicus erat
+author."
+
+There is considerable difficulty in assigning the exact authorship of
+this work: but that it was compiled at Bury is certain, and it was no
+doubt added to as new materials turned up or were deemed worthy of
+admission, especially such as were connected with St. Edmundsbury. Dr.
+Carl Horstman has published in the preface to Vol. I. of his _Nova
+Legenda Anglie_ (Oxf. Univ. Press, 1901) a summary of the contents of
+this book which throws much new light on its _provenance_. It is, as
+he says, "the depository of documents of Bury Abbey, and not the work
+of one individual; but the joint work, the common concern of the
+monastery, for a whole generation."
+
+The MS. contains only the second part of the Historia aurea, and with
+an abbreviated text; and this is followed by a collection of
+miscellanies, lives of saints, poetry and documents of all sorts. Dr.
+Horstman prints in his second volume the lives of several saints,
+scattered through the last half of the codex.
+
+The only one of these lives that need concern us is that of St.
+Edmund, which is very long and detailed, and occupies 116 printed
+pages. This is followed almost immediately by a chapter De modo
+meditandi vel contemplandi (including St. Edmund's prayer, "Gratias
+tibi ago"), and later by a compilation on monastic discipline for the
+novices of Bury Abbey.
+
+This Life of St. Edmund is by far the most complete extant. It is
+described as "Vita et passio cum miraculis sancti Edmundi regis et
+martiris, excerpta de cronicis et diuersis historiis seu legendis, de
+eodem breuiter et sub compendio compilata." It is doubtless the
+"Prolixa vita" from which was compiled the "abbreviata vita" included
+in Abbot Curteys' Register (now at the British Museum), and printed in
+Archdeacon Battely's book of 1745 (pp. 25, 149). In the margins are
+given the authorities from which it is compiled, and amongst these
+are, in addition to the chronicles of Blythburgh, Ely, Hoveden, Hulme,
+Huntingdon, Malmesbury, Marianus, Norwich, Sarum, Waringford, and
+Westminster, the writers specially identified with Bury Abbey:--Abbo
+of Fleury, Herman the Archdeacon, Galfridus de Fontibus, Osbert of
+Clare, Jocelin of Brakelond (from whom are taken the incidents
+described in chapters viii. and xiv. of this book), and--Samson.
+
+There are in all eighteen sections of the Life for which Samson is
+quoted as the authority. On eight occasions the word "Sampson" appears
+in the margin; "Sampson abbas," eight times; "Sampson abbas sancti
+Edmundi," once; "Ex libro de miraculis eius Sampson," once (the first
+occasion when the name appears); and "Ex libro primo miraculorum
+Sampson abb." once (the seventh occasion).
+
+Before considering Samson's share in the collection of materials
+relative to the history of St. Edmund, a few words must be said about
+the earlier writers on the subject.
+
+The first contributor to the tangle of legends and miracles connected
+with St. Edmund and his shrine was ABBO, of Fleury, a great monastery
+on the Loire above Orleans, founded in the 7th century. A native of
+Orleans, Abbo was sent early to the monastic school at Fleury, where
+he mastered five of the seven arts, viz., grammar, arithmetic,
+dialectic, astronomy and music. (Migne's _Patrologia_, vol. 139.) A
+deputation coming to Fleury from the monks of Ramsey Abbey, asking
+that a man of learning might be sent to them, Abbo was selected for
+the office, and he remained two years in England, when he was
+recalled. He died from a spear-thrust in November, 1004. Whilst in
+England (circa 985) he heard from Archbishop Dunstan the story of St.
+Edmund's death, as related to Dunstan when a youth by an old man who
+said he was armour-bearer to St. Edmund on the day of his death (20th
+November, 870). At the entreaty of the monks of Ramsey, Abbo put this
+story into writing, prefacing it with a dedicatory epistle to Dunstan
+in which he says that the work is sent to the Archbishop because every
+part of it, except the last miracle, is related on his authority.
+
+Abbo being "composition master" to the student monks at Ramsey, he
+wrote, as Mr. Arnold says (I. xiv.), "with that freedom with which men
+whose information is scanty, and their imagination strong, are not
+sorry to enjoy." Lord Francis Hervey, in a masterly analysis of the
+facts and fictions of St. Edmund's life in his Notes to Robert Reyce's
+_Breviary of Suffolk_ (1902), thus sums the matter with great truth:
+"Abbo's treatise, with its declamatory flourishes and classical tags,
+is for historical purposes all but worthless."
+
+The copies extant of Abbo's _Passio_ are numerous. (For List, see
+Hardy's Catalogue, vol. i, p. 526.) At least four of them (two in the
+Cottonian collection, one at the Bodleian, and one at Lambeth)
+belonged to Bury Abbey, the earliest being Tiberius B. ii., which has
+on fol. 1_a_ the words "Liber feretrariorum S. Edmundi in quo
+continentur uita passio et miracula S. Edmundi." It is a beautiful MS.
+of the end of the eleventh or beginning of the twelfth century; "and
+the gold enrichment is sometimes splendid" (Arnold I. lxv.), though
+the illumination is unfinished. The other Cottonian MS. (Titus A.
+viii.) is of the thirteenth century, and has on fol. 65 the words
+"Liber monachorum S. Edmundi." (Both these books will be referred to
+later.)
+
+The next writer on the subject was HERMAN THE ARCHDEACON, who, at
+the end of the eleventh century, wrote a treatise _De Miraculis Sancti
+Eadmundi_.
+
+Herman was Archdeacon to Bishop Arfast of Thetford, at the time when
+the latter first endeavoured to establish his see at Bury; but later
+he must have become a monk of St. Edmund, and he manifests in his
+narrative enthusiastic devotion to the monastery. In the prologue he
+explains that he compiled his work at the request of Abbot Baldwin
+"felicis memoriæ" (died 1097), partly from oral tradition, partly from
+an old and almost undecipherable manuscript "exarata calamo cujusdam
+difficillimo, et, ut ita dicam, adamantino." Mr. Arnold has printed
+the text of Herman on pp. 26-92 of his vol. I. from the Cottonian
+volume Tiberius B. ii. above referred to, which is composed of Abbo's
+_Passio_ and Herman's _Miracula_.
+
+A third writer was GALFRIDUS DE FONTIBUS, who wrote in the days of
+Abbot Ording (1146-1156) a short tract, _De Infantia Sancti Eadmundi_,
+of which only one MS. is known (in the Cambridge University Library).
+Further additions to the legends and miracles were made by OSBERT of
+CLARE, prior of Westminster, who flourished between 1108 and 1140,
+but whose writings are not now separately extant, though extracts from
+them appear in the manuscripts of other authors.
+
+It would seem that working upon all these records, and doubtless
+others which have not descended to us, Samson, at the period of his
+life when he was still a subordinate officer of Bury Abbey, set about
+compiling a treatise of his own. His prologue indicates that he was
+moved to narrate the glorious miracles of the glorious king and martyr
+St. Edmund by the orders of his superiors and the exhortations of his
+fellow monks. His work seems, however, to have been mainly that of a
+compiler and editor, though the prologue, described by Mr. Arnold (I.,
+liii.) as "written in a massive and manly style," was doubtless of his
+own composition. The work appears after Abbo's _Passio_ in the
+Cottonian MS. Titus A. viii., and consists of two books, Liber I.
+containing sixteen chapters, and Liber II. twenty-one chapters. All
+but four of the chapters in the first book refer to narratives that
+had been told before by Herman, and Samson "has merely re-written
+them, adding no new facts, but greatly improving the style." The
+second book contains another prologue, followed by a prefatory letter;
+and a hand of the fourteenth or early fifteenth century has written in
+the Cottonian MS. "Osberti de Clara prioris Westmonasterii" in the
+margin of the prologue, and "Incipit epistola Osberti prioris
+Westmonasterii missa con. S. Edmundi de miraculis ejusdem" in the
+margin at the beginning of the letter.
+
+Mr. Arnold speaks of the "inflated diction and fantastical mystical
+interpretations" of this (second) prologue and prefatory letter, and
+says that "Samson seems simply to have annexed them while making up
+his own work." As, however, some of the narratives in this second book
+are ascribed to Samson himself in the Bodleian MS. 240, whilst others
+in the same book are ascribed to Osbert, it is manifest that some
+confusion had arisen in the interval as to the respective shares of
+responsibility for the narratives. But this need not prevent us from
+accepting Samson as at least the compiler and editor of the work _De
+Miraculis Sancti Edmundi_ referred to on page xxxiv. of the
+Introduction, and printed in full on pp. 107-208 of Mr. Arnold's first
+volume.
+
+If it be the case, as Mr. Arnold thinks (and there seems no reason
+against the ascription) that the Prologue of Book I. was Samson's own
+composition, it will doubtless be of interest that it should be
+reproduced here as a specimen of his literary style; and a translation
+of it is therefore subjoined, which follows the structure of the
+original as closely as possible:--
+
+"When we see the deeds of many earthly men extolled in brilliant
+writings, which those skilled in letters have handed down to the
+memory of posterity, it is to be wondered that we do not blush that
+the great works of God, which, through His servants, have been brought
+into being almost in this our very age, should through our sloth be
+blotted out, and through our silence be condemned. And although those
+secular historians, in the pride of their eloquence, have said very
+much about small affairs, and have gained the favour and tickled the
+ears of their audience by the sweetness of their speech, yet Christian
+simplicity and Catholic plainness, innocent of the leaven of
+superstition, are rightly preferred to them all. Indeed, the greatest
+faith is to be placed in the account of those who do not wish, and do
+not know how, to colour what they have heard, or, by the grace of
+their words, to twist matters into one tortuous path after another.
+
+"In saying this we do not impudently speak to the discredit (be that
+far from us) of Churchmen who, by the divine inspiration, endowed with
+wonderful eloquence, have with their words, sweeter than honey and the
+honeycomb, adorned the deeds of our honoured ancestors, as it were a
+golden tablet ornamented with most brilliant pearls. But verily those
+are to be confuted who are carried headlong by a damnable presumption
+to that with which erudition has nought to do, and to which the grace
+of the Holy Spirit imparts nought.
+
+"But we (whom the apostle warns lest we should despise the riches of
+the goodness of God, and whom he exhorts not to receive His grace in
+vain) with a truthful, albeit an unpolished style, at the command of
+superior authority and by the exhortation of brotherly love, have
+undertaken to tell of the glorious miracles of the glorious king and
+martyr Edmund: since, indeed, it appears impious that we should allow
+the lantern, which God lighted and placed upon a candlestick, to be
+obscured through our sloth, or should hide it negligently under the
+bushel of oblivion. For to this purpose is it placed upon a
+candlestick, that it may give light to all who are in the house."
+
+In which matter the victorious champion of God, Edmund, illuminating
+the borders, not only of Britain, but also of foreign lands with the
+glory of his miracles, gives frequent token of his merit towards God.
+
+ "On behalf of whose merits, Omnipotent God, we pray
+ That Thou in Thy clemency wouldst purge our inmost heart,
+ And wouldst infuse the gift which the fostering spirit bestows,
+ Opening the tongues of speechless babes and making them eloquent,
+ That we may be able worthily to tell the praises of the martyr,
+ His famous acts, his virtues and his triumphs."
+
+
+
+
+APPENDIX II
+
+NOTES TO THE TEXT OF THE CHRONICLE.
+
+ [_The full titles of the works of reference quoted in the pages of
+ this Appendix as "Arnold," "Battely," "James," "Rokewode," will be
+ found on pages 276 and 277 of Appendix III_].
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+1, 4. _The year when the Flemings were taken captive._ On the 17th
+October, 1173, Richard de Lucy, the chief justiciary of King Henry
+II., defeated at Fornham St. Genevieve, near Bury St. Edmunds, the
+rebel Robert de Beaumont, Earl of Leicester, who had landed from
+Flanders at Walton in Suffolk on the 29th September, 1173, at the head
+of a force of Flemings. The chroniclers speak of large numbers of the
+foreign mercenaries as being killed at the battle of Fornham. The Earl
+and Countess of Leicester were captured, and imprisoned at Falaise
+till 1174. For an interesting description of the battle, with many
+references to the chronicles, see Miss Kate Norgate's _England under
+the Angevin Kings_, II. 150-1.
+
+1, 10. _Hugh the Abbot._ Hugh, Prior of Westminster, succeeded Ording
+as 9th Abbot of St. Edmundsbury in 1157. Gervase records his being
+blessed by Archbishop Theobald at Colchester, and his vowing to him
+canonical obedience. But a bull obtained at great cost from Pope
+Alexander III. in 1172 (see p. 7) made the abbey immediately subject
+to Rome. Some details of the occurrences during his abbacy are given
+in Battely, pp. 78-82.
+
+1, 11. Genesis xxvii. 1.
+
+2, 21. _Debt ... to Jews._ Whilst the Jews were legally simply
+chattels of the king, they were at this time "practically masters of
+the worldly interests of a large number of his Christian subjects, and
+of a large portion of the wealth of his realm" (Norgate's _Angevin
+Kings_, II. 487). There are many instances besides that of St.
+Edmundsbury of ecclesiastical property and furniture being pledged to
+the Jews, _e.g._ the sacred vessels and jewels of Lincoln Minster were
+in pledge to Aaron, a rich Jew of that city, for seven years or more
+before Geoffrey, bishop-elect, redeemed them in 1173.
+
+3, 6. _Benedict the Jew._ In 1171 "Benedict the Jew, son of Deodate,
+was fined xx^li for taking certain sacred vestments in pawn." (Pipe
+Rolls, Norf. and Suff. 17 Hen. II.) Other fines on Jews are recorded
+by Rokewode (pp. 106-7).
+
+3, 9. _William the sacrist._ From the _Gesta Sacristarum_ (Arnold II.
+291) we learn of this officer, who was once Samson's superior,
+afterwards a rival candidate for the abbacy, and finally Samson's
+subordinate, "Huic [Schuch] successit Willelmus cognomento Wiardel;
+qui non sine causa a domino Samsone abbate amotus fuit ab
+administratione." His evil deeds recorded by Jocelin appear therefore
+to have been remembered.
+
+6, 1. _Richard the Archbishop._ Richard was a Norman by birth and of
+humble parentage; and was prior of Dover when the question of filling
+up the primacy was discussed 2-1/2 years after Becket's murder on 29th
+December, 1170. There was a disputed election, but Robert, by the
+Court influence, won the day over Odo, Prior of Canterbury; and
+eventually his election was confirmed by Pope Alexander III. on 2nd
+April, 1174. Immediately after his enthronisation (5th October, 1174)
+Richard held a legatine visitation of his province; and as he rode
+with a great train, his visits were specially grievous to the
+religious houses that had to receive him.
+
+6, 19. _Sent to Acre._ Castleacre, Westacre, and Southacre, in
+Norfolk, are all described in Domesday book as "Acra." There were two
+Priories, one at Castleacre, the other at Westacre; but the former was
+the more famous of the two. As it was a Cluniac institution, and as
+the Cluniacs were a kind of stricter Benedictines, it seems most
+probable that it was to Castleacre that Samson was sent as a
+punishment. Apparently this was his second banishment there; for he
+speaks here to Jocelin (then a novice, and who joined the monastery in
+1173) as though of recent events. (As to his first imprisonment after
+his return from Rome about 1161, see page 74 and note on p. 237.) The
+Priory of Castleacre was founded about 1084 by William de Warrenne,
+created by the Conqueror Earl of Surrey, and the progenitor of that
+famous sixth Earl who fought Baliol and Wallace in Scotland, and who,
+when called upon by the King's Commissioners to produce the title by
+which he held his possessions, drew his sword and laid it on the
+table. Some remarkably beautiful ruins of the Priory, particularly of
+its west front and the Prior's Lodge, have happily escaped the ravages
+of the village builders, who for centuries used the ruins as a stone
+quarry.
+
+6, 24. Exodus v. 21.
+
+7, 4. _authority as legate._ Mr. Rokewode goes at length (pp. 107-8)
+into the documents relative to the claim of the monks of St. Edmund to
+exemption under Royal authority from ordinary episcopal jurisdiction.
+The Bull of 1172 which they obtained from Pope Alexander III. exempted
+them from the jurisdiction of any other ecclesiastical authority than
+the Pontiff or his _legatus a latere_. Shortly afterwards the
+Monastery was exempted from the personal interference of Archbishop
+Richard as legate _a latere_.
+
+8, 5. _Jurnet the Jew._ Rokewode quotes (pp. 108-9) from the Pipe
+Rolls of Henry II. the following: In 23 Henry II., Jurnet the Jew of
+Norwich was amerced in MM marcs; and he stood amerced, in the 31st
+year of the same king, in MMMMMDXXV marcs and a half, for which debt
+the whole body of Jews were chargeable: and they were to have Jurnet's
+effects and chattels to enable them to pay it. He gave King Richard
+MDCCC marcs that he might reside in England with the King's good
+will.
+
+10, 23. _morrow of St. Brice._ November 15, 1180. Hugh was buried in
+the Chapter House nearest the door, sixth and last of the six abbots
+buried there, as recorded in a MS. at Douai circa 1425. The other five
+were:--Ording (1146-1156), Samson (1182-1211), Richard of Insula
+(1229-1234), Henry of Rushbrook (1234-1248), Edmund of Walpole
+(1248-1257). The lidless coffins of these five, with skeletons within,
+were discovered January 1, 1903. The coffin of Hugh had disappeared,
+but bones which may have been his were found buried at the spot.
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+12, 3. _Ranulf de Glanville._ The famous author of the oldest of our
+legal classics, the "Treatise on the Laws and Customs of England," was
+of Suffolk stock, and was born at Stratford St. Andrew, Saxmundham. He
+succeeded Richard Lucy as chief justiciary of England, and
+thenceforward he was the king's right-hand man (Richard of Devizes
+called him the "King's eye"). At the moment of Abbot Hugh's death
+Henry II. was in France (he kept that Christmas at Le Mans), so the
+monks appreciated the importance of letting Glanville as justiciary
+know at once the fact of the vacancy. Glanville took the cross, and
+died at the siege of Acre in 1180.
+
+12, 11. _wardship of the Abbey._ The accounts rendered by the wardens
+during the abbatial vacancy have been fortunately preserved in the
+returns which Wimer, the Sheriff of Norfolk and Suffolk, made to the
+Exchequer for the 27 and 28 Henry II. Mr. Rokewode gives the actual
+text of them (pp. 110-1). The rental of the Abbot from Michaelmas,
+1180, to Michaelmas, 1181, was £326 12_s._ 4_d._: out of which £56
+13_s._ 4_d._ was paid for corrodies, including £21 for Abbot Hugh's
+expenses for the six weeks before his death, and £35 for the
+Archbishop of Trontheim.
+
+14, 2. Deuteronomy xvi. 19.
+
+14, 9. _paintings._ For an interesting discussion as to these
+paintings, and the subjects of them, see _James_, pp. 130 _et seq._
+
+14, 11. _building the great tower._ Samson's work as subsacrist in
+connection with this tower is thus described by James, page 119:
+"Samson finished one storey in the great tower at the west end. This
+was a western tower occupying a position similar to that of the
+western tower at Ely, immediately over the central western door." It
+was _not_ this tower (as stated by Rokewode, page 111) that fell down
+on 23 Sept., 1210, but the central tower (see James, pp. 121-203).
+
+16, 7. Judges xvi. 19.
+
+16, 11. Judges xvi. 29.
+
+16, 18. Matthew xxv. 21.
+
+17, 7. Quot homines tot sententiæ. Terence, _Phormio_, Act. 2, Sc. 3,
+14.
+
+17, 12. _Abbot Ording._ In the dedication to Abbot Ording of the
+_Liber de Infantia Sancti Eadmundi_ by Galfridus de Fontibus, Ording
+is said (Arnold, i. 93) to have been "watchful in attendance on the
+King from his boyhood." Apparently this King was Stephen (born about
+1097), as Henry II., his successor, was not born until 1133. At that
+time Ording would have been on duty at Bury: for he was already Prior
+in 1136, when Anselm, then Abbot, was nominated for the Bishopric of
+London. Ording was appointed in 1138 Abbot in Anselm's place; but as
+the latter failed to get his nomination to the See of London confirmed
+by the Pope, he came back to Bury. Ording therefore, "sive volens sive
+nolens" had to return to his duties as Prior; but when Anselm died in
+1148, Ording was re-elected Abbot, and held office till he died in
+1156. As to his place of burial, see note to p. 152, l. 5, on p. 247.
+
+17, 23. Matthew xvi. 19.
+
+18, 9. _Barrators of Norfolk._ Barrator==an incitor to lawsuits (from
+O. Fr. _bareter_, to deceive, cheat). The men of Norfolk were noted
+for their litigious propensities (cf. Tusser's rhyming autobiography:
+"Norfolk wiles, so full of guiles"). Fuller in his _Worthies_ says:
+"Whereas _pedibus ambulando_ is accounted but a vexatious suit in
+other countries, here (where men are said to study law as following
+the plough-tail) some would persuade us that they will enter an action
+for their neighbour's horse but looking over their hedge." An Act was
+passed in 1455 (33 Hen. VI. cap. 7) to check the litigiousness of "the
+City of Norwich, and the counties of Norfolk and Suffolk."
+
+18, 17. Acts xxvi. 24, 25.
+
+20, 13. 1 Corinthians xiii. 11.
+
+21, 4. Romans xvi. 5.
+
+21, 6. _Blood-letting season_ (tempore minutionis). At stated times of
+the year there was a general blood-letting among the monks; and in the
+same _Liber Albus_ in which Jocelin's chronicle appears is a set of
+Regulations _De Minutis Sanguine_ (fol. 193). Amongst the servants in
+the infirmary of Bury Monastery was _Minutor, cum garcione_ (_id._
+fol. 44). The effects of the minutio were supposed to last three days,
+during which the monk did not go to matins.
+
+21, 17. Nihil est ab omni parte beatum. Horace, _Od._ i. 16.
+
+22, 8. John xix. 22.
+
+22, 9. Et semel emissum volat irrevocable verbum. Horace i. _Ep._ 18.
+71.
+
+22, 23. Medio tutissimus ibis. Ovid, _Metamorphoses_ ii. 137.
+
+23, 1. Matthew xix. 12.
+
+23, 3. _Archbishop of Norway._ In 1180 Eystein (Augustinus) Archbishop
+of Trontheim, refusing to crown Sverrir, a successful rebel, who had
+defeated Magnus, King of Norway, was driven into exile and came to
+England. (William de Newburgh, iii. 16.) Rokewode (p. 113) shows from
+the accounts of the Wardens of the Abbey during the vacancy, that the
+corrodies allowed to the Archbishop amounted in all to £94 10s.
+
+23, 11. _Holy child Robert._ Nothing is known of the circumstances of
+this boy's death at the hands of the Jews, on 10th June, 1181, or of
+Jocelin's account of it (line 16), beyond the reference made by Bale
+in his list of Jocelin's writings to _Vita Roberti Martyris_.
+
+23, 13. Acts v. 12.
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+25, 12. Jeremiah xxiii. 40.
+
+25, 21. Cf. 1 Corinthians xii. 3.
+
+26, 23. _Verba Mea._ The 5th Psalm in the Vulgate begins with these
+words.
+
+31, 9. _Waltham._ The interview with Henry II. took place at Bishop's
+Waltham, in Hampshire, on the 21st February, 1182.
+
+31, 15. _Geoffrey the Chancellor._ Geoffrey was a natural son of Henry
+II.--it is generally stated as by Fair Rosamond, though this is now
+discredited by the facts adduced in the _Dict. Nat. Biog._ He was
+successively Bishop of Lincoln (1173), Chancellor (1182), Archbishop
+of York (1191), and after a violent quarrel with King John, fled the
+country in 1207, dying in Normandy in 1212.
+
+32, 5. Matthew xix. 30; Mark x. 31.
+
+34, 23. _By the very eyes of God_: "per veros oculos Dei!" This was a
+favourite oath of Henry II. In a contemporary metrical life of St.
+Thomas of Canterbury, the King is more than once made to exclaim "Par
+les oilz Dieu" (Rokewode, p. 115). William II. used to swear by "the
+holy Face of Lucca"; John by "the teeth of God" (Ramsay, _Angevin
+Empire_ (1903), p. 414).
+
+35, 7. _Miserere mei Deus._ Psalm li.
+
+
+CHAPTER IV
+
+37, 24. _Threshold of the gate._ Samson alighted at what is now known
+as the "Norman Tower."
+
+38, 4. _Martyri adhuc._ Rokewode gives on page 115 the text (with the
+musical notes) of this response, the words of which are: "Martyri
+adhuc palpitanti, sed Christum confitenti, jussit Inguar caput
+auferri: sicque Edmundus martyrium consummavit, et ad Deum exultans
+vadit." In a MS. (Digby 109) now at the Bodleian Library (which
+contains also a copy of Abbo's _Passio_) this response comes after the
+5th lesson of the office of St. Edmund.
+
+39, 23. John vi. 6.
+
+39, 24. _New seal._ A representation of this seal is given as the
+Frontispiece. It is taken from an instrument in the Archives of
+Canterbury Cathedral, dated 6 November, 1200, being an award in a
+dispute between the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Canons of
+Lambeth, referred by Pope Innocent III. to Hugh, Bishop of Lincoln
+(for whom Roger, Dean of Lincoln, was substituted), Eustace, Bishop of
+Ely, and Abbot Samson.
+
+The seal represents Abbot Samson, vested in amice, alb, tunic,
+dalmatic, chasuble, rationale, and mitre. He holds a crozier in his
+right hand and a closed book in his left. The mitre is unusually large
+for the date. The inscription is broken, but in full reads thus:
+"Sigillum Samsonis Dei Gratia Abbatis Sancti Eadmundi." The
+counterseal (much smaller) displays the lamb bearing a cross, with the
+words round the circumference, "Secretum Samsonis Abbatis."
+
+41, 9. _Thomas of Hastings._ Apparently the object of Thomas in
+introducing thus early his nephew, Henry of Hastings, to the notice of
+Samson, was to secure a recognition by the new Abbot of the claims of
+his family to the hereditary stewardship of the Liberty of St. Edmund.
+By Charter of William I., Lidgate in Suffolk, and Blunham in
+Bedfordshire (where the church is dedicated to St. Edmund), were given
+to one Ralph to hold in fee of the Abbot of St. Edmund by the service
+of Dapifer or Steward. Later, between 1115 and 1119, Abbot Albold
+granted the lands, with the office held by Ralph, to Maurice of
+Windsor and his heirs, and this grant was confirmed by King Stephen.
+Maurice was succeeded by Ralph of Hastings, his nephew, and Ralph by
+William of Hastings, his nephew; and Henry, on whose behalf the claim
+of the stewardship was made to Samson, was William's son and heir. The
+Abbot admitted that his right was indisputable (the original Charters
+of William I., Abbot Albold, Stephen, and Henry II. [two] are quoted
+by Rokewode, pp. 118-120). But Samson's point seems to have been that
+Henry was too young to give personal service as Steward, and therefore
+"the business was deferred." Rokewode observes (p. 117): "Henry
+continued a minor in 1188, his office being then filled by Robert of
+Flamville, who held it at the time of his being one of the Wardens of
+the Abbey during the vacancy" (see p. 12). In Reece's _Breviary of
+Suffolk_ (1902) John of Hastings is given as Lord of the Manor of
+Lidgate in 1315.
+
+
+CHAPTER V
+
+43, 11. _Enclosed many parks._ At the Abbot's manor at Melford was an
+old deer park of very ancient foundation. It was called Elmsett or
+Aelmsethe, or the Great Park, and consisted chiefly of open wood. It
+was in olden times termed "Magnus Boscus Domini," and in the surveys
+of Edward I. and Henry VI. it is reckoned both as park and wood, the
+wood part being in the latter survey 217a. 2r. 34p. The whole was
+impaled round and stored with deer. (Parker's _Melford_, pp. 310-11).
+
+43, 12. _beasts of chase._ The "Beasts of the Chase" in Angevin days
+were the buck, doe and fox: the "Beasts of the Forest" were the hart,
+hind and hare: and the "Beasts and Fowls of the Warren" were the hare,
+rabbit ("coney"), pheasant and partridge. The fox was coupled with the
+wolf in Canute's Forest Law, No. 27, as "neither forest beasts nor
+game." When the fox was made a Beast of the Chase cannot be
+ascertained with any precision. The same Law No. 27, protected "hares,
+rabbits and roedeer"; the last are not mentioned in later times. In
+addition to the animals above named, the otter was hunted--_vide_
+Patent Rolls of Henry III. of 1221. The badger, polecat or wild cat
+(_catus_) and marten are specified as beasts which receivers of royal
+licences might hunt "with their own hounds" in the twelfth and
+thirteenth centuries. There appears to be no such charter or licence
+granting leave to hunt "the King's great game" (deer): on the
+contrary, deer are often specially reserved.
+
+43, 12. _Keeping a huntsman with dogs._ The St. Edmund breed of dogs
+seems to have been celebrated, as Richard I., when there was a
+difference between him and Samson as to the wardship of Nesta of
+Cockfield, wrote to the Abbot in a friendly way, and asked him for
+some of his dogs (page 148). The hunting dog of old times was probably
+a light sort of mastiff. Sometimes a breed was more celebrated for
+speed or for strength or for courage, as in the case of the hounds
+bred by the abbots of Bury. In the course of time the slighter
+varieties developed into the greyhound, and the thicker into the
+mastiff of modern times. Canute's Forest Law 31 forbade possession of
+"the dog which the English call greihounds" to the lower classes.
+Henry II.'s Assize of the Forest, given at Woodstock 1184, forbids
+(Clause 2) any one entering a royal forest with bow, arrows, dogs or
+greyhounds, save with special warrant. Clause 14 requires the lawing
+of mastiffs.
+
+The Wardrobe Account of Edward I. for 1299-1300, records payment for
+maintenance of twelve "_fox dogs_." These were used to kill foxes in
+coverts previously netted round, so were not, probably, "running
+hounds." On April 11, 1279, Edward I. wrote to Charles of Salerno
+promising to send the harriers asked for by the latter: which seems to
+indicate that the English harrier had a high reputation at that
+period.
+
+43, 16. _take part in the sport._ Strutt, in his _Sports and
+Pastimes_, observes:--"By the game laws of Canute, the dignified
+clergy were permitted to hunt in the forests belonging to the Crown;
+and their prerogatives were not abrogated by the Normans. Henry II.,
+displeased at the power and ambition of the ecclesiastics, endeavoured
+to render these grants of none effect by putting in force (1157) the
+canon law, which strictly forbade the clergy to spend their time in
+hunting and hawking." Henry III.'s First Charter of 1217 gave leave to
+an archbishop, bishop, earl or baron to take two deer while passing
+through a forest "by view of the forester"; or in the absence of that
+official the sportsman was to blow a horn on killing.
+
+44, 14. _The Eight Hundreds._ These eight hundreds of Thingoe,
+Thedwastre, Blackbourn, Bradbourn, Bradmere, Lackford, Risbridge and
+Babergh, with the half hundred of Cosford (see line 18) constituted
+the Liberty of St. Edmund, as to which see note on page 238.
+
+44, 15. _Robert of Cockfield._ See note to pp. 86, l. 18, on page 241,
+and cf. pages 254-6.
+
+44, 24. _Hidages, foddercorn, hen-rents._ Hidage was a tax upon every
+hide of land; foddercorn an ancient feudal right that the lord should
+be provided with fodder for his horses; hen-rents were a common
+reservation upon inferior tenures.
+
+45, 11. _Kalendar._ A transcript of this kalendar, which, as stated in
+the text (p. 45, l. 2) was completed by 1186, is now in the possession
+of Prince Frederick Dhuleep Singh. In the _History of the Hundred of
+Thingoe_ (1838) an extract from it relating to that Hundred is given
+on pp. xii.-xvii.
+
+46, 1. _Hugh the subsacrist._ Jocelin says that Samson appointed Hugh
+subsacrist to William Wiardel, and shortly after (p. 47) made Samson
+the precentor sacrist. But this arrangement was probably short-lived,
+for the _Gesta Sacristarum_ (Arnold, ii. 290) says Hugh succeeded
+William as sacrist, and gives a lengthy list of the works he carried
+out in the church. In 1198, when the body of St. Edmund was examined,
+Hugh was present, and is described as sacrist (see p. 172).
+
+50, 16. Omnia Cæsar erat. Lucan, _Pharsalia_, iii. 108.
+
+52, 5. Summa petit livor. Ovid, _Remedia Amoris_, 369.
+
+52, 8. 1 John iv. 1.
+
+52, 18. James ii. 13.
+
+54, 9. _School of Melun_ (Meludinensium). John of Salisbury calls a
+scholar of Melun "Meludensis." Peter Abelard opened there, early in
+the twelfth century, a celebrated school for teaching Dialectic.
+
+54, 23. Ecclesiasticus vii. 24.
+
+57, 14. Strangulat inclusus dolor atque exæstuat intus. Ovid,
+_Tristia_, v. i. 63.
+
+
+CHAPTER VI
+
+62, 7. _Pulpit._ This pulpit, from which Samson preached in his native
+dialect of Norfolk, was one of the works of Hugo the sacrist (Arnold,
+ii. 291).
+
+65, 3. _Norfolk Barrator._ See note to p. 18, line 9 (pages 226-7).
+
+66, 21. _Sale of holy water._ Ducange cites the acts of a synod of
+Exeter in 1287, that from ancient times the profits arising from the
+distribution of holy water had been set apart to maintain poor clerks
+in schools.
+
+68, 23. _Schools._ Samson is usually credited with having founded a
+town school in connection with the monastery. This may very likely
+have been the case, but I have found no direct evidence of it. It
+seems from this passage that at any rate he provided free lodgings for
+poor scholars, and from p. 144 that he endowed the mastership of the
+schools with half the tithes of Wetherden. There is a street at Bury
+St. Edmunds, just outside the precincts of the monastery, known as
+School Hall Street.
+
+69, 3. _Manor of Mildenhall._ Edward the Confessor gave Mildenhall to
+St. Edmund's, but when Domesday Book was compiled it was in the hands
+of the Crown, being then worth £70. Amongst the Crown lands sold by
+Richard I. immediately after his accession was this manor, purchased,
+according to Jocelin, for 1,100 marks, of which 1,000 marks apparently
+went to the King, and 100 marks to Queen Eleanor (see p. 71, l. 3).
+See also note to p. 72, l. 4, on page 235.
+
+69, 5. _Expulsion of the Jews._ Arnold (i. 249) expresses the opinion
+that, "under the circumstances, this must have been the most humane
+course in the interests of the Jews themselves. All large English
+towns at this time were imperfectly policed, and the temper of the
+populace savage and uncertain. A riot having once been set on foot,
+the only hope of safety for the Jews was in taking refuge in some
+royal castle. There was no castle at Bury; to the Abbot alone could
+the survivors [from the massacre in 1190] look for protection; and
+Samson knew that he had not sufficient force at his command to ensure
+it to them."
+
+69, 6. _New hospital at Babwell._ The ruins of this hospital,
+dedicated to the Saviour, still exist in Northgate, beyond the railway
+arch. It was originally founded for a warden, twelve chaplains, six
+clerks, twelve poor gentlemen, and twelve poor women, and was the
+subject of numerous Charters, which will be found fully described in
+Chapter II. of the late Sir Wm. Parker's _History of Long Melford_
+(1873). In the Feet of Fines for Suffolk, 1 John (1199), there are
+references to two deeds entered into by "Walter, Master of the
+Hospital of the Blessed Saviour outside the northern gate of St.
+Edmund's." The Master of the Hospital had his manor at Melford and
+held his courts: which manor remains to the present day, as the _Manor
+of the Monks in Melford_. It was at St. Saviour's Hospital that
+Humphrey, Duke of Gloucester, put up when he was arrested, in
+February, 1447, by Henry VI., who was in the town for the Parliament
+which met in the refectory of Bury Abbey.
+
+70, 9. _Great roll of Winchester._ Domesday Book: the returns forming
+the basis of which were transmitted to a board sitting at Winchester,
+by whom they were arranged in order and placed upon record (Lingard,
+i. 249).
+
+70, 19. _Custom of the realm._ This custom is described by Blackstone
+(_Commentaries_ [1844 ed.] i. 229) as an ancient perquisite called
+queen-gold or aurum reginæ, due, in the proportion of 10 per cent.,
+from every person making a voluntary offering to the King.
+
+71, 1. _Ransom of King Richard._ Richard wrote to his mother from
+Haguenau on the 19th April, 1193, a letter notifying the 70,000 marks
+demanded for his ransom by the German Emperor Henry VI. To meet this,
+the monasteries of England handed over all their gold and silver to
+royal commissioners, and amongst the treasure delivered up by St.
+Edmund's was the golden chalice given to the Abbey by Henry II. Queen
+Eleanor's release of it is printed in the _Monasticon_ (1821 ed.),
+iii. 154 (see also p. 146 of the _Chronicle_).
+
+71, 19. _Icklingham._ This appears to be the transaction referred to
+in a Charter of 1200, granted by Samson (confirmed by King John 15th
+March, 1200):--"We further give and grant to the said Hospital of St.
+Saviour, for the maintenance of the poor folk, £12 in money from our
+town of Icklingham, to be annually received through our sacrist." The
+signatures to this Charter (given in Parker's _Melford_, p. 9) are
+interesting. They include "Herbert, the prior," "Hermer, the
+sub-prior" (see chapter xvi. of this book), and "Jocelin, the almoner"
+(our Chronicler).
+
+72, 4. _confirmed by the King's Charter._ Richard I. signed at Chateau
+Galliard on 18th July, 1198, two charters (1) confirming to Abbot
+Samson the manor and advowson of Mildenhall; (2) placing the manor,
+except Icklingham, at the disposal of the sacrist on certain
+conditions. At the accession of King John, Samson gave the King £200
+for a confirmation of the first Charter, and especially of Mildenhall
+(cf. Rokewode, pp. 124-5).
+
+72, 15. _Walter of Coutances._ The Church at Woolpit was the first
+piece of preferment of this famous Archbishop. Walter apparently
+succeeded, at Woolpit, Geoffrey Ridel, made Bishop of Ely in 1173 (see
+note on page 237). Rokewode says (p. 126): "Henry II. obtained from
+Hugh, Abbot of St. Edmund's, in free alms, the Church of Woolpit for
+his clerk, Walter de Coutances, and in consideration thereof, by
+charter dated at Winchester, granted that after the decease of Walter
+or his resignation, the Church should be appropriated to the use of
+the sick monks" (_Reg. Nigr._ fol. 104 v.). Walter obtained several
+other appointments, but seems from the text to have retained the
+Church at Woolpit till 1183, when he was consecrated Bishop of
+Lincoln. Next year (1184) he was elected Archbishop of Rouen. He took
+a prominent part in the troubles of the reigns of Richard I. and John,
+and died at Rouen on 16th November, 1207.
+
+72, 22. _Pope Alexander and Octavian._ Alexander III., elected Pope on
+7 September, 1159, was obliged to leave Italy in 1162, on account of
+the power of the Anti-Pope Octavian, and did not return until the
+decease of the latter in 1164. Samson's journey to Rome was,
+therefore, between 1159 and 1162, before he became a professed monk.
+
+73, 3. _Pretended to be Scotch._ Mr. Arnold gives as the reason for
+this that "the Scottish kingdom at this time naturally sided with
+Octavian, England being in favour of Alexander" (I. xliii.). It has
+been suggested that "simulavi me esse Scottum" in the text means that
+Samson pretended to be an _Irishman_, the name Scotus having
+originally signified Irish, only acquiring its present meaning with
+the immigration of the Scots from the North of Ireland into Argyll,
+and their growth into a powerful nation. Bromton, speaking of Ireland,
+says:--"Dicta est eciam aliquando Scotia a Scotis eam inhabitantibus,
+priusquam ad aliam Scotiam Britannicam devenerunt; unde in
+Martirologio legitur: Tali die apud Scotiam natalis Sanctæ Brigidæ:
+quod est, apud Hiberniam" (see Twysden, _Historiæ Anglicanæ Scriptores
+X_, London 1652: vol. I., col. 1072, l. 11). When therefore this
+passage was written (the fourteenth century) it is clear that the
+usage of Scot as meaning Irishman was not understood, and was regarded
+as needing explanation. Samson's contemporary, Ralph de Diceto,
+following the account of Henry of Huntingdon, twice explains that the
+Scots came from Ireland (ed. Stubbs 1876, I. 10; II. 34). This
+explanation again implies that by the middle and end of the twelfth
+century the word had come to mean exclusively "Scotsman." The same
+opinion is expressed by Burton: "It is not safe to count that the word
+Scot must mean a native of present Scotland, when the period dealt
+with is earlier than the middle of the twelfth century" (_History of
+Scotland_, 1873, I. 207). In that part of the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle
+which was compiled during the reign of King Alfred, Scot regularly
+means Irishman. In A.D. 903 the death is noted of Virgil, abbot of
+the Scots, i.e. Irish: but this appears to be the last instance of the
+use of the word in the Chronicle in that sense. Between the years 924
+and 1138 the word Scot occurs fourteen and Scotland twenty-six times
+in the Chronicle, always with the modern significance.
+
+73, 6. _Gaveloc._ Javelin, a word of Celtic origin, but not
+specifically Scotch. Matthew Paris speaks of it in 1256 as a Frisian
+weapon: "Frisiones cum jaculis quæ vulgariter gavelocos appellant."
+(Chr. Maj. ed. Luard. v. 550.) In the Romance of Percival by Chrestien
+de Troyes, is the couplet, "Et il, qui bien lancier savoit, De
+gaverlos que il avoit." (Ed. Potvin, Tome I. lines 1309-10. Mons,
+1866).
+
+73, 10. _Ride, Ride Rome, turn Cantwereberi_, This is written in
+English by Jocelin; and its meaning seems to be "I am riding towards
+Rome, turning from Canterbury." Arnold (I. xliii.) says, "If he had
+meant to say 'returning to Canterbury,' he would at once have been
+taken for an English adherent of Alexander."
+
+74, 12. _Geoffrey Ridel._ This presentation appears to have been made
+(c. 1161) by Henry II., perhaps during Samson's journey abroad. In
+1163 Geoffrey became Archdeacon of Canterbury in succession to Thomas
+à Becket, appointed Archbishop, and for the next eight years was in
+violent opposition to his primate, who called him "our arch-devil,"
+and excommunicated him. On May 1, 1173, Geoffrey was chosen Bishop of
+Ely, and died at Winchester, 27 July, 1189. As Geoffrey from the
+chronicles seems to have been of a masterful and contumacious spirit,
+it must have given Abbot Samson peculiar satisfaction to have got the
+better of him over the timber referred to on page 106.
+
+74, 19. _Acre._ This was Samson's first imprisonment at Castleacre
+(circ. 1161, before he became a monk). His second imprisonment
+probably took place about 1173, as on page 6 he speaks of it to
+Jocelin, then a novice, as something quite recent. As to Castleacre,
+see note on pages 223-4.
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+77, 23. _Charters of the King._ This dispute with the monks of
+Canterbury, heard before King Henry II. on the 11th February, 1187,
+raised the whole question of the Liberty of St. Edmund, a matter
+respecting which the Bury monastery was extremely tenacious. A
+marginal note in the original MS. of the Chronicle, against the
+puzzled phrase of the King (see page 78, lines 1-3), says: "Our
+Charter speaks of the time of King Edward, and of the time of his
+mother, Queen Emma, who had eight and a half hundreds as a marriage
+portion before the time of King Edward, besides Mildenhall." According
+to the _Anglo-Saxon Chronicle_, the Confessor, after his coronation in
+1043, seized the possessions of his mother, "because she was formerly
+very hard on the King her son, and did less for him than he wished
+before he was King, and also since." The Franchise having thus come
+into the Confessor's hands, was granted to the Abbots and Monks of
+Bury shortly after his accession. Under a Charter of King Edmund
+granted about 945, and Charters of Canute and Hardicanute, the
+jurisdiction of Bury Abbey had been restricted to the town, and the
+circuit indicated by the four crosses placed at the distance of a mile
+from the extremities of the town: but by the Confessor's Charter, it
+was enlarged to a district extending over about two-fifths of the
+whole county of Suffolk. (For names of the 8-1/2 hundreds included in
+the Liberty see note on page 232, 14.)
+
+Edward the Confessor paid a visit to the shrine of St. Edmund in 1044,
+and when he had come within a mile of it, dismounted from his horse
+and accomplished the rest of the journey on foot. Herman the
+archdeacon, who wrote about half a century later, is the first to
+relate this fact, and also the grant by the King to the abbey of the
+8-1/2 hundreds: "Qua tunc suffragatorem reditibus imperialibus
+honorat, centurias quas Anglice hundrez vocant, octo et semis sibi
+circum-circa se donat, regiamque mansionem nomine Mildenhall his
+adauget" (Arnold, I. 48). The original grant of Edward the Confessor
+gave the abbey jura regalia in wide loose general terms. Later,
+Charters became gradually more explicit as to the extent of
+jurisdiction (civil and criminal) conferred. Later still, the Royal
+justices in eyre supervened. The institution of the circuits and
+assizes had to be fitted into the exempt jurisdiction: so the Liberty
+had its own assizes, etc., but outside the interior special and
+inviolable circuit of the bannaleuca or limits of St. Edmundsbury
+itself.
+
+Lord Francis Hervey, who has made a special study of the subject,
+gives hope on page 250 of his notes to the _Breviary of Suffolk_
+(1902), of his undertaking "a detailed examination of the history and
+incidents of the great Liberty of St. Edmund, which remained in the
+hands of its monastic rulers till the day when Abbot Reeve surrendered
+his Abbey to Henry VIII., November 4, 1539."
+
+78, 15. Matthew xix. 12.
+
+78, 16. _the matter was put off._ This dispute between Bury and
+Canterbury was not, as a matter of fact, ultimately composed till over
+200 years later. Amongst Dr. Yates' manuscript materials for the never
+completed Part II. of his _History of Bury_ is a memorandum (now
+amongst the Egerton MSS. in the British Museum) in the following
+words:--
+
+"The Letters Patent of King Henry 4th the 25th Nov. 1408 confirm and
+ratify an Indenture of three parts between the Archbishop of
+Canterbury, the Prior of Christ Church, Canterbury, and the Abbot of
+Bury St. Edmund's, by which it is determined that the parishes of
+Hadleygh et Illeygh being within the eight hundreds and an half called
+the Liberty or Franchise of St. Edmund should be subject to the
+Abbot's Seneschallus, or High Steward of the Franchise, and that the
+return of the writs of the Seneschal's Great Court with the rolls
+fines and other rights and privileges should be regarded in those
+parishes in the same manner as in the other parts of the Liberty. An
+exemption on the part of the Archbishop having been claimed, this
+indenture terminated a dispute that had been above 160 years [cf.
+Arnold, III. 188] in agitation. During this dispute it was agreed that
+the Sheriff of Suffolk should act till its termination as Seneschal of
+these Parishes. A patent was addressed to the Sheriff of Suffolk dated
+27th November in the same year, commanding him no longer to intromit
+within the Franchise of St. Edmund, but to preserve inviolate the
+Liberties and immunities of the Abbot and Monastery.--_Registrum
+Rubrum in Collect, Burien._: 317 _to_ 328 _inclusive._"
+
+78, 16. Et adhuc sub judice lis est. Horace, _Arte Poet._, 78.
+
+79, 6. _Bishop of Ely._ This was William of Longchamp (d. 1197), once
+described by Henry II. as a "son of two traitors." He fled the kingdom
+in 1191 on his fall from power, came to England in 1192, but was not
+permitted to proceed further than Canterbury, and crossed the seas
+again. In 1193 he returned, bearing letters from the Emperor, and met
+the Regency at St. Albans. It was on this occasion that he passed
+through St. Edmundsbury, as recorded on page 80. In Normandy, at the
+instigation of the Archbishop of Rouen, he had been everywhere
+received as an excommunicated person (cf. Rokewode, page 127).
+
+79, 10. _Archbishopric vacant._ Archbishop Baldwin died at Acre, in
+November, 1190; his successor Reginald, Bishop of Bath, was elected in
+December, 1191, and died after a few days. Hubert Walter, with whom
+Samson afterwards came into conflict, was elected Archbishop in May,
+1192 (see note on page 245).
+
+80, 12. _Archbishop of York._ This was Geoffrey, the half-brother of
+Richard I., to whom he had sworn that he would not return to England
+without the King's leave. Having returned, he was, on his landing at
+Dover in September, 1191, arrested by Longchamp's orders, and thrown
+into prison.
+
+80, 24. _King Henry had taken the Cross._ At the interview of Henry
+II. with Philip of France, between Trie and Gisors, the two Kings took
+the cross upon the Feast of St Agnes, 21 January, 1188.
+
+82, 8. _War throughout England._ After John's return from France in
+1193, the country was in a state of general warfare; and Windsor was
+besieged by the Regency with the King's other castles.
+
+82, 16. _His own standard._ See note to p. 85, l. 25, below.
+
+83, 1. _Licence for holding tournaments._ This was little more than a
+device for raising money. In 1194 Richard ordered tournaments to be
+held, in order to practise the knights in warfare. No one could joust
+at a tournament without a licence; and the price of the licence varied
+with the rank of the holder.
+
+85, 12. _Withgar._ This great thane, who is styled in the Cartulary of
+Abbot John of Northwold "the famous Earl," had the custody for Queen
+Emma, mother of Edward the Confessor, of the franchise of the eight
+hundreds and a half which subsequently constituted the Liberty of St.
+Edmund (see notes on pages 232 and 238). Mr. Rokewode says (p. 129):
+"The honour of Clare was composed chiefly of the great possessions in
+Suffolk and Essex of Alfric, son of Withgar or Wisgar (_Liber
+Domesday_)."
+
+85, 25. _Standard of St. Edmund._ In the famous Harleian MS. 2278, the
+original book containing the metrical life of St. Edmund by John
+Lydgate, presented to Henry VI. by Bury Abbey after his visit to the
+monastery in 1433, there is a pictorial representation of this
+Standard. It depicts Adam and Eve on either side of the Tree of
+Knowledge, and the devil with a human face and a serpent's body curled
+round the tree. Above the tree is a lamb and a cross, with crescents
+in the background. The counterseal of Abbot Samson also has the lamb
+and cross (see page 229).
+
+86, 6. _Earl Roger Bigot._ This Earl was son of Hugh, the rebellious
+baron. It appears from the text that the Standard of St. Edmund was
+carried by him into the fight at the battle of Fornham, in October,
+1173 (see p. 1).
+
+86, 18. _Robert of Cockfield._ References to members of this family of
+Cockfield, or Cokefield, appear often in the _Chronicle_. The dispute
+as to rights which arose on Robert's death is told again in greater
+detail at the end of the _Chronicle_, by William of Diss (see pp.
+254-6), and the dispute as to the wardship of the daughter of Adam,
+son of Robert, on pages 187-8. Nothing here arises except Samson's
+denial of Adam's right of hereditary tenure, in which he was
+successful.
+
+87, 16. _Eight and a half hundreds._ See notes to p. 44, l. 14, and p.
+77, l. 23, on the Liberty of St. Edmund (pp. 232, 238).
+
+88, 16. _Haberdon._ This is a field (still called by the same name) in
+the south-east corner of the town, with remains of earthworks. It was
+held in monastic times of the sacrist by the singular tenure, that the
+tenant should find a white bull as often as a gentlewoman should visit
+the shrine of St. Edmund "to make the oblation of the said white
+bull," with a view to secure a favourable answer to her prayers for
+offspring. On these occasions the bull was led from his pasture on the
+Haberdon through the principal streets of the town in procession to
+the Church of St. Edmund.
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+101-105. The whole of this Chapter is obviously an interpolation in
+the Chronicle by some monk other than Jocelin himself. The story of
+Henry of Essex is included in the long and elaborate "vita et passio
+cum miraculis Sancti Edmundi" prepared in the fourteenth century in
+the monastery at Bury, and now preserved in the Bodleian Library (MS.
+240); and at the end of this transcript the compiler adds, "Cuius
+narracionem Jocelinus audiens, in scriptis redegit" (_Nova Legenda
+Anglie_, ed. Horstman, 1901, II. 637). It is apparent from the opening
+phrase of the text (p. 105) that Jocelin, who most probably went to
+Reading in the train of the Abbot, commenced to set down the story at
+the bidding of Samson, but left its completion to some other monk of
+inferior degree. Perhaps this was William of Diss, who added at the
+end of the Chronicle (see pages 254-6) a declaration as to the lands
+of Robert of Cockfield.
+
+101, 10. _precept of Seneca._ Mr. Arnold says: "Many things resembling
+this sentiment occur in the 109th Epistle of Seneca; but probably the
+passage is somewhere else in his works."
+
+103, 18. _thrown down the standard._ Henry of Essex's act of cowardice
+took place in 1157, during an expedition into Flintshire, when the
+Welsh made a sudden attack. His dropping the standard brought King
+Henry II. and the Royal army into great peril (Gervase, i. 165, Rolls
+ed.).
+
+104, 1. _Roger Earl of Clare._ There seems to be an attempt at
+punning, at this point, by the monk who wrote the original story in
+Latin: "Rogerus comes Clarensis, clarus genere et militari clarior
+exercitis, cum suis Clarensibus maturius occurrisset."
+
+104, 9. _trial of battle._ This fight between Henry of Essex and
+Robert de Montfort took place in 1163 (Ralph de Diceto, _Ymag. Hist_.
+i. 310, Rolls ed.), on an eyot in the Thames, and is still
+traditionally remembered at Reading.
+
+
+CHAPTER IX
+
+106, 6. _stay at Melford._ The manor of Melford was given to the
+monastery in the time of Leofstan (second Abbot) by Earl Alfric, the
+son of Withgar (Parker's _History of Long Melford_, p. 1). At Long
+Melford, 13 miles south of Bury, was a country house belonging to the
+Abbots of Bury; and at the present Melford Hall there are said to be
+still some relics of this occupancy. After Samson died, in 1211, there
+was a dispute that lasted a considerable time as to the validity of
+the election of Hugo, his successor; and the Papal Legate, Nicholas,
+Bishop of Tusculum, who tried vainly to compose it, stayed for some
+time at Melford (Arnold, ii. 46). Abbot Simon of Luton died at his
+manor of Melford in April, 1279.
+
+108, 8, 13. _forty pounds a year from the town._ Battely prints
+(_App._ xvii. 149) a letter from Pope Eugenius III. (no date)
+addressed to Helyas, the sacrist (Ording's nephew), confirming
+Ording's instructions as to the rents of the town being applied to the
+service of the Altar.
+
+112, 8. _Charter from King Henry the Second._ "All the men of London
+shall be quit and free, and all their goods throughout England, and
+the ports of the sea, of and from all toll and passage and lestage and
+all other customs" (Charter Henry I.). "All the citizens of London
+shall be quit from toll and lastage throughout all England and the
+ports of the sea" (Charter of Henry II.--confirmed by Charter of
+Richard I., 23 April, 1194, and by Charter of John, 17 June, 1199).
+(Birch's _Historical Charters of the City of London_, 1887, pp. 3, 5.)
+
+112, 15. _theam_ (Lat. themus, team). The right of compelling a person
+in whose hands stolen property was found to say from whom he received
+it (Glossary in Stubbs's _Select Charters_).
+
+113, 10. Judges xvi. 9.
+
+116, 15. _A charter was made._ The text of this Charter of 1194,
+granted by Samson to the Burgesses, will be found in Battely (_App._
+xxii. 155-6) and in the _Monasticon_, iii. 153. It confirms to the
+town all the customs and liberties which it had in the times of Henry
+II. and his predecessors; and it declares that with regard to watch
+and ward and the custody of the gates, the ancient custom is that the
+town shall furnish eight watchmen night by night, all the year round,
+two for each ward, and a larger number at Christmas and on St.
+Edmund's Day [20 November]; also that the town should find four
+gatekeepers for the four gates, the fifth or eastern gate being in the
+custody of the Abbot. Nothing is said in the Charter about the
+appointment of the portreeves; but the right of burgesses to sue and
+be sued in their own borough-court (portmanne-mot), instead of going
+outside the borough to the hundred-mot or the shire-mot, is insisted
+upon. "What is evidently assumed is that the portreeve is the Abbot's
+servant, and administers justice in the Abbot's name" (Arnold, II.
+xxxix.).
+
+
+CHAPTER X
+
+119, 10. Lamentations iv. i.
+
+121, 12. _Abbot Robert._ This was Robert II. (fourth Abbot), a monk of
+Westminster, elected by the convent in 1102, but not confirmed by
+Henry I. until 1107. He died shortly afterwards, on the 16th
+September, 1107, and, after an interregnum of seven years, Albold,
+Prior of St. Nicasius, at Meaux, succeeded him in the abbacy. Robert
+was buried in the Infirmary Chapel (Douai MS.). For his character and
+labours, see MS. quoted in Arnold, i. 356.
+
+121, 20. _Hubert Walter._ Hubert's father, Harvey Walter, was
+descended from Hubert, the first Norman settler, who received at the
+Conquest grants of land in Norfolk and Suffolk. Hubert is said to have
+been born at West Dereham, in Norfolk (Tanner, _Not. Monast. Norfolk_,
+xxi.), where lived, as will be seen from the text (p. 121, l. 25), his
+mother Matilda de Valognes (whose sister Bertha married Ranulf de
+Glanville). He was brought up in Glanville's household, and was so
+much in his confidence that he was afterwards said to have "shared
+with him in the government of England." In 1186 he became Dean of
+York, and in 1189 Bishop of Salisbury. In 1190 he went to the Holy
+Land, returning in 1193, in which year he was elected Archbishop of
+Canterbury and appointed justiciary. Richard's departure over sea in
+1194 left him virtual ruler of England for the next few years. He died
+in 1205; and in March, 1890, a tomb opened in Canterbury Cathedral was
+found to contain his remains.
+
+124, 6. _The Pope wrote._ This letter of Innocent III. was dated 1st
+December, 1198, and was addressed (not to the Archbishop but) to the
+Abbot and convent of St. Edmund (_Migne's Patrologia_, vol. ccxiv.,
+No. 457 of the Regesta).
+
+
+CHAPTER XI
+
+134, 13. Tendens ad sidera palmas. Virgil, _Æn._ i. 93.
+
+135, 18. _Anniversary obit of the Abbot Robert._ According to the
+_Liber Albus_, fol. 35, the anniversary of Abbot Robert was "xvi Kal.
+Octobris" (16th September). The anniversaries of Ording and Hugh,
+mentioned in line 20, were 31st January and the 16th November.
+
+139, 20. _Chapel of St. Denis._ This chapel was at the west end of the
+church, probably north of the great western tower, with a chapel
+dedicated to St. Faith above it. Abbot Baldwin, who commenced the
+erection of the basilica, was a monk of St. Denis; hence, no doubt,
+the dedication of a chapel to that saint.
+
+
+CHAPTER XII
+
+142, 5. _Church of Coventry._ Hugh de Nonant (d. 1198), Bishop of
+Lichfield and Coventry, had a violent dislike to all monks, and,
+whenever he could, put secular canons in their place. He had turned
+out the monks at Coventry, and Pope Celestine III. appointed in 1197 a
+Commission, on which Samson sat, for restoring these expelled monks.
+The monks were re-inducted by Archbishop Hubert Walter on 18th
+January, 1198.
+
+144, 1. _Church of Wetherden._ This deed is recorded in the Feet of
+Fines for Suffolk, 9 Richard I., No. 49.
+
+144, 9. _master of the schools._ A perpetual pension of three marcs,
+payable from the tithes of Wetherden to "the master of the school at
+St. Edmund," was granted in 1198 by John, Bishop of Norwich, at the
+request of Samson (_Curtey's Register_, Brit. Mus. fol. 119).
+
+145, 24. _Chapel of St. Andrew._ According to the _Gesta Sacristarum_
+(Arnold, ii. 291) the Chapel of St. Andrew was for the most part built
+and finished by the sacrist Hugo under Samson, and seems to have been
+then connected with the infirmary (iii. 87). Later on it was removed
+into the cemetery of the monks (iii. 187).
+
+145, 25. _Chapels of St. Katherine and St. Faith._ Two chapels at the
+west end; St. Katherine to the south, over the chapel of St. John, St.
+Faith to the north, over the chapel of St. Denis.
+
+147, 19. Tractant fabrilia fabri. Horace, _Ep._ ii. i. 116.
+
+147, 20. _Adam of Cockfield._ This was the claimant whose case is
+reported on pp. 86-8, and again (by William of Diss) on pp. 254-6. An
+elaborate pedigree of the Cockfield family is given by Rokewode on pp.
+140-8 of his book. His daughter's name was Nesta, and, as stated at p.
+187, l. 24, she became, on her father's death in 1198, the ward and
+wife of Thomas de Burgh, brother of Hubert the chamberlain, who was
+afterwards justiciary and Earl of Kent. Nesta married three times, and
+died about 1248.
+
+149, 3. Munera (crede mihi) capiunt hominesque deosque; Placatur donis
+Jupiter ipse datis. Ovid, _Arte Amandi_, iii. 653.
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII
+
+151, 13. _Portman-moot._ Borough court. Written in English in the
+original Chronicle ("portmane-mot.")
+
+151, 18. _Sorpeni._ Payment for grass for a cow.
+
+152, 5. _Ording who lies there._ Ording (d. 1156) was one of six
+abbots who were buried in the Chapter House, and whose names are
+recorded in the MS., circa 1425, discovered by Dr. Montagu James at
+Douai (_James_, p. 180). The original chapter house of the monastery
+was built by Godefridus, the sacrist, about 1107. There was a fire
+which destroyed all the convent buildings, and Helyas, the sacrist,
+Ording's nephew, "reformavit ad plenum" the chapter house. His uncle
+was the first Abbot buried there. Ording's place of sepulture was
+nearest to the east end or dais. Hugo and Samson, Ording's successors,
+were also buried in Helyas's chapter house: Samson being, according to
+the Douai MS. "sepultus in capitulo sedus ad pedes Ric. Abb. sub
+lapidibus marmoreis ut suprascriptum est de Abb. Ordingo." About 1220
+Richard of Newport, then sacrist, "vetus capitulum destruxit, et novum
+a fundamentis construxit." (Arnold, II. 293.) Afterwards Richard of
+Insula (1229-34), Henry of Rushbrook (1234-46), and Edmund of Walpole
+(1248-56) were also buried in the chapter house. Its dimensions,
+according to William of Worcester's measurements in 1479, were 60
+paces by 20. In the course of some recent excavations (1902-3) the
+coffins of five of the above Abbots, and much worked stone and marble,
+have been found on the site of this chapter house.
+
+152, 19. _tenant of the cellarer, by name Ketel_. As Ketel dwelt
+"without the gate," he was, being "of the cellarer's fee," subject to
+the "judicial duel" which William I. had introduced; whereas the
+argument of his fellow-burgesses seems to have been that if he had
+dwelt within the borough he would have been tried and acquitted or
+condemned by the "oaths of his neighbours"--the compurgators out of
+whom our jury system grew. The monks recognized that the time had come
+when the franchise of the town should be extended to the rural
+possessions of the Abbey, and all brought under a common jurisdiction.
+
+153, 6. _within the jurisdiction._ "Infra bannamleucam," defined by
+Ducange as a certain territory by the boundaries of which the
+jurisdiction and immunities of any place, whether a town or monastery,
+were limited. _Bannum_ is here used in the sense of jurisdiction; and
+the amount of territory so enfranchised was usually reckoned as a
+league either way, hence banna leuca or banlieue. The exempt
+jurisdiction of Bury Abbey was limited to the circuit of a mile within
+four crosses.
+
+153, 6. _Villeins of Hardwick._ The Latin word is _lancettos_, serfs
+holding by base services. In one of the cartularies of St. Edmund, the
+"Lancetti de Hardwick" were to cleanse the latrines of the monastery.
+
+154, 23. _Beodricsworth._ This is the ancient name of Bury St.
+Edmunds. Mr. Arnold says (I. iv.) the name of Beodric "seems to mean
+'a table chieftain,' _comp._ beod. geneat, a table companion. But
+there is some countenance in the MSS. for Beadricsworth, which would
+come from beadu-rica, one mighty in war." Seynt Edmunds Biri is first
+substituted for Beodricsworth in Charters from Edward the Confessor to
+the Monastery (cf. page 260 and Battely, _App._ ix. 134).
+
+155, 14. _Aver-peni._ The money paid by the tenant in commutation of
+the service (avera) of performing any work for his lord by horse or
+ox, or by carriage with either.
+
+155, 20. _Eels from Southrey._ Ælgiva, Queen of Canute, gave to the
+Monastery yearly four thousand eels, with her gifts which pertained
+thereto at Lakenheath. The manor of Southrey, in Norfolk, with three
+fisheries, was appropriated to the cellarer (Rokewode, p. 151).
+
+157, 2. _haggovele._ Probably head-tax or hearth-tax.
+
+159, 2. Romans xii. 10.
+
+159, 9. Summa petit livor. Ovid, _Rem. Amoris_, 369.
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV
+
+163, 8. Habakkuk iii. 2.
+
+164, 11. _Chest with the shirt of St. Edmund._ Archdeacon Herman, in
+his treatise _De Miraculis Sancto Eadmundi_ (Arnold, i. 26 _et seq._),
+describes how Leofstan (2nd Abbot) decided to open the coffin
+containing St. Edmund's body and examine the remains. The body was
+found covered with a vestment stained with blood and pierced with
+arrows. This was taken off and the body wrapped in a linen sheet. In
+the continuation of Herman's work, ascribed to Samson himself, there
+is an account of another Herman, a monk of Bury, and a popular
+preacher, who displayed irreverently certain relics of St. Edmund. He
+took the shirt out of its casket, and unfolded it for the people to
+kiss. Tolinus the sacrist commented severely on the occurrence, and on
+the third day at sunset Herman died. The "feretrum cum camisia S.
+Edmundi" was amongst the relics carried in procession round the Church
+on Christmas Day, Palm Sunday, Easter Day, and probably other high
+festivals (Rituale, Harl. MS. 297, cent, xiv., quoted by _James_, p.
+183).
+
+165, 1. _Cup of St. Edmund._ To drinking from this cup various
+miracles are ascribed: a rich lady cured after long suffering from
+fever; a Dunwich man with dropsy; a girl afflicted with a great
+swelling, who drinks from the cup thrice in the name of the Trinity; a
+Cluniac monk of St. Saviour's, Southwark, named Gervasius, whose story
+is told in great detail in Samson's _De Miraculis_ (Arnold, i. 202-3).
+It is said that an indulgence _toties quoties_ was granted to pilgrims
+who drank from this cup "in the worshippe of God and Saint Edmund,"
+hence its name of "Pardon Bowl"; but I have not found the original
+authority for this.
+
+165, 19. Luke xii. 2.
+
+166, 9. Psalm lxiii. 11.
+
+170, 4. Isaiah i. 2.
+
+171, 18. _verse inscribed._ In the _Cronica Burienis_ (Arnold, iii. 8)
+this verse is given in a slightly different form--"Martyris ecce zoma
+Michaelis servet agalma," the writer adding, "Agalma, id est, sacra
+receptacula divinitatis." "Zoma" is probably the Greek word "soma,"
+body. But it has also been translated "garment," and Carlyle's version
+of the inscription (_Past and Present_, ch. xvi.) is, "This is the
+Martyr's garment, which Michael's Image guards." Lord Francis Hervey,
+in his edition (1902) of Recce's _Breviary of Suffolk_, says, "Having
+regard to the fondness of the mediæval versifiers for rhyme, I feel
+tempted to suggest that the word may have been 'salma,' a word of
+unknown origin, which in Italian means corpse.... The verse in
+question was most probably not home made, and was not clearly
+intelligible to the monks themselves."
+
+171, 21. _iron rings._ This phrase is somewhat obscure: "annuli ferrei
+sicut solebat fieri in cista Norensi." Ducange gives "Norrensis" as an
+occasional equivalent for Northmannus, hence Mr. Arnold suggests for
+cista Norensis "a Norwegian chest" (i. 311).
+
+175, 10. _Ailwin the monk._ Ailwin, also written Egelwin, was keeper
+of the shrine of St. Edmund before the foundation of the Abbey. In
+view of the invasion of England by the Danish chief Turchil, Ailwin
+fled, in 1010, from Beodricsworth to London with the body of St.
+Edmund, returning 1014. In 1050 Ailwin, then a very aged man, was
+invited by Abbot Leofstan to come from Hulme to Bury to identify the
+body of the Saint.
+
+176, 18. _Keeper of St. Botolph._ There was a chapel (probably on the
+south side of the presbytery) dedicated to St. Botolph, in which was
+the shrine with the relics of that Saint.
+
+177, 3. Felix, quem faciunt aliena pericula cautum. Erasmus, _Adagia_.
+
+
+CHAPTER XV
+
+178, 6. _King John ... came down to St. Edmund._ John paid several
+visits to Bury Abbey during Samson's abbacy: once in 1199, immediately
+after his coronation, when he made the miserable offering described by
+Jocelin on p. 178; a second time in 1201, when returning from
+Northumberland; a third time in 1203, when, according to Rokewode (p.
+154), "he made a pilgrimage to St. Edmund's, at the feast of St.
+Thomas the Apostle, and gave the convent ten marcs annually, payable
+from the exchequer, for the repairs of the shrine of St. Edmund, in
+consideration of the monks giving back to the King, for his life, a
+sapphire and ruby, which he had offered to the Saint, and which were
+to revert to the convent." In connection with the disputed question of
+the nomination of Samson's successor (which lasted for over two
+years), John came to Bury on November 4, 1114, and meeting the monks
+in the chapter house, made them a speech as to his own rights in the
+matter, which is recorded in Arnold, II. xv. and 95-6.
+
+180, 7. Isaiah i. 2.
+
+182, 3. Matthew xii. 25.
+
+183, 9. In te vindicassem nisi iratus fuissem. Cic. _Tusc._ iv. 36.
+
+183, 14. Mark iv. 39.
+
+187, 20. _seisin of the damsel._ There was another claimant for the
+wardship of Nesta of Cockfield, not here mentioned, viz., King Richard
+I., who (see pp. 148-9) was defied by Samson, but was appeased by a
+present of some horses, dogs, and other valuable gifts. "Here you may
+see what misery followeth the tenure by Knight's service: if the
+tenant dieth, leaving his heir within age, how the poor child may be
+tossed and tumbled, chopped and changed, bought and sold like a jade
+in Smithfield, and what is more, married to whom it pleaseth his
+guardian, whereof ensue many evils" (Rastell: _Terms of the Lawes of
+this Realm_, ed. 1579, fol. 98).
+
+189, 6. Decipi quadam specie recti. Horace, _De Arte Poetica_, 25.
+
+189, 8. Isaiah xlii. 8.
+
+189, 9. _Abbot of Cluny._ This was Hugh, Abbot of Reading from 1180 to
+1199, when he was appointed Abbot of Cluny. Much information about him
+may be found in Dr. J. B. Hurry's admirable _History of Reading
+Abbey_, 1901, whence the following note as to precedence is taken:
+"Sir Henry Englefield (_Archaeologia_, vol. vi. p. 61) states that the
+Abbot of Reading took precedence after the Abbots of Glastonbury and
+St. Albans. But it is probable that no such definite order was
+observed.... In the Articles of Faith under Convocation, 28 Henry
+VIII., the following is the order of signatures--St. Albans,
+Westminster, St. Edmunds Bury, Glastonbury, Reading."
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI.
+
+190, 6. Numbers xi. 26.
+
+191, 1. _When the Prior died._ Mr. Rokewode assigns Robert's death to
+1200, perhaps because the narrative of the election of his successor
+follows in the Chronicle the account of the visit to the monastery of
+Hugh, Abbot of Cluny.
+
+192, 9. Proverbs xix. 11.
+
+193, 19. Deut. xvii. 8.
+
+196, 19. _[Herbert] the new prior._ This election seems to have taken
+place in 1200. After Samson's death in 1211, Herbert had a great deal
+of anxiety arising out of King John's refusal to accept the choice of
+Hugh II. (then Prior of Westminster and afterwards Bishop of Ely) as
+Abbot; and the narrative of the _Electio Hugonis_ takes up 102 pages
+of Mr. Arnold's vol. ii. Herbert died in September, 1220, and was
+succeeded as Prior by Richard of Insula (afterwards 12th Abbot).
+
+197, 20. Acts xxvi. 24.
+
+197, 23. Nihil omne parte beatum. Hor. _Odes_, i. 16.
+
+198, 7. Exitus acta probabit. Ovid, _Heroides_, ii. 85.
+
+198, 11. Psalm lxiv. 3.
+
+199, 5. Fallitur augurio spes bona sæpe suo. Ovid, _Heroides_, xvii.
+234.
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII.
+
+200, 8. Deut. xvi. 19.
+
+200, 16. Galatians v. 9.
+
+201, 20. _Dean of London._ This quotation from the _Ymagines
+Historiarum_ of Ralph de Diceto, Dean of St. Paul's, who died about
+1202, is interesting, as showing that apparently a manuscript copy of
+that work was in the possession of Bury Abbey shortly after its
+compilation. Diceto has often been identified with Diss in Norfolk:
+and there are evidences that William of Diss had a good deal to do
+with Jocelin's Chronicle (cf. pages 242, 254). Bishop Stubbs thinks
+that Diceto is "an artificial name, adopted by its bearer as the Latin
+name of a place with which he was associated," and this he suggests
+may be one of three places in Maine.
+
+202, 16. Mutans quadrata rotundis. Hor. _Ep._ i. 1, 100.
+
+203, 16. Pila minantia pilis. _Lucan_, 1, 7.
+
+204, 13. _By his writ._ The same difficulty as to jurisdiction that
+arose in the case of Monk's Eleigh with Christ Church, Canterbury (see
+chapter vii. and notes to p. 77, l. 23, and p. 78, l. 16) occurred
+with the Bishop of Ely; and it lasted an equally long time. In the
+_Excerpta Cantabrigiensia_ (Arnold, III. 188) is a long account of a
+"Contentio inter monasterium S. Edmundi et episcopum Eliensum" (Univ.
+Lib. Ff. 2, 29) respecting the return to writs affecting places within
+the Liberty of St. Edmund. The Bishop claimed that when a writ came
+down to the Sheriff of Suffolk referring to a place which, though
+within the liberty of St. Edmund, belonged to the see of Ely, it was
+the duty of the sheriff to send that writ for execution, not to the
+abbot, but to the bishop; and the abbot claimed that the ancient
+jurisdiction of St. Edmund would thus be infringed. Since the liberty
+of St. Edmund comprised eight and a half hundreds in the county of
+Suffolk, within which hundreds the see of Ely possessed many manors,
+it is obvious that if the charge and execution of writs affecting
+these manors were withheld from the abbot and given to the bishop, the
+jurisdiction of St. Edmund would be to that extent impaired and
+restricted. The Contentio begins with a reference to the King's
+decision just given (1408) in favour of Bury against the Canterbury
+monks (see note on page 239), and goes on to describe the efforts made
+by Abbot Cratfield to stop the encroachments of Bishop Fordham of Ely,
+with whom he proposes a meeting, from which the bishop excuses
+himself. The controversy dragged on, with many adjournments and
+delays, all of which the (Bury) writer lays to the charge of the other
+side: nor was it concluded at the date (1426 or 1427) when the tract
+was written (Arnold, III. xviii.-xix.).
+
+205, 20. Psalm viii. 8.
+
+207, 7. _Geoffrey Fitz-Peter and William de Stutville._ These were
+important officials, whom John could ill spare. Geoffrey Fitz-Peter,
+Earl of Essex (died 1213) was justiciar, having been appointed by
+Richard I. to this high office in 1198, on the resignation of
+Archbishop Hubert Walter. He was confirmed in his appointment by John,
+who disliked him, but used him for his own ends. William de Stutville
+had been appointed sheriff of the county of York in 1201, and died in
+1203.
+
+209, 20. _made his will just as if he was now to die._ The Royal
+summons to Court was dated 1203, as the brief of Innocent III. is
+printed in Migne's _Patrologia_, vol. 214, and is dated 21 January,
+1203. Samson lived nearly nine years afterwards; but as to the facts
+of his latest years we know practically nothing. As to his death and
+burial, see Preface, pages xl.-xlii.
+
+211, 9. Pollicitis dives quilibet esse potest. Ovid., _De Arte
+Amandi_, 1. 444.
+
+211. At the foot of fol. 163 of the _Liber Albus_, from which
+Jocelin's Chronicle is taken, is a memorandum by William of Diss,
+which, as it has been printed both by Rokewode and Arnold, is
+translated below, though it is not by Jocelin. It is merely an
+expansion of the story told by Jocelin himself on pp. 86-8. Adam of
+Cockfield wanted to claim his father's lands by hereditary right; but
+William of Diss gives the evidence against this claim. The succession
+was: Lenmere, Adam the first (married Adeliza), Robert (died 1191),
+Adam the claimant (died 1198), who married Rohesia, and had a daughter
+Nesta, over whose wardship there was the dispute recorded on page 187.
+
+"Robert of Cockfield acknowledged to my lord abbot Samson, in the
+presence of many persons--Master W. of Banham, brother W. of Diss,
+chaplains, William of Breiton, and many others--that he had no
+hereditary right in the vills of Groton and Semere. For in the days of
+King Stephen, when the peace was disturbed, the monks of St. Edmund,
+with the consent of the abbot, granted the aforesaid two vills to Adam
+of Cockfield, his father, to be held all the days of his life: Semere
+for the annual payment of one hundred shillings, and Groton by the
+payment of an annual rent, because Adam could defend the aforesaid
+towns against the holders of the neighbouring castles, W. of Milden
+and W. of Ambli, in that he had a castle of his own near to the
+aforesaid manors, namely, the castle of Lelesey.
+
+"After the death of the aforesaid Adam, they granted the said manors
+to Robert of Cockfield, son of Adam, at a double rate for Semere, that
+is an annual rent of ten pounds, so long as the lords abbots and the
+convent wish. But he never had a charter for it, not even to the end
+of his life. He had good charters for all the tenements which he held
+of St. Edmund by hereditary right, which charters I, William, known as
+William of Diss, at that time chaplain, read, in the hearing of many,
+in the presence of the aforesaid abbot: that is for the lands of
+Lelesey, which Ulfric of Lelesey held of St. Edmund in the same
+township; the charter of the abbot and convent concerning the socages
+of Rougham, which Mistress Rohesia of Cockfield, once wife of Adam the
+younger, brought as her dowry; for the lands also which Lenmere, his
+ancestor, held in the town of Cockfield by hereditary right, and which
+in the time of King Stephen, with the consent of Anselm, abbot of St.
+Edmund, were changed into half a knight's fee, although at first they
+had been socages of St. Edmund.
+
+"He had also charters of the abbot and convent of St. Edmund, for the
+lands which are in the town of St. Edmund; for the land, that is to
+say, of Hemfrid Criketot, where the houses of Mistress Adeliza were
+once situated. They have also a hereditary charter for a great
+messuage, under a payment of twelve pence, where the hall of Adam the
+first, of Cockfield, was of old situate, with a wooden tower seven
+times twenty feet in height. It was confirmed to them as hereditary
+right by the charter of the abbot and convent, in which charter are
+specified the length and breadth of that place and messuage, to be
+held by a payment of two shillings. They also hold a hereditary
+charter for the lands which Robert of Cockfield, son of Odo of
+Cockfield, now holds in Barton. But they have no charter for the
+township of Cockfield, that is, for the portion which pertains to the
+food of the monks of St. Edmund.
+
+"Then there was one brief of King Henry I., in which he commands Abbot
+Anselm to allow Adam of Cockfield the first to hold in peace the farm
+of Cockfield, and others, as long as he pays rents in full; and that
+brief was sealed only of one part, representing the royal
+form--against the form of all royal briefs.
+
+"But Robert of Cockfield claimed, in the presence of the lord abbot
+and the aforesaid, that he believed Cockfield to be his hereditary
+right on account of his long tenure: because his grandfather, Lenmere,
+held that manor for a long time before his death, and Adam the first,
+his son, for the term of his life, and he, Robert, all his
+life--well-nigh sixty years; but they never had a charter of the abbot
+or the convent of St. Edmund for the aforesaid land."
+
+
+
+
+APPENDIX III
+
+ TABLE OF CHIEF DATES IN THE HISTORY OF THE ABBEY OF
+ ST. EDMUNDSBURY, from A.D. 870 to 1903.
+
+
+[_Editor's Note._--I had originally contemplated printing only the
+dates included in Section II. of this Table, but at the suggestion of
+the general Editor of the series, I have extended it backwards and
+forwards so as to give a rapid _aperçu_ of the history of Bury Abbey
+from its earliest beginnings up to the present date. The Table may
+have a use other than for readers of _Jocelin's Chronicle_, as it
+brings to a focus a mass of chronological information now scattered
+over a great variety of books.
+
+For unfortunately there does not exist at present any adequate history
+of Bury Abbey, one of the most ancient, flourishing and important of
+the Benedictine institutions in England. There are adequate
+materials--at any rate for some of the periods of its existence--in
+the copious manuscripts relating to Bury (many of them formerly
+belonging to the monastery) now on the shelves of our public libraries
+and in private hands; and it seems a pity that no one has the courage
+to undertake a task which, though formidable, has been successfully
+accomplished in the case of other foundations of less fame.
+
+The names of some of the principal works that may usefully be
+consulted by students of the history of the Abbey will be found on pp.
+276 and 277 at the end of the Table.--E. C.].
+
+
+SECTION I
+
+_BEFORE THE DAYS OF ABBOT SAMSON_
+
+ 870 Nov. 20. Martyrdom of St. Edmund. His head is cut off by the
+ Danes and hidden in a wood "in silvam cui vocabulam est
+ Haglesdun" (_Abbo_, writing 100 years after). [Domesday book
+ (1086) records the existence in Wilford Hundred of a place
+ called Halgestou.] The head being found, is miraculously
+ rejoined to the body, which is buried "in villula Suthtuna
+ [Sutton] dicta, de prope loco martyrizationis" (_Herman_,
+ writing 200 years after).
+
+ 903 (or later). Relics of St. Edmund removed from the place of
+ burial to Beodricsworth--afterwards called Bury St. Edmunds.
+ The early authorities differ as to this date. Herman says
+ the translation took place in the reign of Athelstan
+ (925-941): the compiler of the Bodl. MS. 240 says A.D. 900
+ or 906 (_Nov. Leg. Angl._ II. 590); the Curteys Register
+ (Part I. f. 211) says A.D. 903.
+
+ 937 (_circa_). According to Abbo, Dunstan, then a youth, hears the
+ story of St. Edmund's death from an old man who said he was
+ the King's standard bearer.
+
+ 945 Bishop Theodred (II) of Elmham opens St. Edmund's coffin,
+ finds the body "whole and incorrupt," and places it in a new
+ wooden "loculus" (Abbo).
+
+ 945 Charter of King Edmund II (son of Edmund the Elder) granting
+ lands round Beodricsworth to the clerks (_monasterii
+ familia_) who were then guarding St. Edmund's shrine. (Text
+ in Arnold II. 340-1.) _p._ 238.
+
+ 985 (_circa_). Dunstan, the Archbishop, tells the story of St.
+ Edmund's martyrdom to others, and Abbo recounts it in his
+ _Passio Sancti Eadmundi_. (Text in Arnold I. 3-25.)
+ _p._ 217.
+
+ 1010 Egelwin, or Ailwin, takes the body of the Saint from
+ Beodricsworth to London. _p._ 175.
+
+ 1013 Return of Egelwin, with body of St. Edmund, to Beodricsworth.
+
+ 1014 February. Death of King Sweyn (according to the chroniclers,
+ at the hands of St. Edmund).
+
+ 1020 At the instance of Aelfwin, Bishop of Elmham, the clerks in
+ charge of St. Edmund's shrine are removed, and twenty monks,
+ headed by Uvius, prior of Hulme, installed at Beodricsworth.
+
+ 1020 Uvius consecrated 1st abbot of Bury by the Bishop of London.
+
+ 1020 New stone church (to replace the wooden one containing St.
+ Edmund's body) commenced by order of Canute, in expiation of
+ the sacrilegious behaviour of his father Sweyn towards the
+ saint.
+
+ 1028 Charter of Canute granting "fundus" or farm at Beodricsworth
+ to be for ever in possession of monks, who were to be free
+ from episcopal jurisdiction. (Text in Arnold II. 340-1).
+
+ 1032 Oct. 18. Consecration of the new stone church by Egelnoth,
+ Archbishop of Canterbury.
+
+ 1035 Charter granted to the Abbey by Hardicanute, imposing a fine
+ of "thirty talents of gold" on any one found guilty of
+ infringing the Abbey's franchises. (For privileges granted,
+ see Bodl. MS. 240, printed in _Nova Legenda Anglie_ II.
+ 607.)
+
+ 1038 Oct. Body of the Saint removed to King Canute's new church.
+
+ 1044 Visit of Edward the Confessor to Bury. _p._ 236.
+
+ 1044 The Confessor grants to Bury abbey jurisdiction over 8-1/2
+ hundreds in Suffolk, and the manor of Mildenhall, with
+ freedom to choose their abbot. _p._ 238.
+
+ 1044 Death of Uvius (remains in Infirmary Chapel). Leofstan
+ appointed 2nd abbot.
+
+ 1065 Death of Leofstan (remains placed in shrine at foot of St.
+ Edmund). Baldwin of St. Denis (physician to Edward the
+ Confessor) appointed 3rd abbot.
+
+ 1065 Mint established at Bury under grant of Edward the Confessor,
+ in which Beodricsworth is called (apparently for the first
+ time) St. Edmundsbury. "Ic kithe ihu that Ic habbe unnen
+ Baldewine Abbot one munetere with innen Seynt Edmunds Biri"
+ (Battely, p. 134). _p._ 248.
+
+ 1071 Abbot Baldwin at Rome: receives from Pope Alexander II a
+ precious altar of porphyry, with special privileges.
+
+ 1071 Oct. 27. Bull of Pope Alexander II, taking the monks of St.
+ Edmund under the special protection of the Holy See, and
+ forbidding that a bishop's see should ever be established at
+ Beodricsworth. (Text in Arnold I. 344.)
+
+ 1081 May 31. Charter of William the Conqueror deciding against the
+ claim of Arfast, Bishop of Thetford, to transfer his see to
+ Bury, and granting exemption from episcopal jurisdiction.
+ (Text in Arnold I. 347.)
+
+ 1086 Domesday Book returns show that the annual value of the Town
+ "ubi quiescit humatus S. Eadmundus rex et martyr gloriosus"
+ was double that of its value under Edward the Confessor, and
+ a larger number of persons were maintained.
+
+ 1095 Apr. 29. Translation of St. Edmund's body to new and
+ magnificent basilica built by Baldwin and his sacrists
+ Thurstan and Tolinus.
+
+ 1097 Death of Baldwin: buried in the Abbey church, east of the
+ choir altar.
+
+ 1098 (_circa_). Herman the Archdeacon compiles his book, _De
+ Miraculis Sancti Eadmundi_. _p._ 218.
+
+ 1100 Henry I gives abbacy to Robert, son of Hugh Lupus, Earl of
+ Chester. Robert (I) deposed 1102.
+
+ 1101 Attempts of Herbert de Losinga, Bishop of Norwich, to fix his
+ see at Bury; finally disposed of 1102.
+
+ 1102 Robert II, a monk of Westminster, elected 5th abbot. Scheme
+ for Abbey church enlarged. Godefridus the sacrist a man "of
+ almost gigantic stature, great in body but greater still in
+ mind." _p._ 247.
+
+ 1107 Aug. 15. Robert II consecrated by St. Anselm. Dies soon after,
+ 16 Sept.; buried in Infirmary Chapel.
+
+ 1114 After seven years' interregnum, Albold, prior of St. Nicasius
+ at Meaux, elected 6th abbot: died 1119; buried in Infirmary
+ Chapel.
+
+ 1120 Charter of Henry I confirming the Charters of Canute and
+ Edward the Confessor.
+
+ 1121 Anselm, nephew of St. Anselm, elected 7th abbot. In his days
+ the Norman tower of the Abbey was built.
+
+ 1132 Henry I pays a pilgrimage to the shrine of St. Edmund.
+
+ 1135 (_circa_). St. James' Church built by Abbot Anselm, instead of
+ making a pilgrimage to St. James of Compostella. Church
+ consecrated by William Corbeil, Archbishop of Canterbury.
+
+
+ SECTION II
+
+ _DURING ABBOT SAMSON'S LIFETIME_ (1135-1211)
+
+ 1135 SAMSON born at Tottington, near Thetford.
+
+ 1144 Samson taken by his mother on a pilgrimage to St. Edmund.
+ _p._ 56.
+
+ 1146 Death of Anselm: buried in Infirmary Chapel.
+
+ 1146 Ording, Prior of St. Edmund, appointed 8th abbot.
+
+ 1150 Fire, which destroys the conventual buildings--Abbot's palace,
+ refectory, dormitory, the old infirmary, and the
+ chapter-house. Rebuilt by Helyas the sacrist, Ording's
+ nephew. _p._ 247.
+
+ 1150 (circa). Galfridus de Fontibus writes the tract _De Infantia
+ Sancti Eadmundi_, dedicated to Ording. _p._ 218.
+
+ 1153 Eustace, eldest son of King Stephen, plunders some of the
+ lands of the monastery. Dies at Bury.
+
+ 1156 Jan. 31. Death of Ording: buried in chapter-house. _p._ 247.
+
+ 1156 Hugh, Prior of Westminster, elected 9th abbot. Receives
+ benediction at Colchester from Archbishop of Canterbury.
+
+ 1157 Battle of Coleshill: Cowardice of Henry of Essex.
+ _pp._ 103, 243.
+
+ 1160 (_circa_). Samson returns from Paris, and made _magister
+ scholarum_ or schoolmaster. _p._ 66.
+
+ 1160 (_circa_). Samson's visit to Rome. _pp._ 72, 236.
+
+ 1161 Jan. 12. Bull of Alexander II, confirming the Abbot and monks
+ of Bury in all their rights and privileges, authorizing
+ appropriation of certain manors to special purposes, etc.
+ Future abbots to be freely elected. In important matters
+ there is to be an appeal to the Holy See. (Text in Arnold
+ III. 78-80.)
+
+ 1161 May 22. Brief obtained from Pope Alexander III, confirming the
+ right of the Abbey to the revenues of Woolpit. _p._ 74.
+
+ 1163 Abbot Hugh at the Council of Tours, where he usurps the seat
+ of the Abbot of St. Albans.
+
+ 1163 Wager of battle between Henry of Essex and Robert de Montfort
+ at Reading. _pp._ 104-5.
+
+ 1166 Samson takes monastic orders. _p._ 60.
+
+ 1172 Apr. 7. Bull of Pope Alexander III, dated at Tusculum,
+ exempting the Abbey from the visitation of the Archbishop of
+ the Province as _legatus natus_ of the apostolic see (_Cf._
+ Rokewode, p. 107). _p._ 7.
+
+ 1173 Jocelin of Brakelond becomes Monk of St. Edmund. _p._ 1.
+
+ 1173 Hugh the Prior deposed: succeeded by Robert. _p._ 1.
+
+ 1173 October 17. Battle of Fornham. _pp._ 1, 86, 221.
+
+ 1175 (_circa_). Samson master of the novices. _p._ 6.
+
+ 1180 (_ante_). Samson compiles the work _De Miraculis Sancti
+ Eadmundi_. (See Appendix I.) _pp._ 215-21.
+
+ 1180 Sept. 9. Abbot Hugh's accident near Rochester. _p._ 10.
+
+ 1180 Nov. 15. Death of Abbot Hugh I. _pp._ 10, 225.
+
+ 1180-2 Samson subsacrist and master of the workmen. Rebuilds choir of
+ Abbey Church, and makes preparations for building the great
+ tower. _p._ 14.
+
+ 1181 June 10. Martyrdom of the boy Robert by the Jews. _p._ 23.
+
+ 1181 Aug. 9. Arrival at Abbey of Archbishop of Trontheim on a
+ visit. _p._ 23.
+
+ 1182 Feb. 21. Appointment of Samson as Abbot at Bishop's Waltham,
+ with Henry II's approval. _p._ 31.
+
+ 1182 Feb. 28. Samson receives the blessing of the Bishop of
+ Winchester, at Merewell. _p._ 36.
+
+ 1182 Mar. 21. (Palm Sunday). Samson is solemnly received at St.
+ Edmunds. _p._ 37.
+
+ 1182 Mar. 29. Samson calls a meeting of the convent, the Knights
+ and certain burgesses as to the election of bailiffs.
+ _p._ 109.
+
+ 1182 Mar. 31. Samson sends messengers to Rome for confirmation of
+ the Abbey's privileges. _p._ 84.
+
+ 1182 Apr. 1. Barons, Knights and freemen summoned to do homage.
+ _p._ 41.
+
+ 1182 Samson appointed a judge in the ecclesiastical courts, by Pope
+ Lucius III. _p._ 51.
+
+ 1182 Contests as to town rights and dues. _p._ 108.
+
+ 1183 Samson restores the Church of Woolpit to the monastery.
+ _p._ 72.
+
+ 1184-5 Samson founds St. Saviour's Hospital, at Babwell. _p._ 69.
+
+ 1186 Kalendar or general survey of Abbey estates completed.
+ _pp._ 44-5.
+
+ 1187 Victory over Archbishop Baldwin as to jurisdiction in case of
+ homicide at Monks Eleigh. _p._ 76.
+
+ 1187 Jan. 21. Samson obtains from Pope Urban III the privilege of
+ giving the episcopal benediction. _p._ 84.
+
+ 1187 Feb. 11. Dispute as to jurisdiction, between Samson and the
+ Monks of Canterbury, brought before Henry II in
+ chapter-house at Canterbury. _pp._ 77, 238.
+
+ 1187 Sept. 29. Loss of Jerusalem: Samson's grief. _p._ 60.
+
+ 1187 Samson waits upon Henry II at Clarendon, to obtain a
+ recognition of the immunity of the Abbey from certain taxes.
+ _p._ 96.
+
+ 1188 Jan. 20. General exemption granted by the Pope to Samson and
+ his successors from the authority of the Archbishop of
+ Canterbury. _p._ 84.
+
+ 1188 Jan. 21. Henry II takes the Cross between Trie and Gisors.
+ _p._ 80.
+
+ 1188 Feb. Henry II at Bury. Samson refused permission to accompany
+ the King to the Crusades. _p._ 81.
+
+ 1189 Sept. 3. Richard I crowned at Westminster; Abbot Samson
+ present.
+
+ 1189 Sept. Purchase of the manor of Mildenhall from Richard I.
+ _p._ 70.
+
+ 1189 Nov. Samson appointed one of the arbitrators to settle the
+ dispute between Archbishop Baldwin and the Monks of Christ
+ Church at Canterbury.
+
+ 1190 March 18. Massacre of 57 Jews at Bury. _p._ 69.
+
+ 1190 Oct. Conflict as to monastic discipline, at the Council of
+ Westminster, between Samson and the Bishop of Ely. _p._ 81.
+
+ 1191 Death of Robert of Cockfield. _pp._ 86, 255.
+
+ 1191 Samson's quarrel with William Longchamp, Bishop of Ely.
+ _p._ 79.
+
+ 1191 Sept.-Oct. Excommunication of Longchamp, and his flight from
+ England. _pp._ 79, 240.
+
+ 1192 Complaints of the monks to the abbot concerning the Abbey
+ revenues. _p._ 114.
+
+ 1193 Return of Longchamp. Samson refuses to celebrate Mass before
+ him. _p._ 80.
+
+ 1193 Collection of money for the ransom of King Richard.
+ _pp._ 71, 234.
+
+ 1193 Samson excommunicates the disturbers of the peace, and appears
+ in arms before Windsor. _p._ 82.
+
+ 1193 Samson visits Richard I in his German prison "with many
+ gifts." _p._ 82.
+
+ 1194 Feb. 4. King Richard released from captivity.
+
+ 1194 Mch. 12. Lands at Sandwich after an absence of 4-1/4 years;
+ pays, before the end of the month, thanksgiving visits to
+ (1) Canterbury (2) St. Edmundsbury.
+
+ 1194 June 28. Samson's contest with turbulent young knights, who
+ hold a Tournament without his authorization. _p._ 83.
+
+ 1194 Samson grants a Charter to the town. _pp._ 116, 244.
+
+ 1194 Abbey debts entirely discharged. _p._ 46.
+
+ 1196 Samson's contest with his fifty knights concerning their dues:
+ the abbot victorious. _pp._ 97-9.
+
+ 1196 Samson takes the cellarer's department into his own hands.
+ _p._ 131 _et seq._
+
+ 1197 Commission of Pope Celestine III for the restoration of the
+ Monks of Coventry. _pp._ 142, 246.
+
+ 1198 Jan. 14. Samson at Coventry in high spirits. _p._ 143.
+
+ 1198 Jan. 18. Coventry Monks re-inducted by the Archbishop.
+ _p._ 143.
+
+ 1198 Samson charges moiety of Wetherden in favour of schools at
+ Bury. _p._ 144.
+
+ 1198 (_circa_). Archbishop Hubert Walter proposes to visit the
+ Abbey of Bury. _p._ 122.
+
+ 1198 Dispute between King Richard and Samson as to the wardship of
+ Nesta of Cockfield. _pp._ 147-9.
+
+ 1198 Samson goes to Normandy to settle with King Richard as to the
+ four knights demanded from the Abbey for the war against the
+ King of France. _p._ 129.
+
+ 1198 July 18. Richard I confirms by Charters the Manor of
+ Mildenhall to the Abbey. _pp._ 70-2, 235.
+
+ 1198 Oct. 17. Fire in the Abbey: shrine of St. Edmund in danger.
+ _p._ 162.
+
+ 1198 Nov. 23. Shrine transferred to high altar. _p._ 170.
+
+ 1198 Nov. 26. Samson views St. Edmund's body. _p._ 173.
+
+ 1198 Dec. 1. Letter of Pope Innocent III exempting the Abbey from
+ the visitation even of a legate, unless he were a legate _a
+ latere_. _pp._ 124, 245.
+
+ 1199 Reconciliation between Hubert Walter, Archbishop of
+ Canterbury, and Samson. _p._ 127.
+
+ 1199 April 6. Death of King Richard I.
+
+ 1199 May 27. King John crowned at Westminster. _p._ 178.
+
+ 1199 King John visits Bury. _p._ 178.
+
+ 1199 Violent quarrels between Samson and his monks: he withdraws
+ from the Abbey for a week: reconciliation effected.
+ _pp._ 179-83.
+
+ 1200 Mar. 15. Ratification by King John of Charter granted by
+ Samson to St. Saviour's Hospital at Babwell. _p._ 72.
+
+ 1200 Nov. 6. Samson one of three arbitrators in dispute between
+ Archbp. of Canterbury and Canons of Lambeth. _p._ 229.
+
+ 1200 List drawn up of knights of St. Edmund. _pp._ 183-6.
+
+ 1200 Hugh, Abbot of Cluny, visits Bury. _p._ 189.
+
+ 1200 Death of Prior Robert: Herbert succeeds him. _p._ 191.
+
+ 1201 Eustace, Abbot of Flay, preaches at Bury. _p._ 202.
+
+ 1201 Sept. Samson appointed one of three Commissioners sent by
+ the Pope to Worcester to investigate the miracles of
+ St. Wulfstan.
+
+ 1202 Dispute between the monks of Ely and of Bury concerning the
+ market at Lakenheath. _pp._ 203, 253.
+
+ 1202 Hugh of Northwold (afterwards abbot) admitted a monk.
+
+ 1203 Jan. 31. Samson appointed by the Pope on a commission
+ concerning the dispensation of Crusaders from their vows:
+ and summoned over sea to advise the King on this question.
+ _pp._ 207-11.
+
+ 1203 Dec. 21. John at Bury, and makes valuable offerings: but
+ prevails on convent to grant him for life the use of the
+ jewels which his mother Queen Eleanor had presented to St.
+ Edmund. _p._ 251.
+
+ 1208 Mar. 24. Interdict comes into force throughout England.
+
+ 1210 Sept. 23. Fall of central tower of Abbey Church.
+
+ 1211 Dec. 30. Death of Samson: buried in unconsecrated ground.
+ _p._ xl.
+
+ 1213 July. King John expresses a wish for the vacancy to be filled:
+ Hugh (II) of Northwold chosen.
+
+ 1214 July 2. Interdict solemnly dissolved.
+
+ 1214 Aug. 12. Samson's body exhumed and buried in the chapter-house
+ of Bury Abbey. _pp._ xlii., 247.
+
+
+ SECTION III
+
+ _FROM 1214 TO DISSOLUTION IN 1539_
+
+ 1214 Nov. 4. King John at Bury: makes a speech in the chapter-house
+ asserting his rights over the election of abbot. _p._ 251.
+
+ 1214 Nov. 20. The discontented earls and barons meet at Bury
+ (probably on St. Edmund's Day) "as if for prayer."
+ Archbishop Langton reads to them Henry I's charter: and each
+ swears on the high altar to make war on John unless he gives
+ them the liberties contained therein (_Roger of Wendover_,
+ vol. iii. 293-4).
+
+ 1215 Mar. 10. Commissioners appointed by the Pope finally give
+ judgment in favour of Hugh's election as abbot.
+
+ 1215 June 9. King's approval to appointment of Hugh given in
+ Staines meadow.
+
+ 1215 June 15. Magna Charta signed.
+
+ 1215-6 Louis, son of Philip II of France, invited by the barons to
+ help them in their struggle against John. East Anglian towns
+ sacked--Norwich and Lynn by the French; Cambridge, Yarmouth,
+ Dunwich, Ipswich and Colchester by the barons (Ramsay's
+ _Angevin Empire_, 1903, _p._ 497). Bury St. Edmunds a
+ stronghold of the king (Norgate, _John Lackland_, 1902,
+ _pp._ 257-8). Louis himself fighting in the south of
+ England. No evidence of Louis or his hordes ever being at
+ Bury.
+
+ 1216 Oct. 19. Death of John at Newark. Henry III succeeds to the
+ throne.
+
+ 1220 (_circa_). Richard of Newport, sacrist, destroys the old
+ chapter-house and rebuilds it from foundations. _p._ 247.
+
+ 1220 Death of Herbert the prior. Richard of Insula (afterwards 12th
+ abbot) succeeds him.
+
+ 1224 Abbot Hugh at the Royal camp before Bedford Castle, attended
+ by knights holding manors under St. Edmund.
+
+ 1225 (_circa_). Abbot's Bridge built.
+
+ 1229 Abbot Hugh II made Bishop of Ely: died August, 1254. Described
+ by Matthew Paris as "flos nigrorum monachorum."
+
+ 1229 Nov. 20. Richard of Insula recalled from Burton and installed
+ as 12th abbot on St. Edmund's Day.
+
+ 1234 Abbot Richard sent abroad on an appeal to Pope Gregory IX.
+ Attacked on his return with mortal illness, and dies at
+ Pontigny. Buried in the chapter-house at Bury, where his
+ skeleton was discovered on January 1, 1903, with skull sawn
+ through and sternum severed (evidently for embalming
+ purposes). _p._ 247.
+
+ 1235 Henry of Rushbrook, prior of Bury, elected 13th abbot.
+
+ 1235 Royal Charters granted to Abbot Henry to hold two fairs at
+ Bury and a market at his manor of Melford.
+
+ 1245 Abbot Henry excused by the Pope, on account of the gout, from
+ attending the Council of Lyons.
+
+ 1245 At the request of the convent, Henry III calls his newly-born
+ son Edmund (founder of the house of Lancaster). Text of
+ Royal letter in Arnold III. 28.
+
+ 1248 July 5. Bull of Pope Innocent III (signed at Lyons)
+ prescribing the solemn celebration of the feast of the
+ translation of St. Edmund (April 29). Text in _Nov. Leg.
+ Angl._ (1901) II. 574.
+
+ 1248 Death of Abbot Henry: buried in chapter-house. Edmund of
+ Walpole, LL.D., appointed 14th abbot.
+
+ 1250 Henry III takes the Cross: the abbot does the same, exposing
+ himself to general derision (Matt. Par. v. 110).
+
+ 1252 Simon of Luton (afterwards abbot) made prior.
+
+ 1254 Richard of Clare, seventh Earl of Gloucester, claims St.
+ Edmund's manor of Mildenhall: threatened with
+ excommunication by the Pope.
+
+ 1254 Aug. Death of Hugh, Bishop of Ely (Abbot of Bury, 1213-29).
+
+ 1256 Aug. Statutes approved by Pope Alexander IV for the governance
+ of the Abbey of Bury, providing _inter alia_ for "two
+ persons watching the body of St. Edmund and two the church
+ treasure and clock night and day."
+
+ 1256 Dec. 31. Abbot Edmund died: buried in the chapter-house.
+ _p._ 247.
+
+ 1257 Jan. 15. Simon of Luton, prior, elected 15th abbot: cost of
+ confirmation by the Pope, 2,000 marks.
+
+ 1263 Nov. Franciscan friars expelled from Bury, under a rescript
+ from Pope Urban IV, and compelled to migrate to Babwell.
+
+ 1264 (Easter). Serious conflict between the monastery and the
+ burgesses. The abbot complains to the king: fine inflicted
+ on the burgesses.
+
+ 1265 Defeat and death of Simon de Montfort. Many barons of his
+ party take shelter at Bury, but subsequently dislodged.
+
+ 1267 February. Henry III summons the barons who owe military
+ service to the Crown to meet him at Bury.
+
+ 1272 Sept. 1. Henry III at Bury on his way to Norwich.
+
+ 1272 Nov. 16. Death of Henry III (Rishanger says at Bury).
+
+ 1275 April 17. Edward I and his Queen come to St. Edmundsbury on a
+ pilgrimage, "as they had vowed in the Holy Land."
+
+ 1275 July 1. Foundation stone of new Lady Chapel laid by Prior
+ Robert.
+
+ 1279 April. Death of Abbot Simon at Melford: buried in the Lady
+ Chapel, which he had built "at the cost of himself, his
+ parents and his friends" (Leland, iv. 164).
+
+ 1279 Dec. 28. John of Northwold, guest master of the abbey,
+ solemnly received in the Abbey Church as 16th abbot, after
+ having gone to Rome to be blessed by Pope Nicholas III. Cost
+ of his journey, 1,175 marks, his credit from abbey being
+ only 500 marks.
+
+ 1281 A new division between the property of the abbot and that of
+ the convent, sanctioned by Edward I in consideration of
+ £1,000.
+
+ 1285 Feb. 20. The King with the Queen and her three daughters make
+ a pilgrimage to Bury.
+
+ 1292 April 28. The King, with his son and daughters, again at Bury,
+ remaining either at the abbey or the manor of Culford for
+ ten days. Granted charter that none of his justices should
+ sit within the banlieue of St. Edmund.
+
+ 1292 Dispute between monastery and town. Royal Commission of
+ inquiry sent down. The burgesses to present annually an
+ alderman for confirmation by the abbot: the alderman to
+ present four persons to the sacrist as keepers of the four
+ gates.
+
+ 1294 Mar. 18. Edward I again at St. Edmundsbury "with great
+ devotion."
+
+ 1296 Nov. Edward I holds a Parliament at Bury to obtain an aid from
+ the clergy and people. Difficulties in its collection.
+
+ 1301 Oct. 29. Death of Abbot John I: buried in the church before
+ the choir altar.
+
+ 1301 Nov. 30. Edward's I's letter giving permission for a new
+ election.
+
+ 1302 Jan. 2. Election of Thomas of Tottington (Samson's birthplace)
+ as 17th abbot.
+
+ 1305 Further disputes between the convent and the town. The king's
+ justices impose fines on the aldermen and burgesses.
+
+ 1312 Jan. 7. Death of Abbot Thomas: buried in north aisle of abbey
+ church (part of his memorial brass now at Hedgerley church,
+ Bucks). Succeeded by Richard of Draughton.
+
+ 1326 Edward II spends Christmas at Bury.
+
+ 1327 Great riots at Bury: the abbey plundered. The abbot seized and
+ carried off, and eventually deported to Diest in Brabant.
+ The outlying manors ravaged, and nearly the whole of the
+ conventual and domestic buildings burnt: loss of property
+ assessed at £140,000. Charter extorted by the townsmen from
+ the convent. (French text in Arnold III. 302-317.)
+
+ 1330 Sept. 13. Charter of Edward III granting free warren in all
+ demesnes of the Abbey of St. Edmund, and a weekly market at
+ Melford, with an annual fair of nine days.
+
+ 1335 Death of Abbot Richard: buried in north aisle of the church.
+ The sub-prior, William of Bernham, hastily elected 19th
+ abbot for fear of the Pope's interference.
+
+ 1345 Jan. 24. Completion of Richard of Bury's _Philobiblon_.
+
+ 1345 Quarrel between the abbey and Bishop Bateman of Norwich.
+ Morality and discipline of the abbey reported bad by
+ diocesan commissioners.
+
+ 1346 The abbot appeals to the Pope, and also sues Bishop Bateman in
+ the King's Court, pleading the Charter of Hardicanute
+ (1035): the judges give sentence in the abbot's favour.
+
+ 1346 (_circa_). Completion of abbey gateway, erected after
+ destruction of a previous gateway by the townspeople in the
+ riots of 1327.
+
+ 1351 Presentation to the abbot of three names for selection of an
+ alderman to have charge of the municipal government of Bury.
+ Admission by the abbot of John Ewell as a matter of favour.
+
+ 1361 Death of Abbot William: buried in Lady Chapel. Henry of
+ Hunstanton elected his successor, and proceeds to Avignon,
+ but dies of the pestilence near that city before obtaining
+ confirmation by the Pope.
+
+ 1361 John of Brinkley appointed as 20th abbot by Pope Innocent VI.
+
+ 1375 Date of last miracle recorded in Bodleian MS. 240 (Symon
+ Broun, nearly lost at sea, vows to St. Edmund and is saved.
+ _Nov. Leg. Anglie_ (1901) vol. II. _p._ 678).
+
+ 1379 Death of John of Brinkley at Elmswell: buried in the Lady
+ Chapel. John of Timworth, sub-prior, elected by the monks
+ 21st abbot. Urban VI appoints Edmund de Bromfeld instead,
+ and a controversy ensues, lasting five years.
+
+ 1381 Rebellion in East Anglia under Jack Strawe. Murder of John de
+ Cambridge, the prior, and Sir John Cavendish, the chief
+ justice. Town of Bury outlawed and fined 2,000 marks.
+
+ 1383 Richard II and Anne of Bohemia visit Bury and remain ten days
+ at the monastery, at an expense of 800 marks.
+
+ 1384 June 4. Matters having at length been arranged with the Pope,
+ John of Timworth's election as abbot is confirmed (died
+ 1389).
+
+ 1390 William of Cratfield elected 22nd abbot.
+
+ 1400 Oct. 1. Thomas of Arundel, Archbishop of Canterbury, visits
+ Bury: received as a visitor with much respect, but without a
+ procession.
+
+ 1408 Nov. 25. Letters patent of King Henry IV finally deciding, in
+ favour of Bury Abbey, the disputed question as to the
+ jurisdiction of the Liberty of St. Edmund over Hadleigh and
+ Eleigh. _pp._ 76-8, 239.
+
+ 1410 Catalogue of 195 Monastic Libraries (including that of Bury),
+ compiled by John Boston, monk of Bury.
+
+ 1415 June 18. Death of Cratfield. William of Exeter elected 23rd
+ abbot.
+
+ 1424 William Exeter causes the marble tomb of Ording (and (?) of
+ Samson) in the chapter-house to be renewed. _p._ 247.
+
+ 1424-33 Building of the present St. Mary's Church on the site of an
+ older church in S.W. corner of the cemetery of the abbey.
+
+ 1427 Thomas Beaufort, second son of John of Gaunt, buried in Abbey
+ Church (coffin discovered and re-interred 1772).
+
+ 1429 Death of William Exeter. William Curteys or Curtis elected
+ 24th abbot.
+
+ 1430 Dec. 18. Fall of Southern side of western tower.
+
+ 1430 Dec. 30. Fall of Eastern side of western tower. Immediate
+ steps taken to contract for a new tower.
+
+ 1430 Abbot Curteys builds a library for the abbey (see his
+ regulations for use of books in _James, pp._ 109-11).
+
+ 1432 Ruins of tower cleared away. Rebuilding commenced: estimated
+ cost, 60,000 ducats of gold.
+
+ 1433-4 Visit of Henry VI to Bury Abbey from Christmas till St.
+ George's Day. The monastery presents him with a
+ magnificently illuminated _Life of St. Edmund_, by John
+ Lydgate (now in Brit. Mus. Harl. MS. 2278).
+
+ 1446 Sept. 17. Henry VI writes to Abbot Curteys to ask him to be
+ present at laying of foundation stone of King's College,
+ Cambridge, on Michaelmas Day.
+
+ 1446 Death of Curteys. Succeeded by William Babington as 25th
+ abbot.
+
+ 1447 Feb. 10. Parliament at Bury, in the Abbey refectory. Duke
+ Humphrey of Gloucester present, and arrested (Feb. 18) for
+ high treason.
+
+ 1447 Nov. 13. Charter of Henry VI confirming the abbey privileges.
+ (Text in Arnold III. 357.)
+
+ 1449 Royal Charter granted, freeing the Abbot of all aids to the
+ King for forty marks a year.
+
+ 1453 Death of Abbot Babington: John Boon, or Bohun, appointed 26th
+ abbot.
+
+ 1462 General pardon granted by Edward IV to the Abbot and monks,
+ whose sympathies had been Lancastrian.
+
+ 1462 Nov. 17. A lost Abbey register bought by John Broughton, and
+ presented by him to the monastery at the instance of Abbot
+ Boon.
+
+ 1465 Jan. 20. Abbey Church completely gutted by fire. (St. Edmund's
+ shrine said to have been saved.) Abbot Boon spends and
+ collects large sums for its repair and rebuilding.
+
+ 1469 Death of Abbot Boon: buried in the Lady Chapel. Succeeded by
+ Robert of Ixworth as 27th abbot.
+
+ 1474 Richard of Hengham appointed 27th abbot.
+
+ 1479 Thomas of Rattlesden appointed 28th abbot.
+
+ 1479 May. William of Worcester visits the Abbey and takes
+ measurements of the various buildings.
+
+ 1486 Visit of Henry VII to Bury.
+
+ 1497 William of Codenham appointed 29th abbot.
+
+ 1513 Death of Codenham. John Reeve of Melford appointed 30th and
+ last abbot.
+
+ 1532 Abbot Reeve assists at the funeral of Abbot Islip of
+ Westminster.
+
+ 1533 July 21. Mary Tudor, sister of Henry VIII, buried in great
+ state at the Abbey (subsequently re-interred in St. Mary's
+ Church).
+
+ 1535 Nov. 5. Letter from John Ap Rice to Thomas Cromwell as to the
+ state of morals and worship of relics at Bury Abbey and
+ enclosing _compertes_ of proceedings (_Compendium
+ Compertorum_ now at Record Office).
+
+ 1536 Nov. 26. Grant by the Abbey to Thomas Cromwell and his son
+ Gregory of an annuity of £10.
+
+ 1538 (_circa_). Visit of Leland the antiquary to Bury, in search of
+ ancient books and records.
+
+ 1538 Sept. Sir John Williams, Richard Pollard, Philip Parys and
+ John Smyth report to Cromwell that they have been to St.
+ Edmundsbury, "where we founde a riche shryne which was very
+ comberous to deface. We have takyn in the said monastery in
+ golde and sylver MMMMM marks and above, over and besydes a
+ well and riche crosse with emereddes, as also dyvers and
+ sundry stones of great value, and yet we have left the
+ churche, abbott and convent very well ffurnesshed with plate
+ of sylver necessary for the same" (MS. Cotton. Cleop. E. iv.
+ 229). The actual amount of plate taken at 'His Majesty's
+ visitation' on this occasion was 1,553 oz gold plate, 6,853
+ oz. gilt plate, 933 oz. parcel-gilt plate, 190 oz. white
+ plate. (_Monastic Treasures_, 1836). See also under Dec. 2,
+ 1539.
+
+ 1539 Nov. 4. Deed of surrender of Bury Abbey signed by Abbot Reeve,
+ Prior Thomas Denysse of Ryngstede and 41 other monks.
+
+ 1539 Nov. 7. Sir Richard Rich, Sir A. Wingfield, Ric. Southwell,
+ Wm. Petre, John Ap Rice, and T. Mildmay inform Henry VIII of
+ the surrender of the Abbey: they "have taken the plate and
+ best ornaments of the house" for the King, and have sold the
+ rest. They also ask whether they are "to deface the church
+ or other edifices of the house." The lead and the bells (if
+ the house be defaced) will be worth 4,500 marks.
+
+ 1539 Dec. 2. Indent of Richard Southwell of amount of plate taken
+ from Bury Abbey--150 oz. gilt plate, 145 oz. parcel-gilt
+ plate, and 2,162 oz. white plate, besides a pair of birrall
+ candlesticks (handed to the King), and an ornamented mitre
+ (_Monastic Treasures_, 1836). [Thus, with the spoils of
+ 1538, 1,553 oz. gold plate (all on the first occasion), and
+ 10,433 oz. silver plate, were taken from the Abbey.]
+
+
+ SECTION IV
+
+ _FROM THE DISSOLUTION TO 1903_
+
+ 1540 March 30. Death of ex-Abbot Reeve; buried in the
+ chancel of St. Mary's Church.
+
+ 1550 The first of the thirty grammar schools founded by Edward VI
+ established at Bury.
+
+ 1560 Feb. 14. Site of Monastery sold by Queen Elizabeth for £412
+ 19_s._ 4_d._ to John Eyer; by him transferred to Thomas
+ Badby.
+
+ 1578 Aug. 7. Queen Elizabeth at Bury.
+
+ 1599 Over a hundred books from Bury Abbey in the hands of William
+ Smart, a "Postman" of Ipswich. Given by him to Pembroke
+ College, Cambridge.
+
+ 1606 Apl. 3. Bury made a Borough by Charter of James I. (Borough
+ Motto: _Sacrarium Regis, Cunabula Legis_).
+
+ 1634 Condition of the site of the Abbey described by William
+ Hawkins of Hadleigh in his "Corolla Varia."
+
+ 1644 Publication at Toulouse of Caseneuve's "Vie de St. Edmond,"
+ alleging that the body of the saint was at the basilica of
+ St. Sernin there, and had been brought over by Louis in
+ 1216. Caseneuve describes, misquoting Matthew Paris (II.
+ 663) the alleged pillage by Louis of "Toutes les églises du
+ comté de Suffolk," refers to the fact that in those days
+ "les Chrétiens faisaient gloire d'enlever par un devot
+ larcin les reliques des saints," and says "Il est croyable
+ que les Francais en firent autant de celles de St. Edmond"
+ (_cf._ 1216, 1256, 1901).
+
+ 1745 Publication at Oxford by Rev. Dr. Oliver Battely of
+ _Antiquitates S. Edmundi Burgi ad annum MCCLXXII perductæ_,
+ written by his uncle, Dr. John Battely (died 1708).
+
+ 1761 Ancient gates of town pulled down by order of Corporation.
+
+ 1772 Some excavations on site of Church, made by Mr. King, and
+ reported in vol. III. of Archaeologia.
+
+ 1805 Publication of _An Illustration of the Monastic History and
+ Antiquities of the Town and Abbey of St. Edmund's Bury_, by
+ Richard Yates, D.D., F.R.S. (1769-1834).
+
+ 1806 Site of Abbey comes into the hands of the Hervey family, the
+ present possessors.
+
+ 1840 Rokewode's Edition of Latin text of _Chronicle of Jocelin of
+ Brakelond_, published by Camden Soc.
+
+ 1843 Carlyle's _Past and Present_ published.
+
+ 1843 Publication of second edition--including fragment of Part II
+ projected in 1805--of Yates' History of Bury (Remainder of
+ Yates' materials amongst Egerton MSS. in British Museum).
+
+ 1844 T. E. Tomlins' English translation of _Jocelin's Chronicle_.
+
+ 1850 S. Tymms' _Bury Wills_ (Camd. Soc.).
+
+ 1865 Papers by Mr. Gordon M. Hills on antiquities of Bury St.
+ Edmunds in _Journal British Archæological Association_, vol.
+ xxi. _pp._ 32-56 and 104-140.
+
+ 1869 July 20. British Archæological Association at Bury: paper on
+ Abbey read by Mr. Alfred W. Morant.
+
+ 1890 Publication of J. R. Thompson's _Records of St. Edmund_
+ [mostly based on Battely and the legendary chronicles].
+
+ 1890 Publication of vol. I. of _Memorials of St. Edmund's Abbey_
+ (Rolls series), edited by T. Arnold (vol. II. published
+ 1892, vol. III. 1896).
+
+ 1893 Publication of _St. Edmund King and Martyr_, by Rev. Father
+ Mackinlay, O.S.B. [picturesque and interesting, but
+ uncritical].
+
+ 1895 Publication of Dr. Montague R. James' two papers on (1) the
+ Library (2) the Church of "The Abbey of St. Edmund at Bury"
+ (Camb. Antiq. Soc., 8vo. Publications No. xxviii.).
+
+ 1901 Publication of _Nova Legenda Anglie_ (Ox. Univ. Press),
+ containing in vol. II. the full "Vita et passio cum
+ miraculis sancti Edmundi," compiled at Bury in the 14th
+ Century (Bodl. MS. 240).
+
+ 1901 July 25. Landing at Newhaven, for the new Roman Catholic
+ Cathedral of Westminster, of bones from Toulouse said to be
+ those of St. Edmund (_cf._ 1216, 1256, 1644.).
+
+ 1901 Sept. 5. Letter in _The Times_ showing cause against these
+ bones being those of St. Edmund.
+
+ 1901 Sept. 9. Cardinal Vaughan admits at Newcastle-on-Tyne that, in
+ view of facts stated, "the relics are not genuine."
+
+ 1902 Publication of Lord Francis Hervey's _Suffolk in the XVIIth
+ Century_, containing in Appendix a critical study of the
+ legends about St. Edmund's life and martyrdom.
+
+ 1902-3 (Winter). Excavations on site of chapter-house.
+
+ 1903 Jan. 1. Discovery on the site of the chapter-house of five
+ stone coffins with skeletons, in the positions assigned in a
+ Bury MS. of circa 1425 (now at Douai) to the burial places
+ of Abbots Ording (1146-56), SAMSON (1182-1211), Richard of
+ Insula (1229-34), Henry of Rushbrook (1234-46), and Edmund
+ of Walpole (1248-56). A sixth skeleton (uncoffined) also
+ found in a line with these coffins to the west--doubtless
+ that of Abbot Hugh I (1156-80). _pp._ 225, 247.
+
+
+
+
+ INDEX
+
+
+ Abbo of Fleury: 217.
+
+ Acre: 6, 74, 125, 223, 237.
+
+ Adam, the infirmarer: 200.
+
+ Ælmessethe, _see_ Elmsett.
+
+ Ælmeswell, _see_ Elmswell.
+
+ Ailwin, or Egelwin: 175, 250.
+
+ Alberic, the earl: 85, 98, 184.
+
+ Albold, Abbot of St. Edmund: 229, 245, 261.
+
+ Alexander II. (Pope): 260.
+
+ Alexander III., Pope: 72, 236.
+
+ Alfric: 85, 241.
+
+ Alveth, Gilbert of: 26.
+
+ Ambli, William of: 255.
+
+ Ambrose (monk): 25.
+
+ Ampton: 185.
+
+ Andrew (monk): 25.
+
+ Anselm, Abbot of St. Edmund's, 116, 255-6, 261.
+
+ Ansty, Hubert of: 185.
+
+ Anthony (monk): 26.
+
+ Arnald: 49.
+
+ Arnold, T., Memorials of St. Edmund's Abbey, xix. and
+ _passim_.
+
+ Ashfield: 184, 185.
+
+ Augustine (monk): 172.
+
+ Augustine, Archbp. of Trontheim: 23, 227.
+
+ Averpenny: 155, 248.
+
+
+ Babwell: 69, 72, 201, 234.
+
+ Baldwin, Abbot of St. Edmund: 260.
+
+ Baldwin, Archbishop: 76-8.
+
+ Banham, William of: 255.
+
+ Bardwell: 184.
+ William of: 184.
+
+ Barningham: 184, 185.
+ Adam of: 185.
+
+ Barrator: 18, 65, 108, 226-7.
+
+ Barton: 95, 186, 256.
+
+ Battely, Dr. John: 276.
+
+ Beasts of chase: 230.
+
+ Beccles: 95.
+
+ Bedingfield: 95.
+
+ Benedict of Blakenham: 8.
+
+ Benedict, the Jew: 3, 4, 223.
+
+ Benedict, the monk: 25, sub-prior, 152.
+
+ Beodricsworth: 154, 248, 258.
+
+ Bigot, Roger, Earl of Norfolk: 86, 96, 98, 99, 184, 241.
+
+ Bishop's Waltham: 31, 228.
+
+ Blakenham, Benedict of: 8.
+
+ Blithing: 184.
+
+ Blood letting season: 21, 227.
+
+ Blund, Hamo: 138.
+ William: 184.
+
+ Blunham: 184, 229.
+
+ Botolph, St.: 176, 250.
+
+ Boxford: 90, 94.
+
+ Bradfield: 44, 90, 95, 185, 186.
+
+ Brakelond, _see_ Jocelin.
+
+ Breiton, William of: 255.
+
+ Brettenham: 90, 94.
+
+ Briddinghoe: 185.
+
+ Briseword, Hubert of: 96.
+
+ Brisingham: 184.
+
+ Broc, Peter de (monk): 25.
+
+ Brockdish: 185.
+ Stephen of: 185.
+
+ Brockford: 94, 95.
+
+ Brockley: 185.
+ Reginald of: 185.
+
+ Brome: 184.
+
+ Buckenham: 184.
+ Ralph of: 184.
+
+ Burgh, Thomas de: 187-189.
+
+
+ Canterbury (Christ Church): 77-8, 238, 239.
+
+ Canterbury, Archbishops of:--
+ Baldwin: 76-8.
+ Hubert Walter: 83, 98, 121-2, 125, 142-3, 175-6, 187,
+ 240, 245.
+ Richard: 6, 7, 221, 224.
+
+ Carlyle's _Past and Present_: xv., xxiv., xxix., xl.
+
+ Castle Acre: 6, 74, 125, 223, 237.
+
+ Celestine III, Pope: 142, 246.
+
+ Cellarer, jurisdiction of: 154-9.
+
+ Cereville, Gilbert of: 104.
+
+ Chapter House of Bury Abbey: 152, 247, 278.
+
+ Chebenhall: 187.
+
+ Chelsworth: 95.
+
+ Chernelles, Arnald of: 184.
+
+ Chertsey [Bertrand] Abbot of: 33, 189.
+
+ Chevington: 49, 94.
+
+ Chipley: 185.
+
+ Clare, Richard, Earl of: 85-6.
+ Roger, Earl of: 104, 243.
+
+ Clarendon: 96.
+
+ Cluny, Hugh, Abbot of: 189, 252.
+
+ Colchester: 95.
+
+ Coleshill: 103.
+
+ Constantine, Geoffry of: 5.
+
+ Cosford Hundred: 44, 86, 232, 238.
+
+ Cockfield, Adam (1st) of: 255.
+ Adam (2nd) of: 86, 147, 184, 187, 246, 254-6.
+ Adeliza of: 255.
+ Lemnere of: 255.
+ Nesta of: 187, 246-7, 251, 255.
+ Odo of: 256.
+ Robert of: 12, 15, 44, 77, 86, 91, 241, 255-6.
+ Rohesia of: 255.
+
+ Cockfield or Cokefield, Town of: 88, 95, 184, 188, 256.
+
+ Cotton: 94.
+
+ Coventry, the Monks of: 142-3, 246.
+
+ Coutances, Walter of: 72, 235.
+
+ Criketot, Hemfrid: 256.
+
+ Cunegestun (Kingston): 95.
+
+ Curteys, W., Abbot: 273.
+ His Register: 216.
+
+
+ Dennis, cellarer of St. Edmund: 6, 8, 9, 25, 32, 33, 34,
+ 157, 200.
+
+ Dereham: 121, 125.
+
+ Diceto, Ralph de, dean of London: 201-2, 236, 253.
+
+ Dickleburgh: 90, 95.
+
+ Diss, John of: 174.
+ Walter of: 67.
+ William of (the elder): 67.
+ William of: 172, 242, 253, 254-6.
+
+ Dissolution of Bury Abbey (1539): 274-5.
+
+ Dogs, coursing by, 43, 231.
+ Presented by Samson to Richard I: 149, 231.
+
+ Durand of Hosteley: 91.
+ (town bailiff): 209.
+
+ Domesday Book: 70, 234, 260.
+
+ Dunstan, Archbishop: 217.
+
+ Durham: 67.
+
+
+ Edmund (monk): 29.
+
+ Edmund, the "golden" monk: 45.
+
+ Edward the Confessor: 233, 238, 259.
+
+ Egelwin, or Ailwin: 175, 250.
+
+ Eleanor, Queen, 70-71, 234.
+
+ Eleigh, Monks: 76-77, 79, 238-9.
+ Combust: 185.
+ Hugh of: 185.
+
+ Elias, cupbearer: 67.
+
+ Elm, Robert of: 91.
+
+ Elmsett: 106-7, 230.
+
+ Elmswell: 67, 94, 106-7.
+
+ Elveden: 95.
+ Gilbert of: 155.
+
+ Ely, Bishops of:--
+ William Longchamp: 79, 80-2, 240.
+ Geoffrey Ridel: 74, 106-7, 203-7, 237.
+
+ Ely: 125, 203-7, 253.
+
+ Endgate: 90.
+
+ Essex, Henry of: 101-105, 242.
+
+ Etheldreda, St., court of: 206.
+
+ Eu, Castle of: 129.
+ Roger of: 184.
+
+ Eustace (monk): 26.
+ (tenant): 93.
+
+ Euston: 185.
+
+
+ Fair of St. Edmund: 112-3, 115-6.
+
+ Fakenham, Great: 184.
+
+ Felsham: 185.
+
+ Fitz-Alan, Peter, of Brockley: 185.
+
+ Fitz-Drogo, Richard: 68.
+
+ Fitz-Hervey, Osbert: 51.
+ William: 96.
+
+ Fitz-Isabel, William: 2.
+
+ Fitz-Peter, Geoffrey: 204, 207, 254.
+
+ Fitz-Ralph, Gilbert: 91, 184.
+
+ Fitz-Roger, Robert: 184.
+
+ Fitz-Walter, Robert: 184.
+
+ Flamville, Robert of: 12.
+
+ Flay, Eustace, Abbot of: 202-3.
+
+ Flemings defeated (A.D. 1173): 1, 86, 222.
+
+ Flempton, Alan of: 185.
+
+ Foddercorn: 44, 232.
+
+ Fordham, Geoffrey of: 25.
+
+ Fornham magna: 94.
+ St. Genevieve: 95;
+ battle of: 1, 86, 222.
+ St. Martin: 95.
+
+ Francheville, William of: 96.
+
+ Fressingfield: 95.
+
+
+ Galfridus de Fontibus: 218, 226.
+
+ Gaveloc (javelin): 73, 237.
+
+ Gedding: 185.
+
+ Geoffrey of Constantine: 5.
+
+ Geoffrey Archbishop of York: 31, 80, 126, 228, 240.
+ (bailiff): 109.
+
+ Germany, Samson's visit to: 82.
+
+ Gilbert, Deputy Steward of St. Edmund: 42.
+ (monk): 174.
+
+ Gislingham: 95.
+
+ Gissing: 184.
+
+ Glanville, Ranulf de, Justiciary of England: 12, 41, 77,
+ 93, 108, 225.
+
+ Glemsford: 106, 206.
+
+ Godfrey (bailiff): 109.
+
+ Godefridus the sacrist: 247, 260.
+
+ Great Fornham: 94.
+
+ Great Horningsherth: 95.
+
+ Green, J. R. (history) xvi.
+
+ Groton: 88, 95, 185, 188, 255.
+
+
+ Haberdon, Bury St. Edmund's: 88, 242.
+
+ Hadleigh: 239.
+
+ Haggovele: 157, 249.
+
+ Haglesdun: 258.
+
+ Halgestou: 258.
+
+ Halsted, Robert of: 185.
+
+ Hamo Blund's will: 138.
+
+ Hardwick, the villeins of (lancetti): 153, 248.
+
+ Hargrave: 49, 94.
+
+ Harling: 184.
+
+ Harlow: 49, 92-3, 95, 169.
+
+ Hastings Henry of: 41, 229.
+ Thomas of: 41, 229.
+ William of: 98, 184.
+ William of (monk): 29.
+
+ Hatfield, Walter of: 49.
+
+ Helyas the sacrist: 243, 247.
+
+ Hemfrid, Criketot: 256.
+
+ Hengham, _see_ Hingham.
+
+ Hen-rents: 232.
+
+ Henry II, King of England: 4, 12.
+ Approves Samson's appointment as abbot: xxviii., 31-5.
+ Dispute between Bury and Canterbury: 76-8, 238.
+ Takes the Cross: 80, 240.
+ Ruling at Clarendon on Samson's appeal: 96.
+ Battle of Coleshill: 103, 243.
+ Charter to Merchants of London: 112, 244.
+
+ Henry of Essex: 101-105, 242.
+
+ Hepworth: 184.
+
+ Herard: 92.
+
+ Herbert the Dean: 88-90.
+
+ Herbert, prior of St. Edmund: xlii., 190-6, 197, 235, 252.
+
+ Herman the Archdeacon: 218, 238, 249.
+
+ Hermer (monk): 25 (sub-prior): 191-193, 235.
+
+ Herringswell: 95.
+
+ Hidages: 44, 232.
+
+ Hinderclay: 95.
+
+ Hingham, Hugh of: 6, 75.
+ Richard of: 174.
+ Roger of: 6, 75.
+ Roger of (cellarer): 157, 186-7.
+
+ Hitcham: 80.
+
+ Honington: 91, 94.
+
+ Hopton: 91, 95.
+
+ Horning, Robert of: 185.
+
+ Horningsherth: 95.
+
+ Hostesley, Durand of: 91.
+
+ Hubert, Archbishop of Canterbury, _see_ Walter.
+
+ Hugh, Abbot of St. Edmund (A.D. 1157-1180): 1, 2-9, 10,
+ 49, 108, 116, 135, 222, 225.
+ Prior of St. Edmund: 1, 6.
+ Third Prior of St. Edmund: 25, 26, 29, 31, 32.
+ The sacrist: 46, 110, 145, 152, 172, 232.
+ The Infirmarer: 174.
+
+ Humphrey, Duke of Gloucester: 234, 273.
+
+ Hundreds in Liberty of St. Edmund: 44, 77, 232, 238.
+
+ Hunston: 184.
+
+
+ Icklingham: 71, 95, 205, 235.
+
+ Ickworth, Richard of: 185.
+
+ Illegh or Eleigh (Monachorum): 76-7, 79, 238-9.
+ (Combust): 185.
+ Hugh of: 185.
+
+ Ingham: 95.
+
+ Innocent III, Pope: 124, 149, 245.
+
+ Interdict: xli.
+
+ Ireland: 236.
+
+ Isaac, the Jew: 3.
+
+
+ Jerusalem, loss of: 60.
+
+ Jews, abbey debts to: 2-4, 15, 48, 223.
+ Driven from St. Edmundsbury, 69-70, 223.
+
+ Joce, Rabbi: 3.
+
+ Jocelin of Brakelond: xx.-xxiv., 1, 6, 23, 39, 56, 93, 101,
+ 145, 197-8, 200, 235, 242.
+
+ Jocell the cellarer: 174, 186-187.
+
+ John, King of England: 82, 228.
+ Comes to St. Edmundsbury: xxxiii., 178, 251, 267.
+ Calls for Samson's advice: xxxiii., 207, 254.
+
+ John, third Prior: 193-5
+
+ Jordan de Ros: 91, 92, 93.
+
+ Jurnet the Jew: 8, 224.
+
+
+ Kalendar, Samson's: 45, 232.
+
+ Kentford: 37.
+
+ Ketel, the case of: 152, 247.
+
+ Kingston: 95.
+
+ Kirkby: 184.
+ Alexander of: 184.
+
+ Knights of St. Edmund, list of: 183-6.
+
+
+ Lackford: 95.
+
+ Lailand: 103.
+
+ Lakenheath: 155, 203, 205.
+
+ Langtoft, Robert of: 184.
+
+ Lavenham: 184.
+
+ Lelesey: 184, 255.
+
+ Len: 95.
+
+ Lenmere of Cokefield: 255.
+
+ Leofstan, Abbot of St. Edmund: 249. 259.
+
+ Liber Albus: xvi.-ii.
+
+ Liberty of St. Edmund: 41, 42, 44, 77, 82, 85, 87, 112,
+ 138, 206, 232, 238.
+
+ Lidgate: 184, 229.
+
+ Lincoln, Bishop of: 142.
+
+ Little Waltham: 184.
+
+ Livermere: 184, 185.
+ Peter of: 185.
+
+ Loddon: 184.
+
+ London, Bishop of: 113.
+ Dean of: 201, 253.
+ Merchants of: 112, 113, 243.
+
+ Longchamp, William: 79, 80-2, 240.
+
+ Louis, son of Philip II of France: 267, 276.
+
+ Lovel, Ernald: 91.
+
+ Lucius III, Pope, 51, 263.
+
+ Lydgate, John: xliv, 241.
+
+
+ Malmesbury, Abbot of: 32-3.
+
+ Manston: 185.
+ Gilbert of: 185.
+
+ Marlesford: 184.
+
+ Marlingford: 184.
+
+ Maurice, chaplain of Abbot Samson, 194.
+
+ Melford: 94, 106, 230, 243.
+
+ Melun, School of: 54, 232.
+
+ Mendham: 184.
+ Thomas of: 86.
+
+ Merchants of London: 112-3, 243.
+
+ Meringthorp: 90, 95.
+
+ Mickfield: 184.
+
+ Milden: 78.
+ William of: 255.
+
+ Mildenhall: 69-71, 95, 118, 131, 146, 187, 233, 235, 238,
+ 259.
+
+ Monk Eleigh: 76-7., 79, 238-9.
+
+ Montfort, Robert of: 103-4, 243.
+
+ Moot-horn: 110.
+
+ Morieux, Roger of: 185.
+
+
+ Nicasius, St., chapel of: 191.
+
+ Nicholas (bailiff): 109.
+
+ Nonant, Hugh de, Bishop of Coventry: 142-3, 246.
+
+ Norfolk, Roger Bigot, Earl of: 86, 96, 98, 99, 184, 241.
+
+ Norton: 184.
+
+ Norway, Archbp. of: 23, 227.
+
+ Norwich, Bishops of: 75, 81, 91.
+ (City): 95, 98, 99, 125.
+
+ Nova Legenda Anglie: 215-6.
+
+ Nowton: 8, 90, 95.
+
+
+ Oakley: 184.
+
+ Octavian, the Anti-pope: 72, 236.
+
+ Onehouse: 184.
+
+ Ording, Abbot of St. Edmund: 17, 116, 135, 152, 226, 243,
+ 247.
+
+ Osbert of Clare: 218-9.
+
+ Oxford, Alberic de Vere, Earl of 85, 98, 184.
+
+ Oxford, Samson at: 142-3.
+
+
+ Pakenham 90, 95, 186.
+
+ Palgrave: 11, 63, 94.
+ Richard of: 11, 63.
+
+ Paris, schools of: 66.
+
+ Parks enclosed by Samson: 43, 230.
+
+ Patteshall, Simon of: 185.
+
+ Peche, Gilbert of: 185.
+
+ Portman-moot: 151, 153, 247.
+
+ Presseni, Ralph of: 185.
+
+ Preston: 184, 185.
+
+
+ "Queen Gold": 70, 234.
+
+ Quiddenham: 184.
+
+
+ Ralph, the porter: 179.
+
+ Ramsey, monks of: 202.
+
+ Randestune: 184.
+
+ Ranulf, Master: 118.
+
+ Reading: 101, 243.
+
+ Rede: 184.
+
+ Reiner, the monk: 48.
+
+ Reydon: 184.
+
+ Richard I, King of England:
+ Sells Manor of Mildenhall to Bury: 69, 70, 233, 235.
+ His ransom: 71, 147, 234.
+ Licence for holding tournaments: 83, 241.
+ Imprisonment in Germany: 81, 82, 264-5.
+ Samson visits him in Germany: 82.
+ Demands of knights for French war: 128.
+ Dispute with Sampson over wardship of Nesta of Cockfield:
+ 148-9, 231, 251.
+ His death: 178, 266.
+
+ Richard, Archbishop of Canterbury: 6, 7, 223, 224.
+
+ Rickinghall: 95.
+
+ Ridel, Geoffrey: 74, 106-7, 203-7, 237.
+
+ Risbridge Hundred: 85.
+
+ Risby: 67, 95, 185.
+ Norman of: 67-8, 185.
+ William of: 67-8.
+
+ Robert II, Abbot of St. Edmund: 121, 135, 244-5.
+ Prior of St. Edmund: 1, 13, 190-1, 252.
+ The boy martyred by Jews: 23, 227.
+
+ Roger Bigot, Earl of Norfolk: 86, 96, 98, 99, 184, 241.
+
+ Roger the cellarer: 25, 29, 31, 32, 152.
+
+ Rokewode, John Gage: xvii.-xviii. and _passim_.
+
+ Rome, Samson's visit to: 72-4.
+
+ Ros, Jordan de: 91, 92, 93.
+
+ Rothing, Gervase of: 185.
+
+ Rougham: 44, 95, 186, 255.
+
+ Ruald (monk): 26.
+
+ Ruffus, Geoffrey: 186.
+ John: 200.
+ R. (monk): 12.
+
+ Rungton: 95.
+ Herlewin of: 49, 50.
+
+ Rushbrook: 95.
+
+
+ Sacristy, offerings to: 53.
+
+ St. Alban's, Nicholas of: 32-3.
+ Walter of (monk): 174.
+
+ St. Andrew, Chapel of: 145, 246.
+
+ St. Botolph, Chapel of: 176, 250.
+
+ St. Clare, Gilbert of: 185.
+
+ St. Denis, Chapel of: 139, 245.
+
+ St. Edmund, King and Martyr, _passim_.
+ His Martyrdom: 258.
+ Life of (Bodl. 240): 216-21.
+ Cup of: 165, 249.
+ Miracles of: 216 _et seq._, 249.
+ Shirt of: 164, 249.
+ Shrine of: 162, 177, 249-50.
+ Standard of: 85, 241.
+
+ St. Faith, Chapel of: 145, 246.
+
+ St. Faith's, prior of: 33.
+
+ St. Katherine, Chapel of: 145, 246.
+
+ St. Neot's, H., prior of: 33.
+
+ St. Nicasius, Chapel of: 191.
+
+ St. Robert, the boy: 23.
+
+ St. Sernin, Toulouse: 276.
+
+ Samson, Abbot, _passim_.
+ As an Author: xxxiii-v., 215-21.
+ Sketch of his life: xxiv.-xliii.
+ Dates of events: 261-6.
+ His death and burial: xli.-ii., 247.
+ His Seal: _Frontispiece_, 39, 229.
+
+ Samson, the Precentor: 38;
+ appointed sacrist: 47.
+
+ Sapiston: 184.
+
+ Saxham: 49, 94, 184, 185.
+ Walter of: 185.
+
+ Scaldwell: 90, 95.
+
+ Scales, Robert of: 143.
+ Roger of: 144.
+
+ Schools at Bury: 68, 144, 233, 246.
+
+ Scotland: 236.
+
+ Scurun's Well: 154.
+
+ Semer: 88, 95, 188, 255.
+
+ Sheriff of Suffolk: 87, 204.
+
+ Soham: 95.
+
+ Sorpeni: 151, 247.
+
+ Southrey: 45, 95, 155, 248.
+
+ Southwold: 187.
+
+ Standard of St. Edmund: 85-6, 241.
+
+ Stanningfield: 105.
+
+ Stanton: 184.
+
+ Stapleford: 49, 95.
+
+ Stephen, King of England: 226, 255.
+
+ Stephen, son of Herbert the Dean: 89.
+
+ Stigand, Archbishop: 7.
+
+ Stow: 94, 184.
+
+ Stuston: 184.
+
+ Stutville, William of: 207, 254.
+
+ Sutton: 258.
+
+
+ Tewkesbury: 188.
+
+ Theam: 112, 244.
+
+ Thelnetham: 184.
+
+ Thetford: 83, 92.
+
+ Thorpe: 50, 95, 184, 185.
+
+ Thurstan (monk): 26, 174.
+
+ Thurston: 184.
+
+ Tibenham: 184.
+
+ Tillener: 50.
+
+ Tivetshall: 90, 95, 100.
+
+ Tomlins, T., his Translation of Chronicle (1844):
+ xviii.-xix.
+
+ Topscroft: 184.
+
+ Tostock, William of: 184.
+
+ Toulouse, St. Sernin: 276.
+
+ Tournaments: 83, 241.
+
+ Trontheim, Archbishop of: 23, 227.
+
+ Troston: 184.
+
+
+ Ulfric of Lelesey: 225.
+
+ Urban III. (Pope): 84, 263.
+
+ Uvius, first Abbot of Bury: 259.
+
+
+ Valognes, Robert of: 91.
+
+ Vere, Alberic de: 85, 98, 184.
+
+
+ Wachesham, Osbert of: 184.
+
+ Walchelin, the Archdeacon: 92.
+
+ Walter the physician: 25, 146, 172.
+
+ Walter, Hubert, Archbishop of Canterbury: 83, 98, 121-2,
+ 125, 142-3, 175-6, 187, 240, 245.
+
+ Waltham: 125.
+ Little: 184.
+ (Bishop's): 31, 228.
+
+ Wangford: 185.
+
+ Warin (monk): 14.
+
+ Waringford, Nicholas of: 32.
+
+ Warkton: 48, 95.
+
+ Wattisfield: 185.
+
+ Waude: 185.
+
+ Wendling: 90, 95.
+
+ Westley: 90, 95.
+
+ Wetherden: 95, 144, 246.
+
+ Whatfield: 185.
+
+ Whelnetham: 185.
+ Geoffrey of: 185.
+
+ Whepstead: 8, 95.
+
+ William Wiardel, sacrist of St. Edmund: 3, 13, 14, 15, 25,
+ 32, 46-7, 223.
+
+ William of Worcester: 247, 274.
+
+ Wimer, the Sheriff: 25, 39, 225.
+
+ Winchester [Richard] Bishop of: 31, 34, 36.
+
+ Windsor, siege of: 82.
+
+ Witham: 85.
+
+ Withgar: 85, 241.
+
+ Woolpit: 72, 74, 95, 235.
+
+ Worlingworth: 95.
+
+ Wortham: 95, 184.
+
+ Wordwell, William of: 185.
+
+ Wrabness: 95.
+
+
+ Yarmouth: 113.
+
+ Yates' History of Bury, 276.
+
+ York [Geoffrey] Archbishop of: 31, 80, 126, 228.
+
+
+ * * * * *
+
+Butler & Tanner, The Selwood Printing Works, Frome, and London.
+
+
+
+
+ * * * * *
+
+
+
+
+Transcriber's note:
+
+Varying and archaic spelling and varying hyphenation were retained.
+
+Page xxxviii, "obedientaries" changed to "obedientiaries".
+
+Page 11, "allgeing" changed to "alleging".
+
+Page 241, "Jornham" changed to "Fornham".
+
+Page 264, "1180" changed to "1188".
+
+Page 269, "owes" changed to "owe".
+
+Other apparent printer's errors were corrected.
+
+Pages 221 and 230 are missing double-quotes but it is unclear where
+they should be inserted.
+
+Page 274 records two persons being appointed as 27th abbot, in 1469
+and 1474.
+
+
+
+***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE CHRONICLE OF JOCELIN OF
+BRAKELOND: A PICTURE OF MONASTIC LIFE IN THE DAYS OF ABBOT SAMSON***
+
+
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+<h1 class="pg">The Project Gutenberg eBook, The Chronicle of Jocelin of Brakelond: A
+Picture of Monastic Life in the Days of Abbot Samson, by Jocelin de
+Brakelond, Edited by Sir Ernest Clarke</h1>
+<pre>
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at <a href = "http://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a></pre>
+<p>Title: The Chronicle of Jocelin of Brakelond: A Picture of Monastic Life in the Days of Abbot Samson</p>
+<p>Author: Jocelin de Brakelond</p>
+<p>Editor: Sir Ernest Clarke</p>
+<p>Release Date: October 17, 2011 [eBook #37780]</p>
+<p>Language: English</p>
+<p>Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1</p>
+<p>***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE CHRONICLE OF JOCELIN OF BRAKELOND: A PICTURE OF MONASTIC LIFE IN THE DAYS OF ABBOT SAMSON***</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<h3 class="pg">E-text prepared by Juliet Sutherland, Chris Pinfield,<br />
+ and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team<br />
+ (http://www.pgdp.net)</h3>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<hr class="full" />
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+
+<div class="img">
+ <img style="width: 308px; height: 400px;"
+ alt="The King's Classics"
+ src="images/image1.png"/>
+<br /><br /></div>
+
+<div class="smlblkquot">
+ THE CHRONICLE OF JOCELIN OF BRAKELOND: A PICTURE OF MONASTIC LIFE IN
+ THE DAYS OF ABBOT SAMSON. NEWLY EDITED BY SIR ERNEST CLARKE M.A.
+ F.S.A.
+<br /><br /></div>
+
+
+<div class="img">
+ <img style="width: 264px; height: 400px;"
+ alt="Seal of Abbot Samson"
+ src="images/image2.png"/>
+<br /><br /></div>
+
+<h1 class="medblkquot">
+ THE CHRONICLE OF JOCELIN OF BRAKELOND: A PICTURE OF MONASTIC LIFE IN
+ THE DAYS OF ABBOT SAMSON NEWLY EDITED BY SIR ERNEST CLARKE
+ <br /><br /></h1>
+
+<div class="smlblkquot">
+ ALEXANDER MORING THE DE LA MORE PRESS 298 REGENT STREET LONDON W 1903
+<br /><br /><br /></div>
+
+<div class="smlblkquot">
+ "<span class="smcap">A veritable monk of Bury St. Edmund's: worth
+ listening to, if by chance made visible and audible. Here he is; and
+ in his hand a magical speculum, much gone to rust, indeed, yet in
+ fragments still clear; wherein the marvellous image of his existence
+ does still shadow itself, though fitfully, and as with an
+ intermittent light.</span>"<br />
+</div>
+<div class="center"><i>Carlyle: Past and Present.</i> Chapter 1.
+<br /><br /><br /></div>
+
+<h3 class="uline">LIST OF CONTENTS</h3>
+
+<div class="TOCa">
+
+<p class="summary">
+SEAL OF ABBOT SAMSON.
+<span class="ralign"><i>Frontispiece</i></span></p>
+
+<p class="center">
+<br /><i>EDITOR'S PREFACE.<br /></i>
+<span class="ralign"><span class="smcap">page</span></span></p>
+<p class="summary">
+Samson and his arch-eulogist&mdash;The Chronicle&mdash;Previous Editions of the
+Chronicle&mdash;The Chronicler&mdash;The Central Figure of the Chronicle&mdash;Samson
+in Subordinate Offices&mdash;Samson as Abbot&mdash;Relations with Church and
+State&mdash;Samson as an Author&mdash;Samson's Masterfulness&mdash;Samson as an
+Administrator&mdash;Epilogue
+<span class="ralign"><a href="#page_xv">xv</a>.-xliii.</span></p>
+
+<p class="center">
+<br />CHAPTER I.<br /><br />
+<i>BURY ABBEY UNDER ABBOT HUGH.</i></p>
+<p class="summary">
+The last years of Abbot Hugh&mdash;The monastery under a load of debt, and
+in the hands of Jew money-lenders&mdash;Inquiry by the Royal
+almoner&mdash;Caustic comment by Samson, master of the novices&mdash;Exemption
+obtained by Hugh from visitation by the Legate&mdash;Jocelin's reflection
+thereon&mdash;The Convent debt&mdash;Entertainment of strangers&mdash;Samson in
+various offices, but disliked by the Abbot&mdash;Accident to Hugh at
+Canterbury&mdash;His death&mdash;His house despoiled by his servants
+<span class="ralign"><a href="#page_1">1</a>-11</span></p>
+
+<p class="center">
+<br />CHAPTER II.<br /><br />
+<i>THE MONKS DISCUSS THE VACANCY.</i></p>
+<p class="summary">
+Wardens of the Abbey appointed by the King&mdash;Culpable Weakness of the
+Prior&mdash;William the sacrist&mdash;Activity of Samson as subsacrist&mdash;Jealousy
+of him&mdash;The Wardens stop further building operations&mdash;Much discussion
+by the monks as to the qualifications needed in the new Abbot&mdash;Samson
+silently notes all that is said&mdash;Jocelin's indiscretion in blurting
+out his private opinion
+<span class="ralign"><a href="#page_12">12</a>-23</span></p>
+
+<p class="center">
+<br />CHAPTER III.<br /><br />
+<i>THE CHOICE OF A NEW ABBOT.</i></p>
+<p class="summary">
+Henry II. orders the Prior and twelve delegates from the Abbey to
+attend him to make choice of a new Abbot&mdash;Selection of the twelve&mdash;Six
+electors appointed to choose three names to be given under seal to the
+delegates&mdash;The journey to the Court&mdash;Gossip and telling of dreams
+amongst the monks left behind&mdash;The delegates before the King at
+Bishop's Waltham&mdash;The sealed paper opened&mdash;Samson eventually
+selected&mdash;Approval of the King, and his comment on Samson's
+demeanour
+<span class="ralign"><a href="#page_24">24</a>-35</span></p>
+
+<p class="center">
+<br />CHAPTER IV.<br /><br />
+<i>SAMSON'S INSTALLATION.</i></p>
+<p class="summary">
+Reception of the news at the Monastery&mdash;Samson blessed by the Bishop
+of Winchester&mdash;He journeys to Bury, and is welcomed by the Convent on
+Palm Sunday&mdash;His address in the chapter-house&mdash;Answer of Wimer the
+Sheriff&mdash;Jocelin made Abbot's Chaplain&mdash;New Seal struck with mitre
+graven thereon&mdash;Samson sets his household in order&mdash;General Court
+summoned&mdash;Demand of aid from his knights
+<span class="ralign"><a href="#page_36">36</a>-42</span></p>
+
+<p class="center">
+<br />CHAPTER V.<br /><br />
+<i>THE NEW ABBOT'S REFORMS.</i></p>
+<p class="summary">
+Prepares an estate book&mdash;Buildings and repairs&mdash;Enclosure of
+parks&mdash;Hunting and dogs&mdash;Land improvements&mdash;Management of
+manors&mdash;General survey&mdash;Makes a kalendar&mdash;New regulations made in
+Chapter&mdash;Amount of the convent debts and their discharge&mdash;Dismissal of
+William the sacrist&mdash;Samson visits all the Abbey manors&mdash;His anxieties
+about the debts&mdash;His skill and energy in managing the
+estates&mdash;Appointed judge in ecclesiastical courts&mdash;Jocelin's excuse
+for Samson's fondness for betaking himself to his manors&mdash;The Abbot's
+complaint at the burden of his charge&mdash;His dream as a child&mdash;His
+control of temper&mdash;Order for production of convent seals&mdash;Thirty-three
+given up, all retained by the Abbot, except the prior's&mdash;Entertainment
+of guests
+<span class="ralign"><a href="#page_43">43</a>-59</span></p>
+
+<p class="center">
+<br />CHAPTER VI.<br /><br />
+<i>SAMSON'S PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS.</i></p>
+<p class="summary">
+His personal appearance&mdash;His temperance and diligence&mdash;Abhors liars,
+drunkards and talkative folk&mdash;His eloquence&mdash;Preaches to the people in
+the Norfolk dialect&mdash;Management of his household&mdash;Strict regulation of
+expenses&mdash;Appoints none but fit persons to office&mdash;His treatment of
+his relatives&mdash;Gratitude for past kindnesses&mdash;Provides free lodgings
+for poor scholars&mdash;Expulsion of Jews from Bury&mdash;Purchase of the Manor
+of Mildenhall&mdash;Giving up of King Henry II.'s cup and its
+restoration&mdash;Samson's generosity&mdash;The Woolpit living&mdash;Samson recounts
+his visit to Rome in his early days, and his adventures
+<span class="ralign"><a href="#page_60">60</a>-75</span></p>
+
+<p class="center">
+<br />CHAPTER VII.<br /><br />
+<i>THE ABBOT AS PEER OF PARLIAMENT.</i></p>
+<p class="summary">
+Dispute with Archbishop of Canterbury as to jurisdiction over manor of
+Eleigh&mdash;Quarrel with the Bishop of Ely, the Chancellor&mdash;Samson wishes
+to take the cross: the King refuses permission&mdash;Goes to siege of
+Windsor in martial array&mdash;Visits Richard I. in
+Germany&mdash;Excommunication by him of a company of roystering young
+knights&mdash;Embassies to Rome&mdash;The claim of the Earl of Clare to carry
+the Standard of St. Edmund in battle&mdash;Adam of Cockfield's
+inheritance&mdash;Herbert the dean and his windmill&mdash;Jocelin's New Year's
+gift&mdash;The Abbot's struggle with his rebellious knights
+<span class="ralign"><a href="#page_76">76</a>-100</span></p>
+
+<p class="center">
+<br />CHAPTER VIII.<br /><br />
+<i>THE CASE OF HENRY OF ESSEX.</i></p>
+<p class="summary">
+Excesses of Henry of Essex&mdash;His cowardice in Wales&mdash;The wager of
+battle on the island near Reading&mdash;Henry's vision&mdash;His recovery and
+repentance
+<span class="ralign"><a href="#page_101">101</a>-105</span></p>
+
+<p class="center">
+<br />CHAPTER IX.<br /><br />
+<i>TROUBLES WITHOUT.</i></p>
+<p class="summary">
+The Bishop of Ely outwitted as to timber asked for by him&mdash;Dispute as
+to town bailiffs&mdash;Murmurings of the monks&mdash;Toll-right dispute with
+London merchants&mdash;Dues of the burgesses&mdash;Samson grants a charter to
+the town
+<span class="ralign"><a href="#page_106">106</a>-117</span></p>
+
+<p class="center">
+<br />CHAPTER X.<br /><br />
+<i>TROUBLES WITHIN.</i></p>
+<p class="summary">
+Inefficient cellarers&mdash;New arrangements criticised&mdash;The Archbishop of
+Canterbury claims authority to visit the Abbey as legate&mdash;Samson's
+successful appeal to the Pope
+<span class="ralign"><a href="#page_118">118</a>-127</span></p>
+
+<p class="center">
+<br />CHAPTER XI.<br /><br />
+<i>SAMSON'S CONTESTS WITH KNIGHTS, MONKS AND TOWNSMEN.</i></p>
+<p class="summary">
+King Richard's levies&mdash;The abbot's difficulties in making his knights
+comply&mdash;Goes to Normandy and arranges matters with the King&mdash;Samson's
+generosity to the abbey&mdash;He takes the cellarer's department into his
+own hands&mdash;Consequent discontent&mdash;Hamo Blund's will, and Samson's
+comments thereon&mdash;Riots in the churchyard&mdash;Rioters reduced to
+submission
+<span class="ralign"><a href="#page_128">128</a>-141</span></p>
+
+<p class="center">
+<br />CHAPTER XII.<br /><br />
+<i>THE CARES OF OFFICE.</i></p>
+<p class="summary">
+Restoration of the Coventry monks&mdash;Samson's hospitality at Oxford&mdash;His
+endowment of the Bury schools&mdash;Abbey improvements&mdash;The Abbot
+withstands King Richard over the wardship of Nesta of Cockfield&mdash;The
+King appeased by a present of horses and dogs
+<span class="ralign"><a href="#page_142">142</a>-149</span></p>
+
+<p class="center">
+<br />CHAPTER XIII.<br /><br />
+<i>THE CUSTOMS OF THE TOWNSHIP.</i></p>
+<p class="summary">
+Old oppressive customs changed or abrogated by Samson&mdash;The Cellarer's
+difficulties in collecting <i>rep silver</i>&mdash;The hard case of
+Ketel&mdash;The Cellarer's dues&mdash;Lakenheath eels&mdash;Samson's reforms and his
+critics
+<span class="ralign"><a href="#page_150">150</a>-161</span></p>
+
+<p class="center">
+<br />CHAPTER XIV.<br /><br />
+<i>THE SHRINE OF ST. EDMUND.</i></p>
+<p class="summary">
+Fire around the shrine&mdash;The shrine unhurt&mdash;Vain attempts to hush up
+the scandal&mdash;Samson dreams of St. Edmund despoiled&mdash;The saint's body
+uncovered&mdash;Samson and certain of the monks view the sacred relic
+<span class="ralign"><a href="#page_162">162</a>-177</span></p>
+
+<p class="center">
+<br />CHAPTER XV.<br /><br />
+<i>THE MONASTERY IN REVOLT.</i></p>
+<p class="summary">
+Death of King Richard&mdash;King John visits the Abbey&mdash;Samson supports
+Ralph the porter against the monks&mdash;He withdraws from the
+convent&mdash;Disturbances in his absence&mdash;The monks
+submit&mdash;Reconciliation&mdash;Marshalling of the Knights&mdash;Further troubles
+about the manors and cellary
+<span class="ralign"><a href="#page_178">178</a>-189</span></p>
+
+<p class="center">
+<br />CHAPTER XVI.<br /><br />
+<i>ELECTION OF A NEW PRIOR.</i></p>
+<p class="summary">
+Death of Robert the Prior&mdash;Herbert the chaplain and Hermer the
+sub-prior candidates for the post&mdash;Through the Abbot's influence
+Herbert is elected&mdash;Jocelin moralizes&mdash;The gibes of the unlearned
+<span class="ralign"><a href="#page_190">190</a>-199</span></p>
+
+<p class="center">
+<br />CHAPTER XVII.<br /><br />
+<i>THE ABBOT'S FOIBLES.</i></p>
+<p class="summary">
+Samson's faults&mdash;The dam at Babwell&mdash;Trouble with the Ely monks&mdash;The
+Abbot summoned over sea to the King&mdash;Sets his house in order&mdash;His
+unfulfilled promises&mdash;The story breaks off
+<span class="ralign"><a href="#page_200">200</a>-211</span></p>
+
+<p class="center"><br />APPENDICES</p>
+</div>
+
+<ul class="TOC">
+<li><span class="smcap">Samson as an Author</span>
+<span class="ralign"><a href="#page_215">215</a>-221</span></li>
+<li><span class="smcap">Notes to Text of Chronicle</span>
+<span class="ralign"><a href="#page_222">222</a>-256</span></li>
+<li><span class="smcap">Table of Chief Dates in the History of the
+Abbey of St. Edmundsbury, a.d. 870 to 1903</span>
+<span class="ralign"><a href="#page_257">257</a>-278</span></li>
+</ul>
+
+<div class="TOCa">
+<p class="summary">
+<i>GENERAL INDEX</i>
+<span class="ralign"><a href="#page_279">279</a>-285</span></p>
+</div>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_xv" id="page_xv">{xv}</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2 class="uline"><br />PREFACE</h2>
+
+
+<p><b>Samson and his Arch-Eulogist.</b>&mdash;Abbot Samson of St.
+Edmundsbury and his biographer, Jocelin of Brakelond, undoubtedly owe
+such immortality as they possess to their introduction to the world at
+large by Thomas Carlyle. Learned historians and commentators of the
+past had made use of the dry facts of the Chronicle for their
+disquisitions and treatises; but none had recognized the human
+interest of Jocelin's narrative until the Sage of Chelsea seized upon
+it as evidence of that theory of Hero Worship on which he loved to
+insist.</p>
+
+<p>The whole of the seventeen chapters of Book II. of "Past and
+Present," published in 1843, are devoted to a study of Abbot Samson,
+and the lessons which Carlyle thought "our own poor century" could
+learn from him.</p>
+
+<p>From that day to this, Samson has been more or less a household
+word; and, as John Richard Green says in his "Stray Studies" (1876),
+"In the wandering <span class="pagenum"><a name="page_xvi"
+id="page_xvi">{xvi}</a></span> gossipy pages of Jocelin of Brakelond the
+life of the twelfth century, so far as it could penetrate abbey walls,
+still glows distinct for us round the figure of the shrewd, practical,
+kindly, imperious abbot who looks out, a little travestied perhaps,
+from the pages of Mr. Carlyle."</p>
+
+<p><b>The Chronicle.</b>&mdash;Mr. Green further says:&mdash;"By a rare accident
+the figure of the silent, industrious Norfolk monk, who at the close
+of Henry the Second's reign suddenly found himself ruler of the
+wealthiest, if not the greatest, of English abbeys, starts out
+distinct from the dim canvas of the annals of his house. Annals indeed
+in any strict sense St. Edmund's has none; no national chronicle was
+ever penned in its scriptorium such as that which flings lustre round
+its rival, St. Albans; nor is even a record of its purely monastic
+life preserved such as that which gives a local and ecclesiastical
+interest to its rival of Glastonbury. One book alone the abbey has
+given us, but that one book is worth a thousand chronicles."</p>
+
+<p>The original manuscript of the Chronicle occupies 43 folios
+(121-163) of a thick quarto volume on vellum once in the library of
+Bury Abbey, afterwards in the hands of the family of Bacon of
+Redgrave, <span class="pagenum"><a name="page_xvii"
+id="page_xvii">{xvii}</a></span> then belonging to Bishop Stillingfleet of
+Worcester, and now preserved in the British Museum amongst the
+Harleian Manuscripts. The contents of this <i>Liber Albus</i> (Harl.
+MS. 1005) are very varied; and a complete list of the 144 items in it
+which relate to the Abbey will be found on pp. 122-4 of the 1821
+Edition of the <i>Monasticon</i>. (Another copy of the Chronicle was
+in the Cottonian MS. Vitellius <span class="smcap">dxv.</span>, burnt
+in the fire of 1731.) Three facsimiles of portions of the MS. are
+given in the Camden Society's Edition of the Latin text (to be
+presently referred to), and the writing is there ascribed to the end
+of the 13th or beginning of the 14th century.</p>
+
+<p><b>Previous Editions of the Chronicle.</b>&mdash;In the year 1840, John
+Gage Rokewode, F.R.S. (1786-1842), Director of the Society of
+Antiquaries, brought out for the Camden Society a thin quarto book in
+the familiar green cover, which he entitled "Chronica Jocelini de
+Brakelonda de rebus gestis Samsonis Abbatis Monasterii Sancti
+Edmundi." It was this book that attracted the attention of Carlyle,
+with the results already stated. Rokewode was a scion of the
+distinguished family of Gage of Hengrave, near Bury, and took the
+additional name of <span class="pagenum"><a name="page_xviii"
+id="page_xviii">{xviii}</a></span> Rokewode on inheriting in 1838 the
+estates of the Rookwood family. He was a very learned genealogist, and
+the author of a History of Hengrave and of the Hundred of Thingoe. His
+observations on Suffolk families and topography are therefore to be
+relied upon, though subsequent investigation has corrected some of his
+notes on historical matters.</p>
+
+<p>Rokewode's text was in the original Latin; but to meet the popular
+demand for the Chronicle caused by Carlyle's published appreciation of
+it in "Past and Present" (1843), a translation into English was made
+by Thomas Edlyne Tomlins (1804-1872), and was published in 1844 by
+Whitaker &amp; Co. in the "Popular Library of Modern Authors," under
+the title of "Monastic and Social Life in the Twelfth Century."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. T. E. Tomlins was a nephew of the better known Sir Thomas
+Edlyne Tomlins (1762-1841), assistant counsel to the Treasury, who
+wrote "The Law of Wills" and other well-known text-books. The younger
+Thomas was an attorney, and also wrote on legal subjects. Tomlins'
+translation of Jocelin was issued in the somewhat forbidding form of a
+tall paper-covered book of 64 pages of double columns of small type,
+without any break from start to <span class="pagenum"><a name="page_xix"
+id="page_xix">{xix}</a></span> finish: the few notes at the end being
+mostly on legal points, and none of them of great merit.</p>
+
+<p>It does not appear that Mr. Tomlins had any special knowledge of
+his subject; and, as a consequence, his translation contained a
+quantity of errors, both of omission and commission. His book has been
+used as the ground-work for the present edition, but the alterations
+made in the text have been so numerous and important as to be
+practically equivalent to a new translation altogether. The three
+Appendices (pages 215-278) are wholly new.</p>
+
+<p>The task of rendering the Latin text into satisfactory and accurate
+English has been made easier by the publication in 1890-6 of Mr.
+Thomas Arnold's three volumes of "Memorials of St. Edmund's Abbey"
+(No. 96 of the Rolls Series). "Tom" Arnold (1823-1900) was the second
+son of Arnold of Rugby and the younger brother of Matthew Arnold; and
+he undertook a quantity of work for the Rolls Series, not all of which
+he was able to carry through with the completeness that he desired.
+Especially with regard to the Annals of St. Edmundsbury there was a
+quantity of material that he could not deal with in the leisure at his
+command. But so far as concerns the Chronicle of Jocelin (which <span
+class="pagenum"><a name="page_xx" id="page_xx">{xx}</a></span> occupies 228
+pages of his Volume I.), his edition of the original Latin text was
+carefully revised and annotated.</p>
+
+<p><b>The Chronicler.</b>&mdash;Of Jocelin of Brakelond very little is
+certainly known beyond what he himself tells us in the Chronicle.
+There are two streets in Bury St. Edmunds known as the Long and Short
+Brackland or Braklond, and probably Jocelin took his name from his
+place of birth. In the text of the Chronicle, however, and in other
+13th century documents in which his name is recorded, he appears
+simply as Jocelin. He tells us he took the habit in 1173, "the year
+when the Flemings were taken captive without the town" (page 1); and
+that he then came under the care of Samson, at that time master of the
+novices, who told him some of his own experiences by way of warning
+against interference with the constituted authorities (6).</p>
+
+<p>At the time of Samson's election as Abbot, in 1182, Jocelin was
+prior's chaplain, but within four months he was made abbot's chaplain,
+"noting many things and committing them to memory" (39): for which all
+students of English history are eternally grateful to him. In his
+capacity as Samson's chaplain, Jocelin was "constantly with him by day
+and <span class="pagenum"><a name="page_xxi" id="page_xxi">{xxi}</a></span>
+night for six years, and had the opportunity of becoming fully
+conversant with the worthiness of his life and the wisdom of his rule"
+(56).</p>
+
+<p>Jocelin evidently starts at first with an admiration for Samson's
+vigorous and independent régime (see especially pages 52-3); but later
+on his faith in his master seems to have been a little shaken, and
+Samson's action in practically "jockeying" his favourite Herbert into
+the office of prior takes Jocelin's breath away. The eventful meeting
+of the chapter over, he sits down stupefied in the porch of the guest
+chamber (he being then hospitarius), and reflects on the situation
+(198). He cannot approve, moreover, Samson's action with regard to
+John Ruffus and Adam the Infirmarer, where he more than hints at the
+Abbot's acceptance of a bribe (200). The banking up by Samson of the
+fishpond at Babwell, thus flooding the pastures and gardens of others,
+he describes as "another stain of evil doing" (201): the Abbot's
+passionate retort that "his fish pond was not to be spoilt on account
+of our meadows," obviously offending Jocelin's sense of the
+proprieties. He demurs, moreover, to the willingness of certain of the
+monks to strip even the shrine of St. Edmund himself to obtain an
+exemption of the Abbey from episcopal visitation, pointing out <span
+class="pagenum"><a name="page_xxii" id="page_xxii">{xxii}</a></span> that
+there might come a time when the convent might need the control of a
+bishop, archbishop, or legate, over a tyrannous or spendthrift abbot
+(7).</p>
+
+<p>It is perhaps for these reasons that we find Jocelin, at a date
+after Samson's death, on the side of the party of caution and
+moderation in the disputes over the election of a new abbot. The
+author, whoever he was, of the interpolated narrative in the Chronicle
+relating to Henry of Essex (101 <i>et seq.</i>) refers to "Master
+Jocelin our almoner, a man of exalted piety, powerful in word and in
+deed"; and there can hardly be any doubt that this was our Jocelin. In
+the highly complicated story (printed in Mr. Arnold's second volume)
+of the preliminaries to the final approval by King John of Samson's
+successor, Abbot Hugh II., Jocelin the almoner took the side of Robert
+of Gravelee, the sacrist, who advocated the adoption of the plan
+followed when the previous vacancy occurred, of submitting to the king
+names from whom he could make a selection (as indeed John had asked
+might be done by letter dated 25 July, 1213), instead of asking him,
+as they did, to confirm an election already made. Jocelin, in a speech
+delivered in the chapter-house, seems indeed to have been the first to
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_xxiii" id="page_xxiii">{xxiii}</a></span>
+start the view that the convent had made a mistake, and that it ought
+to put itself right with the king. He again insisted on this at a
+second debate in December, 1213, and took a prominent part in the
+subsequent discussions, his name being recorded in the division list
+of June, 1214, when 30 voted on his side, and 32 for adherence to the
+claims of the Abbey.</p>
+
+<p>The three delegates, the Abbot of Wardon, the Prior of Dunstable,
+and the Dean of Salisbury, who had been appointed by the Pope on May
+18, 1214, to inquire into the Bury election, held the last but one of
+their numerous sittings on February 12, 1215, at which Jocelin was
+present. At last the delegates announced on March 10 their judgment
+confirming the election, which, with considerable trouble, they
+persuaded the sacrist and his party to accept, and to exchange with
+the new abbot the kiss of peace.</p>
+
+<p>When, on April 24, 1215, the abbot elect, unsuccessful in obtaining
+John's favour, and refusing to bribe the king, though advised to do so
+by the courtiers, appointed certain officials to the custody of Abbey
+manors, he took the advice, amongst other high officers, of Jocelin
+the almoner; and this is the last we hear of our Chronicler.</p>
+
+<p>Jocelin himself mentions (23) that he had written a <span
+class="pagenum"><a name="page_xxiv" id="page_xxiv">{xxiv}</a></span> book on
+the many signs and wonders in connection with the martyrdom by the
+Jews of the boy Robert, who was buried in the Abbey Church; but this
+work is not known to be extant. The inaccurate Bale also ascribes to
+him the authorship of the tract <i>Super Electione Hugonis</i> (also
+in the Liber Albus), from which the above facts as to Jocelin's later
+life have been gleaned. But there is no authority for this; and, as
+Mr. Arnold points out (i. lix.), the style of that work is different
+from the Chronicle.</p>
+
+<p>Whatever criticisms one might be tempted to pass on Carlyle's
+appreciation of Samson, there need be no dissentient voice to his
+summing up of Jocelin's character:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p class="lgeblkquot"> An ingenious and ingenuous, a cheery-hearted,
+innocent, yet withal shrewd, noticing, quick-witted man; and from
+under his monk's cowl has looked out on the narrow section of the
+world in a really human manner.... The man is of patient, peaceable,
+loving, clear-smiling nature; open for this or that.... Also he has a
+pleasant wit, and loves a timely joke, though in mild, subdued manner.
+A learned, grown man, yet with the heart as of a good child.</p>
+
+<p><b>The Central Figure of the Chronicle.</b>&mdash;Whatever his other
+merits, Jocelin's strong point was certainly not chronological
+sequence. With the assistance of the Table of Dates printed on pages
+261-267, the reader will, it is hoped, get some useful <span
+class="pagenum"><a name="page_xxv" id="page_xxv">{xxv}</a></span> sort of
+idea of the busy life of Abbot Samson, both within and without the
+walls of the monastery, whilst it was under his vigorous rule; and as
+to his personal characteristics, virtues and foibles, they are writ
+large in almost every chapter of the Chronicle.</p>
+
+<p>He was obviously of humble origin, and his dialect was that of his
+native county of Norfolk (62). He seems to have lost his father early,
+for we read of his conferring, soon after he became Abbot, a benefice
+upon the son of a man of lowly station who had been kind to him in his
+youth and looked after his interests (66). As a child of nine, he had
+been taken by his mother to a pilgrimage to St. Edmund, after a dream
+which presaged his future service under that saint (56). When he was a
+poor clerk, William, the schoolmaster of Diss, had given him free
+admission to his school: a favour which he requited by giving Walter,
+son of William, the living of Chevington (67). Similarly, he helped
+those of his kinsmen who had recognized him when he was a poor clerk,
+provided they were worthy; but with those who had then held aloof from
+him he wished to have no dealings (66).</p>
+
+<p>At some early date Samson went to Paris to study, a friend who then
+supported him there by the proceeds of the sale of holy water
+receiving afterwards a <span class="pagenum"><a name="page_xxvi"
+id="page_xxvi">{xxvi}</a></span> benefice from him (66). Just as he did
+not forget the friends who had helped him in his early struggles so he
+remembered past kindnesses shown to him when he was a poor monk and
+out of favour with the authorities. When Hugh, his predecessor,
+clapped him into irons, Hugh's cupbearer Elias brought him some wine
+to quench his prison thirst (67); and when he needed a night's lodging
+on his return from Durham on the business of the Abbey, a resident at
+Risby gave him the shelter which a neighbour refused (68). Neither
+favour was forgotten when Elias and William of Risby came before him
+as landlord.</p>
+
+<p>By 1160 Samson was back from abroad as master of the schools at
+Bury, though he did not become a professed monk till 1166. Meanwhile
+he had been sent on an errand to Rome, with reference to the church at
+Woolpit, in which his native wit showed itself (73, 74). He seems to
+have been successful in his mission, getting from Pope Alexander III.
+a reversion for the monastery of the Woolpit living; but, perhaps
+because he returned too late to prevent Geoffrey Ridel being appointed
+by the king (74), Abbot Hugh banished him, on his return, to Castle
+Acre. Here he remained in exile a long time (74), and he was sent
+there again after he had <span class="pagenum"><a name="page_xxvii"
+id="page_xxvii">{xxvii}</a></span> become a cloister monk, and had spoken
+up "for the good of our Church" in opposition to the Abbot (6).</p>
+
+<p><b>Samson in Subordinate Offices.</b>&mdash;Much as Hugh disliked
+Samson, he seems to have been a little afraid of him; and, to
+reconcile matters, he made Samson subsacrist. "Often accused," says
+Jocelin, "he was transferred from one office to another, being
+successively guest master, pittance master, third prior, and again
+subsacrist" (9). But he could not be induced to fawn on and flatter
+the Abbot, as other officials did; and Hugh declared that "he had
+never seen a man whom he could not bend to his will, except Samson the
+subsacrist" (10).</p>
+
+<p>When at length Hugh's trying dispensation came to an end, through
+his horse accident at Canterbury in 1180, Samson was, as subsacrist,
+busy with new building operations for the Church (14). His superior
+officer, the bibulous William Wiardel, the sacrist, was jealous of
+him, and persuaded the wardens of the Abbey to stop any further
+expense for works during the vacancy (15). But Samson knew some things
+to William's financial and moral discredit, on which he was later able
+to base the sacrist's dismissal from office (46-7).</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_xxviii"
+id="page_xxviii">{xxviii}</a></span> The gossip amongst the monks as to
+which of the brethren should fill Hugh's place is admirably told by
+Jocelin (Chap. ii.). Whilst the rest were babbling at blood-letting
+season, Samson the subsacrist sat smiling but saying nothing (21). The
+receipt of Henry II.'s order or permission to make choice of a new
+Abbot put the monastery in a flutter; and the selection of the
+deputation to wait upon the King, and their interview with their liege
+lord, is most naïvely described in chapter iii. The secret ballot at
+Bury for three names was a surprise to the higher officials (31), and
+they did what they could to diminish Samson's chances. But after some
+fencing the Bishop of Winchester asked the deputation point blank whom
+they wanted, and the answer was&mdash;Samson: "no one gainsaying this"
+(34).</p>
+
+<p><b>Samson as Abbot.</b>&mdash;And so the once oppressed and obscure monk
+returned to Bury the absolute ruler of the foundation, with the king's
+remark in his ears when he noted, with apparent admiration at Bishop's
+Waltham, how Samson comported himself in the royal presence: "By the
+eyes of God, this Abbot elect thinks himself worthy to govern an
+abbey!" (35). So indeed he did, setting to work at once after his
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_xxix" id="page_xxix">{xxix}</a></span>
+ceremonial installation (37) to institute reforms of all sorts. As
+Carlyle says, and his words must suffice in this place:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p class="lgeblkquot"> How Abbot Samson, giving his new subjects
+seriatim the kiss of fatherhood in the St. Edmundsbury chapter-house,
+proceeded with cautious energy to set about reforming their
+disjointed, distracted way of life; how he managed with his Fifty
+rough Milites (Feudal Knights), with his lazy farmers, remiss
+refractory monks, with Pope's Legates, Viscounts, Bishops, Kings; how
+on all sides he laid about him like a man, and putting consequence on
+premiss, and everywhere the saddle on the right horse, struggled
+incessantly to educe organic method out of lazily fermenting
+wreck,&mdash;the careful reader will discern, not without true interest, in
+these pages of Jocelin Boswell.</p>
+
+<p>To tell the story of all this would be to paraphrase the Chronicle;
+and the reader is therefore referred to the List of Contents for
+instances of the Abbot's capacity and resourcefulness in dealing with
+the complicated interests under his control.</p>
+
+<p>But there is one aspect of his busy life to which allusion may
+perhaps here be made, as showing the influence and importance of the
+Abbot of St. Edmundsbury outside the monastery walls.</p>
+
+<p><b>Relations with Church and State.</b>&mdash;Samson's abbacy extended
+over the pontificates of five Popes and the reigns of three Kings, by
+all of <span class="pagenum"><a name="page_xxx"
+id="page_xxx">{xxx}</a></span> whom his strength of character and wisdom
+of counsel seem to have been appreciated. Pope Lucius III., who had
+succeeded, in 1181, Alexander III., to whom Samson had twenty years
+before paid a visit on behalf of the Abbey (72), appointed the new
+abbot a judge in the ecclesiastical courts within seven months of his
+election (51). Urban III. granted Samson in 1187-8, the privilege of
+giving the episcopal benediction (84) and other concessions. Celestine
+III. placed him in 1197 on the commission for restoring the expelled
+monks at Coventry (142); and Innocent III. granted on December 1,
+1198, without hesitation, on Samson's application, an exemption of
+Bury Abbey from episcopal visitation even by a legate unless he were a
+legate <i>a latere</i> (124).</p>
+
+<p>King Henry II., who had apparently formed a favourable opinion of
+Samson from his demeanour on his election (35), practically decided in
+his favour on February 11, 1187, in his dispute with Archbishop Hubert
+concerning his abbatial jurisdiction over Monk's Eleigh, where a case
+of homicide had occurred (78). In the same year, the king at Clarendon
+favourably considered Samson's petition with reference to the immunity
+of Bury Abbey from certain taxes (96). Having taken the Cross on
+January 21, 1188, <span class="pagenum"><a name="page_xxxi"
+id="page_xxxi">{xxxi}</a></span> Henry II. came to Bury within a month to
+pay a pilgrimage to St. Edmund, when Samson endeavoured, without
+success, to obtain the king's permission to do likewise (81).</p>
+
+<p>In the next year Henry died at Chinon (July 6, 1189), and Samson
+had to deal with a new sovereign: at whose coronation on September 3,
+1189, he was present. One of Richard's earliest acts was the sale of
+offices, crown rights, crown property, and royal favours to fill his
+military chest; saying indeed that he would sell London if he could
+find a purchaser. Amongst the bargains of this sort was the sale to
+Samson of the manor of Mildenhall for 1,000 marks, after the astute
+abbot had offered him half that amount (70). The queen-mother was
+entitled by custom of the realm to 100 marks as a perquisite in
+connection with this transaction, and took in lieu thereof a gold cup
+which had been given to the abbey by Henry II. This same cup came back
+to Bury in exchange for 100 marks (71), when the 70,000 marks required
+to ransom King Richard was being raised in England (147).</p>
+
+<p>When the news of Richard's capture reached England, Samson rose in
+his place in the King's Council to express his readiness to seek the
+king in Germany, either in disguise or any other way: "by reason
+whereof," <span class="pagenum"><a name="page_xxxii"
+id="page_xxxii">{xxxii}</a></span> says Jocelin, "he obtained great
+approbation" (81). Later on he did go to Germany, "and visited the
+king with many gifts" (82).</p>
+
+<p>Towards the end of Richard's reign, in 1198, Samson tried to avoid
+sending four of his knights to Normandy, in obedience to the King's
+orders, and went to see him, with the result that Richard accepted
+four mercenaries, and afterwards a hundred pounds to discharge the
+obligation (128-30). He brought back with him on this occasion for the
+adornment of the abbey church a golden cross and a valuable copy of
+the Gospels (130); and Jocelin records that so often as he returned
+from beyond sea on his numerous visits abroad, he brought back with
+him some offering for the church (131), besides making gifts to it on
+other occasions.</p>
+
+<p>In 1198 a serious quarrel took place between Richard and Samson
+over the wardship of Nesta of Cockfield, the daughter of a family
+whose tenure of lands from the Abbey is recorded with wearisome
+iteration in the Chronicle. Samson would not give way, despite the
+threats of the King, which he "very wisely passed over without
+notice," and in the end Richard yielded with a good grace, asking the
+abbot if he would send him some of his dogs. The abbot of <span
+class="pagenum"><a name="page_xxxiii" id="page_xxxiii">{xxxiii}</a></span>
+course complied, and added some horses and other valuable gifts, in
+exchange for which Richard sent him a ring given to him by the new
+Pope, Innocent III. (147-9).</p>
+
+<p>Just as Samson had "obtained the favour and grace of King Richard
+by gifts and money, so that he had good reason to believe that he
+could succeed in all his undertakings, the King died, and the abbot
+lost all his labour and outlay" (178). It became therefore necessary
+to propitiate Richard's successor. King John made an early pilgrimage
+to St. Edmund, but left in bad odour with the monastery, which had
+spent much money on his entertainment, but had only received in return
+thirteenpence offered by the king at the shrine of the Saint on the
+day of his departure, besides a silken cloth borrowed for the occasion
+from the sacrist and never paid for (178). John must, however, have
+thought highly of the abbot to summon him over sea in 1203 to confer
+with him as to the Pope's letter concerning the dispensation of
+Crusaders from their vows (207).</p>
+
+<p><b>Samson as an Author.</b>&mdash;Once when Jocelin asked why he had
+been sighing so heavily and was so wakeful at nights, Samson confided
+to him how greatly he felt the burden of his charge; and on <span
+class="pagenum"><a name="page_xxxiv" id="page_xxxiv">{xxxiv}</a></span>
+another occasion said that if he had known what it involved, he would,
+rather than be abbot and lord, have preferred to be keeper of the
+books, "for this office he had ever desired above all others"
+(55).</p>
+
+<p>Jocelin hints a polite incredulity; but there are evidences that
+Samson was fond of books, and was indeed an author. There is a small
+volume, Titus A viii. in the Cottonian collection, which includes in
+its contents a work in two books, entitled <i>De Miraculis Sancti
+Ædmundi</i>. From a number of marginal notes, of even date with the
+fourteenth century text, and which ascribe to Samson, amongst other
+writers, the authorship of various passages in the great legendary
+life of St. Edmund in the Bodleian Library (MS. 240), Mr. Arnold
+arrived at the conclusion that "the writer of the work was
+unquestionably Abbot Samson." For the evidence the reader is referred
+to Appendix I. (pages 215-21); but it would appear that the work was
+written before the date when he became abbot, and perhaps before he
+had been appointed to any one of the numerous offices in the monastery
+to which he was from time to time transferred by the capricious Hugh
+(9).</p>
+
+<p>Whenever any new event was recorded in his patron saint's honour,
+Samson caused it to be recorded: <span class="pagenum"><a
+name="page_xxxv" id="page_xxxv">{xxxv}</a></span> hence at his desire the
+episode of Henry of Essex, whom St. Edmund had "confounded in the very
+hour of battle" (102), was reduced to writing at Reading, and
+interpolated by some other monk in Jocelin's chronicle.</p>
+
+<p><b>Samson's Masterfulness.</b>&mdash;Samson, like his prototype of
+Scripture, was a "strong man," and as such he came into constant
+conflict with those who sought to try conclusions with him, usually to
+their own regret. From instances innumerable, the following may be
+selected as typical. At his very first general court of his knights,
+Thomas of Hastings tried to press the claim of his nephew Henry&mdash;a
+minor&mdash;to the hereditary stewardship of the Abbey; but Samson said he
+would consider the matter when Henry could perform the duties (41).
+Richard, Earl of Clare, demanded his guerdon of five shillings for the
+office of Standard-bearer of St. Edmund. Samson retorted that the
+payment of the money would not inconvenience the Abbey; but there were
+two other claimants for the post, and Richard must settle first with
+them. The Earl said he would confer with Roger Bigot his kinsman, "and
+so the matter was put off even to this day" (86).</p>
+
+<p>Geoffrey Ridel, the Bishop of Ely, sent a blundering <span
+class="pagenum"><a name="page_xxxvi" id="page_xxxvi">{xxxvi}</a></span>
+messenger to the abbot to ask for timber from woods at Elmswell,
+meaning Elmsett. Samson assented to the request for Elmswell, and
+meanwhile sent his foresters to Elmsett and cut down a great quantity
+of oaks, branding them as the property of the Abbey. The bishop
+overwhelmed his stupid servant with reproaches, and sent him back to
+explain. But it was too late, "and the bishop, if he wanted timber,
+had to get it elsewhere" (107).</p>
+
+<p>Herbert the dean erected a windmill upon the Haberdon, and tried to
+brazen it out with Samson. But the abbot bade him begone, and told him
+that before he had come to his house, he should hear what had befallen
+his mill. Whereupon the trembling dean had the mill pulled down
+himself, so that when the servants of the sacrist came to the spot,
+they found their work already done for them (90).</p>
+
+<p>In the domestic quarrel with his monks over the case of Ralph, the
+gate porter, who had been punished by Robert the prior with the assent
+of all the monastery, Samson upset the proceedings on his return from
+London, and, after a violent struggle, got his own way (179-83).</p>
+
+<p>There is a pleasing affectation of impartiality in the case of
+another Herbert, the junior candidate for <span class="pagenum"><a
+name="page_xxxvii" id="page_xxxvii">{xxxvii}</a></span> the office of
+Prior, on the much-worried Robert's death in 1200. The monks were
+conscious that Samson "would seek the advice of each with great show
+of formality," but that the affair would end as he had all along
+intended (193). On the day of election the Precentor was egged on by
+one of the elder brethren in an audible aside to nominate Herbert.
+Samson behaved as if this was a new light to him, but offered no
+objection to receive Herbert if the convent willed. And so, after a
+protestation of his unworthiness, Herbert was elected (196); and
+Jocelin tried, after these bare-faced proceedings, to recover his
+equanimity in the porch of the guest-chamber (197).</p>
+
+<p><b>Samson as an Administrator.</b>&mdash;Samson seems to have been
+something of a financial genius; he certainly freed the monastery from
+debt, and brought its internal affairs and its landed estates from
+chaos into order. He was undoubtedly more of an administrator than an
+ecclesiastic. He obviously enjoyed his ceremonial duties as
+Commissioner for the King or for the Pope. He went to the siege of
+Windsor in 1193 in martial array, though Jocelin is constrained to
+admit that he was "more remarkable there for counsel than for piety"
+(82). He appeared to be in his highest spirits when he went to
+Coventry <span class="pagenum"><a name="page_xxxviii"
+id="page_xxxviii">{xxxviii}</a></span> in January, 1198, to help to
+restore the monks there who had been ejected by their somewhat
+truculent Bishop, Hugh de Nonant. Samson gave magnificent
+entertainments at Oxford, where the Commission sat, and "never in his
+life did he seem so joyful as at that time" (143).</p>
+
+<p>He was fond, too, of country life, spending much time at his manors
+of Melford and elsewhere, "enclosing many parks, which he replenished
+with beasts of chase, and keeping a huntsman with dogs," though
+Jocelin is careful to add that he "never saw him take part in the
+sport" (43). With some of these dogs Samson appeased Richard's wrath
+when he flouted the king as to a disputed wardship (149). One of the
+complaints against him by those who chafed under his rule was that he
+was fond of betaking himself to his manors, and Jocelin's excuse for
+him is that "the abbot is more in spirits and in good humour elsewhere
+than at home" (53). Jocelin took him to task over this, but had a text
+from Ecclesiasticus hurled at his head, which induced him to "hold his
+peace henceforth" (54).</p>
+
+<p>With broader outlook than his obedientiaries, Samson recognized the
+necessity of granting greater freedom to the inhabitants of the town
+of Bury, and, despite <span class="pagenum"><a name="page_xxxix"
+id="page_xxxix">{xxxix}</a></span> the grumbling of his monks, he gave the
+burgesses a Charter in 1194 (116). The resentment against him in the
+monastery ran so high in 1199 that he professed to be afraid of his
+life (182). Though matters were then patched up, the old feeling of
+indignation against his concessions to the townsfolk endured, and an
+occasion for manifesting it arose when, early in 1203, Samson was
+summoned by King John to advise him on a brief sent by the Pope as to
+the dispensation of certain Crusaders from their vows. To the
+undisguised astonishment of Jocelin, Samson sought the advice of the
+monastery, "a thing he heretofore had seldom done" (207); but he was
+boldly asked what he proposed to do to get back the lost privileges of
+the Abbey (210). He was then "weakened by infirmity of body, humbled,
+and (as was not his wont) timid" (207); and it must be remembered that
+he was by this time not far short of seventy years of age. He spoke
+the monks fair, promised redress, and "that upon his return he would
+co-operate with us in everything, and make just order and disposition,
+and render to each what was justly his" (211).</p>
+
+<p>Jocelin hints by a quotation from Ovid that there was some
+apprehension that this promise would remain unfulfilled: and then in
+Carlyle's words&mdash; <span class="pagenum"><a name="page_xl"
+id="page_xl">{xl}</a></span></p>
+
+<p class="lgeblkquot"> Jocelin's Boswellian narrative, suddenly shorn
+through by the scissors of Destiny, ends. Impenetrable Time-curtains
+rush down. Monks, Abbot, Hero-Worship, Government, Obedience, C&oelig;ur
+de Lion, and St. Edmund's Shrine, vanish like Mirza's vision; and
+there is nothing left but a mutilated black ruin amid green botanic
+expanses.</p>
+
+<p><b>Epilogue.</b>&mdash;As to what happened to Samson after he returned
+from the visit to his sovereign, we have no information whatever from
+any known source. Perhaps when he had reached the allotted span of
+life, he came to feel that the time had arrived to take things more
+easily, and to be less inelastic in his governance of the Abbey. The
+last nine years of his chequered life are an absolute blank so far as
+the available records are concerned, if we except his execution of
+certain formal documents included in the Suffolk Feet of Fines. But
+when at last, at the ripe age of 77, he died on the 30th December,
+1211, at twilight (<i>inter lupum et canem</i>), on the night of the
+feast of St. Thomas the Martyr, a tenderer feeling towards him
+obviously existed amongst his monks.</p>
+
+<p>The compiler of the <i>Annales Sancti Edmundi</i> (who from the
+last phrase but one would seem to have been a contemporary) thus
+records his decease:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p class="lgeblkquot"> On the sixth day of Christmas, at St. Edmund's,
+died Samson, of pious memory, the venerable abbot of this place. <span
+class="pagenum"><a name="page_xli" id="page_xli">{xli}</a></span> Who, after
+he had for thirty years prosperously ruled the Abbey committed to him,
+and had freed it from a load of debt,&mdash;had enriched it with
+privileges, liberties, possessions, and spacious buildings, and had
+restored the worship of the church, both internally and externally, in
+the most ample manner, bidding his last farewell to his sons, by whom
+the blessed man deserved to be blessed for evermore, while they all
+were standing by, and gazing with awe at a death which was a cause for
+admiration, not for regret (<i>non miserabilem sed mirabilem</i>), in
+the fourth year of the interdict rested in peace (Arnold, ii. 19,
+20).</p>
+
+<p>"In the fourth year of the Interdict": there is a significance in
+these words not perhaps immediately apparent. During the last few
+years of Samson's life, public worship in his beloved abbey was
+stopped; the altars were stripped, and the church doors closed, in
+view of the interdict hurled at the recalcitrant John by the Pope in
+March, 1208. More trying than this to the feelings of the age was the
+requirement that the dead should be buried in silence and in
+unconsecrated ground. So Samson was laid by his sorrowing monks in the
+bosom of mother earth "in pratello," where he remained until after the
+Interdict was removed in July, 1214. The writer of the <i>Electio
+Hugonis</i> records, in barbarous Latin (Arnold, ii. 85), that on
+August 9 of that year the sacrist raised the question as to the proper
+interment of Samson "of venerable memory." <span class="pagenum"><a
+name="page_xlii" id="page_xlii">{xlii}</a></span> The prior (Herbert), the
+cantor and Master Thomas of Walsingham, with other high officials,
+thought Samson ought, for greater honour, to be buried in the Abbey
+church. The sacrist&mdash;William of Gravelee, of whose uncompromising
+character we have had a glimpse before&mdash;was alone in resisting this,
+saying that so long as he had any power in the matter, neither Samson
+nor any one else should be buried in the church. As the sacrist was
+the responsible official this objection could apparently not be got
+over, and so on August 12, 1214, the remains of Samson were exhumed,
+and reburied in the chapter-house, which in the days of his life had
+resounded to that eloquence of which Jocelin speaks (62).</p>
+
+<p>What happened to the chapter house after the suppression of the
+Abbey in 1539 is not known; but it seems probable that when the lead
+of its roof was stripped off, it was left to crumble to decay by
+itself, for some recent excavations in the winter of 1902-3 brought to
+light quantities of beautifully worked stone, granite and marble
+columns, and fragments of stained glass.</p>
+
+<p>On New Year's Day of this year five stone coffins, each with a
+skeleton within, and a sixth skeleton (uncoffined) were found under
+the floor of the chapter-house <span class="pagenum"><a name="page_xliii"
+id="page_xliii">{xliii}</a></span> in the exact positions in which a MS.
+of circa 1425, now preserved at Douai, records the burial places of
+Samson, two of his predecessors, and three of his successors as
+Abbots; and there can be no reasonable doubt therefore that those who,
+like myself, were privileged to be associated with these excavations,
+have gazed upon the mortal remains of one of the grandest and most
+picturesque figures of Angevin times.<br /><br /></p>
+
+<p>I am indebted to many friends for hints and suggestions in the
+preparation of the Notes in Appendix II., especially to Lord Francis
+Hervey, Dr. Montague R. James, and Mr. Francis Ford, all three of whom
+have intimate personal knowledge of Bury St. Edmunds and its history.
+In addition, Dr. James has been good enough to critically compare the
+English text of the Chronicle with the Latin original, and has made
+many valuable improvements, for which my especial thanks are due to
+him. Mr. R. W. Chambers, M.A., Librarian of University College, has
+also given me much assistance in the revision of the text in the
+compilation of the Index.</p>
+
+<div class="sigbloc">
+<span class="place">13a, Hanover Square, W.</span>
+<span class="date"><i>May</i>, 1903.</span>
+</div>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_xliv"
+id="page_xliv">{xliv}</a></span><br /></p>
+
+<div class="poem">
+<span class="i0">And to procede ferthere in this mater,</span>
+<span class="i0">Yf ye list aduertise in your mynde,</span>
+<span class="i0">An exaumplaire and a meror cler,</span>
+<span class="i0">In this story ye shal now seen and fynde.</span>
+<span class="i0">So as I kan, in soth I will nat spare</span>
+<span class="i0">But heer in ordre reherse by wrytyng,</span>
+<span class="i0">Folwyng myn auctours in euery maner thyng,</span>
+<span class="i0">As in substance vpon the lettre in deede,</span>
+<span class="i0">To do plesance to them that shal it reede.</span>
+<span class="i8sc">John Lydgate.</span>
+<br />
+<span class="i0">(<i>Harleian MS.</i> 2278: <i>lines</i> 417-20, 426-30.)</span>
+<br />
+</div>
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_1" id="page_1">{1}</a></span><br /></p>
+
+<h2>CHAPTER I<br />
+<span class="smcap">bury abbey under abbot hugh</span></h2>
+
+
+<p class="nodent"><span class="dropcap">T</span>HAT which I have heard
+and seen have I taken in hand to write, which in our days has come to
+pass in the Church of St. Edmund, from the year when the Flemings were
+taken captive without the town, at which time I took upon me the
+religious habit, being the same year wherein prior Hugh was deposed,
+and Robert made prior in his stead: and I have mingled in my narration
+some evil deeds by way of warning, and some good by way of profit.</p>
+
+<p>Now, at that time, Hugh the abbot was old, and his eyes were
+somewhat dim. A pious and kind man was he, a good and religious monk,
+yet not wise or far-sighted in worldly affairs; one who relied too
+much on his officers, and put faith in them, rather taking counsel of
+others than abiding by his own judgment.</p>
+
+<p>To be sure, the Rule and the religious life, and all <span
+class="pagenum"><a name="page_2" id="page_2">{2}</a></span> pertaining
+thereto were healthy enough in the cloister, but outdoor affairs were
+badly managed; inasmuch as every one serving under a simple and
+already aged lord did what he would, not what he should.</p>
+
+<p>The townships of the abbot and all the hundreds were set to farm,
+the forests were destroyed, the manor houses threatened to fall,
+everything daily got worse and worse. One resource only the abbot had,
+and that was to take up moneys on interest, so that thereby he might
+be able in some measure to keep up the dignity of his house. There
+befel not a term of Easter or St. Michael, for eight years before his
+decease, but that one or two hundred pounds at least increased in
+principal debt; the securities were always renewed, and the interest
+which accrued was converted into principal.</p>
+
+<p>This laxity descended from the head to the members, from the
+superior to the subjects. Hence it came to pass that every official of
+the house had a seal of his own, and bound himself in debt at his own
+pleasure, to Jews as well as to Christians. Oftentimes silken copes
+and golden cruetts, and other ornaments of the church, were pledged
+without the knowledge of the convent. I myself saw a security passed
+to William Fitz Isabel <span class="pagenum"><a name="page_3"
+id="page_3">{3}</a></span> for one thousand and forty pounds, but I never
+could learn the consideration or the cause. I also saw another
+security passed to Isaac, the son of Rabbi Joce, for four hundred
+pounds, but I know not wherefore. I also saw a third security passed
+to Benedict, the Jew of Norwich, for eight hundred and eighty pounds;
+and this was the origin of that debt.</p>
+
+<p>Our parlour was destroyed, and it was given in charge to William
+the sacrist, will he, nill he, that he should restore it. He privily
+borrowed from Benedict the Jew forty marks at interest, and gave him a
+security sealed with a certain seal, which used to hang at the shrine
+of St. Edmund, wherewith the gilds and letters of fraternity were wont
+to be sealed: a seal which later on, but alas! too late, was broken by
+order of the convent. Now, when this debt had increased to one hundred
+pounds, the Jew came bearing a letter from our lord the King, touching
+the debt of the sacrist; and then it was that all that had been secret
+from the abbot and convent was laid bare.</p>
+
+<p>The abbot waxed exceedingly wroth, and wished to depose the
+sacrist, alleging that he possessed a privilege of our lord the pope,
+giving him power of deposing William, his sacrist, whensoever it
+pleased him. Howbeit, some one went to the abbot, and <span
+class="pagenum"><a name="page_4" id="page_4">{4}</a></span> excusing the
+sacrist, so wheedled the abbot that he permitted a security to be
+passed to Benedict the Jew for four hundred pounds, payable at the end
+of four years, namely, for one hundred pounds, which had then already
+accrued for interest, and also for another hundred pounds, which the
+same Jew had advanced to the sacrist for the use of the abbot. And the
+sacrist in full chapter undertook for the whole of that debt to be
+paid, and a deed was drawn up and sealed with the conventual seal: the
+abbot dissimulating, and not affixing his own seal, as if that debt
+was no concern of his.</p>
+
+<p>But at the end of the four years, there were no means of
+discharging the debt; and then a fresh deed was executed for eight
+hundred and eighty pounds, payable at set terms, at the rate of eighty
+pounds a year. Moreover, the same Jew had many other securities of
+smaller account, and one which was for fourteen years; so this debt
+alone came to one thousand and two hundred pounds, besides the
+interest that had accrued.</p>
+
+<p>Now R., the almoner of our lord the King, coming to us, signified
+to the abbot that such and such information had reached the King
+concerning such and such debts. Thereupon, after consultation had
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_5" id="page_5">{5}</a></span> between the
+prior and a few others, the almoner was conducted into the chapter
+house, where all of us being seated, and holding our peace, the abbot
+said, "Look you, here is the King's almoner, our and your lord and
+friend, who, moved by the love of God and of St. Edmund, has intimated
+to us that the King has heard something wrong of us and you, and
+particularly that the affairs of the church, both internally and
+externally, are being badly managed; and therefore I desire and
+command that, upon your vow of obedience, ye state and explain openly
+how things really are." Hereupon the prior, standing up and speaking
+as one for all, said that the church was in good order, that the Rule
+was strictly and religiously observed indoors, and that matters out of
+doors were carefully and discreetly conducted, save some slight debt,
+in which ourselves, like our neighbours, were involved; but that, in
+fact, there was no debt which could embarrass us. The almoner, hearing
+this, said he was rejoiced that he had heard the testimony of the
+convent concerning this matter: meaning, what the prior had said.</p>
+
+<p>The very same words the prior upon another occasion used, as did
+Master Geoffry of Constantine, speaking on behalf of and excusing the
+abbot, when <span class="pagenum"><a name="page_6" id="page_6">{6}</a></span>
+Richard the archbishop, in virtue of his office as legate, visited our
+chapter, before we had such exemption as we now enjoy.</p>
+
+<p>I myself, who was at that time a novice, on a convenient occasion,
+talked these things over with the master who instructed me in the
+Rule, and to whose care I was committed,&mdash;namely, Master Samson, who
+afterwards became abbot. "What is this," I said, "that I hear? How can
+you hold your tongue while you see and hear such things, you who are a
+cloistered monk, and desire not offices, and fear God more than man?"
+But he answering, said, "My son, the newly burnt child dreads the
+fire; so it is with me and many others. Hugh, the prior, has been
+lately deprived of his office and sent into exile; Dennis and Hugh and
+Roger of Hengham have but lately returned home from exile. Even I, in
+like manner, was imprisoned, and afterwards sent to Acre, because we
+spoke for the good of our church, in opposition to the abbot. This is
+the hour of darkness; this is the time when flatterers rule and are
+believed, and their might is strengthened, and we can do nothing
+against it; these things must be borne with for a time. 'Let the Lord
+look upon it and judge.'"</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_7" id="page_7">{7}</a></span> Now a
+rumour reached Abbot Hugh that Richard, Archbishop of Canterbury,
+proposed coming to make a visitation of our church by virtue of his
+authority as legate; and thereupon the abbot, after consultation, sent
+to Rome and sought a privilege of exemption from the power of the
+aforesaid legate. On the messenger's return from Rome there was not
+wherewith to discharge what he had promised to our lord the pope and
+the cardinals, except, indeed, under the special circumstances of the
+case, the cross which was over the high altar, the little image of the
+Virgin, and the St. John (which images archbishop Stigand had adorned
+with a vast quantity of gold and silver, and had given to St.
+Edmund).</p>
+
+<p>There were certain of our convent who, being on terms of intimacy
+with the abbot, said that the shrine of St. Edmund itself ought to be
+stripped, as the means of obtaining such a privilege. But these
+persons did not consider the great peril that the possession of such a
+privilege might entail; for if there should hereafter be any abbot of
+ours who chose to waste the possessions of the church, and to despoil
+his convent, then there would be no one to whom the convent could
+complain touching the wrongs <span class="pagenum"><a name="page_8"
+id="page_8">{8}</a></span> done by an abbot, as he would have no reason to
+fear a bishop, archbishop, or legate, and his impunity would lend him
+the courage to transgress.</p>
+
+<p>In these days the cellarer, as well as other officials, borrowed
+moneys at interest from Jurnet the Jew (without apprising the
+convent), upon a security sealed with the above-mentioned seal. Now,
+when that debt had mounted up to sixty pounds, the convent was
+summoned to pay the cellarer's debt. The cellarer was deposed,
+although he said it was hard to deal thus with him, stating that for
+three years he had entertained in the guest-house by the abbot's
+orders, whether the abbot were in residence or not, all the guests
+which the abbot ought himself to entertain, according to the rule of
+the abbey.</p>
+
+<p>Master Dennis was made cellarer in his stead, and by his
+circumspection and good management he reduced the debt of sixty pounds
+to thirty pounds; towards which debt we applied those thirty marks
+which Benedict of Blakenham gave to the convent for holding the manors
+of Nowton and Whepsted. But the securities of the Jew have remained
+with the Jew even to this day, wherein are contained the twenty-six
+pounds of principal and interest of the cellarer's debt.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_9" id="page_9">{9}</a></span>
+Now, on the third day after Master Dennis became cellarer, three
+knights with their esquires were received in the guest-house that they
+might there be refreshed, the abbot then being at home, and abiding in
+his inner chamber; all which, when this great-souled Achilles had
+heard, not willing to pay toll in his own domain, as the others had
+done, he rose up and took the key of the cellar, and taking with him
+those knights to the abbot's hall, and approaching the abbot, said,
+"My lord, you well know that the rule of the abbey is, that knights
+and lay folk should be entertained in your hall, if the abbot be at
+home. I neither will nor can receive those guests whom it belongs to
+you to entertain; else take back the keys of your cellar, and appoint
+some other cellarer at your good pleasure." The abbot hearing this,
+nill he, will he, entertained those knights, and ever afterwards
+entertained knights and lay folk according to the ancient rule, and so
+they are still received when the abbot is at home.</p>
+
+<p>Once upon a time, Abbot Hugh, wishing to conciliate Master Samson,
+appointed him sub-sacrist; and he, often accused, was often
+transferred from one office to another. At one time he was appointed
+guest-master, at another time pittance-master, at <span
+class="pagenum"><a name="page_10" id="page_10">{10}</a></span> another time
+third prior, and again sub-sacrist; and many were then his enemies who
+afterwards flattered him. But he, not acting as the other officials
+did, never could be induced to turn flatterer; whereupon the abbot
+said that he had never seen a man whom he could not bend to his will,
+except Samson the sub-sacrist.</p>
+
+<p>In the twenty-third year of his abbacy, Abbot Hugh bethought him
+that he would go to St. Thomas for the purpose of performing his
+devotions. He had nearly got to the end of his journey, on the morrow
+of the nativity of the Blessed Mary, when, near Rochester, he most
+unhappily fell from his horse, so that his knee-pan was put out and
+lodged in the ham of his knee. The physicians came about him, and
+sorely tormented him, but they healed him not. He was brought back to
+us in a horse-litter, and received with great attention, as was most
+fitting. What more? His leg mortified, and the disorder mounted to his
+heart. The pain brought on a tertian fever, and on the fourth fit he
+expired, and rendered his soul to God on the morrow of St. Brice.</p>
+
+<p>Ere he was dead, everything was snatched away by his servants, so
+that nothing at all remained <span class="pagenum"><a name="page_11"
+id="page_11">{11}</a></span> in the abbot's house except the stools and
+the tables, which could not be carried away. There was hardly left for
+the abbot his coverlet and two quilts, old and torn, which some, who
+had taken away the good ones, had placed in their stead. There was not
+even a single article of a penny's worth that could be distributed
+among the poor for the good of his soul.</p>
+
+<p>The sacrist said it was not his business to have attended to this,
+alleging that he had furnished the expenditure of the abbot and his
+household for one whole month, because neither the firmars who held
+the vills would pay anything before the appointed time, nor would
+creditors advance anything, seeing that he was sick even unto
+death.</p>
+
+<p>Luckily, the farmer of Palgrave furnished us with fifty shillings
+to be distributed among the poor, by reason that he entered upon the
+farm of Palgrave on that same day. But those very fifty shillings were
+afterwards again refunded to the King's bailiffs, who demanded the
+whole farm-rent for the King's use.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_12" id="page_12">{12}</a></span><br /></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2>CHAPTER II<br />
+<span class="smcap">the monks discuss the vacancy</span></h2>
+
+
+<p class="nodent"><span class="dropcap">H</span>UGH the abbot being
+buried, it was ordered in chapter that some one should give
+intelligence to Ranulf de Glanville, the justiciar of England, of the
+death of the abbot. Master Samson and Master R. Ruffus, our monks,
+quickly went beyond seas, to report the same fact to our lord the
+King, and obtained letters that those possessions and rents of the
+monastery, which were distinct from those of the abbot, should be
+wholly in the hands of the prior and convent, and that the remainder
+of the abbey should be in the hands of the King. The wardship of the
+abbey was committed to Robert of Cockfield and Robert of Flamville,
+the steward, who forthwith put by gage and safe pledges all those
+servants and relatives of the abbot to whom the abbot had, after the
+commencement of his illness, given anything, or who had taken anything
+away belonging to the abbot, and <span class="pagenum"><a name="page_13"
+id="page_13">{13}</a></span> also the abbot's chaplain (a monk of the
+house), whom the prior bailed. Entering into our vestiary, they caused
+all the ornaments of the church to be noted down in an inventory.</p>
+
+<p>During the vacancy in the abbacy, the prior, above all things,
+studied to keep peace in the convent, and to preserve the honour of
+the church in entertaining guests, being desirous of irritating no
+one, of not provoking anybody to anger; in fact, of keeping all
+persons and things in quietude. He nevertheless winked at some acts in
+our officials which needed reformation, and especially in the sacrist,
+as if he cared not how that officer dealt with the sacristy. Yet
+during the vacancy, the sacrist neither satisfied any debt nor erected
+any building, but the oblations and incomings were foolishly frittered
+away.</p>
+
+<p>Wherefore the prior, who was the head of the convent, seemed by the
+greater part to be highly censurable, and was said to be remiss; and
+this thing our brethren called to mind among themselves, when it came
+to the point of making choice of an abbot.</p>
+
+<p>Our cellarer entertained all guests, of whatsoever condition they
+were, at the expense of the convent. William the sacrist, on his part,
+gave and spent as <span class="pagenum"><a name="page_14"
+id="page_14">{14}</a></span> he chose, kind man! giving alike what he
+should and should not; "blinding the eyes of all with gifts."</p>
+
+<p>Samson the sub-sacrist, being master over the workmen, did his best
+that no breach, chink, crack or flaw should be left unrepaired so far
+as he was able; whereby he acquired great favour with the convent, and
+especially with the cloister monks. In those days our choir was
+erected by Samson's exertion; and he arranged the order of the
+paintings, and composed elegiac verses for them. He also made a great
+draught of stone and sand for building the great tower of the church.
+Being asked whence he procured the money for his work, he answered
+that certain of the burgesses had privily given him moneys for
+building and completing the tower.</p>
+
+<p>Nevertheless, certain of our brethren said that Warin, a monk of
+our house and keeper of the shrine, together with Samson the
+sub-sacrist, had conspired to remove some portion of the offerings to
+the shrine, in order that they might disburse the same for the
+necessary purposes of the church, and in particular for the building
+of the tower; being the more ready to believe this when they saw that
+the offerings were expended for extraordinary purposes by others, who,
+to speak plainly, stole them. And these before-named <span
+class="pagenum"><a name="page_15" id="page_15">{15}</a></span>two men, in
+order to remove from themselves the suspicion of any such pious theft,
+made a certain hollow trunk, with a hole in the middle or at the top,
+and fastened with an iron lock. This they caused to be set up in the
+great church, near the door without the choir, where the common people
+usually pass, so that persons should put their contributions therein
+for the building of the tower.</p>
+
+<p>Now William the sacrist had a jealousy of his companion Samson, as
+had many others who took part with the same William, Christians as
+well as Jews; the Jews, I say, to whom the sacrist was said to be
+father and protector, whose protection they indeed enjoyed, having
+free ingress and egress, and going all over the monastery, rambling
+about the altars and by the shrine while high mass was being
+celebrated. Moreover, their moneys were kept safe in our treasury,
+under the care of the sacrist, and, what was still more improper,
+their wives with their little ones were lodged in our pittancy in time
+of war. His enemies or opponents having, therefore, consulted together
+how they might suddenly overcome Samson, they conferred with Robert of
+Cockfield and his colleague, who were wardens of <span class="pagenum"><a
+name="page_16" id="page_16">{16}</a></span>the abbey, and persuaded them
+to this&mdash;that they should, on behalf of the King, forbid any one to
+erect any fabric or building so long as the abbacy was vacant; but
+that, on the other hand, the moneys from the offerings should be
+collected, and kept for the purpose of discharging some debt.</p>
+
+<p>And thus was Samson beguiled, and his "strength departed from him,"
+nor could he from thenceforth labour as he had desired. Indeed, his
+opponents were able to delay, but not annul, his purpose; for having
+regained his strength, and "pulled down the two pillars," that is,
+having removed the two wardens of the abbey, upon whom the malice of
+others relied, the Lord gave him, in process of time, the means of
+fulfilling his desire of building the aforesaid tower, and of
+finishing it even as he wished. And so it was, as if it had been said
+to him from above, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant; thou
+hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many
+things."</p>
+
+<p>During the time that the abbacy was vacant we oftentimes, as was
+our duty, besought God and the holy martyr St. Edmund that they would
+vouchsafe to us and our church a meet shepherd, thrice every week
+singing the seven penitential psalms prostrate in the choir, <span
+class="pagenum"><a name="page_17" id="page_17">{17}</a></span>after going
+forth from chapter. There were some amongst us who, had it been known
+who was to be abbot, would not have prayed so devoutly.</p>
+
+<p>As concerned the choice of an abbot, assuming the King gave us free
+election, divers men spoke in divers ways&mdash;some publicly, some
+privately; and "so many men, so many opinions."</p>
+
+<p>One said of another, "That brother is a good monk, a likely person;
+he is well conversant with the Rule and custom of the house; although
+he may not be so perfect a philosopher as certain others, he would
+make a very good abbot. Abbot Ording was not a learned man, and yet he
+was a good abbot, and governed this house wisely: we read, too, in the
+fable, that it had been better for the frogs to have chosen a log for
+a king, upon whom they might rely, than a serpent, who venomously
+hissed, and after his hisses devoured his subjects."</p>
+
+<p>Another would answer, "How may this be? How can an unlearned man
+deliver a sermon in chapter, or to the people on festivals? How can he
+who does not understand the Scriptures attain the knowledge of
+'binding and loosing'? seeing that the cure of souls is the art of
+arts and science of sciences. God forbid that a dumb image should be
+set up in the Church <span class="pagenum"><a name="page_18"
+id="page_18">{18}</a></span>of St. Edmund, where many learned and studious
+men are well known to be."</p>
+
+<p>Also said one of another, "That brother is a good clerk, eloquent
+and careful, strict in the Rule; he has much loved the convent, and
+has undergone many hardships in respect of the possessions of the
+church: he is worthy to be made abbot." Another answered, "From good
+clerks, Good Lord, deliver us: that it may please Thee to preserve us
+from the barrators of Norfolk, we beseech Thee to hear us, good Lord."
+Moreover, one said of another, "That brother is a good manager, which
+is proved from his department, and from the offices which he has well
+served, and by the buildings and reparations which he has performed.
+He is able to travail for and defend the house, and is, moreover,
+something of a clerk, although 'much learning has not made him mad':
+he is worthy to be made abbot." Another answered, "God forbid that a
+man who can neither read nor chant, nor perform Divine service&mdash;a
+wicked and unjust man, and a grinder of the faces of the poor&mdash;should
+be abbot."</p>
+
+<p>Also said one of another, "That brother is a kind man, affable and
+amiable, peaceful and well-regulated, open-hearted and liberal, a
+learned man and an <span class="pagenum"><a name="page_19"
+id="page_19">{19}</a></span>eloquent, a proper man enough in looks and
+deportment, and beloved by many, indoors as well as out; and such a
+man might, with God's permission, become abbot to the great honour of
+the church." The other answered, "It is no honour, but rather a
+burden, to have a man who is too nice in his meat and drink; who
+thinks it a virtue to sleep long; who is expert in spending much, and
+yet gets little; who is snoring when others are awake; who always is
+desirous to be in plenty, nor yet cares for the debts which increase
+from day to day, nor considers the means of discharging expenses;
+hating anxiety and trouble; caring for nought so long as one day comes
+and another goes; a man cherishing and fostering flatterers and liars;
+a man who is one thing in name and another in deed. From such a
+prelate defend us, O Lord!"</p>
+
+<p>Also said a certain one of his fellow, "That man is almost wiser
+than all of us put together, both in secular and ecclesiastical
+matters; a wonderful counsellor, strict in rule, learned and eloquent,
+and of proper stature; such a prelate would do honour to our
+church."</p>
+
+<p>The other answered, "True, if he were of known and approved
+reputation. His character is questionable; report may lie, or it may
+not. And although the <span class="pagenum"><a name="page_20"
+id="page_20">{20}</a></span>man you mean is wise, of lowly carriage in
+chapter, devout in psalmody, strict in the cloister whilst he is in
+the cloister, yet it is mere outward show with him. What if he do
+excel in any office? He is too scornful, lightly esteems the monks, is
+closely intimate with secular persons; and should he be angry,
+scarcely returns an answer with a good grace to any brother, or to one
+even asking a question of him."</p>
+
+<p>I heard in like manner one brother disparaged by some, because he
+was slow of speech; of whom it was said that he had paste or malt in
+his mouth when he was called upon to speak. And as for myself, being
+at that time a youth, "I understood as a youth, I spoke as a youth;"
+and said I never could consent that any one should be made abbot
+unless he knew somewhat of dialectics, and knew how to discern truth
+from falsehood. Again, a certain person, who in his own eyes seemed
+very wise, said, "May the almighty Lord bestow on us a foolish and
+simple shepherd, so that it should be the more needful for him to get
+help from us!"</p>
+
+<p>I heard in like manner a certain studious and learned man, and
+honourable by the nobility of his family, disparaged by some of our
+seniors merely for this reason&mdash;because he was a novice. The novices,
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_21" id="page_21">{21}</a></span>on the
+other hand, said of the elders, that old men were valetudinarians, by
+no means fit to govern a monastery. And thus many persons spoke many
+things, "and each was fully persuaded in his own mind."</p>
+
+<p>I observed Samson the sub-sacrist as he was sitting along with the
+others at blood-letting season (at which time monks are wont to reveal
+to each other the secrets of the heart, and to talk over matters with
+each other). I saw him, I say, sitting along with the others, smiling
+and saying nothing, but noting the words of each, and after a lapse of
+twenty years calling to mind some of the before-written opinions. In
+whose hearing I used to reply to these critics, that if we were to put
+off the choice of an abbot until we found one who was above
+disparagement or fault, we never should find such a one, for no one
+alive is without fault, and "no estate is in all respects
+blessed."</p>
+
+<p>Upon one particular occasion I was unable to restrain myself but
+must needs blurt out my own private opinion, thinking that I spoke to
+trusty ears. I then said that a certain person who formerly had a
+great regard for me, and had conferred many benefits upon me, was
+unworthy of the abbacy, and that another was more worthy; in fact, I
+named one for whom I had less regard.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_22" id="page_22">{22}</a></span>I
+spoke according to my own conscience, rather considering the common
+weal of the church than my own advancement; and what I said was true,
+as the sequel proved. And, behold, one of the sons of Belial disclosed
+my saying to my friend and benefactor; for which reason, even to this
+day, never could I since, neither by entreaty nor good offices, regain
+his goodwill to the full. "What I have said I have said." "And the
+word once spoken flies without recall."</p>
+
+<p>One thing remains, that I take heed to my ways for the future; and
+if I should live so long as to see the abbacy vacant, I shall consider
+carefully what, to whom, and when I speak on such a matter, lest I
+either offend God by lying, or man by speaking unreasonably. I shall
+then advise (should I last so long), that we choose not too good a
+monk, nor yet an over-wise clerk, neither one too simple nor too weak;
+lest, if he be over wise in his own conceit, he may be too confident
+in his own judgment, and contemn others; or, if he be too boorish, he
+may become a byword to others; I know that it has been said, "In the
+middle you will be safest," also that "Blessed are they who hold a
+middle course."</p>
+
+<p>Perhaps, after all, it may be the best course to <span
+class="pagenum"><a name="page_23" id="page_23">{23}</a></span>hold my peace
+altogether, and say in my heart, "He that is able to receive it, let
+him receive it."</p>
+
+<p>The abbacy being vacant, Augustine, the Archbishop of Norway, took
+up his abode with us, in the house of the abbot, receiving by the
+King's precept ten shillings a day from the revenues of the abbey. He
+was of considerable assistance in obtaining for us our free election,
+bearing witness of what was well, and publicly declaring before the
+King what he had seen and heard.</p>
+
+<p>At that time the holy child Robert suffered martyrdom, and was
+buried in our church; and many signs and wonders were wrought among
+the people, as we have elsewhere written.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_24" id="page_24">{24}</a></span><br /></p>
+
+
+<h2>CHAPTER III<br />
+<span class="smcap">the choice of a new abbot</span></h2>
+
+
+<p class="nodent"><span class="dropcap">O</span>NE year and three
+months having elapsed since the death of Abbot Hugh, the King
+commanded by his letters that our prior and twelve of the convent, in
+whose mouth the judgment of our body might agree, should appear on a
+certain day before him, to make choice of an abbot. On the morrow,
+after the receipt of the letters, we all of us met in chapter for the
+purpose of discussing so important a matter. In the first place the
+letters of our lord the King were read to the convent; next we
+besought and charged the prior, at the peril of his soul, that he
+would, according to his conscience, name twelve who were to accompany
+him, from whose life and conversation it might be depended upon that
+they would not swerve from the right; who, acceding to our charge, by
+the dictation of the Holy Ghost named six from one side and six from
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_25" id="page_25">{25}</a></span> the
+other side of the choir, and without gainsaying satisfied us on this
+point. From the right-hand choir were named&mdash;Geoffrey of Fordham,
+Benedict, Master Dennis, Master Samson the sub-sacrist, Hugh the third
+prior, and Master Hermer, at that time a novice; from the left-hand
+side&mdash;William the sacrist, Andrew, Peter de Broc, Roger the cellarer,
+Master Ambrose, Master Walter the physician.</p>
+
+<p>But one said, "What shall be done if these thirteen cannot agree
+before our lord the King in the choice of an abbot?" A certain one
+answered that that would be to us and to our church a perpetual shame.
+Therefore, many were desirous that the choice should be made at home
+before the rest departed, so that by this forecast there should be no
+disagreement in the presence of the King. But that seemed a foolish
+and inconsistent thing to do, without the King's assent; for as yet it
+was by no means a settled thing that we should be able to obtain a
+free election from the King.</p>
+
+<p>Then said Samson the sub-sacrist, speaking by the spirit of God,
+"Let there be a middle course, so that from either side peril may be
+avoided. Let four confessors be chosen from the convent, together with
+two of the senior priors of the convent, men of <span class="pagenum"><a
+name="page_26" id="page_26">{26}</a></span> good reputation, who, in the
+presence of the holy relics, shall lay their hands upon the Gospels,
+and choose amongst themselves three men of the convent most fit for
+this office, according to the rule of St. Benedict, and put their
+names into writing. Let them close up that writing with a seal, and so
+being closed up, let it be committed to us who are about to go to the
+court. When we shall have come before the King, and it shall appear
+that we are to have a free election, then, and not till then, shall
+the seal be broken, and so shall we be sure as to the three who are to
+be nominated before the King. And let it be agreed amongst us, that in
+case our lord the King shall not grant to us one of ourselves, then
+the seal shall be brought back intact, and delivered to the six under
+oath, so that this secret of theirs shall remain for ever concealed,
+at the peril of their souls." In this counsel we all acquiesced, and
+four confessors were then named; namely, Eustace, Gilbert of Alveth,
+Hugh the third prior, Anthony, and two other old men, Thurstan and
+Ruald. Which being done, we went forth chanting "Verba mea," and the
+aforesaid six remained behind, having the rule of St. Benedict in
+their hands; and they fulfilled that business as it had been
+pre-ordained.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_27" id="page_27">{27}</a></span> Now,
+whilst these six were treating of their matter, we were thinking
+differently of different candidates, all of us taking it for granted
+that Samson would be one of the three, considering his travails and
+perils of death in his journey to Rome for the advancement of our
+church, and how he was badly treated and put in irons and imprisoned
+by Hugh the abbot, merely for speaking for the common weal; for he
+could not be induced to flatter, although he might be forced to hold
+his tongue.</p>
+
+<p>After some delay, the convent being summoned returned to chapter;
+and the old men said they had done as they were commanded. Then the
+prior asked, "How shall it be if our lord the King will not receive
+any of those three who are nominated in the writing?" And it was
+answered that whomsoever our lord the King should be willing to accept
+should be adopted, provided he were a professed monk of our house. It
+was further added, that if those thirteen brethren should see anything
+that ought to be amended by another writing, they should so amend it
+by common assent or counsel.</p>
+
+<p>Samson the sub-sacrist, sitting at the feet of the prior, said, "It
+will be profitable for the church if <span class="pagenum"><a
+name="page_28" id="page_28">{28}</a></span> we all swear by the word of
+truth that upon whomsoever the lot of election shall fall, he should
+treat the convent according to reason, nor change the chief officers
+without the assent of the convent, nor surcharge the sacrist, nor
+admit any one to be a monk without assent of the convent." And to this
+we all of us assented, holding up our right hands in token of assent.
+It was, moreover, provided, that if our lord the King should desire to
+make a stranger our abbot, such person should not be adopted by the
+thirteen, unless upon counsel of the brethren remaining at home.</p>
+
+<p>Upon the morrow, therefore, those thirteen took their way to court.
+Last of all was Samson, the purveyor of their charges, because he was
+sub-sacrist, carrying about his neck a little box, in which were
+contained the letters of the convent&mdash;as if he alone was the servant
+of them all&mdash;and without an esquire, bearing his frock in his arms,
+and going out of the court, he followed his fellows at a distance.</p>
+
+<p>In their journey to the court, the brethren conversing all
+together, Samson said that it would be well if they all swore that
+whosoever should be made abbot should restore the churches of the
+lordships belonging to the convent to the purposes <span
+class="pagenum"><a name="page_29" id="page_29">{29}</a></span> of
+hospitality; whereto all agreed, save the prior, who said, "We have
+sworn enough already; you may so restrict the abbot that is to be,
+that I shall not care to obtain the abbacy." Upon this occasion they
+swore not at all, and it was well they did so, for had they sworn to
+this, the oath would not have been observed.</p>
+
+<p>On the very day that the thirteen departed we were all sitting
+together in the cloister, when William of Hastings, one of our
+brethren, said, "I know that we shall have one of our convent to be
+abbot." And being asked how he came to be so certain of this, he
+replied, that he had beheld in a dream a prophet clothed in white,
+standing before the gates of the monastery, and that he asked him, in
+the name of God, whether we should have an abbot of our own. And the
+prophet answered, "You shall have one of your own body, but he shall
+rage among you as a wolf"; of which dream the interpretation followed
+in part, because the future abbot cared more to be feared than loved,
+as many were accustomed to say.</p>
+
+<p>There also sat along with us another brother, Edmund by name, who
+asserted that Samson was about to be abbot, and told a vision he had
+seen the previous night. He said he beheld in his dream Roger the
+cellarer and Hugh the third prior, standing <span class="pagenum"><a
+name="page_30" id="page_30">{30}</a></span> before the altar, and Samson
+in the midst, taller by the shoulders upward, wrapt round with a long
+gown down to his feet, looped over his shoulders, and standing as a
+champion ready to do battle. And, as it seemed to him in his dream,
+St. Edmund arose from his shrine, and, as if sickly, showed his feet
+and legs bare. When some one approached and desired to cover the feet
+of the saint, the saint said, "Approach me not; behold, he shall veil
+my feet," pointing with his finger towards Samson. This is the
+interpretation of the dream: By his seeming to be a champion is
+signified that the future abbot should always be in travail; at one
+time moving a controversy against the Archbishop of Canterbury,
+concerning pleas of the Crown, at another time against the knights of
+St. Edmund, to compel them to pay their escuages in full; at another
+time with the burgesses for standing in the market; at another time
+with the sokemen for the suits of the hundreds; even as a champion who
+willeth by fighting to overcome his adversaries that he may be able to
+gain the rights and liberties of his church. And he veiled the feet of
+the holy martyr when he perfectly completed the towers of the church,
+commenced a hundred years before.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_31" id="page_31">{31}</a></span> Such
+dreams as these did our brethren dream, which were immediately
+published throughout the cloister, afterwards through the court lodge,
+so that before the evening it was a matter of common talk amongst the
+townsfolk, they saying this man and that man are elected, and one of
+them will be abbot.</p>
+
+<p>At last the prior and the twelve that were with him, after many
+fatigues and delays, stood before the King at Waltham, the manor of
+the Bishop of Winchester, upon the second Sunday in Lent. The King
+graciously received them; and, saying that he wished to act in
+accordance with the will of God and the honour of our church,
+commanded the brethren by prolocutors&mdash;namely, Richard the Bishop of
+Winchester, and Geoffrey the chancellor, afterwards Archbishop of
+York&mdash;that they should nominate three members of our convent.</p>
+
+<p>The prior and brethren retiring as if to confer thereupon, drew
+forth the sealed writing and opened it, and found the names written in
+this order&mdash;Samson, sub-sacrista; Roger, celerarius; Hugo, tercius
+prior. Hereupon those brethren who were of higher standing blushed
+with shame; they also marvelled that this same Hugh should be at once
+elector and elected. But, inasmuch as they could <span class="pagenum"><a
+name="page_32" id="page_32">{32}</a></span> not alter what was done, by
+mutual arrangement they changed the order of the names; first naming
+Hugh, because he was third prior; secondly, Roger the cellarer;
+thirdly, Samson, thus literally making the last first and the first
+last.</p>
+
+<p>The King, first inquiring whether they were born in his realm, and
+in whose lordship, said he knew them not, directing that with those
+three, some other three of the convent should be nominated. This being
+assented to, William the sacrist said, "Our prior ought to be
+nominated because he is our head," which was directly allowed. The
+prior said, "William the sacrist is a good man"; the like was said of
+Dennis, and that was settled. These being nominated before the King
+without any delay, the King marvelled, saying, "These men have been
+speedy in their work; God is with them."</p>
+
+<p>Next the King commanded that, for the honour of his kingdom, they
+should name three persons of other houses. On hearing this, the
+brethren were afraid, suspecting some craft. At last, upon conference,
+it was resolved that they should name three, but upon this
+understanding, that they would not receive any one of those three,
+unless by assent of the convent at home. And they named these
+three&mdash;Master <span class="pagenum"><a name="page_33"
+id="page_33">{33}</a></span> Nicholas of Waringford, afterwards (for a
+season) Abbot of Malmesbury; Bertrand, Prior of St. Faith's,
+afterwards Abbot of Chertsey; and Master H. of St. Neot's, a monk of
+Bec, a man highly religious, and very circumspect in spiritual as well
+as temporal affairs.</p>
+
+<p>This being done, the King thanked them, and ordered that three
+should be struck off of the nine; and forthwith the three strangers
+were struck off, namely, the Prior of St. Faith's, afterwards Abbot of
+Chertsey, Nicholas, a monk of St. Albans, afterwards Abbot of
+Malmesbury, and the Prior of St. Neot's. William the sacrist
+voluntarily retired, two of the five were struck out by command of the
+King, and, ultimately, one out of the remaining three. There then
+remained but two, the prior and Samson.</p>
+
+<p>Then at length the before-named prolocutors of our lord the King
+were called to the council of the brethren: and Dennis, speaking as
+one for all, began by commending the persons of the prior and Samson,
+saying, that each of them was learned, each was good, each was of
+meritorious life and good character. But always in the corner of his
+discourse he gave prominence to Samson, multiplying words in his
+praise, saying that he was a man strict in life, severe in reforming
+excesses, and ready <span class="pagenum"><a name="page_34"
+id="page_34">{34}</a></span> to work hard; heedful, moreover, in secular
+matters, and approved in various offices. The Bishop of Winchester
+replied, "We see what it is you wish to say; from your address we
+gather that your prior seems to you to have been somewhat remiss, and
+that, in fact, you wish to have him who is called Samson." Dennis
+answered, "Either of them is good, but, by God's help, we desire to
+have the best." To whom the bishop, "Of two good men the better should
+be chosen. Speak out at once; is it your wish to have Samson?"
+Whereupon several, in fact the majority, answered clearly, "We do wish
+Samson." No one gainsaid this, though some studiously held their
+peace, being fearful of offending either one or the other.</p>
+
+<p>Samson was then named to the King, and after a brief consultation
+with those about him, the King called all in, and said, "You present
+to me Samson&mdash;I know him not; had you presented to me your prior, I
+should have accepted him, because I know and am well acquainted with
+him; but now I will do as you desire me. Take heed to yourselves; by
+the very eyes of God, if you have done ill, I shall call you to severe
+account." And he inquired of the prior, whether he assented to this
+choice and agreed <span class="pagenum"><a name="page_35"
+id="page_35">{35}</a></span> thereto; who replied that he was well content
+it should be so, and that Samson was worthy of a much greater
+dignity.</p>
+
+<p>Then the elect, falling down at the King's feet and kissing them,
+hastily arose, and forthwith went towards the altar, erect in gait,
+and with unmoved countenance, singing "Miserere mei Deus," together
+with his brethren.</p>
+
+<p>The King, observing this, said to the bystanders, "By the eyes of
+God, this abbot-elect thinks himself worthy to govern an abbey!"</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_36" id="page_36">{36}</a></span><br /></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2>CHAPTER IV<br />
+<span class="smcap">samson's installation</span></h2>
+
+
+<p class="nodent"><span class="dropcap">N</span>OW when the news of
+the election arrived at the monastery, it gladdened all the cloister
+monks and some of the officers also, but only a few. "It is well,"
+many said, "because it is well." Others said, "Not so; verily we are
+all deceived." The elect, before he returned to us, received his
+benediction from my lord of Winchester, who, at the same time, placing
+the mitre on the head of the abbot, and the ring on his finger, said,
+"This is the dignity of the abbots of St. Edmund; my experience long
+since taught me this." The abbot, therefore, keeping three monks with
+him, despatched the others homewards, sending word by them of his
+intended arrival on Palm Sunday, and giving charge to certain of them
+to provide the things necessary for his day of festival.</p>
+
+<p>As he returned homewards, a multitude of new <span class="pagenum"><a
+name="page_37" id="page_37">{37}</a></span> relations came about him
+offering to serve him, but he answered all of them that he was content
+with the servants of the prior, nor could he retain others until he
+had obtained the assent of the convent. Nevertheless, he retained one
+knight who was well spoken and learned in the law, not so much upon
+the score of relationship, but on account of his usefulness, he being
+well practised in secular suits.</p>
+
+<p>This knight he took, while he was fresh to the work, as an assessor
+in secular controversies; for he was a new abbot, and inexperienced in
+such concerns, as he himself was free to declare: indeed, before he
+received the abbacy, he had never been present where gage and safe
+pledge had been given.</p>
+
+<p>With the accustomed honours, and with a procession, was he received
+by his convent on Palm Sunday. The abbot's reception was in this wise:
+overnight he lay at Kentford, and we, at the proper moment, went forth
+from the chapter-house to meet him with great solemnity, up to the
+gate of the cemetery, with ringing of bells inside the choir and
+without. He himself was surrounded by a multitude of men, and when he
+espied the fraternity, he dismounted from his horse outside the
+threshold of the gate. Causing his shoes to be taken off, he was
+received <span class="pagenum"><a name="page_38" id="page_38">{38}</a></span>
+barefooted within the door, and conducted on each side by the prior
+and sacrist.</p>
+
+<p>We chanted the responses "Benedictus Dominus," in the office of the
+Trinity, and then "Martyri adhuc," in the office of St. Edmund,
+leading the abbot up to the high altar. This being finished, the
+organs and bells were silenced, and the prayer, "Omnipotens sempiterne
+Deus miserere huic," was said by the prior over the abbot, who was
+prostrate. An offering was then made by the abbot, and kissing the
+shrine, he returned into the choir. There Samson the precentor took
+him by the hand and led him to the abbot's throne at the west end;
+where, the abbot still standing, the precentor straight-way began, "Te
+Deum laudamus," and whilst this was being sung, the abbot was kissed
+by the prior and the whole convent in order. This done, the abbot
+proceeded to the chapter-house, the whole convent following him, with
+many others.</p>
+
+<p>"Benedicite" having been said, in the first place he gave thanks to
+the convent that they had chosen him&mdash;who was, he said, the least of
+them all&mdash;to be their lord and shepherd, not on account of his own
+merits, but solely by the will of God. And beseeching them briefly
+that they would pray for him, he <span class="pagenum"><a name="page_39"
+id="page_39">{39}</a></span> addressed his discourse to the clerks and
+knights, requiring them that they should assist him with their advice
+according to the burden of the charge entrusted to him. And Wimer the
+sheriff, answering for them all, said, "We are ready to stand by you
+in counsel and assistance on every occasion, as we did by our dear
+lord whom God has called to his glory, and to the glory of the holy
+martyr St. Edmund." And then were the charters of the King concerning
+the gift of the abbacy produced and read in full audience. Lastly,
+after a prayer by the abbot himself, that God might guide him
+according to his Divine grace, and "Amen" being responded by all, he
+retired to his chamber, spending his day of festival with more than a
+thousand dinner guests with great rejoicing.</p>
+
+<p>While these things were taking place I was the prior's chaplain,
+and within four months was made the abbot's chaplain, noting many
+things, and committing them to memory. On the morrow of his feast the
+abbot called to him the prior and some few besides, as if seeking
+advice from others, though he himself knew what he would do. He said
+that a new seal should be made with a mitred effigy of him, although
+his predecessors had not the like; but for a time he <span
+class="pagenum"><a name="page_40" id="page_40">{40}</a></span> used the seal
+of our prior, subscribing at the end of all letters, that he had no
+seal of his own and therefore he used for the time that of the
+prior.</p>
+
+<p>Afterwards, setting his household in order, he appointed divers
+servants to various duties, saying that he had decided to have
+twenty-six horses in his courtyard, and that a child must first creep
+and then stand upright and walk. He enjoined this to his servants
+beyond all things, that they should take heed that in his new state he
+be not dishonoured by a lack of meat and drink, but rather that they
+in all things should anxiously provide for the hospitality of the
+house. In ordering and appointing these and all other things, he fully
+relied upon God's providence and his own understanding, and judged it
+beneath him to require counsel at another's hand as if he were not
+able to look after his own affairs.</p>
+
+<p>The monks marvelled, the knights were discontented, accusing him of
+arrogance, and, in some measure censuring him at the King's court,
+saying that he refused to govern according to the advice of his own
+freemen. As for him, he removed from his own private counsel the heads
+of the abbey, lay as well as clerical; indeed, all those without whose
+advice and assistance the abbey, as it seemed, could not be <span
+class="pagenum"><a name="page_41" id="page_41">{41}</a></span> governed. By
+reason of this circumstance, Ranulf de Glanville, Justiciary of
+England, at first held him in distrust, and was less gracious to him
+than was fitting, until it was made clear, by good evidence, that the
+abbot had been acting with due caution and prudence in respect of
+indoor as well as external matters.</p>
+
+<p>A general court having been summoned, all the barons, knights and
+freemen appeared to do homage on the fourth day of Easter; when,
+behold, Thomas of Hastings, with a great multitude of knights, came
+introducing Henry his nephew, not yet a knight, claiming the
+stewardship with its perquisites, according to the tenor of his
+charter. To whom the abbot replied, "I do not refuse Henry his right,
+nor do I wish so to do. If he were competent to serve me in his own
+person, I would assign him necessaries for ten men and eight horses in
+my own court-lodge, according to the tenor of his charter. If you
+present to me a steward, his deputy, who is competent and able to
+perform the duty, I will receive him in the same manner as my
+predecessor retained him at the time of his decease, namely, with four
+horses and their appurtenances. And if this does not content you, I
+shall carry the plaint before the King or his chief justice." Hereupon
+the business was deferred.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_42" id="page_42">{42}</a></span>
+Ultimately there was presented to him a simple and foolish steward,
+Gilbert by name, of whom, before he received him into his household,
+he spoke to his friends as follows: "If there be a default in the
+administration of the King's justice through the unskilfulness of the
+steward, he will be in mercy of the King, and not I, for this, that he
+claims the office by hereditary right; and therefore I had much rather
+receive him for the present than a sharper witted man to deceive me.
+By God's assistance I trust I shall be my own steward."<br /><br /></p>
+
+<p>After receipt of the homages, the abbot sued for an aid from the
+knights, who promised each twenty shillings; but immediately they took
+counsel together and withheld twelve pounds in respect of twelve
+knights, alleging that those twelve ought to assist the other forty in
+keeping their castle-guards, and for their escuages, as well as in
+respect of the abbot's aid. The abbot, hearing this, waxed wroth, and
+said to his intimate friends that if he lived long enough he would
+give them turn for turn and wrong for wrong.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_43" id="page_43">{43}</a></span><br /></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2>CHAPTER V<br />
+<span class="smcap">the new abbot's reforms</span></h2>
+
+
+<p class="nodent"><span class="dropcap">A</span>FTER these things the
+abbot caused inquisition to be made throughout each manor, concerning
+the annual quit rents from the freemen, and the names of the labourers
+and their tenements, and the services due from each; and he reduced
+all into writing. Likewise he repaired those old halls and unroofed
+houses round which hovered kites and crows. He built new chapels, and
+likewise inner chambers and upper stories in many places where there
+never had been any dwelling-house at all, but only barns. He also
+enclosed many parks, which he replenished with beasts of chase,
+keeping a huntsman with dogs; and, upon the visit of any person of
+quality, sat with his monks in some walk of the wood, and sometimes
+saw the coursing of the dogs; but I never saw him take part in the
+sport.</p>
+
+<p>He cleared much land, and brought it into tillage, in all things
+looking forward to the benefit <span class="pagenum"><a name="page_44"
+id="page_44">{44}</a></span> likely to accrue to the abbey; but I wish he
+had been equally careful in assigning the manors of the convent.
+Nevertheless, he, for a time, kept our manors of Bradfield and Rougham
+in hand, making up the deficiencies of the rents by the expenditure of
+forty pounds. These he afterwards reassigned to us when he heard that
+dissatisfaction was expressed in the convent, on account of his
+keeping our manors in his own hand. Likewise in managing these manors,
+as well as in all other matters, he appointed keepers who were far
+more careful than their predecessors&mdash;some monks, some laymen, to look
+after us and our lands more carefully.</p>
+
+<p>He also held the eight hundreds in his own hand, and, after the
+death of Robert of Cockfield, he took in hand the hundred of Cosford,
+all which he committed to the keeping of those servants who were of
+his own table; referring matters of greater moment to his own
+decision, and deciding by means of others upon matters of lesser
+import&mdash;indeed, wringing everything to his own profit.</p>
+
+<p>Moreover, by his command, a general survey was made throughout the
+hundreds of the leets and suits, of hidages and foddercorn, of
+hen-rents, and of other dues and rents and issues, which, for the
+greater part, <span class="pagenum"><a name="page_45"
+id="page_45">{45}</a></span> had ever been concealed by the farmers. He
+reduced it all to writing, so that within four years from the time of
+his election, there was not one who could defraud him of the rents of
+the abbey to the value of a single penny, whereas he himself had not
+received from his predecessors any writing touching the management of
+the abbey, except one small schedule, wherein were the names of the
+knights of St. Edmund and the names of the manors, and what rent was
+due on each farm. This book he called his kalendar, wherein also were
+entered the debts he had satisfied; and this same book he almost daily
+perused, as if in the same he were beholding the face of his honesty
+in a glass.</p>
+
+<p>The first day that he held a chapter, he confirmed to us, under his
+new seal, sixty shillings from Southrey, which his predecessors had
+unjustly received from Edmund, surnamed the golden monk, for the
+liberty of holding the same vill to farm all the days of his life. He
+also proposed, as a general rule, that from thenceforth no one should
+pledge the ornaments of the church without the assent of the convent,
+as had been the custom heretofore, nor that any charter should be
+sealed with the convent seal, unless in chapter in the presence of the
+convent. He appointed <span class="pagenum"><a name="page_46"
+id="page_46">{46}</a></span> Hugh as sub-sacrist, ordering that William
+the sacrist should not have anything to do with the sacristy, either
+in the matter of receipt or disbursement, unless by his consent. After
+this, but not on the same day, he transferred the former keepers of
+the offerings to other offices; lastly, he deposed the same William:
+wherefore those who liked William said, "Behold the abbot! Lo, here is
+the wolf of whom it was dreamed! See how he rages!"</p>
+
+<p>And some of them would have entered into a conspiracy against the
+abbot. When this was disclosed to him, he, not caring to be altogether
+silent, nor yet to disquiet the convent, entered the chapter-house on
+the morrow, and pulled out a little bag full of cancelled deeds, the
+seals yet hanging thereto, consisting of the securities, partly of his
+predecessor, partly of the prior, partly of the sacrist, partly of the
+chamberlain, and other officials, whereof the total was three thousand
+and fifty-two pounds and one mark without alloy, besides the interest
+that had accrued thereupon, the amount of which could never be
+ascertained. All these he had arranged for within one year after his
+election, and within twelve years entirely discharged. "Behold," said
+he, "the good management of William, our sacrist; look at the
+multitude <span class="pagenum"><a name="page_47"
+id="page_47">{47}</a></span> of securities signed with his seal, whereby
+he has pledged silken copes, dalmatics, censers of silver and books
+ornamented with gold, without the knowledge of the convent, all which
+I have redeemed and have restored to you."</p>
+
+<p>He likewise added many other things, showing why he had deposed the
+said William: howbeit he suppressed the real cause, not wishing to put
+him to open shame. And when he put Samson the precentor in his place,
+a person approved by us, and above all objection, everything was quiet
+again. Furthermore, the abbot commanded that the houses of the sacrist
+in the cemetery should be entirely plucked up, as though they were not
+worthy to stand upon the earth, by reason of the frequent
+wine-bibbings, and certain other acts not to be named, which he, with
+grief and indignation, had witnessed while he was sub-sacrist. So
+completely did he obliterate the whole that, within a year, upon the
+spot where a noble dwelling had stood, we saw beans growing, and where
+casks of wine had lain, nettles abounding.</p>
+
+<p>After the end of Easter, the abbot went over every one of his and
+our manors, as well as over those we had confirmed to the farmers in
+fee, requiring from all of them aid and acknowledgment, according to
+the law of the land. Thus every day he was increasing <span
+class="pagenum"><a name="page_48" id="page_48">{48}</a></span> in secular
+knowledge, and was turning his attention to the learning and method of
+ordering outdoor affairs. Now when he had come to Warkton, where he
+slept at night, there came to him a voice saying, "Samson, arise up
+quickly"; and, again, "Get up without delay." Getting up astonished,
+he looked around him, and perceived a light in a necessary house,
+namely, a candle ready to fall down upon the straw, which Reiner the
+monk had carelessly left there. When the abbot had put it out, going
+through the house, he perceived the door (which was the sole entrance)
+so fastened that it could only be opened by a key&mdash;likewise the
+windows fastened: so that if a fire had arisen, he, and all with him,
+who slept upon that floor, had surely perished, for there was no place
+whence they might get out or escape.</p>
+
+<p>At that time, wheresoever the abbot went, there came about him Jews
+as well as Christians, demanding debts, and worrying and importuning
+him so that he could not sleep. Thereupon he became pale and thin, and
+was constantly repeating, "My heart will never rest until I know the
+extent of my debts." The feast of St. Michael being come, he took all
+his manors into his own hand, with but small store of <span
+class="pagenum"><a name="page_49" id="page_49">{49}</a></span> live or dead
+stock; he freely forgave Walter of Hatfield nineteen pounds arrears,
+that he might absolutely take back four manors which Hugh the abbot
+had confirmed to him, namely, Hargrave and Saxham and Chevington and
+Stapleford; Harlow, indeed, the abbot deferred to take to himself on
+the present occasion.</p>
+
+<p>Once on a time, as we passed through the forest in returning from
+London, I inquired in the hearing of my lord abbot, from an old woman
+passing by, whose was this wood, and of what town, who was the lord,
+and who was the keeper? She answered that the wood belonged to the
+abbot of St. Edmund, as part of the town of Harlow, and that the name
+of the keeper was Arnald. When I inquired further, how Arnald
+conducted himself towards the men of the town, she answered, that he
+was a devil incarnate, an enemy of God, and one to flay the poor
+alive; but now, she added, he is afraid of the new abbot of St.
+Edmund, whom he believes to be prudent and vigilant, and therefore he
+treats the men gently. On hearing this, the abbot was delighted, and
+deferred taking to the manor for a season.</p>
+
+<p>At that time there came unexpectedly the news of the death of the
+wife of Herlewin of Rungton, who <span class="pagenum"><a name="page_50"
+id="page_50">{50}</a></span> had a charter to hold the same town for her
+life; and the abbot said, "Yesterday, I would have given sixty marks
+to have freed the manor from this incumbrance, but now God has freed
+it." And as he was going thither without delay, that he might take
+that town into his own hand, and on the morrow was going to Tillener,
+a part of that manor, there came a certain knight offering thirty
+marks for the tenure of that carucate of land, with the appurtenances,
+by the old rent-service, to wit, four pounds, whereto the abbot could
+not agree; and he had therefrom in that year twenty-five pounds, and
+the second year twenty pounds.</p>
+
+<p>These and such like things induced him to hold everything in his
+own keeping; as it is written elsewhere, "Cæsar was all in all." In
+the first place, far from being inert, he commenced building barns and
+byres, above all things solicitous to dress the land for tillage, and
+watchful in preserving the woods, in respect whereof, either in giving
+or diminishing, he confessed himself to be a very miser. There was but
+one manor, and that was Thorpe, which by his charter he confirmed to
+one of English birth, a villein, whose honesty he trusted the more, as
+he was a good husbandman, and could not speak French.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_51" id="page_51">{51}</a></span>
+Scarcely seven months had elapsed since his election, when, behold!
+there were presented to him the letters of our lord the Pope,
+appointing him a judge to determine causes, for the execution of which
+he was incompetent and inexperienced, although he was thoroughly
+imbued with liberal arts and divinity, as befitted a man of learning,
+a literate man, educated in the schools and a master in them, known
+and approved in his own province. Wherefore he invited two clerks,
+learned in the law, and associated them to himself. Of their advice he
+availed himself in ecclesiastical matters, employing himself upon the
+decrees and decretal epistles, when an opportunity offered; so that
+within a short time, as well by references to books as by the handling
+of causes, he became reputed a discreet judge, proceeding in every
+suit according to form of law; so a certain person said, "Cursed be
+the court of this abbot, where neither gold nor silver can help me to
+confound my adversary."</p>
+
+<p>In process of time, becoming somewhat practised in secular causes,
+and taught by an inborn commonsense, he became of so subtle a wit that
+all marvelled; indeed, by Osbert Fitz-Hervey, the under-sheriff, it
+was said, "This abbot is a wrangler; if he goes on <span
+class="pagenum"><a name="page_52" id="page_52">{52}</a></span> as he has
+begun, he will outwit us all, many as we be." Now the abbot becoming
+an expert man in causes of this description, was made a justice
+errant, but yet he preserved himself from error and corruption. But
+"envy aims at the highest." When his men made their plaints to him in
+the court of St. Edmund, because he was unwilling to give hasty
+judgment, or to "believe every spirit," but preferred to proceed in
+due course of law, well knowing that the merits of causes are
+developed by the allegations of the parties, it was said of him that
+he would not do justice to any complainant, unless by the intervention
+of money given or promised.</p>
+
+<p>Because his aspect was acute and penetrating, with a Cato-like
+countenance, rarely smiling, it was said that he inclined to severity
+rather than kindness. In receiving amerciaments for any forfeiture, it
+was said that "Mercy rejoices against judgment"; for as it seemed to
+many, when it became an affair of receiving money, he seldom remitted
+what by law he was entitled to take.</p>
+
+<p>In like manner as he advanced in wisdom, so did he advance in
+thoughtful care, in respect of keeping and acquiring property, and in
+creditably regulating his expenses. But even here many backbiters took
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_53" id="page_53">{53}</a></span> their
+ground, saying that he resorted to the sacristy at his own pleasure,
+sparing his own purse, letting his corn lie by for a dear season, and
+taking to his manors in other sort than his predecessors did, charging
+the cellarer with the entertainment of those guests he himself was
+bound to receive; so that by this craft it might be said that the
+abbot was careful and well stocked at the end of the year; while, on
+the other hand, the convent and officials were to be accounted
+careless and improvident. In reply to these back-bitings, I used to
+observe, that if he took anything from the sacrist, he turned it to
+the good account of the church, and this none of these slanderers
+could deny. And in good truth, greater and more numerous works were
+carried out by the help of the offerings to the sacristy within
+fifteen years after his election than in the forty years before
+it.</p>
+
+<p>To the other objections, that the abbot was fond of betaking
+himself to his manors, I was wont to answer, and did excuse him,
+saying, "The reason is because the abbot is more in spirits and in
+good humour elsewhere than at home." And this was true enough, whether
+it were by reason of the frequency of suitors who came about him, or
+from the tale-bearers, wherefore it frequently happened that <span
+class="pagenum"><a name="page_54" id="page_54">{54}</a></span> by the
+appearance of severity in his face he lost much favour and grace in
+the eyes of his guests, notwithstanding they fared well in eating and
+drinking. I noticed this, and took an opportunity, when I was with him
+in private, to say, "There are two things in which I am much surprised
+at you." When he had inquired what these things might be, "One is that
+in spite of your position you still encourage the doctrine of the
+school of Melun, which says that from a false premiss no conclusion
+can follow, and other idle sayings."</p>
+
+<p>To which, when he had said his say, I added, "The other indeed is,
+that when you are at home you do not exhibit the same gracious
+demeanour you do when elsewhere, nor do you mix in society with those
+brethren who have a strong regard for you, and have chosen you for
+their lord; but contrariwise, you seldom associate with them, nor do
+you, as they say, make yourself on sociable terms with them." Hearing
+this, he changed countenance, and hanging down his head, said, "You
+are a simpleton, and speak foolishly; you ought to know what Solomon
+says&mdash;'Hast thou many daughters: show not thyself cheerful toward
+them.'" I indeed held my peace from thenceforth, setting a watch on my
+mouth.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_55" id="page_55">{55}</a></span> On
+another occasion I said, "My lord, I heard you this night after matins
+wakeful and sighing heavily, contrary to your usual wont." He
+answered, "No wonder; you are partaker of my good things, in meat and
+drink, in riding abroad, and such like, but you have little need to
+care concerning the conduct of the house and household of the saints,
+and arduous business of the pastoral care which harasses me and makes
+my spirit to groan and be heavy." Whereto I, lifting up my hands to
+heaven, made answer, "From such anxiety, almighty and most merciful
+Lord, deliver me!"</p>
+
+<p>I have heard the abbot say, that if he could have been as he was
+before he became a monk, and could have had five or six marks of
+income wherewith he could have been supported in the schools, he never
+would have been monk or abbot. On another occasion he said with an
+oath, that if he could have foreseen what and how great a charge it
+had been to govern the abbey, he would rather than abbot and lord have
+been master of the almonry, and keeper of the books, for this office
+he said he had ever desired above all others. Yet who would credit
+this? Scarcely myself; and not even myself, except that being
+constantly with him by day and night for <span class="pagenum"><a
+name="page_56" id="page_56">{56}</a></span> six years, I had had the
+opportunity of becoming fully conversant with the worthiness of his
+life and the wisdom of his rule.</p>
+
+<p>He once related to me, that when he was a child of nine years old,
+he dreamed that he was standing before the gates of the cemetery of
+the church of St. Edmund, and that the devil, with outspread arms,
+would have seized him, had not St. Edmund, standing by, taken him in
+his arms; whereupon he screamed whilst dreaming in his sleep, "St.
+Edmund, save me!" and thus calling upon him whose name he had never
+heard, he awoke. His mother was alarmed at such an outcry, but having
+heard the dream, took him to St. Edmund for the purpose of praying
+there; and when they had come to the gate of the cemetery he said,
+"See, mother, this is the place, this is the very same gate which I
+saw in my dream when the devil was about to seize me"; and he knew the
+place as well, to use his own words, as if he had seen it before with
+his natural eyes. The abbot himself interpreted this dream thus: By
+the devil were signified the pleasures of this mortal state, which
+would fain have drawn him away; but St. Edmund threw his arms around
+him when he made him a monk.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_57" id="page_57">{57}</a></span> Once
+when he was told that certain of the convent grumbled at some act of
+his, he said to me as I sat by him, "Good God! there is need enough
+that I should remember that dream wherein it was dreamed of me, before
+I was made abbot, that I was to rage among them as a wolf. True it is
+that above all earthly things I dread lest the convent behave in such
+a way that I shall be compelled so to rage. But even so it is, when
+they say or do anything against my will, I bring to mind that dream of
+theirs, and although I do rage in my own soul, growling and gnashing
+my teeth in secret, I do violence to myself lest I should actually
+rage in word or deed," and "My hidden grief chokes me and my heart
+surges within me."</p>
+
+<p>Although by nature he was quick to wrath, and easily kindled to
+anger, yet with a great struggle he mostly restrained his temper in
+view of the dignity he held. Concerning which he sometimes used to
+boast, "This and that I saw, this and that I heard, yet I held my
+peace." The abbot once said, seated in chapter, certain words by which
+he seemed to eagerly desire the good-will of the monastery. "I do not
+wish," he said, "that any one should come to me to accuse another,
+unless he is willing to say the same openly. If any one does
+otherwise, I will publicly <span class="pagenum"><a name="page_58"
+id="page_58">{58}</a></span> proclaim the name of the accuser. I wish also
+that every cloister monk shall have free access to me, that he may
+speak to me, whenever he chooses, concerning all things necessary to
+him." This he said, because our leaders in the days of Abbot Hugh,
+wishing that nothing should be done in the monastery except through
+them, had decreed that no cloister monk should speak with the abbot
+unless he had first told the abbot's chaplain what he wished to speak
+about.</p>
+
+<p>On a certain day he made an order in chapter, that every one who
+had a seal of his own should give it up to him, and so it was
+accordingly done, and there were found three-and-thirty seals. He
+himself explained the reason of this order, forbidding that any
+official should incur any debt above twenty shillings without the
+assent of the prior and convent, as had been the custom heretofore. To
+the prior and to the sacrist, indeed, he returned their seals, but
+kept the rest himself.</p>
+
+<p>At another time he ordered to be delivered up to him all the keys
+of the chests, cupboards, and hanapers, strictly enjoining that
+thenceforth none presume to have a chest or anything locked up, unless
+by special permission, or otherwise possess anything beyond what the
+rule allows. Notwithstanding <span class="pagenum"><a name="page_59"
+id="page_59">{59}</a></span> this he gave general licence to every one of
+us to have money to the amount of two shillings, if so much happened
+to have been given to us by way of charity; so that it might be
+expended upon poor relations, or for purposes of piety.</p>
+
+<p>On another occasion the abbot said, that he was desirous of
+adhering to our ancient custom respecting the entertainment of guests;
+that is, when the abbot is at home, he is to receive all guests of
+whatsoever condition they may be, except religious and priests of
+secular habit, and except their men who present themselves at the gate
+of the court in the name of their masters; but if the abbot be not at
+home, then all guests of whatsoever condition are to be received by
+the cellarer up to thirteen horses. But if a layman or clerk shall
+come with more than thirteen horses, they shall be entertained by the
+servants of the abbot, either within the court-lodge, or without, at
+the expense of the abbot. All religious men, even bishops if they
+happen to be monks, are to be charged upon the cellary and at the
+expense of the convent, unless the abbot will do any one special
+honour, and entertain him in his own hall at his own expense.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_60" id="page_60">{60}</a></span><br /></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2>CHAPTER VI<br />
+<span class="smcap">samson's personal characteristics</span></h2>
+
+
+<p class="nodent"><span class="dropcap">T</span>HE abbot Samson was of
+middle stature, nearly bald, having a face neither round nor yet long,
+a prominent nose, thick lips, clear and very piercing eyes, ears of
+the nicest sense of hearing, arched eyebrows, often shaved; and he
+soon became hoarse from a short exposure to cold. On the day of his
+election he was forty and seven years old, and had been a monk
+seventeen years. He had then a few grey hairs in a reddish beard, and
+a very few in a black and somewhat curly head of hair. But within
+fourteen years after his election it became as white as snow.</p>
+
+<p>He was a man remarkably temperate, never slothful, of strong
+constitution, and willing to ride or walk till old age gained upon him
+and moderated such inclination. On hearing the news of the Cross being
+taken, and the loss of Jerusalem, he began to use under garments <span
+class="pagenum"><a name="page_61" id="page_61">{61}</a></span> of horsehair
+and a horsehair shirt, and to abstain from flesh and flesh meats.
+Nevertheless, he desired that meats should be placed before him at
+table for the increase of the alms dish. Sweet milk, honey and such
+like sweet things he ate with greater appetite than other food.</p>
+
+<p>He abhorred liars, drunkards and talkative folk; for virtue ever is
+consistent with itself and rejects contraries. He also much condemned
+persons given to murmur at their meat or drink, and particularly monks
+who were dissatisfied therewith, himself adhering to the uniform
+course he had practised when a monk. He had likewise this virtue in
+himself, that he never changed the mess set before him.</p>
+
+<p>Once when I, then a novice, happened to be serving in the
+refectory, I wished to prove if this were true, and I thought I would
+place before him a mess which would have displeased any other than
+him, in a very black and broken dish. But when he looked at it, he was
+as one that saw it not. Some delay took place, and I felt sorry that I
+had so done; and snatching away the dish, I changed the mess and the
+dish for a better, and brought it to him; but this substitution he
+took in ill part, and was angry with me for it.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_62" id="page_62">{62}</a></span> An
+eloquent man was he, both in French and Latin, but intent more on the
+substance and method of what was to be said than on the style of
+words. He could read English books most admirably, and was wont to
+preach to the people in English, but in the dialect of Norfolk, where
+he was born and bred; and so he caused a pulpit to be set up in the
+church for the ease of the hearers, and for the ornament of the
+church. The abbot also seemed to prefer an active life to one of
+contemplation, and rather commended good officials than good monks. He
+very seldom approved of any one on account of his literary
+acquirements, unless he also possessed sufficient knowledge of secular
+matters; and whenever he chanced to hear that any prelate had resigned
+his pastoral care and become an anchorite, he did not praise him for
+it. He never applauded men of too compliant a disposition, saying, "He
+who endeavours to please all, ought to please none."</p>
+
+<p>In the first year of his being abbot, he appeared to hate all
+flatterers, and especially among the monks; but in process of time it
+seemed that he heard them more readily, and was more familiar with
+them. It once happened that a certain brother of ours, skilled in this
+art, had bent the knee before him, and under <span class="pagenum"><a
+name="page_63" id="page_63">{63}</a></span> the pretence of giving advice,
+had poured the oil of flattery into his ears. I, standing apart,
+smiled. The brother having departed, I was called and asked why I had
+smiled. I answered, "The world is full of flatterers." And the abbot
+replied, "My son, it is long that I have known flatterers; I cannot,
+therefore, avoid hearing them. There are many things to be passed over
+and taken no notice of, if the peace of the convent is to be
+preserved. I will hear what they have to say, but they shall not
+deceive me if I can help it, as they did my predecessor, who trusted
+so unadvisedly to their counsel that for a long time before his death
+he had nothing for himself or his household to eat, unless it were
+obtained on trust from creditors; nor was there anything to be
+distributed among the poor on the day of his burial, unless it were
+the fifty shillings which were received from Richard the farmer, of
+Palgrave, which very fifty shillings the same Richard on another
+occasion had to pay to the King's bailiffs, who demanded the entire
+farm-rent for the King's use." With this saying I was comforted. His
+study, indeed, was to have a well-regulated house, and enough
+wherewith to keep his household, so managing that the usual allowance
+for a week, which his predecessor could not <span class="pagenum"><a
+name="page_64" id="page_64">{64}</a></span> make last for five days,
+sufficed him for eight, nine or even ten days, if so be that he was at
+his manors without any extraordinary arrival of guests. Every week,
+indeed, he audited the expenses of the house, not by deputy, but in
+his own person, which his predecessor had never been wont to do.</p>
+
+<p>For the first seven years he had only four courses in his house,
+afterwards only three, except presents and game from his parks, or
+fish from his ponds. And if at any time he retained any one in his
+house at the request of a great man, or of a particular friend, or
+messengers, or minstrels, or any person of that description, by taking
+the opportunity of going beyond sea or travelling afar off, he
+prudently disencumbered himself of such hangers-on.</p>
+
+<p>The monks with whom the abbot had been the most intimate, and whom
+he liked best before he became abbot, he seldom promoted to offices
+merely for old acquaintance' sake, unless they were fit persons.
+Wherefore certain of our brethren who had been favourable to his
+election as abbot, said that he cared less for those who had liked him
+before he became abbot than was proper, and particularly that those
+were most favoured by him who both openly and in secret had spoken
+evil of him, <span class="pagenum"><a name="page_65"
+id="page_65">{65}</a></span> nay, had even publicly called him, in the
+hearing of many, a passionate unsociable man, a proud fellow, and
+Norfolk barrator. But on the other hand, as after he had received the
+abbacy he exhibited no indiscreet partiality for his old friends, so
+he refrained from showing anything like hatred or dislike to many
+others according to their deserts, returning frequently good for evil,
+and doing good to them that persecuted him.</p>
+
+<p>He had this way also, which I have never observed in any other man,
+that he had an affectionate regard for many to whom he seldom or never
+showed a countenance of love; according to the common proverb which
+says, "Where love is, there is the regard of love." And another thing
+I wondered at in him was, that he knowingly suffered loss in his
+temporal matters from his own servants, and confessed that he winked
+at them; but this I believe to have been the reason, that he might
+watch a convenient opportunity when the matter could be advisedly
+remedied, or that by passing over these matters without notice, he
+might avoid a greater loss.</p>
+
+<p>He loved his kinsmen indifferently, but not less tenderly than
+others, for he had not, or assumed not to have, any relative within
+the third degree. I <span class="pagenum"><a name="page_66"
+id="page_66">{66}</a></span> have heard him state that he had relations
+who were noble and gentle, whom he never would in any wise recognize
+as relations; for, as he said, they would be more a burden than an
+honour to him, if they should happen to find out their relationship.
+But he always acknowledged those as kinsmen who had treated him as
+such when he was a poor monk. Some of these relations (that is, those
+whom he found useful and suitable) he appointed to various offices in
+his own house, others he made keepers of manors. But those whom he
+found unworthy, he irrevocably dismissed from his presence.</p>
+
+<p>A certain man of lowly station, who had managed his patrimony
+faithfully, and had served him devotedly in his youth, he looked upon
+as his dearest kinsman, and gave to his son, who was a clerk, the
+first church that fell vacant after he came to the charge of the
+abbey, and also advanced all the other sons of this man.</p>
+
+<p>He invited to him a certain chaplain who had maintained him in the
+schools of Paris by the sale of holy water, and bestowed upon him an
+ecclesiastical benefice sufficient for his maintenance by way of
+vicarage. He granted to a certain servant of his predecessor food and
+clothing all the days of his life, <span class="pagenum"><a
+name="page_67" id="page_67">{67}</a></span> he being the very man who put
+the fetters upon him at his lord's command when he was cast into
+prison. To the son of Elias, the cupbearer of Hugh the abbot, when he
+came to do homage for his father's land, he said, in full court, "I
+have for these seven years deferred taking your homage for the land
+which the abbot Hugh gave your father, because that gift was to the
+damage of the manor of Elmswell. Now I am overcome when I call to my
+mind what your father did for me when I was in fetters, for he sent to
+me a portion of the very wine whereof his lord had been drinking, and
+bade me be strong in God." To Master Walter, the son of Master William
+of Diss, suing at his grace for the vicarage of the church of
+Chevington, he replied, "Your father was master of the schools, and at
+the time when I was a poor clerk he granted me freely and in charity
+an entrance to his school, and the means of learning; now I, for the
+sake of God, do grant you what you ask."</p>
+
+<p>He addressed two knights of Risby, William and Norman, at the time
+when they were adjudged to be in his mercy, publicly in this wise:
+"When I was a cloister monk, sent to Durham upon business of our
+church, and thence returning through Risby, <span class="pagenum"><a
+name="page_68" id="page_68">{68}</a></span> being benighted, I sought a
+night's lodging from Norman, and I received a blank refusal; but going
+to the house of William, and seeking shelter, I was honourably
+entertained by him. Now, therefore, those twenty shillings, which are
+'the mercy,' I will without mercy exact from Norman; but contrariwise,
+to William I give thanks, and the amerciament of twenty shillings that
+is due from him I do with pleasure remit."</p>
+
+<p>A certain young girl, seeking her food from door to door,
+complained to the abbot that one of the sons of Richard, the son of
+Drogo, had forced her; and at length, by the suggestion of the abbot,
+for the sake of peace, she took one mark in satisfaction. The abbot,
+moreover, took from the same Richard four marks for licence to agree;
+but all those five marks he ordered forthwith to be given to a certain
+chapman, upon the condition that he should take this poor woman to
+wife.</p>
+
+<p>In the town of St. Edmund, the abbot purchased stone houses, and
+assigned them for the use of the schools, so that thereby the poor
+clerks should be for ever free from house-rent, towards payment
+whereof all the scholars, whether rich or poor, were compelled <span
+class="pagenum"><a name="page_69" id="page_69">{69}</a></span> twice in the
+year to subscribe a penny or a halfpenny.</p>
+
+<p>The recovery of the manor of Mildenhall for one thousand and one
+hundred marks of silver, and the expulsion of the Jews from the town
+of St. Edmund, and the founding of the new hospital at Babwell, are
+proofs of great virtue.</p>
+
+<p>The lord abbot sought from the King letters enjoining that the Jews
+should be driven away from the town of St. Edmund, he stating that
+whatsoever is within the town of St. Edmund, or within the banlieue
+thereof, of right belongs to St. Edmund: therefore the Jews ought to
+become the men of St. Edmund, otherwise they should be expelled from
+the town. Licence was accordingly given that he might put them forth,
+saving, nevertheless, that they had all their chattels and the value
+of their houses and lands. And when they were expelled, and with an
+armed force conducted to divers towns, the abbot gave order that all
+those that from henceforth should harbour or entertain Jews in the
+town of St. Edmund should be solemnly excommunicated in every church
+and at every altar. Howbeit it was afterwards conceded by the King's
+justices that if the Jews should come to the great pleas of the abbot
+to <span class="pagenum"><a name="page_70" id="page_70">{70}</a></span>
+demand their debts from their debtors, on such occasion they might for
+two days and two nights lodge within the town, and on the third day be
+permitted to depart freely.</p>
+
+<p>The abbot offered King Richard five hundred marks for the manor of
+Mildenhall, stating that the manor was worthy sixty and ten pounds by
+the year, and for so much had been recorded in the great roll of
+Winchester. And when he had conceived hopes of success in his
+application, the matter rested till the morrow. In the meanwhile there
+came a certain person to the King, telling him that this manor was
+well worth yearly a hundred pounds. On the morrow, therefore, when the
+abbot urged his suit, the King said, "It is of no avail my lord abbot,
+what you ask me; you shall either give a thousand marks, or you shall
+not have the manor." And whereas the Queen Eleanor, according to the
+custom of the realm, ought to have one hundred marks where the King
+receives a thousand, she took of us a great gold cup of the value of a
+hundred marks, and gave us back the same cup for the soul of her lord,
+King Henry, who first gave the same cup to St. Edmund. On another
+occasion, when the treasure of our <span class="pagenum"><a
+name="page_71" id="page_71">{71}</a></span> church was carried to London
+for the ransom of King Richard, the same Queen redeemed that cup for
+one hundred marks, and restored it to us, taking in return our charter
+from us as an evidence of our most solemn promise, that we should
+never again alienate that cup from our church upon any occasion
+whatever.</p>
+
+<p>Now, when all this money, which was got together with great
+difficulty, had been paid, the abbot held a chapter, and said he ought
+to have some portion of the great advantage derivable from so valuable
+a manor. And the convent answered that it was just, and "Let it be
+according to your wish." The abbot replied that he could well claim
+the half part as his own right, demonstrating that he had paid towards
+this purchase more than four hundred marks, with much inconvenience to
+himself. But he said that he would be content with a certain allotment
+of that manor called Icklingham, which was most freely granted him by
+the convent. When the abbot heard this, he said, "And I do accept this
+part of the land to my own use, but not that I intend to keep the same
+in my own hand, or that I shall give it to my relations, but for the
+good of my soul and for all your souls in common, I <span
+class="pagenum"><a name="page_72" id="page_72">{72}</a></span> give the same
+to the new hospital at Babwell, for the relief of the poor, and the
+maintenance of hospitality." As he said, so it was done, and
+afterwards confirmed by the King's Charter.</p>
+
+<p>These and all other like things worthy to be written down and
+lauded for ever did the abbot Samson. But he said he had done nothing,
+unless he could have our church dedicated in his lifetime; which done,
+he said he wished to die. For the solemnization of this act, he said
+he was ready to pay two thousand marks of silver, so that the King
+should be present, and the affair be completed with the reverence it
+demanded.</p>
+
+<p>The abbot was informed that the church of Woolpit was vacant,
+Walter of Coutances being chosen to the bishopric of Lincoln. He
+presently convened the prior and great part of the convent, and taking
+up his story thus began: "You well know what trouble I had in respect
+of the church of Woolpit; and in order that it should be obtained for
+your exclusive use I journeyed to Rome at your instance, in the time
+of the schism between Pope Alexander and Octavian. I passed through
+Italy at that time when all clerks bearing letters of our lord the
+Pope Alexander were taken. Some were imprisoned, <span class="pagenum"><a
+name="page_73" id="page_73">{73}</a></span> some hanged, and some, with
+nose and lips cut off, sent forward to the pope, to his shame and
+confusion. I, however, pretended to be Scotch; and putting on the garb
+of a Scotchman, and the gesture of one, I often brandished my staff,
+in the way they use that weapon called a gaveloc, at those who mocked
+me, using threatening language, after the manner of the Scotch. To
+those that met and questioned me as to who I was, I answered nothing,
+but, 'Ride ride Rome, turne Cantwereberei.' This did I to conceal
+myself and my errand, and that I should get to Rome safer in the guise
+of a Scotchman.</p>
+
+<p>"Having obtained letters from the pope, even as I wished, on my
+return I passed by a certain castle, as my way led me from the city;
+and behold the officers thereof came about me, laying hold upon me,
+and saying, 'This vagabond who makes himself out to be a Scotchman is
+either a spy or bears letters from the false pope Alexander.' And
+while they examined my ragged clothes, and my boots, and my breeches,
+and even the old shoes which I carried over my shoulders, after the
+fashion of the Scotch, I thrust my hand into the little wallet which I
+carried, wherein was contained the letter of our lord the pope, placed
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_74" id="page_74">{74}</a></span> under a
+little cup I had for drinking. The Lord God and St. Edmund so
+permitting, I drew out both the letter and the cup together, so that
+extending my arm aloft, I held the letter underneath the cup. They
+could see the cup plain enough, but they did not see the letter; and
+so I got clear out of their hands, in the name of the Lord. Whatever
+money I had about me they took away; therefore I had to beg from door
+to door, without any payment, until I arrived in England.</p>
+
+<p>"But hearing that this church had been given to Geoffrey Ridel, my
+soul was heavy, because I had laboured in vain. Coming, therefore,
+home, I crept under the shrine of St. Edmund, fearing lest the abbot
+should seize and imprison me, although I deserved no punishment; nor
+was there a monk who durst speak to me, or a layman who durst bring me
+food except by stealth. At last, upon consideration, the abbot sent me
+to Acre in exile, and there I remained a long time.</p>
+
+<p>"These and innumerable other things have I endured on account of
+this church of Woolpit, but, blessed be God, who works all things
+together, behold! this very church, for which I have borne so many
+sufferings is given into my hand, and now I have the power of <span
+class="pagenum"><a name="page_75" id="page_75">{75}</a></span> presenting it
+to whomsoever I will, because it is vacant. And now I restore it to
+the convent, and I assign to its exclusive use, the ancient custom or
+pension of ten marks, which you have lost for upwards of sixty years.
+I had much rather have given it to you entire, could I have done so;
+but I know that the Bishop of Norwich might gainsay this; or even if
+he did grant it, he would make it an occasion to claim to himself such
+subjection and obedience from you as it is not advisable or expedient
+you should acknowledge. Therefore let us do that which by law we may;
+that is, put a clerk in as vicar, who shall account to the bishop for
+the spiritualities, and to yourselves for ten marks. I propose, if you
+all agree, that this vicarage be given to some kinsman of Roger de
+Hengham, a monk, and one of your brethren who was joined with me in
+that expedition to Rome, and was exposed to the same perils as myself,
+and in respect of the very same matter."<br /><br /></p>
+
+<p>This said, we all rose and gave thanks; and Hugh, a clerk, brother
+of the said Roger, was nominated to the aforesaid church, saving to us
+our pension of ten marks.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_76" id="page_76">{76}</a></span><br /></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2>CHAPTER VII<br />
+<span class="smcap">the abbot as peer of parliament</span></h2>
+
+
+<p class="nodent"><span class="dropcap">I</span>N that manor of the
+monks of Canterbury which is called Eleigh, and is within the hundred
+of the abbot, a case of homicide occurred; but the men of the
+archbishop would not permit that those manslayers should stand their
+trial in the court of St. Edmund. Thereupon the abbot made his plaint
+to King Henry, stating that Baldwin the archbishop was claiming for
+himself the liberties of our church, under authority of a new charter,
+which the King had given to the church of Canterbury after the death
+of St. Thomas. The King hereupon made answer, that he had never made
+any grant in derogation of the rights of our church, nor did he wish
+to take away from St. Edmund anything that had ever belonged to
+him.</p>
+
+<p>On this intelligence, the abbot said to his most intimate advisers,
+"It is the better counsel that <span class="pagenum"><a name="page_77"
+id="page_77">{77}</a></span> the archbishop should have to complain of me
+than I of the archbishop. I will put myself in seisin of this liberty,
+and afterwards will defend myself thereupon by the help of St. Edmund,
+whose right our charters testify it to be." Therefore suddenly and at
+daybreak, by the assistance of Robert of Cockfield, there were
+dispatched about fourscore men to the town of Eleigh, who took by
+surprise those three manslayers, and led them bound to St. Edmund, and
+cast them into the body of the gaol there.</p>
+
+<p>Now, the archbishop complaining of this, Ranulf de Glanville, the
+justiciary, commanded that those men be put by gage and pledges to
+stand their trial in that court wherein they ought to stand trial; and
+the abbot was summoned to come before the King's court to answer
+touching the violence and injury which he was said to have done to the
+archbishop. The abbot thereupon offered himself several times without
+any essoin.</p>
+
+<p>At length, upon Ash Wednesday, they stood before the King in the
+chapter house of Canterbury, and the charters of the King on one side
+and the other were read in court. And our lord the King said: "These
+charters are of the same age, and emanate <span class="pagenum"><a
+name="page_78" id="page_78">{78}</a></span> from the same King, Edward. I
+know not what I can say, unless it be that these charters contradict
+each other." To whom the abbot said: "Whatever observations may apply
+to the charters, we are seised, and hitherto have been; and of this I
+am willing to put myself upon the verdict of the two counties of
+Norfolk and Suffolk, if they do allow this to be the case."</p>
+
+<p>But Archbishop Baldwin, having first conferred with his advisers,
+said that the men of Norfolk and Suffolk greatly loved St. Edmund, and
+that great part of those counties was under the control of the abbot,
+and therefore he was unwilling to stand by their decision. The King at
+this waxed wroth, and in indignation got up, and in departing said,
+"He that is able to receive it, let him receive it." And so the matter
+was put off, and the case is yet undecided.</p>
+
+<p>However, I observed that some of the men of the monks of Canterbury
+were wounded even to death by the country folk of the town of Milden,
+which is situate in the hundred of St. Edmund; and because they knew
+that the prosecutor ought to make suit to the jurisdiction wherein the
+culprit is, they chose to be silent and to put up with it, rather than
+make complaint thereupon to the abbot or his bailiffs, <span
+class="pagenum"><a name="page_79" id="page_79">{79}</a></span> because in no
+wise would they come into the court of St. Edmund to plead there.</p>
+
+<p>After this the men of Eleigh set up a certain cucking-stool,
+whereat justice was to be done in respect of deceits in the measuring
+of bread or corn; whereof the abbot complained to the Lord Bishop of
+Ely, then justiciary and chancellor. But he was anything but desirous
+to hear the abbot, because it was said that he was smelling after the
+archbishopric, which at that time was vacant. Some time afterwards,
+when he had come on a visitation, being entertained as legate, before
+he departed he made a speech at the shrine of the holy martyr. The
+abbot, seizing the opportunity, said to all present, "My lord bishop,
+the liberty which the monks of Canterbury claim for themselves is the
+right of St. Edmund, whose body is here present; and because you do
+not choose to render me assistance to protect the privileges of his
+church, I place that plaint between him and you. Let him from
+henceforth get justice done to himself." The chancellor deigned not to
+answer a single word; but within a year from that time was driven from
+England, and experienced divine vengeance.</p>
+
+<p>Now when the same chancellor, on his return <span class="pagenum"><a
+name="page_80" id="page_80">{80}</a></span> from Germany, had arrived at
+Ipswich, and rested the night at Hitcham, news was brought that he
+wished to take St. Edmund in his way, and would hear mass with us on
+the morrow. The abbot, therefore, gave strict injunctions that the
+offices of the church should not be celebrated so long as the
+chancellor was present in the church; for he said he had heard at
+London that the Bishop of London had pronounced in the presence of six
+bishops that the Chancellor was excommunicate, and had left England
+excommunicate, particularly for the violence he committed upon the
+Archbishop of York at Dover.</p>
+
+<p>Therefore when the chancellor came to us on the morrow, he found no
+one, neither clerk nor monk, who would sing a mass. Indeed, not only
+the priest standing at the first mass, and beginning the canon of the
+mass, but the other priests standing before the altars, ceased,
+remaining with unmoved lips until a messenger came, saying that he had
+departed from the church. The chancellor put up with it at the time,
+but did many injuries to the abbot, until at length, by the
+intervention of friends, both parties returned to the kiss of
+peace.</p>
+
+<p>When King Henry had taken the Cross, and had come to us within a
+month afterwards to pay his <span class="pagenum"><a name="page_81"
+id="page_81">{81}</a></span> devotions, the abbot privily made for himself
+a cross of linen cloth, and holding in one hand the cross and a needle
+and thread, he requested licence from the King to take upon himself
+the cross. But this privilege was denied him, upon the suggestion of
+John, Bishop of Norwich, who said that it was not expedient for the
+country, or indeed safe for the counties of Norfolk and Suffolk, that
+the Bishop of Norwich and the Abbot of St. Edmund should be both away
+at the same time.</p>
+
+<p>When the news came to London of the capture of King Richard and his
+imprisonment in Germany, and the barons met to take counsel thereupon,
+the abbot started up before them all, saying that he was quite ready
+to seek his lord the King, either in disguise or any other way, until
+he had discovered where he was, and had gained certain intelligence of
+him; by reason whereof he obtained great approbation.</p>
+
+<p>When the chancellor, the Bishop of Ely, filled the office of
+legate, and in that capacity was holding a council at London, he
+proposed certain decrees against the black monks, taking notice of
+their wandering to St. Thomas and St. Edmund, on the excuse of
+pilgrimage, and inveighed against abbots, restricting them in the
+number of their horses. <span class="pagenum"><a name="page_82"
+id="page_82">{82}</a></span> Abbot Samson replied, "We do not admit any
+decree against that rule of St. Benedict which allows the abbots the
+free and absolute government of their monks. I keep the barony of St.
+Edmund and his kingdom; nor are thirteen horses sufficient for me as
+they may be for some abbots, unless I have more to enable me to
+execute the King's justice."</p>
+
+<p>Whilst there was war throughout England, during the captivity of
+King Richard, the abbot, with his whole convent, solemnly
+excommunicated all movers of the war and disturbers of the public
+peace, not fearing the Earl John, the King's brother, nor any other,
+so that he was styled the "stout-hearted abbot." After this he went to
+the siege of Windsor, where he appeared in armour with certain other
+abbots of England, having his own standard, and retaining many knights
+at heavy charges, being more remarkable there for his counsel than for
+his piety. But we cloister folk thought this act rather perilous,
+fearing lest in consequence some future abbot might be compelled to
+attend in person upon any warlike expedition. On the conclusion of a
+truce he went into Germany, and there visited the King with many
+gifts.</p>
+
+<p>After the return of King Richard to England, <span class="pagenum"><a
+name="page_83" id="page_83">{83}</a></span> licence was granted for
+holding tournaments; for which purpose many knights met between
+Thetford and St. Edmund. The abbot forbade them; but they, resisting,
+fulfilled their desire. On another occasion there came twenty-four
+young men with their followers, sons of noblemen, to have their
+revenge at the aforesaid place; which being done, they returned into
+the town to put up there. The abbot hearing of this, ordered the gates
+to be locked, and all of them to be kept within. The next day was the
+vigil of Peter and Paul the apostles. Therefore, having passed their
+word and promising that they would not go forth without permission,
+they all dined with the abbot on that day. After dinner, when the
+abbot retired to his chamber, they all arose and began to carol and
+sing, sending into the town for wine, drinking and then shouting,
+depriving the abbot and convent of their sleep, and doing everything
+in scorn of the abbot. They spent the day until the evening in this
+manner; and refused to desist, even when the abbot commanded them. But
+when evening was come, they broke open the gates of the town and went
+forth by force. The abbot, indeed, solemnly excommunicated all of
+them, yet not without first consulting Archbishop Hubert, <span
+class="pagenum"><a name="page_84" id="page_84">{84}</a></span> at that time
+justiciary; and many of them came, promising amendment and seeking
+absolution.</p>
+
+<p>The abbot often sent his messengers to Rome, by no means
+empty-handed. The first he sent, immediately after he was consecrated,
+obtained in general terms all the liberties and privileges which had
+been granted of yore to his predecessors, even in the time of the
+schism. Next he obtained, first among the abbots of England, that he
+might be able to give episcopal benediction solemnly, wheresoever he
+might happen to be, and this he obtained for himself and for his
+successors. Afterwards he obtained a general exemption for himself and
+his successors, from all Archbishops of Canterbury, which Abbot Hugh
+had only acquired for himself personally. In these confirmations Abbot
+Samson caused to be inserted many new privileges for the greater
+liberty and security of our church.</p>
+
+<p>There once came a certain clerk to the abbot, bearing letters of
+request for procuring a benefice. And the abbot, drawing forth from
+his desk seven apostolic writings, with the leaden seals hanging to
+them, made answer: "Look at these apostolic writings, whereby divers
+popes require that certain benefices should be given to divers clerks.
+When I <span class="pagenum"><a name="page_85" id="page_85">{85}</a></span>
+shall have quieted those who have come before you, I will give you
+your rent; for he who first cometh to the mill ought first to have his
+grist."</p>
+
+<p>There was a general court summoned for the hundred of Risbridge, to
+hear the plaint and trial of the Earl of Clare, at Witham. He, indeed,
+accompanied by many barons and knights, including the Earl Alberic and
+many others, stated that his bailiffs had given him to understand that
+they were accustomed to receive yearly for his use five shillings from
+the hundred and the bailiffs of the hundred, and that this was now
+unjustly detained; and he alleged that the land of Alfric, the son of
+Withgar, who had in ancient time been lord of that hundred, had been
+granted to his predecessors at the conquest of England. But the abbot,
+taking thought for his own interest, without stirring from his place,
+answered, "It is a strange thing, my lord earl; your case fails you.
+King Edward the Confessor gave, and by his charter confirmed, to St.
+Edmund, this entire hundred; and of those five shillings there is no
+mention made therein. You must tell us for what service, or for what
+reason, you demand those five shillings." And the earl, after advising
+with his attendants, replied that it was his office to carry the
+standard of St. Edmund in battle, <span class="pagenum"><a name="page_86"
+id="page_86">{86}</a></span> and for that cause the five shillings were
+due to him. The abbot answered, "Of a truth it seems a mean thing that
+such a man as the Earl of Clare, should receive such a petty gift for
+such a service. To the Abbot of St. Edmund, it is but a slight
+grievance to give five shillings. The Earl Roger Bigot holds himself
+as seised, and asserts that he is seised, of the office of bearing the
+standard of St. Edmund; indeed, he actually did bear it when the earl
+of Leicester was taken and the Flemings destroyed. Thomas of Mendham
+also claims this as his right. When, therefore, you shall have proved
+against these your right, I will with great pleasure pay you the five
+shillings you now seek to recover of me." The earl upon this said that
+he would talk the matter over with the Earl Roger, his kinsman, and so
+the matter was put off even to this day.</p>
+
+<p>On the death of Robert of Cockfield, there came Adam, his son, and
+with him many of his relations, the Earl Roger Bigot, and many other
+great men, and made suit to the abbot for the tenements of the
+aforesaid Adam, and especially for the half hundred of Cosford, to be
+held by the annual payment of one hundred shillings, just as if it had
+been his hereditary right; indeed, they all said that his father and
+his grandfather <span class="pagenum"><a name="page_87"
+id="page_87">{87}</a></span> had held it for fourscore years past and
+more.</p>
+
+<p>When the abbot got an opportunity of speaking, putting his two
+fingers up to his two eyes, he said, "May I be deprived of these eyes
+on that day, nay, in that hour, wherein I grant to any one a hundred
+to be held in hereditary right, unless indeed the King, who is able to
+take away from me the abbey and my life with it, should force me to do
+so."</p>
+
+<p>Explaining to them the reason of that saying, he averred, "If any
+one were to hold a hundred as an inheritance, and he should make
+forfeit to the King in any wise, so that he ought to lose his
+inheritance, forthwith will the Sheriff of Suffolk and the King's
+bailiffs have seisin of the hundred, and exercise their own power
+within our liberties; and if they should have the ward of the hundred,
+the liberty of the eight hundreds and a half will be endangered."</p>
+
+<p>And then addressing himself to Adam, he said, "If you, who claim an
+inheritance in this hundred, should take to wife any free woman who
+should hold but one acre of land of the King in chief; the King, after
+your death, would possess himself of all that your tenement, together
+with the wardship of your son, if he be under age; and thus the King's
+bailiffs would enter upon the hundred of St. Edmund, to the prejudice
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_88" id="page_88">{88}</a></span> of the
+abbot. Besides all this, your father acknowledged to me that he
+claimed nothing by right of inheritance in the hundred; but because
+his service was satisfactory to me, I permitted him to hold it all the
+days of his life, according as he deserved of me."</p>
+
+<p>Upon the abbot saying thus much, money was offered; but he could
+not be persuaded by words or money. At last it was settled between
+them thus: Adam disclaimed the right which he had by word of mouth
+claimed in the hundred, and the abbot confirmed to him all his other
+lands; but touching our town of Cockfield, no mention was made of
+that, nor indeed is it believed that he had a charter thereof; Semer
+and Groton he was to hold for the term of his life.</p>
+
+<p>Herbert the dean erected a windmill upon Haberdon. When the abbot
+heard of this, his anger was so kindled that he would scarcely eat or
+utter a single word. On the morrow, after hearing mass, he commanded
+the sacrist, that without delay he should send his carpenters thither
+and overturn it altogether, and carefully put by the wooden materials
+in safe keeping.</p>
+
+<p>The dean, hearing this, came to him saying that he was able in law
+to do this upon his own frank fee, and that the benefit of the wind
+ought not to be <span class="pagenum"><a name="page_89"
+id="page_89">{89}</a></span> denied to any one. He further said that he
+only wanted to grind his own corn there, and nobody else's, lest it
+should be imagined that he did this to the damage of the neighbouring
+mills. The abbot, his anger not yet appeased, answered, "I give you as
+many thanks as if you had cut off both my feet; by the mouth of God I
+will not eat bread until that building be plucked down. You are an old
+man, and you should have known that it is not lawful even for the King
+or his justiciary to alter or appoint a single thing within the
+banlieue, without the permission of the abbot and convent; and why
+have you presumed to do such a thing? Nor is this without prejudice to
+my mills, as you assert, because the burgesses will run to you and
+grind their corn at their pleasure, nor can I by law turn them away,
+because they are freemen. Nor would I endure that the mill of our
+cellarer, lately set up, should stand, except that it was erected
+before I was abbot. Begone," he said, "begone; before you have come to
+your house, you shall hear what has befallen your mill."</p>
+
+<p>But the dean being afraid before the face of the abbot, by the
+counsel of his son, Master Stephen, forestalled the servants of the
+sacrist, and without delay caused that very mill which had been
+erected by his <span class="pagenum"><a name="page_90"
+id="page_90">{90}</a></span> own servants to be overthrown. So that when
+the servants of the sacrist came thither, they found nothing to be
+pulled down.</p>
+
+<p>The abbot was sued in respect of the advowson of certain churches,
+and gained the case. Certain others he also retained, although his
+right thereto was challenged, viz., the church of Westley, of
+Meringthorp, of Brettenham, of Wendling, of Pakenham, of Nowton, of
+Bradfield in Norfolk, the moiety of the church of Boxford, the church
+of Scaldwell, and the church of Endgate. All these, although the right
+was challenged by others, he retained, and he restored to his own
+right of patronage three portions of the church of Dickleburgh, and
+brought back the tenements belonging to those shares to the frank fee
+of the church, saving the service which was due therefrom to the manor
+of Tivetshall. But the church of Boxford being void, when an inquest
+was summoned thereupon, there came five knights tempting the abbot,
+and inquiring what it was they ought to swear.</p>
+
+<p>The abbot would neither give nor promise to them anything, but
+said, "When the oath shall be administered, declare the right
+according to your consciences." They, indeed, being discontented,
+departed, and by their inquest took away from him the <span
+class="pagenum"><a name="page_91" id="page_91">{91}</a></span> advowson of
+that church, namely, the last presentation. Nevertheless, he
+ultimately recovered it after many charges, and for a fine of ten
+marks.</p>
+
+<p>The abbot also retained the church of Honington. This had not
+become vacant, but the right was challenged in the time of Durand of
+Hostesley, although he produced as evidence of his right the charter
+of William, Bishop of Norwich, wherein it was specified that Robert of
+Valognes, his father-in-law, had given that church to Ernald
+Lovell.</p>
+
+<p>The moiety of the church of Hopton being void, a controversy arose
+thereupon between the abbot and Robert of Elm; and a day of hearing
+being appointed at Hopton, after much altercation, the abbot being
+guided by I know not what sudden impulse, said to the aforesaid
+Robert, "Do you but swear that this is your right, and I will allow
+that it shall be so." And since that knight refused to swear, it was
+by the consent of each party, referred to the oath of sixteen lawful
+men of the hundred, who swore that this belonged to the abbot as his
+right. Gilbert Fitz-Ralph and Robert of Cockfield, lords of that fee,
+were there present and consenting thereto.</p>
+
+<p>Thereupon, Master Jordan de Ros, who had the charter of abbot Hugh,
+as well as the charter of <span class="pagenum"><a name="page_92"
+id="page_92">{92}</a></span> the aforesaid Robert, starting forward, urged
+that whichever of them succeeded in proving his claim to the church,
+he (Jordan) might hold the parsonage, that he was parson of the whole
+church, and that the clerk last deceased had been his vicar, rendering
+him a yearly payment for that moiety. In proof thereof he produced the
+charter of Walchelin the archdeacon.</p>
+
+<p>The abbot, greatly moved and angry with him, never received him in
+a friendly manner, until the said Jordan, in a chapter of the monks at
+Thetford, at the abbot's instance, resigned into the hands of the
+bishop there present that very moiety, without any reservation or
+expectation of afterwards recovering the same, before a great
+multitude of clerks. This done, the abbot said, "My lord bishop, I am
+engaged by promise to bestow the rent upon some one your clerk; and I
+now give this moiety of this church to whomsoever of your clerks you
+will." Then the bishop requested that in a friendly manner it should
+be given to the same Master Jordan; and so upon the presentation of
+the abbot, Jordan got it back again.</p>
+
+<p>Afterwards a controversy arose between the abbot and the same
+Jordan, touching the land of Herard in Harlow, whether it were the
+frank fee of the church or not. And when there was summoned a <span
+class="pagenum"><a name="page_93" id="page_93">{93}</a></span> jury of twelve
+knights to make inquest in the king's court, the inquest was taken in
+the court of the abbot at Harlow, by the licence of Ranulf de
+Glanville, and the recognitors swore that they never knew that land at
+any time to have been separated from the church, but nevertheless that
+land owed such service to the abbot as that to which the land of
+Eustace, and certain other lands of laymen in the same town were
+subject. At length it was agreed between them thus: Master Jordan in
+full court acknowledged that land to be lay fee, and that he claimed
+nothing therein, unless by the abbot's grace. He will therefore hold
+that land all the days of his life, rendering yearly to the abbot
+twelve pence for all services.</p>
+
+<p>Since, according to the custom of the English, many persons gave
+many presents to the abbot, as being their head, upon the day of the
+Circumcision of our Lord, I, Jocelin, thought to myself, What can I
+give? And I began to reduce into writing all those churches which are
+in the gift of the abbot, as well of our manors as of his, and the
+reasonable values of the same, upon the same principle that they could
+be fairly set to farm, at a time when corn is at its ordinary standard
+price. And, therefore, upon the commencement of a new year, I gave to
+the abbot <span class="pagenum"><a name="page_94"
+id="page_94">{94}</a></span> that schedule, as a gift to him, which he
+received very gratefully.</p>
+
+<p>I, indeed, because I then was pleasing in his sight, thought in my
+heart, that I should hint to him that some one church should be given
+to the convent, and assigned for the purposes of hospitality, just as
+he had wished when he was a poor cloister monk: for this same thing he
+himself had, before his election, suggested the brethren should swear,
+that upon whomsoever the lot should fall, that man should do it. But
+while I thought upon these things, I remembered that some one
+previously had said the very same thing, and that I had heard the
+abbot reply, that he could not dismember the barony; in other words,
+that he ought not to diminish the liberty and dignity which abbot Hugh
+and others his predecessors had had, of giving away churches, which
+after all scarcely brought any gain or profit to the convent. On
+considering this, I held my peace.</p>
+
+<p>The writing I have alluded to was the following:&mdash;<br /></p>
+
+<div class="lgeblkquot">
+<p>"These are the churches of the manors and socages of the <span
+class="smcap">Abbot</span>: The church of Melford is worth forty
+pounds; Chevington, ten marks; Saxham, twelve marks; Hargrave, five
+marks; Brettenham, five marks; Boxford, one hundred shillings; Fornham
+Magna, one hundred shillings; Stow, one hundred shillings; Honington,
+five marks; Elmswell, three marks; Cotton, twelve marks; Brocford,
+five marks; Palgrave, <span class="pagenum"><a name="page_95"
+id="page_95">{95}</a></span> ten marks; Great Horningsherth, five marks;
+Kingston, four marks; Harlow, nineteen marks; Stapleford, three marks;
+Tivetshall, one hundred shillings; Worlingworth cum Bedingfield,
+twenty marks; Soham, six marks; the moiety of the church of Wortham,
+one hundred shillings; Rungton, twenty marks; Thorp, six marks;
+Woolpit, over and above the pension, one hundred shillings; Rushbrook,
+five marks; the moiety of the church of Hopton, sixty shillings;
+Rickinghall, six marks; three parts of the church of Dickleburgh, each
+part being worth thirty shillings and upwards; the moiety of the
+church of Gislingham, four marks; Icklingham, six marks. Concerning
+the church of Mildenhall, which is worth forty marks, and of the
+moiety of the church of Wetherden, what shall I say? Wendling, one
+hundred shillings; the church of Len, ten marks; the church of
+Scaldwell, five marks; the church of Warkton ...</p>
+
+<p>"These are the churches of the manors belonging to the <span
+class="smcap">Convent</span>: Mildenhall, Barton, and Horningsherth,
+twenty-five marks, besides the pension; Rougham, fifteen marks,
+besides the pension; Bradfield, five marks; Pakenham, thirty marks;
+Southrey, one hundred shillings; Risby, twenty marks; Nowton, four
+marks; Whepstead, fourteen marks; Fornham St. Genevieve, fifteen
+marks; Herringswell, nine marks; Fornham St. Martin, three marks;
+Ingham, ten marks; Lackford, one hundred shillings; Elveden, ten
+marks; Cockfield, twenty marks; Semer-Semer, twelve marks; Groton,
+five marks; the moiety of the church of Fressingfield, fourteen marks;
+Beccles, twenty marks; Broc, fifteen marks; Hinderclay, ten marks;
+Warkton, ten marks; Scaldwell, five marks; Westley, five marks; the
+church in Norwich, two marks, over and above the payment of herrings;
+and two churches in Colchester, three marks, over and above the
+pension of four shillings; Chelsworth, one hundred shillings;
+Meringthorp, four marks; the moiety of the church of Bradfield in
+Norfolk, three marks; staffacres and fouracres, and the third part of
+the tithes of the lordships of Wrabness, six marks."</p></div>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_96" id="page_96">{96}</a></span> The
+two counties of Norfolk and Suffolk were put in the "mercy" of the
+King by the justices in eyre for some default, and fifty marks were
+put upon Norfolk, and thirty upon Suffolk. And when a certain portion
+of that common amerciament was assessed upon the lands of St. Edmund,
+and was sharply demanded, the abbot, without any delay, went to our
+lord the King. We found him at Clarendon; and when the charter of King
+Edward, which discharges all the lands of St. Edmund from all gelds
+and scots, had been shown to him, the King commanded by his writ that
+six knights of the county of Norfolk and six of Suffolk should be
+summoned to consider before the barons of the exchequer, whether the
+lordships of St. Edmund ought to be quit from common amerciament. To
+save trouble and expense, only six knights were chosen, and these for
+the reason that they had lands in either county; namely, Hubert of
+Briseword, W. Fitz-Hervey, and William of Francheville, and three
+others, who went to London with us, and on behalf of the two counties
+gave their verdict in favour of the liberty of our church. And
+thereupon the justices then sitting enrolled their verdict.</p>
+
+<p>The abbot Samson entered into a contest with his <span
+class="pagenum"><a name="page_97" id="page_97">{97}</a></span>
+knights&mdash;himself against all, and all of them against him. He had
+stated to them that they ought to perform the service of fifty
+individual knights in escuages, in aids, and the like, because, as
+they themselves said, they held so many knights' fees. The point in
+dispute was, why ten of those fifty knights were to be without
+performing service, or by what reason or by whose authority the forty
+should receive the help of those ten knights. But they all answered
+with one voice, that such had ever been the custom, that is to say,
+that ten of them should assist the other forty, and that they could
+not thereupon&mdash;nor ought they thereupon&mdash;to answer, nor yet to
+implead.</p>
+
+<p>When they were summoned in the King's court to answer hereupon,
+some, by arrangement, excused themselves from appearing, the others
+cunningly appeared, saying that they ought not to answer without their
+peers. On another occasion, those presented themselves who had first
+absented themselves, saying in like manner, that they ought not to
+answer without their peers who were joined with them in the same
+plaint. And when they had several times thus mocked the abbot, and had
+involved him in great and grievous expenses, the abbot complained of
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_98" id="page_98">{98}</a></span> this to
+Hubert, the archbishop, then justiciary, who replied in open court
+that each knight ought to plead singly, and in respect of his own
+tenure, and said straight out that the abbot was clever enough and
+able enough to prove the rights of his church against all and every
+one of them. Then the earl, Roger Bigot, first of all freely confessed
+that, in law, he owed to his superior lord the abbot his service of
+three entire knights' fees, in reliefs as well as in escuages and
+aids; but, so far as concerned his performing castle-guard at the
+castle of Norwich, he said nothing.</p>
+
+<p>Next came two of these knights, then three, and again more, until
+nearly all of them had come, and, by the earl's example, acknowledged
+the same service. Because such acknowledgment thereupon made in the
+court of St. Edmund was not sufficient in law, the abbot took all of
+them to London at his own charges, with the wives and women who were
+inherited of the lands so held, that they should make the
+acknowledgment in the King's court, and they all received separate
+charters of the concord thus made. Alberic de Vere and William of
+Hastings and two others were in the King's service beyond sea when
+this was done, and therefore the plaint concerning them was stayed.
+Alberic de Vere was the last who held out <span class="pagenum"><a
+name="page_99" id="page_99">{99}</a></span> against the abbot; but as it
+was, the abbot seized and sold his cattle, wherefore it behoved him to
+come into court, and answer, as did his fellows. Taking advice upon
+it, he at length acknowledged to the abbot and St. Edmund their
+right.</p>
+
+<p>The knights, therefore, being all defeated, a great profit would
+have accrued to the abbot from this victory unless he had been
+inclined to spare some of them; for so often as twenty shillings are
+charged upon a fee, there will remain twelve pounds to the abbot, and
+if more or less are assessed, more or less will remain over as a
+surplus to him, according to the strict apportionment. Also the abbot
+was wont, as were his predecessors, at the end of every twenty weeks
+to give seven shillings for the guard of the castle of Norwich out of
+his own purse, for default of three knights, whose fees Roger Bigot
+holds of St. Edmund. Each of the knights of four constabularies used
+to give twenty-eight pence when they entered to perform their guards,
+and one penny to the marshal who collected those pence; and they were
+accustomed to give twenty-eight pence and no more, because the ten
+knights of the fifth constabulary ought to assist the other forty, so
+that whereas they ought to have given three shillings entire, they
+only gave twenty-nine <span class="pagenum"><a name="page_100"
+id="page_100">{100}</a></span> pence, and he whose duty it was to enter to
+perform his guard service at the end of four months, entered at the
+end of twenty weeks. But at the present time all the knights give the
+full three shillings, and there remains to the abbot the surplus which
+accrues beyond twenty-nine pence, from whence he can re-imburse
+himself of the aforesaid seven shillings. It is apparent what force
+had the words of the abbot which he spoke the first day, when he took
+the homage of his knights, as aforesaid, when all the knights promised
+him twenty shillings, and immediately revoked what they had said,
+refusing to give him more than forty pounds in one sum, alleging that
+ten knights ought to assist the other forty in aids and castle-guards,
+and all such like services.</p>
+
+<p>There is certain land in Tivetshall of the abbot's fee, which used
+to pay to the watchmen of the castle of Norwich waite-fee, that is,
+twenty shillings per annum, payable five shillings on each of the four
+Ember fasts. This is an ancient customary payment which the abbot
+would well wish to do away with if he could, but considering his
+inability to do so, he has up to now held his peace and closed his
+eyes to it.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_101" id="page_101">{101}</a></span><br /></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2>CHAPTER VIII<br />
+<span class="smcap">the case of henry of essex</span></h2>
+
+
+<p class="nodent"><span class="dropcap">[F</span>OR the purpose of
+diffusing the knowledge of the blessed King and martyr, we have
+annexed this, we hope not irrelevantly, to the foregoing. Not that I
+who am so insignificant a person, and of scarcely any account, should
+set it forth with a historical title; but insomuch as Master Jocelin,
+our almoner, a man of exalted piety, powerful in word and deed, did so
+begin it at the request and desire of his superior, I may look upon it
+as my own work, because, according to the precept of Seneca, whatever
+has been well said by another, I may without presumption ascribe to
+myself.</p>
+
+<p>When the abbot came to Reading, and we with him, we were suitably
+entertained by the monks of that place, among whom we met Henry of
+Essex, a professed monk, who, having obtained an opportunity of
+speaking with the abbot, related to him and ourselves as we all sat
+together, how he was vanquished <span class="pagenum"><a name="page_102"
+id="page_102">{102}</a></span> in duel, and how and for what reason St.
+Edmund had confounded him in the very hour of battle. I therefore
+reduced his tale into writing by the command of the lord abbot, and
+wrote it in these words.</p>
+
+<p>As it is impossible for us to shun evil unless it be apparent, we
+have thought it worthy to commit to historical record the acts and
+excesses of Henry of Essex, as a warning and not for imitation. The
+warnings that can be enforced by anecdotes are useful and beneficial.
+The aforesaid Henry, therefore, while in prosperity was in high esteem
+amongst the great men of the realm, a man of much account, of noble
+birth, conspicuous by deeds of arms, the king's standard-bearer, and
+feared by all on account of his power. His neighbours endowed the
+church of St. Edmund, the King and martyr, with possessions and rents;
+but he not only shut his eyes to this fact, but also by force and by
+injuries, with violence and evil speaking, wrongfully withheld an
+annual rent of five shillings, and converted it to his own use. Nay,
+indeed, in process of time, when a cause touching the rape of a
+certain damsel was prosecuted in the court of St. Edmund, the said
+Henry came thither, protesting and alleging that the same plaint by
+law ought to be decided in his court, <span class="pagenum"><a
+name="page_103" id="page_103">{103}</a></span> in view of the birthplace
+of the same damsel, who was born within his lordship of Lailand; and
+by reason of this pretext he presumed to harass the court of St.
+Edmund with journeys and innumerable expenses for a long space of
+time.</p>
+
+<p>In the meantime, in these and such like acts, fortune, smiling upon
+his desires, suddenly brought in upon him the cause of perpetual
+sorrow, and, under the appearance of a joyful beginning, she contrived
+for him a joyless end; for she is wont to smile that she may
+afterwards rage, to flatter that she may deceive, to raise up that she
+may cast down. All at once, there rose up against him Robert of
+Montfort, his kinsman and equal in birth and power, impeaching and
+accusing him before the princes of the land, of treason against the
+King. For he asserted that Henry, in the war with the Welsh, in the
+difficult pass of Coleshill, had traitorously thrown down the standard
+of our lord the King, and had with a loud voice proclaimed his death,
+and so turned to flight those who were hastening to his assistance. In
+point of fact, the aforesaid Henry of Essex did believe that the
+famous King Henry the Second, who had been intercepted by the
+stratagems of the Welsh, had been killed; and this would indeed have
+been the <span class="pagenum"><a name="page_104"
+id="page_104">{104}</a></span> case, if Roger Earl of Clare, illustrious
+(clarus) by reason of birth, and more illustrious by deeds of valour,
+had not come up in good time with his Clare men, and raised the
+standard of our lord the King, to the encouragement and heartening of
+the whole army. Henry, indeed, strenuously opposed the aforesaid
+Robert in a speech, and absolutely denied the accusation, so that
+after a short lapse of time it came to a trial by battle. And they
+came to Reading to fight in a certain island hard by the abbey; and
+thither also came a multitude to see what issue the matter would
+take.</p>
+
+<p>Now it came to pass, while Robert of Montfort thundered upon him
+manfully with hard and frequent strokes, and a bold onset had promised
+the fruit of victory, Henry, his strength a little failing him,
+glanced round on all sides, and lo! on the border of the land and
+water he saw the glorious King and martyr, Edmund, armed, and as if
+hovering in the air, looking towards him with a severe countenance,
+shaking his head with threats of anger and indignation. He also saw
+with him another knight, Gilbert of Cereville, not only in appearance
+inferior, but less in stature from the shoulders, direct his eyes upon
+him as if angry and wrathful. This man, by the order of the <span
+class="pagenum"><a name="page_105" id="page_105">{105}</a></span> same Henry,
+had been afflicted with chains and torments, and had closed his days
+in prison at the instance and on the accusation of Henry's wife; who,
+turning her own wickedness upon an innocent person, stated that she
+could not endure the solicitations of Gilbert to unlawful love.
+Therefore, Henry, on sight of these apparitions, became anxious and
+fear-stricken, and remembered that old crime brings new shame.
+Becoming wholly desperate, and changing reason into violence, he
+assumed the part of one who attacked, not one who was on the
+defensive; who, while he struck fiercely, was more fiercely struck;
+and while he manfully fought, was more manfully attacked in his turn.
+In short, he fell vanquished.</p>
+
+<p>As he was believed to be dead, upon the petition of the great men
+of England, his kinsmen, it was permitted that the monks of that place
+should give his body the rites of sepulture. Nevertheless, he
+afterwards recovered, and now with restored health, he has wiped out
+the blot upon his previous life under the regular habit, and in his
+endeavour to cleanse the long week of his dissolute life by at least
+one purifying sabbath, has so cultivated the studies of the virtues,
+as to bring forth the fruit of happiness.]</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_106" id="page_106">{106}</a></span><br /></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2>CHAPTER IX<br />
+<span class="smcap">troubles without</span></h2>
+
+
+<p class="nodent"><span class="dropcap">G</span>EOFFREY Ridel, Bishop
+of Ely, sought from the abbot some timber for the purpose of
+constructing certain great buildings at Glemsford. This request the
+abbot granted, but against his will, not daring to offend him. Now the
+abbot making some stay at Melford, there came a certain clerk of the
+bishop, asking on behalf of his lord, that the promised timber might
+be taken at Elmswell; and he made a mistake in the word, saying
+Elmswell when he should have said Elmsett, which is the name of a
+certain wood at Melford. And the abbot was astonished at the request,
+for such timber was not to be found at Elmswell.</p>
+
+<p>Now when Richard the forester of the same town had heard of this,
+he secretly informed the abbot that the bishop had the previous week
+sent his carpenters to spy out the wood of Elmsett, and <span
+class="pagenum"><a name="page_107" id="page_107">{107}</a></span> had chosen
+the best timber trees in the whole wood, and placed his marks thereon.
+On hearing this, the abbot directly discovered that the messenger of
+the bishop had made an error in his request, and answered that he
+would willingly do as the bishop pleased.</p>
+
+<p>On the morrow, upon the departure of the messenger, immediately
+after he had heard mass, the abbot went into the before-named wood
+with his carpenters, and caused to be branded with his mark not only
+all the oaks previously marked, but more than a hundred others, for
+the use of St. Edmund, and for the steeple of the great tower,
+commanding that they should be felled as quickly as possible. When the
+bishop, by the answer of his messenger, understood that the aforesaid
+timber might be taken at Elmswell, he sent back the same messenger
+(whom he overwhelmed with many hard words) to the abbot, in order that
+he might correct the word which he had mistaken, by saying Elmsett,
+not Elmswell. But before he had come to the abbot, all the trees which
+the bishop desired and his carpenters had marked were felled. So the
+bishop, if he wanted timber, had to get other timber elsewhere. As for
+myself, when I witnessed this affair, I laughed, and said in my heart,
+"Thus art is deceived by art."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_108" id="page_108">{108}</a></span> On
+the death of Abbot Hugh, the wardens of the abbey desired to depose
+the bailiffs of the town of St. Edmund, and to appoint new bailiffs of
+their own authority, saying that this appertained to the King, in
+whose hand the abbey then was. But we, complaining thereof, sent our
+messengers to lord Ranulf de Glanville, then justiciary. He answered,
+that he well knew that forty pounds a year ought to be paid from the
+town to our sacrist, specially for the lights of the church; and he
+said that Abbot Hugh, of his own will, and in his privy chamber,
+without the consent of the convent, had granted the bailiwick as often
+as he chose, and unto whom he chose, saving the forty pounds payable
+to the altar. And therefore it was not to be wondered at if the King's
+bailiffs required this same thing on the King's behalf. Speaking in
+bitter language, he called all our monks fools for having permitted
+our abbot to do such things, not considering that the chief duty of
+monks is to hold their peace, and pass over with closed eyes the
+excesses of their prelates; nor yet considering that they are called
+barrators if they, whether it be right or wrong, contravene their
+superiors in anything; and, further, that sometimes we are accused of
+treason and are condemned to prison and to exile. Wherefore <span
+class="pagenum"><a name="page_109" id="page_109">{109}</a></span> it seems to
+myself and others the better counsel to die as confessors rather than
+as martyrs.</p>
+
+<p>On the return of our messenger home, and on his relating what he
+had seen and heard, we, as being unwilling and, as it were, under
+compulsion, resolved, so far as we were able, that the old bailiffs of
+the town should be deposed, as well with the common consent of the
+convent, as by the keepers of the abbey. Samson, then sub-sacrist, was
+very reluctant to join in this proposition. However, when Samson was
+made abbot, he, calling to remembrance the wrong done to the abbey, on
+the morrow after the Easter following his election, caused to be
+assembled in our chapter-house the knights and clerks, and a number of
+the burgesses, and then in the presence of them all, said that the
+town belonged to the convent and to the altar, namely, to find tapers
+for the church; and that he was desirous of renewing the ancient
+custom, so that in the presence of the convent, and with the consent
+of all, some measure should be taken concerning the bailiwick of the
+town, and of such like matters which appertained to the convent.</p>
+
+<p>At that time were nominated two burgesses, Godfrey and Nicholas, to
+be bailiffs; and a discussion taking place from whose hand they should
+receive the horn, <span class="pagenum"><a name="page_110"
+id="page_110">{110}</a></span> which is called the moot-horn, at last they
+took it from the hands of the prior, who, next to the abbot, is head
+over the affairs of the convent.</p>
+
+<p>Now these two bailiffs kept their bailiwick in peace many years,
+until they were said to be remiss in keeping the King's justice. On
+the abbot's suggestion that greater security should be given to the
+convent upon this point, they were removed, and Hugh the sacrist took
+the town into his own keeping, appointing new officers, who were to
+answer to him concerning the bailiwick. In process of time, I know not
+how, new bailiffs were subsequently appointed, and that elsewhere than
+in chapter, and without the concurrence of the church; wherefore a
+like or perhaps greater peril is to be apprehended after the decease
+of Abbot Samson than even was after the death of Abbot Hugh.</p>
+
+<p>One of our brethren, too, fully relying upon the regard and
+friendship of the abbot, upon a fit opportunity and with propriety and
+decency, talked over the matter with him, asserting that
+dissatisfaction was expressed in the convent. But the abbot upon
+hearing this was silent for a long time, as if he was somewhat
+disturbed. At length he is reported to have said, "Am not I, even I,
+the abbot? Does it not belong <span class="pagenum"><a name="page_111"
+id="page_111">{111}</a></span> to me alone to make order concerning the
+affairs of the church committed to my care, provided only that I
+should act with wisdom and according to God's will? If there should be
+default in the administration of the King's justice in this town, I
+shall be challenged for it; I shall be summoned; upon myself alone
+will rest the burden of the journey, and the expenses, and the defence
+of the town and its appurtenances; I alone shall be deemed a fool, not
+the prior, not the sacrist, nor yet the convent, but myself, who am
+and ought to be their head. Through me and my counsel, with God's
+assistance, will the town be securely preserved to the best of my
+ability, and safe also will be those forty pounds payable annually to
+the altar. Let the brethren grumble, let them slander me, let them say
+amongst themselves what they will, I am still their father and their
+abbot; so long as I live 'I will not give my glory to another.'" This
+said, that monk departed, and reported these answers to us.</p>
+
+<p>I for my part marvelled at such sayings, and argued with myself in
+various ways. At length I was compelled to remain in a state of doubt,
+inasmuch as the rule of law says and teaches, that all things should
+be under the governance of the abbot.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_112" id="page_112">{112}</a></span>
+The merchants of London claimed to be quit of toll at the fair of St.
+Edmund. Nevertheless many paid it, unwillingly indeed, and under
+compulsion; whereof a great tumult and commotion was made among the
+citizens in London at their hustings. They came in a body and informed
+Abbot Samson that they were entitled to be quit of toll throughout all
+England, by authority of the charter which they had from King Henry
+the Second. The abbot answered that were it necessary, he was well
+able to vouch the King to warrant that he had never granted them any
+charter to the prejudice of our church, or to the prejudice of the
+liberties of St. Edmund, to whom St. Edward had granted and confirmed
+toll and theam and all regalities before the conquest of England; and
+that King Henry had done no more than give to the Londoners an
+exemption from toll throughout his own lordships, and in places where
+he was able to grant it; but so far as concerned the town of St.
+Edmund he was not able so to do, for it was not his to dispose of. The
+Londoners, hearing this, ordered by common council that none of them
+should go to the fair of St. Edmund. For two years they kept away,
+whereby our fair sustained great loss, and the offering of the <span
+class="pagenum"><a name="page_113" id="page_113">{113}</a></span> sacrist was
+much diminished. At last, upon the mediation of the Bishop of London
+and many others, it was settled between us and them that they should
+come to the fair, and that some of them should pay toll, but that it
+should be forthwith returned to them, that by such a colourable act
+the privilege on both sides should be preserved.</p>
+
+<p>But in process of time, when the abbot had made agreement with his
+knights, and as it were slept in tranquillity, behold again "the
+Philistines be upon thee, Samson!" Lo! the Londoners, with one voice,
+were threatening that they would lay level with the earth the stone
+houses which the abbot had built that very year, or that they would
+take distress by a hundredfold from the men of St. Edmund, unless the
+abbot forthwith redressed the wrong done them by the bailiffs of the
+town of St. Edmund, who had taken fifteen pence from the carts of the
+citizens of London, who in their way from Yarmouth, laden with
+herrings, had made passage through our demesnes. Furthermore, the
+citizens of London said that they were quit of toll in every market,
+and on every occasion, and in every place throughout all England, from
+the time when Rome was first founded, and that London was founded at
+the very <span class="pagenum"><a name="page_114"
+id="page_114">{114}</a></span> same time. Also, that they ought to have
+such an exemption throughout all England, as well by reason of its
+being a privileged city, which was of old time the metropolis and head
+of the kingdom, as by reason of its antiquity. The abbot asked that
+the matter might be deferred until the return of our lord the King to
+England, that he might consult with him upon this; and having taken
+advice of the lawyers, he replevied to the claimants those fifteen
+pence, without prejudice to the question of each party's right.</p>
+
+<p>In the tenth year of the abbacy of Abbot Samson, by the common
+counsel of our chapter, we complained to the abbot in his own hall,
+stating that the rents and issues of all the good towns and boroughs
+of England were increasing and augmenting, to the profit of the
+possessors, and the well-thriving of their lords, all except this our
+town, which had long yielded forty pounds, and had never gone beyond
+that sum; and that the burgesses of the town were the cause of this
+thing. For they held so large and so many standings in the
+market-place, of shops and sheds and stalls, without the assent of the
+convent, indeed from the sole gift of the bailiffs of the town, who in
+old time were but yearly renters, and, as it were, ministers of the
+sacrist, and were <span class="pagenum"><a name="page_115"
+id="page_115">{115}</a></span> removable at his good pleasure. The
+burgesses, being summoned, made answer that they were under the
+jurisdiction of the King's courts, nor would they make answer in
+derogation of the immunity of the town and their charters, in respect
+of the tenements which they and their fathers had holden well and
+peaceably for one year and a day without claim. They also said the old
+custom had been that the bailiffs should, without the interference of
+the convent, dispose of the places of the shops and sheds in the
+market-place, in consideration of a certain rent payable yearly to the
+bailiwick. But we, gainsaying this, were desirous that the abbot
+should disseise them of tenements for which they had no warranty.</p>
+
+<p>Now the abbot coming to our council, as if he were one of us, said
+to us in private, that he was willing enough to do us right, according
+to the best of his ability, but that he, nevertheless, was bound to
+proceed in due course of law; nor could he, without the judgment of a
+court, disseise his free men of their lands or rents, which they had
+held for many years, were it justly or unjustly. If he should do this,
+he said, he should fall into the King's mercy by the assize of the
+realm. Therefore, the burgesses, taking counsel together, offered to
+the convent a <span class="pagenum"><a name="page_116"
+id="page_116">{116}</a></span> rent of one hundred shillings for the sake
+of peace; and that they should hold their tenements as they had been
+wont to do. But we, on the other hand, were by no means willing to
+grant this, rather desiring to put that plaint in respite, hoping,
+perhaps, in the time of another abbot, to recover all, or change the
+place of the fair; and so the affair was deferred for many years.</p>
+
+<p>When the abbot had returned from Germany, the burgesses offered him
+sixty marks, and sued for his confirmation of the liberties of the
+town, under the same form of words as Anselm, and Ording, and Hugh had
+confirmed them; all which the abbot graciously accorded.
+Notwithstanding our murmuring and grumbling, a charter was accordingly
+made to them in the terms of his promise; and because it would have
+been a shame and confusion to him if he had not been able to fulfil
+his promise, we were not willing to contradict him, or provoke him to
+anger.</p>
+
+<p>The burgesses, indeed, from the period when they had the charter of
+Abbot Samson and the convent, became more confident that they, at
+least in the time of Abbot Samson, would not lose their tenements or
+their franchises; so that never afterwards, as they did before, were
+they willing to pay or offer the <span class="pagenum"><a name="page_117"
+id="page_117">{117}</a></span> before-named rent of one hundred shillings.
+At length, however, the abbot giving attention to this matter,
+discoursed with the burgesses hereupon, saying that unless they made
+their peace with the convent, he should forbid their erecting their
+booths at the fair of St. Edmund.</p>
+
+<p>They, on the other hand, answered that they were willing to give
+every year a silken cope, or some other ornament, to the value of one
+hundred shillings, as they had before promised to do; but
+nevertheless, upon this condition, that they were to be for ever quit
+of the tithes of their profits, which the sacrist sharply demanded of
+them. The abbot and the sacrist both refused this, and therefore the
+plaint was again put in respite.</p>
+
+<p>In point of fact, we have from that time to the present lost those
+hundred shillings, according to the old saying, "He that will not when
+he may, when he will he shall have nay."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_118" id="page_118">{118}</a></span><br /></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2>CHAPTER X<br />
+<span class="smcap">troubles within</span></h2>
+
+
+<p class="nodent"><span class="dropcap">T</span>HE cellarers quickly
+succeeded each other, and every one of them at the year's end became
+involved in a great debt. There were given to the cellarer, in aid,
+twenty pounds out of Mildenhall, but this did not suffice. After that,
+fifty pounds were assigned to the cellarer each year from the same
+manor; and yet the cellarer used to say that this was not enough. The
+abbot, therefore, being anxious to provide for his security from loss
+and comfort, as well as for our own, knowing that in all our wants we
+must have recourse to him as to the father of the monastery,
+associated with the cellarer a certain clerk of his own table, by name
+Ranulf, so that he might assist him both as a witness and companion in
+the expenses and receipts. And lo! many of us speak many things,
+murmurings thicken, falsehoods are invented, scandals are interwoven
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_119" id="page_119">{119}</a></span> with
+scandals, nor is there a corner in the house which does not resound
+with venomous hissing.</p>
+
+<p>One says to another, "What is this that is done? Who ever saw the
+like? There never was such an insult offered to the convent before.
+Behold! the abbot has set a clerk over a monk; see, he has made a
+clerk a master and keeper over the cellarer, as if he could do no good
+without him. The abbot thinks but lightly of his monks; he suspects
+his monks; he consults clerks; he loves clerks. 'How is the gold
+become dim! How is the fine gold changed!'" Also one friend says to
+another, "We are become a reproach to our neighbours. All of us monks
+are either reckoned faithless or improvident; the clerk is believed,
+the monk is not. The abbot had rather trust the clerk than the monk.
+Now is this clerk a whit more faithful or wise than a monk would
+be?"</p>
+
+<p>And again, one friend would say to another, "Are not the cellarer
+and sub-cellarer, or can they not be, as faithful as the sacrist or
+the chamberlain? The consequence is, that this abbot or his successor
+will put a clerk along with the sacrist, a clerk with the chamberlain,
+a clerk with the sub-sacrists to collect the offerings at the shrine,
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_120" id="page_120">{120}</a></span> and
+so on with all the officials, wherefore we shall be a laughing-stock
+and derision to the whole people."</p>
+
+<p>I, hearing these things, was accustomed to answer, "If I, for my
+part, were cellarer, I had rather that a clerk were a witness for me
+in all my transactions; for if I did well he would bear witness of the
+good. If, again, I had, at the end of the year, become laden with
+debt, I should be able to gain credence and to be excused by the
+testimony of that clerk."</p>
+
+<p>I heard, indeed, one of our brethren, a man truly discreet and
+learned, say something upon this subject which struck myself and
+others very much. "It is not," he said, "to be wondered at, should the
+lord abbot interpose his exertions in the safe conduct of our affairs,
+especially as he wisely manages that portion of the abbey which
+belongs to him, and is discreet in the disposing of his own house, it
+being his part to supply our wants in case of our carelessness or
+inability to do so. But there is one thing," he added, "which will
+prove dangerous after the death of the abbot Samson, such as has never
+come to pass in our days or in our lives. Of a surety the King's
+bailiffs will come, and will possess themselves of the abbey, I mean
+the barony which belongs to the abbot, as was done in the past after
+the deaths of other <span class="pagenum"><a name="page_121"
+id="page_121">{121}</a></span> Abbots. As after the death of Abbot Hugh,
+the King's bailiffs likewise desired to appoint new bailiffs in the
+town of St. Edmund, alleging as their warrant that Abbot Hugh had done
+this, in the same way the King's bailiffs will, in process of time,
+appoint their clerk to keep the cellary, in order that everything
+shall be done therein by him, and under his discretion. And then we
+shall be told that they are entitled to act in this manner because
+Abbot Samson did so. Thus they will have the power of intermixing and
+confusing all the concerns and rents of the abbot and of the convent;
+all which, indeed, Abbot Robert, of good memory, had, with due
+consideration, distinguished in account, and had separated one from
+the other."</p>
+
+<p>When I heard these and such like expressions from a man of great
+thought and foresight, I was astonished, and held my peace, not
+wishing either to condemn the lord abbot, or to excuse him.</p>
+
+<p>Hubert Walter, the Archbishop of Canterbury and legate of the
+apostolic see, and Justiciary of England, after he had visited many
+churches, and had by right of his legation made many changes and
+alterations, was on his way home from his natural mother, who lived at
+Dereham and was then dying. <span class="pagenum"><a name="page_122"
+id="page_122">{122}</a></span> He sent two of his clerks over to us,
+bearing the sealed letters of their lord, wherein it was contained
+that we should give credit to what they should say and do. These men
+inquired of the abbot and convent whether we were willing to receive
+their lord, the legate, who was on his way to us, in such wise as a
+legate ought to be received, and, in fact, is received by other
+churches. If we were agreed to this, he would shortly come to us, for
+the purpose of making order concerning the matters and affairs of our
+church according to God's will; but if we were not agreed, those two
+clerks could more fully communicate to us their lord's behest.
+Thereupon the abbot called together most of the convent, and we came
+to the decision that we would give a gracious answer to the clerks
+thus sent to us, saying that we were willing to receive their lord as
+legate with all honour and reverence, and to send together with them
+our own messengers, who, on our part, should communicate the same to
+the lord legate.</p>
+
+<p>Our intention was that, in the same way as we had done to the
+Bishop of Ely and other legates, we would show him all possible
+honour, with a procession and ringing of bells, and would receive him
+with the usual solemnities, until it should <span class="pagenum"><a
+name="page_123" id="page_123">{123}</a></span> come to the point, perhaps,
+of his holding a visitation in chapter. If he were to proceed in doing
+this, then all of us were to oppose him might and main to his face,
+appealing to Rome, and standing upon our charters. And the lord abbot
+said, "If at this present time the legate will come to us, we will do
+as is aforesaid, but if indeed he shall defer his arrival to us for a
+time, we will consult the lord Pope, and inquire what force the
+privileges of our church ought to have, as being those which have been
+obtained from him and his predecessors, against the archbishop who has
+now obtained power from the apostolic see over all the privileged
+churches of England." Such was our determination.</p>
+
+<p>When the archbishop had heard that we were willing to receive him
+as legate, he received our messengers graciously and with giving of
+thanks. And he became favourable and kindly disposed towards the lord
+abbot in all his concerns, and for certain pressing causes deferred
+his visit to us for a time. Therefore, without the least delay, the
+abbot sent to the Pope the same letters which the legate had sent to
+him and the convent, wherein it was contained that he was about to
+come to us by authority of his legation, and by the authority of the
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_124" id="page_124">{124}</a></span> Pope,
+and, moreover, that to him was given power over all the exempt
+churches of England, notwithstanding the letters of exemption obtained
+by the church of York or any other.</p>
+
+<p>The abbot's messenger expediting the matter, our lord the Pope
+wrote to the lord of Canterbury, asserting that our church, as his
+spiritual daughter, ought not to be accountable to any legate, unless
+he were a legate of our lord the Pope sent <i>a latere</i>, and
+enjoined him that he should not stretch forth his hand against us; and
+our lord the Pope added as from himself a prohibition against his
+exercising jurisdiction over any other exempt church. Our messenger
+returned to us, and this was kept a secret for many days.
+Nevertheless, the same was intimated to the lord of Canterbury by some
+of his adherents at the court of our lord the Pope.</p>
+
+<p>When, at the end of the year, the legate made his visitation
+through Norfolk and Suffolk, and had first arrived at Colchester, the
+legate sent his messenger to the abbot, privately letting him thereby
+know that he (the legate) had heard say that the abbot had obtained
+letters contravening his legation, and requesting that he, in a
+friendly way, would send him those letters. And it was done
+accordingly, for <span class="pagenum"><a name="page_125"
+id="page_125">{125}</a></span> the abbot had two counterparts of these
+letters. The abbot, indeed, did not pay a visit to the legate, either
+by himself or by proxy, so long as he was in the diocese of Norwich,
+lest it should be thought that he wished to make fine with the legate
+for his entertainment, as other monks and canons had done. The legate,
+disconcerted and angry and fearing to be shut out if he came to us,
+passed by Norwich, by Acre and by Dereham to Ely, on his way to
+London.</p>
+
+<p>The abbot meeting the legate within the month, between Waltham and
+London, on the King's highway, the legate censured him for having
+refused to meet him, as being justiciary of our lord the King whilst
+he was in that country. The abbot answered that he had not travelled
+as justiciary, but as legate, making visitation in every church; and
+alleged the reason of the time of year, and that the passion of our
+Lord was nigh at hand, and that it behoved him to be concerned with
+Divine services and cloister duties.</p>
+
+<p>When the abbot had opposed words to words, and objections to
+objections, and could neither be bent nor intimidated by threatening
+language, the legate replied with scorn that he well knew him to be a
+keen wrangler, and that he was a better clerk than <span
+class="pagenum"><a name="page_126" id="page_126">{126}</a></span> he, the
+legate, was. The abbot, therefore, not timidly passing by matters
+inexpedient to allude to, nor yet arrogantly speaking upon matters
+that were to be discussed, in the hearing of many persons made answer
+that he was a man who would never suffer the privileges of his church
+to be shaken either for want of learning or money, even if it should
+come to pass that he lost his life, or was condemned to perpetual
+banishment. However, these and other altercations being brought to a
+close, the legate began to flush in the face, upon the abbot lowering
+his tone and beseeching him that he would deal more gently with the
+church of St. Edmund, by reason of his native soil, for he was native
+born of St. Edmund, and had been his fosterling. And, indeed, he had
+reason to blush, because he had so unadvisedly outpoured the venom
+which he had bred within him.</p>
+
+<p>On the morrow it was communicated to the Archbishop of Canterbury,
+that the lord Archbishop of York was about to come as legate into
+England, and that he had suggested many evil things to the Pope
+concerning him, stating that he had oppressed the churches of England
+by reason of his visitation to the extent of thirty thousand marks,
+which he had <span class="pagenum"><a name="page_127"
+id="page_127">{127}</a></span> received from them. The legate, therefore,
+sent his clerks to the abbot, begging him that he would, with the
+other abbots, write to our lord the Pope and justify him.</p>
+
+<p>This the abbot willingly did, and thereby offered his testimony
+that the lord of Canterbury had not been to our church, nor had he
+oppressed any other church, speaking according to his conscience. And
+when the abbot had delivered those letters to the messengers of the
+archbishop, he said before us all that he did not fear, even if it
+were the archbishop's wish to deal deceitfully with those letters. The
+clerks answered on the peril of their souls, that their lord did not
+contemplate any subtle dealings, but only wished to be justified. And
+so the archbishop and the abbot were made friends.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_128" id="page_128">{128}</a></span><br /></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2>CHAPTER XI<br />
+<span class="smcap">samson's contests with knights, monks and townsmen</span></h2>
+
+
+<p class="nodent"><span class="dropcap">K</span>ING Richard commanded
+all the bishops and abbots of England that for every nine knights of
+their baronies they should make a tenth knight, and that without delay
+those knights should go to him in Normandy, with horses and arms, in
+aid against the King of France. Wherefore it behoved the abbot to
+account to him for sending four knights. And when he had caused to be
+summoned all his knights, and had conferred with them thereon, they
+made answer that their fees, which they had holden of St. Edmund, were
+not liable to this charge, neither had they or their fathers ever gone
+out of England, although they had, on some occasions, paid escuage by
+the King's writ.</p>
+
+<p>The abbot was indeed in a strait; on one hand observing that hereby
+the liberty of his knights <span class="pagenum"><a name="page_129"
+id="page_129">{129}</a></span> was in peril, on the other hand
+apprehending that he might lose the seisin of his barony for default
+in the King's service, as indeed had befallen the Bishop of London and
+many English barons. So he forthwith went beyond seas to the King; and
+though fatigued with many troubles and expenses, and very many
+presents which he gave the King, in the first instance he could make
+no agreement with the King by money. For the King said that he did not
+want either silver or gold, but that he instantly required four
+knights; whereupon the abbot obtained four mercenaries. When the King
+had got these, he sent them to the Castle of Eu, and the abbot paid
+them thirty-six marks down for their expenses for forty days.</p>
+
+<p>Now on the morrow, there came certain of the King's attendants, and
+recommended the abbot to carefully look to what he was about, stating
+that the war might possibly last a whole year or more, and that the
+expenses of the knights would consequently increase and multiply, to
+the endless damage of him and his church. They therefore advised him
+that before he left the court he should make fine with the King, so
+that he might be quit in respect of the service of the aforesaid
+knights after the forty days <span class="pagenum"><a name="page_130"
+id="page_130">{130}</a></span> were passed. The abbot, having adopted this
+good counsel, gave to the King one hundred pounds for such a
+quittance. Thus being in favour with his sovereign, he returned to
+England, bringing with him the King's writ, commanding that his
+knights should be distrained by their fees to render him that King's
+service which he had got performed for them.</p>
+
+<p>The knights, being summoned, alleged their poverty and manifold
+grievances, and prevailed upon their lord to accept two marks upon
+every shield. The abbot, indeed, not forgetting that he had that same
+year burdened them much, and had impleaded them to make them render
+their escuage individually, was desirous of conciliating their esteem,
+and in good part accepted what they with a good grace offered.</p>
+
+<p>At that time, although the abbot had been put to great expenses
+beyond sea, yet he did not return home to this church empty-handed;
+for he brought with him a golden cross, and a most valuable copy of
+the Gospels, of the value of fourscore marks. On another occasion when
+he returned from beyond seas, sitting in chapter, he said that if he
+had been cellarer or chamberlain he would have made some purchase
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_131" id="page_131">{131}</a></span> which
+would have been serviceable to his office; and since he was abbot, he
+ought to purchase something that should beseem him as abbot. After
+saying this, he offered to the convent a valuable chasuble, and a
+mitre interwoven with gold, and sandals with silken buskins, and the
+head of a crozier of silver and well wrought. In like manner, so often
+as he returned from beyond sea, he brought along with him some
+ornament or other.</p>
+
+<p>In the year of grace one thousand one hundred and ninety-seven,
+certain innovations and alterations took place in our church, which
+ought not to be passed over in silence. Insomuch as his ancient rents
+were not sufficient for our cellarer, Abbot Samson ordered that fifty
+pounds from Mildenhall should be given by way of increase to the
+cellarer yearly by the hands of the prior, not all at one time, but by
+monthly instalments, so that he should have something every month to
+expend, and that it should not all be disbursed at one time of the
+year.</p>
+
+<p>And so it was done for one year. But the cellarer with his fellows
+complained of this, saying that if he had that money in hand, he would
+provide himself and preserve a sufficient stock. The abbot, although
+unwillingly, granted his petition. Now, on the commencement <span
+class="pagenum"><a name="page_132" id="page_132">{132}</a></span> of the
+month of August, the cellarer had already spent all, and, moreover,
+was in debt twenty pounds, and a debt of fifty pounds was about to
+fall due before Michaelmas.</p>
+
+<p>Hearing of this, the abbot was wroth, and thus spoke in chapter: "I
+have often and often threatened that I will take the cellarership into
+my own hands on account of your default and improvidence, for all of
+you keep incumbering yourselves with heavy debts. I put my own clerk
+with your cellarer as a witness, and in order that matters should be
+more advisedly managed; but there is neither clerk nor monk who dares
+to inform me of the real cause of debt. It is nevertheless said that
+excess of feasting in the prior's house, by the assent of the prior
+and cellarer, and superfluous expenses in the guest-house by the
+carelessness of the hospitaller, are the cause of all this. You see,"
+he continued, "what a great debt is now pressing; give me your advice,
+and tell me how this matter can be amended."</p>
+
+<p>Many of the cloister folk hearing this, and half smiling, took what
+was said in very good part, saying privily, "All that the abbot says
+is true enough." The prior cast the blame upon the cellarer, the
+cellarer in his turn upon the hospitaller; each one justified <span
+class="pagenum"><a name="page_133" id="page_133">{133}</a></span> himself. We
+all of us well knew the truth of the matter, but we held our tongues,
+for we were afraid. On the morrow came the abbot, and said again to
+the convent: "Give me your opinion as to the means whereby your cellar
+can be better and more economically managed." But there was no one who
+answered, except one, who said that there was no superfluity at all in
+the refectory which could occasion such a debt or pressure. On the
+third day the abbot spoke the same words, and one answered, "That
+advice ought to proceed from yourself, as from our head."</p>
+
+<p>Then the abbot said, "As you will not state your opinion, and as
+you are incapable of managing your house for yourselves, the
+management of the monastery rests solely upon myself as father and
+supreme keeper. I take," he said, "into my own hand your cellar and
+the charge of the guests, and the stewardship of everything indoors
+and out of doors." So saying he deposed the cellarer and hospitaller,
+and put in their stead two other monks, under the style of
+sub-cellarer and hospitaller, associating with them Master G., a clerk
+of his own table, without whose assent nothing could be done, either
+in respect of meat or drink, or in regard to disbursements or
+receipts.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_134" id="page_134">{134}</a></span>
+The old purveyors were removed from their buying in the market, and
+provisions were bought by the clerk of the abbot, and all deficiencies
+were supplied out of the abbot's purse. The guests that ought to be
+entertained were received, and the honourable were honoured; the
+officials and monks, all of them alike, took their meals in the
+refectory, and on all sides superfluous charges were retrenched.
+However, some of the cloister monks said among themselves, "Seven, ay
+seven there were who devoured our substance, of whose devourings if
+any one did speak, he was accounted guilty of treason." Another would
+say, stretching forth his hands to heaven, "Blessed be God, who hath
+imparted this resolution to the abbot to correct such excesses"; and
+very many of them said that it was well done. Others would say, "Not
+so," they considering that such reform was an abatement of respect;
+and they styled the prudence of the abbot the ferocity of a wolf.
+Verily, they were again beginning to call their old dreams to mind,
+that the future abbot was to rage as a wolf.</p>
+
+<p>The knights marvelled and the townsfolk marvelled at the things
+that came to pass, and some one of the common folk said, "It is a
+strange thing that so many monks and learned men should permit their
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_135" id="page_135">{135}</a></span>
+possessions and rents to be confused and mingled with the possessions
+of the abbot; especially as they have been always accustomed to be
+kept distinct and apart from each other. It is strange also that they
+take no heed of the peril that may befall them after the death of the
+abbot if our lord the King should find them in such a condition."</p>
+
+<p>Another person said that the abbot was the only one amongst them
+who acted wisely in the governing of external affairs, and that he
+ought to govern the whole who has the knowledge requisite to govern
+the whole. And there was one who said, "If there had been but one wise
+monk in such a large convent, who knew how to govern the house, the
+abbot would not have done as he has." And so we became a
+laughing-stock and a scoff to our neighbours.</p>
+
+<p>About this time it came to pass that the anniversary obit of abbot
+Robert was to be sung in chapter, and it was ordered that a
+<i>placebo</i> and <i>dirige</i> should be sung more solemnly than
+ordinarily, namely, with tolling of the great bells, as upon the
+anniversaries of abbots Ording and Hugh, on account of the noble act
+of the aforesaid abbot Robert, who made the division between our
+possessions and rents, and the rents of the abbot. This <span
+class="pagenum"><a name="page_136" id="page_136">{136}</a></span> solemnity,
+indeed, was performed by the advice of certain persons, so that thus
+at least the heart of the lord abbot might thus be stirred up to do
+what was right. There was also one who thought that this was done as a
+reproach to the abbot, who, it was said, was desirous of confusing and
+mingling together our and his possessions and rents, insomuch as he
+had seized the cellarership into his own hands. The abbot, however,
+hearing the unwonted noise of the bells, and well knowing and
+observing that it was done against all usage, discreetly ignored the
+reason of its being done, and solemnly chanted the mass.</p>
+
+<p>Indeed, on the next Michaelmas day, desiring to appease the
+murmurings of certain persons, he appointed him who had been formerly
+sub-cellarer to be cellarer, and he ordered some other man to be named
+sub-cellarer; the aforesaid clerk, nevertheless, remaining with them,
+and managing all things as before. But when that clerk began to exceed
+the bounds of temperance, saying, "I am Bu," meaning the cellarer,
+when he had exceeded the bounds of temperance in drinking, and without
+the knowledge of the abbot was holding the court of the cellarer,
+taking gages and pledges, and receiving the annual rents, disbursing
+them by his own <span class="pagenum"><a name="page_137"
+id="page_137">{137}</a></span> hand, he was called by the people the chief
+cellarer.</p>
+
+<p>It was his habit to stroll about the court followed by a crowd of
+debtors, rich and poor, and of suitors of all ranks preferring various
+complaints, as if he were the master and high steward. On one such
+occasion, one of our officers happened to be standing in the court,
+and, upon seeing this, for confusion and shame, he wept outright,
+considering that this was a disgrace to our church, pondering upon the
+peril consequent thereon, and realizing that a clerk was preferred to
+a monk, to the prejudice of the whole convent.</p>
+
+<p>Therefore some one, who shall be nameless, undertook, through a
+third party, that these things should be intimated to the abbot in a
+proper and reasonable manner; and he was given to understand that this
+species of arrogance in the clerk, which was committed to the disgrace
+and dishonour of the society, was very likely to breed a great
+disturbance and dissension in the convent. The abbot certainly did,
+when he heard of this, forthwith summon the cellarer and the aforesaid
+clerk before him, and gave orders that thenceforth the cellarer should
+consider himself as cellarer in receiving moneys, in holding pleas,
+and in all other things, <span class="pagenum"><a name="page_138"
+id="page_138">{138}</a></span> save that the aforesaid clerk should assist
+him, not as an equal, but as a witness and adviser.</p>
+
+<p>Hamo Blund, one of the wealthier men of this town, on his death-bed
+could hardly be persuaded to make a will. At last he did, but disposed
+of only three marks, and this in the hearing of no one, except his
+brother, wife and chaplain. The abbot, ascertaining this after the
+man's decease, called those three persons before him, and sharply
+rebuked them, especially upon this point, that the brother (who was
+his heir) and his wife would not suffer any one else to approach the
+sick man, they desiring to take all. The abbot said in audience, "I
+was his bishop, and had the charge of his soul; let not the folly of
+his priest and confessor turn to my peril. Insomuch as I could not
+advise the sick man when alive, I being absent, what concerns my
+conscience I shall now perform, late though it be. I therefore command
+that all his debts and his moveable chattels, which are worth, as it
+is said, two hundred marks, be reduced into a writing, and that one
+portion be given to the heir, and another to the wife, and the third
+to his poor kinsfolk and other poor persons. As to the horse which was
+led before the coffin of the deceased, and was offered to St. Edmund,
+I order <span class="pagenum"><a name="page_139"
+id="page_139">{139}</a></span> that it be sent back and returned; for it
+does not beseem our church to be defiled with the gift of him who died
+intestate, and whom common report accuses of being habitually wont to
+put out his money to interest. By the face of God, if such a thing
+came to pass of any one again in my days, he shall not be buried in
+the churchyard!" On his saying these things, the others departed
+greatly disconcerted.</p>
+
+<p>On the morrow of the Nativity of our Lord, there took place in the
+churchyard meetings, wrestlings, and matches, between the servants of
+the abbot and the burgesses of the town; and from words they came to
+blows, from cuffs to wounds and to the shedding of blood. The abbot,
+hearing of this, called to him privately certain of those who were
+present at the sight, but yet stood afar off, and ordered that the
+names of the evil-doers should be set down in writing. All these he
+caused to be summoned, that they should stand before him on the morrow
+of St. Thomas the archbishop, in the chapel of St. Denis, to answer
+therefor. Nor did he, in the meantime, invite to his own table any one
+of the burgesses, as he had been wont to do, on the first five days of
+Christmas.</p>
+
+<p>On the day appointed, having taken the oaths from sixteen lawful
+men, and having heard their evidence, <span class="pagenum"><a
+name="page_140" id="page_140">{140}</a></span> the abbot said, "It is
+manifest that these evil-doers have incurred the penalties of the
+canon <i>latæ sententiæ</i>; but because both parties are laymen, and
+do not understand what a crime it is to commit such a sacrilege as
+this, I shall by name and publicly excommunicate them, in order that
+others may be deterred from doing the like: and that in no wise there
+be any diminution of justice, I shall first begin with my own
+domestics and servants." And it was done accordingly, we putting on
+our robes and lighting the candles. So they all went forth from the
+church, and being advised so to do, they all stripped themselves, and
+altogether naked, except their drawers, they prostrated themselves
+before the door of the church.</p>
+
+<p>When the assessors of the abbot had come, monks as well as clerks,
+and informed him, with tears in their eyes, that more than a hundred
+men were lying down thus naked, the abbot wept. Nevertheless, making a
+show of legal severity both in word and countenance and concealing the
+pity he felt, he desired to be persuaded by his counsellors that the
+penitents should be absolved, knowing that mercy is exalted over
+judgment, and that the church receives all penitents. Thereupon, they
+being all sharply whipped and absolved, they <span class="pagenum"><a
+name="page_141" id="page_141">{141}</a></span> swore all of them that they
+would abide by the judgment of the church for sacrilege committed.</p>
+
+<p>On the morrow, penance was assigned to them, according to the
+appointment of the canons; and thus the abbot restored all of them to
+unity of concord, uttering terrible threats to all those who by word
+or deed should furnish matter of discord.</p>
+
+<p>Further, he publicly forbade meetings and shows to be had in the
+churchyard; and so all things being brought to a state of peace, the
+burgesses feasted on the following days with their lord the abbot,
+with great joy.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_142" id="page_142">{142}</a></span><br /></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2>CHAPTER XII<br />
+<span class="smcap">the cares of office</span></h2>
+
+
+<p class="nodent"><span class="dropcap">A</span> COMMISSION of our
+lord the Pope had been directed to Hubert, Archbishop of Canterbury,
+and to the lord Bishop of Lincoln, and to Samson, Abbot of St. Edmund,
+touching the reformation of the church of Coventry, and the
+restoration of the monks thereto, without any revision of their case.
+The parties being summoned to Oxford, the judges received letters of
+request from our lord the King, that this business should be
+respited.</p>
+
+<p>The archbishop and the bishop, seeming to know nothing, were
+silent, as if seeking the favour of the clerks. The abbot was the only
+one who spoke out, and he did so as a monk for the monks of Coventry,
+publicly advocating and defending their cause. And by his means it was
+so far proceeded with on that day, that a certain simple seisin was
+made to one of the monks of Coventry by delivery of one book. <span
+class="pagenum"><a name="page_143" id="page_143">{143}</a></span> But
+corporate institution was deferred for a time, that so in some degree
+the abbot might obey the request of our lord the King.</p>
+
+<p>At that time he entertained in his inn fourteen monks of Coventry
+who had appeared there; and when the monks were sitting at the table
+on one side of the house, and the masters of the schools who had been
+summoned thither on the other, the abbot was applauded as noble and
+liberal in his expenses. Never in all his life did he seem so joyful
+as at that time, for the reverence he bore towards reform of monastic
+rule. The feast of St. Hilary being now at hand, the abbot journeyed
+on to Coventry in high spirits, neither was he overcome by fatigue or
+charges, for he said, that even if he had to be carried in a
+horse-litter, he would not remain behind. On his arrival at Coventry,
+where for five days he was waiting for the archbishop, he kept with
+him all the afore-named monks, with their servants, in most honourable
+fashion, until a new prior was created, and the monks had been
+formally inducted. "He that hath ears to hear, let him hear," for it
+is an act worthy to be had in remembrance.</p>
+
+<p>After this the abbot Samson and Robert of Scales came to an
+agreement concerning the moiety of <span class="pagenum"><a
+name="page_144" id="page_144">{144}</a></span> the advowson of the church
+of Wetherden, and the same Robert acknowledged it to be the right of
+St. Edmund and the abbot. Thereupon the abbot, without any previous
+understanding taking place, and without any promise previously made,
+gave that moiety which belonged to him to Master Roger of Scales,
+brother of the same knight, upon this condition, that he should pay by
+the hand of our sacrist an annual pension of three marks to that
+master of the schools who should teach in the town of St. Edmund. This
+the abbot did, being induced thereto by motives of remarkable
+generosity; in order that as he had formerly purchased stone houses
+for the use of the schools, that poor clerks should be free from house
+rent, so now from thenceforth they might be freed from all demand of
+moneys which the master of the school demanded by custom for his
+teaching. And so, by God's will, and during the abbot's life, the
+entire moiety of the aforesaid church, which is worth, as it is said,
+one hundred shillings, was appropriated to such purposes.</p>
+
+<p>Now the abbot, after that he had built in his vills throughout the
+abbacy many and various edifices, and had taken up his quarters at his
+manor houses oftener and more frequently than with us at home, at
+length, <span class="pagenum"><a name="page_145"
+id="page_145">{145}</a></span> as if returning to himself, and as if
+making good better, said that he would stay more at home than he had
+been used to do; and would now erect some buildings within the court
+for necessary purposes, having regard to internals and externals, and
+as if he was aware that "the presence of the master is the profit of
+the field." Therefore he gave directions that the stables and offices
+in the court lodge and round about the same, formerly covered with
+reeds, should be newly roofed, and covered with tiles, under the
+supervision of Hugh the sacrist, so that thus all fear and risk of
+fire might be prevented.</p>
+
+<p>And now, behold the acceptable time, the day of desire, whereof I
+write not but with great joy, myself having the care of the guests.
+Lo! at the command of the abbot the court lodge resounds with spades
+and masons' tools, for pulling down the guest-house; and now it is
+almost all levelled. Of the rebuilding, let the Most High take
+thought! The abbot built for himself a new larder in the court lodge,
+and gave to the convent the old larder (which was situated, in a very
+slovenly fashion, under the dorter) for the accommodation of the
+chamberlain. The chapels of St. Andrew and St. Katherine and St. Faith
+were newly covered with lead; <span class="pagenum"><a name="page_146"
+id="page_146">{146}</a></span> many repairs were also made, both inside
+the church and without. If you do not believe, open your eyes and see.
+Also in his time our almonry, which previously was of wood and out of
+repair, was built in stone; whereto a certain brother of ours, Walter
+the physician, at that time almoner, contributed much of what he had
+acquired by his practice of physic.</p>
+
+<p>The abbot also observing that the silver retable of the high altar,
+and many other precious ornaments, had been alienated for the purpose
+of the recovery of Mildenhall and the ransom of King Richard, was not
+desirous of replacing that table or such-like matters, which upon a
+similar occasion were liable to be torn away and misappropriated. He
+therefore turned his attention to the making of a most valuable
+cresting for the shrine of the glorious martyr Edmund, that his
+ornament might be set in a place whence it could by no possibility be
+abstracted, and whereon no human being would dare to put forth his
+hand.</p>
+
+<p>For indeed, when King Richard was captive in Germany, there was no
+treasure in England that had not either to be given up or redeemed;
+yet the shrine of St. Edmund remained untouched. However, the question
+was raised before the justices of the <span class="pagenum"><a
+name="page_147" id="page_147">{147}</a></span> exchequer, whether the
+shrine of St. Edmund should not, at least in part, be stripped for the
+ransom of King Richard. But the abbot standing up, answered, "Know ye
+of a surety, that this never shall be done by me, nor is there a man
+who can compel me to consent to it. But I will open the doors of the
+church: let him enter who will, let him approach who dare." Each of
+the justices replied with oaths, "I will not venture to approach it."
+"Nor will I." "St. Edmund grievously punishes those who are far off as
+well as those who are near at hand; how much more will he inflict
+vengeance upon those who take away his vesture!"</p>
+
+<p>Upon this neither was the shrine despoiled, nor redemption paid.
+Therefore passing by other things, the abbot carefully and advisedly
+turned his mind towards the making of a cresting for the shrine. And
+now the plates of gold and silver resound between the hammer and the
+anvil, and "the carpenters wield their tools."</p>
+
+<p>Adam of Cockfield dying, left for his heir a daughter of three
+months old; and the abbot gave the wardship of his fee to whom he
+would. Now King Richard, being solicited by some of his courtiers,
+anxiously sought for the wardship and the <span class="pagenum"><a
+name="page_148" id="page_148">{148}</a></span> child for the benefit of
+one of his servants; at one time by letters, at another time by
+messengers.</p>
+
+<p>But the abbot answered that he had given the ward away, and had
+confirmed his gift by his charter. Sending his own messenger to the
+King, he did all he could, by entreaty and good offices, to mitigate
+his wrath. And the King made answer, with great indignation, that he
+would avenge himself upon that proud abbot who had thwarted him, were
+it not for reverence of St. Edmund, whom he feared. When the messenger
+returned, the abbot very wisely passed over the King's threats without
+notice, and said, "Let the King send, if he will, and seize the ward;
+he has the strength and power of doing his will, indeed of taking away
+the whole of the abbacy. I shall never be bent to his will in this
+matter, nor by me shall this ever be done. For the thing that is most
+to be apprehended is, lest such things be made a precedent to the
+prejudice of my successors. On this business I will never give the
+King money. Let the Most High look to it. Whatever may befall, I will
+patiently bear."</p>
+
+<p>Whilst, therefore, many were saying and believing that the King was
+exasperated against the abbot, lo! the King wrote in a friendly way to
+the abbot, and requested that he would give him some of his dogs.
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_149" id="page_149">{149}</a></span> The
+abbot, not unmindful of that saying of the wise man&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem">
+<span class="i0">Gifts, believe me, influence both men and gods,</span>
+<span class="i2">By the offer of gifts Jove himself is appeased&mdash;</span>
+</div>
+
+<p class="nodent">sent the dogs as the King requested, and moreover,
+added some horses and other valuable gifts. The King graciously
+accepted them, and in public most highly commended the honesty and
+fidelity of the abbot.</p>
+
+<p>He also sent to the abbot by his messengers, as a token of intimacy
+and affection, a ring of great price, which our lord the Pope,
+Innocent the Third, of his great grace had given him, being indeed the
+very first gift that had been offered after his consecration. Also, by
+his writ, the King rendered him many thanks for the presents the abbot
+had sent him.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_150" id="page_150">{150}</a></span><br /></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2>CHAPTER XIII<br />
+<span class="smcap">the customs of the township</span></h2>
+
+
+<p class="nodent"><span class="dropcap">M</span>ANY persons marvelled
+at the changes in the customs that took place by the order or
+permission of the lord abbot Samson. From the time when the town of
+St. Edmund received the name and liberty of a borough, the men of
+every house used to give to the cellarer one penny in the beginning of
+August, to reap our corn, which annual payment was called rep-silver.
+Before the town became free, all of them used to reap as serfs; the
+dwellings of knights and chaplains, and of the servants of the court
+lodge being alone exempt from this payment. In process of time, the
+cellarer spared certain of the most wealthy of the town, demanding
+nothing from them. The other burgesses, seeing this, used openly to
+say that no one who had a dwelling house of his own was liable to pay
+this penny, but only those who rented houses from others.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_151" id="page_151">{151}</a></span>
+Afterwards, they all in common sought this exemption, conferring
+thereon with the lord abbot, and offering an annual rent as a
+composition of this demand. The abbot, indeed, considering the
+undignified way in which the cellarer used to go through the town to
+collect rep-silver, and the manner in which he used to take distresses
+in the houses of the poor, sometimes taking trivets, sometimes doors,
+and sometimes other utensils, and how the old women came out with
+their distaffs, threatening and abusing the cellarer and his men,
+ordered that twenty shillings should be given every year to the
+cellarer at the next portman-moot, at the hand of the bailiff before
+August, by the burgesses, who were to pay the rent to discharge this.
+And it was done accordingly, and confirmed by our charter, there being
+given to them another quittance from a certain customary payment,
+which is called sorpeni, in consideration of four shillings, payable
+at the same term. For the cellarer was accustomed to receive one penny
+by the year for every cow belonging to the men of the town for their
+dung and pasture (unless perchance they happened to be the cows of the
+chaplains or of the servants at the court lodge). These cows he used
+to impound, and had great trouble in the matter.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_152" id="page_152">{152}</a></span>
+Afterwards, indeed, when the abbot made mention of this in the
+chapter, the convent was very angry, and took it in ill part, so much
+so that Benedict the sub-prior in the chapter, answering for all,
+said, "That man, abbot Ording, who lies there, would not have done
+such a thing for five hundred marks of silver." The abbot, although he
+himself felt angry, put off the matter for a time.</p>
+
+<p>There arose also a great contention between Roger the cellarer and
+Hugh the sacrist concerning the appurtenances of their offices, so
+that the sacrist would not lend to the cellarer the prison of the town
+for the purpose of detaining therein the thieves who were taken in the
+cellarer's jurisdiction. The cellarer was thereby oftentimes harassed,
+and because the thieves escaped he was reprimanded for default of
+justice.</p>
+
+<p>Now it came to pass that one holding as a free tenant of the
+cellarer, dwelling without the gate, by name Ketel, was charged with
+theft, and being vanquished in a trial by battle, was hanged. The
+convent was grieved by the offensive words of the burgesses, who said
+that if that man had only dwelt within the borough, it would not have
+come to the ordeal, but that he would have acquitted himself by the
+oaths of his neighbours, as is the privilege of those who dwell <span
+class="pagenum"><a name="page_153" id="page_153">{153}</a></span> within the
+borough. Therefore the abbot and the more reasonable part of the
+convent seeing this, and bearing in mind that the men without the
+borough as well as those within are ours, and ought all of them in
+like manner to enjoy the same liberty within the jurisdiction, except
+the villeins of Hardwick and their like, deliberately took thought
+with themselves how this could be done.</p>
+
+<p>Thereupon the abbot, being desirous of limiting the offices of the
+sacristy and the cellary by certain articles, and of quieting all
+contentions, commanded, as if taking the part of the sacrist, that the
+servants of the town bailiff and the servants of the cellarer should
+together enter upon the fee of the cellarer for the purpose of seizing
+thieves and malefactors, and that the bailiff should have half the
+profit for their imprisonment and safe keeping and for his pains
+therein; and that the court of the cellarer should go to the
+portman-moot, and judge the prisoners in common. It was also ordered
+that the men of the cellarer should come to the toll-house with the
+others, and there renew their pledges, and should be inscribed upon
+the bailiff's roll, and should there give the bailiff that penny which
+is called borth-selver, whereof the cellarer was to have one half
+part; but <span class="pagenum"><a name="page_154"
+id="page_154">{154}</a></span> at this time the cellarer receives nothing
+at all from this. The intent of all this was, that every one should
+enjoy equal privilege. Nevertheless, the burgesses at this time say,
+that the dwellers in the outskirts ought not to be quit of toll in
+market, unless they belong to the merchant's guild. Moreover, the
+bailiff (the abbot conniving at the matter) now claims for himself the
+fines and forfeitures accruing from the fee of the cellarer.</p>
+
+<p>The ancient customs of the cellarer, which we have seen, were
+these: The cellarer had his messuage and barns near Scurun's well, at
+which place he was accustomed to exercise his jurisdiction upon
+robbers, and hold his court for all pleas and plaints. Also at that
+place he was accustomed to put his men in pledge, and to enroll them
+and to renew their pledges every year, and to take such profit
+therefor as the bailiff of the town was to take at the portman-moot.
+This messuage, with the adjacent garden, now in the occupation of the
+infirmarer, was the mansion of Beodric, who was of old time the lord
+of this town, and after whom also the town came to be called
+Beodricsworth. His demesne lands are now in the demesne of the
+cellarer, and that which is now called averland was the land <span
+class="pagenum"><a name="page_155" id="page_155">{155}</a></span> of his
+rustics. And the total amount of the holding of himself and his churls
+was thirty times thirty acres of land, which are still the fields of
+this town.</p>
+
+<p>The service thereof, when the town was made free, was divided into
+two parts, so that the sacrist or town bailiff was to receive a free
+annual payment, namely, for each acre twopence. The cellarer was to
+have the ploughings and other services, namely, the ploughing of one
+rood for each acre, without meals (which custom is still observed),
+and was to have the folds wherein all the men of the town, except the
+steward, who has his own fold, are bound to put their sheep (which
+custom also is still observed); and was to have aver-peni, namely, for
+each thirty acres twopence (which custom was done away with before the
+decease of abbot Hugh, when Gilbert of Elveden was cellarer).</p>
+
+<p>Furthermore, the men of the town were wont upon the order of the
+cellarer to go to Lakenheath, and bring back a day's catch of eels
+from Southrey. They often, indeed, used to return empty-handed, so
+they had their trouble without any profit to the cellarer. It was
+therefore settled between them that each thirty acres, from
+thenceforth, should pay one penny by the <span class="pagenum"><a
+name="page_156" id="page_156">{156}</a></span> year, and the men were to
+remain at home. But, in fact, at this time, those lands are subdivided
+into so many parts, that it can hardly be ascertained by whom that
+annual payment is to be made; so that I have seen the cellarer, in one
+year, receive twenty-seven pence, but now he can hardly get tenpence
+halfpenny.</p>
+
+<p>The cellarer was also wont to exercise authority over the ways
+without the town, so that it was not lawful for any one to dig for
+chalk or clay without his licence. He also was accustomed to summon
+the fullers of the town, that they should furnish cloth for his salt.
+Otherwise he would prohibit them the use of the waters, and would
+seize the webs he found there; which customs are still observed. Also,
+whosoever bought corn, or indeed anything from the cellarer, was
+accustomed to be quit from toll at the gate of the town when he went
+homewards, wherefore the cellarer sold his produce dearer; which usage
+is still observed. Also, the cellarer is accustomed to take toll of
+flax at the time of its carrying, namely, one truss from each load.
+Also, the cellarer alone ought, or at least used to have, a free bull
+in the fields of the town; now many persons have bulls.</p>
+
+<p>Also, when any one surrendered his burgage land in <span
+class="pagenum"><a name="page_157" id="page_157">{157}</a></span> alms to the
+convent, and this was assigned to the cellarer, or other official,
+that land used, thenceforth, to be quit of haggovele, and most
+especially so to the cellarer, on account of the dignity of his
+office, for he is the second father in the monastery, or even as a
+matter of reverence to the convent, for the estate of those who
+procure our provisions ought to be favourable. But the abbot says that
+usage is unjust, because the sacrist loses his service. Further, the
+cellarer was accustomed to warrant to the servants of the court lodge,
+that they should be quit of scot and tallage; but now it is not so,
+for the burgesses say that the servants of the court lodge ought to be
+quit only so far as they are servants, but not when they hold burgage
+in the town, and when they or their wives publicly buy and sell in the
+market.</p>
+
+<p>Also, the cellarer was used freely to take all the dunghills in the
+street, for his own use, unless it were before the doors of those who
+were holding averland; for to them only was it allowable to collect
+dung, and to keep it. This custom gradually lapsed in the time of
+abbot Hugh until Dennis and Roger of Hingham became cellarers. Being
+desirous of reviving the ancient custom, they took the cars of the
+burgesses laden with dung, and made them unload; but a <span
+class="pagenum"><a name="page_158" id="page_158">{158}</a></span> multitude
+of the burgesses resisting, and being too strong for them, every one
+in his own tenement now collects his dung in a heap, and the poor sell
+theirs when and to whom they choose.</p>
+
+<p>The cellarer was also wont to have this privilege in the market of
+this town, that he and his purveyors should have pre-emption of all
+the provisions for the use of the convent, if the abbot were not at
+home. Also, that the purveyors of the abbot, or cellarer, whichever of
+them first came into the market, should buy first, either the latter
+without the former, or the former without the latter. But if both were
+present, then preference was to be given to the abbot. Also, in the
+season when herrings were sold, the purveyors of the abbot should
+always buy a hundred herrings at a halfpenny less than other people,
+and likewise the cellarer and his purveyors. Also, if a load of fish
+or other provisions should come first into the court lodge, or into
+the market, and that load should not have been discharged from the
+horse or from the cart, the cellarer or his purveyors might buy the
+whole and take it home with them without paying toll. But the abbot
+Samson commanded his purveyors that they should give preference to the
+cellarer and his men, because, as he himself said, he had much <span
+class="pagenum"><a name="page_159" id="page_159">{159}</a></span> rather
+himself go without than his convent. Therefore the purveyors, "in
+honour preferring one another," if they find there is any one thing to
+be bought which is not enough for both parties, buy it between them,
+and divide it, share and share alike, and so between the head and the
+members, and the father and the sons, there remains an agreement in
+disagreement.</p>
+
+<p>The poet has said, "Envy aims at the highest," and it is for this
+reason that I repeat these words, that when some one was perusing this
+narrative, and while he was reading of so many good acts, he called me
+a flatterer of the abbot, and a seeker of favour and grace, saying
+that I had silently suppressed some things which ought not to have
+been passed by.</p>
+
+<p>When I inquired which and what sort of acts they might be, he
+answered, "Do you not see how the abbot grants away, at his own good
+pleasure, the escheats of land belonging to the demesnes of the
+convent, and the female heirs of lands, and the widows, as well within
+the town of St. Edmund as without? Also, do you not see how the abbot
+draws to himself the plaints and pleas of those who demand by the
+King's writ lands which are of the fee of the <span class="pagenum"><a
+name="page_160" id="page_160">{160}</a></span> convent, and especially
+those plaints from which profit arises; and those from which no gain
+ensues, he turns over to the cellarer or sacrist, or other officials?"
+Whereto I answered, as I believe the fact to be, perhaps rightly,
+perhaps wrongly, and said that every lord of a fee whereto there is
+homage, ought by right to have an escheat whenever it shall have
+fallen within the fee in respect whereof he has received homage. By
+parity of reason, there is due to him general aid of the burgesses,
+and also the wardships of boys, and the gifts of widows and girls, in
+those fees in respect whereof he has received homage; for all these
+things seem to belong to the abbot alone, unless by chance the abbey
+shall be vacant.</p>
+
+<p>Moreover, in the town of St. Edmund a special custom has place, by
+reason of its being a borough, that the next in blood shall have the
+wardship of a boy with an inheritance, until the years of discretion.
+Furthermore, I thus answered him concerning the plaints and pleas,
+that I had never seen the abbot usurp jurisdiction that belonged to
+us, unless in default of our administering justice; but nevertheless,
+he had on some occasions taken money, in order that by the
+intervention of his authority plaints and pleas <span class="pagenum"><a
+name="page_161" id="page_161">{161}</a></span> should attain their final
+determination. Also, I have sometimes seen pleas which belonged to us
+decided in the court of the abbot, because there was not any in the
+commencement of the suit who would, on the part of the convent, assert
+jurisdiction.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_162" id="page_162">{162}</a></span><br /></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2>CHAPTER XIV<br />
+<span class="smcap">the shrine of st. edmund</span></h2>
+
+
+<p class="nodent"><span class="dropcap">I</span>N the year of grace
+one thousand one hundred and ninety-eight, the glorious martyr Edmund
+was pleased to strike terror into our convent, and to instruct us that
+his body should be kept more reverently and diligently than it had
+hitherto been.</p>
+
+<p>There was a wooden platform between the shrine and the high altar,
+whereon stood two tapers, which the keepers of the shrine used to
+renew and stick together, by placing one candle upon the stump of
+another in a slovenly manner. Under this platform there were many
+things irreverently huddled together, such as flax and thread and wax,
+and various utensils. In fact, whatever was used by the keepers of the
+shrine was put there, for there was a door with iron gratings.</p>
+
+<p>Now, when these keepers of the shrine were fast asleep, on the
+night of St. Etheldreda, part of <span class="pagenum"><a name="page_163"
+id="page_163">{163}</a></span> a candle that had been renewed, and was
+still burning, fell, as we conjecture, upon the aforesaid platform
+covered with rags. Consequently, all that was near, above or below,
+began to burn rapidly, so much so that the iron gratings were at a
+white heat. And lo! the wrath of the Lord was kindled, but not without
+mercy, according to that saying, "In wrath remember mercy"; for just
+then the clock struck before the hour of matins, and the master of the
+vestry getting up, observed and noticed the fire. He ran at once, and,
+striking the gong as if for a dead person, cried at the top of his
+voice that the shrine was consumed by fire.</p>
+
+<p>We then, all running thither, found the fire raging wonderfully,
+and encircling the whole shrine, and almost reaching the woodwork of
+the church. Our young men, running for water, some to the well, some
+to the clock, some with their hoods, not without great labour,
+extinguished the force of the fire, and also stripped some of the
+altars upon the first alarm. And when cold water was poured upon the
+front of the shrine, the stones fell, and were reduced almost to
+powder. Moreover, the nails by which the plates of silver were affixed
+to the shrine started from the wood, which had been burnt underneath
+to <span class="pagenum"><a name="page_164" id="page_164">{164}</a></span>
+the thickness of my finger, and the plates of silver were left
+dangling one from the other without nails. However, the golden image
+of the Majesty in front of the shrine, together with some of the
+stonework, remained firm and untouched, and brighter after the fire
+than it was before, for it was all of gold.</p>
+
+<p>It so happened, by the will of the Highest, that at that time the
+great beam which used to be over the altar had been removed, in order
+to be adorned with new carving. It also happened that the cross, the
+small image of St. Mary and St. John, the chest with the shirt of St.
+Edmund, and the reliquaries and other shrines which used to hang from
+the same beam, and other holy things which also stood upon the beam,
+had every one of them been previously taken away. Otherwise all these
+would have been burnt, as we believe, even as a painted cloth was
+burnt which hung in the place of this beam. But what would it have
+been had the church been curtained?</p>
+
+<p>When, therefore, we had assured ourselves that the fire had in no
+place penetrated the shrine, by carefully inspecting the chinks and
+crannies, if there were any, and had perceived that all was cold, our
+grief in a great measure abated: but all at once some of our brethren
+cried out with a great wailing, that the <span class="pagenum"><a
+name="page_165" id="page_165">{165}</a></span> cup of St. Edmund had been
+burnt. When many of us were searching here and there for the stones
+and plates among the coals and cinders, they drew forth the cup
+entirely uninjured, lying in the middle of the great charred timbers,
+which were then put out, and found the same wrapped up in a linen
+cloth, half burnt. But the oaken box in which the cup was usually
+placed had been burnt to ashes, and only the iron bands and iron lock
+were found. When we saw this miracle, we all wept for joy.</p>
+
+<p>Now, as we observed that the greater part of the front of the
+shrine was stripped off, and abhorring the disgraceful circumstances
+of the fire, after a general consultation we sent for a goldsmith, and
+caused the metal plates to be joined together and fixed to the shrine
+without the least delay, to avoid the scandal of the matter. We also
+caused all traces of the fire to be covered over with wax or in some
+other way. But the Evangelist testifies that "there is nothing covered
+which shall not be revealed": for some pilgrims came very early in the
+morning to make their offerings, who could have perceived nothing of
+the sort. Nevertheless, certain of them, peering about, inquired where
+was the fire that they had just heard had been about the shrine. <span
+class="pagenum"><a name="page_166" id="page_166">{166}</a></span> And since
+it could not be entirely concealed, it was answered to these inquirers
+that a candle had fallen down and that three napkins had been burnt,
+and that by the heat of the fire some of the stonework in front of the
+shrine had been destroyed. Yet for all this there went forth a lying
+rumour, that the head of the saint had been burnt. Some indeed
+contented themselves with saying that the hair only was singed; but
+afterwards, the truth being known, "the mouth of them that spake lies
+was stopped."</p>
+
+<p>All these things came to pass by God's providence, in order that
+the places round about the shrine of His saint should be more decently
+kept, and that the purpose of the lord abbot should be sooner and
+without delay carried into execution; which was, that the shrine
+itself, together with the body of the holy martyr, should be placed
+with greater security, and with more pomp, in a more dignified
+position. For before this aforesaid mishap occurred, the cresting of
+the shrine was half finished, and the marble blocks whereon the shrine
+was to be elevated and was to rest, were for the most part ready and
+polished.</p>
+
+<p>The abbot, who at this time was absent, was exceedingly grieved at
+these reports; and he on his return home, going into the
+chapter-house, declared <span class="pagenum"><a name="page_167"
+id="page_167">{167}</a></span> that these and the like, nay, much greater
+perils might befall us for our sins, more especially for our grumbling
+about our meat and drink; in a certain measure turning the blame upon
+the whole body of the convent, rather than upon the avarice and
+carelessness of the keepers of the shrine. To the intent that he might
+induce us to abstain from our pittances for at least one year, and to
+apply, for at least a year, the rents of the pittancy, for the purpose
+of repairing the front of the shrine with pure gold, he himself first
+showed us an example of liberality by giving all the treasure of gold
+he possessed, namely, fifteen golden rings, worth, as it was believed,
+sixty marks, in our presence, towards the reparation of the
+shrine.</p>
+
+<p>We, on the other hand, all agreed to give our pittancy for such
+purpose; but our resolution was afterwards altered, by the sacrist
+saying that St. Edmund could very well repair his shrine without such
+assistance.</p>
+
+<p>At this time there came a man of great account, but who he was I
+know not, that related to the abbot a vision he had seen, whereat he
+himself was much moved. Indeed, he related the same in full chapter,
+with a very bitter speech. "It is indeed true," he <span
+class="pagenum"><a name="page_168" id="page_168">{168}</a></span> said, "that
+a certain great man has seen a vision, to wit, that he saw the holy
+martyr St. Edmund lie outside his shrine, and with groans say that he
+was despoiled of his clothes, and was wasted away by hunger and
+thirst; and that his churchyard and the courts of his church were
+negligently kept."</p>
+
+<p>This dream the abbot expounded to us all publicly, laying the blame
+upon us, in this fashion: "St. Edmund alleges that he is naked,
+because you defraud the naked poor of your old clothes, and because
+you give with reluctance what you are bound to give them, and it is
+the same with your meat and drink. Moreover, the idleness and
+negligence of the sacrist and his associates, are apparent from the
+recent misfortune by fire which has taken place between the shrine and
+the altar." On hearing this the convent was very sorrowful; and after
+chapter several of the brethren met together, and interpreted the
+dream after this fashion: "We," said they, "are the naked members of
+St. Edmund, and the convent is his naked body; for we are despoiled of
+our ancient customs and privileges. The abbot has everything, the
+chamberlainship, the sacristy, the cellary; while we perish of hunger
+and thirst, because we have not our victuals, save by the clerk of the
+abbot and by his <span class="pagenum"><a name="page_169"
+id="page_169">{169}</a></span> ministration. If the keepers of the shrine
+have been negligent, let the abbot lay it to his own charge, for it
+was he who appointed such careless fellows."</p>
+
+<p>In such wise spoke many in the convent. But when this
+interpretation of the dream was communicated to the abbot, in the
+forest of Harlow, on his way from London, he was very wroth, and was
+troubled in mind, and made answer: "They will wrest that dream against
+me, will they? By the face of God! so soon as I reach home I will
+restore to them the customs that they say are theirs. I will withdraw
+my clerk from the cellary, and will leave them to themselves; and I
+shall see the fruits of their wisdom at the end of the year. This year
+I have been residing at home, and I have caused their cellary to be
+managed without incurring debt; and this is the way in which they
+render me thanks."</p>
+
+<p>On the abbot's return home, having it in purpose to translate the
+blessed martyr, he humbled himself before God and man, meditating
+within himself how he might reform himself, and make himself at peace
+with all men, especially with his own convent. Therefore, sitting in
+chapter, he commanded that a cellarer and sub-cellarer should be
+chosen by our common assent, and withdrew his own clerk, saying, <span
+class="pagenum"><a name="page_170" id="page_170">{170}</a></span> that
+whatsoever he had done he had done it for our advantage, as he called
+God and his saints to witness, and justified himself in various
+ways.</p>
+
+<p>"Hear, O Heaven!" the things that I speak; "give ear, O earth!" to
+what Abbot Samson did. The feast of St. Edmund now approaching, the
+marble blocks were polished, and everything made ready for the
+elevation of the shrine. The feast day having therefore been kept on a
+Friday, a three days' fast was proclaimed on the following Sunday to
+the people, and the occasion of the fast was publicly explained. The
+abbot also announced to the convent that they should prepare
+themselves for transferring the shrine, and placing it upon the high
+altar, until the masons' work was finished; and he appointed the time
+and the manner for doing this work.</p>
+
+<p>When we had that night come to matins, there stood the great shrine
+upon the altar, empty within, adorned with white doeskins above,
+below, and round about, which were fixed to the wood by silver nails;
+but one panel stood below, by a column of the church, and the sacred
+body still lay in its accustomed place. Lauds having been sung, we all
+proceeded to take our disciplines. This being performed, the <span
+class="pagenum"><a name="page_171" id="page_171">{171}</a></span> lord abbot
+and those with him vested themselves in albs; and approaching
+reverently, as it was fit they should, they hastened to uncover the
+coffin.</p>
+
+<p>First there was an outer cloth of linen, overwrapping the coffin
+and all. This was found tied on the upper side with strings of its
+own. Within this was a cloth of silk, and then another linen cloth,
+and then a third. And so at last the coffin was uncovered, standing
+upon a tray of wood, that the bottom of it might not be injured by the
+stone.</p>
+
+<p>Affixed to the outside, over the breast of the martyr, lay an angel
+of gold, about the length of a man's foot, holding in one hand a
+golden sword and in the other a banner. Underneath it, there was a
+hole in the lid of the coffin, where the ancient custodians of the
+martyr had been wont to lay their hands, for the purpose of touching
+the sacred body. And over the figure of the angel was this verse
+inscribed:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Martiris ecce zoma servat Michaelis agalma."</p>
+
+<p>("<i>Behold the martyr's body St. Michael's image keeps.</i>")</p>
+
+<p>At the two heads of the coffin were iron rings, as there used to be
+on Danish chests.</p>
+
+<p>So, raising up the coffin with the body, they carried it to the
+altar, and I lent thereto my sinful hand to help in carrying it,
+although the abbot had <span class="pagenum"><a name="page_172"
+id="page_172">{172}</a></span> strictly commanded that no one should
+approach unless he was called. The coffin was placed within the
+shrine, and the panel was put thereon and fastened down.</p>
+
+<p>Now we all began to think that the abbot would exhibit the coffin
+to the people on the octave of the feast, and would replace the sacred
+body before all of us. But we were sadly deceived, as the sequel will
+show; for on Wednesday, while the convent was singing compline, the
+abbot spoke with the sacrist and Walter the physician, and it was
+resolved that twelve brethren should be appointed who were strong
+enough to carry the panels of the shrine, and skilful in fixing and
+unfixing them.</p>
+
+<p>The abbot then said that it had been the object of his prayers to
+see his patron saint, and that he wished to join with him the sacrist
+and Walter the physician when he looked upon him; and there were also
+nominated the abbot's two chaplains, the two keepers of the shrine,
+and the two keepers of the vestry, with six others, Hugh the sacrist,
+Walter the physician, Augustine, William of Diss, Robert and Richard.
+The convent being all asleep, these twelve vested themselves in albs,
+and drawing the coffin out of the shrine, carried and placed it upon a
+table near <span class="pagenum"><a name="page_173"
+id="page_173">{173}</a></span> where the shrine used to be, and commenced
+unfastening the lid, which was joined and fixed to the coffin with
+sixteen very long iron nails. When, with considerable difficulty, they
+had performed this, all were ordered to go further away, except the
+two forenamed associates.</p>
+
+<p>Now the coffin was so filled with the sacred body, both in length
+and width, that even a needle could hardly be put between the head and
+the wood or between the feet and the wood. The head lay united to the
+body, somewhat raised by a small pillow. The abbot, looking
+attentively, next found a silk cloth veiling the whole body, and then
+a linen cloth of wondrous whiteness, and upon the head a small linen
+cloth, and after that another small and very fine silken cloth, as if
+it had been the veil of some nun. Lastly, they discovered the body,
+wound round with a linen cloth, and then it was that all the
+lineaments of the saint's body were laid open to view.</p>
+
+<p>At this point the abbot stopped, saying he durst not proceed
+further, or view the holy body naked. Taking the head between his
+hands, he sighed and spoke thus: "Glorious martyr, St. Edmund, blessed
+be the hour wherein thou wast born! Glorious <span class="pagenum"><a
+name="page_174" id="page_174">{174}</a></span> martyr, turn not my
+boldness to my perdition, for that I, miserable sinner, do touch thee,
+for thou knowest my devotion and my intention!" And proceeding, he
+touched the eyes and the nose, which was very massive and prominent.
+Then he touched the breast and arms, and raising the left arm, he
+touched the fingers, and placed his own fingers between the fingers of
+the saint. Proceeding further, he found the feet standing stiff up,
+like the feet of a man who had died that day, and he touched the toes,
+and in touching counted them.</p>
+
+<p>It was then proposed that the other brethren should be called
+forward, in order that they might see these wonders; and six, being
+thus called, approached, and also six other brethren with them, who
+had stolen in without the abbot's assent, and saw the saint's body,
+namely, Walter of St. Alban's, Hugh the infirmarer, Gilbert the
+brother of the prior, Richard of Hingham, Jocell the cellarer, and
+Thurstan the little, who alone put forth his hand, and touched the
+feet and knees of the saint. And the Most High so ordering it, that
+there might be abundance of witnesses, one of our brethren, John of
+Diss, sitting upon the roof of the church with the servants of the
+vestry, saw all these things plainly enough.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_175" id="page_175">{175}</a></span>
+All this being done, the lid was fastened down on the coffin with the
+same, and with the same number of nails, and in like manner as before,
+the martyr being covered up with the same cloths and in the same order
+as he was when first discovered. Finally, the coffin was placed in the
+accustomed place, and there was put upon the coffin, near to the
+angel, a certain silken bag, wherein was deposited a schedule written
+in English, containing certain salutations of Ailwin the monk, as is
+believed, which schedule was found close by the golden angel when the
+coffin was uncovered. By the abbot's order, there was forthwith
+written another short memorandum, also deposited in the same bag, in
+the following form of words: "In the year of the incarnation of our
+Lord, 1198, the abbot Samson, upon the impulse of devotion, saw and
+touched the body of St. Edmund on the night after the feast of St.
+Catherine, these being witnesses." And thereto were subscribed the
+names of the eighteen monks.</p>
+
+<p>The brethren also wound the whole coffin up in a suitable linen
+cloth, and over the same placed a new and most valuable silken cloth,
+which Hubert, Archbishop of Canterbury, had offered at the shrine that
+very year, and they placed lengthwise <span class="pagenum"><a
+name="page_176" id="page_176">{176}</a></span> a certain linen cloth
+doubled under it and next to the stone, to prevent the coffin or the
+tray whereon it stood from being injured by the stone. Afterwards the
+panels were brought forth, and properly joined together on the
+shrine.</p>
+
+<p>When the convent assembled to sing matins, and understood what had
+been done, all who had not seen these things were very sorrowful,
+saying among themselves, "We have been sadly deceived." However, after
+matins had been sung, the abbot called the convent to the high altar,
+and briefly recounting what had been done, alleged that he ought not
+to call&mdash;and could not call&mdash;all of them to be present on such an
+occasion. Hearing this, with tears we sang "Te Deum laudamus," and
+hastened to ring the bells in the choir.</p>
+
+<p>On the fourth day after, the abbot deposed the keepers of the
+shrine and the keeper of St. Botolph, appointing new ones, and
+establishing rules, so that the holy places should be more carefully
+and diligently kept. He also caused the great altar, which heretofore
+was hollow, and wherein many things were irreverently stowed away, and
+that space which was between the shrine and the altar, to be made
+solid with stone and cement, so that no danger from <span
+class="pagenum"><a name="page_177" id="page_177">{177}</a></span> fire could
+arise by the negligence of the keepers, as had been already the case;
+according to the saying of the wise man, who said,</p>
+
+<p>"Happy is he who learns caution from the danger of others."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_178" id="page_178">{178}</a></span><br /></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2>CHAPTER XV<br />
+<span class="smcap">the monastery in revolt</span></h2>
+
+
+<p class="nodent"><span class="dropcap">N</span>OW when the abbot had
+obtained the favour and grace of King Richard by gifts and money, so
+that he had good reason to believe that he could succeed according to
+his desire in all his undertakings, the King died, and the abbot lost
+his labour and outlay. However, King John, immediately after his
+coronation, setting aside all other affairs, came down to St. Edmund,
+drawn thither by his vow and by devotion. We, indeed, believed that he
+was come to make offering of some great matter; but all he offered was
+one silken cloth, which his servants had borrowed from our sacrist,
+and to this day have not paid for. He availed himself of the
+hospitality of St. Edmund, which was attended with enormous expense,
+and upon his departure bestowed nothing at all, either of honour or
+profit, upon the saint, save thirteen pence sterling, which he offered
+at his mass on the day of his departure.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_179" id="page_179">{179}</a></span>
+About that time some of our officials made complaint, stating in our
+chapter that Ralph the porter, our servant, maintained causes and
+actions against them to the damage of the church and to the prejudice
+of the convent. It was ordered by the prior, with the assent of us
+all, that he should be punished according to the custom whereby our
+servants are usually punished, that is, by the withholding of their
+stipends. It was therefore ordered that the cellarer should withhold
+from him, not the corody which of right belonged to his office
+according to the tenour of his charter, but certain additions and
+perquisites which the cellarer and sub-cellarer allowed him without
+knowledge of the convent at large. Now the aforesaid Ralph,
+accompanied by certain of the abbot's table, complained to the abbot
+on his return from London, that the prior and convent had disseised
+him of his corody, whereof he was seised when the abbot had first come
+to the abbacy. They also stated to the abbot that this act was done
+without his sanction, and to his dishonour, and unreasonably, without
+his advice, and without investigation. The abbot indeed believed him,
+and, in other wise than was either fitting or customary, became
+excited. He instantly justified Ralph, and affirmed that he was <span
+class="pagenum"><a name="page_180" id="page_180">{180}</a></span> innocent.
+Coming into chapter and complaining thereof, he said that what had
+been done was to his prejudice and without his consent. And it was
+answered by one of us, the others all joining him, that this was done
+by the prior, and with the assent of the whole convent.</p>
+
+<p>The abbot was confused at this, saying, "I have nourished and
+brought up children, and they have rebelled against me." Not
+overlooking this (as he ought to have done) for the sake of peace to
+the many, but rather exhibiting his power with a resolution not to be
+over-mastered, he openly gave command to the cellarer that he should
+restore to Ralph, fully and wholly, all that had been taken from him,
+and that he should drink nothing but water till he had restored
+everything. But Jocell the cellarer, hearing this, chose for that day
+to drink water, rather than restore the corody to Ralph against the
+will of the convent. When this came to the abbot's knowledge on the
+morrow, he forbade both meat and drink to the cellarer until he
+restored all. With these words the abbot immediately departed from the
+town, and stayed away for eight days.</p>
+
+<p>On the same day on which the abbot had departed, <span
+class="pagenum"><a name="page_181" id="page_181">{181}</a></span> the
+cellarer arose in chapter, and exhibiting the precept of the abbot,
+and holding his keys in his hand, said that he had rather be deposed
+from his office than do anything in opposition to the convent. And
+then there began a great tumult in the convent, such as I had never
+before seen; and they said that the precept of the abbot was not to be
+obeyed. But the seniors and more prudent men of the convent,
+discreetly holding their tongues, upon being urged gave it as their
+opinion that the abbot was to be obeyed in everything, except in
+things manifestly against God's pleasure; and intimated that we must
+bear with this scandalous behaviour for a time for the sake of peace,
+lest worse should befall. Now when the prior had begun to sing "Verba
+mea" for all deceased, as is the rule, the novices withstood him, and
+with them nearly the half of the convent; and raising their voices,
+they all cried out in answer, and opposed it. Nevertheless, the senior
+part of the convent prevailed, although they were few as compared with
+the rest.</p>
+
+<p>The abbot, although absent, yet by his messengers terrified some by
+threats. Some others he drew over to him by fair words; and the more
+influential men of the convent, as though they were afraid even of his
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_182" id="page_182">{182}</a></span>
+garment, he caused to secede from the counsel of the generality, that
+that gospel should be fulfilled which says, "Every kingdom divided
+against itself is brought to desolation." Moreover, the abbot said
+that he would by no means come amongst us, by reason of the
+conspiracies and oaths which, as he said, we had made against him,
+that we should kill him with our knives. However, returning home, and
+sitting in his inner chamber, he gave orders to one of our brethren
+whom he vehemently suspected, that he should come to him; and because
+he would not come, fearing to be taken and bound, he was
+excommunicated; and the whole day after he was put into fetters,
+remaining till morning in the infirmary. Three others the abbot also
+included in a lighter sentence, in order that the others might
+fear.</p>
+
+<p>On the morrow it was resolved that the abbot should be sent for,
+and that we should humble ourselves before him, both in word and
+demeanour, so that his anger might be appeased; and it was done
+accordingly. He, on the other hand, answering meekly enough, but
+always alleging his own rectitude, laid the blame upon us. Yet when he
+saw that we were willing to be overcome, was himself fairly overcome.
+Bursting into tears, he swore that he had never <span class="pagenum"><a
+name="page_183" id="page_183">{183}</a></span> grieved for any one thing
+as he had upon the present occasion, as well on his own account as on
+our account also, and more especially for the scandal, the evil report
+which had already gone abroad concerning our dissension, to the effect
+that the monks of St. Edmund wished to kill their abbot.</p>
+
+<p>And when the abbot had told us how he went away on purpose till his
+anger had cooled, repeating this saying of the philosopher, "I would
+have taken vengeance upon thee had I not been angry," he arose,
+weeping, and embraced all and every one of us with the kiss of peace.
+He wept, and we also wept. The brethren who had been excommunicated
+were immediately absolved; and thus "the tempest ceased, and there was
+a great calm." Yet for all this the abbot gave private orders that the
+accustomed corody should be given without stint to Ralph the porter,
+as heretofore; to which matter, however, we shut our eyes, being at
+last made to understand that there is no lord who will not bear rule,
+and that battle is perilous which is undertaken against the stronger,
+and is begun against the more powerful party.</p>
+
+<p>In the year of grace one thousand two hundred a marshalling took
+place of the knights of St. Edmund <span class="pagenum"><a
+name="page_184" id="page_184">{184}</a></span> and of their fees, whereof
+their ancestors had been infeoffed.</p>
+
+<div class="lgeblkquot">
+<p>Alberic de Vere holds five knights' fees and a half: namely, in
+Loddon and in Brome, one knight's fee; in Mendham and Preston, one
+knight's fee; in Rede, one knight's fee; and in Cockfield, half a
+knight's fee; and in Livermere, two knights' fees.</p>
+
+<p>William of Hastings holds five knights' fees: to wit, in Lidgate,
+and in Blunham and in Harling, three knights' fees; and in Tibenham
+and in Gissing, two.</p>
+
+<p>The Earl Roger holds three knights' fees in Norton and
+Brisingham.</p>
+
+<p>Robert Fitz Roger holds one knight's fee in Marlesford.</p>
+
+<p>Alexander of Kirkby holds one knight's fee in Kirkby.</p>
+
+<p>Roger of Eu holds two knights' fees, in Mickfield and in
+Topscroft.</p>
+
+<p>Arnald of Charneles and his co-parceners, one knight's fee, in
+Oakley, and in Quiddenham, and in Thurston, and Stuston.</p>
+
+<p>Osbert of Wachesham, one knight's fee in Marlingford and in
+Wortham.</p>
+
+<p>William of Tostock, one knight's fee in Randestune.</p>
+
+<p>Gilbert Fitz Ralph, three knights' fees: namely, in Thelnetham and
+in Hepworth, one knight's fee; in Reydon (in Blithing) and in Gissing,
+one knight's fee; and in Saxham, one knight's fee.</p>
+
+<p>Ralph of Buckenham, half a knight's fee in Buckenham.</p>
+
+<p>William of Bardwell, two knights' fees in Barningham, and in
+Bardwell, and in Hunston, and in Stanton.</p>
+
+<p>Robert of Langtoft holds three knights' fees, in Stow, and in
+Ashfield, and in Troston, and in Little Waltham in Essex.</p>
+
+<p>Adam of Cockfield, two knights' fees: namely, in Lavenham, and in
+Onehouse, one knight's fee; and in Lelesey.</p>
+
+<p>Robert Fitz Walter, one knight's fee, in Great Fakenham and in
+Sapiston.</p>
+
+<p>William Blund, one knight's fee in Thorp (in Blackbourn).</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_185" id="page_185">{185}</a></span>
+Gilbert of Peche, two knights' fees: namely, in Waude and in Gedding,
+one knight's fee; in Felsham, and in Euston, and in Groton, one
+knight's fee.</p>
+
+<p>Gilbert of St. Clare, two knights' fees, in Bradfield and in
+Wattisfield.</p>
+
+<p>Geoffrey of Whelnetham and Gilbert of Manston, one knight's fee, in
+Whelnetham and in Manston.</p>
+
+<p>Hubert of Ansty, half a knight's fee in Briddinghoe.</p>
+
+<p>Gervase of Rothing, one knight's fee, in Chipley and in
+Rothing.</p>
+
+<p>Robert of Halsted, one knight's fee in Halsted, and half a knight's
+fee in Brockley.</p>
+
+<p>Reginald of Brockley, one knight's fee in Brockley.</p>
+
+<p>Simon of Patteshall, half a knight's fee in Whatfield.</p>
+
+<p>Peter Fitz Alan, half a knight's fee in Brockley.</p>
+
+<p>Ralph of Presseni, half a knight's fee in Stanningfield.</p>
+
+<p>Richard of Ickworth, two knights' fees, in Ickworth and in
+Wangford.</p>
+
+<p>Robert of Horning, half a knight's fee in Horning.</p>
+
+<p>Walter of Saxham, one knight's fee, in Ashfield and in Saxham.</p>
+
+<p>William of Wordwell, half a knight's fee in Whelnetham.</p>
+
+<p>Norman of Risby, half a knight's fee in Risby.</p>
+
+<p>Peter of Livermere and Alan of Flempton, one knight's fee in
+Livermere and Ampton.</p>
+
+<p>Roger of Morieux, one knight's fee in Thorpe.</p>
+
+<p>Hugh of Eleigh, in Eleigh, and in Preston, and in Bradfield, two
+knights' fees.</p>
+
+<p>Stephen of Brockdish, one fourth part of a knight's fee in
+Brockdish.</p>
+
+<p>Adam of Barningham, one fourth part of a knight's fee in
+Barningham.</p>
+
+<p>William of Wordwell, in Little Livermere and in Wordwell, one
+fourth part of a knight's fee.</p>
+
+<p>The total is fifty-two fees and one-half and one quarter.</p>
+</div>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_186" id="page_186">{186}</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Now Geoffrey Ruffus, one of our monks, although he deported himself
+in somewhat too secular a manner, yet was a useful person to us in the
+keeping of the four manors of Barton, Pakenham, Rougham, and
+Bradfield, where there had often been heretofore a deficiency in the
+farms. But the abbot, although hearing of the evil report of his
+continence, yet winked at it for a long time, most likely because
+Geoffrey seemed to be serviceable to the community. At length, when
+the truth was known, the abbot suddenly made a seizure of his chests,
+put them in the vestry, and caused all the stock of the different
+manors to be kept most closely, and remanded Geoffrey to the cloister.
+There was found much gold and silver, to the value of two hundred
+marks, the whole of which the abbot said was to be laid by for the
+purpose of making the front of the shrine of St. Edmund.</p>
+
+<p>On the feast of St. Michael it was decreed in chapter that two
+brethren, not one alone, should succeed to the keepership of the
+manors, whereof one was Roger of Hingham, who promised before us all
+that he was willing and able to undertake the charge of the manors and
+cellary together. The abbot gave his assent thereto, but the convent
+was reluctant. And Jocell, who had well and carefully managed his
+office, <span class="pagenum"><a name="page_187"
+id="page_187">{187}</a></span> and for two years had been in charge of the
+cellary without incurring debt, as other cellarers had used to do, was
+deposed from the cellary and was made sub-cellarer. But at the end of
+the year, Roger, on rendering account of his receipts and outgoings,
+affirmed that he had received sixty marks from the stock of the manors
+to supply the deficiency of the cellarer. Therefore, upon counsel
+being taken, it was resolved that Jocell should be restored to the
+cellary; and Mildenhall and Chebenhall and Southwold were granted to
+him. The other manors were committed to Roger and Albin, and were
+divided from the cellary, lest the manors should be ruined by the
+cellary, or the cellary be ruined by the manors.</p>
+
+<p>Adam of Cockfield being dead, the abbot could have had three
+hundred marks for the wardship of the only daughter of the same Adam;
+but because the grandfather of the damsel had taken her away privily,
+and inasmuch as the abbot was not able to obtain seisin of the damsel,
+unless by the aid of the archbishop, the abbot granted that wardship
+to Hubert, Archbishop of Canterbury, for the consideration of one
+hundred pounds. The archbishop, for five hundred marks, granted to
+Thomas de Burgh, the brother of the King's chamberlain, that same
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_188" id="page_188">{188}</a></span>
+wardship; and the damsel was delivered to him, with her rights, by the
+hand of the abbot. Thomas, therefore, at once required the seisin of
+these manors, which we had in our hands after the death of
+Adam&mdash;Cockfield, Semer, and Groton&mdash;we believing that we had power to
+retain all of them in our demesne, or at least two of them, Semer and
+Groton; both because Robert of Cockfield, being on his deathbed, had
+publicly affirmed that he could claim nothing by right of inheritance
+in these two manors, and also because Adam, his son, had re-assigned
+to us those two manors in full court, and had made his charter
+thereof, wherein it was contained that he holds those two manors by
+the permission of the convent during his life only.</p>
+
+<p>Thomas, therefore, suing a writ of recognition thereof, caused the
+knights to be summoned, that they should come to be sworn before the
+King at Tewkesbury. Our charter read in public had no force, for the
+whole court was against us. The oath being administered, the knights
+said that they knew nothing about our charters, or of any private
+agreements; but this they said they did believe, that Adam and his
+father and his grandfather, for a hundred years back, had holden the
+manors in fee-farm, one after the <span class="pagenum"><a
+name="page_189" id="page_189">{189}</a></span> other, on the days of their
+respective deaths. Thus we were disseised by the judgment of the
+court, after much trouble and many charges expended, saving
+nevertheless our ancient fee-farm rents payable annually.</p>
+
+<p>The lord abbot seemed to be "misled by a certain appearance of
+right," because, forsooth, the Scripture saith, "I will not give my
+glory to another." The abbot of Cluny coming to us, and received by us
+in such wise as he ought, our abbot would not give place, either in
+chapter or in the procession on Sunday, but he must needs sit and
+stand in the middle between the abbot of Cluny and the abbot of
+Chertsey. Wherefore divers thought different things, and many
+expressed their feelings in various ways.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_190" id="page_190">{190}</a></span><br /></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2>CHAPTER XVI<br />
+<span class="smcap">the election of a new prior</span></h2>
+
+
+<p class="nodent"><span class="dropcap">R</span>OBERT the prior was at
+this time in a dying state; but while he was yet alive many opinions
+were uttered as to appointing a new prior. Some one, therefore,
+related to us, that the abbot sitting in the choir, and steadfastly
+beholding all the brethren from the first to the last, found no one
+upon whom his spirit might rest to make him prior, save Herbert his
+chaplain. By these and similar acts the will of the abbot was made
+apparent to most of us. One of us hearing this, answered that it was
+not to be believed; asserting "that the abbot, a diligent and prudent
+man, to such a man, a youth and almost beardless novice of twelve
+years, who had only become a cloister monk four years ago, not
+approved in the cure of souls, nor in doctrinal learning&mdash;to such a
+one," said he, "he will never give the priorate."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_191" id="page_191">{191}</a></span>
+Now, when the prior died, the abbot was staying in London; and a
+certain person said, "A month has scarcely elapsed since the abbot
+made Herbert the chaplain, sub-sacrist, and when he committed that
+office to him, in the chapel of St. Nicasius, he promised that if he
+could, by any means, make him prior, he would use his utmost exertions
+on his behalf." Some one hearing of this, who was desirous of making
+himself agreeable to the abbot and the future prior, most urgently
+solicited many of us, seniors and juniors alike, that when the
+opportunity presented itself they would nominate Herbert, at least
+with some others, for prior. He affirmed that by this means they would
+gratify the abbot, for such indeed was his desire.</p>
+
+<p>There certainly were many of us, as well of the seniors as the
+juniors, who asserted that the same Herbert was an amiable and affable
+man, and worthy of much honour. Also, there were some&mdash;few in number,
+indeed, but whose advice was more respected, and who belonged to the
+wiser part of the convent&mdash;who were desirous of promoting Master
+Hermer the sub-prior to be prior, as being an experienced, learned and
+eloquent man, skilful and expert in the cure of souls, who at that
+time had governed the cloister for <span class="pagenum"><a
+name="page_192" id="page_192">{192}</a></span> fourteen years in good
+discipline, an approved sub-prior, and well known. This man, I say,
+they were desirous of preferring, according to that saying of the wise
+man, "believe an experienced master."</p>
+
+<p>But the greater number of us secretly grumbled in opposition,
+saying that he was a passionate, impatient, restless, fussy and
+fretful man, a litigious person, and a disturber of peace, deriding
+him, and saying, "The discretion of a man deferreth his anger, and it
+is his glory to pass over a transgression." Also, another one said,
+"This one thing, as being a scandal, is to be much guarded against,
+namely, that if the sub-prior be removed, henceforward learned clerks
+will not deign to take on them the religious habit in our house, if it
+should happen that any dumb image be set up, and a wooden log be
+preferred in such a convent as ours." And the same brother added
+somewhat more, saying that a person to be prior of our convent, should
+be such a one that if any question of great importance arose in the
+abbot's absence concerning ecclesiastical or secular affairs, it might
+be referred to the prior, as being the highest and most discreet
+person.</p>
+
+<p>A certain one of our brethren, hearing these and such like things,
+said, "What good is it that ye <span class="pagenum"><a name="page_193"
+id="page_193">{193}</a></span> multiply so many and such sayings? When the
+abbot comes home, he will do as he pleases about it. Perhaps he may
+seek the advice of each of us singly, and with great show of
+formality; but in the end, by allegations and by plausible reasonings
+and circumlocutions, he will at last come down to the fulfilment of
+his own desire; and the affair will end as he has all along
+intended."</p>
+
+<p>The abbot, therefore, having returned, and sitting in chapter, set
+forth to us amply and eloquently enough what sort of man ought to be
+appointed prior. John the third prior answered, in the presence of us
+all, that the sub-prior was a worthy and fit person. But the greater
+number immediately opposed, saying, "A man of peace, let a man of
+peace be given us." Two of us, therefore, replied to them, saying that
+a person should be appointed who knew how to direct the souls of men,
+and to distinguish "between leprosy and leprosy," which saying gave
+great offence, for it seemed to favour the part of the sub-prior. But
+the abbot hearing this uproar, said that he would after chapter hear
+what each had to say, and so proceed advisedly in the business, and
+upon the morrow would dispatch it as he thought fit.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_194" id="page_194">{194}</a></span> In
+the meantime some one said that the abbot would go through this
+formality in order that the sub-prior should be cautiously shelved
+from the office of prior, as if it had been done by the advice of the
+convent, not by the desire of the abbot; and so he, the abbot, would
+be held excused, and by this policy the mouth of them that speak lies
+should be stopped.</p>
+
+<p>On the morrow the abbot, as he sat in chapter, wept sorely, saying
+that he had passed the whole night without sleep, for sheer anxiety
+and apprehension that he might chance to nominate one who was
+displeasing to God. He swore upon peril of his soul that he would
+nominate four of us who, according to his opinion, were most
+serviceable and fit, so that we should choose one from those four.
+Therefore the abbot, in the first place, named the sacrist, whom he
+well knew to be infirm and insufficient, as the sacrist himself
+testified with an oath. Forthwith, in the presence of all, he named
+John the third prior, his cousin, and Maurice his chaplain, and the
+before-named Herbert, all indeed young men, of about forty years old
+or under, and all of them of moderate learning, and, so far as
+respects the cure of souls, rather requiring to be taught than learned
+therein, nevertheless apt to learn.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_195" id="page_195">{195}</a></span>
+These three the abbot nominated and preferred, passing over the
+sub-prior, and passing by many others of the seniors and elders,
+experienced and learned men, some who had formerly been masters of the
+schools, as well as all others. The abbot dwelt long in speaking of
+and commending the person of John in many respects; but, nevertheless,
+on the other side, alleged that the great number of his relations in
+this province would lie heavy on his neck if he were prior.</p>
+
+<p>Now, when the abbot was about to allege the same thing concerning
+Maurice (and he could with reason do it), so that in a roundabout way
+he should come to make mention of Herbert, his discourse was
+interrupted by one of the elders of the convent saying, "Master
+precentor, you have the first voice; name Master Herbert." "He is a
+good man," said he. On hearing the name of Herbert, the abbot stopped
+speaking, and turning to the precentor, said, "I have no objection to
+receive Herbert if you will." On this saying, the whole convent cried
+out, "He is a good man; he is a good and amiable man"; and this same
+thing also many of the elders testified. Immediately hereupon the
+precentor and some one in alliance with him, and two others on the
+other <span class="pagenum"><a name="page_196" id="page_196">{196}</a></span>
+side, arose with all haste, and put Herbert in the midst.</p>
+
+<p>Herbert, indeed, at first humbly begged to be excused, saying that
+he was insufficient to fill such a dignity, and particularly, as he
+said, he was not of such perfect knowledge that he should know how to
+make a sermon in chapter in such manner as would become a prior. Most
+of those who witnessed this were amazed, and for very confusion struck
+dumb. However, the abbot said in answer many things to re-assure him,
+and as it were in disparagement of learned men, saying that he could
+well remember and con over the sermons of others, just as others did;
+and began to condemn rhetorical flourishes, and pompous words, and
+choice sentences, saying that in many churches the sermon in convent
+is delivered in French, or rather in English, for moral edification,
+not for literary ostentation.</p>
+
+<p>After this had been said, the new prior advanced to the feet of the
+abbot and kissed them. The abbot received him with tears, and with his
+own hand placed him in the prior's seat, and commanded all that they
+should pay him the reverence and obedience due to him as prior.</p>
+
+<p>The chapter being over, I being hospitaller, sat in <span
+class="pagenum"><a name="page_197" id="page_197">{197}</a></span> the porch
+of the guest-hall, stupefied, and revolving in my mind the things I
+had heard and seen; and I began to consider closely for what cause and
+for what particular merits such a man should be advanced to so high a
+dignity. And I began to reflect that the man was of comely stature and
+of striking appearance; handsome and pleasant looking; always
+cheerful; of a smiling countenance, be it early or late; kind to all;
+a man calm in his bearing, and grave in his gait; polite in speech,
+possessing a sweet voice in chanting, and expressive in reading;
+young, strong, of a healthy body, and always in readiness to undergo
+travail for the needs of the church; skilful in conforming himself to
+every circumstance of place or time, either with ecclesiastics, clerks
+or seculars; liberal and social, and gentle in reproof; not spiteful,
+not suspicious, not covetous, not tiresome, not slothful; sober and
+fluent of tongue in the French idiom, as being a Norman by birth; a
+man of moderate understanding, who, if "too much learning should make
+him mad," might be said to be a perfectly accomplished man.</p>
+
+<p>When I regarded these things I said in my mind, such a man would
+become very popular, but "there is nothing every way blessed," and I
+wept for joy, saying that "God hath visited his people; as the <span
+class="pagenum"><a name="page_198" id="page_198">{198}</a></span> Lord
+pleased, so it hath been done." But of a sudden another thought
+occurred to me: "Be cautious in your praise of a new man, for honours
+alter manners, or rather they show them. Wait and see who and what
+sort of men will be his counsellors, and to whom he will give ear, for
+each thing naturally draws to its like. The event will prove his
+doings, and therefore be sparing in your praises."</p>
+
+<p>On the same day certain unlearned brethren, as well officials as
+cloister-folk, came together, and "whetted their tongues like a sword
+that they might shoot privily at" the learned, repeating the words of
+the abbot, which he had that day spoken, as it were to the prejudice
+of the learned. Thus they said to one another, "Now let our
+philosophers take to their philosophies: now is it manifest what their
+philosophies are worth. So often have our good clerks declined in the
+cloister that they are now declined. So much have they sermonized in
+chapter that all are driven away. So much have they spoken of
+discerning between leprosy and leprosy that as lepers they are all put
+out. So often have they declined <i>musa</i>, <i>musae</i>, that all
+of them are reckoned musards" (drivellers). These and such like things
+certain uttered in ridicule and scandal of others, justifying <span
+class="pagenum"><a name="page_199" id="page_199">{199}</a></span> their own
+ignorance: they condemned the knowledge of polite learning, and
+disparaged learned men, being very merry, and expecting great things,
+which, in all probability, will never come to pass, for "Hope of good
+is often deceived in its expectation."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_200" id="page_200">{200}</a></span><br /></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2>CHAPTER XVII<br />
+<span class="smcap">the abbot's foibles</span></h2>
+
+
+<p class="nodent"><span class="dropcap">T</span>HE wise man hath said,
+"No one is in every respect perfect"; nor was the abbot Samson. For
+this reason let me say this, that according to my judgment the abbot
+was not to be commended when he caused a deed to be made and ordered
+the same to be delivered to a certain servant of his, for him to have
+the sergeanty of John Ruffus, after the decease of the same John. Ten
+marks, as it was said, "did blind the eyes of the wise." Wherefore,
+upon Master Dennis, the monk, saying that such an act was unheard of,
+the abbot replied: "I shall not cease from doing as I like a whit the
+more for you than I would for that youngster." The abbot also did the
+like thing in respect of the sergeanty of Adam the infirmarer, upon
+payment of one hundred shillings. Of such an act it may be said, "A
+little leaven leaveneth the whole lump."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_201" id="page_201">{201}</a></span>
+There is, also, another stain of evil doing, which I trust in the Lord
+he will wash away with tears, in order that a single excess may not
+disfigure the sum total of so many good deeds. He built up the bank of
+the fish-pond at Babwell so high, for the service of a new mill, that
+by the keeping back of the water there is not a man, rich or poor, who
+has land near the water, from the gate of the town to Eastgate, but
+has lost his garden and his orchards. The pasture of the cellarer,
+upon the other side of the bank, is spoilt. The arable land, also, of
+the neighbouring folk has been much deteriorated. The meadow of the
+cellarer is ruined, the orchard of the infirmarer has been flooded by
+the great flow of water, and all the neighbouring folk are complaining
+thereof. Once, indeed, the cellarer argued with him in full chapter,
+upon this excessive damage; but he, quickly moved to anger, made
+answer, that his fish-pond was not to be spoilt on account of our
+meadows.</p>
+
+<p>The Dean of London writes thus in his chronicles: "King Henry the
+Second, having conferred with the archbishop and bishops concerning
+the vacant abbacies, so far observed the rule of the canons in
+appointing abbots, that it was the custom to appoint them upon votes
+solicited from other houses; thinking, perhaps, <span class="pagenum"><a
+name="page_202" id="page_202">{202}</a></span> that if pastors were set up
+in every place from their own body," a previously contracted
+familiarity would afford impunity to vice, and old acquaintanceship
+would give indulgence to wickedness, and thereby too great remissness
+would obtain in cloisters. Another has said: "It does not seem fit
+that a pastor should be elected from his own house, but rather from
+some other house; because, if he is taken from elsewhere he will
+always believe, according to the greatness of the monastery which he
+has undertaken to rule, that many are good men and true, whose advice
+he will seek if he is a good man, and whose honesty he will fear if he
+is a bad one. But a servant of the house, better knowing the
+ignorance, inability and incompetence of every one, will the more
+carelessly serve therein, mixing square with round."</p>
+
+<p>The monks of Ramsey followed this line of reasoning; for in those
+days, when they were able to choose one of their own body, on two
+occasions they chose an abbot from other houses.</p>
+
+<p>In the year of grace one thousand two hundred and one there came to
+us the abbot of Flay, and through his preaching caused the open buying
+and selling which took place in the market on Sundays to be done away
+with, and it was ordained that the <span class="pagenum"><a
+name="page_203" id="page_203">{203}</a></span> market should be held on
+the Monday. The like the abbot brought to pass in many cities and
+boroughs of England.</p>
+
+<p>In the same year the monks of Ely set up a market at Lakenheath,
+having the permission, as well as the charter, of the King. Now, we in
+the first place, dealing peaceably with our friends and neighbours,
+sent our messengers to the chapter of Ely, and, first of all, to the
+lord Bishop of Ely, letters of request that he should forbear his
+intentions; adding that we could, in a friendly way, for the sake of
+peace and preserving our mutual regard, pay the fifteen marks that
+were given as a fine for obtaining the King's charter. Why make a long
+story of it? They would not give way, and then upon all sides arose
+threatening speeches, and "spears threatening spears."</p>
+
+<p>We therefore procured a writ of inquest to ascertain whether that
+market was established to our prejudice, and to the damage of the
+market of the town of St. Edmund. The oath was made, and it was
+testified that this had been done to our damage. Of all which, when
+the King was informed, he caused it to be inquired, by his registrar,
+what sort of charter he had granted to the monks of Ely; and it was
+made to appear that he had given to them the aforesaid <span
+class="pagenum"><a name="page_204" id="page_204">{204}</a></span> market,
+under such conditions that it should not be to the injury of the
+neighbouring markets. The King, therefore, forty marks being offered,
+granted us his charter that from thenceforward there should be no
+market within the liberty of St. Edmund, unless by the assent of the
+abbot. And he wrote to Geoffrey Fitz-Peter, his justiciary, that the
+market of Lakenheath should be abolished. The justiciary wrote the
+same to the sheriff of Suffolk.</p>
+
+<p>The sheriff, being well aware that he could not enter upon the
+liberties of St. Edmund, or exercise any authority there, gave it in
+charge to the abbot, by his writ, that this should be performed
+according to the form of the royal command. The steward of the
+hundred, therefore, coming thither upon the market day, with the
+witnessing of freemen, in the King's name openly prohibited that
+market, showing the letters of the King and the sheriff; but being
+treated with great abuse and violence, he departed, without having
+accomplished his object.</p>
+
+<p>The abbot, on the other hand, deferring this matter for awhile,
+being at London, and consulting the learned thereupon, commanded his
+bailiffs, that taking with them the men of St. Edmund with horse and
+arms, they should abolish the market, and that <span class="pagenum"><a
+name="page_205" id="page_205">{205}</a></span> they should bring along
+with them in custody the buyers and sellers therein, if they should
+find any. So at dead of night, there went forth nearly six hundred men
+well armed, proceeding towards Lakenheath. But when the scouts gave
+intelligence of their arrival, all who were in the market ran hither
+and thither, and not one of them could be found.</p>
+
+<p>Now, the prior of Ely on that same night had come thither, with his
+bailiffs, expecting the arrival of our men, in order that, to the best
+of his ability, he might defend the buyers and sellers; but he would
+not stir out of his inn. When our bailiffs had required from him gage
+and pledge to stand trial in the court of St. Edmund for the wrong
+committed by him, and he had refused, upon consultation, they
+overturned the butchers' shambles and the tables of the stalls in the
+market, and carried them away with them. Moreover, they led away with
+them all the cattle, "all sheep and oxen; yea, and the beasts of the
+field," and set off towards Icklingham. The bailiffs of the prior
+following them made suit for their cattle, by replevin within fifteen
+days: and their suit was allowed. Within the fifteen days there came a
+writ, whereby the abbot was summoned to come before <span
+class="pagenum"><a name="page_206" id="page_206">{206}</a></span> the court
+of exchequer to answer for such act, and that the cattle taken should
+in the meantime be delivered up without charge. For the Bishop of Ely,
+who was an eloquent and well-spoken man, in his own person had made
+complaint thereof to the justiciary and the nobles of England, saying
+that a most unheard-of piece of arrogance had been committed in the
+land of St. Etheldreda in time of peace; wherefore many were highly
+indignant with the abbot.</p>
+
+<p>In the meanwhile another cause of disagreement arose between the
+bishop and the abbot. A certain young man of Glemsford had been
+summoned to the court of St. Edmund, for a breach of the King's peace,
+and had been sought for a long while. At length the steward of the
+bishop brought forth that young man in the county court, claiming the
+jurisdiction of the court of St. Etheldreda, and exhibiting the
+charters and privileges of his lord; but our bailiffs, claiming the
+jurisdiction of the plaint and the seisin of such liberty, could not
+be heard. The county court, indeed, put that plaint in respite until
+the justices in eyre should arrive, wherefore St. Edmund was ousted of
+his jurisdiction. The abbot, on hearing this, proposed to go over to
+the King; <span class="pagenum"><a name="page_207"
+id="page_207">{207}</a></span> but because he was sick, he decided to
+defer the matter till the Purification.</p>
+
+<p>And, behold! on St. Agnes day there came the King's messenger,
+bearing the writ of our lord the Pope, wherein it was contained, that
+the bishop of Ely and the abbot of St. Edmund should make inquisition
+concerning Geoffrey Fitz-Peter and William de Stutville, and certain
+other lords of England who had taken the cross, for whom the King
+required discharge, alleging their personal infirmity, and the
+necessity for their advice in the government of his kingdom. The same
+messenger also brought letters from our lord the King, commanding that
+he, upon the sight thereof, should come to him to confer upon the
+message of our lord the Pope. The abbot was troubled in his mind, and
+said, "I am straitened on every side; I must either offend God or the
+King: by the very God, whatsoever may be the consequence to me, I will
+not wittingly lie."</p>
+
+<p>Therefore, returning home with all speed, somewhat weakened by
+infirmity of body and humbled, and (as was not his wont) timid, by the
+intervention of the prior, he sought advice of us (a thing he
+heretofore had seldom done), as to what course he was to pursue in
+respect of the liberties of the church which <span class="pagenum"><a
+name="page_208" id="page_208">{208}</a></span> were in jeopardy, and
+whence the money was to come if he took his journey, and to whom the
+keeping of the abbey was to be committed, and what should be done for
+his poor servants who had a long time served him. And the answer was,
+that he might go, and that he was at liberty to take up at interest
+sufficient money, to be payable out of our sacristy and from our
+pittances, and from our other rents at his pleasure; and that he
+should give the abbey in charge to the prior, and some other clerk
+whom he had enriched, and who could, in the interval, live upon his
+own means, that thereby a saving might take place in the expenses of
+the abbot, and that he might give to each of his servants money
+proportioned to his length of service.</p>
+
+<p>He, hearing such counsel, was pleased therewith, and so it was
+done. The abbot, therefore, coming into chapter the day before he took
+his departure, caused to be brought with him all his books, and these
+he presented to the church and convent, and commended our counsel
+which we had signified to him through the prior.</p>
+
+<p>In the meantime we heard certain persons murmuring, saying that the
+abbot is careful and solicitous for the liberties of his own barony,
+but he keeps <span class="pagenum"><a name="page_209"
+id="page_209">{209}</a></span> silence respecting the liberties of the
+convent which we have lost in his time; namely, concerning the lost
+court and liberties of the cellarer, and the liberty of the sacrist,
+as regards the appointment of the bailiffs of the town by the convent.
+Therefore, the Lord raised up the spirit of three brethren of but
+indifferent knowledge, who, having got many others to join them,
+conferred with the prior thereupon, in order that he should speak with
+the abbot respecting these matters. On our behalf the prior was to ask
+him, at his departure, to provide for the security of his church in
+respect of those liberties. On hearing this, the abbot answered that
+no more was to be said upon the subject, swearing that so long as he
+lived he would be the master; but towards evening he talked more
+mildly thereupon with the prior.</p>
+
+<p>On the morrow, indeed, sitting in chapter, as he was about to
+depart and ask licence so to do, he said he had satisfied all his
+servants, and had made his will just as if he was now to die; and
+beginning to speak concerning those liberties, he justified himself,
+saying that he had changed the ancient customs in order that there
+should not be a default in the administration of the King's justice,
+and threw the blame upon the sacrist, and said that if Durand, the
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_210" id="page_210">{210}</a></span> town
+bailiff, who was now sick, should die, the sacrist might hold the
+bailiwick in his own hand, and present a bailiff to the chapter for
+approval, as the custom had been of old, so nevertheless that this be
+done with the assent of the abbot; but the gifts and offerings to be
+made yearly by the bailiff he would in no wise remit.</p>
+
+<p>Now, when we asked him what was to be done in respect of the
+cellarer's court which was lost, and especially of the halfpence which
+the cellarer was accustomed to receive for renewing pledges, he became
+angry, and asked us in his turn by what authority we demanded the
+exercise of regal jurisdiction, and those things which appertain to
+regalities.</p>
+
+<p>To this it was replied that we had possessed it from the foundation
+of the church, and even three years after he had come to the abbacy,
+and this liberty of renewing pledges we possessed in every one of our
+manors. We stated that we ought not to lose our right in consideration
+of a hundred shillings, which he received privately from the town
+bailiff every year; and we boldly required of him to give us such
+seisin thereof as we had had even in his time.</p>
+
+<p>The abbot, being as it were at a loss for an answer, and willing
+enough to leave us all in peace <span class="pagenum"><a name="page_211"
+id="page_211">{211}</a></span> and to depart quietly, ordered that those
+halfpence and the other matters which the cellarer demanded should be
+sequestrated until his return; and he promised that upon his return he
+would co-operate with us in everything, and make just order and
+disposition, and render to each what was justly his. On his saying
+this, all was quiet again; but the calm was not very great, for</p>
+
+<p class="center">"In promises any man may wealthy
+be."<br /><br /><br /><br /><span
+class="smcap">Finis.</span><br /></p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_213" id="page_213">{213}</a></span><br /></p>
+
+<p class="appix">APPENDICES:</p>
+
+<div class="TOCa">
+<p class="summary"><span class="ralign"><span
+class="smcap">page</span></span><br /></p>
+</div>
+
+<ul class="TOC">
+<li><i>SAMSON AS AN AUTHOR</i>
+<span class="ralign"><a href="#page_215">215</a></span></li>
+<li><i>NOTES TO THE TEXT OF THE CHRONICLE</i>
+<span class="ralign"><a href="#page_222">222</a></span></li>
+<li><i>TABLE OF CHIEF DATES IN THE HISTORY OF THE ABBEY OF ST.
+EDMUNDSBURY</i> (<span class="smcap">a.d.</span> 870 <i>to</i> 1903)
+<span class="ralign"><a href="#page_257">257</a></span></li>
+</ul>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_215" id="page_215">{215}</a></span><br /></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2><span class="uline"><br />APPENDIX I</span><br />
+<span class="smcap">samson as an author.</span></h2>
+
+
+<p class="nodent"><span class="smcap">Samson</span> having been
+generally looked upon as a man of action rather than as a man of
+letters, it seems desirable to consider at greater length than is
+possible in the general Introduction, his claims to be regarded as a
+literary character.</p>
+
+<p>In the Bodleian Library at Oxford is a huge codex of 898 pages (MS.
+240) in a script of the 14th century. This once belonged to Bury
+Abbey, as at the beginning is the note "Liber monachorum Sancti
+Edmundi, in quo continetur secunda pars Historia auree, quam scribi
+fecit dominus Rogerus de Huntedoun sumptibus graciarum suarum anno
+domini <span class="smcap">mccc.lxxvii</span><sup>o</sup>." Over the
+title is written on the margin "Thomas Prise possidet," and in another
+hand "Io. Anglicus erat author."</p>
+
+<p>There is considerable difficulty in assigning the exact
+authorship of this work: but that it was compiled at Bury is certain,
+and it was no doubt added to as new materials turned up or were deemed
+worthy of admission, especially such as were connected with St.
+Edmundsbury. Dr. Carl Horstman has published in the preface to Vol. I.
+of his <i>Nova Legenda Anglie</i> (Oxf. Univ. Press, 1901) a summary
+of the contents of this book which throws much new light on its
+<i>provenance</i>. It is, as he says, "the depository of documents of
+Bury Abbey, and not the work <span class="pagenum"><a name="page_216"
+id="page_216">{216}</a></span> of one individual; but the joint work, the
+common concern of the monastery, for a whole generation."</p>
+
+<p>The MS. contains only the second part of the Historia aurea, and
+with an abbreviated text; and this is followed by a collection of
+miscellanies, lives of saints, poetry and documents of all sorts. Dr.
+Horstman prints in his second volume the lives of several saints,
+scattered through the last half of the codex.</p>
+
+<p>The only one of these lives that need concern us is that of St.
+Edmund, which is very long and detailed, and occupies 116 printed
+pages. This is followed almost immediately by a chapter De modo
+meditandi vel contemplandi (including St. Edmund's prayer, "Gratias
+tibi ago"), and later by a compilation on monastic discipline for the
+novices of Bury Abbey.</p>
+
+<p>This Life of St. Edmund is by far the most complete extant. It is
+described as "Vita et passio cum miraculis sancti Edmundi regis et
+martiris, excerpta de cronicis et diuersis historiis seu legendis, de
+eodem breuiter et sub compendio compilata." It is doubtless the
+"Prolixa vita" from which was compiled the "abbreviata vita" included
+in Abbot Curteys' Register (now at the British Museum), and printed in
+Archdeacon Battely's book of 1745 (pp. 25, 149). In the margins are
+given the authorities from which it is compiled, and amongst these
+are, in addition to the chronicles of Blythburgh, Ely, Hoveden, Hulme,
+Huntingdon, Malmesbury, Marianus, Norwich, Sarum, Waringford, and
+Westminster, the writers specially identified with Bury Abbey:&mdash;Abbo
+of Fleury, Herman the Archdeacon, Galfridus de Fontibus, Osbert of
+Clare, Jocelin of Brakelond (from whom are taken the incidents
+described in chapters viii. and xiv. of this book), and&mdash;Samson.</p>
+
+<p>There are in all eighteen sections of the Life for which Samson is
+quoted as the authority. On eight occasions <span class="pagenum"><a
+name="page_217" id="page_217">{217}</a></span> the word "Sampson" appears
+in the margin; "Sampson abbas," eight times; "Sampson abbas sancti
+Edmundi," once; "Ex libro de miraculis eius Sampson," once (the first
+occasion when the name appears); and "Ex libro primo miraculorum
+Sampson abb." once (the seventh occasion).</p>
+
+<p>Before considering Samson's share in the collection of materials
+relative to the history of St. Edmund, a few words must be said about
+the earlier writers on the subject.</p>
+
+<p>The first contributor to the tangle of legends and miracles
+connected with St. Edmund and his shrine was <span
+class="smcap">Abbo</span>, of Fleury, a great monastery on the Loire
+above Orleans, founded in the 7th century. A native of Orleans, Abbo
+was sent early to the monastic school at Fleury, where he mastered
+five of the seven arts, viz., grammar, arithmetic, dialectic,
+astronomy and music. (Migne's <i>Patrologia</i>, vol. 139.) A
+deputation coming to Fleury from the monks of Ramsey Abbey, asking
+that a man of learning might be sent to them, Abbo was selected for
+the office, and he remained two years in England, when he was
+recalled. He died from a spear-thrust in November, 1004. Whilst in
+England (circa 985) he heard from Archbishop Dunstan the story of St.
+Edmund's death, as related to Dunstan when a youth by an old man who
+said he was armour-bearer to St. Edmund on the day of his death (20th
+November, 870). At the entreaty of the monks of Ramsey, Abbo put this
+story into writing, prefacing it with a dedicatory epistle to Dunstan
+in which he says that the work is sent to the Archbishop because every
+part of it, except the last miracle, is related on his authority.</p>
+
+<p>Abbo being "composition master" to the student monks at Ramsey, he
+wrote, as Mr. Arnold says (I. xiv.), "with that freedom with which men
+whose information is scanty, and their imagination strong, are not
+sorry to enjoy." Lord Francis Hervey, in a masterly analysis of the
+facts and fictions <span class="pagenum"><a name="page_218"
+id="page_218">{218}</a></span> of St. Edmund's life in his Notes to Robert
+Reyce's <i>Breviary of Suffolk</i> (1902), thus sums the matter with
+great truth: "Abbo's treatise, with its declamatory flourishes and
+classical tags, is for historical purposes all but worthless."</p>
+
+<p>The copies extant of Abbo's <i>Passio</i> are numerous. (For List,
+see Hardy's Catalogue, vol. i, p. 526.) At least four of them (two in
+the Cottonian collection, one at the Bodleian, and one at Lambeth)
+belonged to Bury Abbey, the earliest being Tiberius B. ii., which has
+on fol. 1<i>a</i> the words "Liber feretrariorum S. Edmundi in quo
+continentur uita passio et miracula S. Edmundi." It is a beautiful MS.
+of the end of the eleventh or beginning of the twelfth century; "and
+the gold enrichment is sometimes splendid" (Arnold I. lxv.), though
+the illumination is unfinished. The other Cottonian MS. (Titus A.
+viii.) is of the thirteenth century, and has on fol. 65 the words
+"Liber monachorum S. Edmundi." (Both these books will be referred to
+later.)</p>
+
+<p>The next writer on the subject was <span class="smcap">Herman the
+Archdeacon</span>, who, at the end of the eleventh century, wrote a
+treatise <i>De Miraculis Sancti Eadmundi</i>.</p>
+
+<p>Herman was Archdeacon to Bishop Arfast of Thetford, at the time
+when the latter first endeavoured to establish his see at Bury; but
+later he must have become a monk of St. Edmund, and he manifests in
+his narrative enthusiastic devotion to the monastery. In the prologue
+he explains that he compiled his work at the request of Abbot Baldwin
+"felicis memoriæ" (died 1097), partly from oral tradition, partly from
+an old and almost undecipherable manuscript "exarata calamo cujusdam
+difficillimo, et, ut ita dicam, adamantino." Mr. Arnold has printed
+the text of Herman on pp. 26-92 of his vol. I. from the Cottonian
+volume Tiberius B. ii. above referred to, which is composed of Abbo's
+<i>Passio</i> and Herman's <i>Miracula</i>.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_219" id="page_219">{219}</a></span> A
+third writer was <span class="smcap">Galfridus de Fontibus</span>, who
+wrote in the days of Abbot Ording (1146-1156) a short tract, <i>De
+Infantia Sancti Eadmundi</i>, of which only one MS. is known (in the
+Cambridge University Library). Further additions to the legends and
+miracles were made by <span class="smcap">Osbert</span> of <span
+class="smcap">Clare</span>, prior of Westminster, who flourished
+between 1108 and 1140, but whose writings are not now separately
+extant, though extracts from them appear in the manuscripts of other
+authors.</p>
+
+<p>It would seem that working upon all these records, and doubtless
+others which have not descended to us, Samson, at the period of his
+life when he was still a subordinate officer of Bury Abbey, set about
+compiling a treatise of his own. His prologue indicates that he was
+moved to narrate the glorious miracles of the glorious king and martyr
+St. Edmund by the orders of his superiors and the exhortations of his
+fellow monks. His work seems, however, to have been mainly that of a
+compiler and editor, though the prologue, described by Mr. Arnold (I.,
+liii.) as "written in a massive and manly style," was doubtless of his
+own composition. The work appears after Abbo's <i>Passio</i> in the
+Cottonian MS. Titus A. viii., and consists of two books, Liber I.
+containing sixteen chapters, and Liber II. twenty-one chapters. All
+but four of the chapters in the first book refer to narratives that
+had been told before by Herman, and Samson "has merely re-written
+them, adding no new facts, but greatly improving the style." The
+second book contains another prologue, followed by a prefatory letter;
+and a hand of the fourteenth or early fifteenth century has written in
+the Cottonian MS. "Osberti de Clara prioris Westmonasterii" in the
+margin of the prologue, and "Incipit epistola Osberti prioris
+Westmonasterii missa con. S. Edmundi de miraculis ejusdem" in the
+margin at the beginning of the letter.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Arnold speaks of the "inflated diction and fantastical mystical
+interpretations" of this (second) prologue and prefatory letter, and
+says that "Samson seems simply to have annexed <span class="pagenum"><a
+name="page_220" id="page_220">{220}</a></span> them while making up his
+own work." As, however, some of the narratives in this second book are
+ascribed to Samson himself in the Bodleian MS. 240, whilst others in
+the same book are ascribed to Osbert, it is manifest that some
+confusion had arisen in the interval as to the respective shares of
+responsibility for the narratives. But this need not prevent us from
+accepting Samson as at least the compiler and editor of the work <i>De
+Miraculis Sancti Edmundi</i> referred to on page xxxiv. of the
+Introduction, and printed in full on pp. 107-208 of Mr. Arnold's first
+volume.</p>
+
+<p>If it be the case, as Mr. Arnold thinks (and there seems no reason
+against the ascription) that the Prologue of Book I. was Samson's own
+composition, it will doubtless be of interest that it should be
+reproduced here as a specimen of his literary style; and a translation
+of it is therefore subjoined, which follows the structure of the
+original as closely as possible:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"When we see the deeds of many earthly men extolled in brilliant
+writings, which those skilled in letters have handed down to the
+memory of posterity, it is to be wondered that we do not blush that
+the great works of God, which, through His servants, have been brought
+into being almost in this our very age, should through our sloth be
+blotted out, and through our silence be condemned. And although those
+secular historians, in the pride of their eloquence, have said very
+much about small affairs, and have gained the favour and tickled the
+ears of their audience by the sweetness of their speech, yet Christian
+simplicity and Catholic plainness, innocent of the leaven of
+superstition, are rightly preferred to them all. Indeed, the greatest
+faith is to be placed in the account of those who do not wish, and do
+not know how, to colour what they have heard, or, by the grace of
+their words, to twist matters into one tortuous path after
+another.</p>
+
+<p>"In saying this we do not impudently speak to the discredit <span
+class="pagenum"><a name="page_221" id="page_221">{221}</a></span> (be that
+far from us) of Churchmen who, by the divine inspiration, endowed with
+wonderful eloquence, have with their words, sweeter than honey and the
+honeycomb, adorned the deeds of our honoured ancestors, as it were a
+golden tablet ornamented with most brilliant pearls. But verily those
+are to be confuted who are carried headlong by a damnable presumption
+to that with which erudition has nought to do, and to which the grace
+of the Holy Spirit imparts nought.</p>
+
+<p>"But we (whom the apostle warns lest we should despise the riches
+of the goodness of God, and whom he exhorts not to receive His grace
+in vain) with a truthful, albeit an unpolished style, at the command
+of superior authority and by the exhortation of brotherly love, have
+undertaken to tell of the glorious miracles of the glorious king and
+martyr Edmund: since, indeed, it appears impious that we should allow
+the lantern, which God lighted and placed upon a candlestick, to be
+obscured through our sloth, or should hide it negligently under the
+bushel of oblivion. For to this purpose is it placed upon a
+candlestick, that it may give light to all who are in the house."</p>
+
+<p>In which matter the victorious champion of God, Edmund,
+illuminating the borders, not only of Britain, but also of foreign
+lands with the glory of his miracles, gives frequent token of his
+merit towards God.</p>
+
+<div class="poem">
+<span class="iq">"On behalf of whose merits, Omnipotent God, we pray</span>
+<span class="i0">That Thou in Thy clemency wouldst purge our inmost heart,</span>
+<span class="i0">And wouldst infuse the gift which the fostering spirit bestows,</span>
+<span class="i0">Opening the tongues of speechless babes and making them eloquent,</span>
+<span class="i0">That we may be able worthily to tell the praises of the martyr,</span>
+<span class="i0">His famous acts, his virtues and his triumphs."</span>
+</div>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_222" id="page_222">{222}</a></span><br /></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2><span class="uline">APPENDIX II</span><br />
+<span class="smcap">notes to the text of the chronicle.</span></h2>
+
+
+<p class="nodent">[<i>The full titles of the works of reference quoted
+in the pages of this Appendix as "Arnold," "Battely," "James,"
+"Rokewode," will be found on pages 276 and 277 of Appendix
+III</i>].</p>
+
+
+<h3>CHAPTER I.</h3>
+
+<p><a href="#page_1">1</a>, 4. <i>The year when the Flemings were
+taken captive.</i> On the 17th October, 1173, Richard de Lucy, the
+chief justiciary of King Henry II., defeated at Fornham St. Genevieve,
+near Bury St. Edmunds, the rebel Robert de Beaumont, Earl of
+Leicester, who had landed from Flanders at Walton in Suffolk on the
+29th September, 1173, at the head of a force of Flemings. The
+chroniclers speak of large numbers of the foreign mercenaries as being
+killed at the battle of Fornham. The Earl and Countess of Leicester
+were captured, and imprisoned at Falaise till 1174. For an interesting
+description of the battle, with many references to the chronicles, see
+Miss Kate Norgate's <i>England under the Angevin Kings</i>, II.
+150-1.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_1">1</a>, 10. <i>Hugh the Abbot.</i> Hugh, Prior of
+Westminster, succeeded Ording as 9th Abbot of St. Edmundsbury in 1157.
+Gervase records his being blessed by Archbishop Theobald at
+Colchester, and his vowing to him canonical obedience. But a bull
+obtained at great cost from Pope Alexander III. in 1172 (see p. 7)
+made the abbey immediately subject to Rome. <span class="pagenum"><a
+name="page_223" id="page_223">{223}</a></span> Some details of the
+occurrences during his abbacy are given in Battely, pp. 78-82.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_1">1</a>, 11. Genesis xxvii. 1.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_2">2</a>, 21. <i>Debt ... to Jews.</i> Whilst the
+Jews were legally simply chattels of the king, they were at this time
+"practically masters of the worldly interests of a large number of his
+Christian subjects, and of a large portion of the wealth of his realm"
+(Norgate's <i>Angevin Kings</i>, II. 487). There are many instances
+besides that of St. Edmundsbury of ecclesiastical property and
+furniture being pledged to the Jews, <i>e.g.</i> the sacred vessels
+and jewels of Lincoln Minster were in pledge to Aaron, a rich Jew of
+that city, for seven years or more before Geoffrey, bishop-elect,
+redeemed them in 1173.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_3">3</a>, 6. <i>Benedict the Jew.</i> In 1171
+"Benedict the Jew, son of Deodate, was fined xx<sup>li</sup> for
+taking certain sacred vestments in pawn." (Pipe Rolls, Norf. and Suff.
+17 Hen. II.) Other fines on Jews are recorded by Rokewode (pp.
+106-7).</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_3">3</a>, 9. <i>William the sacrist.</i> From the
+<i>Gesta Sacristarum</i> (Arnold II. 291) we learn of this officer,
+who was once Samson's superior, afterwards a rival candidate for the
+abbacy, and finally Samson's subordinate, "Huic [Schuch] successit
+Willelmus cognomento Wiardel; qui non sine causa a domino Samsone
+abbate amotus fuit ab administratione." His evil deeds recorded by
+Jocelin appear therefore to have been remembered.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_6">6</a>, 1. <i>Richard the Archbishop.</i> Richard
+was a Norman by birth and of humble parentage; and was prior of Dover
+when the question of filling up the primacy was discussed 2½ years
+after Becket's murder on 29th December, 1170. There was a disputed
+election, but Robert, by the Court influence, won the day over Odo,
+Prior of Canterbury; and eventually his election was confirmed by Pope
+Alexander III. on 2nd April, 1174. Immediately after his
+enthronisation (5th October, 1174) Richard held a legatine visitation
+of his province; and as he rode with a great train, his visits were
+specially grievous to the religious houses that had to receive
+him.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_6">6</a>, 19. <i>Sent to Acre.</i> Castleacre,
+Westacre, and Southacre, <span class="pagenum"><a name="page_224"
+id="page_224">{224}</a></span> in Norfolk, are all described in Domesday
+book as "Acra." There were two Priories, one at Castleacre, the other
+at Westacre; but the former was the more famous of the two. As it was
+a Cluniac institution, and as the Cluniacs were a kind of stricter
+Benedictines, it seems most probable that it was to Castleacre that
+Samson was sent as a punishment. Apparently this was his second
+banishment there; for he speaks here to Jocelin (then a novice, and
+who joined the monastery in 1173) as though of recent events. (As to
+his first imprisonment after his return from Rome about 1161, see page
+74 and note on p. 237.) The Priory of Castleacre was founded about
+1084 by William de Warrenne, created by the Conqueror Earl of Surrey,
+and the progenitor of that famous sixth Earl who fought Baliol and
+Wallace in Scotland, and who, when called upon by the King's
+Commissioners to produce the title by which he held his possessions,
+drew his sword and laid it on the table. Some remarkably beautiful
+ruins of the Priory, particularly of its west front and the Prior's
+Lodge, have happily escaped the ravages of the village builders, who
+for centuries used the ruins as a stone quarry.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_6">6</a>, 24. Exodus v. 21.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_7">7</a>, 4. <i>authority as legate.</i> Mr.
+Rokewode goes at length (pp. 107-8) into the documents relative to the
+claim of the monks of St. Edmund to exemption under Royal authority
+from ordinary episcopal jurisdiction. The Bull of 1172 which they
+obtained from Pope Alexander III. exempted them from the jurisdiction
+of any other ecclesiastical authority than the Pontiff or his
+<i>legatus a latere</i>. Shortly afterwards the Monastery was exempted
+from the personal interference of Archbishop Richard as legate <i>a
+latere</i>.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_8">8</a>, 5. <i>Jurnet the Jew.</i> Rokewode quotes
+(pp. 108-9) from the Pipe Rolls of Henry II. the following: In 23
+Henry II., Jurnet the Jew of Norwich was amerced in <span
+class="smcap">mm</span> marcs; and he stood amerced, in the 31st year
+of the same king, in <span class="smcap">mmmmmdxxv</span> marcs and a
+half, for which debt the whole body of Jews were chargeable: and they
+were to <span class="pagenum"><a name="page_225"
+id="page_225">{225}</a></span> have Jurnet's effects and chattels to
+enable them to pay it. He gave King Richard <span
+class="smcap">mdccc</span> marcs that he might reside in England with
+the King's good will.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_10">10</a>, 23. <i>morrow of St. Brice.</i> November
+15, 1180. Hugh was buried in the Chapter House nearest the door, sixth
+and last of the six abbots buried there, as recorded in a MS. at Douai
+circa 1425. The other five were:&mdash;Ording (1146-1156), Samson
+(1182-1211), Richard of Insula (1229-1234), Henry of Rushbrook
+(1234-1248), Edmund of Walpole (1248-1257). The lidless coffins of
+these five, with skeletons within, were discovered January 1, 1903.
+The coffin of Hugh had disappeared, but bones which may have been his
+were found buried at the spot.</p>
+
+
+<h3>CHAPTER II.</h3>
+
+<p><a href="#page_12">12</a>, 3. <i>Ranulf de Glanville.</i> The
+famous author of the oldest of our legal classics, the "Treatise on
+the Laws and Customs of England," was of Suffolk stock, and was born
+at Stratford St. Andrew, Saxmundham. He succeeded Richard Lucy as
+chief justiciary of England, and thenceforward he was the king's
+right-hand man (Richard of Devizes called him the "King's eye"). At
+the moment of Abbot Hugh's death Henry II. was in France (he kept that
+Christmas at Le Mans), so the monks appreciated the importance of
+letting Glanville as justiciary know at once the fact of the vacancy.
+Glanville took the cross, and died at the siege of Acre in 1180.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_12">12</a>, 11. <i>wardship of the Abbey.</i> The
+accounts rendered by the wardens during the abbatial vacancy have been
+fortunately preserved in the returns which Wimer, the Sheriff of
+Norfolk and Suffolk, made to the Exchequer for the 27 and 28 Henry II.
+Mr. Rokewode gives the actual text of them (pp. 110-1). The rental of
+the Abbot from Michaelmas, 1180, to Michaelmas, 1181, was £326
+12<i>s.</i> 4<i>d.</i>: out of which £56 13<i>s.</i> 4<i>d.</i> was
+paid for corrodies, including £21 for Abbot <span class="pagenum"><a
+name="page_226" id="page_226">{226}</a></span> Hugh's expenses for the six
+weeks before his death, and £35 for the Archbishop of Trontheim.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_14">14</a>, 2. Deuteronomy xvi. 19.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_14">14</a>, 9. <i>paintings.</i> For an interesting
+discussion as to these paintings, and the subjects of them, see
+<i>James</i>, pp. 130 <i>et seq.</i></p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_14">14</a>, 11. <i>building the great tower.</i>
+Samson's work as subsacrist in connection with this tower is thus
+described by James, page 119: "Samson finished one storey in the great
+tower at the west end. This was a western tower occupying a position
+similar to that of the western tower at Ely, immediately over the
+central western door." It was <i>not</i> this tower (as stated by
+Rokewode, page 111) that fell down on 23 Sept., 1210, but the central
+tower (see James, pp. 121-203).</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_16">16</a>, 7. Judges xvi. 19.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_16">16</a>, 11. Judges xvi. 29.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_16">16</a>, 18. Matthew xxv. 21.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_17">17</a>, 7. Quot homines tot sententiæ. Terence,
+<i>Phormio</i>, Act. 2, Sc. 3, 14.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_17">17</a>, 12. <i>Abbot Ording.</i> In the
+dedication to Abbot Ording of the <i>Liber de Infantia Sancti
+Eadmundi</i> by Galfridus de Fontibus, Ording is said (Arnold, i. 93)
+to have been "watchful in attendance on the King from his boyhood."
+Apparently this King was Stephen (born about 1097), as Henry II., his
+successor, was not born until 1133. At that time Ording would have
+been on duty at Bury: for he was already Prior in 1136, when Anselm,
+then Abbot, was nominated for the Bishopric of London. Ording was
+appointed in 1138 Abbot in Anselm's place; but as the latter failed to
+get his nomination to the See of London confirmed by the Pope, he came
+back to Bury. Ording therefore, "sive volens sive nolens" had to
+return to his duties as Prior; but when Anselm died in 1148, Ording
+was re-elected Abbot, and held office till he died in 1156. As to his
+place of burial, see note to p. 152, l. 5, on p. 247.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_17">17</a>, 23. Matthew xvi. 19.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_18">18</a>, 9. <i>Barrators of Norfolk.</i>
+Barrator==an incitor to lawsuits <span class="pagenum"><a name="page_227"
+id="page_227">{227}</a></span> (from O. Fr. <i>bareter</i>, to deceive,
+cheat). The men of Norfolk were noted for their litigious propensities
+(cf. Tusser's rhyming autobiography: "Norfolk wiles, so full of
+guiles"). Fuller in his <i>Worthies</i> says: "Whereas <i>pedibus
+ambulando</i> is accounted but a vexatious suit in other countries,
+here (where men are said to study law as following the plough-tail)
+some would persuade us that they will enter an action for their
+neighbour's horse but looking over their hedge." An Act was passed in
+1455 (33 Hen. VI. cap. 7) to check the litigiousness of "the City of
+Norwich, and the counties of Norfolk and Suffolk."</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_18">18</a>, 17. Acts xxvi. 24, 25.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_20">20</a>, 13. 1 Corinthians xiii. 11.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_21">21</a>, 4. Romans xvi. 5.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_21">21</a>, 6. <i>Blood-letting season</i> (tempore
+minutionis). At stated times of the year there was a general
+blood-letting among the monks; and in the same <i>Liber Albus</i> in
+which Jocelin's chronicle appears is a set of Regulations <i>De
+Minutis Sanguine</i> (fol. 193). Amongst the servants in the infirmary
+of Bury Monastery was <i>Minutor, cum garcione</i> (<i>id.</i> fol.
+44). The effects of the minutio were supposed to last three days,
+during which the monk did not go to matins.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_21">21</a>, 17. Nihil est ab omni parte beatum.
+Horace, <i>Od.</i> i. 16.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_22">22</a>, 8. John xix. 22.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_22">22</a>, 9. Et semel emissum volat irrevocable
+verbum. Horace i. <i>Ep.</i> 18. 71.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_22">22</a>, 23. Medio tutissimus ibis. Ovid,
+<i>Metamorphoses</i> ii. 137.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_23">23</a>, 1. Matthew xix. 12.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_23">23</a>, 3. <i>Archbishop of Norway.</i> In 1180
+Eystein (Augustinus) Archbishop of Trontheim, refusing to crown
+Sverrir, a successful rebel, who had defeated Magnus, King of Norway,
+was driven into exile and came to England. (William de Newburgh, iii.
+16.) Rokewode (p. 113) shows from the accounts of the Wardens of the
+Abbey during the vacancy, that the corrodies allowed to the Archbishop
+amounted in all to £94 10s.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_23">23</a>, 11. <i>Holy child Robert.</i> Nothing is
+known of the circumstances <span class="pagenum"><a name="page_228"
+id="page_228">{228}</a></span> of this boy's death at the hands of the
+Jews, on 10th June, 1181, or of Jocelin's account of it (line 16),
+beyond the reference made by Bale in his list of Jocelin's writings to
+<i>Vita Roberti Martyris</i>.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_23">23</a>, 13. Acts v. 12.</p>
+
+
+<h3>CHAPTER III</h3>
+
+<p><a href="#page_25">25</a>, 12. Jeremiah xxiii. 40.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_25">25</a>, 21. Cf. 1 Corinthians xii. 3.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_26">26</a>, 23. <i>Verba Mea.</i> The 5th Psalm in
+the Vulgate begins with these words.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_31">31</a>, 9. <i>Waltham.</i> The interview with
+Henry II. took place at Bishop's Waltham, in Hampshire, on the 21st
+February, 1182.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_31">31</a>, 15. <i>Geoffrey the Chancellor.</i>
+Geoffrey was a natural son of Henry II.&mdash;it is generally stated as by
+Fair Rosamond, though this is now discredited by the facts adduced in
+the <i>Dict. Nat. Biog.</i> He was successively Bishop of Lincoln
+(1173), Chancellor (1182), Archbishop of York (1191), and after a
+violent quarrel with King John, fled the country in 1207, dying in
+Normandy in 1212.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_32">32</a>, 5. Matthew xix. 30; Mark x. 31.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_34">34</a>, 23. <i>By the very eyes of God</i>: "per
+veros oculos Dei!" This was a favourite oath of Henry II. In a
+contemporary metrical life of St. Thomas of Canterbury, the King is
+more than once made to exclaim "Par les oilz Dieu" (Rokewode, p. 115).
+William II. used to swear by "the holy Face of Lucca"; John by "the
+teeth of God" (Ramsay, <i>Angevin Empire</i> (1903), p. 414).</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_35">35</a>, 7. <i>Miserere mei Deus.</i> Psalm
+li.</p>
+
+
+<h3>CHAPTER IV</h3>
+
+<p><a href="#page_37">37</a>, 24. <i>Threshold of the gate.</i> Samson
+alighted at what is now known as the "Norman Tower."</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_38">38</a>, 4. <i>Martyri adhuc.</i> Rokewode gives
+on page 115 the <span class="pagenum"><a name="page_229"
+id="page_229">{229}</a></span> text (with the musical notes) of this
+response, the words of which are: "Martyri adhuc palpitanti, sed
+Christum confitenti, jussit Inguar caput auferri: sicque Edmundus
+martyrium consummavit, et ad Deum exultans vadit." In a MS. (Digby
+109) now at the Bodleian Library (which contains also a copy of Abbo's
+<i>Passio</i>) this response comes after the 5th lesson of the office
+of St. Edmund.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_39">39</a>, 23. John vi. 6.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_39">39</a>, 24. <i>New seal.</i> A representation of
+this seal is given as the Frontispiece. It is taken from an instrument
+in the Archives of Canterbury Cathedral, dated 6 November, 1200, being
+an award in a dispute between the Archbishop of Canterbury and the
+Canons of Lambeth, referred by Pope Innocent III. to Hugh, Bishop of
+Lincoln (for whom Roger, Dean of Lincoln, was substituted), Eustace,
+Bishop of Ely, and Abbot Samson.</p>
+
+<p>The seal represents Abbot Samson, vested in amice, alb, tunic,
+dalmatic, chasuble, rationale, and mitre. He holds a crozier in his
+right hand and a closed book in his left. The mitre is unusually large
+for the date. The inscription is broken, but in full reads thus:
+"Sigillum Samsonis Dei Gratia Abbatis Sancti Eadmundi." The
+counterseal (much smaller) displays the lamb bearing a cross, with the
+words round the circumference, "Secretum Samsonis Abbatis."</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_41">41</a>, 9. <i>Thomas of Hastings.</i> Apparently
+the object of Thomas in introducing thus early his nephew, Henry of
+Hastings, to the notice of Samson, was to secure a recognition by the
+new Abbot of the claims of his family to the hereditary stewardship of
+the Liberty of St. Edmund. By Charter of William I., Lidgate in
+Suffolk, and Blunham in Bedfordshire (where the church is dedicated to
+St. Edmund), were given to one Ralph to hold in fee of the Abbot of
+St. Edmund by the service of Dapifer or Steward. Later, between 1115
+and 1119, Abbot Albold granted the lands, with the office held by
+Ralph, to Maurice of Windsor and his heirs, and this grant was
+confirmed by King Stephen. Maurice was succeeded by Ralph of Hastings,
+his nephew, and Ralph by William of Hastings, his nephew; and Henry,
+on <span class="pagenum"><a name="page_230" id="page_230">{230}</a></span>
+whose behalf the claim of the stewardship was made to Samson, was
+William's son and heir. The Abbot admitted that his right was
+indisputable (the original Charters of William I., Abbot Albold,
+Stephen, and Henry II. [two] are quoted by Rokewode, pp. 118-120). But
+Samson's point seems to have been that Henry was too young to give
+personal service as Steward, and therefore "the business was
+deferred." Rokewode observes (p. 117): "Henry continued a minor in
+1188, his office being then filled by Robert of Flamville, who held it
+at the time of his being one of the Wardens of the Abbey during the
+vacancy" (see p. 12). In Reece's <i>Breviary of Suffolk</i> (1902) John
+of Hastings is given as Lord of the Manor of Lidgate in 1315.</p>
+
+
+<h3>CHAPTER V</h3>
+
+<p><a href="#page_43">43</a>, 11. <i>Enclosed many parks.</i> At the
+Abbot's manor at Melford was an old deer park of very ancient
+foundation. It was called Elmsett or Aelmsethe, or the Great Park, and
+consisted chiefly of open wood. It was in olden times termed "Magnus
+Boscus Domini," and in the surveys of Edward I. and Henry VI. it is
+reckoned both as park and wood, the wood part being in the latter
+survey 217a. 2r. 34p. The whole was impaled round and stored with
+deer. (Parker's <i>Melford</i>, pp. 310-11).</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_43">43</a>, 12. <i>beasts of chase.</i> The "Beasts
+of the Chase" in Angevin days were the buck, doe and fox: the "Beasts
+of the Forest" were the hart, hind and hare: and the "Beasts and Fowls
+of the Warren" were the hare, rabbit ("coney"), pheasant and
+partridge. The fox was coupled with the wolf in Canute's Forest Law,
+No. 27, as "neither forest beasts nor game." When the fox was made a
+Beast of the Chase cannot be ascertained with any precision. The same
+Law No. 27, protected "hares, rabbits and roedeer"; the last are not
+mentioned in later times. In addition to the animals above named, the
+otter was hunted&mdash;<i>vide</i> Patent Rolls of Henry III. of 1221. The
+badger, polecat or wild cat (<i>catus</i>) and marten are specified as
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_231" id="page_231">{231}</a></span>
+beasts which receivers of royal licences might hunt "with their own
+hounds" in the twelfth and thirteenth centuries. There appears to be
+no such charter or licence granting leave to hunt "the King's great
+game" (deer): on the contrary, deer are often specially reserved.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_43">43</a>, 12. <i>Keeping a huntsman with dogs.</i>
+The St. Edmund breed of dogs seems to have been celebrated, as Richard
+I., when there was a difference between him and Samson as to the
+wardship of Nesta of Cockfield, wrote to the Abbot in a friendly way,
+and asked him for some of his dogs (page 148). The hunting dog of old
+times was probably a light sort of mastiff. Sometimes a breed was more
+celebrated for speed or for strength or for courage, as in the case of
+the hounds bred by the abbots of Bury. In the course of time the
+slighter varieties developed into the greyhound, and the thicker into
+the mastiff of modern times. Canute's Forest Law 31 forbade possession
+of "the dog which the English call greihounds" to the lower classes.
+Henry II.'s Assize of the Forest, given at Woodstock 1184, forbids
+(Clause 2) any one entering a royal forest with bow, arrows, dogs or
+greyhounds, save with special warrant. Clause 14 requires the lawing
+of mastiffs.</p>
+
+<p>The Wardrobe Account of Edward I. for 1299-1300, records payment
+for maintenance of twelve "<i>fox dogs</i>." These were used to kill
+foxes in coverts previously netted round, so were not, probably,
+"running hounds." On April 11, 1279, Edward I. wrote to Charles of
+Salerno promising to send the harriers asked for by the latter: which
+seems to indicate that the English harrier had a high reputation at
+that period.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_43">43</a>, 16. <i>take part in the sport.</i>
+Strutt, in his <i>Sports and Pastimes</i>, observes:&mdash;"By the game
+laws of Canute, the dignified clergy were permitted to hunt in the
+forests belonging to the Crown; and their prerogatives were not
+abrogated by the Normans. Henry II., displeased at the power and
+ambition of the ecclesiastics, endeavoured to render these grants of
+none effect by putting in force (1157) the canon law, which strictly
+forbade the clergy to spend their time in hunting and hawking." <span
+class="pagenum"><a name="page_232" id="page_232">{232}</a></span> Henry
+III.'s First Charter of 1217 gave leave to an archbishop, bishop, earl
+or baron to take two deer while passing through a forest "by view of
+the forester"; or in the absence of that official the sportsman was to
+blow a horn on killing.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_44">44</a>, 14. <i>The Eight Hundreds.</i> These
+eight hundreds of Thingoe, Thedwastre, Blackbourn, Bradbourn,
+Bradmere, Lackford, Risbridge and Babergh, with the half hundred of
+Cosford (see line 18) constituted the Liberty of St. Edmund, as to
+which see note on page 238.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_44">44</a>, 15. <i>Robert of Cockfield.</i> See note
+to pp. 86, l. 18, on page 241, and cf. pages 254-6.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_44">44</a>, 24. <i>Hidages, foddercorn,
+hen-rents.</i> Hidage was a tax upon every hide of land; foddercorn an
+ancient feudal right that the lord should be provided with fodder for
+his horses; hen-rents were a common reservation upon inferior
+tenures.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_45">45</a>, 11. <i>Kalendar.</i> A transcript of
+this kalendar, which, as stated in the text (p. 45, l. 2) was completed
+by 1186, is now in the possession of Prince Frederick Dhuleep Singh.
+In the <i>History of the Hundred of Thingoe</i> (1838) an extract from
+it relating to that Hundred is given on pp. xii.-xvii.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_46">46</a>, 1. <i>Hugh the subsacrist.</i> Jocelin
+says that Samson appointed Hugh subsacrist to William Wiardel, and
+shortly after (p. 47) made Samson the precentor sacrist. But this
+arrangement was probably short-lived, for the <i>Gesta Sacristarum</i>
+(Arnold, ii. 290) says Hugh succeeded William as sacrist, and gives a
+lengthy list of the works he carried out in the church. In 1198, when
+the body of St. Edmund was examined, Hugh was present, and is
+described as sacrist (see p. 172).</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_50">50</a>, 16. Omnia Cæsar erat. Lucan,
+<i>Pharsalia</i>, iii. 108.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_52">52</a>, 5. Summa petit livor. Ovid, <i>Remedia
+Amoris</i>, 369.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_52">52</a>, 8. 1 John iv. 1.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_52">52</a>, 18. James ii. 13.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_54">54</a>, 9. <i>School of Melun</i>
+(Meludinensium). John of Salisbury calls a scholar of Melun
+"Meludensis." Peter Abelard opened there, early in the twelfth
+century, a celebrated school for teaching Dialectic.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_233" id="page_233">{233}</a></span>
+<a href="#page_54">54</a>, 23. Ecclesiasticus vii. 24.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_57">57</a>, 14. Strangulat inclusus dolor atque
+exæstuat intus. Ovid, <i>Tristia</i>, v. i. 63.</p>
+
+
+<h3>CHAPTER VI</h3>
+
+<p><a href="#page_62">62</a>, 7. <i>Pulpit.</i> This pulpit, from
+which Samson preached in his native dialect of Norfolk, was one of the
+works of Hugo the sacrist (Arnold, ii. 291).</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_65">65</a>, 3. <i>Norfolk Barrator.</i> See note to
+p. 18, line 9 (pages 226-7).</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_66">66</a>, 21. <i>Sale of holy water.</i> Ducange
+cites the acts of a synod of Exeter in 1287, that from ancient times
+the profits arising from the distribution of holy water had been set
+apart to maintain poor clerks in schools.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_68">68</a>, 23. <i>Schools.</i> Samson is usually
+credited with having founded a town school in connection with the
+monastery. This may very likely have been the case, but I have found
+no direct evidence of it. It seems from this passage that at any rate
+he provided free lodgings for poor scholars, and from p. 144 that he
+endowed the mastership of the schools with half the tithes of
+Wetherden. There is a street at Bury St. Edmunds, just outside the
+precincts of the monastery, known as School Hall Street.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_69">69</a>, 3. <i>Manor of Mildenhall.</i> Edward
+the Confessor gave Mildenhall to St. Edmund's, but when Domesday Book
+was compiled it was in the hands of the Crown, being then worth £70.
+Amongst the Crown lands sold by Richard I. immediately after his
+accession was this manor, purchased, according to Jocelin, for 1,100
+marks, of which 1,000 marks apparently went to the King, and 100 marks
+to Queen Eleanor (see p. 71, l. 3). See also note to p. 72, l. 4, on
+page 235.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_69">69</a>, 5. <i>Expulsion of the Jews.</i> Arnold
+(i. 249) expresses the opinion that, "under the circumstances, this
+must have been the most humane course in the interests of the Jews
+themselves. All large English towns at this time were imperfectly
+policed, and the temper of the populace savage and uncertain. A riot
+having once been set on foot, the only hope of safety for the Jews was
+in taking refuge in some royal castle. There was no <span
+class="pagenum"><a name="page_234" id="page_234">{234}</a></span> castle at
+Bury; to the Abbot alone could the survivors [from the massacre in
+1190] look for protection; and Samson knew that he had not sufficient
+force at his command to ensure it to them."</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_69">69</a>, 6. <i>New hospital at Babwell.</i> The
+ruins of this hospital, dedicated to the Saviour, still exist in
+Northgate, beyond the railway arch. It was originally founded for a
+warden, twelve chaplains, six clerks, twelve poor gentlemen, and
+twelve poor women, and was the subject of numerous Charters, which
+will be found fully described in Chapter II. of the late Sir Wm.
+Parker's <i>History of Long Melford</i> (1873). In the Feet of Fines
+for Suffolk, 1 John (1199), there are references to two deeds entered
+into by "Walter, Master of the Hospital of the Blessed Saviour outside
+the northern gate of St. Edmund's." The Master of the Hospital had his
+manor at Melford and held his courts: which manor remains to the
+present day, as the <i>Manor of the Monks in Melford</i>. It was at
+St. Saviour's Hospital that Humphrey, Duke of Gloucester, put up when
+he was arrested, in February, 1447, by Henry VI., who was in the town
+for the Parliament which met in the refectory of Bury Abbey.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_70">70</a>, 9. <i>Great roll of Winchester.</i>
+Domesday Book: the returns forming the basis of which were transmitted
+to a board sitting at Winchester, by whom they were arranged in order
+and placed upon record (Lingard, i. 249).</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_70">70</a>, 19. <i>Custom of the realm.</i> This
+custom is described by Blackstone (<i>Commentaries</i> [1844 ed.] i.
+229) as an ancient perquisite called queen-gold or aurum reginæ, due,
+in the proportion of 10 per cent., from every person making a
+voluntary offering to the King.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_71">71</a>, 1. <i>Ransom of King Richard.</i>
+Richard wrote to his mother from Haguenau on the 19th April, 1193, a
+letter notifying the 70,000 marks demanded for his ransom by the
+German Emperor Henry VI. To meet this, the monasteries of England
+handed over all their gold and silver to royal commissioners, and
+amongst the treasure delivered up by St. Edmund's was the golden
+chalice given to the Abbey by Henry II. Queen <span class="pagenum"><a
+name="page_235" id="page_235">{235}</a></span> Eleanor's release of it is
+printed in the <i>Monasticon</i> (1821 ed.), iii. 154 (see also p. 146
+of the <i>Chronicle</i>).</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_71">71</a>, 19. <i>Icklingham.</i> This appears to
+be the transaction referred to in a Charter of 1200, granted by Samson
+(confirmed by King John 15th March, 1200):&mdash;"We further give and grant
+to the said Hospital of St. Saviour, for the maintenance of the poor
+folk, £12 in money from our town of Icklingham, to be annually
+received through our sacrist." The signatures to this Charter (given
+in Parker's <i>Melford</i>, p. 9) are interesting. They include
+"Herbert, the prior," "Hermer, the sub-prior" (see chapter xvi. of
+this book), and "Jocelin, the almoner" (our Chronicler).</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_72">72</a>, 4. <i>confirmed by the King's
+Charter.</i> Richard I. signed at Chateau Galliard on 18th July, 1198,
+two charters (1) confirming to Abbot Samson the manor and advowson of
+Mildenhall; (2) placing the manor, except Icklingham, at the disposal
+of the sacrist on certain conditions. At the accession of King John,
+Samson gave the King £200 for a confirmation of the first Charter, and
+especially of Mildenhall (cf. Rokewode, pp. 124-5).</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_72">72</a>, 15. <i>Walter of Coutances.</i> The
+Church at Woolpit was the first piece of preferment of this famous
+Archbishop. Walter apparently succeeded, at Woolpit, Geoffrey Ridel,
+made Bishop of Ely in 1173 (see note on page 237). Rokewode says (p.
+126): "Henry II. obtained from Hugh, Abbot of St. Edmund's, in free
+alms, the Church of Woolpit for his clerk, Walter de Coutances, and in
+consideration thereof, by charter dated at Winchester, granted that
+after the decease of Walter or his resignation, the Church should be
+appropriated to the use of the sick monks" (<i>Reg. Nigr.</i> fol. 104
+v.). Walter obtained several other appointments, but seems from the
+text to have retained the Church at Woolpit till 1183, when he was
+consecrated Bishop of Lincoln. Next year (1184) he was elected
+Archbishop of Rouen. He took a prominent part in the troubles of the
+reigns of Richard I. and John, and died at Rouen on 16th November,
+1207.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_236" id="page_236">{236}</a></span>
+<a href="#page_72">72</a>, 22. <i>Pope Alexander and Octavian.</i>
+Alexander III., elected Pope on 7 September, 1159, was obliged to
+leave Italy in 1162, on account of the power of the Anti-Pope
+Octavian, and did not return until the decease of the latter in 1164.
+Samson's journey to Rome was, therefore, between 1159 and 1162, before
+he became a professed monk.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_73">73</a>, 3. <i>Pretended to be Scotch.</i> Mr.
+Arnold gives as the reason for this that "the Scottish kingdom at this
+time naturally sided with Octavian, England being in favour of
+Alexander" (I. xliii.). It has been suggested that "simulavi me esse
+Scottum" in the text means that Samson pretended to be an
+<i>Irishman</i>, the name Scotus having originally signified Irish,
+only acquiring its present meaning with the immigration of the Scots
+from the North of Ireland into Argyll, and their growth into a
+powerful nation. Bromton, speaking of Ireland, says:&mdash;"Dicta est eciam
+aliquando Scotia a Scotis eam inhabitantibus, priusquam ad aliam
+Scotiam Britannicam devenerunt; unde in Martirologio legitur: Tali die
+apud Scotiam natalis Sanctæ Brigidæ: quod est, apud Hiberniam" (see
+Twysden, <i>Historiæ Anglicanæ Scriptores X</i>, London 1652: vol. I.,
+col. 1072, l. 11). When therefore this passage was written (the
+fourteenth century) it is clear that the usage of Scot as meaning
+Irishman was not understood, and was regarded as needing explanation.
+Samson's contemporary, Ralph de Diceto, following the account of Henry
+of Huntingdon, twice explains that the Scots came from Ireland (ed.
+Stubbs 1876, I. 10; II. 34). This explanation again implies that by
+the middle and end of the twelfth century the word had come to mean
+exclusively "Scotsman." The same opinion is expressed by Burton: "It
+is not safe to count that the word Scot must mean a native of present
+Scotland, when the period dealt with is earlier than the middle of the
+twelfth century" (<i>History of Scotland</i>, 1873, I. 207). In that
+part of the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle which was compiled during the reign
+of King Alfred, Scot regularly means Irishman. In <span
+class="smcap">a.d.</span> 903 the death is noted of Virgil, abbot of
+the Scots, i.e. Irish: but this appears to be <span class="pagenum"><a
+name="page_237" id="page_237">{237}</a></span> the last instance of the
+use of the word in the Chronicle in that sense. Between the years 924
+and 1138 the word Scot occurs fourteen and Scotland twenty-six times
+in the Chronicle, always with the modern significance.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_73">73</a>, 6. <i>Gaveloc.</i> Javelin, a word of
+Celtic origin, but not specifically Scotch. Matthew Paris speaks of it
+in 1256 as a Frisian weapon: "Frisiones cum jaculis quæ vulgariter
+gavelocos appellant." (Chr. Maj. ed. Luard. v. 550.) In the Romance of
+Percival by Chrestien de Troyes, is the couplet, "Et il, qui bien
+lancier savoit, De gaverlos que il avoit." (Ed. Potvin, Tome I. lines
+1309-10. Mons, 1866).</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_73">73</a>, 10. <i>Ride, Ride Rome, turn
+Cantwereberi</i>, This is written in English by Jocelin; and its
+meaning seems to be "I am riding towards Rome, turning from
+Canterbury." Arnold (I. xliii.) says, "If he had meant to say
+'returning to Canterbury,' he would at once have been taken for an
+English adherent of Alexander."</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_74">74</a>, 12. <i>Geoffrey Ridel.</i> This
+presentation appears to have been made (c. 1161) by Henry II., perhaps
+during Samson's journey abroad. In 1163 Geoffrey became Archdeacon of
+Canterbury in succession to Thomas à Becket, appointed Archbishop, and
+for the next eight years was in violent opposition to his primate, who
+called him "our arch-devil," and excommunicated him. On May 1, 1173,
+Geoffrey was chosen Bishop of Ely, and died at Winchester, 27 July,
+1189. As Geoffrey from the chronicles seems to have been of a
+masterful and contumacious spirit, it must have given Abbot Samson
+peculiar satisfaction to have got the better of him over the timber
+referred to on page 106.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_74">74</a>, 19. <i>Acre.</i> This was Samson's first
+imprisonment at Castleacre (circ. 1161, before he became a monk). His
+second imprisonment probably took place about 1173, as on page 6 he
+speaks of it to Jocelin, then a novice, as something quite recent. As
+to Castleacre, see note on pages 223-4.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_238" id="page_238">{238}</a></span></p>
+
+
+<h3>CHAPTER VII.</h3>
+
+<p><a href="#page_77">77</a>, 23. <i>Charters of the King.</i> This
+dispute with the monks of Canterbury, heard before King Henry II. on
+the 11th February, 1187, raised the whole question of the Liberty of
+St. Edmund, a matter respecting which the Bury monastery was extremely
+tenacious. A marginal note in the original MS. of the Chronicle,
+against the puzzled phrase of the King (see page 78, lines 1-3), says:
+"Our Charter speaks of the time of King Edward, and of the time of his
+mother, Queen Emma, who had eight and a half hundreds as a marriage
+portion before the time of King Edward, besides Mildenhall." According
+to the <i>Anglo-Saxon Chronicle</i>, the Confessor, after his
+coronation in 1043, seized the possessions of his mother, "because she
+was formerly very hard on the King her son, and did less for him than
+he wished before he was King, and also since." The Franchise having
+thus come into the Confessor's hands, was granted to the Abbots and
+Monks of Bury shortly after his accession. Under a Charter of King
+Edmund granted about 945, and Charters of Canute and Hardicanute, the
+jurisdiction of Bury Abbey had been restricted to the town, and the
+circuit indicated by the four crosses placed at the distance of a mile
+from the extremities of the town: but by the Confessor's Charter, it
+was enlarged to a district extending over about two-fifths of the
+whole county of Suffolk. (For names of the 8½ hundreds included in the
+Liberty see note on page 232, 14.)</p>
+
+<p>Edward the Confessor paid a visit to the shrine of St. Edmund in
+1044, and when he had come within a mile of it, dismounted from his
+horse and accomplished the rest of the journey on foot. Herman the
+archdeacon, who wrote about half a century later, is the first to
+relate this fact, and also the grant by the King to the abbey of the
+8½ hundreds: "Qua tunc suffragatorem reditibus imperialibus honorat,
+centurias quas Anglice hundrez vocant, octo et semis sibi circum-circa
+se donat, regiamque mansionem nomine Mildenhall his adauget" (Arnold,
+I. 48). The original grant of Edward the Confessor gave the abbey jura
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_239" id="page_239">{239}</a></span>
+regalia in wide loose general terms. Later, Charters became gradually
+more explicit as to the extent of jurisdiction (civil and criminal)
+conferred. Later still, the Royal justices in eyre supervened. The
+institution of the circuits and assizes had to be fitted into the
+exempt jurisdiction: so the Liberty had its own assizes, etc., but
+outside the interior special and inviolable circuit of the bannaleuca
+or limits of St. Edmundsbury itself.</p>
+
+<p>Lord Francis Hervey, who has made a special study of the subject,
+gives hope on page 250 of his notes to the <i>Breviary of Suffolk</i>
+(1902), of his undertaking "a detailed examination of the history and
+incidents of the great Liberty of St. Edmund, which remained in the
+hands of its monastic rulers till the day when Abbot Reeve surrendered
+his Abbey to Henry VIII., November 4, 1539."</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_78">78</a>, 15. Matthew xix. 12.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_78">78</a>, 16. <i>the matter was put off.</i> This
+dispute between Bury and Canterbury was not, as a matter of fact,
+ultimately composed till over 200 years later. Amongst Dr. Yates'
+manuscript materials for the never completed Part II. of his
+<i>History of Bury</i> is a memorandum (now amongst the Egerton MSS.
+in the British Museum) in the following words:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"The Letters Patent of King Henry 4th the 25th Nov. 1408 confirm
+and ratify an Indenture of three parts between the Archbishop of
+Canterbury, the Prior of Christ Church, Canterbury, and the Abbot of
+Bury St. Edmund's, by which it is determined that the parishes of
+Hadleygh et Illeygh being within the eight hundreds and an half called
+the Liberty or Franchise of St. Edmund should be subject to the
+Abbot's Seneschallus, or High Steward of the Franchise, and that the
+return of the writs of the Seneschal's Great Court with the rolls
+fines and other rights and privileges should be regarded in those
+parishes in the same manner as in the other parts of the Liberty. An
+exemption on the part of the Archbishop having been claimed, this
+indenture terminated a dispute that had been above 160 years [cf.
+Arnold, III. 188] in agitation. During this dispute it was agreed that
+the Sheriff of Suffolk should act <span class="pagenum"><a
+name="page_240" id="page_240">{240}</a></span> till its termination as
+Seneschal of these Parishes. A patent was addressed to the Sheriff of
+Suffolk dated 27th November in the same year, commanding him no longer
+to intromit within the Franchise of St. Edmund, but to preserve
+inviolate the Liberties and immunities of the Abbot and
+Monastery.&mdash;<i>Registrum Rubrum in Collect, Burien.</i>: 317 <i>to</i>
+328 <i>inclusive.</i>"</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_78">78</a>, 16. Et adhuc sub judice lis est. Horace,
+<i>Arte Poet.</i>, 78.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_79">79</a>, 6. <i>Bishop of Ely.</i> This was
+William of Longchamp (d. 1197), once described by Henry II. as a "son
+of two traitors." He fled the kingdom in 1191 on his fall from power,
+came to England in 1192, but was not permitted to proceed further than
+Canterbury, and crossed the seas again. In 1193 he returned, bearing
+letters from the Emperor, and met the Regency at St. Albans. It was on
+this occasion that he passed through St. Edmundsbury, as recorded on
+page 80. In Normandy, at the instigation of the Archbishop of Rouen,
+he had been everywhere received as an excommunicated person (cf.
+Rokewode, page 127).</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_79">79</a>, 10. <i>Archbishopric vacant.</i>
+Archbishop Baldwin died at Acre, in November, 1190; his successor
+Reginald, Bishop of Bath, was elected in December, 1191, and died
+after a few days. Hubert Walter, with whom Samson afterwards came into
+conflict, was elected Archbishop in May, 1192 (see note on page
+245).</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_80">80</a>, 12. <i>Archbishop of York.</i> This was
+Geoffrey, the half-brother of Richard I., to whom he had sworn that he
+would not return to England without the King's leave. Having returned,
+he was, on his landing at Dover in September, 1191, arrested by
+Longchamp's orders, and thrown into prison.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_80">80</a>, 24. <i>King Henry had taken the
+Cross.</i> At the interview of Henry II. with Philip of France,
+between Trie and Gisors, the two Kings took the cross upon the Feast
+of St Agnes, 21 January, 1188.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_82">82</a>, 8. <i>War throughout England.</i> After
+John's return from France in 1193, the country was in a state of
+general warfare; <span class="pagenum"><a name="page_241"
+id="page_241">{241}</a></span> and Windsor was besieged by the Regency
+with the King's other castles.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_82">82</a>, 16. <i>His own standard.</i> See note to
+p. 85, l. 25, below.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_83">83</a>, 1. <i>Licence for holding
+tournaments.</i> This was little more than a device for raising money.
+In 1194 Richard ordered tournaments to be held, in order to practise
+the knights in warfare. No one could joust at a tournament without a
+licence; and the price of the licence varied with the rank of the
+holder.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_85">85</a>, 12. <i>Withgar.</i> This great thane,
+who is styled in the Cartulary of Abbot John of Northwold "the famous
+Earl," had the custody for Queen Emma, mother of Edward the Confessor,
+of the franchise of the eight hundreds and a half which subsequently
+constituted the Liberty of St. Edmund (see notes on pages 232 and
+238). Mr. Rokewode says (p. 129): "The honour of Clare was composed
+chiefly of the great possessions in Suffolk and Essex of Alfric, son
+of Withgar or Wisgar (<i>Liber Domesday</i>)."</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_85">85</a>, 25. <i>Standard of St. Edmund.</i> In
+the famous Harleian MS. 2278, the original book containing the
+metrical life of St. Edmund by John Lydgate, presented to Henry VI. by
+Bury Abbey after his visit to the monastery in 1433, there is a
+pictorial representation of this Standard. It depicts Adam and Eve on
+either side of the Tree of Knowledge, and the devil with a human face
+and a serpent's body curled round the tree. Above the tree is a lamb
+and a cross, with crescents in the background. The counterseal of
+Abbot Samson also has the lamb and cross (see page 229).</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_86">86</a>, 6. <i>Earl Roger Bigot.</i> This Earl
+was son of Hugh, the rebellious baron. It appears from the text that
+the Standard of St. Edmund was carried by him into the fight at the
+battle of Fornham, in October, 1173 (see p. 1).</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_86">86</a>, 18. <i>Robert of Cockfield.</i>
+References to members of this family of Cockfield, or Cokefield,
+appear often in the <i>Chronicle</i>. The dispute as to rights which
+arose on Robert's death is told again in greater detail at the end of
+the <i>Chronicle</i>, by William of Diss (see pp. 254-6), and the
+dispute as to the wardship of <span class="pagenum"><a name="page_242"
+id="page_242">{242}</a></span> the daughter of Adam, son of Robert, on
+pages 187-8. Nothing here arises except Samson's denial of Adam's
+right of hereditary tenure, in which he was successful.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_87">87</a>, 16. <i>Eight and a half hundreds.</i>
+See notes to p. 44, l. 14, and p. 77, l. 23, on the Liberty of St.
+Edmund (pp. 232, 238).</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_88">88</a>, 16. <i>Haberdon.</i> This is a field
+(still called by the same name) in the south-east corner of the town,
+with remains of earthworks. It was held in monastic times of the
+sacrist by the singular tenure, that the tenant should find a white
+bull as often as a gentlewoman should visit the shrine of St. Edmund
+"to make the oblation of the said white bull," with a view to secure a
+favourable answer to her prayers for offspring. On these occasions the
+bull was led from his pasture on the Haberdon through the principal
+streets of the town in procession to the Church of St. Edmund.</p>
+
+
+<h3>CHAPTER VIII.</h3>
+
+<p><a href="#page_101">101</a>-105. The whole of this Chapter is
+obviously an interpolation in the Chronicle by some monk other than
+Jocelin himself. The story of Henry of Essex is included in the long
+and elaborate "vita et passio cum miraculis Sancti Edmundi" prepared
+in the fourteenth century in the monastery at Bury, and now preserved
+in the Bodleian Library (MS. 240); and at the end of this transcript
+the compiler adds, "Cuius narracionem Jocelinus audiens, in scriptis
+redegit" (<i>Nova Legenda Anglie</i>, ed. Horstman, 1901, II. 637). It
+is apparent from the opening phrase of the text (p. 105) that Jocelin,
+who most probably went to Reading in the train of the Abbot, commenced
+to set down the story at the bidding of Samson, but left its
+completion to some other monk of inferior degree. Perhaps this was
+William of Diss, who added at the end of the Chronicle (see pages
+254-6) a declaration as to the lands of Robert of Cockfield.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_101">101</a>, 10. <i>precept of Seneca.</i> Mr.
+Arnold says: "Many things resembling this sentiment occur in the 109th
+Epistle of Seneca; but probably the passage is somewhere else in his
+works."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_243" id="page_243">{243}</a></span> <a
+href="#page_103">103</a>, 18. <i>thrown down the standard.</i> Henry
+of Essex's act of cowardice took place in 1157, during an expedition
+into Flintshire, when the Welsh made a sudden attack. His dropping the
+standard brought King Henry II. and the Royal army into great peril
+(Gervase, i. 165, Rolls ed.).</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_104">104</a>, 1. <i>Roger Earl of Clare.</i> There
+seems to be an attempt at punning, at this point, by the monk who
+wrote the original story in Latin: "Rogerus comes Clarensis, clarus
+genere et militari clarior exercitis, cum suis Clarensibus maturius
+occurrisset."</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_104">104</a>, 9. <i>trial of battle.</i> This fight
+between Henry of Essex and Robert de Montfort took place in 1163
+(Ralph de Diceto, <i>Ymag. Hist</i>. i. 310, Rolls ed.), on an eyot in
+the Thames, and is still traditionally remembered at Reading.</p>
+
+
+<h3>CHAPTER IX</h3>
+
+<p><a href="#page_106">106</a>, 6. <i>stay at Melford.</i> The manor
+of Melford was given to the monastery in the time of Leofstan (second
+Abbot) by Earl Alfric, the son of Withgar (Parker's <i>History of Long
+Melford</i>, p. 1). At Long Melford, 13 miles south of Bury, was a
+country house belonging to the Abbots of Bury; and at the present
+Melford Hall there are said to be still some relics of this occupancy.
+After Samson died, in 1211, there was a dispute that lasted a
+considerable time as to the validity of the election of Hugo, his
+successor; and the Papal Legate, Nicholas, Bishop of Tusculum, who
+tried vainly to compose it, stayed for some time at Melford (Arnold,
+ii. 46). Abbot Simon of Luton died at his manor of Melford in April,
+1279.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_108">108</a>, 8, 13. <i>forty pounds a year from the
+town.</i> Battely prints (<i>App.</i> xvii. 149) a letter from Pope
+Eugenius III. (no date) addressed to Helyas, the sacrist (Ording's
+nephew), confirming Ording's instructions as to the rents of the town
+being applied to the service of the Altar.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_112">112</a>, 8. <i>Charter from King Henry the
+Second.</i> "All the men of London shall be quit and free, and all
+their goods throughout England, and the ports of the sea, of and from
+all toll and <span class="pagenum"><a name="page_244"
+id="page_244">{244}</a></span> passage and lestage and all other customs"
+(Charter Henry I.). "All the citizens of London shall be quit from
+toll and lastage throughout all England and the ports of the sea"
+(Charter of Henry II.&mdash;confirmed by Charter of Richard I., 23 April,
+1194, and by Charter of John, 17 June, 1199). (Birch's <i>Historical
+Charters of the City of London</i>, 1887, pp. 3, 5.)</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_112">112</a>, 15. <i>theam</i> (Lat. themus, team).
+The right of compelling a person in whose hands stolen property was
+found to say from whom he received it (Glossary in Stubbs's <i>Select
+Charters</i>).</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_113">113</a>, 10. Judges xvi. 9.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_116">116</a>, 15. <i>A charter was made.</i> The
+text of this Charter of 1194, granted by Samson to the Burgesses, will
+be found in Battely (<i>App.</i> xxii. 155-6) and in the
+<i>Monasticon</i>, iii. 153. It confirms to the town all the customs
+and liberties which it had in the times of Henry II. and his
+predecessors; and it declares that with regard to watch and ward and
+the custody of the gates, the ancient custom is that the town shall
+furnish eight watchmen night by night, all the year round, two for
+each ward, and a larger number at Christmas and on St. Edmund's Day
+[20 November]; also that the town should find four gatekeepers for the
+four gates, the fifth or eastern gate being in the custody of the
+Abbot. Nothing is said in the Charter about the appointment of the
+portreeves; but the right of burgesses to sue and be sued in their own
+borough-court (portmanne-mot), instead of going outside the borough to
+the hundred-mot or the shire-mot, is insisted upon. "What is evidently
+assumed is that the portreeve is the Abbot's servant, and administers
+justice in the Abbot's name" (Arnold, II. xxxix.).</p>
+
+
+<h3>CHAPTER X</h3>
+
+<p><a href="#page_119">119</a>, 10. Lamentations iv. i.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_121">121</a>, 12. <i>Abbot Robert.</i> This was
+Robert II. (fourth Abbot), a monk of Westminster, elected by the
+convent in 1102, but not confirmed by Henry I. until 1107. He died
+shortly afterwards, on the 16th September, 1107, and, after an
+interregnum <span class="pagenum"><a name="page_245"
+id="page_245">{245}</a></span> of seven years, Albold, Prior of St.
+Nicasius, at Meaux, succeeded him in the abbacy. Robert was buried in
+the Infirmary Chapel (Douai MS.). For his character and labours, see
+MS. quoted in Arnold, i. 356.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_121">121</a>, 20. <i>Hubert Walter.</i> Hubert's
+father, Harvey Walter, was descended from Hubert, the first Norman
+settler, who received at the Conquest grants of land in Norfolk and
+Suffolk. Hubert is said to have been born at West Dereham, in Norfolk
+(Tanner, <i>Not. Monast. Norfolk</i>, xxi.), where lived, as will be
+seen from the text (p. 121, l. 25), his mother Matilda de Valognes
+(whose sister Bertha married Ranulf de Glanville). He was brought up
+in Glanville's household, and was so much in his confidence that he
+was afterwards said to have "shared with him in the government of
+England." In 1186 he became Dean of York, and in 1189 Bishop of
+Salisbury. In 1190 he went to the Holy Land, returning in 1193, in
+which year he was elected Archbishop of Canterbury and appointed
+justiciary. Richard's departure over sea in 1194 left him virtual
+ruler of England for the next few years. He died in 1205; and in
+March, 1890, a tomb opened in Canterbury Cathedral was found to
+contain his remains.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_124">124</a>, 6. <i>The Pope wrote.</i> This letter
+of Innocent III. was dated 1st December, 1198, and was addressed (not
+to the Archbishop but) to the Abbot and convent of St. Edmund
+(<i>Migne's Patrologia</i>, vol. ccxiv., No. 457 of the Regesta).</p>
+
+
+<h3>CHAPTER XI</h3>
+
+<p><a href="#page_134">134</a>, 13. Tendens ad sidera palmas. Virgil,
+<i>Æn.</i> i. 93.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_135">135</a>, 18. <i>Anniversary obit of the Abbot
+Robert.</i> According to the <i>Liber Albus</i>, fol. 35, the
+anniversary of Abbot Robert was "xvi Kal. Octobris" (16th September).
+The anniversaries of Ording and Hugh, mentioned in line 20, were 31st
+January and the 16th November.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_139">139</a>, 20. <i>Chapel of St. Denis.</i> This
+chapel was at the west end of the church, probably north of the great
+western tower, with a chapel dedicated to St. Faith above it. Abbot
+Baldwin, <span class="pagenum"><a name="page_246"
+id="page_246">{246}</a></span> who commenced the erection of the basilica,
+was a monk of St. Denis; hence, no doubt, the dedication of a chapel
+to that saint.</p>
+
+
+<h3>CHAPTER XII</h3>
+
+<p><a href="#page_142">142</a>, 5. <i>Church of Coventry.</i> Hugh de
+Nonant (d. 1198), Bishop of Lichfield and Coventry, had a violent
+dislike to all monks, and, whenever he could, put secular canons in
+their place. He had turned out the monks at Coventry, and Pope
+Celestine III. appointed in 1197 a Commission, on which Samson sat,
+for restoring these expelled monks. The monks were re-inducted by
+Archbishop Hubert Walter on 18th January, 1198.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_144">144</a>, 1. <i>Church of Wetherden.</i> This
+deed is recorded in the Feet of Fines for Suffolk, 9 Richard I., No.
+49.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_144">144</a>, 9. <i>master of the schools.</i> A
+perpetual pension of three marcs, payable from the tithes of Wetherden
+to "the master of the school at St. Edmund," was granted in 1198 by
+John, Bishop of Norwich, at the request of Samson (<i>Curtey's
+Register</i>, Brit. Mus. fol. 119).</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_145">145</a>, 24. <i>Chapel of St. Andrew.</i>
+According to the <i>Gesta Sacristarum</i> (Arnold, ii. 291) the Chapel
+of St. Andrew was for the most part built and finished by the sacrist
+Hugo under Samson, and seems to have been then connected with the
+infirmary (iii. 87). Later on it was removed into the cemetery of the
+monks (iii. 187).</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_145">145</a>, 25. <i>Chapels of St. Katherine and
+St. Faith.</i> Two chapels at the west end; St. Katherine to the
+south, over the chapel of St. John, St. Faith to the north, over the
+chapel of St. Denis.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_147">147</a>, 19. Tractant fabrilia fabri. Horace,
+<i>Ep.</i> ii. i. 116.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_147">147</a>, 20. <i>Adam of Cockfield.</i> This was
+the claimant whose case is reported on pp. 86-8, and again (by William
+of Diss) on pp. 254-6. An elaborate pedigree of the Cockfield family
+is given by Rokewode on pp. 140-8 of his book. His daughter's name was
+Nesta, and, as stated at p. 187, l. 24, she became, on her father's
+death in 1198, the ward and wife of Thomas de <span class="pagenum"><a
+name="page_247" id="page_247">{247}</a></span> Burgh, brother of Hubert
+the chamberlain, who was afterwards justiciary and Earl of Kent. Nesta
+married three times, and died about 1248.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_149">149</a>, 3. Munera (crede mihi) capiunt
+hominesque deosque; Placatur donis Jupiter ipse datis. Ovid, <i>Arte
+Amandi</i>, iii. 653.</p>
+
+
+<h3>CHAPTER XIII</h3>
+
+<p><a href="#page_151">151</a>, 13. <i>Portman-moot.</i> Borough
+court. Written in English in the original Chronicle
+("portmane-mot.")</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_151">151</a>, 18. <i>Sorpeni.</i> Payment for grass
+for a cow.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_152">152</a>, 5. <i>Ording who lies there.</i>
+Ording (d. 1156) was one of six abbots who were buried in the Chapter
+House, and whose names are recorded in the MS., circa 1425, discovered
+by Dr. Montagu James at Douai (<i>James</i>, p. 180). The original
+chapter house of the monastery was built by Godefridus, the sacrist,
+about 1107. There was a fire which destroyed all the convent
+buildings, and Helyas, the sacrist, Ording's nephew, "reformavit ad
+plenum" the chapter house. His uncle was the first Abbot buried there.
+Ording's place of sepulture was nearest to the east end or dais. Hugo
+and Samson, Ording's successors, were also buried in Helyas's chapter
+house: Samson being, according to the Douai MS. "sepultus in capitulo
+sedus ad pedes Ric. Abb. sub lapidibus marmoreis ut suprascriptum est
+de Abb. Ordingo." About 1220 Richard of Newport, then sacrist, "vetus
+capitulum destruxit, et novum a fundamentis construxit." (Arnold, II.
+293.) Afterwards Richard of Insula (1229-34), Henry of Rushbrook
+(1234-46), and Edmund of Walpole (1248-56) were also buried in the
+chapter house. Its dimensions, according to William of Worcester's
+measurements in 1479, were 60 paces by 20. In the course of some
+recent excavations (1902-3) the coffins of five of the above Abbots,
+and much worked stone and marble, have been found on the site of this
+chapter house.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_152">152</a>, 19. <i>tenant of the cellarer, by name
+Ketel</i>. As Ketel dwelt "without the gate," he was, being "of the
+cellarer's fee," subject to the "judicial duel" which William I. had
+introduced; <span class="pagenum"><a name="page_248"
+id="page_248">{248}</a></span> whereas the argument of his
+fellow-burgesses seems to have been that if he had dwelt within the
+borough he would have been tried and acquitted or condemned by the
+"oaths of his neighbours"&mdash;the compurgators out of whom our jury
+system grew. The monks recognized that the time had come when the
+franchise of the town should be extended to the rural possessions of
+the Abbey, and all brought under a common jurisdiction.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_153">153</a>, 6. <i>within the jurisdiction.</i>
+"Infra bannamleucam," defined by Ducange as a certain territory by the
+boundaries of which the jurisdiction and immunities of any place,
+whether a town or monastery, were limited. <i>Bannum</i> is here used
+in the sense of jurisdiction; and the amount of territory so
+enfranchised was usually reckoned as a league either way, hence banna
+leuca or banlieue. The exempt jurisdiction of Bury Abbey was limited
+to the circuit of a mile within four crosses.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_153">153</a>, 6. <i>Villeins of Hardwick.</i> The
+Latin word is <i>lancettos</i>, serfs holding by base services. In one
+of the cartularies of St. Edmund, the "Lancetti de Hardwick" were to
+cleanse the latrines of the monastery.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_154">154</a>, 23. <i>Beodricsworth.</i> This is the
+ancient name of Bury St. Edmunds. Mr. Arnold says (I. iv.) the name of
+Beodric "seems to mean 'a table chieftain,' <i>comp.</i> beod. geneat,
+a table companion. But there is some countenance in the MSS. for
+Beadricsworth, which would come from beadu-rica, one mighty in war."
+Seynt Edmunds Biri is first substituted for Beodricsworth in Charters
+from Edward the Confessor to the Monastery (cf. page 260 and Battely,
+<i>App.</i> ix. 134).</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_155">155</a>, 14. <i>Aver-peni.</i> The money paid
+by the tenant in commutation of the service (avera) of performing any
+work for his lord by horse or ox, or by carriage with either.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_155">155</a>, 20. <i>Eels from Southrey.</i> Ælgiva,
+Queen of Canute, gave to the Monastery yearly four thousand eels, with
+her gifts which pertained thereto at Lakenheath. The manor of
+Southrey, in Norfolk, with three fisheries, was appropriated to the
+cellarer (Rokewode, p. 151).</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_249" id="page_249">{249}</a></span>
+<a href="#page_157">157</a>, 2. <i>haggovele.</i> Probably head-tax or
+hearth-tax.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_159">159</a>, 2. Romans xii. 10.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_159">159</a>, 9. Summa petit livor. Ovid, <i>Rem.
+Amoris</i>, 369.</p>
+
+
+<h3>CHAPTER XIV</h3>
+
+<p><a href="#page_163">163</a>, 8. Habakkuk iii. 2.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_164">164</a>, 11. <i>Chest with the shirt of St.
+Edmund.</i> Archdeacon Herman, in his treatise <i>De Miraculis Sancto
+Eadmundi</i> (Arnold, i. 26 <i>et seq.</i>), describes how Leofstan
+(2nd Abbot) decided to open the coffin containing St. Edmund's body
+and examine the remains. The body was found covered with a vestment
+stained with blood and pierced with arrows. This was taken off and the
+body wrapped in a linen sheet. In the continuation of Herman's work,
+ascribed to Samson himself, there is an account of another Herman, a
+monk of Bury, and a popular preacher, who displayed irreverently
+certain relics of St. Edmund. He took the shirt out of its casket, and
+unfolded it for the people to kiss. Tolinus the sacrist commented
+severely on the occurrence, and on the third day at sunset Herman
+died. The "feretrum cum camisia S. Edmundi" was amongst the relics
+carried in procession round the Church on Christmas Day, Palm Sunday,
+Easter Day, and probably other high festivals (Rituale, Harl. MS. 297,
+cent, xiv., quoted by <i>James</i>, p. 183).</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_165">165</a>, 1. <i>Cup of St. Edmund.</i> To
+drinking from this cup various miracles are ascribed: a rich lady
+cured after long suffering from fever; a Dunwich man with dropsy; a
+girl afflicted with a great swelling, who drinks from the cup thrice
+in the name of the Trinity; a Cluniac monk of St. Saviour's,
+Southwark, named Gervasius, whose story is told in great detail in
+Samson's <i>De Miraculis</i> (Arnold, i. 202-3). It is said that an
+indulgence <i>toties quoties</i> was granted to pilgrims who drank
+from this cup "in the worshippe of God and Saint Edmund," hence its
+name of "Pardon Bowl"; but I have not found the original authority for
+this.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_165">165</a>, 19. Luke xii. 2.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_250" id="page_250">{250}</a></span>
+<a href="#page_166">166</a>, 9. Psalm lxiii. 11.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_170">170</a>, 4. Isaiah i. 2.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_171">171</a>, 18. <i>verse inscribed.</i> In the
+<i>Cronica Burienis</i> (Arnold, iii. 8) this verse is given in a
+slightly different form&mdash;"Martyris ecce zoma Michaelis servet agalma,"
+the writer adding, "Agalma, id est, sacra receptacula divinitatis."
+"Zoma" is probably the Greek word "soma," body. But it has also been
+translated "garment," and Carlyle's version of the inscription
+(<i>Past and Present</i>, ch. xvi.) is, "This is the Martyr's garment,
+which Michael's Image guards." Lord Francis Hervey, in his edition
+(1902) of Recce's <i>Breviary of Suffolk</i>, says, "Having regard to
+the fondness of the mediæval versifiers for rhyme, I feel tempted to
+suggest that the word may have been 'salma,' a word of unknown origin,
+which in Italian means corpse.... The verse in question was most
+probably not home made, and was not clearly intelligible to the monks
+themselves."</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_171">171</a>, 21. <i>iron rings.</i> This phrase is
+somewhat obscure: "annuli ferrei sicut solebat fieri in cista
+Norensi." Ducange gives "Norrensis" as an occasional equivalent for
+Northmannus, hence Mr. Arnold suggests for cista Norensis "a Norwegian
+chest" (i. 311).</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_175">175</a>, 10. <i>Ailwin the monk.</i> Ailwin,
+also written Egelwin, was keeper of the shrine of St. Edmund before
+the foundation of the Abbey. In view of the invasion of England by the
+Danish chief Turchil, Ailwin fled, in 1010, from Beodricsworth to
+London with the body of St. Edmund, returning 1014. In 1050 Ailwin,
+then a very aged man, was invited by Abbot Leofstan to come from Hulme
+to Bury to identify the body of the Saint.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_176">176</a>, 18. <i>Keeper of St. Botolph.</i>
+There was a chapel (probably on the south side of the presbytery)
+dedicated to St. Botolph, in which was the shrine with the relics of
+that Saint.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_177">177</a>, 3. Felix, quem faciunt aliena pericula
+cautum. Erasmus, <i>Adagia</i>.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_251" id="page_251">{251}</a></span></p>
+
+
+<h3>CHAPTER XV</h3>
+
+<p><a href="#page_178">178</a>, 6. <i>King John ... came down to St.
+Edmund.</i> John paid several visits to Bury Abbey during Samson's
+abbacy: once in 1199, immediately after his coronation, when he made
+the miserable offering described by Jocelin on p. 178; a second time
+in 1201, when returning from Northumberland; a third time in 1203,
+when, according to Rokewode (p. 154), "he made a pilgrimage to St.
+Edmund's, at the feast of St. Thomas the Apostle, and gave the convent
+ten marcs annually, payable from the exchequer, for the repairs of the
+shrine of St. Edmund, in consideration of the monks giving back to the
+King, for his life, a sapphire and ruby, which he had offered to the
+Saint, and which were to revert to the convent." In connection with
+the disputed question of the nomination of Samson's successor (which
+lasted for over two years), John came to Bury on November 4, 1114, and
+meeting the monks in the chapter house, made them a speech as to his
+own rights in the matter, which is recorded in Arnold, II. xv. and
+95-6.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_180">180</a>, 7. Isaiah i. 2.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_182">182</a>, 3. Matthew xii. 25.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_183">183</a>, 9. In te vindicassem nisi iratus
+fuissem. Cic. <i>Tusc.</i> iv. 36.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_183">183</a>, 14. Mark iv. 39.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_187">187</a>, 20. <i>seisin of the damsel.</i> There
+was another claimant for the wardship of Nesta of Cockfield, not here
+mentioned, viz., King Richard I., who (see pp. 148-9) was defied by
+Samson, but was appeased by a present of some horses, dogs, and other
+valuable gifts. "Here you may see what misery followeth the tenure by
+Knight's service: if the tenant dieth, leaving his heir within age,
+how the poor child may be tossed and tumbled, chopped and changed,
+bought and sold like a jade in Smithfield, and what is more, married
+to whom it pleaseth his guardian, whereof ensue many evils" (Rastell:
+<i>Terms of the Lawes of this Realm</i>, ed. 1579, fol. 98).</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_189">189</a>, 6. Decipi quadam specie recti. Horace,
+<i>De Arte Poetica</i>, 25.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_252" id="page_252">{252}</a></span>
+<a href="#page_189">189</a>, 8. Isaiah xlii. 8.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_189">189</a>, 9. <i>Abbot of Cluny.</i> This was
+Hugh, Abbot of Reading from 1180 to 1199, when he was appointed Abbot
+of Cluny. Much information about him may be found in Dr. J. B. Hurry's
+admirable <i>History of Reading Abbey</i>, 1901, whence the following
+note as to precedence is taken: "Sir Henry Englefield
+(<i>Archaeologia</i>, vol. vi. p. 61) states that the Abbot of Reading
+took precedence after the Abbots of Glastonbury and St. Albans. But it
+is probable that no such definite order was observed.... In the
+Articles of Faith under Convocation, 28 Henry VIII., the following is
+the order of signatures&mdash;St. Albans, Westminster, St. Edmunds Bury,
+Glastonbury, Reading."</p>
+
+
+<h3>CHAPTER XVI.</h3>
+
+<p><a href="#page_190">190</a>, 6. Numbers xi. 26.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_191">191</a>, 1. <i>When the Prior died.</i> Mr.
+Rokewode assigns Robert's death to 1200, perhaps because the narrative
+of the election of his successor follows in the Chronicle the account
+of the visit to the monastery of Hugh, Abbot of Cluny.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_192">192</a>, 9. Proverbs xix. 11.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_193">193</a>, 19. Deut. xvii. 8.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_196">196</a>, 19. <i>[Herbert] the new prior.</i>
+This election seems to have taken place in 1200. After Samson's death
+in 1211, Herbert had a great deal of anxiety arising out of King
+John's refusal to accept the choice of Hugh II. (then Prior of
+Westminster and afterwards Bishop of Ely) as Abbot; and the narrative
+of the <i>Electio Hugonis</i> takes up 102 pages of Mr. Arnold's vol.
+ii. Herbert died in September, 1220, and was succeeded as Prior by
+Richard of Insula (afterwards 12th Abbot).</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_197">197</a>, 20. Acts xxvi. 24.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_197">197</a>, 23. Nihil omne parte beatum. Hor.
+<i>Odes</i>, i. 16.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_198">198</a>, 7. Exitus acta probabit. Ovid,
+<i>Heroides</i>, ii. 85.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_198">198</a>, 11. Psalm lxiv. 3.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_199">199</a>, 5. Fallitur augurio spes bona sæpe
+suo. Ovid, <i>Heroides</i>, xvii. 234.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_253" id="page_253">{253}</a></span></p>
+
+
+<h3>CHAPTER XVII.</h3>
+
+<p><a href="#page_200">200</a>, 8. Deut. xvi. 19.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_200">200</a>, 16. Galatians v. 9.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_201">201</a>, 20. <i>Dean of London.</i> This
+quotation from the <i>Ymagines Historiarum</i> of Ralph de Diceto,
+Dean of St. Paul's, who died about 1202, is interesting, as showing
+that apparently a manuscript copy of that work was in the possession
+of Bury Abbey shortly after its compilation. Diceto has often been
+identified with Diss in Norfolk: and there are evidences that William
+of Diss had a good deal to do with Jocelin's Chronicle (cf. pages 242,
+254). Bishop Stubbs thinks that Diceto is "an artificial name, adopted
+by its bearer as the Latin name of a place with which he was
+associated," and this he suggests may be one of three places in
+Maine.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_202">202</a>, 16. Mutans quadrata rotundis. Hor.
+<i>Ep.</i> i. 1, 100.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_203">203</a>, 16. Pila minantia pilis. <i>Lucan</i>,
+1, 7.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_204">204</a>, 13. <i>By his writ.</i> The same
+difficulty as to jurisdiction that arose in the case of Monk's Eleigh
+with Christ Church, Canterbury (see chapter vii. and notes to p. 77,
+l. 23, and p. 78, l. 16) occurred with the Bishop of Ely; and it
+lasted an equally long time. In the <i>Excerpta Cantabrigiensia</i>
+(Arnold, III. 188) is a long account of a "Contentio inter monasterium
+S. Edmundi et episcopum Eliensum" (Univ. Lib. Ff. 2, 29) respecting the
+return to writs affecting places within the Liberty of St. Edmund. The
+Bishop claimed that when a writ came down to the Sheriff of Suffolk
+referring to a place which, though within the liberty of St. Edmund,
+belonged to the see of Ely, it was the duty of the sheriff to send
+that writ for execution, not to the abbot, but to the bishop; and the
+abbot claimed that the ancient jurisdiction of St. Edmund would thus
+be infringed. Since the liberty of St. Edmund comprised eight and a
+half hundreds in the county of Suffolk, within which hundreds the see
+of Ely possessed many manors, it is obvious that if the charge and
+execution of writs affecting these manors were withheld from the abbot
+and given to the bishop, the jurisdiction of St. Edmund would be to
+that extent impaired <span class="pagenum"><a name="page_254"
+id="page_254">{254}</a></span> and restricted. The Contentio begins with a
+reference to the King's decision just given (1408) in favour of Bury
+against the Canterbury monks (see note on page 239), and goes on to
+describe the efforts made by Abbot Cratfield to stop the encroachments
+of Bishop Fordham of Ely, with whom he proposes a meeting, from which
+the bishop excuses himself. The controversy dragged on, with many
+adjournments and delays, all of which the (Bury) writer lays to the
+charge of the other side: nor was it concluded at the date (1426 or
+1427) when the tract was written (Arnold, III. xviii.-xix.).</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_205">205</a>, 20. Psalm viii. 8.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_207">207</a>, 7. <i>Geoffrey Fitz-Peter and William
+de Stutville.</i> These were important officials, whom John could ill
+spare. Geoffrey Fitz-Peter, Earl of Essex (died 1213) was justiciar,
+having been appointed by Richard I. to this high office in 1198, on
+the resignation of Archbishop Hubert Walter. He was confirmed in his
+appointment by John, who disliked him, but used him for his own ends.
+William de Stutville had been appointed sheriff of the county of York
+in 1201, and died in 1203.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_209">209</a>, 20. <i>made his will just as if he was
+now to die.</i> The Royal summons to Court was dated 1203, as the
+brief of Innocent III. is printed in Migne's <i>Patrologia</i>, vol.
+214, and is dated 21 January, 1203. Samson lived nearly nine years
+afterwards; but as to the facts of his latest years we know
+practically nothing. As to his death and burial, see Preface, pages
+xl.-xlii.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_211">211</a>, 9. Pollicitis dives quilibet esse
+potest. Ovid., <i>De Arte Amandi</i>, 1. 444.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#page_211">211</a>. At the foot of fol. 163 of the
+<i>Liber Albus</i>, from which Jocelin's Chronicle is taken, is a
+memorandum by William of Diss, which, as it has been printed both by
+Rokewode and Arnold, is translated below, though it is not by Jocelin.
+It is merely an expansion of the story told by Jocelin himself on pp.
+86-8. Adam of Cockfield wanted to claim his father's lands by
+hereditary right; but William of <span class="pagenum"><a name="page_255"
+id="page_255">{255}</a></span> Diss gives the evidence against this claim.
+The succession was: Lenmere, Adam the first (married Adeliza), Robert
+(died 1191), Adam the claimant (died 1198), who married Rohesia, and
+had a daughter Nesta, over whose wardship there was the dispute
+recorded on page 187.</p>
+
+<p>"Robert of Cockfield acknowledged to my lord abbot Samson, in the
+presence of many persons&mdash;Master W. of Banham, brother W. of Diss,
+chaplains, William of Breiton, and many others&mdash;that he had no
+hereditary right in the vills of Groton and Semere. For in the days of
+King Stephen, when the peace was disturbed, the monks of St. Edmund,
+with the consent of the abbot, granted the aforesaid two vills to Adam
+of Cockfield, his father, to be held all the days of his life: Semere
+for the annual payment of one hundred shillings, and Groton by the
+payment of an annual rent, because Adam could defend the aforesaid
+towns against the holders of the neighbouring castles, W. of Milden
+and W. of Ambli, in that he had a castle of his own near to the
+aforesaid manors, namely, the castle of Lelesey.</p>
+
+<p>"After the death of the aforesaid Adam, they granted the said
+manors to Robert of Cockfield, son of Adam, at a double rate for
+Semere, that is an annual rent of ten pounds, so long as the lords
+abbots and the convent wish. But he never had a charter for it, not
+even to the end of his life. He had good charters for all the
+tenements which he held of St. Edmund by hereditary right, which
+charters I, William, known as William of Diss, at that time chaplain,
+read, in the hearing of many, in the presence of the aforesaid abbot:
+that is for the lands of Lelesey, which Ulfric of Lelesey held of St.
+Edmund in the same township; the charter of the abbot and convent
+concerning the socages of Rougham, which Mistress Rohesia of
+Cockfield, once wife of Adam the younger, brought as her dowry; for
+the lands also which Lenmere, his ancestor, held in the town of
+Cockfield by hereditary right, and which in the time of King Stephen,
+with the consent of Anselm, abbot of St. Edmund, were changed <span
+class="pagenum"><a name="page_256" id="page_256">{256}</a></span> into half a
+knight's fee, although at first they had been socages of St.
+Edmund.</p>
+
+<p>"He had also charters of the abbot and convent of St. Edmund, for
+the lands which are in the town of St. Edmund; for the land, that is
+to say, of Hemfrid Criketot, where the houses of Mistress Adeliza were
+once situated. They have also a hereditary charter for a great
+messuage, under a payment of twelve pence, where the hall of Adam the
+first, of Cockfield, was of old situate, with a wooden tower seven
+times twenty feet in height. It was confirmed to them as hereditary
+right by the charter of the abbot and convent, in which charter are
+specified the length and breadth of that place and messuage, to be
+held by a payment of two shillings. They also hold a hereditary
+charter for the lands which Robert of Cockfield, son of Odo of
+Cockfield, now holds in Barton. But they have no charter for the
+township of Cockfield, that is, for the portion which pertains to the
+food of the monks of St. Edmund.</p>
+
+<p>"Then there was one brief of King Henry I., in which he commands
+Abbot Anselm to allow Adam of Cockfield the first to hold in peace the
+farm of Cockfield, and others, as long as he pays rents in full; and
+that brief was sealed only of one part, representing the royal
+form&mdash;against the form of all royal briefs.</p>
+
+<p>"But Robert of Cockfield claimed, in the presence of the lord abbot
+and the aforesaid, that he believed Cockfield to be his hereditary
+right on account of his long tenure: because his grandfather, Lenmere,
+held that manor for a long time before his death, and Adam the first,
+his son, for the term of his life, and he, Robert, all his
+life&mdash;well-nigh sixty years; but they never had a charter of the abbot
+or the convent of St. Edmund for the aforesaid land."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_257" id="page_257">{257}</a></span><br /></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2><span class="uline">APPENDIX III</span><br />
+<span class="smcap">Table of Chief Dates in the History of the
+Abbey Of St. Edmundsbury</span>, from <span class="smcap">a.d.</span>
+870 to 1903.</h2>
+
+
+<p class="nodent">[<i>Editor's Note.</i>&mdash;I had originally
+contemplated printing only the dates included in Section II. of this
+Table, but at the suggestion of the general Editor of the series, I
+have extended it backwards and forwards so as to give a rapid
+<i>aperçu</i> of the history of Bury Abbey from its earliest
+beginnings up to the present date. The Table may have a use other than
+for readers of <i>Jocelin's Chronicle</i>, as it brings to a focus a
+mass of chronological information now scattered over a great variety
+of books.</p>
+
+<p>For unfortunately there does not exist at present any adequate
+history of Bury Abbey, one of the most ancient, flourishing and
+important of the Benedictine institutions in England. There are
+adequate materials&mdash;at any rate for some of the periods of its
+existence&mdash;in the copious manuscripts relating to Bury (many of them
+formerly belonging to the monastery) now on the shelves of our public
+libraries and in private hands; and it seems a pity that no one has
+the courage to undertake a task which, though formidable, has been
+successfully accomplished in the case of other foundations of less
+fame.</p>
+
+<p>The names of some of the principal works that may usefully be
+consulted by students of the history of the Abbey will be found on pp.
+276 and 277 at the end of the Table.&mdash;E. C.].</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_258" id="page_258">{258}</a></span></p>
+
+
+<h3>SECTION I</h3>
+
+<h3><i>BEFORE THE DAYS OF ABBOT SAMSON</i></h3>
+
+<table width="100%" summary="Dates Section I">
+ <col width="7.5%"/>
+ <col width="77.5%"/>
+ <col width="15%"/>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">&nbsp;&nbsp;870</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Nov. 20. Martyrdom of St. Edmund. His head
+ is cut off by the Danes and hidden in a wood "in silvam cui
+ vocabulam est Haglesdun" (<i>Abbo</i>, writing 100 years after).
+ [Domesday book (1086) records the existence in Wilford Hundred of
+ a place called Halgestou.] The head being found, is miraculously
+ rejoined to the body, which is buried "in villula Suthtuna
+ [Sutton] dicta, de prope loco martyrizationis" (<i>Herman</i>,
+ writing 200 years after).</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">&nbsp;&nbsp;903</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">(or later). Relics of St. Edmund removed
+ from the place of burial to Beodricsworth&mdash;afterwards called Bury
+ St. Edmunds. The early authorities differ as to this date. Herman
+ says the translation took place in the reign of Athelstan
+ (925-941): the compiler of the Bodl. MS. 240 says <span
+ class="smcap">a.d.</span> 900 or 906 (<i>Nov. Leg. Angl.</i> II.
+ 590); the Curteys Register (Part I. f. 211) says <span
+ class="smcap">a.d.</span> 903.</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">937</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">(<i>circa</i>). According to Abbo, Dunstan,
+ then a youth, hears the story of St. Edmund's death from an old
+ man who said he was the King's standard bearer.</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">945</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Bishop Theodred (II) of Elmham opens St.
+ Edmund's coffin, finds the body "whole and incorrupt," and places
+ it in a new wooden "loculus" (Abbo).</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">945</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Charter of King Edmund II (son of Edmund
+ the Elder) granting lands round Beodricsworth to the clerks
+ (<i>monasterii familia</i>) who were then guarding St. Edmund's
+ shrine. (Text in Arnold II. 340-1.)</td>
+ <td class="padrightbot"><i>p.</i> <a href="#page_238">238</a>.</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">985</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">(<i>circa</i>). Dunstan, the Archbishop,
+ tells the story of St. Edmund's martyrdom to others, and Abbo
+ recounts it in his <i>Passio Sancti Eadmundi</i>. (Text in Arnold
+ I. 3-25.)</td>
+ <td class="padrightbot"><i>p.</i> <a href="#page_217">217</a>.</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1010</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Egelwin, or Ailwin, takes the body of the
+ Saint from Beodricsworth to London.</td>
+ <td class="padrightbot"><i>p.</i> <a href="#page_175">175</a>.</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top"><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_259"
+ id="page_259">{259}</a></span>1013</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Return of Egelwin, with body of St. Edmund,
+ to Beodricsworth.</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1014</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">February. Death of King Sweyn (according to
+ the chroniclers, at the hands of St. Edmund).</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1020</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">At the instance of Aelfwin, Bishop of
+ Elmham, the clerks in charge of St. Edmund's shrine are removed,
+ and twenty monks, headed by Uvius, prior of Hulme, installed at
+ Beodricsworth.</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1020</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Uvius consecrated 1st abbot of Bury by the
+ Bishop of London.</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1020</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">New stone church (to replace the wooden one
+ containing St. Edmund's body) commenced by order of Canute, in
+ expiation of the sacrilegious behaviour of his father Sweyn
+ towards the saint.</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1028</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Charter of Canute granting "fundus" or farm
+ at Beodricsworth to be for ever in possession of monks, who were
+ to be free from episcopal jurisdiction. (Text in Arnold II.
+ 340-1).</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1032</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Oct. 18. Consecration of the new stone
+ church by Egelnoth, Archbishop of Canterbury.</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1035</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Charter granted to the Abbey by
+ Hardicanute, imposing a fine of "thirty talents of gold" on any
+ one found guilty of infringing the Abbey's franchises. (For
+ privileges granted, see Bodl. MS. 240, printed in <i>Nova Legenda
+ Anglie</i> II. 607.)</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1038</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Oct. Body of the Saint removed to King
+ Canute's new church.</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1044</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Visit of Edward the Confessor to Bury.</td>
+ <td class="padrightbot"><i>p.</i> <a href="#page_236">236</a>.</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1044</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">The Confessor grants to Bury abbey
+ jurisdiction over 8½ hundreds in Suffolk, and the manor of
+ Mildenhall, with freedom to choose their abbot.</td>
+ <td class="padrightbot"><i>p.</i> <a href="#page_238">238</a>.</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1044</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Death of Uvius (remains in Infirmary
+ Chapel). Leofstan appointed 2nd abbot.</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1065</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Death of Leofstan (remains placed in shrine
+ at foot of St. Edmund). Baldwin of St. Denis (physician to Edward
+ the Confessor) appointed 3rd abbot.</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top"><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_260"
+ id="page_260">{260}</a></span>1065</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Mint established at Bury under grant of
+ Edward the Confessor, in which Beodricsworth is called (apparently
+ for the first time) St. Edmundsbury. "Ic kithe ihu that Ic habbe
+ unnen Baldewine Abbot one munetere with innen Seynt Edmunds Biri"
+ (Battely, p. 134).</td>
+ <td class="padrightbot"><i>p.</i> <a href="#page_248">248</a>.</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1071</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Abbot Baldwin at Rome: receives from Pope
+ Alexander II a precious altar of porphyry, with special
+ privileges.</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1071</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Oct. 27. Bull of Pope Alexander II, taking
+ the monks of St. Edmund under the special protection of the Holy
+ See, and forbidding that a bishop's see should ever be established
+ at Beodricsworth. (Text in Arnold I. 344.)</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1081</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">May 31. Charter of William the Conqueror
+ deciding against the claim of Arfast, Bishop of Thetford, to
+ transfer his see to Bury, and granting exemption from episcopal
+ jurisdiction. (Text in Arnold I. 347.)</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1086</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Domesday Book returns show that the annual
+ value of the Town "ubi quiescit humatus S. Eadmundus rex et martyr
+ gloriosus" was double that of its value under Edward the
+ Confessor, and a larger number of persons were maintained.</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1095</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Apr. 29. Translation of St. Edmund's body
+ to new and magnificent basilica built by Baldwin and his sacrists
+ Thurstan and Tolinus.</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1097</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Death of Baldwin: buried in the Abbey
+ church, east of the choir altar.</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1098</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">(<i>circa</i>). Herman the Archdeacon
+ compiles his book, <i>De Miraculis Sancti Eadmundi</i>.</td>
+ <td class="padrightbot"><i>p.</i> <a href="#page_218">218</a>.</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1100</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Henry I gives abbacy to Robert, son of Hugh
+ Lupus, Earl of Chester. Robert (I) deposed 1102.</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1101</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Attempts of Herbert de Losinga, Bishop of
+ Norwich, to fix his see at Bury; finally disposed of 1102.</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top"><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_261"
+ id="page_261">{261}</a></span>1102</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Robert II, a monk of Westminster, elected
+ 5th abbot. Scheme for Abbey church enlarged. Godefridus the
+ sacrist a man "of almost gigantic stature, great in body but
+ greater still in mind."</td>
+ <td class="padrightbot"><i>p.</i> <a href="#page_247">247</a>.</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1107</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Aug. 15. Robert II consecrated by St.
+ Anselm. Dies soon after, 16 Sept.; buried in Infirmary
+ Chapel.</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1114</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">After seven years' interregnum, Albold,
+ prior of St. Nicasius at Meaux, elected 6th abbot: died 1119;
+ buried in Infirmary Chapel.</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1120</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Charter of Henry I confirming the Charters
+ of Canute and Edward the Confessor.</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1121</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Anselm, nephew of St. Anselm, elected 7th
+ abbot. In his days the Norman tower of the Abbey was built.</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1132</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Henry I pays a pilgrimage to the shrine of
+ St. Edmund.</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1135</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">(<i>circa</i>). St. James' Church built by
+ Abbot Anselm, instead of making a pilgrimage to St. James of
+ Compostella. Church consecrated by William Corbeil, Archbishop of
+ Canterbury.</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+</table>
+
+<h3>SECTION II</h3>
+
+<h3><i>DURING ABBOT SAMSON'S LIFETIME</i> (1135-1211)</h3>
+
+<table width="100%" summary="Dates Section II">
+ <col width="7.5%"/>
+ <col width="77.5%"/>
+ <col width="15%"/>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1135</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">SAMSON born at Tottington, near Thetford.</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1144</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Samson taken by his mother on a pilgrimage
+ to St. Edmund.</td>
+ <td class="padrightbot"><i>p.</i> <a href="#page_56">56</a>.</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1146</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Death of Anselm: buried in Infirmary
+ Chapel.</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1146</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Ording, Prior of St. Edmund, appointed 8th
+ abbot.</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1150</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Fire, which destroys the conventual
+ buildings&mdash;Abbot's palace, refectory, dormitory, the old
+ infirmary, and the chapter-house. Rebuilt by Helyas the sacrist,
+ Ording's nephew.</td>
+ <td class="padrightbot"><i>p.</i> <a href="#page_247">247</a>.</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1150</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">(circa). Galfridus de Fontibus writes the
+ tract <i>De Infantia Sancti Eadmundi</i>, dedicated to
+ Ording.</td>
+ <td class="padrightbot"><i>p.</i> <a href="#page_218">218</a>.</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1153</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Eustace, eldest son of King Stephen,
+ plunders some of the lands of the monastery. Dies at Bury.</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1156</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Jan. 31. Death of Ording: buried in
+ chapter-house.</td>
+ <td class="padrightbot"><i>p.</i> <a href="#page_247">247</a>.</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top"><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_262"
+ id="page_262">{262}</a></span>1156</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Hugh, Prior of Westminster, elected 9th
+ abbot. Receives benediction at Colchester from Archbishop of
+ Canterbury.</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1157</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Battle of Coleshill: Cowardice of Henry of
+ Essex.</td>
+ <td class="padrightbot"><i>pp.</i> <a href="#page_103">103</a>, <a
+ href="#page_243">243</a>.</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1160</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">(<i>circa</i>). Samson returns from Paris,
+ and made <i>magister scholarum</i> or schoolmaster.</td>
+ <td class="padrightbot"><i>p.</i> <a href="#page_66">66</a>.</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1160</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">(<i>circa</i>). Samson's visit to Rome.</td>
+ <td class="padrightbot"><i>pp.</i> <a href="#page_72">72</a>, <a
+ href="#page_236">236</a>.</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1161</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Jan. 12. Bull of Alexander II, confirming
+ the Abbot and monks of Bury in all their rights and privileges,
+ authorizing appropriation of certain manors to special purposes,
+ etc. Future abbots to be freely elected. In important matters
+ there is to be an appeal to the Holy See. (Text in Arnold III.
+ 78-80.)</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1161</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">May 22. Brief obtained from Pope Alexander
+ III, confirming the right of the Abbey to the revenues of
+ Woolpit.</td>
+ <td class="padrightbot"><i>p.</i> <a href="#page_74">74</a>.</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1163</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Abbot Hugh at the Council of Tours, where
+ he usurps the seat of the Abbot of St. Albans.</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1163</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Wager of battle between Henry of Essex and
+ Robert de Montfort at Reading.</td>
+ <td class="padrightbot"><i>pp.</i> <a href="#page_104">104</a>-5.</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1166</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Samson takes monastic orders.</td>
+ <td class="padrightbot"><i>p.</i> <a href="#page_60">60</a>.</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1172</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Apr. 7. Bull of Pope Alexander III, dated
+ at Tusculum, exempting the Abbey from the visitation of the
+ Archbishop of the Province as <i>legatus natus</i> of the
+ apostolic see (<i>Cf.</i> Rokewode, p. 107).</td>
+ <td class="padrightbot"><i>p.</i> <a href="#page_7">7</a>.</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1173</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Jocelin of Brakelond becomes Monk of St.
+ Edmund.</td>
+ <td class="padrightbot"><i>p.</i> <a href="#page_1">1</a>.</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1173</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Hugh the Prior deposed: succeeded by
+ Robert.</td>
+ <td class="padrightbot"><i>p.</i> <a href="#page_1">1</a>.</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1173</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">October 17. Battle of Fornham.</td>
+ <td class="padrightbot"><i>pp.</i> <a href="#page_1">1</a>, <a
+ href="#page_86">86</a>, <a href="#page_221">221</a>.</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1175</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">(<i>circa</i>). Samson master of the
+ novices.</td>
+ <td class="padrightbot"><i>p.</i> <a href="#page_6">6</a>.</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1180</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">(<i>ante</i>). Samson compiles the work
+ <i>De Miraculis Sancti Eadmundi</i>. (See Appendix I.)</td>
+ <td class="padrightbot"><i>pp.</i> <a href="#page_215">215</a>-21.</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1180</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Sept. 9. Abbot Hugh's accident near
+ Rochester.</td>
+ <td class="padrightbot"><i>p.</i> <a href="#page_10">10</a>.</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1180</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Nov. 15. Death of Abbot Hugh I.</td>
+ <td class="padrightbot"><i>pp.</i> <a href="#page_10">10</a>, <a
+ href="#page_225">225</a>.</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top"><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_263"
+ id="page_263">{263}</a></span>1180-2</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Samson subsacrist and master of the
+ workmen. Rebuilds choir of Abbey Church, and makes preparations
+ for building the great tower.</td>
+ <td class="padrightbot"><i>p.</i> <a href="#page_14">14</a>.</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1181</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">June 10. Martyrdom of the boy Robert by the
+ Jews.</td>
+ <td class="padrightbot"><i>p.</i> <a href="#page_23">23</a>.</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1181</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Aug. 9. Arrival at Abbey of Archbishop of
+ Trontheim on a visit.</td>
+ <td class="padrightbot"><i>p.</i> <a href="#page_23">23</a>.</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1182</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Feb. 21. Appointment of Samson as Abbot at
+ Bishop's Waltham, with Henry II's approval.</td>
+ <td class="padrightbot"><i>p.</i> <a href="#page_31">31</a>.</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1182</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Feb. 28. Samson receives the blessing of
+ the Bishop of Winchester, at Merewell.</td>
+ <td class="padrightbot"><i>p.</i> <a href="#page_36">36</a>.</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1182</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Mar. 21. (Palm Sunday). Samson is solemnly
+ received at St. Edmunds.</td>
+ <td class="padrightbot"><i>p.</i> <a href="#page_37">37</a>.</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1182</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Mar. 29. Samson calls a meeting of the
+ convent, the Knights and certain burgesses as to the election of
+ bailiffs.</td>
+ <td class="padrightbot"><i>p.</i> <a href="#page_109">109</a>.</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1182</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Mar. 31. Samson sends messengers to Rome
+ for confirmation of the Abbey's privileges.</td>
+ <td class="padrightbot"><i>p.</i> <a href="#page_84">84</a>.</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1182</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Apr. 1. Barons, Knights and freemen
+ summoned to do homage.</td>
+ <td class="padrightbot"><i>p.</i> <a href="#page_41">41</a>.</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1182</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Samson appointed a judge in the
+ ecclesiastical courts, by Pope Lucius III.</td>
+ <td class="padrightbot"><i>p.</i> <a href="#page_51">51</a>.</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1182</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Contests as to town rights and dues.</td>
+ <td class="padrightbot"><i>p.</i> <a href="#page_108">108</a>.</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1183</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Samson restores the Church of Woolpit to
+ the monastery.</td>
+ <td class="padrightbot"><i>p.</i> <a href="#page_72">72</a>.</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1184-5</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Samson founds St. Saviour's Hospital, at
+ Babwell.</td>
+ <td class="padrightbot"><i>p.</i> <a href="#page_69">69</a>.</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1186</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Kalendar or general survey of Abbey estates
+ completed.</td>
+ <td class="padrightbot"><i>pp.</i> <a href="#page_44">44</a>-5.</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1187</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Victory over Archbishop Baldwin as to
+ jurisdiction in case of homicide at Monks Eleigh.</td>
+ <td class="padrightbot"><i>p.</i> <a href="#page_76">76</a>.</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1187</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Jan. 21. Samson obtains from Pope Urban III
+ the privilege of giving the episcopal benediction.</td>
+ <td class="padrightbot"><i>p.</i> <a href="#page_84">84</a>.</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1187</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Feb. 11. Dispute as to jurisdiction,
+ between Samson and the Monks of Canterbury, brought before Henry
+ II in chapter-house at Canterbury.</td>
+ <td class="padrightbot"><i>pp.</i> <a href="#page_77">77</a>, <a
+ href="#page_238">238</a>.</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1187</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Sept. 29. Loss of Jerusalem: Samson's grief.</td>
+ <td class="padrightbot"><i>p.</i> <a href="#page_60">60</a>.</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_264"
+ id="page_264">{264}</a></span>1187</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Samson waits upon Henry II at Clarendon, to
+ obtain a recognition of the immunity of the Abbey from certain
+ taxes.</td>
+ <td class="padrightbot"><i>p.</i> <a href="#page_96">96</a>.</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1188</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Jan. 20. General exemption granted by the
+ Pope to Samson and his successors from the authority of the
+ Archbishop of Canterbury.</td>
+ <td class="padrightbot"><i>p.</i> <a href="#page_84">84</a>.</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1188</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Jan. 21. Henry II takes the Cross between
+ Trie and Gisors.</td>
+ <td class="padrightbot"><i>p.</i> <a href="#page_80">80</a>.</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1188</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Feb. Henry II at Bury. Samson refused
+ permission to accompany the King to the Crusades.</td>
+ <td class="padrightbot"><i>p.</i> <a href="#page_81">81</a>.</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1189</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Sept. 3. Richard I crowned at Westminster;
+ Abbot Samson present.</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1189</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Sept. Purchase of the manor of Mildenhall
+ from Richard I.</td>
+ <td class="padrightbot"><i>p.</i> <a href="#page_70">70</a>.</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1189</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Nov. Samson appointed one of the
+ arbitrators to settle the dispute between Archbishop Baldwin and
+ the Monks of Christ Church at Canterbury.</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1190</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">March 18. Massacre of 57 Jews at Bury.</td>
+ <td class="padrightbot"><i>p.</i> <a href="#page_69">69</a>.</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1190</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Oct. Conflict as to monastic discipline, at
+ the Council of Westminster, between Samson and the Bishop of
+ Ely.</td>
+ <td class="padrightbot"><i>p.</i> <a href="#page_81">81</a>.</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1191</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Death of Robert of Cockfield.</td>
+ <td class="padrightbot"><i>pp.</i> <a href="#page_86">86</a>, <a
+ href="#page_255">255</a>.</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1191</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Samson's quarrel with William Longchamp,
+ Bishop of Ely.</td>
+ <td class="padrightbot"><i>p.</i> <a href="#page_79">79</a>.</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1191</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Sept.-Oct. Excommunication of Longchamp,
+ and his flight from England.</td>
+ <td class="padrightbot"><i>pp.</i> <a href="#page_79">79</a>, <a
+ href="#page_240">240</a>.</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1192</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Complaints of the monks to the abbot
+ concerning the Abbey revenues.</td>
+ <td class="padrightbot"><i>p.</i> <a href="#page_114">114</a>.</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1193</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Return of Longchamp. Samson refuses to
+ celebrate Mass before him.</td>
+ <td class="padrightbot"><i>p.</i> <a href="#page_80">80</a>.</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1193</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Collection of money for the ransom of King
+ Richard.</td>
+ <td class="padrightbot"><i>pp.</i> <a href="#page_71">71</a>, <a
+ href="#page_234">234</a>.</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1193</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Samson excommunicates the disturbers of the
+ peace, and appears in arms before Windsor.</td>
+ <td class="padrightbot"><i>p.</i> <a href="#page_82">82</a>.</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1193</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Samson visits Richard I in his German
+ prison "with many gifts."</td>
+ <td class="padrightbot"><i>p.</i> <a href="#page_82">82</a>.</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1194</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Feb. 4. King Richard released from
+ captivity.</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top"><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_265"
+ id="page_265">{265}</a></span>1194</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Mch. 12. Lands at Sandwich after an absence
+ of 4¼ years; pays, before the end of the month, thanksgiving
+ visits to (1) Canterbury (2) St. Edmundsbury.</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1194</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">June 28. Samson's contest with turbulent
+ young knights, who hold a Tournament without his
+ authorization.</td>
+ <td class="padrightbot"><i>p.</i> <a href="#page_83">83</a>.</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1194</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Samson grants a Charter to the town.</td>
+ <td class="padrightbot"><i>pp.</i> <a href="#page_116">116</a>, <a
+ href="#page_244">244</a>.</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1194</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Abbey debts entirely discharged.</td>
+ <td class="padrightbot"><i>p.</i> <a href="#page_46">46</a>.</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1196</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Samson's contest with his fifty knights
+ concerning their dues: the abbot victorious.</td>
+ <td class="padrightbot"><i>pp.</i> <a href="#page_97">97</a>-9.</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1196</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Samson takes the cellarer's department into
+ his own hands.</td>
+ <td class="padrightbot"><i>p.</i> <a href="#page_131">131</a>
+ <i>et seq.</i></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1197</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Commission of Pope Celestine III for the
+ restoration of the Monks of Coventry.</td>
+ <td class="padrightbot"><i>pp.</i> <a href="#page_142">142</a>, <a
+ href="#page_246">246</a>.</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1198</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Jan. 14. Samson at Coventry in high spirits.</td>
+ <td class="padrightbot"><i>p.</i> <a href="#page_143">143</a>.</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1198</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Jan. 18. Coventry Monks re-inducted by the
+ Archbishop.</td>
+ <td class="padrightbot"><i>p.</i> <a href="#page_143">143</a>.</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1198</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Samson charges moiety of Wetherden in
+ favour of schools at Bury.</td>
+ <td class="padrightbot"><i>p.</i> <a href="#page_144">144</a>.</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1198</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">(<i>circa</i>). Archbishop Hubert Walter
+ proposes to visit the Abbey of Bury.</td>
+ <td class="padrightbot"><i>p.</i> <a href="#page_122">122</a>.</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1198</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Dispute between King Richard and Samson as
+ to the wardship of Nesta of Cockfield.</td>
+ <td class="padrightbot"><i>pp.</i> <a href="#page_147">147</a>-9.</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1198</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Samson goes to Normandy to settle with King
+ Richard as to the four knights demanded from the Abbey for the war
+ against the King of France.</td>
+ <td class="padrightbot"><i>p.</i> <a href="#page_129">129</a>.</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1198</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">July 18. Richard I confirms by Charters the
+ Manor of Mildenhall to the Abbey.</td>
+ <td class="padrightbot"><i>pp.</i> <a href="#page_70">70</a>-2, <a
+ href="#page_235">235</a>.</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1198</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Oct. 17. Fire in the Abbey: shrine of St.
+ Edmund in danger.</td>
+ <td class="padrightbot"><i>p.</i> <a href="#page_162">162</a>.</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1198</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Nov. 23. Shrine transferred to high altar.</td>
+ <td class="padrightbot"><i>p.</i> <a href="#page_170">170</a>.</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1198</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Nov. 26. Samson views St. Edmund's body.</td>
+ <td class="padrightbot"><i>p.</i> <a href="#page_173">173</a>.</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1198</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Dec. 1. Letter of Pope Innocent III
+ exempting the Abbey from the visitation even of a legate, unless
+ he were a legate <i>a latere</i>.</td>
+ <td class="padrightbot"><i>pp.</i> <a href="#page_124">124</a>, <a
+ href="#page_245">245</a>.</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_266"
+ id="page_266">{266}</a></span>1199</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Reconciliation between Hubert Walter,
+ Archbishop of Canterbury, and Samson.</td>
+ <td class="padrightbot"><i>p.</i> <a href="#page_127">127</a>.</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1199</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">April 6. Death of King Richard I.</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1199</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">May 27. King John crowned at Westminster.</td>
+ <td class="padrightbot"><i>p.</i> <a href="#page_178">178</a>.</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1199</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">King John visits Bury.</td>
+ <td class="padrightbot"><i>p.</i> <a href="#page_178">178</a>.</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1199</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Violent quarrels between Samson and his
+ monks: he withdraws from the Abbey for a week: reconciliation
+ effected.</td>
+ <td class="padrightbot"><i>pp.</i> <a href="#page_179">179</a>-83.</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1200</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Mar. 15. Ratification by King John of
+ Charter granted by Samson to St. Saviour's Hospital at
+ Babwell.</td>
+ <td class="padrightbot"><i>p.</i> <a href="#page_72">72</a>.</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1200</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Nov. 6. Samson one of three arbitrators in
+ dispute between Archbp. of Canterbury and Canons of Lambeth.</td>
+ <td class="padrightbot"><i>p.</i> <a href="#page_229">229</a>.</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1200</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">List drawn up of knights of St. Edmund.</td>
+ <td class="padrightbot"><i>pp.</i> <a href="#page_183">183</a>-6.</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1200</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Hugh, Abbot of Cluny, visits Bury.</td>
+ <td class="padrightbot"><i>p.</i> <a href="#page_189">189</a>.</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1200</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Death of Prior Robert: Herbert succeeds him.</td>
+ <td class="padrightbot"><i>p.</i> <a href="#page_191">191</a>.</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1201</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Eustace, Abbot of Flay, preaches at Bury.</td>
+ <td class="padrightbot"><i>p.</i> <a href="#page_202">202</a>.</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1201</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Sept. Samson appointed one of three
+ Commissioners sent by the Pope to Worcester to investigate the
+ miracles of St. Wulfstan.</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1202</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Dispute between the monks of Ely and of
+ Bury concerning the market at Lakenheath.</td>
+ <td class="padrightbot"><i>pp.</i> <a href="#page_203">203</a>, <a
+ href="#page_253">253</a>.</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1202</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Hugh of Northwold (afterwards abbot)
+ admitted a monk.</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1203</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Jan. 31. Samson appointed by the Pope on a
+ commission concerning the dispensation of Crusaders from their
+ vows: and summoned over sea to advise the King on this
+ question.</td>
+ <td class="padrightbot"><i>pp.</i> <a href="#page_207">207</a>-11.</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1203</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Dec. 21. John at Bury, and makes valuable
+ offerings: but prevails on convent to grant him for life the use
+ of the jewels which his mother Queen Eleanor had presented to St.
+ Edmund.</td>
+ <td class="padrightbot"><i>p.</i> <a href="#page_251">251</a>.</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1208</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Mar. 24. Interdict comes into force
+ throughout England.</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1210</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Sept. 23. Fall of central tower of Abbey
+ Church.</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1211</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Dec. 30. Death of Samson: buried in
+ unconsecrated ground.</td>
+ <td class="padrightbot"><i>p.</i> <a href="#page_xl">xl</a>.</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_267"
+ id="page_267">{267}</a></span>1213</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">July. King John expresses a wish for the
+ vacancy to be filled: Hugh (II) of Northwold chosen.</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1214</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">July 2. Interdict solemnly dissolved.</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1214</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Aug. 12. Samson's body exhumed and buried
+ in the chapter-house of Bury Abbey.</td>
+ <td class="padrightbot"><i>pp.</i> <a href="#page_xlii">xlii</a>.,
+ <a href="#page_247">247</a>.</td>
+ </tr>
+</table>
+
+
+<h3>SECTION III</h3>
+
+<h3><i>FROM 1214 TO DISSOLUTION IN 1539</i></h3>
+
+<table width="100%" summary="Dates Section III">
+ <col width="7.5%"/>
+ <col width="77.5%"/>
+ <col width="15%"/>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1214</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Nov. 4. King John at Bury: makes a speech
+ in the chapter-house asserting his rights over the election of
+ abbot.</td>
+<td class="padrightbot"><i>p.</i> <a href="#page_251">251</a>.</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1214</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Nov. 20. The discontented earls and barons
+ meet at Bury (probably on St. Edmund's Day) "as if for prayer."
+ Archbishop Langton reads to them Henry I's charter: and each
+ swears on the high altar to make war on John unless he gives them
+ the liberties contained therein (<i>Roger of Wendover</i>, vol.
+ iii. 293-4).</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1215</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Mar. 10. Commissioners appointed by the
+ Pope finally give judgment in favour of Hugh's election as
+ abbot.</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1215</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">June 9. King's approval to appointment of
+ Hugh given in Staines meadow.</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1215</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">June 15. Magna Charta signed.</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1215-6</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Louis, son of Philip II of France, invited
+ by the barons to help them in their struggle against John. East
+ Anglian towns sacked&mdash;Norwich and Lynn by the French; Cambridge,
+ Yarmouth, Dunwich, Ipswich and Colchester by the barons (Ramsay's
+ <i>Angevin Empire</i>, 1903, <i>p.</i> 497). Bury St. Edmunds a
+ stronghold of the king (Norgate, <i>John Lackland</i>, 1902,
+ <i>pp.</i> 257-8). Louis himself fighting in the south of England.
+ No evidence of Louis or his hordes ever being at Bury.</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1216</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Oct. 19. Death of John at Newark. Henry III
+ succeeds to the throne.</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top"><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_268"
+ id="page_268">{268}</a></span>1220</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">(<i>circa</i>). Richard of Newport,
+ sacrist, destroys the old chapter-house and rebuilds it from
+ foundations.</td>
+ <td class="padrightbot"><i>p.</i> <a href="#page_247">247</a>.</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1220</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Death of Herbert the prior. Richard of
+ Insula (afterwards 12th abbot) succeeds him.</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1224</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Abbot Hugh at the Royal camp before Bedford
+ Castle, attended by knights holding manors under St. Edmund.</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1225</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">(<i>circa</i>). Abbot's Bridge built.</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1229</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Abbot Hugh II made Bishop of Ely: died
+ August, 1254. Described by Matthew Paris as "flos nigrorum
+ monachorum."</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1229</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Nov. 20. Richard of Insula recalled from
+ Burton and installed as 12th abbot on St. Edmund's Day.</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1234</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Abbot Richard sent abroad on an appeal to
+ Pope Gregory IX. Attacked on his return with mortal illness, and
+ dies at Pontigny. Buried in the chapter-house at Bury, where his
+ skeleton was discovered on January 1, 1903, with skull sawn
+ through and sternum severed (evidently for embalming
+ purposes).</td>
+ <td class="padrightbot"><i>p.</i> <a href="#page_247">247</a>.</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1235</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Henry of Rushbrook, prior of Bury, elected
+ 13th abbot.</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1235</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Royal Charters granted to Abbot Henry to
+ hold two fairs at Bury and a market at his manor of Melford.</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1245</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Abbot Henry excused by the Pope, on account
+ of the gout, from attending the Council of Lyons.</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1245</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">At the request of the convent, Henry III
+ calls his newly-born son Edmund (founder of the house of
+ Lancaster). Text of Royal letter in Arnold III. 28.</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1248</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">July 5. Bull of Pope Innocent III (signed
+ at Lyons) prescribing the solemn celebration of the feast of the
+ translation of St. Edmund (April 29). Text in <i>Nov. Leg.
+ Angl.</i> (1901) II. 574.</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1248</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Death of Abbot Henry: buried in
+ chapter-house. Edmund of Walpole, LL.D., appointed 14th
+ abbot.</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1250</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Henry III takes the Cross: the abbot does
+ the same, exposing himself to general derision (Matt. Par. v.
+ 110).</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1252</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Simon of Luton (afterwards abbot) made
+ prior.</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top"><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_269"
+ id="page_269">{269}</a></span>1254</td> <td class="padoutdent">Richard
+ of Clare, seventh Earl of Gloucester, claims St. Edmund's manor of
+ Mildenhall: threatened with excommunication by the Pope.</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1254</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Aug. Death of Hugh, Bishop of Ely (Abbot of
+ Bury, 1213-29).</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1256</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Aug. Statutes approved by Pope Alexander IV
+ for the governance of the Abbey of Bury, providing <i>inter
+ alia</i> for "two persons watching the body of St. Edmund and two
+ the church treasure and clock night and day."</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1256</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Dec. 31. Abbot Edmund died: buried in the
+ chapter-house.</td>
+ <td class="padrightbot"><i>p.</i> <a href="#page_247">247</a>.</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1257</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Jan. 15. Simon of Luton, prior, elected
+ 15th abbot: cost of confirmation by the Pope, 2,000 marks.</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1263</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Nov. Franciscan friars expelled from Bury,
+ under a rescript from Pope Urban IV, and compelled to migrate to
+ Babwell.</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1264</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">(Easter). Serious conflict between the
+ monastery and the burgesses. The abbot complains to the king: fine
+ inflicted on the burgesses.</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1265</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Defeat and death of Simon de Montfort. Many
+ barons of his party take shelter at Bury, but subsequently
+ dislodged.</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1267</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">February. Henry III summons the barons who
+ owe military service to the Crown to meet him at Bury.</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1272</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Sept. 1. Henry III at Bury on his way to
+ Norwich.</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1272</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Nov. 16. Death of Henry III (Rishanger says
+ at Bury).</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1275</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">April 17. Edward I and his Queen come to
+ St. Edmundsbury on a pilgrimage, "as they had vowed in the Holy
+ Land."</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1275</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">July 1. Foundation stone of new Lady Chapel
+ laid by Prior Robert.</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1279</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">April. Death of Abbot Simon at Melford:
+ buried in the Lady Chapel, which he had built "at the cost of
+ himself, his parents and his friends" (Leland, iv. 164).</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top"><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_270"
+ id="page_270">{270}</a></span>1279</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Dec. 28. John of Northwold, guest master of
+ the abbey, solemnly received in the Abbey Church as 16th abbot,
+ after having gone to Rome to be blessed by Pope Nicholas III. Cost
+ of his journey, 1,175 marks, his credit from abbey being only 500
+ marks.</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1281</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">A new division between the property of the
+ abbot and that of the convent, sanctioned by Edward I in
+ consideration of £1,000.</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1285</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Feb. 20. The King with the Queen and her
+ three daughters make a pilgrimage to Bury.</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1292</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">April 28. The King, with his son and
+ daughters, again at Bury, remaining either at the abbey or the
+ manor of Culford for ten days. Granted charter that none of his
+ justices should sit within the banlieue of St. Edmund.</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1292</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Dispute between monastery and town. Royal
+ Commission of inquiry sent down. The burgesses to present annually
+ an alderman for confirmation by the abbot: the alderman to present
+ four persons to the sacrist as keepers of the four gates.</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1294</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Mar. 18. Edward I again at St. Edmundsbury
+ "with great devotion."</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1296</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Nov. Edward I holds a Parliament at Bury to
+ obtain an aid from the clergy and people. Difficulties in its
+ collection.</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1301</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Oct. 29. Death of Abbot John I: buried in
+ the church before the choir altar.</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1301</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Nov. 30. Edward's I's letter giving
+ permission for a new election.</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1302</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Jan. 2. Election of Thomas of Tottington
+ (Samson's birthplace) as 17th abbot.</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1305</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Further disputes between the convent and
+ the town. The king's justices impose fines on the aldermen and
+ burgesses.</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top"><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_271"
+ id="page_271">{271}</a></span>1312</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Jan. 7. Death of Abbot Thomas: buried in
+ north aisle of abbey church (part of his memorial brass now at
+ Hedgerley church, Bucks). Succeeded by Richard of Draughton.</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1326</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Edward II spends Christmas at Bury.</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1327</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Great riots at Bury: the abbey plundered.
+ The abbot seized and carried off, and eventually deported to Diest
+ in Brabant. The outlying manors ravaged, and nearly the whole of
+ the conventual and domestic buildings burnt: loss of property
+ assessed at £140,000. Charter extorted by the townsmen from the
+ convent. (French text in Arnold III. 302-317.)</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1330</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Sept. 13. Charter of Edward III granting
+ free warren in all demesnes of the Abbey of St. Edmund, and a
+ weekly market at Melford, with an annual fair of nine days.</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1335</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Death of Abbot Richard: buried in north
+ aisle of the church. The sub-prior, William of Bernham, hastily
+ elected 19th abbot for fear of the Pope's interference.</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1345</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Jan. 24. Completion of Richard of Bury's
+ <i>Philobiblon</i>.</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1345</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Quarrel between the abbey and Bishop
+ Bateman of Norwich. Morality and discipline of the abbey reported
+ bad by diocesan commissioners.</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1346</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">The abbot appeals to the Pope, and also
+ sues Bishop Bateman in the King's Court, pleading the Charter of
+ Hardicanute (1035): the judges give sentence in the abbot's
+ favour.</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1346</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">(<i>circa</i>). Completion of abbey
+ gateway, erected after destruction of a previous gateway by the
+ townspeople in the riots of 1327.</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1351</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Presentation to the abbot of three names
+ for selection of an alderman to have charge of the municipal
+ government of Bury. Admission by the abbot of John Ewell as a
+ matter of favour.</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1361</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Death of Abbot William: buried in Lady
+ Chapel. Henry of Hunstanton elected his successor, and proceeds to
+ Avignon, but dies of the pestilence near that city before
+ obtaining confirmation by the Pope.</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top"><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_272"
+ id="page_272">{272}</a></span>1361</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">John of Brinkley appointed as 20th abbot by
+ Pope Innocent VI.</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1375</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Date of last miracle recorded in Bodleian
+ MS. 240 (Symon Broun, nearly lost at sea, vows to St. Edmund and
+ is saved. <i>Nov. Leg. Anglie</i> (1901) vol. II. <i>p.</i>
+ 678).</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1379</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Death of John of Brinkley at Elmswell:
+ buried in the Lady Chapel. John of Timworth, sub-prior, elected by
+ the monks 21st abbot. Urban VI appoints Edmund de Bromfeld
+ instead, and a controversy ensues, lasting five years.</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1381</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Rebellion in East Anglia under Jack Strawe.
+ Murder of John de Cambridge, the prior, and Sir John Cavendish,
+ the chief justice. Town of Bury outlawed and fined 2,000
+ marks.</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1383</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Richard II and Anne of Bohemia visit Bury
+ and remain ten days at the monastery, at an expense of 800
+ marks.</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1384</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">June 4. Matters having at length been
+ arranged with the Pope, John of Timworth's election as abbot is
+ confirmed (died 1389).</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1390</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">William of Cratfield elected 22nd abbot.</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1400</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Oct. 1. Thomas of Arundel, Archbishop of
+ Canterbury, visits Bury: received as a visitor with much respect,
+ but without a procession.</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1408</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Nov. 25. Letters patent of King Henry IV
+ finally deciding, in favour of Bury Abbey, the disputed question
+ as to the jurisdiction of the Liberty of St. Edmund over Hadleigh
+ and Eleigh.</td>
+ <td class="padrightbot"><i>pp.</i> <a href="#page_76">76</a>-8, <a
+ href="#page_239">239</a>.</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1410</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Catalogue of 195 Monastic Libraries
+ (including that of Bury), compiled by John Boston, monk of
+ Bury.</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1415</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">June 18. Death of Cratfield. William of
+ Exeter elected 23rd abbot.</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1424</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">William Exeter causes the marble tomb of
+ Ording (and (?) of Samson) in the chapter-house to be
+ renewed.</td>
+ <td class="padrightbot"><i>p.</i> <a href="#page_247">247</a>.</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top"><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_273"
+ id="page_273">{273}</a></span>1424-33</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Building of the present St. Mary's Church
+ on the site of an older church in S.W. corner of the cemetery of
+ the abbey.</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1427</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Thomas Beaufort, second son of John of
+ Gaunt, buried in Abbey Church (coffin discovered and re-interred
+ 1772).</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1429</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Death of William Exeter. William Curteys or
+ Curtis elected 24th abbot.</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1430</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Dec. 18. Fall of Southern side of western
+ tower.</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1430</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Dec. 30. Fall of Eastern side of western
+ tower. Immediate steps taken to contract for a new tower.</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1430</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Abbot Curteys builds a library for the
+ abbey (see his regulations for use of books in <i>James, pp.</i>
+ 109-11).</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1432</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Ruins of tower cleared away. Rebuilding
+ commenced: estimated cost, 60,000 ducats of gold.</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1433-4</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Visit of Henry VI to Bury Abbey from
+ Christmas till St. George's Day. The monastery presents him with a
+ magnificently illuminated <i>Life of St. Edmund</i>, by John
+ Lydgate (now in Brit. Mus. Harl. MS. 2278).</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1446</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Sept. 17. Henry VI writes to Abbot Curteys
+ to ask him to be present at laying of foundation stone of King's
+ College, Cambridge, on Michaelmas Day.</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1446</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Death of Curteys. Succeeded by William
+ Babington as 25th abbot.</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1447</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Feb. 10. Parliament at Bury, in the Abbey
+ refectory. Duke Humphrey of Gloucester present, and arrested (Feb.
+ 18) for high treason.</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1447</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Nov. 13. Charter of Henry VI confirming the
+ abbey privileges. (Text in Arnold III. 357.)</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1449</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Royal Charter granted, freeing the Abbot of
+ all aids to the King for forty marks a year.</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1453</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Death of Abbot Babington: John Boon, or
+ Bohun, appointed 26th abbot.</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1462</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">General pardon granted by Edward IV to the
+ Abbot and monks, whose sympathies had been Lancastrian.</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top"><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_274"
+ id="page_274">{274}</a></span>1462</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Nov. 17. A lost Abbey register bought by
+ John Broughton, and presented by him to the monastery at the
+ instance of Abbot Boon.</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1465</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Jan. 20. Abbey Church completely gutted by
+ fire. (St. Edmund's shrine said to have been saved.) Abbot Boon
+ spends and collects large sums for its repair and rebuilding.</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1469</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Death of Abbot Boon: buried in the Lady
+ Chapel. Succeeded by Robert of Ixworth as 27th abbot.</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1474</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Richard of Hengham appointed 27th abbot.</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1479</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Thomas of Rattlesden appointed 28th abbot.</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1479</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">May. William of Worcester visits the Abbey
+ and takes measurements of the various buildings.</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1486</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Visit of Henry VII to Bury.</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1497</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">William of Codenham appointed 29th abbot.</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1513</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Death of Codenham. John Reeve of Melford
+ appointed 30th and last abbot.</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1532</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Abbot Reeve assists at the funeral of Abbot
+ Islip of Westminster.</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1533</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">July 21. Mary Tudor, sister of Henry VIII,
+ buried in great state at the Abbey (subsequently re-interred in
+ St. Mary's Church).</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1535</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Nov. 5. Letter from John Ap Rice to Thomas
+ Cromwell as to the state of morals and worship of relics at Bury
+ Abbey and enclosing <i>compertes</i> of proceedings (<i>Compendium
+ Compertorum</i> now at Record Office).</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1536</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Nov. 26. Grant by the Abbey to Thomas
+ Cromwell and his son Gregory of an annuity of £10.</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1538</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">(<i>circa</i>). Visit of Leland the
+ antiquary to Bury, in search of ancient books and records.</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top"><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_275"
+ id="page_275">{275}</a></span>1538</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Sept. Sir John Williams, Richard Pollard,
+ Philip Parys and John Smyth report to Cromwell that they have been
+ to St. Edmundsbury, "where we founde a riche shryne which was very
+ comberous to deface. We have takyn in the said monastery in golde
+ and sylver MMMMM marks and above, over and besydes a well and
+ riche crosse with emereddes, as also dyvers and sundry stones of
+ great value, and yet we have left the churche, abbott and convent
+ very well ffurnesshed with plate of sylver necessary for the same"
+ (MS. Cotton. Cleop. E. iv. 229). The actual amount of plate taken
+ at 'His Majesty's visitation' on this occasion was 1,553 oz gold
+ plate, 6,853 oz. gilt plate, 933 oz. parcel-gilt plate, 190 oz.
+ white plate. (<i>Monastic Treasures</i>, 1836). See also under
+ Dec. 2, 1539.</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1539</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Nov. 4. Deed of surrender of Bury Abbey
+ signed by Abbot Reeve, Prior Thomas Denysse of Ryngstede and 41
+ other monks.</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1539</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Nov. 7. Sir Richard Rich, Sir A. Wingfield,
+ Ric. Southwell, Wm. Petre, John Ap Rice, and T. Mildmay inform
+ Henry VIII of the surrender of the Abbey: they "have taken the
+ plate and best ornaments of the house" for the King, and have sold
+ the rest. They also ask whether they are "to deface the church or
+ other edifices of the house." The lead and the bells (if the house
+ be defaced) will be worth 4,500 marks.</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1539</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Dec. 2. Indent of Richard Southwell of
+ amount of plate taken from Bury Abbey&mdash;150 oz. gilt plate, 145 oz.
+ parcel-gilt plate, and 2,162 oz. white plate, besides a pair of
+ birrall candlesticks (handed to the King), and an ornamented mitre
+ (<i>Monastic Treasures</i>, 1836). [Thus, with the spoils of 1538,
+ 1,553 oz. gold plate (all on the first occasion), and 10,433 oz.
+ silver plate, were taken from the Abbey.]</td>
+ </tr>
+</table>
+
+
+<h3>SECTION IV</h3>
+
+<h3><i>FROM THE DISSOLUTION TO 1903</i></h3>
+
+<table width="100%" summary="Dates Section III">
+ <col width="7.5%"/>
+ <col width="77.5%"/>
+ <col width="15%"/>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1540</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">March 30. Death of ex-Abbot Reeve; buried
+ in the chancel of St. Mary's Church.</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1550</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">The first of the thirty grammar schools
+ founded by Edward VI established at Bury.</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top"><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_276"
+ id="page_276">{276}</a></span>1560</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Feb. 14. Site of Monastery sold by Queen
+ Elizabeth for £412 19<i>s.</i> 4<i>d.</i> to John Eyer; by him
+ transferred to Thomas Badby.</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1578</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Aug. 7. Queen Elizabeth at Bury.</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1599</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Over a hundred books from Bury Abbey in the
+ hands of William Smart, a "Postman" of Ipswich. Given by him to
+ Pembroke College, Cambridge.</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1606</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Apl. 3. Bury made a Borough by Charter of
+ James I. (Borough Motto: <i>Sacrarium Regis, Cunabula
+ Legis</i>).</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1634</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Condition of the site of the Abbey
+ described by William Hawkins of Hadleigh in his "Corolla
+ Varia."</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1644</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Publication at Toulouse of Caseneuve's "Vie
+ de St. Edmond," alleging that the body of the saint was at the
+ basilica of St. Sernin there, and had been brought over by Louis
+ in 1216. Caseneuve describes, misquoting Matthew Paris (II. 663)
+ the alleged pillage by Louis of "Toutes les églises du comté de
+ Suffolk," refers to the fact that in those days "les Chrétiens
+ faisaient gloire d'enlever par un devot larcin les reliques des
+ saints," and says "Il est croyable que les Francais en firent
+ autant de celles de St. Edmond" (<i>cf.</i> 1216, 1256,
+ 1901).</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1745</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Publication at Oxford by Rev. Dr. Oliver
+ Battely of <i>Antiquitates S. Edmundi Burgi ad annum MCCLXXII
+ perductæ</i>, written by his uncle, Dr. John Battely (died
+ 1708).</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1761</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Ancient gates of town pulled down by order
+ of Corporation.</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1772</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Some excavations on site of Church, made by
+ Mr. King, and reported in vol. III. of Archaeologia.</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1805</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Publication of <i>An Illustration of the
+ Monastic History and Antiquities of the Town and Abbey of St.
+ Edmund's Bury</i>, by Richard Yates, D.D., F.R.S.
+ (1769-1834).</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top"><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_277"
+ id="page_277">{277}</a></span>1806</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Site of Abbey comes into the hands of the
+ Hervey family, the present possessors.</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1840</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Rokewode's Edition of Latin text of
+ <i>Chronicle of Jocelin of Brakelond</i>, published by Camden
+ Soc.</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1843</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Carlyle's <i>Past and Present</i>
+ published.</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1843</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Publication of second edition&mdash;including
+ fragment of Part II projected in 1805&mdash;of Yates' History of Bury
+ (Remainder of Yates' materials amongst Egerton MSS. in British
+ Museum).</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1844</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">T. E. Tomlins' English translation of
+ <i>Jocelin's Chronicle</i>.</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1850</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">S. Tymms' <i>Bury Wills</i> (Camd. Soc.).</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1865</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Papers by Mr. Gordon M. Hills on
+ antiquities of Bury St. Edmunds in <i>Journal British
+ Archæological Association</i>, vol. xxi. <i>pp.</i> 32-56 and
+ 104-140.</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1869</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">July 20. British Archæological Association
+ at Bury: paper on Abbey read by Mr. Alfred W. Morant.</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1890</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Publication of J. R. Thompson's <i>Records
+ of St. Edmund</i> [mostly based on Battely and the legendary
+ chronicles].</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1890</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Publication of vol. I. of <i>Memorials of
+ St. Edmund's Abbey</i> (Rolls series), edited by T. Arnold (vol.
+ II. published 1892, vol. III. 1896).</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1893</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Publication of <i>St. Edmund King and
+ Martyr</i>, by Rev. Father Mackinlay, O.S.B. [picturesque and
+ interesting, but uncritical].</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1895</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Publication of Dr. Montague R. James' two
+ papers on (1) the Library (2) the Church of "The Abbey of St.
+ Edmund at Bury" (Camb. Antiq. Soc., 8vo. Publications No.
+ xxviii.).</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1901</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Publication of <i>Nova Legenda Anglie</i>
+ (Ox. Univ. Press), containing in vol. II. the full "Vita et passio
+ cum miraculis sancti Edmundi," compiled at Bury in the 14th
+ Century (Bodl. MS. 240).</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top"><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_278"
+ id="page_278">{278}</a></span>1901</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">July 25. Landing at Newhaven, for the new
+ Roman Catholic Cathedral of Westminster, of bones from Toulouse
+ said to be those of St. Edmund (<i>cf.</i> 1216, 1256,
+ 1644.).</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1901</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Sept. 5. Letter in <i>The Times</i> showing
+ cause against these bones being those of St. Edmund.</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1901</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Sept. 9. Cardinal Vaughan admits at
+ Newcastle-on-Tyne that, in view of facts stated, "the relics are
+ not genuine."</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1902</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Publication of Lord Francis Hervey's
+ <i>Suffolk in the XVIIth Century</i>, containing in Appendix a
+ critical study of the legends about St. Edmund's life and
+ martyrdom.</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1902-3</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">(Winter). Excavations on site of
+ chapter-house.</td>
+ <td></td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td class="top">1903</td>
+ <td class="padoutdent">Jan. 1. Discovery on the site of the
+ chapter-house of five stone coffins with skeletons, in the
+ positions assigned in a Bury MS. of circa 1425 (now at Douai) to
+ the burial places of Abbots Ording (1146-56), SAMSON (1182-1211),
+ Richard of Insula (1229-34), Henry of Rushbrook (1234-46), and
+ Edmund of Walpole (1248-56). A sixth skeleton (uncoffined) also
+ found in a line with these coffins to the west&mdash;doubtless that of
+ Abbot Hugh I (1156-80).</td>
+ <td class="padrightbot"><i>pp.</i> <a href="#page_225">225</a>, <a
+ href="#page_247">247</a>.</td>
+ </tr>
+
+</table>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_279" id="page_279">{279}</a></span><br /></p>
+
+
+<h2>INDEX</h2>
+
+<div class="index">
+
+<ul class="IX">
+
+<li>Abbo of Fleury: <a href="#page_217">217</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Acre: <a href="#page_6">6</a>, <a href="#page_74">74</a>, <a
+href="#page_125">125</a>, <a href="#page_223">223</a>, <a
+href="#page_237">237</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Adam, the infirmarer: <a href="#page_200">200</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Ælmessethe, <i>see</i> Elmsett.</li>
+
+<li>Ælmeswell, <i>see</i> Elmswell.</li>
+
+<li>Ailwin, or Egelwin: <a href="#page_175">175</a>, <a
+href="#page_250">250</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Alberic, the earl: <a href="#page_85">85</a>, <a
+href="#page_98">98</a>, <a href="#page_184">184</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Albold, Abbot of St. Edmund: <a href="#page_229">229</a>, <a
+href="#page_245">245</a>, <a href="#page_261">261</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Alexander II. (Pope): <a href="#page_260">260</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Alexander III., Pope: <a href="#page_72">72</a>, <a
+href="#page_236">236</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Alfric: <a href="#page_85">85</a>, <a href="#page_241">241</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Alveth, Gilbert of: <a href="#page_26">26</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Ambli, William of: <a href="#page_255">255</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Ambrose (monk): <a href="#page_25">25</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Ampton: <a href="#page_185">185</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Andrew (monk): <a href="#page_25">25</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Anselm, Abbot of St. Edmund's, <a href="#page_116">116</a>, <a
+href="#page_255">255</a>-6, <a href="#page_261">261</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Ansty, Hubert of: <a href="#page_185">185</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Anthony (monk): <a href="#page_26">26</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Arnald: <a href="#page_49">49</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Arnold, T., Memorials of St. Edmund's Abbey, <a
+href="#page_xix">xix</a>. and <i>passim</i>.</li>
+
+<li>Ashfield: <a href="#page_184">184</a>, <a
+href="#page_185">185</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Augustine (monk): <a href="#page_172">172</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Augustine, Archbp. of Trontheim: <a href="#page_23">23</a>, <a
+href="#page_227">227</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Averpenny: <a href="#page_155">155</a>, <a
+href="#page_248">248</a>.</li>
+
+</ul>
+
+<ul class="IX">
+
+<li>Babwell: <a href="#page_69">69</a>, <a href="#page_72">72</a>, <a
+href="#page_201">201</a>, <a href="#page_234">234</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Baldwin, Abbot of St. Edmund: <a href="#page_260">260</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Baldwin, Archbishop: <a href="#page_76">76</a>-8.</li>
+
+<li>Banham, William of: <a href="#page_255">255</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Bardwell: <a href="#page_184">184</a>.
+ <ul class="IX">
+ <li>William of: <a href="#page_184">184</a>.</li>
+ </ul></li>
+
+<li>Barningham: <a href="#page_184">184</a>, <a href="#page_185">185</a>.
+ <ul class="IX">
+ <li>Adam of: <a href="#page_185">185</a>.</li>
+ </ul></li>
+
+<li>Barrator: <a href="#page_18">18</a>, <a href="#page_65">65</a>, <a
+href="#page_108">108</a>, <a href="#page_226">226</a>-7.</li>
+
+<li>Barton: <a href="#page_95">95</a>, <a href="#page_186">186</a>, <a
+href="#page_256">256</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Battely, Dr. John: <a href="#page_276">276</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Beasts of chase: <a href="#page_230">230</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Beccles: <a href="#page_95">95</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Bedingfield: <a href="#page_95">95</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Benedict of Blakenham: <a href="#page_8">8</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Benedict, the Jew: <a href="#page_3">3</a>, <a
+href="#page_4">4</a>, <a href="#page_223">223</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Benedict, the monk: <a href="#page_25">25</a>, sub-prior, <a
+href="#page_152">152</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Beodricsworth: <a href="#page_154">154</a>, <a
+href="#page_248">248</a>, <a href="#page_258">258</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Bigot, Roger, Earl of Norfolk: <a href="#page_86">86</a>, <a
+href="#page_96">96</a>, <a href="#page_98">98</a>, <a
+href="#page_99">99</a>, <a href="#page_184">184</a>, <a
+href="#page_241">241</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Bishop's Waltham: <a href="#page_31">31</a>, <a
+href="#page_228">228</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Blakenham, Benedict of: <a href="#page_8">8</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Blithing: <a href="#page_184">184</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Blood letting season: <a href="#page_21">21</a>, <a
+href="#page_227">227</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Blund, Hamo: <a href="#page_138">138</a>.
+ <ul class="IX">
+ <li>William: <a href="#page_184">184</a>.</li>
+ </ul></li>
+
+<li>Blunham: <a href="#page_184">184</a>, <a
+href="#page_229">229</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Botolph, St.: <a href="#page_176">176</a>, <a
+href="#page_250">250</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Boxford: <a href="#page_90">90</a>, <a href="#page_94">94</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Bradfield: <a href="#page_44">44</a>, <a href="#page_90">90</a>,
+<a href="#page_95">95</a>, <a href="#page_185">185</a>, <a
+href="#page_186">186</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Brakelond, <i>see</i> Jocelin.</li>
+
+<li>Breiton, William of: <a href="#page_255">255</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Brettenham: <a href="#page_90">90</a>, <a href="#page_94">94</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Briddinghoe: <a href="#page_185">185</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Briseword, Hubert of: <a href="#page_96">96</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Brisingham: <a href="#page_184">184</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Broc, Peter de (monk): <a href="#page_25">25</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Brockdish: <a href="#page_185">185</a>.
+ <ul class="IX">
+ <li>Stephen of: <a href="#page_185">185</a>.</li>
+ </ul></li>
+
+<li>Brockford: <a href="#page_94">94</a>, <a href="#page_95">95</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Brockley: <a href="#page_185">185</a>.
+ <ul class="IX">
+ <li>Reginald of: <a href="#page_185">185</a>.</li>
+ </ul></li>
+
+<li>Brome: <a href="#page_184">184</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Buckenham: <a href="#page_184">184</a>.
+ <ul class="IX">
+ <li>Ralph of: <a href="#page_184">184</a>.</li>
+ </ul></li>
+
+<li>Burgh, Thomas de: <a href="#page_187">187</a>-189.</li>
+
+</ul>
+
+<ul class="IX">
+
+<li>Canterbury (Christ Church): <a href="#page_77">77</a>-8, <a
+href="#page_238">238</a>, <a href="#page_239">239</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Canterbury, Archbishops of:&mdash;
+ <ul class="IX">
+ <li>Baldwin: <a href="#page_76">76</a>-8.</li>
+ <li>Hubert Walter: <a href="#page_83">83</a>, <a
+ href="#page_98">98</a>, <a href="#page_121">121</a>-2, <a
+ href="#page_125">125</a>, <a href="#page_142">142</a>-3, <a
+ href="#page_175">175</a>-6, <a href="#page_187">187</a>, <a
+ href="#page_240">240</a>, <a href="#page_245">245</a>.</li>
+ <li>Richard: <a href="#page_6">6</a>, <a href="#page_7">7</a>, <a
+ href="#page_221">221</a>, <a href="#page_224">224</a>.</li>
+ </ul>
+</li>
+
+<li>Carlyle's <i>Past and Present</i>: <a href="#page_xv">xv</a>., <a
+href="#page_xxiv">xxiv</a>., <a href="#page_xxix">xxix</a>., <a
+href="#page_xl">xl</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Castle Acre: <a href="#page_6">6</a>, <a href="#page_74">74</a>,
+<a href="#page_125">125</a>, <a href="#page_223">223</a>, <a
+href="#page_237">237</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Celestine III, Pope: <a href="#page_142">142</a>, <a
+href="#page_246">246</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Cellarer, jurisdiction of: <a href="#page_154">154</a>-9.</li>
+
+<li>Cereville, Gilbert of: <a href="#page_104">104</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Chapter House of Bury Abbey: <a href="#page_152">152</a>, <a
+href="#page_247">247</a>, <a href="#page_278">278</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Chebenhall: <a href="#page_187">187</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Chelsworth: <a href="#page_95">95</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Chernelles, Arnald of: <a href="#page_184">184</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Chertsey [Bertrand] Abbot of: <a href="#page_33">33</a>, <a
+href="#page_189">189</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Chevington: <a href="#page_49">49</a>, <a href="#page_94">94</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Chipley: <a href="#page_185">185</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Clare, Richard, Earl of: <a href="#page_85">85</a>-6.
+ <ul class="IX">
+ <li>Roger, Earl of: <a href="#page_104">104</a>, <a
+ href="#page_243">243</a>.</li>
+ </ul></li>
+
+<li>Clarendon: <a href="#page_96">96</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Cluny, Hugh, Abbot of: <a href="#page_189">189</a>, <a
+href="#page_252">252</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Colchester: <a href="#page_95">95</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Coleshill: <a href="#page_103">103</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Constantine, Geoffry of: <a href="#page_5">5</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Cosford Hundred: <a href="#page_44">44</a>, <a
+href="#page_86">86</a>, <a href="#page_232">232</a>, <a
+href="#page_238">238</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Cockfield, Adam (1st) of: <a href="#page_255">255</a>.
+ <ul class="IX">
+ <li>Adam (2nd) of: <a href="#page_86">86</a>, <a
+ href="#page_147">147</a>, <a href="#page_184">184</a>, <a
+ href="#page_187">187</a>, <a href="#page_246">246</a>, <a
+ href="#page_254">254</a>-6.</li>
+ <li>Adeliza of: <a href="#page_255">255</a>.</li>
+ <li>Lemnere of: <a href="#page_255">255</a>.</li>
+ <li>Nesta of: <a href="#page_187">187</a>, <a
+ href="#page_246">246</a>-7, <a href="#page_251">251</a>, <a
+ href="#page_255">255</a>.</li>
+ <li>Odo of: <a href="#page_256">256</a>.</li>
+ <li>Robert of: <a href="#page_12">12</a>, <a href="#page_15">15</a>,
+ <a href="#page_44">44</a>, <a href="#page_77">77</a>, <a
+ href="#page_86">86</a>, <a href="#page_91">91</a>, <a
+ href="#page_241">241</a>, <a href="#page_255">255</a>-6.</li>
+ <li>Rohesia of: <a href="#page_255">255</a>.</li>
+ </ul></li>
+
+<li>Cockfield or Cokefield, Town of: <a href="#page_88">88</a>, <a
+href="#page_95">95</a>, <a href="#page_184">184</a>, <a
+href="#page_188">188</a>, <a href="#page_256">256</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Cotton: <a href="#page_94">94</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Coventry, the Monks of: <a href="#page_142">142</a>-3, <a
+href="#page_246">246</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Coutances, Walter of: <a href="#page_72">72</a>, <a
+href="#page_235">235</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Criketot, Hemfrid: <a href="#page_256">256</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Cunegestun (Kingston): <a href="#page_95">95</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Curteys, W., Abbot: <a href="#page_273">273</a>.
+ <ul class="IX">
+ <li>His Register: <a href="#page_216">216</a>.</li>
+ </ul>
+</li>
+
+</ul>
+
+<ul class="IX">
+
+<li>Dennis, cellarer of St. Edmund: <a href="#page_6">6</a>, <a
+href="#page_8">8</a>, <a href="#page_9">9</a>, <a
+href="#page_25">25</a>, <a href="#page_32">32</a>, <a
+href="#page_33">33</a>, <a href="#page_34">34</a>, <a
+href="#page_157">157</a>, <a href="#page_200">200</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Dereham: <a href="#page_121">121</a>, <a href="#page_125">125</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Diceto, Ralph de, dean of London: <a href="#page_201">201</a>-2,
+<a href="#page_236">236</a>, <a href="#page_253">253</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Dickleburgh: <a href="#page_90">90</a>, <a href="#page_95">95</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Diss, John of: <a href="#page_174">174</a>.
+ <ul class="IX">
+ <li>Walter of: <a href="#page_67">67</a>.</li>
+ <li>William of (the elder): <a href="#page_67">67</a>.</li>
+ <li>William of: <a href="#page_172">172</a>, <a
+ href="#page_242">242</a>, <a href="#page_253">253</a>, <a
+ href="#page_254">254</a>-6.</li>
+ </ul></li>
+
+<li>Dissolution of Bury Abbey (1539): <a href="#page_274">274</a>-5.</li>
+
+<li>Dogs, coursing by, <a href="#page_43">43</a>, <a
+href="#page_231">231</a>.
+ <ul class="IX">
+ <li>Presented by Samson to Richard I: <a href="#page_149">149</a>,
+ <a href="#page_231">231</a>.</li>
+ </ul></li>
+
+<li>Durand of Hosteley: <a href="#page_91">91</a>.
+ <ul class="IX">
+ <li>(town bailiff): <a href="#page_209">209</a>.</li>
+ </ul></li>
+
+<li>Domesday Book: <a href="#page_70">70</a>, <a
+href="#page_234">234</a>, <a href="#page_260">260</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Dunstan, Archbishop: <a href="#page_217">217</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Durham: <a href="#page_67">67</a>.</li>
+
+</ul>
+
+<ul class="IX">
+
+<li>Edmund (monk): <a href="#page_29">29</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Edmund, the "golden" monk: <a href="#page_45">45</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Edward the Confessor: <a href="#page_233">233</a>, <a
+href="#page_238">238</a>, <a href="#page_259">259</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Egelwin, or Ailwin: <a href="#page_175">175</a>, <a
+href="#page_250">250</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Eleanor, Queen, <a href="#page_70">70</a>-71, <a
+href="#page_234">234</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Eleigh, Monks: <a href="#page_76">76</a>-77, <a
+href="#page_79">79</a>, <a href="#page_238">238</a>-9.
+ <ul class="IX">
+ <li>Combust: <a href="#page_185">185</a>.</li>
+ <li>Hugh of: <a href="#page_185">185</a>.</li>
+ </ul></li>
+
+<li>Elias, cupbearer: <a href="#page_67">67</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Elm, Robert of: <a href="#page_91">91</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Elmsett: <a href="#page_106">106</a>-7, <a
+href="#page_230">230</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Elmswell: <a href="#page_67">67</a>, <a href="#page_94">94</a>, <a
+href="#page_106">106</a>-7.</li>
+
+<li>Elveden: <a href="#page_95">95</a>.
+ <ul class="IX">
+ <li>Gilbert of: <a href="#page_155">155</a>.</li>
+ </ul></li>
+
+<li>Ely, Bishops of:&mdash;
+ <ul class="IX">
+ <li>William Longchamp: <a href="#page_79">79</a>, <a
+ href="#page_80">80</a>-2, <a href="#page_240">240</a>.</li>
+ <li>Geoffrey Ridel: <a href="#page_74">74</a>, <a
+ href="#page_106">106</a>-7, <a href="#page_203">203</a>-7, <a
+ href="#page_237">237</a>.</li>
+ </ul></li>
+
+<li>Ely: <a href="#page_125">125</a>, <a href="#page_203">203</a>-7,
+<a href="#page_253">253</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Endgate: <a href="#page_90">90</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Essex, Henry of: <a href="#page_101">101</a>-105, <a
+href="#page_242">242</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Etheldreda, St., court of: <a href="#page_206">206</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Eu, Castle of: <a href="#page_129">129</a>.
+ <ul class="IX">
+ <li>Roger of: <a href="#page_184">184</a>.</li>
+ </ul></li>
+
+<li>Eustace (monk): <a href="#page_26">26</a>.
+ <ul class="IX">
+ <li>(tenant): <a href="#page_93">93</a>.</li>
+ </ul></li>
+
+<li>Euston: <a href="#page_185">185</a>.</li>
+
+</ul>
+
+<ul class="IX">
+
+<li>Fair of St. Edmund: <a href="#page_112">112</a>-3, <a
+href="#page_115">115</a>-6.</li>
+
+<li>Fakenham, Great: <a href="#page_184">184</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Felsham: <a href="#page_185">185</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Fitz-Alan, Peter, of Brockley: <a href="#page_185">185</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Fitz-Drogo, Richard: <a href="#page_68">68</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Fitz-Hervey, Osbert: <a href="#page_51">51</a>.
+ <ul class="IX">
+ <li>William: <a href="#page_96">96</a>.</li>
+ </ul></li>
+
+<li>Fitz-Isabel, William: <a href="#page_2">2</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Fitz-Peter, Geoffrey: <a href="#page_204">204</a>, <a
+href="#page_207">207</a>, <a href="#page_254">254</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Fitz-Ralph, Gilbert: <a href="#page_91">91</a>, <a
+href="#page_184">184</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Fitz-Roger, Robert: <a href="#page_184">184</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Fitz-Walter, Robert: <a href="#page_184">184</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Flamville, Robert of: <a href="#page_12">12</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Flay, Eustace, Abbot of: <a href="#page_202">202</a>-3.</li>
+
+<li>Flemings defeated (<span class="smcap">a.d.</span> 1173): <a
+href="#page_1">1</a>, <a href="#page_86">86</a>, <a
+href="#page_222">222</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Flempton, Alan of: <a href="#page_185">185</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Foddercorn: <a href="#page_44">44</a>, <a
+href="#page_232">232</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Fordham, Geoffrey of: <a href="#page_25">25</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Fornham magna: <a href="#page_94">94</a>.
+ <ul class="IX">
+ <li>St. Genevieve: <a href="#page_95">95</a>;
+ <ul class="IX">
+ <li>battle of: <a href="#page_1">1</a>, <a href="#page_86">86</a>,
+ <a href="#page_222">222</a>.</li>
+ </ul></li>
+ <li>St. Martin: <a href="#page_95">95</a>.</li>
+ </ul></li>
+
+<li>Francheville, William of: <a href="#page_96">96</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Fressingfield: <a href="#page_95">95</a>.</li>
+
+</ul>
+
+<ul class="IX">
+<li>Galfridus de Fontibus: <a href="#page_218">218</a>, <a
+href="#page_226">226</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Gaveloc (javelin): <a href="#page_73">73</a>, <a
+href="#page_237">237</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Gedding: <a href="#page_185">185</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Geoffrey of Constantine: <a href="#page_5">5</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Geoffrey Archbishop of York: <a href="#page_31">31</a>, <a
+href="#page_80">80</a>, <a href="#page_126">126</a>, <a
+href="#page_228">228</a>, <a href="#page_240">240</a>.
+ <ul class="IX">
+ <li>(bailiff): <a href="#page_109">109</a>.</li>
+ </ul></li>
+
+<li>Germany, Samson's visit to: <a href="#page_82">82</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Gilbert, Deputy Steward of St. Edmund: <a href="#page_42">42</a>.
+ <ul class="IX">
+ <li>(monk): <a href="#page_174">174</a>.</li>
+ </ul></li>
+
+<li>Gislingham: <a href="#page_95">95</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Gissing: <a href="#page_184">184</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Glanville, Ranulf de, Justiciary of England: <a
+href="#page_12">12</a>, <a href="#page_41">41</a>, <a
+href="#page_77">77</a>, <a href="#page_93">93</a>,
+ <ul class="IX">
+ <li>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="#page_108">108</a>, <a
+ href="#page_225">225</a>.</li>
+ </ul></li>
+
+<li>Glemsford: <a href="#page_106">106</a>, <a
+href="#page_206">206</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Godfrey (bailiff): <a href="#page_109">109</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Godefridus the sacrist: <a href="#page_247">247</a>, <a
+href="#page_260">260</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Great Fornham: <a href="#page_94">94</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Great Horningsherth: <a href="#page_95">95</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Green, J. R. (history) <a href="#page_xvi">xvi</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Groton: <a href="#page_88">88</a>, <a href="#page_95">95</a>, <a
+href="#page_185">185</a>, <a href="#page_188">188</a>, <a
+href="#page_255">255</a>.</li>
+</ul>
+
+<ul class="IX">
+<li>Haberdon, Bury St. Edmund's: <a href="#page_88">88</a>, <a
+href="#page_242">242</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Hadleigh: <a href="#page_239">239</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Haggovele: <a href="#page_157">157</a>, <a
+href="#page_249">249</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Haglesdun: <a href="#page_258">258</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Halgestou: <a href="#page_258">258</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Halsted, Robert of: <a href="#page_185">185</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Hamo Blund's will: <a href="#page_138">138</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Hardwick, the villeins of (lancetti): <a href="#page_153">153</a>,
+<a href="#page_248">248</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Hargrave: <a href="#page_49">49</a>, <a
+href="#page_94">94</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Harling: <a href="#page_184">184</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Harlow: <a href="#page_49">49</a>, <a href="#page_92">92</a>-3, <a
+href="#page_95">95</a>, <a href="#page_169">169</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Hastings Henry of: <a href="#page_41">41</a>, <a
+href="#page_229">229</a>.
+ <ul class="IX">
+ <li>Thomas of: <a href="#page_41">41</a>, <a
+ href="#page_229">229</a>.</li>
+ <li>William of: <a href="#page_98">98</a>, <a
+ href="#page_184">184</a>.</li>
+ <li>William of (monk): <a href="#page_29">29</a>.</li>
+ </ul></li>
+
+<li>Hatfield, Walter of: <a href="#page_49">49</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Helyas the sacrist: <a href="#page_243">243</a>, <a
+href="#page_247">247</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Hemfrid, Criketot: <a href="#page_256">256</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Hengham, <i>see</i> Hingham.</li>
+
+<li>Hen-rents: <a href="#page_232">232</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Henry II, King of England: <a href="#page_4">4</a>, <a
+href="#page_12">12</a>.
+ <ul class="IX">
+ <li>Approves Samson's appointment as abbot: <a
+ href="#page_xxviii">xxviii</a>., <a href="#page_31">31</a>-5.</li>
+ <li>Dispute between Bury and Canterbury: <a
+ href="#page_76">76</a>-8, <a href="#page_238">238</a>.</li>
+ <li>Takes the Cross: <a href="#page_80">80</a>, <a
+ href="#page_240">240</a>.</li>
+ <li>Ruling at Clarendon on Samson's appeal: <a
+ href="#page_96">96</a>.</li>
+ <li>Battle of Coleshill: <a href="#page_103">103</a>, <a
+ href="#page_243">243</a>.</li>
+ <li>Charter to Merchants of London: <a href="#page_112">112</a>, <a
+ href="#page_244">244</a>.</li>
+ </ul></li>
+
+<li>Henry of Essex: <a href="#page_101">101</a>-105, <a
+href="#page_242">242</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Hepworth: <a href="#page_184">184</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Herard: <a href="#page_92">92</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Herbert the Dean: <a href="#page_88">88</a>-90.</li>
+
+<li>Herbert, prior of St. Edmund: <a href="#page_xlii">xlii</a>., <a
+href="#page_190">190</a>-6, <a href="#page_197">197</a>, <a
+href="#page_235">235</a>, <a href="#page_252">252</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Herman the Archdeacon: <a href="#page_218">218</a>, <a
+href="#page_238">238</a>, <a href="#page_249">249</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Hermer (monk): <a href="#page_25">25</a> (sub-prior): <a
+href="#page_191">191</a>-193, <a href="#page_235">235</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Herringswell: <a href="#page_95">95</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Hidages: <a href="#page_44">44</a>, <a href="#page_232">232</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Hinderclay: <a href="#page_95">95</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Hingham, Hugh of: <a href="#page_6">6</a>, <a href="#page_75">75</a>.
+ <ul class="IX">
+ <li>Richard of: <a href="#page_174">174</a>.</li>
+ <li>Roger of: <a href="#page_6">6</a>, <a href="#page_75">75</a>.</li>
+ <li>Roger of (cellarer): <a href="#page_157">157</a>, <a
+ href="#page_186">186</a>-7.</li>
+ </ul></li>
+
+<li>Hitcham: <a href="#page_80">80</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Honington: <a href="#page_91">91</a>, <a href="#page_94">94</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Hopton: <a href="#page_91">91</a>, <a href="#page_95">95</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Horning, Robert of: <a href="#page_185">185</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Horningsherth: <a href="#page_95">95</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Hostesley, Durand of: <a href="#page_91">91</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Hubert, Archbishop of Canterbury, <i>see</i> Walter.</li>
+
+<li>Hugh, Abbot of St. Edmund (<span class="smcap">a.d.</span>
+1157-1180):
+ <ul class="IX">
+ <li>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="#page_1">1</a>, <a
+ href="#page_2">2</a>-9, <a href="#page_10">10</a>, <a
+ href="#page_49">49</a>, <a href="#page_108">108</a>, <a
+ href="#page_116">116</a>, <a href="#page_135">135</a>, <a
+ href="#page_222">222</a>, <a href="#page_225">225</a>.</li>
+ <li>Prior of St. Edmund: <a href="#page_1">1</a>, <a
+ href="#page_6">6</a>.</li>
+ <li>Third Prior of St. Edmund: <a href="#page_25">25</a>, <a
+ href="#page_26">26</a>, <a href="#page_29">29</a>, <a
+ href="#page_31">31</a>, <a href="#page_32">32</a>.</li>
+ <li>The sacrist: <a href="#page_46">46</a>, <a
+ href="#page_110">110</a>, <a href="#page_145">145</a>, <a
+ href="#page_152">152</a>, <a href="#page_172">172</a>, <a
+ href="#page_232">232</a>.</li>
+ <li>The Infirmarer: <a href="#page_174">174</a>.</li>
+ </ul></li>
+
+<li>Humphrey, Duke of Gloucester: <a href="#page_234">234</a>, <a
+href="#page_273">273</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Hundreds in Liberty of St. Edmund: <a href="#page_44">44</a>, <a
+href="#page_77">77</a>, <a href="#page_232">232</a>, <a
+href="#page_238">238</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Hunston: <a href="#page_184">184</a>.</li>
+</ul>
+
+<ul class="IX">
+<li>Icklingham: <a href="#page_71">71</a>, <a href="#page_95">95</a>,
+<a href="#page_205">205</a>, <a href="#page_235">235</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Ickworth, Richard of: <a href="#page_185">185</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Illegh or Eleigh (Monachorum): <a href="#page_76">76</a>-7, <a
+href="#page_79">79</a>, <a href="#page_238">238</a>-9.
+ <ul class="IX">
+ <li>(Combust): <a href="#page_185">185</a>.</li>
+ <li>Hugh of: <a href="#page_185">185</a>.</li>
+ </ul></li>
+
+<li>Ingham: <a href="#page_95">95</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Innocent III, Pope: <a href="#page_124">124</a>, <a
+href="#page_149">149</a>, <a href="#page_245">245</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Interdict: <a href="#page_xli">xli</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Ireland: <a href="#page_236">236</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Isaac, the Jew: <a href="#page_3">3</a>.</li>
+</ul>
+
+<ul class="IX">
+<li>Jerusalem, loss of: <a href="#page_60">60</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Jews, abbey debts to: <a href="#page_2">2</a>-4, <a
+href="#page_15">15</a>, <a href="#page_48">48</a>, <a
+href="#page_223">223</a>.
+ <ul class="IX">
+ <li>Driven from St. Edmundsbury, <a href="#page_69">69</a>-70, <a
+ href="#page_223">223</a>.</li>
+ </ul></li>
+
+<li>Joce, Rabbi: <a href="#page_3">3</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Jocelin of Brakelond: <a href="#page_xx">xx</a>.-xxiv., <a
+href="#page_1">1</a>, <a href="#page_6">6</a>, <a
+href="#page_23">23</a>, <a href="#page_39">39</a>, <a
+href="#page_56">56</a>, <a href="#page_93">93</a>, <a
+href="#page_101">101</a>,
+ <ul class="IX">
+ <li>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="#page_145">145</a>, <a
+ href="#page_197">197</a>-8, <a href="#page_200">200</a>, <a
+ href="#page_235">235</a>, <a href="#page_242">242</a>.</li>
+ </ul></li>
+
+<li>Jocell the cellarer: <a href="#page_174">174</a>, <a
+href="#page_186">186</a>-187.</li>
+
+<li>John, King of England: <a href="#page_82">82</a>, <a
+href="#page_228">228</a>.
+ <ul class="IX">
+ <li>Comes to St. Edmundsbury: <a href="#page_xxxii">xxxiii</a>., <a
+ href="#page_178">178</a>, <a href="#page_251">251</a>, <a
+ href="#page_267">267</a>.</li>
+ <li>Calls for Samson's advice: <a href="#page_xxxiii">xxxiii</a>.,
+ <a href="#page_207">207</a>, <a href="#page_254">254</a>.</li>
+ </ul></li>
+
+<li>John, third Prior: <a href="#page_193">193</a>-5</li>
+
+<li>Jordan de Ros: <a href="#page_91">91</a>, <a
+href="#page_92">92</a>, <a href="#page_93">93</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Jurnet the Jew: <a href="#page_8">8</a>, <a
+href="#page_224">224</a>.</li>
+</ul>
+
+<ul class="IX">
+<li>Kalendar, Samson's: <a href="#page_45">45</a>, <a
+href="#page_232">232</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Kentford: <a href="#page_37">37</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Ketel, the case of: <a href="#page_152">152</a>, <a
+href="#page_247">247</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Kingston: <a href="#page_95">95</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Kirkby: <a href="#page_184">184</a>.
+ <ul class="IX">
+ <li>Alexander of: <a href="#page_184">184</a>.</li>
+ </ul></li>
+
+<li>Knights of St. Edmund, list of: <a href="#page_183">183</a>-6.</li>
+</ul>
+
+<ul class="IX">
+<li>Lackford: <a href="#page_95">95</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Lailand: <a href="#page_103">103</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Lakenheath: <a href="#page_155">155</a>, <a
+href="#page_203">203</a>, <a href="#page_205">205</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Langtoft, Robert of: <a href="#page_184">184</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Lavenham: <a href="#page_184">184</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Lelesey: <a href="#page_184">184</a>, <a href="#page_255">255</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Len: <a href="#page_95">95</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Lenmere of Cokefield: <a href="#page_255">255</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Leofstan, Abbot of St. Edmund: <a href="#page_249">249</a>. <a
+href="#page_259">259</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Liber Albus: <a href="#page_xvi">xvi</a>.-ii.</li>
+
+<li>Liberty of St. Edmund: <a href="#page_41">41</a>, <a
+href="#page_42">42</a>, <a href="#page_44">44</a>, <a
+href="#page_77">77</a>, <a href="#page_82">82</a>, <a
+href="#page_85">85</a>, <a href="#page_87">87</a>,
+ <ul class="IX">
+ <li>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="#page_112">112</a>, <a
+ href="#page_138">138</a>, <a href="#page_206">206</a>, <a
+ href="#page_232">232</a>, <a href="#page_238">238</a>.</li>
+ </ul></li>
+
+<li>Lidgate: <a href="#page_184">184</a>, <a href="#page_229">229</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Lincoln, Bishop of: <a href="#page_142">142</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Little Waltham: <a href="#page_184">184</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Livermere: <a href="#page_184">184</a>, <a href="#page_185">185</a>.
+ <ul class="IX">
+ <li>Peter of: <a href="#page_185">185</a>.</li>
+ </ul></li>
+
+<li>Loddon: <a href="#page_184">184</a>.</li>
+
+<li>London, Bishop of: <a href="#page_113">113</a>.
+ <ul class="IX">
+ <li>Dean of: <a href="#page_201">201</a>, <a
+ href="#page_253">253</a>.</li>
+ <li>Merchants of: <a href="#page_112">112</a>, <a
+ href="#page_113">113</a>, <a href="#page_243">243</a>.</li>
+ </ul></li>
+
+<li>Longchamp, William: <a href="#page_79">79</a>, <a
+href="#page_80">80</a>-2, <a href="#page_240">240</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Louis, son of Philip II of France: <a href="#page_267">267</a>, <a
+href="#page_276">276</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Lovel, Ernald: <a href="#page_91">91</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Lucius III, Pope, <a href="#page_51">51</a>, <a
+href="#page_263">263</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Lydgate, John: <a href="#page_xliv">xliv</a>, <a
+href="#page_241">241</a>.</li>
+</ul>
+
+<ul class="IX">
+<li>Malmesbury, Abbot of: <a href="#page_32">32</a>-3.</li>
+
+<li>Manston: <a href="#page_185">185</a>.
+ <ul class="IX">
+ <li>Gilbert of: <a href="#page_185">185</a>.</li>
+ </ul></li>
+
+<li>Marlesford: <a href="#page_184">184</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Marlingford: <a href="#page_184">184</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Maurice, chaplain of Abbot Samson, <a href="#page_194">194</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Melford: <a href="#page_94">94</a>, <a href="#page_106">106</a>,
+<a href="#page_230">230</a>, <a href="#page_243">243</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Melun, School of: <a href="#page_54">54</a>, <a
+href="#page_232">232</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Mendham: <a href="#page_184">184</a>.
+ <ul class="IX">
+ <li>Thomas of: <a href="#page_86">86</a>.</li>
+ </ul></li>
+
+<li>Merchants of London: <a href="#page_112">112</a>-3, <a
+href="#page_243">243</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Meringthorp: <a href="#page_90">90</a>, <a
+href="#page_95">95</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Mickfield: <a href="#page_184">184</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Milden: <a href="#page_78">78</a>.
+ <ul class="IX">
+ <li>William of: <a href="#page_255">255</a>.</li>
+ </ul></li>
+
+<li>Mildenhall: <a href="#page_69">69</a>-71, <a
+href="#page_95">95</a>, <a href="#page_118">118</a>, <a
+href="#page_131">131</a>, <a href="#page_146">146</a>, <a
+href="#page_187">187</a>, <a href="#page_233">233</a>, <a
+href="#page_235">235</a>,
+ <ul class="IX">
+ <li>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="#page_238">238</a>, <a
+ href="#page_259">259</a>.</li>
+ </ul></li>
+
+<li>Monk Eleigh: <a href="#page_76">76</a>-7., <a
+href="#page_79">79</a>, <a href="#page_238">238</a>-9.</li>
+
+<li>Montfort, Robert of: <a href="#page_103">103</a>-4, <a
+href="#page_243">243</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Moot-horn: <a href="#page_110">110</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Morieux, Roger of: <a href="#page_185">185</a>.</li>
+</ul>
+
+<ul class="IX">
+<li>Nicasius, St., chapel of: <a href="#page_191">191</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Nicholas (bailiff): <a href="#page_109">109</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Nonant, Hugh de, Bishop of Coventry: <a
+href="#page_142">142</a>-3, <a href="#page_246">246</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Norfolk, Roger Bigot, Earl of: <a href="#page_86">86</a>, <a
+href="#page_96">96</a>, <a href="#page_98">98</a>, <a
+href="#page_99">99</a>, <a href="#page_184">184</a>, <a
+href="#page_241">241</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Norton: <a href="#page_184">184</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Norway, Archbp. of: <a href="#page_23">23</a>, <a
+href="#page_227">227</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Norwich, Bishops of: <a href="#page_75">75</a>, <a
+href="#page_81">81</a>, <a href="#page_91">91</a>.
+ <ul class="IX">
+ <li>(City): <a href="#page_95">95</a>, <a href="#page_98">98</a>, <a
+ href="#page_99">99</a>, <a href="#page_125">125</a>.</li>
+ </ul></li>
+
+<li>Nova Legenda Anglie: <a href="#page_215">215</a>-6.</li>
+
+<li>Nowton: <a href="#page_8">8</a>, <a href="#page_90">90</a>, <a
+href="#page_95">95</a>.</li>
+</ul>
+
+<ul class="IX">
+<li>Oakley: <a href="#page_184">184</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Octavian, the Anti-pope: <a href="#page_72">72</a>, <a
+href="#page_236">236</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Onehouse: <a href="#page_184">184</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Ording, Abbot of St. Edmund: <a href="#page_17">17</a>, <a
+href="#page_116">116</a>, <a href="#page_135">135</a>, <a
+href="#page_152">152</a>, <a href="#page_226">226</a>,
+ <ul class="IX">
+ <li>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <a href="#page_243">243</a>,
+ <a href="#page_247">247</a>.</li>
+ </ul></li>
+
+<li>Osbert of Clare: <a href="#page_218">218</a>-9.</li>
+
+<li>Oxford, Alberic de Vere, Earl of <a href="#page_85">85</a>, <a
+href="#page_98">98</a>, <a href="#page_184">184</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Oxford, Samson at: <a href="#page_142">142</a>-3.</li>
+</ul>
+
+<ul class="IX">
+
+<li>Pakenham <a href="#page_90">90</a>, <a href="#page_95">95</a>, <a
+href="#page_186">186</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Palgrave: <a href="#page_11">11</a>, <a href="#page_63">63</a>, <a
+href="#page_94">94</a>.
+ <ul class="IX">
+ <li>Richard of: <a href="#page_11">11</a>, <a
+ href="#page_63">63</a>.</li>
+ </ul></li>
+
+<li>Paris, schools of: <a href="#page_66">66</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Parks enclosed by Samson: <a href="#page_43">43</a>, <a
+href="#page_230">230</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Patteshall, Simon of: <a href="#page_185">185</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Peche, Gilbert of: <a href="#page_185">185</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Portman-moot: <a href="#page_151">151</a>, <a
+href="#page_153">153</a>, <a href="#page_247">247</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Presseni, Ralph of: <a href="#page_185">185</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Preston: <a href="#page_184">184</a>, <a
+href="#page_185">185</a>.</li>
+
+</ul>
+
+<ul class="IX">
+<li>"Queen Gold": <a href="#page_70">70</a>, <a
+href="#page_234">234</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Quiddenham: <a href="#page_184">184</a>.</li>
+</ul>
+
+<ul class="IX">
+
+<li>Ralph, the porter: <a href="#page_179">179</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Ramsey, monks of: <a href="#page_202">202</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Randestune: <a href="#page_184">184</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Ranulf, Master: <a href="#page_118">118</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Reading: <a href="#page_101">101</a>, <a
+href="#page_243">243</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Rede: <a href="#page_184">184</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Reiner, the monk: <a href="#page_48">48</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Reydon: <a href="#page_184">184</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Richard I, King of England:
+ <ul class="IX">
+ <li>Sells Manor of Mildenhall to Bury: <a href="#page_69">69</a>, <a
+ href="#page_70">70</a>, <a href="#page_233">233</a>, <a
+ href="#page_235">235</a>.</li>
+ <li>His ransom: <a href="#page_71">71</a>, <a
+ href="#page_147">147</a>, <a href="#page_234">234</a>.</li>
+ <li>Licence for holding tournaments: <a href="#page_83">83</a>, <a
+ href="#page_241">241</a>.</li>
+ <li>Imprisonment in Germany: <a href="#page_81">81</a>, <a
+ href="#page_82">82</a>, <a href="#page_264">264</a>-5.</li>
+ <li>Samson visits him in Germany: <a href="#page_82">82</a>. </li>
+ <li>Demands of knights for French war: <a href="#page_128">128</a>.</li>
+ <li>Dispute with Sampson over wardship of Nesta of
+ <ul class="IX">
+ <li>Cockfield: <a href="#page_148">148</a>-9, <a
+ href="#page_231">231</a>, <a
+ href="#page_251">251</a>.</li>
+ </ul>
+ </li>
+ <li>His death: <a href="#page_178">178</a>, <a
+ href="#page_266">266</a>.</li>
+ </ul>
+</li>
+
+<li>Richard, Archbishop of Canterbury: <a href="#page_6">6</a>, <a
+href="#page_7">7</a>, <a href="#page_223">223</a>, <a
+href="#page_224">224</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Rickinghall: <a href="#page_95">95</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Ridel, Geoffrey: <a href="#page_74">74</a>, <a
+href="#page_106">106</a>-7, <a href="#page_203">203</a>-7, <a
+href="#page_237">237</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Risbridge Hundred: <a href="#page_85">85</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Risby: <a href="#page_67">67</a>, <a href="#page_95">95</a>, <a
+href="#page_185">185</a>.
+ <ul class="IX">
+ <li>Norman of: <a href="#page_67">67</a>-8, <a
+ href="#page_185">185</a>.</li>
+ <li>William of: <a href="#page_67">67</a>-8.</li>
+ </ul>
+</li>
+
+<li>Robert II, Abbot of St. Edmund: <a href="#page_121">121</a>, <a
+href="#page_135">135</a>, <a href="#page_244">244</a>-5.
+ <ul class="IX">
+ <li>Prior of St. Edmund: <a href="#page_1">1</a>, <a
+ href="#page_13">13</a>, <a href="#page_190">190</a>-1, <a
+ href="#page_252">252</a>.</li>
+ <li>The boy martyred by Jews: <a href="#page_23">23</a>, <a
+ href="#page_227">227</a>.</li>
+ </ul></li>
+
+<li>Roger Bigot, Earl of Norfolk: <a href="#page_86">86</a>, <a
+href="#page_96">96</a>, <a href="#page_98">98</a>, <a
+href="#page_99">99</a>, <a href="#page_184">184</a>, <a
+href="#page_241">241</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Roger the cellarer: <a href="#page_25">25</a>, <a
+href="#page_29">29</a>, <a href="#page_31">31</a>, <a
+href="#page_32">32</a>, <a href="#page_152">152</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Rokewode, John Gage: <a href="#page_xvii">xvii</a>.-xviii. and
+<i>passim</i>.</li>
+
+<li>Rome, Samson's visit to: <a href="#page_72">72</a>-4.</li>
+
+<li>Ros, Jordan de: <a href="#page_91">91</a>, <a
+href="#page_92">92</a>, <a href="#page_93">93</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Rothing, Gervase of: <a href="#page_185">185</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Rougham: <a href="#page_44">44</a>, <a href="#page_95">95</a>, <a
+href="#page_186">186</a>, <a href="#page_255">255</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Ruald (monk): <a href="#page_26">26</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Ruffus, Geoffrey: <a href="#page_186">186</a>.
+ <ul class="IX">
+ <li>John: <a href="#page_200">200</a>.</li>
+ <li>R. (monk): <a href="#page_12">12</a>.</li>
+ </ul></li>
+
+<li>Rungton: <a href="#page_95">95</a>.
+ <ul class="IX">
+ <li>Herlewin of: <a href="#page_49">49</a>, <a
+ href="#page_50">50</a>.</li>
+ </ul></li>
+
+<li>Rushbrook: <a href="#page_95">95</a>.</li>
+
+</ul>
+
+<ul class="IX">
+<li>Sacristy, offerings to: <a href="#page_53">53</a>.</li>
+
+<li>St. Alban's, Nicholas of: <a href="#page_32">32</a>-3.
+ <ul class="IX">
+ <li>Walter of (monk): <a href="#page_174">174</a>.</li>
+ </ul></li>
+
+<li>St. Andrew, Chapel of: <a href="#page_145">145</a>, <a
+href="#page_246">246</a>.</li>
+
+<li>St. Botolph, Chapel of: <a href="#page_176">176</a>, <a
+href="#page_250">250</a>.</li>
+
+<li>St. Clare, Gilbert of: <a href="#page_185">185</a>.</li>
+
+<li>St. Denis, Chapel of: <a href="#page_139">139</a>, <a
+href="#page_245">245</a>.</li>
+
+<li>St. Edmund, King and Martyr, <i>passim</i>.
+ <ul class="IX">
+ <li>His Martyrdom: <a href="#page_258">258</a>.</li>
+ <li>Life of (Bodl. 240): <a href="#page_216">216</a>-21.</li>
+ <li>Cup of: <a href="#page_165">165</a>, <a
+ href="#page_249">249</a>.</li>
+ <li>Miracles of: <a href="#page_216">216</a> <i>et seq.</i>, <a
+ href="#page_249">249</a>.</li>
+ <li>Shirt of: <a href="#page_164">164</a>, <a
+ href="#page_249">249</a>.</li>
+ <li>Shrine of: <a href="#page_162">162</a>, <a
+ href="#page_177">177</a>, <a href="#page_249">249</a>-50.</li>
+ <li>Standard of: <a href="#page_85">85</a>, <a
+ href="#page_241">241</a>.</li>
+ </ul></li>
+
+<li>St. Faith, Chapel of: <a href="#page_145">145</a>, <a
+href="#page_246">246</a>.</li>
+
+<li>St. Faith's, prior of: <a href="#page_33">33</a>.</li>
+
+<li>St. Katherine, Chapel of: <a href="#page_145">145</a>, <a
+href="#page_246">246</a>.</li>
+
+<li>St. Neot's, H., prior of: <a href="#page_33">33</a>.</li>
+
+<li>St. Nicasius, Chapel of: <a href="#page_191">191</a>.</li>
+
+<li>St. Robert, the boy: <a href="#page_23">23</a>.</li>
+
+<li>St. Sernin, Toulouse: <a href="#page_276">276</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Samson, Abbot, <i>passim</i>.
+ <ul class="IX">
+ <li>As an Author: <a href="#page_xxxiii">xxxiii</a>-v., <a
+ href="#page_215">215</a>-21.</li>
+ <li>Sketch of his life: <a href="#page_xxiv">xxiv</a>.-xliii.</li>
+ <li>Dates of events: <a href="#page_261">261</a>-6.</li>
+ <li>His death and burial: <a href="#page_xli">xli</a>.-ii., <a
+ href="#page_247">247</a>.</li>
+ <li>His Seal: <i>Frontispiece</i>, <a href="#page_39">39</a>, <a
+ href="#page_229">229</a>.</li>
+ </ul></li>
+
+<li>Samson, the Precentor: <a href="#page_38">38</a>;
+ <ul class="IX">
+ <li>appointed sacrist: <a href="#page_47">47</a>.</li>
+ </ul></li>
+
+<li>Sapiston: <a href="#page_184">184</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Saxham: <a href="#page_49">49</a>, <a href="#page_94">94</a>, <a
+href="#page_184">184</a>, <a href="#page_185">185</a>.
+ <ul class="IX">
+ <li>Walter of: <a href="#page_185">185</a>.</li>
+ </ul></li>
+
+<li>Scaldwell: <a href="#page_90">90</a>, <a href="#page_95">95</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Scales, Robert of: <a href="#page_143">143</a>.
+ <ul class="IX">
+ <li>Roger of: <a href="#page_144">144</a>.</li>
+ </ul></li>
+
+<li>Schools at Bury: <a href="#page_68">68</a>, <a
+href="#page_144">144</a>, <a href="#page_233">233</a>, <a
+href="#page_246">246</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Scotland: <a href="#page_236">236</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Scurun's Well: <a href="#page_154">154</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Semer: <a href="#page_88">88</a>, <a href="#page_95">95</a>, <a
+href="#page_188">188</a>, <a href="#page_255">255</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Sheriff of Suffolk: <a href="#page_87">87</a>, <a
+href="#page_204">204</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Soham: <a href="#page_95">95</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Sorpeni: <a href="#page_151">151</a>, <a
+href="#page_247">247</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Southrey: <a href="#page_45">45</a>, <a href="#page_95">95</a>, <a
+href="#page_155">155</a>, <a href="#page_248">248</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Southwold: <a href="#page_187">187</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Standard of St. Edmund: <a href="#page_85">85</a>-6, <a
+href="#page_241">241</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Stanningfield: <a href="#page_105">105</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Stanton: <a href="#page_184">184</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Stapleford: <a href="#page_49">49</a>, <a
+href="#page_95">95</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Stephen, King of England: <a href="#page_226">226</a>, <a
+href="#page_255">255</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Stephen, son of Herbert the Dean: <a href="#page_89">89</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Stigand, Archbishop: <a href="#page_7">7</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Stow: <a href="#page_94">94</a>, <a href="#page_184">184</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Stuston: <a href="#page_184">184</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Stutville, William of: <a href="#page_207">207</a>, <a
+href="#page_254">254</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Sutton: <a href="#page_258">258</a>.</li>
+</ul>
+
+<ul class="IX">
+<li>Tewkesbury: <a href="#page_188">188</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Theam: <a href="#page_112">112</a>, <a href="#page_244">244</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Thelnetham: <a href="#page_184">184</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Thetford: <a href="#page_83">83</a>, <a href="#page_92">92</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Thorpe: <a href="#page_50">50</a>, <a href="#page_95">95</a>, <a
+href="#page_184">184</a>, <a href="#page_185">185</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Thurstan (monk): <a href="#page_26">26</a>, <a
+href="#page_174">174</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Thurston: <a href="#page_184">184</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Tibenham: <a href="#page_184">184</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Tillener: <a href="#page_50">50</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Tivetshall: <a href="#page_90">90</a>, <a href="#page_95">95</a>,
+<a href="#page_100">100</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Tomlins, T., his Translation of Chronicle (1844):
+ <ul class="IX">
+ <li>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="#page_xviii">xviii</a>.-xix.</li>
+ </ul></li>
+
+<li>Topscroft: <a href="#page_184">184</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Tostock, William of: <a href="#page_184">184</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Toulouse, St. Sernin: <a href="#page_276">276</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Tournaments: <a href="#page_83">83</a>, <a
+href="#page_241">241</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Trontheim, Archbishop of: <a href="#page_23">23</a>, <a
+href="#page_227">227</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Troston: <a href="#page_184">184</a>.</li>
+</ul>
+
+<ul class="IX">
+<li>Ulfric of Lelesey: <a href="#page_225">225</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Urban III. (Pope): <a href="#page_84">84</a>, <a
+href="#page_263">263</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Uvius, first Abbot of Bury: <a href="#page_259">259</a>.</li>
+</ul>
+
+<ul class="IX">
+<li>Valognes, Robert of: <a href="#page_91">91</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Vere, Alberic de: <a href="#page_85">85</a>, <a
+href="#page_98">98</a>, <a href="#page_184">184</a>.</li>
+</ul>
+
+<ul class="IX">
+<li>Wachesham, Osbert of: <a href="#page_184">184</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Walchelin, the Archdeacon: <a href="#page_92">92</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Walter the physician: <a href="#page_25">25</a>, <a
+href="#page_146">146</a>, <a href="#page_172">172</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Walter, Hubert, Archbishop of Canterbury: <a
+href="#page_83">83</a>, <a href="#page_98">98</a>, <a
+href="#page_121">121</a>-2,
+ <ul class="IX">
+ <li>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="#page_125">125</a>, <a
+ href="#page_142">142</a>-3, <a href="#page_175">175</a>-6, <a
+ href="#page_187">187</a>, <a href="#page_240">240</a>, <a
+ href="#page_245">245</a>.</li>
+ </ul></li>
+
+<li>Waltham: <a href="#page_125">125</a>.
+ <ul class="IX">
+ <li>Little: <a href="#page_184">184</a>.</li>
+ <li>(Bishop's): <a href="#page_31">31</a>, <a
+ href="#page_228">228</a>.</li>
+ </ul></li>
+
+<li>Wangford: <a href="#page_185">185</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Warin (monk): <a href="#page_14">14</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Waringford, Nicholas of: <a href="#page_32">32</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Warkton: <a href="#page_48">48</a>, <a href="#page_95">95</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Wattisfield: <a href="#page_185">185</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Waude: <a href="#page_185">185</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Wendling: <a href="#page_90">90</a>, <a href="#page_95">95</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Westley: <a href="#page_90">90</a>, <a href="#page_95">95</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Wetherden: <a href="#page_95">95</a>, <a href="#page_144">144</a>,
+<a href="#page_246">246</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Whatfield: <a href="#page_185">185</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Whelnetham: <a href="#page_185">185</a>.
+ <ul class="IX">
+ <li>Geoffrey of: <a href="#page_185">185</a>.</li>
+ </ul></li>
+
+<li>Whepstead: <a href="#page_8">8</a>, <a href="#page_95">95</a>.</li>
+
+<li>William Wiardel, sacrist of St. Edmund: <a href="#page_3">3</a>,
+<a href="#page_13">13</a>, <a href="#page_14">14</a>, <a
+href="#page_15">15</a>, <a href="#page_25">25</a>,
+ <ul class="IX">
+ <li>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="#page_32">32</a>, <a href="#page_46">46</a>-7, <a href="#page_223">223</a>.</li>
+ </ul></li>
+
+<li>William of Worcester: <a href="#page_247">247</a>, <a
+href="#page_274">274</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Wimer, the Sheriff: <a href="#page_25">25</a>, <a
+href="#page_39">39</a>, <a href="#page_225">225</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Winchester [Richard] Bishop of: <a href="#page_31">31</a>, <a
+href="#page_34">34</a>, <a href="#page_36">36</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Windsor, siege of: <a href="#page_82">82</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Witham: <a href="#page_85">85</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Withgar: <a href="#page_85">85</a>, <a
+href="#page_241">241</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Woolpit: <a href="#page_72">72</a>, <a href="#page_74">74</a>, <a
+href="#page_95">95</a>, <a href="#page_235">235</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Worlingworth: <a href="#page_95">95</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Wortham: <a href="#page_95">95</a>, <a
+href="#page_184">184</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Wordwell, William of: <a href="#page_185">185</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Wrabness: <a href="#page_95">95</a>.</li>
+</ul>
+
+<ul class="IX">
+<li>Yarmouth: <a href="#page_113">113</a>.</li>
+
+<li>Yates' History of Bury, <a href="#page_276">276</a>.</li>
+
+<li>York [Geoffrey] Archbishop of: <a href="#page_31">31</a>, <a
+href="#page_80">80</a>, <a href="#page_126">126</a>, <a
+href="#page_228">228</a>.</li>
+</ul>
+</div>
+
+<p><br /></p>
+
+<hr/>
+
+<p id="printer">Butler &amp; Tanner, The Selwood Printing Works,
+Frome, and London.</p>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<div class="tnote">
+<p class="nodent">Transcriber's Note:<br />
+<br />
+Varying and archaic spelling and varying hyphenation were retained.<br />
+<br />
+Page xxxviii, "obedientaries" changed to "obedientiaries".<br />
+<br />
+Page 11, "allgeing" changed to "alleging".<br />
+<br />
+Page 241, "Jornham" changed to "Fornham".<br />
+<br />
+Page 264, "1180" changed to "1188".<br />
+<br />
+Page 269, "owes" changed to "owe".<br />
+<br />
+Other apparent printer's errors were corrected.<br />
+<br />
+Pages 221 and 230 are missing double-quotes but it is unclear where
+they should be inserted.<br />
+<br />
+Page 274 records two persons being appointed as 27th abbot, in 1469
+and 1474.</p>
+</div>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<hr class="full" />
+<p>***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE CHRONICLE OF JOCELIN OF BRAKELOND: A PICTURE OF MONASTIC LIFE IN THE DAYS OF ABBOT SAMSON***</p>
+<p>******* This file should be named 37780-h.txt or 37780-h.zip *******</p>
+<p>This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:<br />
+<a href="http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/3/7/7/8/37780">http://www.gutenberg.org/3/7/7/8/37780</a></p>
+<p>Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions
+will be renamed.</p>
+
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+
+<pre>
+*** START: FULL LICENSE ***
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+The Project Gutenberg eBook, The Chronicle of Jocelin of Brakelond: A
+Picture of Monastic Life in the Days of Abbot Samson, by Jocelin de
+Brakelond, Edited by Sir Ernest Clarke
+
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+
+
+
+Title: The Chronicle of Jocelin of Brakelond: A Picture of Monastic Life in the Days of Abbot Samson
+
+
+Author: Jocelin de Brakelond
+
+Editor: Sir Ernest Clarke
+
+Release Date: October 17, 2011 [eBook #37780]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-646-US (US-ASCII)
+
+
+***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE CHRONICLE OF JOCELIN OF
+BRAKELOND: A PICTURE OF MONASTIC LIFE IN THE DAYS OF ABBOT SAMSON***
+
+
+E-text prepared by Juliet Sutherland, Chris Pinfield, and the Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team (http://www.pgdp.net)
+
+
+
+Note: Project Gutenberg also has an HTML version of this
+ file which includes the original illustrations.
+ See 37780-h.htm or 37780-h.zip:
+ (http://www.gutenberg.org/files/37780/37780-h/37780-h.htm)
+ or
+ (http://www.gutenberg.org/files/37780/37780-h.zip)
+
+
+Transcriber's note:
+
+ Text enclosed by underscores is in italics (_italics_).
+
+ Text enclosed by equal sings is in bold face (=bold=).
+
+ Characters following a carat are superscrpted (example:
+ MCCC.LXXVII^o).
+
+ Small capitals are rendered in upper case.
+
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: frontispiece]
+
+
+THE CHRONICLE OF JOCELIN
+OF BRAKELOND: A PICTURE
+OF MONASTIC LIFE IN THE
+DAYS OF ABBOT SAMSON.
+
+Newly Edited by
+
+SIR ERNEST CLARKE M.A. F.S.A.
+
+[Illustration:
+_Seal of Abbot Samson.
+(Slightly enlarged. The length of the
+original is 3-1/2 inches._)]
+
+THE CHRONICLE OF
+JOCELIN OF BRAKELOND:
+A PICTURE OF
+MONASTIC LIFE IN
+THE DAYS OF ABBOT
+SAMSON
+
+Newly Edited by
+
+SIR ERNEST CLARKE
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+Alexander Moring
+The De La More Press
+298 Regent Street London W 1903
+
+
+
+"A VERITABLE MONK OF BURY ST. EDMUND'S: WORTH LISTENING TO, IF BY
+CHANCE MADE VISIBLE AND AUDIBLE. HERE HE IS; AND IN HIS HAND A
+MAGICAL SPECULUM, MUCH GONE TO RUST, INDEED, YET IN FRAGMENTS STILL
+CLEAR; WHEREIN THE MARVELLOUS IMAGE OF HIS EXISTENCE DOES STILL
+SHADOW ITSELF, THOUGH FITFULLY, AND AS WITH AN INTERMITTENT LIGHT."
+
+ _Carlyle: Past and Present._ Chapter 1.
+
+
+
+
+LIST OF CONTENTS
+
+
+ SEAL OF ABBOT SAMSON. _Frontispiece_
+
+ _EDITOR'S PREFACE._
+
+ Page
+ Samson and his arch-eulogist--The Chronicle--Previous
+ Editions of the Chronicle--The Chronicler--The Central
+ Figure of the Chronicle--Samson in Subordinate
+ Offices--Samson as Abbot--Relations with Church and
+ State--Samson as an Author--Samson's
+ Masterfulness--Samson as an Administrator--Epilogue xv.-xliii.
+
+ CHAPTER I.
+
+ _BURY ABBEY UNDER ABBOT HUGH._
+
+ The last years of Abbot Hugh--The monastery under a load of
+ debt, and in the hands of Jew money-lenders--Inquiry by
+ the Royal almoner--Caustic comment by Samson, master of
+ the novices--Exemption obtained by Hugh from visitation
+ by the Legate--Jocelin's reflection thereon--The Convent
+ debt--Entertainment of strangers--Samson in various
+ offices, but disliked by the Abbot--Accident to Hugh at
+ Canterbury--His death--His house despoiled by his
+ servants 1-11
+
+ CHAPTER II.
+
+ _THE MONKS DISCUSS THE VACANCY._
+
+ Wardens of the Abbey appointed by the King--Culpable
+ Weakness of the Prior--William the sacrist--Activity of
+ Samson as subsacrist--Jealousy of him--The Wardens stop
+ further building operations--Much discussion by the
+ monks as to the qualifications needed in the new
+ Abbot--Samson silently notes all that is said--Jocelin's
+ indiscretion in blurting out his private opinion 12-23
+
+ CHAPTER III.
+
+ _THE CHOICE OF A NEW ABBOT._
+
+ Henry II. orders the Prior and twelve delegates from the
+ Abbey to attend him to make choice of a new
+ Abbot--Selection of the twelve--Six electors appointed
+ to choose three names to be given under seal to the
+ delegates--The journey to the Court--Gossip and telling
+ of dreams amongst the monks left behind--The delegates
+ before the King at Bishop's Waltham--The sealed paper
+ opened--Samson eventually selected--Approval of the
+ King, and his comment on Samson's demeanour 24-35
+
+ CHAPTER IV.
+
+ _SAMSON'S INSTALLATION._
+
+ Reception of the news at the Monastery--Samson blessed by
+ the Bishop of Winchester--He journeys to Bury, and is
+ welcomed by the Convent on Palm Sunday--His address in
+ the chapter-house--Answer of Wimer the Sheriff--Jocelin
+ made Abbot's Chaplain--New Seal struck with mitre graven
+ thereon--Samson sets his household in order--General
+ Court summoned--Demand of aid from his knights 36-42
+
+ CHAPTER V.
+
+ _THE NEW ABBOT'S REFORMS._
+
+ Prepares an estate book--Buildings and repairs--Enclosure
+ of parks--Hunting and dogs--Land
+ improvements--Management of manors--General
+ survey--Makes a kalendar--New regulations made in
+ Chapter--Amount of the convent debts and their
+ discharge--Dismissal of William the sacrist--Samson
+ visits all the Abbey manors--His anxieties about the
+ debts--His skill and energy in managing the
+ estates--Appointed judge in ecclesiastical
+ courts--Jocelin's excuse for Samson's fondness for
+ betaking himself to his manors--The Abbot's complaint at
+ the burden of his charge--His dream as a child--His
+ control of temper--Order for production of convent
+ seals--Thirty-three given up, all retained by the Abbot,
+ except the prior's--Entertainment of guests 43-59
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+_SAMSON'S PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS._
+
+ His personal appearance--His temperance and
+ diligence--Abhors liars, drunkards and talkative
+ folk--His eloquence--Preaches to the people in the
+ Norfolk dialect--Management of his household--Strict
+ regulation of expenses--Appoints none but fit persons to
+ office--His treatment of his relatives--Gratitude for
+ past kindnesses--Provides free lodgings for poor
+ scholars--Expulsion of Jews from Bury--Purchase of the
+ Manor of Mildenhall--Giving up of King Henry II.'s cup
+ and its restoration--Samson's generosity--The Woolpit
+ living--Samson recounts his visit to Rome in his early
+ days, and his adventures 60-75
+
+ CHAPTER VII.
+
+ _THE ABBOT AS PEER OF PARLIAMENT._
+
+ Dispute with Archbishop of Canterbury as to jurisdiction
+ over manor of Eleigh--Quarrel with the Bishop of Ely,
+ the Chancellor--Samson wishes to take the cross: the
+ King refuses permission--Goes to siege of Windsor in
+ martial array--Visits Richard I. in
+ Germany--Excommunication by him of a company of
+ roystering young knights--Embassies to Rome--The claim
+ of the Earl of Clare to carry the Standard of St. Edmund
+ in battle--Adam of Cockfield's inheritance--Herbert the
+ dean and his windmill--Jocelin's New Year's gift--The
+ Abbot's struggle with his rebellious knights 76-100
+
+ CHAPTER VIII.
+
+ _THE CASE OF HENRY OF ESSEX._
+
+ Excesses of Henry of Essex--His cowardice in Wales--The
+ wager of battle on the island near Reading--Henry's
+ vision--His recovery and repentance 101-105
+
+ CHAPTER IX.
+
+ _TROUBLES WITHOUT._
+
+ The Bishop of Ely outwitted as to timber asked for by
+ him--Dispute as to town bailiffs--Murmurings of the
+ monks--Toll-right dispute with London merchants--Dues of
+ the burgesses--Samson grants a charter to the town 106-117
+
+ CHAPTER X.
+
+ _TROUBLES WITHIN._
+
+ Inefficient cellarers--New arrangements criticised--The
+ Archbishop of Canterbury claims authority to visit the
+ Abbey as legate--Samson's successful appeal to the Pope 118-127
+
+ CHAPTER XI.
+
+ _SAMSON'S CONTESTS WITH KNIGHTS,
+ MONKS AND TOWNSMEN._
+
+ King Richard's levies--The abbot's difficulties in making
+ his knights comply--Goes to Normandy and arranges
+ matters with the King--Samson's generosity to the
+ abbey--He takes the cellarer's department into his own
+ hands--Consequent discontent--Hamo Blund's will, and
+ Samson's comments thereon--Riots in the
+ churchyard--Rioters reduced to submission 128-141
+
+ CHAPTER XII.
+
+ _THE CARES OF OFFICE._
+
+ Restoration of the Coventry monks--Samson's hospitality at
+ Oxford--His endowment of the Bury schools--Abbey
+ improvements--The Abbot withstands King Richard over the
+ wardship of Nesta of Cockfield--The King appeased by a
+ present of horses and dogs 142-149
+
+ CHAPTER XIII.
+
+ _THE CUSTOMS OF THE TOWNSHIP._
+
+ Old oppressive customs changed or abrogated by Samson--The
+ Cellarer's difficulties in collecting _rep silver_--The
+ hard case of Ketel--The Cellarer's dues--Lakenheath
+ eels--Samson's reforms and his critics 150-161
+
+ CHAPTER XIV.
+
+ _THE SHRINE OF ST. EDMUND._
+
+ Fire around the shrine--The shrine unhurt--Vain attempts to
+ hush up the scandal--Samson dreams of St. Edmund
+ despoiled--The saint's body uncovered--Samson and
+ certain of the monks view the sacred relic 162-177
+
+ CHAPTER XV.
+
+ _THE MONASTERY IN REVOLT._
+
+ Death of King Richard--King John visits the Abbey--Samson
+ supports Ralph the porter against the monks--He
+ withdraws from the convent--Disturbances in his
+ absence--The monks submit--Reconciliation--Marshalling
+ of the Knights--Further troubles about the manors and
+ cellary 178-189
+
+ CHAPTER XVI.
+
+ _ELECTION OF A NEW PRIOR._
+
+ Death of Robert the Prior--Herbert the chaplain and Hermer
+ the sub-prior candidates for the post--Through the
+ Abbot's influence Herbert is elected--Jocelin
+ moralizes--The gibes of the unlearned 190-199
+
+ CHAPTER XVII.
+
+ _THE ABBOT'S FOIBLES._
+
+ Samson's faults--The dam at Babwell--Trouble with the Ely
+ monks--The Abbot summoned over sea to the King--Sets his
+ house in order--His unfulfilled promises--The story
+ breaks off 200-211
+
+ APPENDICES.
+
+ I. SAMSON AS AN AUTHOR 215-221
+
+ II. NOTES TO TEXT OF CHRONICLE 222-256
+
+ III. TABLE OF CHIEF DATES IN THE HISTORY OF
+ THE ABBEY OF ST. EDMUNDSBURY, A.D.
+ 870 TO 1903 257-278
+
+ _GENERAL INDEX_ 279-285
+
+
+PREFACE
+
+=Samson and his Arch-Eulogist.=--Abbot Samson of St. Edmundsbury and
+his biographer, Jocelin of Brakelond, undoubtedly owe such immortality
+as they possess to their introduction to the world at large by Thomas
+Carlyle. Learned historians and commentators of the past had made use
+of the dry facts of the Chronicle for their disquisitions and
+treatises; but none had recognized the human interest of Jocelin's
+narrative until the Sage of Chelsea seized upon it as evidence of that
+theory of Hero Worship on which he loved to insist.
+
+The whole of the seventeen chapters of Book II. of "Past and Present,"
+published in 1843, are devoted to a study of Abbot Samson, and the
+lessons which Carlyle thought "our own poor century" could learn from
+him.
+
+From that day to this, Samson has been more or less a household word;
+and, as John Richard Green says in his "Stray Studies" (1876), "In the
+wandering gossipy pages of Jocelin of Brakelond the life of the
+twelfth century, so far as it could penetrate abbey walls, still glows
+distinct for us round the figure of the shrewd, practical, kindly,
+imperious abbot who looks out, a little travestied perhaps, from the
+pages of Mr. Carlyle."
+
+=The Chronicle.=--Mr. Green further says:--"By a rare accident the
+figure of the silent, industrious Norfolk monk, who at the close of
+Henry the Second's reign suddenly found himself ruler of the
+wealthiest, if not the greatest, of English abbeys, starts out
+distinct from the dim canvas of the annals of his house. Annals indeed
+in any strict sense St. Edmund's has none; no national chronicle was
+ever penned in its scriptorium such as that which flings lustre round
+its rival, St. Albans; nor is even a record of its purely monastic
+life preserved such as that which gives a local and ecclesiastical
+interest to its rival of Glastonbury. One book alone the abbey has
+given us, but that one book is worth a thousand chronicles."
+
+The original manuscript of the Chronicle occupies 43 folios (121-163)
+of a thick quarto volume on vellum once in the library of Bury Abbey,
+afterwards in the hands of the family of Bacon of Redgrave, then
+belonging to Bishop Stillingfleet of Worcester, and now preserved in
+the British Museum amongst the Harleian Manuscripts. The contents of
+this _Liber Albus_ (Harl. MS. 1005) are very varied; and a complete
+list of the 144 items in it which relate to the Abbey will be found on
+pp. 122-4 of the 1821 Edition of the _Monasticon_. (Another copy of
+the Chronicle was in the Cottonian MS. Vitellius DXV., burnt in the
+fire of 1731.) Three facsimiles of portions of the MS. are given in
+the Camden Society's Edition of the Latin text (to be presently
+referred to), and the writing is there ascribed to the end of the 13th
+or beginning of the 14th century.
+
+=Previous Editions of the Chronicle.=--In the year 1840, John Gage
+Rokewode, F.R.S. (1786-1842), Director of the Society of Antiquaries,
+brought out for the Camden Society a thin quarto book in the familiar
+green cover, which he entitled "Chronica Jocelini de Brakelonda de
+rebus gestis Samsonis Abbatis Monasterii Sancti Edmundi." It was this
+book that attracted the attention of Carlyle, with the results already
+stated. Rokewode was a scion of the distinguished family of Gage of
+Hengrave, near Bury, and took the additional name of Rokewode on
+inheriting in 1838 the estates of the Rookwood family. He was a very
+learned genealogist, and the author of a History of Hengrave and of
+the Hundred of Thingoe. His observations on Suffolk families and
+topography are therefore to be relied upon, though subsequent
+investigation has corrected some of his notes on historical matters.
+
+Rokewode's text was in the original Latin; but to meet the popular
+demand for the Chronicle caused by Carlyle's published appreciation of
+it in "Past and Present" (1843), a translation into English was made
+by Thomas Edlyne Tomlins (1804-1872), and was published in 1844 by
+Whitaker & Co. in the "Popular Library of Modern Authors," under the
+title of "Monastic and Social Life in the Twelfth Century."
+
+Mr. T. E. Tomlins was a nephew of the better known Sir Thomas Edlyne
+Tomlins (1762-1841), assistant counsel to the Treasury, who wrote "The
+Law of Wills" and other well-known text-books. The younger Thomas was
+an attorney, and also wrote on legal subjects. Tomlins' translation of
+Jocelin was issued in the somewhat forbidding form of a tall
+paper-covered book of 64 pages of double columns of small type,
+without any break from start to finish: the few notes at the end being
+mostly on legal points, and none of them of great merit.
+
+It does not appear that Mr. Tomlins had any special knowledge of his
+subject; and, as a consequence, his translation contained a quantity
+of errors, both of omission and commission. His book has been used as
+the ground-work for the present edition, but the alterations made in
+the text have been so numerous and important as to be practically
+equivalent to a new translation altogether. The three Appendices
+(pages 215-278) are wholly new.
+
+The task of rendering the Latin text into satisfactory and accurate
+English has been made easier by the publication in 1890-6 of Mr.
+Thomas Arnold's three volumes of "Memorials of St. Edmund's Abbey"
+(No. 96 of the Rolls Series). "Tom" Arnold (1823-1900) was the second
+son of Arnold of Rugby and the younger brother of Matthew Arnold; and
+he undertook a quantity of work for the Rolls Series, not all of which
+he was able to carry through with the completeness that he desired.
+Especially with regard to the Annals of St. Edmundsbury there was a
+quantity of material that he could not deal with in the leisure at his
+command. But so far as concerns the Chronicle of Jocelin (which
+occupies 228 pages of his Volume I.), his edition of the original
+Latin text was carefully revised and annotated.
+
+=The Chronicler.=--Of Jocelin of Brakelond very little is certainly
+known beyond what he himself tells us in the Chronicle. There are two
+streets in Bury St. Edmunds known as the Long and Short Brackland or
+Braklond, and probably Jocelin took his name from his place of birth.
+In the text of the Chronicle, however, and in other 13th century
+documents in which his name is recorded, he appears simply as Jocelin.
+He tells us he took the habit in 1173, "the year when the Flemings
+were taken captive without the town" (page 1); and that he then came
+under the care of Samson, at that time master of the novices, who told
+him some of his own experiences by way of warning against interference
+with the constituted authorities (6).
+
+At the time of Samson's election as Abbot, in 1182, Jocelin was
+prior's chaplain, but within four months he was made abbot's chaplain,
+"noting many things and committing them to memory" (39): for which all
+students of English history are eternally grateful to him. In his
+capacity as Samson's chaplain, Jocelin was "constantly with him by day
+and night for six years, and had the opportunity of becoming fully
+conversant with the worthiness of his life and the wisdom of his rule"
+(56).
+
+Jocelin evidently starts at first with an admiration for Samson's
+vigorous and independent regime (see especially pages 52-3); but later
+on his faith in his master seems to have been a little shaken, and
+Samson's action in practically "jockeying" his favourite Herbert into
+the office of prior takes Jocelin's breath away. The eventful meeting
+of the chapter over, he sits down stupefied in the porch of the guest
+chamber (he being then hospitarius), and reflects on the situation
+(198). He cannot approve, moreover, Samson's action with regard to
+John Ruffus and Adam the Infirmarer, where he more than hints at the
+Abbot's acceptance of a bribe (200). The banking up by Samson of the
+fishpond at Babwell, thus flooding the pastures and gardens of others,
+he describes as "another stain of evil doing" (201): the Abbot's
+passionate retort that "his fish pond was not to be spoilt on account
+of our meadows," obviously offending Jocelin's sense of the
+proprieties. He demurs, moreover, to the willingness of certain of the
+monks to strip even the shrine of St. Edmund himself to obtain an
+exemption of the Abbey from episcopal visitation, pointing out that
+there might come a time when the convent might need the control of a
+bishop, archbishop, or legate, over a tyrannous or spendthrift abbot
+(7).
+
+It is perhaps for these reasons that we find Jocelin, at a date after
+Samson's death, on the side of the party of caution and moderation in
+the disputes over the election of a new abbot. The author, whoever he
+was, of the interpolated narrative in the Chronicle relating to Henry
+of Essex (101 _et seq._) refers to "Master Jocelin our almoner, a man
+of exalted piety, powerful in word and in deed"; and there can hardly
+be any doubt that this was our Jocelin. In the highly complicated
+story (printed in Mr. Arnold's second volume) of the preliminaries to
+the final approval by King John of Samson's successor, Abbot Hugh II.,
+Jocelin the almoner took the side of Robert of Gravelee, the sacrist,
+who advocated the adoption of the plan followed when the previous
+vacancy occurred, of submitting to the king names from whom he could
+make a selection (as indeed John had asked might be done by letter
+dated 25 July, 1213), instead of asking him, as they did, to confirm
+an election already made. Jocelin, in a speech delivered in the
+chapter-house, seems indeed to have been the first to start the view
+that the convent had made a mistake, and that it ought to put itself
+right with the king. He again insisted on this at a second debate in
+December, 1213, and took a prominent part in the subsequent
+discussions, his name being recorded in the division list of June,
+1214, when 30 voted on his side, and 32 for adherence to the claims of
+the Abbey.
+
+The three delegates, the Abbot of Wardon, the Prior of Dunstable, and
+the Dean of Salisbury, who had been appointed by the Pope on May 18,
+1214, to inquire into the Bury election, held the last but one of
+their numerous sittings on February 12, 1215, at which Jocelin was
+present. At last the delegates announced on March 10 their judgment
+confirming the election, which, with considerable trouble, they
+persuaded the sacrist and his party to accept, and to exchange with
+the new abbot the kiss of peace.
+
+When, on April 24, 1215, the abbot elect, unsuccessful in obtaining
+John's favour, and refusing to bribe the king, though advised to do so
+by the courtiers, appointed certain officials to the custody of Abbey
+manors, he took the advice, amongst other high officers, of Jocelin
+the almoner; and this is the last we hear of our Chronicler.
+
+Jocelin himself mentions (23) that he had written a book on the many
+signs and wonders in connection with the martyrdom by the Jews of the
+boy Robert, who was buried in the Abbey Church; but this work is not
+known to be extant. The inaccurate Bale also ascribes to him the
+authorship of the tract _Super Electione Hugonis_ (also in the Liber
+Albus), from which the above facts as to Jocelin's later life have
+been gleaned. But there is no authority for this; and, as Mr. Arnold
+points out (i. lix.), the style of that work is different from the
+Chronicle.
+
+Whatever criticisms one might be tempted to pass on Carlyle's
+appreciation of Samson, there need be no dissentient voice to his
+summing up of Jocelin's character:--
+
+ An ingenious and ingenuous, a cheery-hearted, innocent, yet withal
+ shrewd, noticing, quick-witted man; and from under his monk's cowl
+ has looked out on the narrow section of the world in a really human
+ manner.... The man is of patient, peaceable, loving, clear-smiling
+ nature; open for this or that.... Also he has a pleasant wit, and
+ loves a timely joke, though in mild, subdued manner. A learned, grown
+ man, yet with the heart as of a good child.
+
+=The Central Figure of the Chronicle.=--Whatever his other merits,
+Jocelin's strong point was certainly not chronological sequence. With
+the assistance of the Table of Dates printed on pages 261-267, the
+reader will, it is hoped, get some useful sort of idea of the busy
+life of Abbot Samson, both within and without the walls of the
+monastery, whilst it was under his vigorous rule; and as to his
+personal characteristics, virtues and foibles, they are writ large in
+almost every chapter of the Chronicle.
+
+He was obviously of humble origin, and his dialect was that of his
+native county of Norfolk (62). He seems to have lost his father early,
+for we read of his conferring, soon after he became Abbot, a benefice
+upon the son of a man of lowly station who had been kind to him in his
+youth and looked after his interests (66). As a child of nine, he had
+been taken by his mother to a pilgrimage to St. Edmund, after a dream
+which presaged his future service under that saint (56). When he was a
+poor clerk, William, the schoolmaster of Diss, had given him free
+admission to his school: a favour which he requited by giving Walter,
+son of William, the living of Chevington (67). Similarly, he helped
+those of his kinsmen who had recognized him when he was a poor clerk,
+provided they were worthy; but with those who had then held aloof from
+him he wished to have no dealings (66).
+
+At some early date Samson went to Paris to study, a friend who then
+supported him there by the proceeds of the sale of holy water
+receiving afterwards a benefice from him (66). Just as he did not
+forget the friends who had helped him in his early struggles so he
+remembered past kindnesses shown to him when he was a poor monk and
+out of favour with the authorities. When Hugh, his predecessor,
+clapped him into irons, Hugh's cupbearer Elias brought him some wine
+to quench his prison thirst (67); and when he needed a night's lodging
+on his return from Durham on the business of the Abbey, a resident at
+Risby gave him the shelter which a neighbour refused (68). Neither
+favour was forgotten when Elias and William of Risby came before him
+as landlord.
+
+By 1160 Samson was back from abroad as master of the schools at Bury,
+though he did not become a professed monk till 1166. Meanwhile he had
+been sent on an errand to Rome, with reference to the church at
+Woolpit, in which his native wit showed itself (73, 74). He seems to
+have been successful in his mission, getting from Pope Alexander III.
+a reversion for the monastery of the Woolpit living; but, perhaps
+because he returned too late to prevent Geoffrey Ridel being appointed
+by the king (74), Abbot Hugh banished him, on his return, to Castle
+Acre. Here he remained in exile a long time (74), and he was sent
+there again after he had become a cloister monk, and had spoken up
+"for the good of our Church" in opposition to the Abbot (6).
+
+=Samson in Subordinate Offices.=--Much as Hugh disliked Samson, he
+seems to have been a little afraid of him; and, to reconcile matters,
+he made Samson subsacrist. "Often accused," says Jocelin, "he was
+transferred from one office to another, being successively guest
+master, pittance master, third prior, and again subsacrist" (9). But
+he could not be induced to fawn on and flatter the Abbot, as other
+officials did; and Hugh declared that "he had never seen a man whom he
+could not bend to his will, except Samson the subsacrist" (10).
+
+When at length Hugh's trying dispensation came to an end, through his
+horse accident at Canterbury in 1180, Samson was, as subsacrist, busy
+with new building operations for the Church (14). His superior
+officer, the bibulous William Wiardel, the sacrist, was jealous of
+him, and persuaded the wardens of the Abbey to stop any further
+expense for works during the vacancy (15). But Samson knew some things
+to William's financial and moral discredit, on which he was later able
+to base the sacrist's dismissal from office (46-7).
+
+The gossip amongst the monks as to which of the brethren should fill
+Hugh's place is admirably told by Jocelin (Chap. ii.). Whilst the rest
+were babbling at blood-letting season, Samson the subsacrist sat
+smiling but saying nothing (21). The receipt of Henry II.'s order or
+permission to make choice of a new Abbot put the monastery in a
+flutter; and the selection of the deputation to wait upon the King,
+and their interview with their liege lord, is most naively described
+in chapter iii. The secret ballot at Bury for three names was a
+surprise to the higher officials (31), and they did what they could to
+diminish Samson's chances. But after some fencing the Bishop of
+Winchester asked the deputation point blank whom they wanted, and the
+answer was--Samson: "no one gainsaying this" (34).
+
+=Samson as Abbot.=--And so the once oppressed and obscure monk
+returned to Bury the absolute ruler of the foundation, with the king's
+remark in his ears when he noted, with apparent admiration at Bishop's
+Waltham, how Samson comported himself in the royal presence: "By the
+eyes of God, this Abbot elect thinks himself worthy to govern an
+abbey!" (35). So indeed he did, setting to work at once after his
+ceremonial installation (37) to institute reforms of all sorts. As
+Carlyle says, and his words must suffice in this place:--
+
+ How Abbot Samson, giving his new subjects seriatim the kiss of
+ fatherhood in the St. Edmundsbury chapter-house, proceeded with
+ cautious energy to set about reforming their disjointed, distracted
+ way of life; how he managed with his Fifty rough Milites (Feudal
+ Knights), with his lazy farmers, remiss refractory monks, with Pope's
+ Legates, Viscounts, Bishops, Kings; how on all sides he laid about
+ him like a man, and putting consequence on premiss, and everywhere
+ the saddle on the right horse, struggled incessantly to educe organic
+ method out of lazily fermenting wreck,--the careful reader will
+ discern, not without true interest, in these pages of Jocelin
+ Boswell.
+
+To tell the story of all this would be to paraphrase the Chronicle;
+and the reader is therefore referred to the List of Contents for
+instances of the Abbot's capacity and resourcefulness in dealing with
+the complicated interests under his control.
+
+But there is one aspect of his busy life to which allusion may perhaps
+here be made, as showing the influence and importance of the Abbot of
+St. Edmundsbury outside the monastery walls.
+
+=Relations with Church and State.=--Samson's abbacy extended over
+the pontificates of five Popes and the reigns of three Kings, by all
+of whom his strength of character and wisdom of counsel seem to have
+been appreciated. Pope Lucius III., who had succeeded, in 1181,
+Alexander III., to whom Samson had twenty years before paid a visit on
+behalf of the Abbey (72), appointed the new abbot a judge in the
+ecclesiastical courts within seven months of his election (51). Urban
+III. granted Samson in 1187-8, the privilege of giving the episcopal
+benediction (84) and other concessions. Celestine III. placed him in
+1197 on the commission for restoring the expelled monks at Coventry
+(142); and Innocent III. granted on December 1, 1198, without
+hesitation, on Samson's application, an exemption of Bury Abbey from
+episcopal visitation even by a legate unless he were a legate _a
+latere_ (124).
+
+King Henry II., who had apparently formed a favourable opinion of
+Samson from his demeanour on his election (35), practically decided in
+his favour on February 11, 1187, in his dispute with Archbishop Hubert
+concerning his abbatial jurisdiction over Monk's Eleigh, where a case
+of homicide had occurred (78). In the same year, the king at Clarendon
+favourably considered Samson's petition with reference to the immunity
+of Bury Abbey from certain taxes (96). Having taken the Cross on
+January 21, 1188, Henry II. came to Bury within a month to pay a
+pilgrimage to St. Edmund, when Samson endeavoured, without success, to
+obtain the king's permission to do likewise (81).
+
+In the next year Henry died at Chinon (July 6, 1189), and Samson had
+to deal with a new sovereign: at whose coronation on September 3,
+1189, he was present. One of Richard's earliest acts was the sale of
+offices, crown rights, crown property, and royal favours to fill his
+military chest; saying indeed that he would sell London if he could
+find a purchaser. Amongst the bargains of this sort was the sale to
+Samson of the manor of Mildenhall for 1,000 marks, after the astute
+abbot had offered him half that amount (70). The queen-mother was
+entitled by custom of the realm to 100 marks as a perquisite in
+connection with this transaction, and took in lieu thereof a gold cup
+which had been given to the abbey by Henry II. This same cup came back
+to Bury in exchange for 100 marks (71), when the 70,000 marks required
+to ransom King Richard was being raised in England (147).
+
+When the news of Richard's capture reached England, Samson rose in his
+place in the King's Council to express his readiness to seek the king
+in Germany, either in disguise or any other way: "by reason whereof,"
+says Jocelin, "he obtained great approbation" (81). Later on he did go
+to Germany, "and visited the king with many gifts" (82).
+
+Towards the end of Richard's reign, in 1198, Samson tried to avoid
+sending four of his knights to Normandy, in obedience to the King's
+orders, and went to see him, with the result that Richard accepted
+four mercenaries, and afterwards a hundred pounds to discharge the
+obligation (128-30). He brought back with him on this occasion for the
+adornment of the abbey church a golden cross and a valuable copy of
+the Gospels (130); and Jocelin records that so often as he returned
+from beyond sea on his numerous visits abroad, he brought back with
+him some offering for the church (131), besides making gifts to it on
+other occasions.
+
+In 1198 a serious quarrel took place between Richard and Samson over
+the wardship of Nesta of Cockfield, the daughter of a family whose
+tenure of lands from the Abbey is recorded with wearisome iteration in
+the Chronicle. Samson would not give way, despite the threats of the
+King, which he "very wisely passed over without notice," and in the
+end Richard yielded with a good grace, asking the abbot if he would
+send him some of his dogs. The abbot of course complied, and added
+some horses and other valuable gifts, in exchange for which Richard
+sent him a ring given to him by the new Pope, Innocent III. (147-9).
+
+Just as Samson had "obtained the favour and grace of King Richard by
+gifts and money, so that he had good reason to believe that he could
+succeed in all his undertakings, the King died, and the abbot lost all
+his labour and outlay" (178). It became therefore necessary to
+propitiate Richard's successor. King John made an early pilgrimage to
+St. Edmund, but left in bad odour with the monastery, which had spent
+much money on his entertainment, but had only received in return
+thirteenpence offered by the king at the shrine of the Saint on the
+day of his departure, besides a silken cloth borrowed for the occasion
+from the sacrist and never paid for (178). John must, however, have
+thought highly of the abbot to summon him over sea in 1203 to confer
+with him as to the Pope's letter concerning the dispensation of
+Crusaders from their vows (207).
+
+=Samson as an Author.=--Once when Jocelin asked why he had been
+sighing so heavily and was so wakeful at nights, Samson confided to
+him how greatly he felt the burden of his charge; and on another
+occasion said that if he had known what it involved, he would, rather
+than be abbot and lord, have preferred to be keeper of the books, "for
+this office he had ever desired above all others" (55).
+
+Jocelin hints a polite incredulity; but there are evidences that
+Samson was fond of books, and was indeed an author. There is a small
+volume, Titus A viii. in the Cottonian collection, which includes in
+its contents a work in two books, entitled _De Miraculis Sancti
+Aedmundi_. From a number of marginal notes, of even date with the
+fourteenth century text, and which ascribe to Samson, amongst other
+writers, the authorship of various passages in the great legendary
+life of St. Edmund in the Bodleian Library (MS. 240), Mr. Arnold
+arrived at the conclusion that "the writer of the work was
+unquestionably Abbot Samson." For the evidence the reader is referred
+to Appendix I. (pages 215-21); but it would appear that the work was
+written before the date when he became abbot, and perhaps before he
+had been appointed to any one of the numerous offices in the monastery
+to which he was from time to time transferred by the capricious Hugh
+(9).
+
+Whenever any new event was recorded in his patron saint's honour,
+Samson caused it to be recorded: hence at his desire the episode of
+Henry of Essex, whom St. Edmund had "confounded in the very hour of
+battle" (102), was reduced to writing at Reading, and interpolated by
+some other monk in Jocelin's chronicle.
+
+=Samson's Masterfulness.=--Samson, like his prototype of Scripture,
+was a "strong man," and as such he came into constant conflict with
+those who sought to try conclusions with him, usually to their own
+regret. From instances innumerable, the following may be selected as
+typical. At his very first general court of his knights, Thomas of
+Hastings tried to press the claim of his nephew Henry--a minor--to the
+hereditary stewardship of the Abbey; but Samson said he would consider
+the matter when Henry could perform the duties (41). Richard, Earl of
+Clare, demanded his guerdon of five shillings for the office of
+Standard-bearer of St. Edmund. Samson retorted that the payment of the
+money would not inconvenience the Abbey; but there were two other
+claimants for the post, and Richard must settle first with them. The
+Earl said he would confer with Roger Bigot his kinsman, "and so the
+matter was put off even to this day" (86).
+
+Geoffrey Ridel, the Bishop of Ely, sent a blundering messenger to the
+abbot to ask for timber from woods at Elmswell, meaning Elmsett.
+Samson assented to the request for Elmswell, and meanwhile sent his
+foresters to Elmsett and cut down a great quantity of oaks, branding
+them as the property of the Abbey. The bishop overwhelmed his stupid
+servant with reproaches, and sent him back to explain. But it was too
+late, "and the bishop, if he wanted timber, had to get it elsewhere"
+(107).
+
+Herbert the dean erected a windmill upon the Haberdon, and tried to
+brazen it out with Samson. But the abbot bade him begone, and told him
+that before he had come to his house, he should hear what had befallen
+his mill. Whereupon the trembling dean had the mill pulled down
+himself, so that when the servants of the sacrist came to the spot,
+they found their work already done for them (90).
+
+In the domestic quarrel with his monks over the case of Ralph, the
+gate porter, who had been punished by Robert the prior with the assent
+of all the monastery, Samson upset the proceedings on his return from
+London, and, after a violent struggle, got his own way (179-83).
+
+There is a pleasing affectation of impartiality in the case of another
+Herbert, the junior candidate for the office of Prior, on the
+much-worried Robert's death in 1200. The monks were conscious that
+Samson "would seek the advice of each with great show of formality,"
+but that the affair would end as he had all along intended (193). On
+the day of election the Precentor was egged on by one of the elder
+brethren in an audible aside to nominate Herbert. Samson behaved as if
+this was a new light to him, but offered no objection to receive
+Herbert if the convent willed. And so, after a protestation of his
+unworthiness, Herbert was elected (196); and Jocelin tried, after
+these bare-faced proceedings, to recover his equanimity in the porch
+of the guest-chamber (197).
+
+=Samson as an Administrator.=--Samson seems to have been something
+of a financial genius; he certainly freed the monastery from debt, and
+brought its internal affairs and its landed estates from chaos into
+order. He was undoubtedly more of an administrator than an
+ecclesiastic. He obviously enjoyed his ceremonial duties as
+Commissioner for the King or for the Pope. He went to the siege of
+Windsor in 1193 in martial array, though Jocelin is constrained to
+admit that he was "more remarkable there for counsel than for piety"
+(82). He appeared to be in his highest spirits when he went to
+Coventry in January, 1198, to help to restore the monks there who had
+been ejected by their somewhat truculent Bishop, Hugh de Nonant.
+Samson gave magnificent entertainments at Oxford, where the Commission
+sat, and "never in his life did he seem so joyful as at that time"
+(143).
+
+He was fond, too, of country life, spending much time at his manors of
+Melford and elsewhere, "enclosing many parks, which he replenished
+with beasts of chase, and keeping a huntsman with dogs," though
+Jocelin is careful to add that he "never saw him take part in the
+sport" (43). With some of these dogs Samson appeased Richard's wrath
+when he flouted the king as to a disputed wardship (149). One of the
+complaints against him by those who chafed under his rule was that he
+was fond of betaking himself to his manors, and Jocelin's excuse for
+him is that "the abbot is more in spirits and in good humour elsewhere
+than at home" (53). Jocelin took him to task over this, but had a text
+from Ecclesiasticus hurled at his head, which induced him to "hold his
+peace henceforth" (54).
+
+With broader outlook than his obedientiaries, Samson recognized the
+necessity of granting greater freedom to the inhabitants of the town
+of Bury, and, despite the grumbling of his monks, he gave the
+burgesses a Charter in 1194 (116). The resentment against him in the
+monastery ran so high in 1199 that he professed to be afraid of his
+life (182). Though matters were then patched up, the old feeling of
+indignation against his concessions to the townsfolk endured, and an
+occasion for manifesting it arose when, early in 1203, Samson was
+summoned by King John to advise him on a brief sent by the Pope as to
+the dispensation of certain Crusaders from their vows. To the
+undisguised astonishment of Jocelin, Samson sought the advice of the
+monastery, "a thing he heretofore had seldom done" (207); but he was
+boldly asked what he proposed to do to get back the lost privileges of
+the Abbey (210). He was then "weakened by infirmity of body, humbled,
+and (as was not his wont) timid" (207); and it must be remembered that
+he was by this time not far short of seventy years of age. He spoke
+the monks fair, promised redress, and "that upon his return he would
+co-operate with us in everything, and make just order and disposition,
+and render to each what was justly his" (211).
+
+Jocelin hints by a quotation from Ovid that there was some
+apprehension that this promise would remain unfulfilled: and then in
+Carlyle's words--
+
+ Jocelin's Boswellian narrative, suddenly shorn through by the
+ scissors of Destiny, ends. Impenetrable Time-curtains rush down.
+ Monks, Abbot, Hero-Worship, Government, Obedience, Coeur de Lion,
+ and St. Edmund's Shrine, vanish like Mirza's vision; and there is
+ nothing left but a mutilated black ruin amid green botanic expanses.
+
+=Epilogue.=--As to what happened to Samson after he returned from
+the visit to his sovereign, we have no information whatever from any
+known source. Perhaps when he had reached the allotted span of life,
+he came to feel that the time had arrived to take things more easily,
+and to be less inelastic in his governance of the Abbey. The last nine
+years of his chequered life are an absolute blank so far as the
+available records are concerned, if we except his execution of certain
+formal documents included in the Suffolk Feet of Fines. But when at
+last, at the ripe age of 77, he died on the 30th December, 1211, at
+twilight (_inter lupum et canem_), on the night of the feast of St.
+Thomas the Martyr, a tenderer feeling towards him obviously existed
+amongst his monks.
+
+The compiler of the _Annales Sancti Edmundi_ (who from the last phrase
+but one would seem to have been a contemporary) thus records his
+decease:--
+
+ On the sixth day of Christmas, at St. Edmund's, died Samson, of pious
+ memory, the venerable abbot of this place. Who, after he had for
+ thirty years prosperously ruled the Abbey committed to him, and had
+ freed it from a load of debt,--had enriched it with privileges,
+ liberties, possessions, and spacious buildings, and had restored the
+ worship of the church, both internally and externally, in the most
+ ample manner, bidding his last farewell to his sons, by whom the
+ blessed man deserved to be blessed for evermore, while they all were
+ standing by, and gazing with awe at a death which was a cause for
+ admiration, not for regret (_non miserabilem sed mirabilem_), in the
+ fourth year of the interdict rested in peace (Arnold, ii. 19, 20).
+
+"In the fourth year of the Interdict": there is a significance in
+these words not perhaps immediately apparent. During the last few
+years of Samson's life, public worship in his beloved abbey was
+stopped; the altars were stripped, and the church doors closed, in
+view of the interdict hurled at the recalcitrant John by the Pope in
+March, 1208. More trying than this to the feelings of the age was the
+requirement that the dead should be buried in silence and in
+unconsecrated ground. So Samson was laid by his sorrowing monks in the
+bosom of mother earth "in pratello," where he remained until after the
+Interdict was removed in July, 1214. The writer of the _Electio
+Hugonis_ records, in barbarous Latin (Arnold, ii. 85), that on August
+9 of that year the sacrist raised the question as to the proper
+interment of Samson "of venerable memory." The prior (Herbert), the
+cantor and Master Thomas of Walsingham, with other high officials,
+thought Samson ought, for greater honour, to be buried in the Abbey
+church. The sacrist--William of Gravelee, of whose uncompromising
+character we have had a glimpse before--was alone in resisting this,
+saying that so long as he had any power in the matter, neither Samson
+nor any one else should be buried in the church. As the sacrist was
+the responsible official this objection could apparently not be got
+over, and so on August 12, 1214, the remains of Samson were exhumed,
+and reburied in the chapter-house, which in the days of his life had
+resounded to that eloquence of which Jocelin speaks (62).
+
+What happened to the chapter house after the suppression of the Abbey
+in 1539 is not known; but it seems probable that when the lead of its
+roof was stripped off, it was left to crumble to decay by itself, for
+some recent excavations in the winter of 1902-3 brought to light
+quantities of beautifully worked stone, granite and marble columns,
+and fragments of stained glass.
+
+On New Year's Day of this year five stone coffins, each with a
+skeleton within, and a sixth skeleton (uncoffined) were found under
+the floor of the chapter-house in the exact positions in which a MS.
+of circa 1425, now preserved at Douai, records the burial places of
+Samson, two of his predecessors, and three of his successors as
+Abbots; and there can be no reasonable doubt therefore that those who,
+like myself, were privileged to be associated with these excavations,
+have gazed upon the mortal remains of one of the grandest and most
+picturesque figures of Angevin times.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+I am indebted to many friends for hints and suggestions in the
+preparation of the Notes in Appendix II., especially to Lord Francis
+Hervey, Dr. Montague R. James, and Mr. Francis Ford, all three of whom
+have intimate personal knowledge of Bury St. Edmunds and its history.
+In addition, Dr. James has been good enough to critically compare the
+English text of the Chronicle with the Latin original, and has made
+many valuable improvements, for which my especial thanks are due to
+him. Mr. R. W. Chambers, M.A., Librarian of University College, has
+also given me much assistance in the revision of the text in the
+compilation of the Index.
+
+ 13A, HANOVER SQUARE, W.
+ _May_, 1903.
+
+
+ And to procede ferthere in this mater,
+ Yf ye list aduertise in your mynde,
+ An exaumplaire and a meror cler,
+ In this story ye shal now seen and fynde.
+ So as I kan, in soth I will nat spare
+ But heer in ordre reherse by wrytyng,
+ Folwyng myn auctours in euery maner thyng,
+ As in substance vpon the lettre in deede,
+ To do plesance to them that shal it reede.
+
+ JOHN LYDGATE.
+
+ (_Harleian MS._ 2278: _lines_ 417-20, 426-30.)
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+BURY ABBEY UNDER ABBOT HUGH
+
+
+That which I have heard and seen have I taken in hand to write, which
+in our days has come to pass in the Church of St. Edmund, from the
+year when the Flemings were taken captive without the town, at which
+time I took upon me the religious habit, being the same year wherein
+prior Hugh was deposed, and Robert made prior in his stead: and I have
+mingled in my narration some evil deeds by way of warning, and some
+good by way of profit.
+
+Now, at that time, Hugh the abbot was old, and his eyes were somewhat
+dim. A pious and kind man was he, a good and religious monk, yet not
+wise or far-sighted in worldly affairs; one who relied too much on his
+officers, and put faith in them, rather taking counsel of others than
+abiding by his own judgment.
+
+To be sure, the Rule and the religious life, and all pertaining
+thereto were healthy enough in the cloister, but outdoor affairs were
+badly managed; inasmuch as every one serving under a simple and
+already aged lord did what he would, not what he should.
+
+The townships of the abbot and all the hundreds were set to farm, the
+forests were destroyed, the manor houses threatened to fall,
+everything daily got worse and worse. One resource only the abbot had,
+and that was to take up moneys on interest, so that thereby he might
+be able in some measure to keep up the dignity of his house. There
+befel not a term of Easter or St. Michael, for eight years before his
+decease, but that one or two hundred pounds at least increased in
+principal debt; the securities were always renewed, and the interest
+which accrued was converted into principal.
+
+This laxity descended from the head to the members, from the superior
+to the subjects. Hence it came to pass that every official of the
+house had a seal of his own, and bound himself in debt at his own
+pleasure, to Jews as well as to Christians. Oftentimes silken copes
+and golden cruetts, and other ornaments of the church, were pledged
+without the knowledge of the convent. I myself saw a security passed
+to William Fitz Isabel for one thousand and forty pounds, but I never
+could learn the consideration or the cause. I also saw another
+security passed to Isaac, the son of Rabbi Joce, for four hundred
+pounds, but I know not wherefore. I also saw a third security passed
+to Benedict, the Jew of Norwich, for eight hundred and eighty pounds;
+and this was the origin of that debt.
+
+Our parlour was destroyed, and it was given in charge to William the
+sacrist, will he, nill he, that he should restore it. He privily
+borrowed from Benedict the Jew forty marks at interest, and gave him a
+security sealed with a certain seal, which used to hang at the shrine
+of St. Edmund, wherewith the gilds and letters of fraternity were wont
+to be sealed: a seal which later on, but alas! too late, was broken by
+order of the convent. Now, when this debt had increased to one hundred
+pounds, the Jew came bearing a letter from our lord the King, touching
+the debt of the sacrist; and then it was that all that had been secret
+from the abbot and convent was laid bare.
+
+The abbot waxed exceedingly wroth, and wished to depose the sacrist,
+alleging that he possessed a privilege of our lord the pope, giving
+him power of deposing William, his sacrist, whensoever it pleased him.
+Howbeit, some one went to the abbot, and excusing the sacrist, so
+wheedled the abbot that he permitted a security to be passed to
+Benedict the Jew for four hundred pounds, payable at the end of four
+years, namely, for one hundred pounds, which had then already accrued
+for interest, and also for another hundred pounds, which the same Jew
+had advanced to the sacrist for the use of the abbot. And the sacrist
+in full chapter undertook for the whole of that debt to be paid, and a
+deed was drawn up and sealed with the conventual seal: the abbot
+dissimulating, and not affixing his own seal, as if that debt was no
+concern of his.
+
+But at the end of the four years, there were no means of discharging
+the debt; and then a fresh deed was executed for eight hundred and
+eighty pounds, payable at set terms, at the rate of eighty pounds a
+year. Moreover, the same Jew had many other securities of smaller
+account, and one which was for fourteen years; so this debt alone came
+to one thousand and two hundred pounds, besides the interest that had
+accrued.
+
+Now R., the almoner of our lord the King, coming to us, signified to
+the abbot that such and such information had reached the King
+concerning such and such debts. Thereupon, after consultation had
+between the prior and a few others, the almoner was conducted into the
+chapter house, where all of us being seated, and holding our peace,
+the abbot said, "Look you, here is the King's almoner, our and your
+lord and friend, who, moved by the love of God and of St. Edmund, has
+intimated to us that the King has heard something wrong of us and you,
+and particularly that the affairs of the church, both internally and
+externally, are being badly managed; and therefore I desire and
+command that, upon your vow of obedience, ye state and explain openly
+how things really are." Hereupon the prior, standing up and speaking
+as one for all, said that the church was in good order, that the Rule
+was strictly and religiously observed indoors, and that matters out of
+doors were carefully and discreetly conducted, save some slight debt,
+in which ourselves, like our neighbours, were involved; but that, in
+fact, there was no debt which could embarrass us. The almoner, hearing
+this, said he was rejoiced that he had heard the testimony of the
+convent concerning this matter: meaning, what the prior had said.
+
+The very same words the prior upon another occasion used, as did
+Master Geoffry of Constantine, speaking on behalf of and excusing the
+abbot, when Richard the archbishop, in virtue of his office as legate,
+visited our chapter, before we had such exemption as we now enjoy.
+
+I myself, who was at that time a novice, on a convenient occasion,
+talked these things over with the master who instructed me in the
+Rule, and to whose care I was committed,--namely, Master Samson, who
+afterwards became abbot. "What is this," I said, "that I hear? How can
+you hold your tongue while you see and hear such things, you who are a
+cloistered monk, and desire not offices, and fear God more than man?"
+But he answering, said, "My son, the newly burnt child dreads the
+fire; so it is with me and many others. Hugh, the prior, has been
+lately deprived of his office and sent into exile; Dennis and Hugh and
+Roger of Hengham have but lately returned home from exile. Even I, in
+like manner, was imprisoned, and afterwards sent to Acre, because we
+spoke for the good of our church, in opposition to the abbot. This is
+the hour of darkness; this is the time when flatterers rule and are
+believed, and their might is strengthened, and we can do nothing
+against it; these things must be borne with for a time. 'Let the Lord
+look upon it and judge.'"
+
+Now a rumour reached Abbot Hugh that Richard, Archbishop of
+Canterbury, proposed coming to make a visitation of our church by
+virtue of his authority as legate; and thereupon the abbot, after
+consultation, sent to Rome and sought a privilege of exemption from
+the power of the aforesaid legate. On the messenger's return from Rome
+there was not wherewith to discharge what he had promised to our lord
+the pope and the cardinals, except, indeed, under the special
+circumstances of the case, the cross which was over the high altar,
+the little image of the Virgin, and the St. John (which images
+archbishop Stigand had adorned with a vast quantity of gold and
+silver, and had given to St. Edmund).
+
+There were certain of our convent who, being on terms of intimacy with
+the abbot, said that the shrine of St. Edmund itself ought to be
+stripped, as the means of obtaining such a privilege. But these
+persons did not consider the great peril that the possession of such a
+privilege might entail; for if there should hereafter be any abbot of
+ours who chose to waste the possessions of the church, and to despoil
+his convent, then there would be no one to whom the convent could
+complain touching the wrongs done by an abbot, as he would have no
+reason to fear a bishop, archbishop, or legate, and his impunity would
+lend him the courage to transgress.
+
+In these days the cellarer, as well as other officials, borrowed
+moneys at interest from Jurnet the Jew (without apprising the
+convent), upon a security sealed with the above-mentioned seal. Now,
+when that debt had mounted up to sixty pounds, the convent was
+summoned to pay the cellarer's debt. The cellarer was deposed,
+although he said it was hard to deal thus with him, stating that for
+three years he had entertained in the guest-house by the abbot's
+orders, whether the abbot were in residence or not, all the guests
+which the abbot ought himself to entertain, according to the rule of
+the abbey.
+
+Master Dennis was made cellarer in his stead, and by his
+circumspection and good management he reduced the debt of sixty pounds
+to thirty pounds; towards which debt we applied those thirty marks
+which Benedict of Blakenham gave to the convent for holding the manors
+of Nowton and Whepsted. But the securities of the Jew have remained
+with the Jew even to this day, wherein are contained the twenty-six
+pounds of principal and interest of the cellarer's debt.
+
+Now, on the third day after Master Dennis became cellarer, three
+knights with their esquires were received in the guest-house that they
+might there be refreshed, the abbot then being at home, and abiding in
+his inner chamber; all which, when this great-souled Achilles had
+heard, not willing to pay toll in his own domain, as the others had
+done, he rose up and took the key of the cellar, and taking with him
+those knights to the abbot's hall, and approaching the abbot, said,
+"My lord, you well know that the rule of the abbey is, that knights
+and lay folk should be entertained in your hall, if the abbot be at
+home. I neither will nor can receive those guests whom it belongs to
+you to entertain; else take back the keys of your cellar, and appoint
+some other cellarer at your good pleasure." The abbot hearing this,
+nill he, will he, entertained those knights, and ever afterwards
+entertained knights and lay folk according to the ancient rule, and so
+they are still received when the abbot is at home.
+
+Once upon a time, Abbot Hugh, wishing to conciliate Master Samson,
+appointed him sub-sacrist; and he, often accused, was often
+transferred from one office to another. At one time he was appointed
+guest-master, at another time pittance-master, at another time third
+prior, and again sub-sacrist; and many were then his enemies who
+afterwards flattered him. But he, not acting as the other officials
+did, never could be induced to turn flatterer; whereupon the abbot
+said that he had never seen a man whom he could not bend to his will,
+except Samson the sub-sacrist.
+
+In the twenty-third year of his abbacy, Abbot Hugh bethought him that
+he would go to St. Thomas for the purpose of performing his devotions.
+He had nearly got to the end of his journey, on the morrow of the
+nativity of the Blessed Mary, when, near Rochester, he most unhappily
+fell from his horse, so that his knee-pan was put out and lodged in
+the ham of his knee. The physicians came about him, and sorely
+tormented him, but they healed him not. He was brought back to us in a
+horse-litter, and received with great attention, as was most fitting.
+What more? His leg mortified, and the disorder mounted to his heart.
+The pain brought on a tertian fever, and on the fourth fit he expired,
+and rendered his soul to God on the morrow of St. Brice.
+
+Ere he was dead, everything was snatched away by his servants, so that
+nothing at all remained in the abbot's house except the stools and the
+tables, which could not be carried away. There was hardly left for the
+abbot his coverlet and two quilts, old and torn, which some, who had
+taken away the good ones, had placed in their stead. There was not
+even a single article of a penny's worth that could be distributed
+among the poor for the good of his soul.
+
+The sacrist said it was not his business to have attended to this,
+alleging that he had furnished the expenditure of the abbot and his
+household for one whole month, because neither the firmars who held
+the vills would pay anything before the appointed time, nor would
+creditors advance anything, seeing that he was sick even unto death.
+
+Luckily, the farmer of Palgrave furnished us with fifty shillings to
+be distributed among the poor, by reason that he entered upon the farm
+of Palgrave on that same day. But those very fifty shillings were
+afterwards again refunded to the King's bailiffs, who demanded the
+whole farm-rent for the King's use.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+THE MONKS DISCUSS THE VACANCY
+
+
+Hugh the abbot being buried, it was ordered in chapter that some one
+should give intelligence to Ranulf de Glanville, the justiciar of
+England, of the death of the abbot. Master Samson and Master R.
+Ruffus, our monks, quickly went beyond seas, to report the same fact
+to our lord the King, and obtained letters that those possessions and
+rents of the monastery, which were distinct from those of the abbot,
+should be wholly in the hands of the prior and convent, and that the
+remainder of the abbey should be in the hands of the King. The
+wardship of the abbey was committed to Robert of Cockfield and Robert
+of Flamville, the steward, who forthwith put by gage and safe pledges
+all those servants and relatives of the abbot to whom the abbot had,
+after the commencement of his illness, given anything, or who had
+taken anything away belonging to the abbot, and also the abbot's
+chaplain (a monk of the house), whom the prior bailed. Entering into
+our vestiary, they caused all the ornaments of the church to be noted
+down in an inventory.
+
+During the vacancy in the abbacy, the prior, above all things, studied
+to keep peace in the convent, and to preserve the honour of the church
+in entertaining guests, being desirous of irritating no one, of not
+provoking anybody to anger; in fact, of keeping all persons and things
+in quietude. He nevertheless winked at some acts in our officials
+which needed reformation, and especially in the sacrist, as if he
+cared not how that officer dealt with the sacristy. Yet during the
+vacancy, the sacrist neither satisfied any debt nor erected any
+building, but the oblations and incomings were foolishly frittered
+away.
+
+Wherefore the prior, who was the head of the convent, seemed by the
+greater part to be highly censurable, and was said to be remiss; and
+this thing our brethren called to mind among themselves, when it came
+to the point of making choice of an abbot.
+
+Our cellarer entertained all guests, of whatsoever condition they
+were, at the expense of the convent. William the sacrist, on his part,
+gave and spent as he chose, kind man! giving alike what he should and
+should not; "blinding the eyes of all with gifts."
+
+Samson the sub-sacrist, being master over the workmen, did his best
+that no breach, chink, crack or flaw should be left unrepaired so far
+as he was able; whereby he acquired great favour with the convent, and
+especially with the cloister monks. In those days our choir was
+erected by Samson's exertion; and he arranged the order of the
+paintings, and composed elegiac verses for them. He also made a great
+draught of stone and sand for building the great tower of the church.
+Being asked whence he procured the money for his work, he answered
+that certain of the burgesses had privily given him moneys for
+building and completing the tower.
+
+Nevertheless, certain of our brethren said that Warin, a monk of our
+house and keeper of the shrine, together with Samson the sub-sacrist,
+had conspired to remove some portion of the offerings to the shrine,
+in order that they might disburse the same for the necessary purposes
+of the church, and in particular for the building of the tower; being
+the more ready to believe this when they saw that the offerings were
+expended for extraordinary purposes by others, who, to speak plainly,
+stole them. And these before-named two men, in order to remove from
+themselves the suspicion of any such pious theft, made a certain
+hollow trunk, with a hole in the middle or at the top, and fastened
+with an iron lock. This they caused to be set up in the great church,
+near the door without the choir, where the common people usually pass,
+so that persons should put their contributions therein for the
+building of the tower.
+
+Now William the sacrist had a jealousy of his companion Samson, as had
+many others who took part with the same William, Christians as well as
+Jews; the Jews, I say, to whom the sacrist was said to be father and
+protector, whose protection they indeed enjoyed, having free ingress
+and egress, and going all over the monastery, rambling about the
+altars and by the shrine while high mass was being celebrated.
+Moreover, their moneys were kept safe in our treasury, under the care
+of the sacrist, and, what was still more improper, their wives with
+their little ones were lodged in our pittancy in time of war. His
+enemies or opponents having, therefore, consulted together how they
+might suddenly overcome Samson, they conferred with Robert of
+Cockfield and his colleague, who were wardens of the abbey, and
+persuaded them to this--that they should, on behalf of the King,
+forbid any one to erect any fabric or building so long as the abbacy
+was vacant; but that, on the other hand, the moneys from the offerings
+should be collected, and kept for the purpose of discharging some
+debt.
+
+And thus was Samson beguiled, and his "strength departed from him,"
+nor could he from thenceforth labour as he had desired. Indeed, his
+opponents were able to delay, but not annul, his purpose; for having
+regained his strength, and "pulled down the two pillars," that is,
+having removed the two wardens of the abbey, upon whom the malice of
+others relied, the Lord gave him, in process of time, the means of
+fulfilling his desire of building the aforesaid tower, and of
+finishing it even as he wished. And so it was, as if it had been said
+to him from above, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant; thou
+hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many
+things."
+
+During the time that the abbacy was vacant we oftentimes, as was our
+duty, besought God and the holy martyr St. Edmund that they would
+vouchsafe to us and our church a meet shepherd, thrice every week
+singing the seven penitential psalms prostrate in the choir, after
+going forth from chapter. There were some amongst us who, had it been
+known who was to be abbot, would not have prayed so devoutly.
+
+As concerned the choice of an abbot, assuming the King gave us free
+election, divers men spoke in divers ways--some publicly, some
+privately; and "so many men, so many opinions."
+
+One said of another, "That brother is a good monk, a likely person; he
+is well conversant with the Rule and custom of the house; although he
+may not be so perfect a philosopher as certain others, he would make a
+very good abbot. Abbot Ording was not a learned man, and yet he was a
+good abbot, and governed this house wisely: we read, too, in the
+fable, that it had been better for the frogs to have chosen a log for
+a king, upon whom they might rely, than a serpent, who venomously
+hissed, and after his hisses devoured his subjects."
+
+Another would answer, "How may this be? How can an unlearned man
+deliver a sermon in chapter, or to the people on festivals? How can he
+who does not understand the Scriptures attain the knowledge of
+'binding and loosing'? seeing that the cure of souls is the art of
+arts and science of sciences. God forbid that a dumb image should be
+set up in the Church of St. Edmund, where many learned and studious
+men are well known to be."
+
+Also said one of another, "That brother is a good clerk, eloquent and
+careful, strict in the Rule; he has much loved the convent, and has
+undergone many hardships in respect of the possessions of the church:
+he is worthy to be made abbot." Another answered, "From good clerks,
+Good Lord, deliver us: that it may please Thee to preserve us from the
+barrators of Norfolk, we beseech Thee to hear us, good Lord."
+Moreover, one said of another, "That brother is a good manager, which
+is proved from his department, and from the offices which he has well
+served, and by the buildings and reparations which he has performed.
+He is able to travail for and defend the house, and is, moreover,
+something of a clerk, although 'much learning has not made him mad':
+he is worthy to be made abbot." Another answered, "God forbid that a
+man who can neither read nor chant, nor perform Divine service--a
+wicked and unjust man, and a grinder of the faces of the poor--should
+be abbot."
+
+Also said one of another, "That brother is a kind man, affable and
+amiable, peaceful and well-regulated, open-hearted and liberal, a
+learned man and an eloquent, a proper man enough in looks and
+deportment, and beloved by many, indoors as well as out; and such a
+man might, with God's permission, become abbot to the great honour of
+the church." The other answered, "It is no honour, but rather a
+burden, to have a man who is too nice in his meat and drink; who
+thinks it a virtue to sleep long; who is expert in spending much, and
+yet gets little; who is snoring when others are awake; who always is
+desirous to be in plenty, nor yet cares for the debts which increase
+from day to day, nor considers the means of discharging expenses;
+hating anxiety and trouble; caring for nought so long as one day comes
+and another goes; a man cherishing and fostering flatterers and liars;
+a man who is one thing in name and another in deed. From such a
+prelate defend us, O Lord!"
+
+Also said a certain one of his fellow, "That man is almost wiser than
+all of us put together, both in secular and ecclesiastical matters; a
+wonderful counsellor, strict in rule, learned and eloquent, and of
+proper stature; such a prelate would do honour to our church."
+
+The other answered, "True, if he were of known and approved
+reputation. His character is questionable; report may lie, or it may
+not. And although the man you mean is wise, of lowly carriage in
+chapter, devout in psalmody, strict in the cloister whilst he is in
+the cloister, yet it is mere outward show with him. What if he do
+excel in any office? He is too scornful, lightly esteems the monks, is
+closely intimate with secular persons; and should he be angry,
+scarcely returns an answer with a good grace to any brother, or to one
+even asking a question of him."
+
+I heard in like manner one brother disparaged by some, because he was
+slow of speech; of whom it was said that he had paste or malt in his
+mouth when he was called upon to speak. And as for myself, being at
+that time a youth, "I understood as a youth, I spoke as a youth;" and
+said I never could consent that any one should be made abbot unless he
+knew somewhat of dialectics, and knew how to discern truth from
+falsehood. Again, a certain person, who in his own eyes seemed very
+wise, said, "May the almighty Lord bestow on us a foolish and simple
+shepherd, so that it should be the more needful for him to get help
+from us!"
+
+I heard in like manner a certain studious and learned man, and
+honourable by the nobility of his family, disparaged by some of our
+seniors merely for this reason--because he was a novice. The
+novices, on the other hand, said of the elders, that old men were
+valetudinarians, by no means fit to govern a monastery. And thus many
+persons spoke many things, "and each was fully persuaded in his own
+mind."
+
+I observed Samson the sub-sacrist as he was sitting along with the
+others at blood-letting season (at which time monks are wont to reveal
+to each other the secrets of the heart, and to talk over matters with
+each other). I saw him, I say, sitting along with the others, smiling
+and saying nothing, but noting the words of each, and after a lapse of
+twenty years calling to mind some of the before-written opinions. In
+whose hearing I used to reply to these critics, that if we were to put
+off the choice of an abbot until we found one who was above
+disparagement or fault, we never should find such a one, for no one
+alive is without fault, and "no estate is in all respects blessed."
+
+Upon one particular occasion I was unable to restrain myself but must
+needs blurt out my own private opinion, thinking that I spoke to
+trusty ears. I then said that a certain person who formerly had a
+great regard for me, and had conferred many benefits upon me, was
+unworthy of the abbacy, and that another was more worthy; in fact, I
+named one for whom I had less regard.
+
+I spoke according to my own conscience, rather considering the common
+weal of the church than my own advancement; and what I said was true,
+as the sequel proved. And, behold, one of the sons of Belial disclosed
+my saying to my friend and benefactor; for which reason, even to this
+day, never could I since, neither by entreaty nor good offices, regain
+his goodwill to the full. "What I have said I have said." "And the
+word once spoken flies without recall."
+
+One thing remains, that I take heed to my ways for the future; and if
+I should live so long as to see the abbacy vacant, I shall consider
+carefully what, to whom, and when I speak on such a matter, lest I
+either offend God by lying, or man by speaking unreasonably. I shall
+then advise (should I last so long), that we choose not too good a
+monk, nor yet an over-wise clerk, neither one too simple nor too weak;
+lest, if he be over wise in his own conceit, he may be too confident
+in his own judgment, and contemn others; or, if he be too boorish, he
+may become a byword to others; I know that it has been said, "In the
+middle you will be safest," also that "Blessed are they who hold a
+middle course."
+
+Perhaps, after all, it may be the best course to hold my peace
+altogether, and say in my heart, "He that is able to receive it, let
+him receive it."
+
+The abbacy being vacant, Augustine, the Archbishop of Norway, took up
+his abode with us, in the house of the abbot, receiving by the King's
+precept ten shillings a day from the revenues of the abbey. He was of
+considerable assistance in obtaining for us our free election, bearing
+witness of what was well, and publicly declaring before the King what
+he had seen and heard.
+
+At that time the holy child Robert suffered martyrdom, and was buried
+in our church; and many signs and wonders were wrought among the
+people, as we have elsewhere written.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+THE CHOICE OF A NEW ABBOT
+
+
+One year and three months having elapsed since the death of Abbot
+Hugh, the King commanded by his letters that our prior and twelve of
+the convent, in whose mouth the judgment of our body might agree,
+should appear on a certain day before him, to make choice of an abbot.
+On the morrow, after the receipt of the letters, we all of us met in
+chapter for the purpose of discussing so important a matter. In the
+first place the letters of our lord the King were read to the convent;
+next we besought and charged the prior, at the peril of his soul, that
+he would, according to his conscience, name twelve who were to
+accompany him, from whose life and conversation it might be depended
+upon that they would not swerve from the right; who, acceding to our
+charge, by the dictation of the Holy Ghost named six from one side and
+six from the other side of the choir, and without gainsaying satisfied
+us on this point. From the right-hand choir were named--Geoffrey of
+Fordham, Benedict, Master Dennis, Master Samson the sub-sacrist, Hugh
+the third prior, and Master Hermer, at that time a novice; from the
+left-hand side--William the sacrist, Andrew, Peter de Broc, Roger the
+cellarer, Master Ambrose, Master Walter the physician.
+
+But one said, "What shall be done if these thirteen cannot agree
+before our lord the King in the choice of an abbot?" A certain one
+answered that that would be to us and to our church a perpetual shame.
+Therefore, many were desirous that the choice should be made at home
+before the rest departed, so that by this forecast there should be no
+disagreement in the presence of the King. But that seemed a foolish
+and inconsistent thing to do, without the King's assent; for as yet it
+was by no means a settled thing that we should be able to obtain a
+free election from the King.
+
+Then said Samson the sub-sacrist, speaking by the spirit of God, "Let
+there be a middle course, so that from either side peril may be
+avoided. Let four confessors be chosen from the convent, together with
+two of the senior priors of the convent, men of good reputation, who,
+in the presence of the holy relics, shall lay their hands upon the
+Gospels, and choose amongst themselves three men of the convent most
+fit for this office, according to the rule of St. Benedict, and put
+their names into writing. Let them close up that writing with a seal,
+and so being closed up, let it be committed to us who are about to go
+to the court. When we shall have come before the King, and it shall
+appear that we are to have a free election, then, and not till then,
+shall the seal be broken, and so shall we be sure as to the three who
+are to be nominated before the King. And let it be agreed amongst us,
+that in case our lord the King shall not grant to us one of ourselves,
+then the seal shall be brought back intact, and delivered to the six
+under oath, so that this secret of theirs shall remain for ever
+concealed, at the peril of their souls." In this counsel we all
+acquiesced, and four confessors were then named; namely, Eustace,
+Gilbert of Alveth, Hugh the third prior, Anthony, and two other old
+men, Thurstan and Ruald. Which being done, we went forth chanting
+"Verba mea," and the aforesaid six remained behind, having the rule of
+St. Benedict in their hands; and they fulfilled that business as it
+had been pre-ordained.
+
+Now, whilst these six were treating of their matter, we were thinking
+differently of different candidates, all of us taking it for granted
+that Samson would be one of the three, considering his travails and
+perils of death in his journey to Rome for the advancement of our
+church, and how he was badly treated and put in irons and imprisoned
+by Hugh the abbot, merely for speaking for the common weal; for he
+could not be induced to flatter, although he might be forced to hold
+his tongue.
+
+After some delay, the convent being summoned returned to chapter; and
+the old men said they had done as they were commanded. Then the prior
+asked, "How shall it be if our lord the King will not receive any of
+those three who are nominated in the writing?" And it was answered
+that whomsoever our lord the King should be willing to accept should
+be adopted, provided he were a professed monk of our house. It was
+further added, that if those thirteen brethren should see anything
+that ought to be amended by another writing, they should so amend it
+by common assent or counsel.
+
+Samson the sub-sacrist, sitting at the feet of the prior, said, "It
+will be profitable for the church if we all swear by the word of truth
+that upon whomsoever the lot of election shall fall, he should treat
+the convent according to reason, nor change the chief officers without
+the assent of the convent, nor surcharge the sacrist, nor admit any
+one to be a monk without assent of the convent." And to this we all of
+us assented, holding up our right hands in token of assent. It was,
+moreover, provided, that if our lord the King should desire to make a
+stranger our abbot, such person should not be adopted by the thirteen,
+unless upon counsel of the brethren remaining at home.
+
+Upon the morrow, therefore, those thirteen took their way to court.
+Last of all was Samson, the purveyor of their charges, because he was
+sub-sacrist, carrying about his neck a little box, in which were
+contained the letters of the convent--as if he alone was the servant
+of them all--and without an esquire, bearing his frock in his arms,
+and going out of the court, he followed his fellows at a distance.
+
+In their journey to the court, the brethren conversing all together,
+Samson said that it would be well if they all swore that whosoever
+should be made abbot should restore the churches of the lordships
+belonging to the convent to the purposes of hospitality; whereto all
+agreed, save the prior, who said, "We have sworn enough already; you
+may so restrict the abbot that is to be, that I shall not care to
+obtain the abbacy." Upon this occasion they swore not at all, and it
+was well they did so, for had they sworn to this, the oath would not
+have been observed.
+
+On the very day that the thirteen departed we were all sitting
+together in the cloister, when William of Hastings, one of our
+brethren, said, "I know that we shall have one of our convent to be
+abbot." And being asked how he came to be so certain of this, he
+replied, that he had beheld in a dream a prophet clothed in white,
+standing before the gates of the monastery, and that he asked him, in
+the name of God, whether we should have an abbot of our own. And the
+prophet answered, "You shall have one of your own body, but he shall
+rage among you as a wolf"; of which dream the interpretation followed
+in part, because the future abbot cared more to be feared than loved,
+as many were accustomed to say.
+
+There also sat along with us another brother, Edmund by name, who
+asserted that Samson was about to be abbot, and told a vision he had
+seen the previous night. He said he beheld in his dream Roger the
+cellarer and Hugh the third prior, standing before the altar, and
+Samson in the midst, taller by the shoulders upward, wrapt round with
+a long gown down to his feet, looped over his shoulders, and standing
+as a champion ready to do battle. And, as it seemed to him in his
+dream, St. Edmund arose from his shrine, and, as if sickly, showed his
+feet and legs bare. When some one approached and desired to cover the
+feet of the saint, the saint said, "Approach me not; behold, he shall
+veil my feet," pointing with his finger towards Samson. This is the
+interpretation of the dream: By his seeming to be a champion is
+signified that the future abbot should always be in travail; at one
+time moving a controversy against the Archbishop of Canterbury,
+concerning pleas of the Crown, at another time against the knights of
+St. Edmund, to compel them to pay their escuages in full; at another
+time with the burgesses for standing in the market; at another time
+with the sokemen for the suits of the hundreds; even as a champion who
+willeth by fighting to overcome his adversaries that he may be able to
+gain the rights and liberties of his church. And he veiled the feet of
+the holy martyr when he perfectly completed the towers of the church,
+commenced a hundred years before.
+
+Such dreams as these did our brethren dream, which were immediately
+published throughout the cloister, afterwards through the court lodge,
+so that before the evening it was a matter of common talk amongst the
+townsfolk, they saying this man and that man are elected, and one of
+them will be abbot.
+
+At last the prior and the twelve that were with him, after many
+fatigues and delays, stood before the King at Waltham, the manor of
+the Bishop of Winchester, upon the second Sunday in Lent. The King
+graciously received them; and, saying that he wished to act in
+accordance with the will of God and the honour of our church,
+commanded the brethren by prolocutors--namely, Richard the Bishop of
+Winchester, and Geoffrey the chancellor, afterwards Archbishop of
+York--that they should nominate three members of our convent.
+
+The prior and brethren retiring as if to confer thereupon, drew forth
+the sealed writing and opened it, and found the names written in this
+order--Samson, sub-sacrista; Roger, celerarius; Hugo, tercius prior.
+Hereupon those brethren who were of higher standing blushed with
+shame; they also marvelled that this same Hugh should be at once
+elector and elected. But, inasmuch as they could not alter what was
+done, by mutual arrangement they changed the order of the names; first
+naming Hugh, because he was third prior; secondly, Roger the cellarer;
+thirdly, Samson, thus literally making the last first and the first
+last.
+
+The King, first inquiring whether they were born in his realm, and in
+whose lordship, said he knew them not, directing that with those
+three, some other three of the convent should be nominated. This being
+assented to, William the sacrist said, "Our prior ought to be
+nominated because he is our head," which was directly allowed. The
+prior said, "William the sacrist is a good man"; the like was said of
+Dennis, and that was settled. These being nominated before the King
+without any delay, the King marvelled, saying, "These men have been
+speedy in their work; God is with them."
+
+Next the King commanded that, for the honour of his kingdom, they
+should name three persons of other houses. On hearing this, the
+brethren were afraid, suspecting some craft. At last, upon conference,
+it was resolved that they should name three, but upon this
+understanding, that they would not receive any one of those three,
+unless by assent of the convent at home. And they named these
+three--Master Nicholas of Waringford, afterwards (for a season) Abbot
+of Malmesbury; Bertrand, Prior of St. Faith's, afterwards Abbot of
+Chertsey; and Master H. of St. Neot's, a monk of Bec, a man highly
+religious, and very circumspect in spiritual as well as temporal
+affairs.
+
+This being done, the King thanked them, and ordered that three should
+be struck off of the nine; and forthwith the three strangers were
+struck off, namely, the Prior of St. Faith's, afterwards Abbot of
+Chertsey, Nicholas, a monk of St. Albans, afterwards Abbot of
+Malmesbury, and the Prior of St. Neot's. William the sacrist
+voluntarily retired, two of the five were struck out by command of the
+King, and, ultimately, one out of the remaining three. There then
+remained but two, the prior and Samson.
+
+Then at length the before-named prolocutors of our lord the King were
+called to the council of the brethren: and Dennis, speaking as one for
+all, began by commending the persons of the prior and Samson, saying,
+that each of them was learned, each was good, each was of meritorious
+life and good character. But always in the corner of his discourse he
+gave prominence to Samson, multiplying words in his praise, saying
+that he was a man strict in life, severe in reforming excesses, and
+ready to work hard; heedful, moreover, in secular matters, and
+approved in various offices. The Bishop of Winchester replied, "We see
+what it is you wish to say; from your address we gather that your
+prior seems to you to have been somewhat remiss, and that, in fact,
+you wish to have him who is called Samson." Dennis answered, "Either
+of them is good, but, by God's help, we desire to have the best." To
+whom the bishop, "Of two good men the better should be chosen. Speak
+out at once; is it your wish to have Samson?" Whereupon several, in
+fact the majority, answered clearly, "We do wish Samson." No one
+gainsaid this, though some studiously held their peace, being fearful
+of offending either one or the other.
+
+Samson was then named to the King, and after a brief consultation with
+those about him, the King called all in, and said, "You present to me
+Samson--I know him not; had you presented to me your prior, I should
+have accepted him, because I know and am well acquainted with him; but
+now I will do as you desire me. Take heed to yourselves; by the very
+eyes of God, if you have done ill, I shall call you to severe
+account." And he inquired of the prior, whether he assented to this
+choice and agreed thereto; who replied that he was well content it
+should be so, and that Samson was worthy of a much greater dignity.
+
+Then the elect, falling down at the King's feet and kissing them,
+hastily arose, and forthwith went towards the altar, erect in gait,
+and with unmoved countenance, singing "Miserere mei Deus," together
+with his brethren.
+
+The King, observing this, said to the bystanders, "By the eyes of God,
+this abbot-elect thinks himself worthy to govern an abbey!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV
+
+SAMSON'S INSTALLATION
+
+
+Now when the news of the election arrived at the monastery, it
+gladdened all the cloister monks and some of the officers also, but
+only a few. "It is well," many said, "because it is well." Others
+said, "Not so; verily we are all deceived." The elect, before he
+returned to us, received his benediction from my lord of Winchester,
+who, at the same time, placing the mitre on the head of the abbot, and
+the ring on his finger, said, "This is the dignity of the abbots of
+St. Edmund; my experience long since taught me this." The abbot,
+therefore, keeping three monks with him, despatched the others
+homewards, sending word by them of his intended arrival on Palm
+Sunday, and giving charge to certain of them to provide the things
+necessary for his day of festival.
+
+As he returned homewards, a multitude of new relations came about him
+offering to serve him, but he answered all of them that he was content
+with the servants of the prior, nor could he retain others until he
+had obtained the assent of the convent. Nevertheless, he retained one
+knight who was well spoken and learned in the law, not so much upon
+the score of relationship, but on account of his usefulness, he being
+well practised in secular suits.
+
+This knight he took, while he was fresh to the work, as an assessor in
+secular controversies; for he was a new abbot, and inexperienced in
+such concerns, as he himself was free to declare: indeed, before he
+received the abbacy, he had never been present where gage and safe
+pledge had been given.
+
+With the accustomed honours, and with a procession, was he received by
+his convent on Palm Sunday. The abbot's reception was in this wise:
+overnight he lay at Kentford, and we, at the proper moment, went forth
+from the chapter-house to meet him with great solemnity, up to the
+gate of the cemetery, with ringing of bells inside the choir and
+without. He himself was surrounded by a multitude of men, and when he
+espied the fraternity, he dismounted from his horse outside the
+threshold of the gate. Causing his shoes to be taken off, he was
+received barefooted within the door, and conducted on each side by the
+prior and sacrist.
+
+We chanted the responses "Benedictus Dominus," in the office of the
+Trinity, and then "Martyri adhuc," in the office of St. Edmund,
+leading the abbot up to the high altar. This being finished, the
+organs and bells were silenced, and the prayer, "Omnipotens sempiterne
+Deus miserere huic," was said by the prior over the abbot, who was
+prostrate. An offering was then made by the abbot, and kissing the
+shrine, he returned into the choir. There Samson the precentor took
+him by the hand and led him to the abbot's throne at the west end;
+where, the abbot still standing, the precentor straight-way began, "Te
+Deum laudamus," and whilst this was being sung, the abbot was kissed
+by the prior and the whole convent in order. This done, the abbot
+proceeded to the chapter-house, the whole convent following him, with
+many others.
+
+"Benedicite" having been said, in the first place he gave thanks to
+the convent that they had chosen him--who was, he said, the least of
+them all--to be their lord and shepherd, not on account of his own
+merits, but solely by the will of God. And beseeching them briefly
+that they would pray for him, he addressed his discourse to the clerks
+and knights, requiring them that they should assist him with their
+advice according to the burden of the charge entrusted to him. And
+Wimer the sheriff, answering for them all, said, "We are ready to
+stand by you in counsel and assistance on every occasion, as we did by
+our dear lord whom God has called to his glory, and to the glory of
+the holy martyr St. Edmund." And then were the charters of the King
+concerning the gift of the abbacy produced and read in full audience.
+Lastly, after a prayer by the abbot himself, that God might guide him
+according to his Divine grace, and "Amen" being responded by all, he
+retired to his chamber, spending his day of festival with more than a
+thousand dinner guests with great rejoicing.
+
+While these things were taking place I was the prior's chaplain, and
+within four months was made the abbot's chaplain, noting many things,
+and committing them to memory. On the morrow of his feast the abbot
+called to him the prior and some few besides, as if seeking advice
+from others, though he himself knew what he would do. He said that a
+new seal should be made with a mitred effigy of him, although his
+predecessors had not the like; but for a time he used the seal of our
+prior, subscribing at the end of all letters, that he had no seal of
+his own and therefore he used for the time that of the prior.
+
+Afterwards, setting his household in order, he appointed divers
+servants to various duties, saying that he had decided to have
+twenty-six horses in his courtyard, and that a child must first creep
+and then stand upright and walk. He enjoined this to his servants
+beyond all things, that they should take heed that in his new state he
+be not dishonoured by a lack of meat and drink, but rather that they
+in all things should anxiously provide for the hospitality of the
+house. In ordering and appointing these and all other things, he fully
+relied upon God's providence and his own understanding, and judged it
+beneath him to require counsel at another's hand as if he were not
+able to look after his own affairs.
+
+The monks marvelled, the knights were discontented, accusing him of
+arrogance, and, in some measure censuring him at the King's court,
+saying that he refused to govern according to the advice of his own
+freemen. As for him, he removed from his own private counsel the heads
+of the abbey, lay as well as clerical; indeed, all those without whose
+advice and assistance the abbey, as it seemed, could not be governed.
+By reason of this circumstance, Ranulf de Glanville, Justiciary of
+England, at first held him in distrust, and was less gracious to him
+than was fitting, until it was made clear, by good evidence, that the
+abbot had been acting with due caution and prudence in respect of
+indoor as well as external matters.
+
+A general court having been summoned, all the barons, knights and
+freemen appeared to do homage on the fourth day of Easter; when,
+behold, Thomas of Hastings, with a great multitude of knights, came
+introducing Henry his nephew, not yet a knight, claiming the
+stewardship with its perquisites, according to the tenor of his
+charter. To whom the abbot replied, "I do not refuse Henry his right,
+nor do I wish so to do. If he were competent to serve me in his own
+person, I would assign him necessaries for ten men and eight horses in
+my own court-lodge, according to the tenor of his charter. If you
+present to me a steward, his deputy, who is competent and able to
+perform the duty, I will receive him in the same manner as my
+predecessor retained him at the time of his decease, namely, with four
+horses and their appurtenances. And if this does not content you, I
+shall carry the plaint before the King or his chief justice." Hereupon
+the business was deferred.
+
+Ultimately there was presented to him a simple and foolish steward,
+Gilbert by name, of whom, before he received him into his household,
+he spoke to his friends as follows: "If there be a default in the
+administration of the King's justice through the unskilfulness of the
+steward, he will be in mercy of the King, and not I, for this, that he
+claims the office by hereditary right; and therefore I had much rather
+receive him for the present than a sharper witted man to deceive me.
+By God's assistance I trust I shall be my own steward."
+
+ * * * * *
+
+After receipt of the homages, the abbot sued for an aid from the
+knights, who promised each twenty shillings; but immediately they took
+counsel together and withheld twelve pounds in respect of twelve
+knights, alleging that those twelve ought to assist the other forty in
+keeping their castle-guards, and for their escuages, as well as in
+respect of the abbot's aid. The abbot, hearing this, waxed wroth, and
+said to his intimate friends that if he lived long enough he would
+give them turn for turn and wrong for wrong.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V
+
+THE NEW ABBOT'S REFORMS
+
+
+After these things the abbot caused inquisition to be made throughout
+each manor, concerning the annual quit rents from the freemen, and the
+names of the labourers and their tenements, and the services due from
+each; and he reduced all into writing. Likewise he repaired those old
+halls and unroofed houses round which hovered kites and crows. He
+built new chapels, and likewise inner chambers and upper stories in
+many places where there never had been any dwelling-house at all, but
+only barns. He also enclosed many parks, which he replenished with
+beasts of chase, keeping a huntsman with dogs; and, upon the visit of
+any person of quality, sat with his monks in some walk of the wood,
+and sometimes saw the coursing of the dogs; but I never saw him take
+part in the sport.
+
+He cleared much land, and brought it into tillage, in all things
+looking forward to the benefit likely to accrue to the abbey; but I
+wish he had been equally careful in assigning the manors of the
+convent. Nevertheless, he, for a time, kept our manors of Bradfield
+and Rougham in hand, making up the deficiencies of the rents by the
+expenditure of forty pounds. These he afterwards reassigned to us when
+he heard that dissatisfaction was expressed in the convent, on account
+of his keeping our manors in his own hand. Likewise in managing these
+manors, as well as in all other matters, he appointed keepers who were
+far more careful than their predecessors--some monks, some laymen, to
+look after us and our lands more carefully.
+
+He also held the eight hundreds in his own hand, and, after the death
+of Robert of Cockfield, he took in hand the hundred of Cosford, all
+which he committed to the keeping of those servants who were of his
+own table; referring matters of greater moment to his own decision,
+and deciding by means of others upon matters of lesser import--indeed,
+wringing everything to his own profit.
+
+Moreover, by his command, a general survey was made throughout the
+hundreds of the leets and suits, of hidages and foddercorn, of
+hen-rents, and of other dues and rents and issues, which, for the
+greater part, had ever been concealed by the farmers. He reduced it
+all to writing, so that within four years from the time of his
+election, there was not one who could defraud him of the rents of the
+abbey to the value of a single penny, whereas he himself had not
+received from his predecessors any writing touching the management of
+the abbey, except one small schedule, wherein were the names of the
+knights of St. Edmund and the names of the manors, and what rent was
+due on each farm. This book he called his kalendar, wherein also were
+entered the debts he had satisfied; and this same book he almost daily
+perused, as if in the same he were beholding the face of his honesty
+in a glass.
+
+The first day that he held a chapter, he confirmed to us, under his
+new seal, sixty shillings from Southrey, which his predecessors had
+unjustly received from Edmund, surnamed the golden monk, for the
+liberty of holding the same vill to farm all the days of his life. He
+also proposed, as a general rule, that from thenceforth no one should
+pledge the ornaments of the church without the assent of the convent,
+as had been the custom heretofore, nor that any charter should be
+sealed with the convent seal, unless in chapter in the presence of the
+convent. He appointed Hugh as sub-sacrist, ordering that William the
+sacrist should not have anything to do with the sacristy, either in
+the matter of receipt or disbursement, unless by his consent. After
+this, but not on the same day, he transferred the former keepers of
+the offerings to other offices; lastly, he deposed the same William:
+wherefore those who liked William said, "Behold the abbot! Lo, here is
+the wolf of whom it was dreamed! See how he rages!"
+
+And some of them would have entered into a conspiracy against the
+abbot. When this was disclosed to him, he, not caring to be altogether
+silent, nor yet to disquiet the convent, entered the chapter-house on
+the morrow, and pulled out a little bag full of cancelled deeds, the
+seals yet hanging thereto, consisting of the securities, partly of his
+predecessor, partly of the prior, partly of the sacrist, partly of the
+chamberlain, and other officials, whereof the total was three thousand
+and fifty-two pounds and one mark without alloy, besides the interest
+that had accrued thereupon, the amount of which could never be
+ascertained. All these he had arranged for within one year after his
+election, and within twelve years entirely discharged. "Behold," said
+he, "the good management of William, our sacrist; look at the
+multitude of securities signed with his seal, whereby he has pledged
+silken copes, dalmatics, censers of silver and books ornamented with
+gold, without the knowledge of the convent, all which I have redeemed
+and have restored to you."
+
+He likewise added many other things, showing why he had deposed the
+said William: howbeit he suppressed the real cause, not wishing to put
+him to open shame. And when he put Samson the precentor in his place,
+a person approved by us, and above all objection, everything was quiet
+again. Furthermore, the abbot commanded that the houses of the sacrist
+in the cemetery should be entirely plucked up, as though they were not
+worthy to stand upon the earth, by reason of the frequent
+wine-bibbings, and certain other acts not to be named, which he, with
+grief and indignation, had witnessed while he was sub-sacrist. So
+completely did he obliterate the whole that, within a year, upon the
+spot where a noble dwelling had stood, we saw beans growing, and where
+casks of wine had lain, nettles abounding.
+
+After the end of Easter, the abbot went over every one of his and our
+manors, as well as over those we had confirmed to the farmers in fee,
+requiring from all of them aid and acknowledgment, according to the
+law of the land. Thus every day he was increasing in secular
+knowledge, and was turning his attention to the learning and method of
+ordering outdoor affairs. Now when he had come to Warkton, where he
+slept at night, there came to him a voice saying, "Samson, arise up
+quickly"; and, again, "Get up without delay." Getting up astonished,
+he looked around him, and perceived a light in a necessary house,
+namely, a candle ready to fall down upon the straw, which Reiner the
+monk had carelessly left there. When the abbot had put it out, going
+through the house, he perceived the door (which was the sole entrance)
+so fastened that it could only be opened by a key--likewise the
+windows fastened: so that if a fire had arisen, he, and all with him,
+who slept upon that floor, had surely perished, for there was no place
+whence they might get out or escape.
+
+At that time, wheresoever the abbot went, there came about him Jews as
+well as Christians, demanding debts, and worrying and importuning him
+so that he could not sleep. Thereupon he became pale and thin, and was
+constantly repeating, "My heart will never rest until I know the
+extent of my debts." The feast of St. Michael being come, he took all
+his manors into his own hand, with but small store of live or dead
+stock; he freely forgave Walter of Hatfield nineteen pounds arrears,
+that he might absolutely take back four manors which Hugh the abbot
+had confirmed to him, namely, Hargrave and Saxham and Chevington and
+Stapleford; Harlow, indeed, the abbot deferred to take to himself on
+the present occasion.
+
+Once on a time, as we passed through the forest in returning from
+London, I inquired in the hearing of my lord abbot, from an old woman
+passing by, whose was this wood, and of what town, who was the lord,
+and who was the keeper? She answered that the wood belonged to the
+abbot of St. Edmund, as part of the town of Harlow, and that the name
+of the keeper was Arnald. When I inquired further, how Arnald
+conducted himself towards the men of the town, she answered, that he
+was a devil incarnate, an enemy of God, and one to flay the poor
+alive; but now, she added, he is afraid of the new abbot of St.
+Edmund, whom he believes to be prudent and vigilant, and therefore he
+treats the men gently. On hearing this, the abbot was delighted, and
+deferred taking to the manor for a season.
+
+At that time there came unexpectedly the news of the death of the wife
+of Herlewin of Rungton, who had a charter to hold the same town for
+her life; and the abbot said, "Yesterday, I would have given sixty
+marks to have freed the manor from this incumbrance, but now God has
+freed it." And as he was going thither without delay, that he might
+take that town into his own hand, and on the morrow was going to
+Tillener, a part of that manor, there came a certain knight offering
+thirty marks for the tenure of that carucate of land, with the
+appurtenances, by the old rent-service, to wit, four pounds, whereto
+the abbot could not agree; and he had therefrom in that year
+twenty-five pounds, and the second year twenty pounds.
+
+These and such like things induced him to hold everything in his own
+keeping; as it is written elsewhere, "Caesar was all in all." In the
+first place, far from being inert, he commenced building barns and
+byres, above all things solicitous to dress the land for tillage, and
+watchful in preserving the woods, in respect whereof, either in giving
+or diminishing, he confessed himself to be a very miser. There was but
+one manor, and that was Thorpe, which by his charter he confirmed to
+one of English birth, a villein, whose honesty he trusted the more, as
+he was a good husbandman, and could not speak French.
+
+Scarcely seven months had elapsed since his election, when, behold!
+there were presented to him the letters of our lord the Pope,
+appointing him a judge to determine causes, for the execution of which
+he was incompetent and inexperienced, although he was thoroughly
+imbued with liberal arts and divinity, as befitted a man of learning,
+a literate man, educated in the schools and a master in them, known
+and approved in his own province. Wherefore he invited two clerks,
+learned in the law, and associated them to himself. Of their advice he
+availed himself in ecclesiastical matters, employing himself upon the
+decrees and decretal epistles, when an opportunity offered; so that
+within a short time, as well by references to books as by the handling
+of causes, he became reputed a discreet judge, proceeding in every
+suit according to form of law; so a certain person said, "Cursed be
+the court of this abbot, where neither gold nor silver can help me to
+confound my adversary."
+
+In process of time, becoming somewhat practised in secular causes, and
+taught by an inborn commonsense, he became of so subtle a wit that all
+marvelled; indeed, by Osbert Fitz-Hervey, the under-sheriff, it was
+said, "This abbot is a wrangler; if he goes on as he has begun, he
+will outwit us all, many as we be." Now the abbot becoming an expert
+man in causes of this description, was made a justice errant, but yet
+he preserved himself from error and corruption. But "envy aims at the
+highest." When his men made their plaints to him in the court of St.
+Edmund, because he was unwilling to give hasty judgment, or to
+"believe every spirit," but preferred to proceed in due course of law,
+well knowing that the merits of causes are developed by the
+allegations of the parties, it was said of him that he would not do
+justice to any complainant, unless by the intervention of money given
+or promised.
+
+Because his aspect was acute and penetrating, with a Cato-like
+countenance, rarely smiling, it was said that he inclined to severity
+rather than kindness. In receiving amerciaments for any forfeiture, it
+was said that "Mercy rejoices against judgment"; for as it seemed to
+many, when it became an affair of receiving money, he seldom remitted
+what by law he was entitled to take.
+
+In like manner as he advanced in wisdom, so did he advance in
+thoughtful care, in respect of keeping and acquiring property, and in
+creditably regulating his expenses. But even here many backbiters took
+their ground, saying that he resorted to the sacristy at his own
+pleasure, sparing his own purse, letting his corn lie by for a dear
+season, and taking to his manors in other sort than his predecessors
+did, charging the cellarer with the entertainment of those guests he
+himself was bound to receive; so that by this craft it might be said
+that the abbot was careful and well stocked at the end of the year;
+while, on the other hand, the convent and officials were to be
+accounted careless and improvident. In reply to these back-bitings, I
+used to observe, that if he took anything from the sacrist, he turned
+it to the good account of the church, and this none of these
+slanderers could deny. And in good truth, greater and more numerous
+works were carried out by the help of the offerings to the sacristy
+within fifteen years after his election than in the forty years before
+it.
+
+To the other objections, that the abbot was fond of betaking himself
+to his manors, I was wont to answer, and did excuse him, saying, "The
+reason is because the abbot is more in spirits and in good humour
+elsewhere than at home." And this was true enough, whether it were by
+reason of the frequency of suitors who came about him, or from the
+tale-bearers, wherefore it frequently happened that by the appearance
+of severity in his face he lost much favour and grace in the eyes of
+his guests, notwithstanding they fared well in eating and drinking. I
+noticed this, and took an opportunity, when I was with him in private,
+to say, "There are two things in which I am much surprised at you."
+When he had inquired what these things might be, "One is that in spite
+of your position you still encourage the doctrine of the school of
+Melun, which says that from a false premiss no conclusion can follow,
+and other idle sayings."
+
+To which, when he had said his say, I added, "The other indeed is,
+that when you are at home you do not exhibit the same gracious
+demeanour you do when elsewhere, nor do you mix in society with those
+brethren who have a strong regard for you, and have chosen you for
+their lord; but contrariwise, you seldom associate with them, nor do
+you, as they say, make yourself on sociable terms with them." Hearing
+this, he changed countenance, and hanging down his head, said, "You
+are a simpleton, and speak foolishly; you ought to know what Solomon
+says--'Hast thou many daughters: show not thyself cheerful toward
+them.'" I indeed held my peace from thenceforth, setting a watch on my
+mouth.
+
+On another occasion I said, "My lord, I heard you this night after
+matins wakeful and sighing heavily, contrary to your usual wont." He
+answered, "No wonder; you are partaker of my good things, in meat and
+drink, in riding abroad, and such like, but you have little need to
+care concerning the conduct of the house and household of the saints,
+and arduous business of the pastoral care which harasses me and makes
+my spirit to groan and be heavy." Whereto I, lifting up my hands to
+heaven, made answer, "From such anxiety, almighty and most merciful
+Lord, deliver me!"
+
+I have heard the abbot say, that if he could have been as he was
+before he became a monk, and could have had five or six marks of
+income wherewith he could have been supported in the schools, he never
+would have been monk or abbot. On another occasion he said with an
+oath, that if he could have foreseen what and how great a charge it
+had been to govern the abbey, he would rather than abbot and lord have
+been master of the almonry, and keeper of the books, for this office
+he said he had ever desired above all others. Yet who would credit
+this? Scarcely myself; and not even myself, except that being
+constantly with him by day and night for six years, I had had the
+opportunity of becoming fully conversant with the worthiness of his
+life and the wisdom of his rule.
+
+He once related to me, that when he was a child of nine years old, he
+dreamed that he was standing before the gates of the cemetery of the
+church of St. Edmund, and that the devil, with outspread arms, would
+have seized him, had not St. Edmund, standing by, taken him in his
+arms; whereupon he screamed whilst dreaming in his sleep, "St. Edmund,
+save me!" and thus calling upon him whose name he had never heard, he
+awoke. His mother was alarmed at such an outcry, but having heard the
+dream, took him to St. Edmund for the purpose of praying there; and
+when they had come to the gate of the cemetery he said, "See, mother,
+this is the place, this is the very same gate which I saw in my dream
+when the devil was about to seize me"; and he knew the place as well,
+to use his own words, as if he had seen it before with his natural
+eyes. The abbot himself interpreted this dream thus: By the devil were
+signified the pleasures of this mortal state, which would fain have
+drawn him away; but St. Edmund threw his arms around him when he made
+him a monk.
+
+Once when he was told that certain of the convent grumbled at some act
+of his, he said to me as I sat by him, "Good God! there is need enough
+that I should remember that dream wherein it was dreamed of me, before
+I was made abbot, that I was to rage among them as a wolf. True it is
+that above all earthly things I dread lest the convent behave in such
+a way that I shall be compelled so to rage. But even so it is, when
+they say or do anything against my will, I bring to mind that dream of
+theirs, and although I do rage in my own soul, growling and gnashing
+my teeth in secret, I do violence to myself lest I should actually
+rage in word or deed," and "My hidden grief chokes me and my heart
+surges within me."
+
+Although by nature he was quick to wrath, and easily kindled to anger,
+yet with a great struggle he mostly restrained his temper in view of
+the dignity he held. Concerning which he sometimes used to boast,
+"This and that I saw, this and that I heard, yet I held my peace." The
+abbot once said, seated in chapter, certain words by which he seemed
+to eagerly desire the good-will of the monastery. "I do not wish," he
+said, "that any one should come to me to accuse another, unless he is
+willing to say the same openly. If any one does otherwise, I will
+publicly proclaim the name of the accuser. I wish also that every
+cloister monk shall have free access to me, that he may speak to me,
+whenever he chooses, concerning all things necessary to him." This he
+said, because our leaders in the days of Abbot Hugh, wishing that
+nothing should be done in the monastery except through them, had
+decreed that no cloister monk should speak with the abbot unless he
+had first told the abbot's chaplain what he wished to speak about.
+
+On a certain day he made an order in chapter, that every one who had a
+seal of his own should give it up to him, and so it was accordingly
+done, and there were found three-and-thirty seals. He himself
+explained the reason of this order, forbidding that any official
+should incur any debt above twenty shillings without the assent of the
+prior and convent, as had been the custom heretofore. To the prior and
+to the sacrist, indeed, he returned their seals, but kept the rest
+himself.
+
+At another time he ordered to be delivered up to him all the keys of
+the chests, cupboards, and hanapers, strictly enjoining that
+thenceforth none presume to have a chest or anything locked up, unless
+by special permission, or otherwise possess anything beyond what the
+rule allows. Notwithstanding this he gave general licence to every one
+of us to have money to the amount of two shillings, if so much
+happened to have been given to us by way of charity; so that it might
+be expended upon poor relations, or for purposes of piety.
+
+On another occasion the abbot said, that he was desirous of adhering
+to our ancient custom respecting the entertainment of guests; that is,
+when the abbot is at home, he is to receive all guests of whatsoever
+condition they may be, except religious and priests of secular habit,
+and except their men who present themselves at the gate of the court
+in the name of their masters; but if the abbot be not at home, then
+all guests of whatsoever condition are to be received by the cellarer
+up to thirteen horses. But if a layman or clerk shall come with more
+than thirteen horses, they shall be entertained by the servants of the
+abbot, either within the court-lodge, or without, at the expense of
+the abbot. All religious men, even bishops if they happen to be monks,
+are to be charged upon the cellary and at the expense of the convent,
+unless the abbot will do any one special honour, and entertain him in
+his own hall at his own expense.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI
+
+SAMSON'S PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS
+
+
+The abbot Samson was of middle stature, nearly bald, having a face
+neither round nor yet long, a prominent nose, thick lips, clear and
+very piercing eyes, ears of the nicest sense of hearing, arched
+eyebrows, often shaved; and he soon became hoarse from a short
+exposure to cold. On the day of his election he was forty and seven
+years old, and had been a monk seventeen years. He had then a few grey
+hairs in a reddish beard, and a very few in a black and somewhat curly
+head of hair. But within fourteen years after his election it became
+as white as snow.
+
+He was a man remarkably temperate, never slothful, of strong
+constitution, and willing to ride or walk till old age gained upon him
+and moderated such inclination. On hearing the news of the Cross being
+taken, and the loss of Jerusalem, he began to use under garments of
+horsehair and a horsehair shirt, and to abstain from flesh and flesh
+meats. Nevertheless, he desired that meats should be placed before him
+at table for the increase of the alms dish. Sweet milk, honey and such
+like sweet things he ate with greater appetite than other food.
+
+He abhorred liars, drunkards and talkative folk; for virtue ever is
+consistent with itself and rejects contraries. He also much condemned
+persons given to murmur at their meat or drink, and particularly monks
+who were dissatisfied therewith, himself adhering to the uniform
+course he had practised when a monk. He had likewise this virtue in
+himself, that he never changed the mess set before him.
+
+Once when I, then a novice, happened to be serving in the refectory, I
+wished to prove if this were true, and I thought I would place before
+him a mess which would have displeased any other than him, in a very
+black and broken dish. But when he looked at it, he was as one that
+saw it not. Some delay took place, and I felt sorry that I had so
+done; and snatching away the dish, I changed the mess and the dish for
+a better, and brought it to him; but this substitution he took in ill
+part, and was angry with me for it.
+
+An eloquent man was he, both in French and Latin, but intent more on
+the substance and method of what was to be said than on the style of
+words. He could read English books most admirably, and was wont to
+preach to the people in English, but in the dialect of Norfolk, where
+he was born and bred; and so he caused a pulpit to be set up in the
+church for the ease of the hearers, and for the ornament of the
+church. The abbot also seemed to prefer an active life to one of
+contemplation, and rather commended good officials than good monks. He
+very seldom approved of any one on account of his literary
+acquirements, unless he also possessed sufficient knowledge of secular
+matters; and whenever he chanced to hear that any prelate had resigned
+his pastoral care and become an anchorite, he did not praise him for
+it. He never applauded men of too compliant a disposition, saying, "He
+who endeavours to please all, ought to please none."
+
+In the first year of his being abbot, he appeared to hate all
+flatterers, and especially among the monks; but in process of time it
+seemed that he heard them more readily, and was more familiar with
+them. It once happened that a certain brother of ours, skilled in this
+art, had bent the knee before him, and under the pretence of giving
+advice, had poured the oil of flattery into his ears. I, standing
+apart, smiled. The brother having departed, I was called and asked why
+I had smiled. I answered, "The world is full of flatterers." And the
+abbot replied, "My son, it is long that I have known flatterers; I
+cannot, therefore, avoid hearing them. There are many things to be
+passed over and taken no notice of, if the peace of the convent is to
+be preserved. I will hear what they have to say, but they shall not
+deceive me if I can help it, as they did my predecessor, who trusted
+so unadvisedly to their counsel that for a long time before his death
+he had nothing for himself or his household to eat, unless it were
+obtained on trust from creditors; nor was there anything to be
+distributed among the poor on the day of his burial, unless it were
+the fifty shillings which were received from Richard the farmer, of
+Palgrave, which very fifty shillings the same Richard on another
+occasion had to pay to the King's bailiffs, who demanded the entire
+farm-rent for the King's use." With this saying I was comforted. His
+study, indeed, was to have a well-regulated house, and enough
+wherewith to keep his household, so managing that the usual allowance
+for a week, which his predecessor could not make last for five days,
+sufficed him for eight, nine or even ten days, if so be that he was at
+his manors without any extraordinary arrival of guests. Every week,
+indeed, he audited the expenses of the house, not by deputy, but in
+his own person, which his predecessor had never been wont to do.
+
+For the first seven years he had only four courses in his house,
+afterwards only three, except presents and game from his parks, or
+fish from his ponds. And if at any time he retained any one in his
+house at the request of a great man, or of a particular friend, or
+messengers, or minstrels, or any person of that description, by taking
+the opportunity of going beyond sea or travelling afar off, he
+prudently disencumbered himself of such hangers-on.
+
+The monks with whom the abbot had been the most intimate, and whom he
+liked best before he became abbot, he seldom promoted to offices
+merely for old acquaintance' sake, unless they were fit persons.
+Wherefore certain of our brethren who had been favourable to his
+election as abbot, said that he cared less for those who had liked him
+before he became abbot than was proper, and particularly that those
+were most favoured by him who both openly and in secret had spoken
+evil of him, nay, had even publicly called him, in the hearing of
+many, a passionate unsociable man, a proud fellow, and Norfolk
+barrator. But on the other hand, as after he had received the abbacy
+he exhibited no indiscreet partiality for his old friends, so he
+refrained from showing anything like hatred or dislike to many others
+according to their deserts, returning frequently good for evil, and
+doing good to them that persecuted him.
+
+He had this way also, which I have never observed in any other man,
+that he had an affectionate regard for many to whom he seldom or never
+showed a countenance of love; according to the common proverb which
+says, "Where love is, there is the regard of love." And another thing
+I wondered at in him was, that he knowingly suffered loss in his
+temporal matters from his own servants, and confessed that he winked
+at them; but this I believe to have been the reason, that he might
+watch a convenient opportunity when the matter could be advisedly
+remedied, or that by passing over these matters without notice, he
+might avoid a greater loss.
+
+He loved his kinsmen indifferently, but not less tenderly than others,
+for he had not, or assumed not to have, any relative within the third
+degree. I have heard him state that he had relations who were noble
+and gentle, whom he never would in any wise recognize as relations;
+for, as he said, they would be more a burden than an honour to him, if
+they should happen to find out their relationship. But he always
+acknowledged those as kinsmen who had treated him as such when he was
+a poor monk. Some of these relations (that is, those whom he found
+useful and suitable) he appointed to various offices in his own house,
+others he made keepers of manors. But those whom he found unworthy, he
+irrevocably dismissed from his presence.
+
+A certain man of lowly station, who had managed his patrimony
+faithfully, and had served him devotedly in his youth, he looked upon
+as his dearest kinsman, and gave to his son, who was a clerk, the
+first church that fell vacant after he came to the charge of the
+abbey, and also advanced all the other sons of this man.
+
+He invited to him a certain chaplain who had maintained him in the
+schools of Paris by the sale of holy water, and bestowed upon him an
+ecclesiastical benefice sufficient for his maintenance by way of
+vicarage. He granted to a certain servant of his predecessor food and
+clothing all the days of his life, he being the very man who put the
+fetters upon him at his lord's command when he was cast into prison.
+To the son of Elias, the cupbearer of Hugh the abbot, when he came to
+do homage for his father's land, he said, in full court, "I have for
+these seven years deferred taking your homage for the land which the
+abbot Hugh gave your father, because that gift was to the damage of
+the manor of Elmswell. Now I am overcome when I call to my mind what
+your father did for me when I was in fetters, for he sent to me a
+portion of the very wine whereof his lord had been drinking, and bade
+me be strong in God." To Master Walter, the son of Master William of
+Diss, suing at his grace for the vicarage of the church of Chevington,
+he replied, "Your father was master of the schools, and at the time
+when I was a poor clerk he granted me freely and in charity an
+entrance to his school, and the means of learning; now I, for the sake
+of God, do grant you what you ask."
+
+He addressed two knights of Risby, William and Norman, at the time
+when they were adjudged to be in his mercy, publicly in this wise:
+"When I was a cloister monk, sent to Durham upon business of our
+church, and thence returning through Risby, being benighted, I sought
+a night's lodging from Norman, and I received a blank refusal; but
+going to the house of William, and seeking shelter, I was honourably
+entertained by him. Now, therefore, those twenty shillings, which are
+'the mercy,' I will without mercy exact from Norman; but contrariwise,
+to William I give thanks, and the amerciament of twenty shillings that
+is due from him I do with pleasure remit."
+
+A certain young girl, seeking her food from door to door, complained
+to the abbot that one of the sons of Richard, the son of Drogo, had
+forced her; and at length, by the suggestion of the abbot, for the
+sake of peace, she took one mark in satisfaction. The abbot, moreover,
+took from the same Richard four marks for licence to agree; but all
+those five marks he ordered forthwith to be given to a certain
+chapman, upon the condition that he should take this poor woman to
+wife.
+
+In the town of St. Edmund, the abbot purchased stone houses, and
+assigned them for the use of the schools, so that thereby the poor
+clerks should be for ever free from house-rent, towards payment
+whereof all the scholars, whether rich or poor, were compelled twice
+in the year to subscribe a penny or a halfpenny.
+
+The recovery of the manor of Mildenhall for one thousand and one
+hundred marks of silver, and the expulsion of the Jews from the town
+of St. Edmund, and the founding of the new hospital at Babwell, are
+proofs of great virtue.
+
+The lord abbot sought from the King letters enjoining that the Jews
+should be driven away from the town of St. Edmund, he stating that
+whatsoever is within the town of St. Edmund, or within the banlieue
+thereof, of right belongs to St. Edmund: therefore the Jews ought to
+become the men of St. Edmund, otherwise they should be expelled from
+the town. Licence was accordingly given that he might put them forth,
+saving, nevertheless, that they had all their chattels and the value
+of their houses and lands. And when they were expelled, and with an
+armed force conducted to divers towns, the abbot gave order that all
+those that from henceforth should harbour or entertain Jews in the
+town of St. Edmund should be solemnly excommunicated in every church
+and at every altar. Howbeit it was afterwards conceded by the King's
+justices that if the Jews should come to the great pleas of the abbot
+to demand their debts from their debtors, on such occasion they might
+for two days and two nights lodge within the town, and on the third
+day be permitted to depart freely.
+
+The abbot offered King Richard five hundred marks for the manor of
+Mildenhall, stating that the manor was worthy sixty and ten pounds by
+the year, and for so much had been recorded in the great roll of
+Winchester. And when he had conceived hopes of success in his
+application, the matter rested till the morrow. In the meanwhile there
+came a certain person to the King, telling him that this manor was
+well worth yearly a hundred pounds. On the morrow, therefore, when the
+abbot urged his suit, the King said, "It is of no avail my lord abbot,
+what you ask me; you shall either give a thousand marks, or you shall
+not have the manor." And whereas the Queen Eleanor, according to the
+custom of the realm, ought to have one hundred marks where the King
+receives a thousand, she took of us a great gold cup of the value of a
+hundred marks, and gave us back the same cup for the soul of her lord,
+King Henry, who first gave the same cup to St. Edmund. On another
+occasion, when the treasure of our church was carried to London for
+the ransom of King Richard, the same Queen redeemed that cup for one
+hundred marks, and restored it to us, taking in return our charter
+from us as an evidence of our most solemn promise, that we should
+never again alienate that cup from our church upon any occasion
+whatever.
+
+Now, when all this money, which was got together with great
+difficulty, had been paid, the abbot held a chapter, and said he ought
+to have some portion of the great advantage derivable from so valuable
+a manor. And the convent answered that it was just, and "Let it be
+according to your wish." The abbot replied that he could well claim
+the half part as his own right, demonstrating that he had paid towards
+this purchase more than four hundred marks, with much inconvenience to
+himself. But he said that he would be content with a certain allotment
+of that manor called Icklingham, which was most freely granted him by
+the convent. When the abbot heard this, he said, "And I do accept this
+part of the land to my own use, but not that I intend to keep the same
+in my own hand, or that I shall give it to my relations, but for the
+good of my soul and for all your souls in common, I give the same to
+the new hospital at Babwell, for the relief of the poor, and the
+maintenance of hospitality." As he said, so it was done, and
+afterwards confirmed by the King's Charter.
+
+These and all other like things worthy to be written down and lauded
+for ever did the abbot Samson. But he said he had done nothing, unless
+he could have our church dedicated in his lifetime; which done, he
+said he wished to die. For the solemnization of this act, he said he
+was ready to pay two thousand marks of silver, so that the King should
+be present, and the affair be completed with the reverence it
+demanded.
+
+The abbot was informed that the church of Woolpit was vacant, Walter
+of Coutances being chosen to the bishopric of Lincoln. He presently
+convened the prior and great part of the convent, and taking up his
+story thus began: "You well know what trouble I had in respect of the
+church of Woolpit; and in order that it should be obtained for your
+exclusive use I journeyed to Rome at your instance, in the time of the
+schism between Pope Alexander and Octavian. I passed through Italy at
+that time when all clerks bearing letters of our lord the Pope
+Alexander were taken. Some were imprisoned, some hanged, and some,
+with nose and lips cut off, sent forward to the pope, to his shame and
+confusion. I, however, pretended to be Scotch; and putting on the garb
+of a Scotchman, and the gesture of one, I often brandished my staff,
+in the way they use that weapon called a gaveloc, at those who mocked
+me, using threatening language, after the manner of the Scotch. To
+those that met and questioned me as to who I was, I answered nothing,
+but, 'Ride ride Rome, turne Cantwereberei.' This did I to conceal
+myself and my errand, and that I should get to Rome safer in the guise
+of a Scotchman.
+
+"Having obtained letters from the pope, even as I wished, on my return
+I passed by a certain castle, as my way led me from the city; and
+behold the officers thereof came about me, laying hold upon me, and
+saying, 'This vagabond who makes himself out to be a Scotchman is
+either a spy or bears letters from the false pope Alexander.' And
+while they examined my ragged clothes, and my boots, and my breeches,
+and even the old shoes which I carried over my shoulders, after the
+fashion of the Scotch, I thrust my hand into the little wallet which I
+carried, wherein was contained the letter of our lord the pope, placed
+under a little cup I had for drinking. The Lord God and St. Edmund so
+permitting, I drew out both the letter and the cup together, so that
+extending my arm aloft, I held the letter underneath the cup. They
+could see the cup plain enough, but they did not see the letter; and
+so I got clear out of their hands, in the name of the Lord. Whatever
+money I had about me they took away; therefore I had to beg from door
+to door, without any payment, until I arrived in England.
+
+"But hearing that this church had been given to Geoffrey Ridel, my
+soul was heavy, because I had laboured in vain. Coming, therefore,
+home, I crept under the shrine of St. Edmund, fearing lest the abbot
+should seize and imprison me, although I deserved no punishment; nor
+was there a monk who durst speak to me, or a layman who durst bring me
+food except by stealth. At last, upon consideration, the abbot sent me
+to Acre in exile, and there I remained a long time.
+
+"These and innumerable other things have I endured on account of this
+church of Woolpit, but, blessed be God, who works all things together,
+behold! this very church, for which I have borne so many sufferings is
+given into my hand, and now I have the power of presenting it to
+whomsoever I will, because it is vacant. And now I restore it to the
+convent, and I assign to its exclusive use, the ancient custom or
+pension of ten marks, which you have lost for upwards of sixty years.
+I had much rather have given it to you entire, could I have done so;
+but I know that the Bishop of Norwich might gainsay this; or even if
+he did grant it, he would make it an occasion to claim to himself such
+subjection and obedience from you as it is not advisable or expedient
+you should acknowledge. Therefore let us do that which by law we may;
+that is, put a clerk in as vicar, who shall account to the bishop for
+the spiritualities, and to yourselves for ten marks. I propose, if you
+all agree, that this vicarage be given to some kinsman of Roger de
+Hengham, a monk, and one of your brethren who was joined with me in
+that expedition to Rome, and was exposed to the same perils as myself,
+and in respect of the very same matter."
+
+ * * * * *
+
+This said, we all rose and gave thanks; and Hugh, a clerk, brother of
+the said Roger, was nominated to the aforesaid church, saving to us
+our pension of ten marks.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII
+
+THE ABBOT AS PEER OF PARLIAMENT
+
+
+In that manor of the monks of Canterbury which is called Eleigh, and
+is within the hundred of the abbot, a case of homicide occurred; but
+the men of the archbishop would not permit that those manslayers
+should stand their trial in the court of St. Edmund. Thereupon the
+abbot made his plaint to King Henry, stating that Baldwin the
+archbishop was claiming for himself the liberties of our church, under
+authority of a new charter, which the King had given to the church of
+Canterbury after the death of St. Thomas. The King hereupon made
+answer, that he had never made any grant in derogation of the rights
+of our church, nor did he wish to take away from St. Edmund anything
+that had ever belonged to him.
+
+On this intelligence, the abbot said to his most intimate advisers,
+"It is the better counsel that the archbishop should have to complain
+of me than I of the archbishop. I will put myself in seisin of this
+liberty, and afterwards will defend myself thereupon by the help of
+St. Edmund, whose right our charters testify it to be." Therefore
+suddenly and at daybreak, by the assistance of Robert of Cockfield,
+there were dispatched about fourscore men to the town of Eleigh, who
+took by surprise those three manslayers, and led them bound to St.
+Edmund, and cast them into the body of the gaol there.
+
+Now, the archbishop complaining of this, Ranulf de Glanville, the
+justiciary, commanded that those men be put by gage and pledges to
+stand their trial in that court wherein they ought to stand trial; and
+the abbot was summoned to come before the King's court to answer
+touching the violence and injury which he was said to have done to the
+archbishop. The abbot thereupon offered himself several times without
+any essoin.
+
+At length, upon Ash Wednesday, they stood before the King in the
+chapter house of Canterbury, and the charters of the King on one side
+and the other were read in court. And our lord the King said: "These
+charters are of the same age, and emanate from the same King, Edward.
+I know not what I can say, unless it be that these charters contradict
+each other." To whom the abbot said: "Whatever observations may apply
+to the charters, we are seised, and hitherto have been; and of this I
+am willing to put myself upon the verdict of the two counties of
+Norfolk and Suffolk, if they do allow this to be the case."
+
+But Archbishop Baldwin, having first conferred with his advisers, said
+that the men of Norfolk and Suffolk greatly loved St. Edmund, and that
+great part of those counties was under the control of the abbot, and
+therefore he was unwilling to stand by their decision. The King at
+this waxed wroth, and in indignation got up, and in departing said,
+"He that is able to receive it, let him receive it." And so the matter
+was put off, and the case is yet undecided.
+
+However, I observed that some of the men of the monks of Canterbury
+were wounded even to death by the country folk of the town of Milden,
+which is situate in the hundred of St. Edmund; and because they knew
+that the prosecutor ought to make suit to the jurisdiction wherein the
+culprit is, they chose to be silent and to put up with it, rather than
+make complaint thereupon to the abbot or his bailiffs, because in no
+wise would they come into the court of St. Edmund to plead there.
+
+After this the men of Eleigh set up a certain cucking-stool, whereat
+justice was to be done in respect of deceits in the measuring of bread
+or corn; whereof the abbot complained to the Lord Bishop of Ely, then
+justiciary and chancellor. But he was anything but desirous to hear
+the abbot, because it was said that he was smelling after the
+archbishopric, which at that time was vacant. Some time afterwards,
+when he had come on a visitation, being entertained as legate, before
+he departed he made a speech at the shrine of the holy martyr. The
+abbot, seizing the opportunity, said to all present, "My lord bishop,
+the liberty which the monks of Canterbury claim for themselves is the
+right of St. Edmund, whose body is here present; and because you do
+not choose to render me assistance to protect the privileges of his
+church, I place that plaint between him and you. Let him from
+henceforth get justice done to himself." The chancellor deigned not to
+answer a single word; but within a year from that time was driven from
+England, and experienced divine vengeance.
+
+Now when the same chancellor, on his return from Germany, had arrived
+at Ipswich, and rested the night at Hitcham, news was brought that he
+wished to take St. Edmund in his way, and would hear mass with us on
+the morrow. The abbot, therefore, gave strict injunctions that the
+offices of the church should not be celebrated so long as the
+chancellor was present in the church; for he said he had heard at
+London that the Bishop of London had pronounced in the presence of six
+bishops that the Chancellor was excommunicate, and had left England
+excommunicate, particularly for the violence he committed upon the
+Archbishop of York at Dover.
+
+Therefore when the chancellor came to us on the morrow, he found no
+one, neither clerk nor monk, who would sing a mass. Indeed, not only
+the priest standing at the first mass, and beginning the canon of the
+mass, but the other priests standing before the altars, ceased,
+remaining with unmoved lips until a messenger came, saying that he had
+departed from the church. The chancellor put up with it at the time,
+but did many injuries to the abbot, until at length, by the
+intervention of friends, both parties returned to the kiss of peace.
+
+When King Henry had taken the Cross, and had come to us within a month
+afterwards to pay his devotions, the abbot privily made for himself a
+cross of linen cloth, and holding in one hand the cross and a needle
+and thread, he requested licence from the King to take upon himself
+the cross. But this privilege was denied him, upon the suggestion of
+John, Bishop of Norwich, who said that it was not expedient for the
+country, or indeed safe for the counties of Norfolk and Suffolk, that
+the Bishop of Norwich and the Abbot of St. Edmund should be both away
+at the same time.
+
+When the news came to London of the capture of King Richard and his
+imprisonment in Germany, and the barons met to take counsel thereupon,
+the abbot started up before them all, saying that he was quite ready
+to seek his lord the King, either in disguise or any other way, until
+he had discovered where he was, and had gained certain intelligence of
+him; by reason whereof he obtained great approbation.
+
+When the chancellor, the Bishop of Ely, filled the office of legate,
+and in that capacity was holding a council at London, he proposed
+certain decrees against the black monks, taking notice of their
+wandering to St. Thomas and St. Edmund, on the excuse of pilgrimage,
+and inveighed against abbots, restricting them in the number of their
+horses. Abbot Samson replied, "We do not admit any decree against that
+rule of St. Benedict which allows the abbots the free and absolute
+government of their monks. I keep the barony of St. Edmund and his
+kingdom; nor are thirteen horses sufficient for me as they may be for
+some abbots, unless I have more to enable me to execute the King's
+justice."
+
+Whilst there was war throughout England, during the captivity of King
+Richard, the abbot, with his whole convent, solemnly excommunicated
+all movers of the war and disturbers of the public peace, not fearing
+the Earl John, the King's brother, nor any other, so that he was
+styled the "stout-hearted abbot." After this he went to the siege of
+Windsor, where he appeared in armour with certain other abbots of
+England, having his own standard, and retaining many knights at heavy
+charges, being more remarkable there for his counsel than for his
+piety. But we cloister folk thought this act rather perilous, fearing
+lest in consequence some future abbot might be compelled to attend in
+person upon any warlike expedition. On the conclusion of a truce he
+went into Germany, and there visited the King with many gifts.
+
+After the return of King Richard to England, licence was granted for
+holding tournaments; for which purpose many knights met between
+Thetford and St. Edmund. The abbot forbade them; but they, resisting,
+fulfilled their desire. On another occasion there came twenty-four
+young men with their followers, sons of noblemen, to have their
+revenge at the aforesaid place; which being done, they returned into
+the town to put up there. The abbot hearing of this, ordered the gates
+to be locked, and all of them to be kept within. The next day was the
+vigil of Peter and Paul the apostles. Therefore, having passed their
+word and promising that they would not go forth without permission,
+they all dined with the abbot on that day. After dinner, when the
+abbot retired to his chamber, they all arose and began to carol and
+sing, sending into the town for wine, drinking and then shouting,
+depriving the abbot and convent of their sleep, and doing everything
+in scorn of the abbot. They spent the day until the evening in this
+manner; and refused to desist, even when the abbot commanded them. But
+when evening was come, they broke open the gates of the town and went
+forth by force. The abbot, indeed, solemnly excommunicated all of
+them, yet not without first consulting Archbishop Hubert, at that time
+justiciary; and many of them came, promising amendment and seeking
+absolution.
+
+The abbot often sent his messengers to Rome, by no means empty-handed.
+The first he sent, immediately after he was consecrated, obtained in
+general terms all the liberties and privileges which had been granted
+of yore to his predecessors, even in the time of the schism. Next he
+obtained, first among the abbots of England, that he might be able to
+give episcopal benediction solemnly, wheresoever he might happen to
+be, and this he obtained for himself and for his successors.
+Afterwards he obtained a general exemption for himself and his
+successors, from all Archbishops of Canterbury, which Abbot Hugh had
+only acquired for himself personally. In these confirmations Abbot
+Samson caused to be inserted many new privileges for the greater
+liberty and security of our church.
+
+There once came a certain clerk to the abbot, bearing letters of
+request for procuring a benefice. And the abbot, drawing forth from
+his desk seven apostolic writings, with the leaden seals hanging to
+them, made answer: "Look at these apostolic writings, whereby divers
+popes require that certain benefices should be given to divers clerks.
+When I shall have quieted those who have come before you, I will give
+you your rent; for he who first cometh to the mill ought first to have
+his grist."
+
+There was a general court summoned for the hundred of Risbridge, to
+hear the plaint and trial of the Earl of Clare, at Witham. He, indeed,
+accompanied by many barons and knights, including the Earl Alberic and
+many others, stated that his bailiffs had given him to understand that
+they were accustomed to receive yearly for his use five shillings from
+the hundred and the bailiffs of the hundred, and that this was now
+unjustly detained; and he alleged that the land of Alfric, the son of
+Withgar, who had in ancient time been lord of that hundred, had been
+granted to his predecessors at the conquest of England. But the abbot,
+taking thought for his own interest, without stirring from his place,
+answered, "It is a strange thing, my lord earl; your case fails you.
+King Edward the Confessor gave, and by his charter confirmed, to St.
+Edmund, this entire hundred; and of those five shillings there is no
+mention made therein. You must tell us for what service, or for what
+reason, you demand those five shillings." And the earl, after advising
+with his attendants, replied that it was his office to carry the
+standard of St. Edmund in battle, and for that cause the five
+shillings were due to him. The abbot answered, "Of a truth it seems a
+mean thing that such a man as the Earl of Clare, should receive such a
+petty gift for such a service. To the Abbot of St. Edmund, it is but a
+slight grievance to give five shillings. The Earl Roger Bigot holds
+himself as seised, and asserts that he is seised, of the office of
+bearing the standard of St. Edmund; indeed, he actually did bear it
+when the earl of Leicester was taken and the Flemings destroyed.
+Thomas of Mendham also claims this as his right. When, therefore, you
+shall have proved against these your right, I will with great pleasure
+pay you the five shillings you now seek to recover of me." The earl
+upon this said that he would talk the matter over with the Earl Roger,
+his kinsman, and so the matter was put off even to this day.
+
+On the death of Robert of Cockfield, there came Adam, his son, and
+with him many of his relations, the Earl Roger Bigot, and many other
+great men, and made suit to the abbot for the tenements of the
+aforesaid Adam, and especially for the half hundred of Cosford, to be
+held by the annual payment of one hundred shillings, just as if it had
+been his hereditary right; indeed, they all said that his father and
+his grandfather had held it for fourscore years past and more.
+
+When the abbot got an opportunity of speaking, putting his two fingers
+up to his two eyes, he said, "May I be deprived of these eyes on that
+day, nay, in that hour, wherein I grant to any one a hundred to be
+held in hereditary right, unless indeed the King, who is able to take
+away from me the abbey and my life with it, should force me to do so."
+
+Explaining to them the reason of that saying, he averred, "If any one
+were to hold a hundred as an inheritance, and he should make forfeit
+to the King in any wise, so that he ought to lose his inheritance,
+forthwith will the Sheriff of Suffolk and the King's bailiffs have
+seisin of the hundred, and exercise their own power within our
+liberties; and if they should have the ward of the hundred, the
+liberty of the eight hundreds and a half will be endangered."
+
+And then addressing himself to Adam, he said, "If you, who claim an
+inheritance in this hundred, should take to wife any free woman who
+should hold but one acre of land of the King in chief; the King, after
+your death, would possess himself of all that your tenement, together
+with the wardship of your son, if he be under age; and thus the King's
+bailiffs would enter upon the hundred of St. Edmund, to the prejudice
+of the abbot. Besides all this, your father acknowledged to me that he
+claimed nothing by right of inheritance in the hundred; but because
+his service was satisfactory to me, I permitted him to hold it all the
+days of his life, according as he deserved of me."
+
+Upon the abbot saying thus much, money was offered; but he could not
+be persuaded by words or money. At last it was settled between them
+thus: Adam disclaimed the right which he had by word of mouth claimed
+in the hundred, and the abbot confirmed to him all his other lands;
+but touching our town of Cockfield, no mention was made of that, nor
+indeed is it believed that he had a charter thereof; Semer and Groton
+he was to hold for the term of his life.
+
+Herbert the dean erected a windmill upon Haberdon. When the abbot
+heard of this, his anger was so kindled that he would scarcely eat or
+utter a single word. On the morrow, after hearing mass, he commanded
+the sacrist, that without delay he should send his carpenters thither
+and overturn it altogether, and carefully put by the wooden materials
+in safe keeping.
+
+The dean, hearing this, came to him saying that he was able in law to
+do this upon his own frank fee, and that the benefit of the wind ought
+not to be denied to any one. He further said that he only wanted to
+grind his own corn there, and nobody else's, lest it should be
+imagined that he did this to the damage of the neighbouring mills. The
+abbot, his anger not yet appeased, answered, "I give you as many
+thanks as if you had cut off both my feet; by the mouth of God I will
+not eat bread until that building be plucked down. You are an old man,
+and you should have known that it is not lawful even for the King or
+his justiciary to alter or appoint a single thing within the banlieue,
+without the permission of the abbot and convent; and why have you
+presumed to do such a thing? Nor is this without prejudice to my
+mills, as you assert, because the burgesses will run to you and grind
+their corn at their pleasure, nor can I by law turn them away, because
+they are freemen. Nor would I endure that the mill of our cellarer,
+lately set up, should stand, except that it was erected before I was
+abbot. Begone," he said, "begone; before you have come to your house,
+you shall hear what has befallen your mill."
+
+But the dean being afraid before the face of the abbot, by the counsel
+of his son, Master Stephen, forestalled the servants of the sacrist,
+and without delay caused that very mill which had been erected by his
+own servants to be overthrown. So that when the servants of the
+sacrist came thither, they found nothing to be pulled down.
+
+The abbot was sued in respect of the advowson of certain churches, and
+gained the case. Certain others he also retained, although his right
+thereto was challenged, viz., the church of Westley, of Meringthorp,
+of Brettenham, of Wendling, of Pakenham, of Nowton, of Bradfield in
+Norfolk, the moiety of the church of Boxford, the church of Scaldwell,
+and the church of Endgate. All these, although the right was
+challenged by others, he retained, and he restored to his own right of
+patronage three portions of the church of Dickleburgh, and brought
+back the tenements belonging to those shares to the frank fee of the
+church, saving the service which was due therefrom to the manor of
+Tivetshall. But the church of Boxford being void, when an inquest was
+summoned thereupon, there came five knights tempting the abbot, and
+inquiring what it was they ought to swear.
+
+The abbot would neither give nor promise to them anything, but said,
+"When the oath shall be administered, declare the right according to
+your consciences." They, indeed, being discontented, departed, and by
+their inquest took away from him the advowson of that church, namely,
+the last presentation. Nevertheless, he ultimately recovered it after
+many charges, and for a fine of ten marks.
+
+The abbot also retained the church of Honington. This had not become
+vacant, but the right was challenged in the time of Durand of
+Hostesley, although he produced as evidence of his right the charter
+of William, Bishop of Norwich, wherein it was specified that Robert of
+Valognes, his father-in-law, had given that church to Ernald Lovell.
+
+The moiety of the church of Hopton being void, a controversy arose
+thereupon between the abbot and Robert of Elm; and a day of hearing
+being appointed at Hopton, after much altercation, the abbot being
+guided by I know not what sudden impulse, said to the aforesaid
+Robert, "Do you but swear that this is your right, and I will allow
+that it shall be so." And since that knight refused to swear, it was
+by the consent of each party, referred to the oath of sixteen lawful
+men of the hundred, who swore that this belonged to the abbot as his
+right. Gilbert Fitz-Ralph and Robert of Cockfield, lords of that fee,
+were there present and consenting thereto.
+
+Thereupon, Master Jordan de Ros, who had the charter of abbot Hugh, as
+well as the charter of the aforesaid Robert, starting forward, urged
+that whichever of them succeeded in proving his claim to the church,
+he (Jordan) might hold the parsonage, that he was parson of the whole
+church, and that the clerk last deceased had been his vicar, rendering
+him a yearly payment for that moiety. In proof thereof he produced the
+charter of Walchelin the archdeacon.
+
+The abbot, greatly moved and angry with him, never received him in a
+friendly manner, until the said Jordan, in a chapter of the monks at
+Thetford, at the abbot's instance, resigned into the hands of the
+bishop there present that very moiety, without any reservation or
+expectation of afterwards recovering the same, before a great
+multitude of clerks. This done, the abbot said, "My lord bishop, I am
+engaged by promise to bestow the rent upon some one your clerk; and I
+now give this moiety of this church to whomsoever of your clerks you
+will." Then the bishop requested that in a friendly manner it should
+be given to the same Master Jordan; and so upon the presentation of
+the abbot, Jordan got it back again.
+
+Afterwards a controversy arose between the abbot and the same Jordan,
+touching the land of Herard in Harlow, whether it were the frank fee
+of the church or not. And when there was summoned a jury of twelve
+knights to make inquest in the king's court, the inquest was taken in
+the court of the abbot at Harlow, by the licence of Ranulf de
+Glanville, and the recognitors swore that they never knew that land at
+any time to have been separated from the church, but nevertheless that
+land owed such service to the abbot as that to which the land of
+Eustace, and certain other lands of laymen in the same town were
+subject. At length it was agreed between them thus: Master Jordan in
+full court acknowledged that land to be lay fee, and that he claimed
+nothing therein, unless by the abbot's grace. He will therefore hold
+that land all the days of his life, rendering yearly to the abbot
+twelve pence for all services.
+
+Since, according to the custom of the English, many persons gave many
+presents to the abbot, as being their head, upon the day of the
+Circumcision of our Lord, I, Jocelin, thought to myself, What can I
+give? And I began to reduce into writing all those churches which are
+in the gift of the abbot, as well of our manors as of his, and the
+reasonable values of the same, upon the same principle that they could
+be fairly set to farm, at a time when corn is at its ordinary standard
+price. And, therefore, upon the commencement of a new year, I gave to
+the abbot that schedule, as a gift to him, which he received very
+gratefully.
+
+I, indeed, because I then was pleasing in his sight, thought in my
+heart, that I should hint to him that some one church should be given
+to the convent, and assigned for the purposes of hospitality, just as
+he had wished when he was a poor cloister monk: for this same thing he
+himself had, before his election, suggested the brethren should swear,
+that upon whomsoever the lot should fall, that man should do it. But
+while I thought upon these things, I remembered that some one
+previously had said the very same thing, and that I had heard the
+abbot reply, that he could not dismember the barony; in other words,
+that he ought not to diminish the liberty and dignity which abbot Hugh
+and others his predecessors had had, of giving away churches, which
+after all scarcely brought any gain or profit to the convent. On
+considering this, I held my peace.
+
+The writing I have alluded to was the following:--
+
+ "These are the churches of the manors and socages of the ABBOT: The
+ church of Melford is worth forty pounds; Chevington, ten marks;
+ Saxham, twelve marks; Hargrave, five marks; Brettenham, five marks;
+ Boxford, one hundred shillings; Fornham Magna, one hundred shillings;
+ Stow, one hundred shillings; Honington, five marks; Elmswell, three
+ marks; Cotton, twelve marks; Brocford, five marks; Palgrave, ten
+ marks; Great Horningsherth, five marks; Kingston, four marks; Harlow,
+ nineteen marks; Stapleford, three marks; Tivetshall, one hundred
+ shillings; Worlingworth cum Bedingfield, twenty marks; Soham, six
+ marks; the moiety of the church of Wortham, one hundred shillings;
+ Rungton, twenty marks; Thorp, six marks; Woolpit, over and above the
+ pension, one hundred shillings; Rushbrook, five marks; the moiety of
+ the church of Hopton, sixty shillings; Rickinghall, six marks; three
+ parts of the church of Dickleburgh, each part being worth thirty
+ shillings and upwards; the moiety of the church of Gislingham, four
+ marks; Icklingham, six marks. Concerning the church of Mildenhall,
+ which is worth forty marks, and of the moiety of the church of
+ Wetherden, what shall I say? Wendling, one hundred shillings; the
+ church of Len, ten marks; the church of Scaldwell, five marks; the
+ church of Warkton ...
+
+ "These are the churches of the manors belonging to the CONVENT:
+ Mildenhall, Barton, and Horningsherth, twenty-five marks, besides the
+ pension; Rougham, fifteen marks, besides the pension; Bradfield, five
+ marks; Pakenham, thirty marks; Southrey, one hundred shillings;
+ Risby, twenty marks; Nowton, four marks; Whepstead, fourteen marks;
+ Fornham St. Genevieve, fifteen marks; Herringswell, nine marks;
+ Fornham St. Martin, three marks; Ingham, ten marks; Lackford, one
+ hundred shillings; Elveden, ten marks; Cockfield, twenty marks;
+ Semer-Semer, twelve marks; Groton, five marks; the moiety of the
+ church of Fressingfield, fourteen marks; Beccles, twenty marks; Broc,
+ fifteen marks; Hinderclay, ten marks; Warkton, ten marks; Scaldwell,
+ five marks; Westley, five marks; the church in Norwich, two marks,
+ over and above the payment of herrings; and two churches in
+ Colchester, three marks, over and above the pension of four
+ shillings; Chelsworth, one hundred shillings; Meringthorp, four
+ marks; the moiety of the church of Bradfield in Norfolk, three marks;
+ staffacres and fouracres, and the third part of the tithes of the
+ lordships of Wrabness, six marks."
+
+The two counties of Norfolk and Suffolk were put in the "mercy" of the
+King by the justices in eyre for some default, and fifty marks were
+put upon Norfolk, and thirty upon Suffolk. And when a certain portion
+of that common amerciament was assessed upon the lands of St. Edmund,
+and was sharply demanded, the abbot, without any delay, went to our
+lord the King. We found him at Clarendon; and when the charter of King
+Edward, which discharges all the lands of St. Edmund from all gelds
+and scots, had been shown to him, the King commanded by his writ that
+six knights of the county of Norfolk and six of Suffolk should be
+summoned to consider before the barons of the exchequer, whether the
+lordships of St. Edmund ought to be quit from common amerciament. To
+save trouble and expense, only six knights were chosen, and these for
+the reason that they had lands in either county; namely, Hubert of
+Briseword, W. Fitz-Hervey, and William of Francheville, and three
+others, who went to London with us, and on behalf of the two counties
+gave their verdict in favour of the liberty of our church. And
+thereupon the justices then sitting enrolled their verdict.
+
+The abbot Samson entered into a contest with his knights--himself
+against all, and all of them against him. He had stated to them that
+they ought to perform the service of fifty individual knights in
+escuages, in aids, and the like, because, as they themselves said,
+they held so many knights' fees. The point in dispute was, why ten of
+those fifty knights were to be without performing service, or by what
+reason or by whose authority the forty should receive the help of
+those ten knights. But they all answered with one voice, that such had
+ever been the custom, that is to say, that ten of them should assist
+the other forty, and that they could not thereupon--nor ought they
+thereupon--to answer, nor yet to implead.
+
+When they were summoned in the King's court to answer hereupon, some,
+by arrangement, excused themselves from appearing, the others
+cunningly appeared, saying that they ought not to answer without their
+peers. On another occasion, those presented themselves who had first
+absented themselves, saying in like manner, that they ought not to
+answer without their peers who were joined with them in the same
+plaint. And when they had several times thus mocked the abbot, and had
+involved him in great and grievous expenses, the abbot complained of
+this to Hubert, the archbishop, then justiciary, who replied in open
+court that each knight ought to plead singly, and in respect of his
+own tenure, and said straight out that the abbot was clever enough and
+able enough to prove the rights of his church against all and every
+one of them. Then the earl, Roger Bigot, first of all freely confessed
+that, in law, he owed to his superior lord the abbot his service of
+three entire knights' fees, in reliefs as well as in escuages and
+aids; but, so far as concerned his performing castle-guard at the
+castle of Norwich, he said nothing.
+
+Next came two of these knights, then three, and again more, until
+nearly all of them had come, and, by the earl's example, acknowledged
+the same service. Because such acknowledgment thereupon made in the
+court of St. Edmund was not sufficient in law, the abbot took all of
+them to London at his own charges, with the wives and women who were
+inherited of the lands so held, that they should make the
+acknowledgment in the King's court, and they all received separate
+charters of the concord thus made. Alberic de Vere and William of
+Hastings and two others were in the King's service beyond sea when
+this was done, and therefore the plaint concerning them was stayed.
+Alberic de Vere was the last who held out against the abbot; but as it
+was, the abbot seized and sold his cattle, wherefore it behoved him to
+come into court, and answer, as did his fellows. Taking advice upon
+it, he at length acknowledged to the abbot and St. Edmund their right.
+
+The knights, therefore, being all defeated, a great profit would have
+accrued to the abbot from this victory unless he had been inclined to
+spare some of them; for so often as twenty shillings are charged upon
+a fee, there will remain twelve pounds to the abbot, and if more or
+less are assessed, more or less will remain over as a surplus to him,
+according to the strict apportionment. Also the abbot was wont, as
+were his predecessors, at the end of every twenty weeks to give seven
+shillings for the guard of the castle of Norwich out of his own purse,
+for default of three knights, whose fees Roger Bigot holds of St.
+Edmund. Each of the knights of four constabularies used to give
+twenty-eight pence when they entered to perform their guards, and one
+penny to the marshal who collected those pence; and they were
+accustomed to give twenty-eight pence and no more, because the ten
+knights of the fifth constabulary ought to assist the other forty, so
+that whereas they ought to have given three shillings entire, they
+only gave twenty-nine pence, and he whose duty it was to enter to
+perform his guard service at the end of four months, entered at the
+end of twenty weeks. But at the present time all the knights give the
+full three shillings, and there remains to the abbot the surplus which
+accrues beyond twenty-nine pence, from whence he can re-imburse
+himself of the aforesaid seven shillings. It is apparent what force
+had the words of the abbot which he spoke the first day, when he took
+the homage of his knights, as aforesaid, when all the knights promised
+him twenty shillings, and immediately revoked what they had said,
+refusing to give him more than forty pounds in one sum, alleging that
+ten knights ought to assist the other forty in aids and castle-guards,
+and all such like services.
+
+There is certain land in Tivetshall of the abbot's fee, which used to
+pay to the watchmen of the castle of Norwich waite-fee, that is,
+twenty shillings per annum, payable five shillings on each of the four
+Ember fasts. This is an ancient customary payment which the abbot
+would well wish to do away with if he could, but considering his
+inability to do so, he has up to now held his peace and closed his
+eyes to it.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII
+
+THE CASE OF HENRY OF ESSEX
+
+
+[For the purpose of diffusing the knowledge of the blessed King and
+martyr, we have annexed this, we hope not irrelevantly, to the
+foregoing. Not that I who am so insignificant a person, and of
+scarcely any account, should set it forth with a historical title; but
+insomuch as Master Jocelin, our almoner, a man of exalted piety,
+powerful in word and deed, did so begin it at the request and desire
+of his superior, I may look upon it as my own work, because, according
+to the precept of Seneca, whatever has been well said by another, I
+may without presumption ascribe to myself.
+
+When the abbot came to Reading, and we with him, we were suitably
+entertained by the monks of that place, among whom we met Henry of
+Essex, a professed monk, who, having obtained an opportunity of
+speaking with the abbot, related to him and ourselves as we all sat
+together, how he was vanquished in duel, and how and for what reason
+St. Edmund had confounded him in the very hour of battle. I therefore
+reduced his tale into writing by the command of the lord abbot, and
+wrote it in these words.
+
+As it is impossible for us to shun evil unless it be apparent, we have
+thought it worthy to commit to historical record the acts and excesses
+of Henry of Essex, as a warning and not for imitation. The warnings
+that can be enforced by anecdotes are useful and beneficial. The
+aforesaid Henry, therefore, while in prosperity was in high esteem
+amongst the great men of the realm, a man of much account, of noble
+birth, conspicuous by deeds of arms, the king's standard-bearer, and
+feared by all on account of his power. His neighbours endowed the
+church of St. Edmund, the King and martyr, with possessions and rents;
+but he not only shut his eyes to this fact, but also by force and by
+injuries, with violence and evil speaking, wrongfully withheld an
+annual rent of five shillings, and converted it to his own use. Nay,
+indeed, in process of time, when a cause touching the rape of a
+certain damsel was prosecuted in the court of St. Edmund, the said
+Henry came thither, protesting and alleging that the same plaint by
+law ought to be decided in his court, in view of the birthplace of the
+same damsel, who was born within his lordship of Lailand; and by
+reason of this pretext he presumed to harass the court of St. Edmund
+with journeys and innumerable expenses for a long space of time.
+
+In the meantime, in these and such like acts, fortune, smiling upon
+his desires, suddenly brought in upon him the cause of perpetual
+sorrow, and, under the appearance of a joyful beginning, she contrived
+for him a joyless end; for she is wont to smile that she may
+afterwards rage, to flatter that she may deceive, to raise up that she
+may cast down. All at once, there rose up against him Robert of
+Montfort, his kinsman and equal in birth and power, impeaching and
+accusing him before the princes of the land, of treason against the
+King. For he asserted that Henry, in the war with the Welsh, in the
+difficult pass of Coleshill, had traitorously thrown down the standard
+of our lord the King, and had with a loud voice proclaimed his death,
+and so turned to flight those who were hastening to his assistance. In
+point of fact, the aforesaid Henry of Essex did believe that the
+famous King Henry the Second, who had been intercepted by the
+stratagems of the Welsh, had been killed; and this would indeed have
+been the case, if Roger Earl of Clare, illustrious (clarus) by reason
+of birth, and more illustrious by deeds of valour, had not come up in
+good time with his Clare men, and raised the standard of our lord the
+King, to the encouragement and heartening of the whole army. Henry,
+indeed, strenuously opposed the aforesaid Robert in a speech, and
+absolutely denied the accusation, so that after a short lapse of time
+it came to a trial by battle. And they came to Reading to fight in a
+certain island hard by the abbey; and thither also came a multitude to
+see what issue the matter would take.
+
+Now it came to pass, while Robert of Montfort thundered upon him
+manfully with hard and frequent strokes, and a bold onset had promised
+the fruit of victory, Henry, his strength a little failing him,
+glanced round on all sides, and lo! on the border of the land and
+water he saw the glorious King and martyr, Edmund, armed, and as if
+hovering in the air, looking towards him with a severe countenance,
+shaking his head with threats of anger and indignation. He also saw
+with him another knight, Gilbert of Cereville, not only in appearance
+inferior, but less in stature from the shoulders, direct his eyes upon
+him as if angry and wrathful. This man, by the order of the same
+Henry, had been afflicted with chains and torments, and had closed his
+days in prison at the instance and on the accusation of Henry's wife;
+who, turning her own wickedness upon an innocent person, stated that
+she could not endure the solicitations of Gilbert to unlawful love.
+Therefore, Henry, on sight of these apparitions, became anxious and
+fear-stricken, and remembered that old crime brings new shame.
+Becoming wholly desperate, and changing reason into violence, he
+assumed the part of one who attacked, not one who was on the
+defensive; who, while he struck fiercely, was more fiercely struck;
+and while he manfully fought, was more manfully attacked in his turn.
+In short, he fell vanquished.
+
+As he was believed to be dead, upon the petition of the great men of
+England, his kinsmen, it was permitted that the monks of that place
+should give his body the rites of sepulture. Nevertheless, he
+afterwards recovered, and now with restored health, he has wiped out
+the blot upon his previous life under the regular habit, and in his
+endeavour to cleanse the long week of his dissolute life by at least
+one purifying sabbath, has so cultivated the studies of the virtues,
+as to bring forth the fruit of happiness.]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX
+
+TROUBLES WITHOUT
+
+
+Geoffrey Ridel, Bishop of Ely, sought from the abbot some timber for
+the purpose of constructing certain great buildings at Glemsford. This
+request the abbot granted, but against his will, not daring to offend
+him. Now the abbot making some stay at Melford, there came a certain
+clerk of the bishop, asking on behalf of his lord, that the promised
+timber might be taken at Elmswell; and he made a mistake in the word,
+saying Elmswell when he should have said Elmsett, which is the name of
+a certain wood at Melford. And the abbot was astonished at the
+request, for such timber was not to be found at Elmswell.
+
+Now when Richard the forester of the same town had heard of this, he
+secretly informed the abbot that the bishop had the previous week sent
+his carpenters to spy out the wood of Elmsett, and had chosen the best
+timber trees in the whole wood, and placed his marks thereon. On
+hearing this, the abbot directly discovered that the messenger of the
+bishop had made an error in his request, and answered that he would
+willingly do as the bishop pleased.
+
+On the morrow, upon the departure of the messenger, immediately after
+he had heard mass, the abbot went into the before-named wood with his
+carpenters, and caused to be branded with his mark not only all the
+oaks previously marked, but more than a hundred others, for the use of
+St. Edmund, and for the steeple of the great tower, commanding that
+they should be felled as quickly as possible. When the bishop, by the
+answer of his messenger, understood that the aforesaid timber might be
+taken at Elmswell, he sent back the same messenger (whom he
+overwhelmed with many hard words) to the abbot, in order that he might
+correct the word which he had mistaken, by saying Elmsett, not
+Elmswell. But before he had come to the abbot, all the trees which the
+bishop desired and his carpenters had marked were felled. So the
+bishop, if he wanted timber, had to get other timber elsewhere. As for
+myself, when I witnessed this affair, I laughed, and said in my heart,
+"Thus art is deceived by art."
+
+On the death of Abbot Hugh, the wardens of the abbey desired to depose
+the bailiffs of the town of St. Edmund, and to appoint new bailiffs of
+their own authority, saying that this appertained to the King, in
+whose hand the abbey then was. But we, complaining thereof, sent our
+messengers to lord Ranulf de Glanville, then justiciary. He answered,
+that he well knew that forty pounds a year ought to be paid from the
+town to our sacrist, specially for the lights of the church; and he
+said that Abbot Hugh, of his own will, and in his privy chamber,
+without the consent of the convent, had granted the bailiwick as often
+as he chose, and unto whom he chose, saving the forty pounds payable
+to the altar. And therefore it was not to be wondered at if the King's
+bailiffs required this same thing on the King's behalf. Speaking in
+bitter language, he called all our monks fools for having permitted
+our abbot to do such things, not considering that the chief duty of
+monks is to hold their peace, and pass over with closed eyes the
+excesses of their prelates; nor yet considering that they are called
+barrators if they, whether it be right or wrong, contravene their
+superiors in anything; and, further, that sometimes we are accused of
+treason and are condemned to prison and to exile. Wherefore it seems
+to myself and others the better counsel to die as confessors rather
+than as martyrs.
+
+On the return of our messenger home, and on his relating what he had
+seen and heard, we, as being unwilling and, as it were, under
+compulsion, resolved, so far as we were able, that the old bailiffs of
+the town should be deposed, as well with the common consent of the
+convent, as by the keepers of the abbey. Samson, then sub-sacrist, was
+very reluctant to join in this proposition. However, when Samson was
+made abbot, he, calling to remembrance the wrong done to the abbey, on
+the morrow after the Easter following his election, caused to be
+assembled in our chapter-house the knights and clerks, and a number of
+the burgesses, and then in the presence of them all, said that the
+town belonged to the convent and to the altar, namely, to find tapers
+for the church; and that he was desirous of renewing the ancient
+custom, so that in the presence of the convent, and with the consent
+of all, some measure should be taken concerning the bailiwick of the
+town, and of such like matters which appertained to the convent.
+
+At that time were nominated two burgesses, Godfrey and Nicholas, to be
+bailiffs; and a discussion taking place from whose hand they should
+receive the horn, which is called the moot-horn, at last they took it
+from the hands of the prior, who, next to the abbot, is head over the
+affairs of the convent.
+
+Now these two bailiffs kept their bailiwick in peace many years, until
+they were said to be remiss in keeping the King's justice. On the
+abbot's suggestion that greater security should be given to the
+convent upon this point, they were removed, and Hugh the sacrist took
+the town into his own keeping, appointing new officers, who were to
+answer to him concerning the bailiwick. In process of time, I know not
+how, new bailiffs were subsequently appointed, and that elsewhere than
+in chapter, and without the concurrence of the church; wherefore a
+like or perhaps greater peril is to be apprehended after the decease
+of Abbot Samson than even was after the death of Abbot Hugh.
+
+One of our brethren, too, fully relying upon the regard and friendship
+of the abbot, upon a fit opportunity and with propriety and decency,
+talked over the matter with him, asserting that dissatisfaction was
+expressed in the convent. But the abbot upon hearing this was silent
+for a long time, as if he was somewhat disturbed. At length he is
+reported to have said, "Am not I, even I, the abbot? Does it not
+belong to me alone to make order concerning the affairs of the church
+committed to my care, provided only that I should act with wisdom and
+according to God's will? If there should be default in the
+administration of the King's justice in this town, I shall be
+challenged for it; I shall be summoned; upon myself alone will rest
+the burden of the journey, and the expenses, and the defence of the
+town and its appurtenances; I alone shall be deemed a fool, not the
+prior, not the sacrist, nor yet the convent, but myself, who am and
+ought to be their head. Through me and my counsel, with God's
+assistance, will the town be securely preserved to the best of my
+ability, and safe also will be those forty pounds payable annually to
+the altar. Let the brethren grumble, let them slander me, let them say
+amongst themselves what they will, I am still their father and their
+abbot; so long as I live 'I will not give my glory to another.'" This
+said, that monk departed, and reported these answers to us.
+
+I for my part marvelled at such sayings, and argued with myself in
+various ways. At length I was compelled to remain in a state of doubt,
+inasmuch as the rule of law says and teaches, that all things should
+be under the governance of the abbot.
+
+The merchants of London claimed to be quit of toll at the fair of St.
+Edmund. Nevertheless many paid it, unwillingly indeed, and under
+compulsion; whereof a great tumult and commotion was made among the
+citizens in London at their hustings. They came in a body and informed
+Abbot Samson that they were entitled to be quit of toll throughout all
+England, by authority of the charter which they had from King Henry
+the Second. The abbot answered that were it necessary, he was well
+able to vouch the King to warrant that he had never granted them any
+charter to the prejudice of our church, or to the prejudice of the
+liberties of St. Edmund, to whom St. Edward had granted and confirmed
+toll and theam and all regalities before the conquest of England; and
+that King Henry had done no more than give to the Londoners an
+exemption from toll throughout his own lordships, and in places where
+he was able to grant it; but so far as concerned the town of St.
+Edmund he was not able so to do, for it was not his to dispose of. The
+Londoners, hearing this, ordered by common council that none of them
+should go to the fair of St. Edmund. For two years they kept away,
+whereby our fair sustained great loss, and the offering of the sacrist
+was much diminished. At last, upon the mediation of the Bishop of
+London and many others, it was settled between us and them that they
+should come to the fair, and that some of them should pay toll, but
+that it should be forthwith returned to them, that by such a
+colourable act the privilege on both sides should be preserved.
+
+But in process of time, when the abbot had made agreement with his
+knights, and as it were slept in tranquillity, behold again "the
+Philistines be upon thee, Samson!" Lo! the Londoners, with one voice,
+were threatening that they would lay level with the earth the stone
+houses which the abbot had built that very year, or that they would
+take distress by a hundredfold from the men of St. Edmund, unless the
+abbot forthwith redressed the wrong done them by the bailiffs of the
+town of St. Edmund, who had taken fifteen pence from the carts of the
+citizens of London, who in their way from Yarmouth, laden with
+herrings, had made passage through our demesnes. Furthermore, the
+citizens of London said that they were quit of toll in every market,
+and on every occasion, and in every place throughout all England, from
+the time when Rome was first founded, and that London was founded at
+the very same time. Also, that they ought to have such an exemption
+throughout all England, as well by reason of its being a privileged
+city, which was of old time the metropolis and head of the kingdom, as
+by reason of its antiquity. The abbot asked that the matter might be
+deferred until the return of our lord the King to England, that he
+might consult with him upon this; and having taken advice of the
+lawyers, he replevied to the claimants those fifteen pence, without
+prejudice to the question of each party's right.
+
+In the tenth year of the abbacy of Abbot Samson, by the common counsel
+of our chapter, we complained to the abbot in his own hall, stating
+that the rents and issues of all the good towns and boroughs of
+England were increasing and augmenting, to the profit of the
+possessors, and the well-thriving of their lords, all except this our
+town, which had long yielded forty pounds, and had never gone beyond
+that sum; and that the burgesses of the town were the cause of this
+thing. For they held so large and so many standings in the
+market-place, of shops and sheds and stalls, without the assent of the
+convent, indeed from the sole gift of the bailiffs of the town, who in
+old time were but yearly renters, and, as it were, ministers of the
+sacrist, and were removable at his good pleasure. The burgesses, being
+summoned, made answer that they were under the jurisdiction of the
+King's courts, nor would they make answer in derogation of the
+immunity of the town and their charters, in respect of the tenements
+which they and their fathers had holden well and peaceably for one
+year and a day without claim. They also said the old custom had been
+that the bailiffs should, without the interference of the convent,
+dispose of the places of the shops and sheds in the market-place, in
+consideration of a certain rent payable yearly to the bailiwick. But
+we, gainsaying this, were desirous that the abbot should disseise them
+of tenements for which they had no warranty.
+
+Now the abbot coming to our council, as if he were one of us, said to
+us in private, that he was willing enough to do us right, according to
+the best of his ability, but that he, nevertheless, was bound to
+proceed in due course of law; nor could he, without the judgment of a
+court, disseise his free men of their lands or rents, which they had
+held for many years, were it justly or unjustly. If he should do this,
+he said, he should fall into the King's mercy by the assize of the
+realm. Therefore, the burgesses, taking counsel together, offered to
+the convent a rent of one hundred shillings for the sake of peace; and
+that they should hold their tenements as they had been wont to do. But
+we, on the other hand, were by no means willing to grant this, rather
+desiring to put that plaint in respite, hoping, perhaps, in the time
+of another abbot, to recover all, or change the place of the fair; and
+so the affair was deferred for many years.
+
+When the abbot had returned from Germany, the burgesses offered him
+sixty marks, and sued for his confirmation of the liberties of the
+town, under the same form of words as Anselm, and Ording, and Hugh had
+confirmed them; all which the abbot graciously accorded.
+Notwithstanding our murmuring and grumbling, a charter was accordingly
+made to them in the terms of his promise; and because it would have
+been a shame and confusion to him if he had not been able to fulfil
+his promise, we were not willing to contradict him, or provoke him to
+anger.
+
+The burgesses, indeed, from the period when they had the charter of
+Abbot Samson and the convent, became more confident that they, at
+least in the time of Abbot Samson, would not lose their tenements or
+their franchises; so that never afterwards, as they did before, were
+they willing to pay or offer the before-named rent of one hundred
+shillings. At length, however, the abbot giving attention to this
+matter, discoursed with the burgesses hereupon, saying that unless
+they made their peace with the convent, he should forbid their
+erecting their booths at the fair of St. Edmund.
+
+They, on the other hand, answered that they were willing to give every
+year a silken cope, or some other ornament, to the value of one
+hundred shillings, as they had before promised to do; but
+nevertheless, upon this condition, that they were to be for ever quit
+of the tithes of their profits, which the sacrist sharply demanded of
+them. The abbot and the sacrist both refused this, and therefore the
+plaint was again put in respite.
+
+In point of fact, we have from that time to the present lost those
+hundred shillings, according to the old saying, "He that will not when
+he may, when he will he shall have nay."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X
+
+TROUBLES WITHIN
+
+
+The cellarers quickly succeeded each other, and every one of them at
+the year's end became involved in a great debt. There were given to
+the cellarer, in aid, twenty pounds out of Mildenhall, but this did
+not suffice. After that, fifty pounds were assigned to the cellarer
+each year from the same manor; and yet the cellarer used to say that
+this was not enough. The abbot, therefore, being anxious to provide
+for his security from loss and comfort, as well as for our own,
+knowing that in all our wants we must have recourse to him as to the
+father of the monastery, associated with the cellarer a certain clerk
+of his own table, by name Ranulf, so that he might assist him both as
+a witness and companion in the expenses and receipts. And lo! many of
+us speak many things, murmurings thicken, falsehoods are invented,
+scandals are interwoven with scandals, nor is there a corner in the
+house which does not resound with venomous hissing.
+
+One says to another, "What is this that is done? Who ever saw the
+like? There never was such an insult offered to the convent before.
+Behold! the abbot has set a clerk over a monk; see, he has made a
+clerk a master and keeper over the cellarer, as if he could do no good
+without him. The abbot thinks but lightly of his monks; he suspects
+his monks; he consults clerks; he loves clerks. 'How is the gold
+become dim! How is the fine gold changed!'" Also one friend says to
+another, "We are become a reproach to our neighbours. All of us monks
+are either reckoned faithless or improvident; the clerk is believed,
+the monk is not. The abbot had rather trust the clerk than the monk.
+Now is this clerk a whit more faithful or wise than a monk would be?"
+
+And again, one friend would say to another, "Are not the cellarer and
+sub-cellarer, or can they not be, as faithful as the sacrist or the
+chamberlain? The consequence is, that this abbot or his successor will
+put a clerk along with the sacrist, a clerk with the chamberlain, a
+clerk with the sub-sacrists to collect the offerings at the shrine,
+and so on with all the officials, wherefore we shall be a
+laughing-stock and derision to the whole people."
+
+I, hearing these things, was accustomed to answer, "If I, for my part,
+were cellarer, I had rather that a clerk were a witness for me in all
+my transactions; for if I did well he would bear witness of the good.
+If, again, I had, at the end of the year, become laden with debt, I
+should be able to gain credence and to be excused by the testimony of
+that clerk."
+
+I heard, indeed, one of our brethren, a man truly discreet and
+learned, say something upon this subject which struck myself and
+others very much. "It is not," he said, "to be wondered at, should the
+lord abbot interpose his exertions in the safe conduct of our affairs,
+especially as he wisely manages that portion of the abbey which
+belongs to him, and is discreet in the disposing of his own house, it
+being his part to supply our wants in case of our carelessness or
+inability to do so. But there is one thing," he added, "which will
+prove dangerous after the death of the abbot Samson, such as has never
+come to pass in our days or in our lives. Of a surety the King's
+bailiffs will come, and will possess themselves of the abbey, I mean
+the barony which belongs to the abbot, as was done in the past after
+the deaths of other Abbots. As after the death of Abbot Hugh, the
+King's bailiffs likewise desired to appoint new bailiffs in the town
+of St. Edmund, alleging as their warrant that Abbot Hugh had done
+this, in the same way the King's bailiffs will, in process of time,
+appoint their clerk to keep the cellary, in order that everything
+shall be done therein by him, and under his discretion. And then we
+shall be told that they are entitled to act in this manner because
+Abbot Samson did so. Thus they will have the power of intermixing and
+confusing all the concerns and rents of the abbot and of the convent;
+all which, indeed, Abbot Robert, of good memory, had, with due
+consideration, distinguished in account, and had separated one from
+the other."
+
+When I heard these and such like expressions from a man of great
+thought and foresight, I was astonished, and held my peace, not
+wishing either to condemn the lord abbot, or to excuse him.
+
+Hubert Walter, the Archbishop of Canterbury and legate of the
+apostolic see, and Justiciary of England, after he had visited many
+churches, and had by right of his legation made many changes and
+alterations, was on his way home from his natural mother, who lived at
+Dereham and was then dying. He sent two of his clerks over to us,
+bearing the sealed letters of their lord, wherein it was contained
+that we should give credit to what they should say and do. These men
+inquired of the abbot and convent whether we were willing to receive
+their lord, the legate, who was on his way to us, in such wise as a
+legate ought to be received, and, in fact, is received by other
+churches. If we were agreed to this, he would shortly come to us, for
+the purpose of making order concerning the matters and affairs of our
+church according to God's will; but if we were not agreed, those two
+clerks could more fully communicate to us their lord's behest.
+Thereupon the abbot called together most of the convent, and we came
+to the decision that we would give a gracious answer to the clerks
+thus sent to us, saying that we were willing to receive their lord as
+legate with all honour and reverence, and to send together with them
+our own messengers, who, on our part, should communicate the same to
+the lord legate.
+
+Our intention was that, in the same way as we had done to the Bishop
+of Ely and other legates, we would show him all possible honour, with
+a procession and ringing of bells, and would receive him with the
+usual solemnities, until it should come to the point, perhaps, of his
+holding a visitation in chapter. If he were to proceed in doing this,
+then all of us were to oppose him might and main to his face,
+appealing to Rome, and standing upon our charters. And the lord abbot
+said, "If at this present time the legate will come to us, we will do
+as is aforesaid, but if indeed he shall defer his arrival to us for a
+time, we will consult the lord Pope, and inquire what force the
+privileges of our church ought to have, as being those which have been
+obtained from him and his predecessors, against the archbishop who has
+now obtained power from the apostolic see over all the privileged
+churches of England." Such was our determination.
+
+When the archbishop had heard that we were willing to receive him as
+legate, he received our messengers graciously and with giving of
+thanks. And he became favourable and kindly disposed towards the lord
+abbot in all his concerns, and for certain pressing causes deferred
+his visit to us for a time. Therefore, without the least delay, the
+abbot sent to the Pope the same letters which the legate had sent to
+him and the convent, wherein it was contained that he was about to
+come to us by authority of his legation, and by the authority of the
+Pope, and, moreover, that to him was given power over all the exempt
+churches of England, notwithstanding the letters of exemption obtained
+by the church of York or any other.
+
+The abbot's messenger expediting the matter, our lord the Pope wrote
+to the lord of Canterbury, asserting that our church, as his spiritual
+daughter, ought not to be accountable to any legate, unless he were a
+legate of our lord the Pope sent _a latere_, and enjoined him that he
+should not stretch forth his hand against us; and our lord the Pope
+added as from himself a prohibition against his exercising
+jurisdiction over any other exempt church. Our messenger returned to
+us, and this was kept a secret for many days. Nevertheless, the same
+was intimated to the lord of Canterbury by some of his adherents at
+the court of our lord the Pope.
+
+When, at the end of the year, the legate made his visitation through
+Norfolk and Suffolk, and had first arrived at Colchester, the legate
+sent his messenger to the abbot, privately letting him thereby know
+that he (the legate) had heard say that the abbot had obtained letters
+contravening his legation, and requesting that he, in a friendly way,
+would send him those letters. And it was done accordingly, for the
+abbot had two counterparts of these letters. The abbot, indeed, did
+not pay a visit to the legate, either by himself or by proxy, so long
+as he was in the diocese of Norwich, lest it should be thought that he
+wished to make fine with the legate for his entertainment, as other
+monks and canons had done. The legate, disconcerted and angry and
+fearing to be shut out if he came to us, passed by Norwich, by Acre
+and by Dereham to Ely, on his way to London.
+
+The abbot meeting the legate within the month, between Waltham and
+London, on the King's highway, the legate censured him for having
+refused to meet him, as being justiciary of our lord the King whilst
+he was in that country. The abbot answered that he had not travelled
+as justiciary, but as legate, making visitation in every church; and
+alleged the reason of the time of year, and that the passion of our
+Lord was nigh at hand, and that it behoved him to be concerned with
+Divine services and cloister duties.
+
+When the abbot had opposed words to words, and objections to
+objections, and could neither be bent nor intimidated by threatening
+language, the legate replied with scorn that he well knew him to be a
+keen wrangler, and that he was a better clerk than he, the legate,
+was. The abbot, therefore, not timidly passing by matters inexpedient
+to allude to, nor yet arrogantly speaking upon matters that were to be
+discussed, in the hearing of many persons made answer that he was a
+man who would never suffer the privileges of his church to be shaken
+either for want of learning or money, even if it should come to pass
+that he lost his life, or was condemned to perpetual banishment.
+However, these and other altercations being brought to a close, the
+legate began to flush in the face, upon the abbot lowering his tone
+and beseeching him that he would deal more gently with the church of
+St. Edmund, by reason of his native soil, for he was native born of
+St. Edmund, and had been his fosterling. And, indeed, he had reason to
+blush, because he had so unadvisedly outpoured the venom which he had
+bred within him.
+
+On the morrow it was communicated to the Archbishop of Canterbury,
+that the lord Archbishop of York was about to come as legate into
+England, and that he had suggested many evil things to the Pope
+concerning him, stating that he had oppressed the churches of England
+by reason of his visitation to the extent of thirty thousand marks,
+which he had received from them. The legate, therefore, sent his
+clerks to the abbot, begging him that he would, with the other abbots,
+write to our lord the Pope and justify him.
+
+This the abbot willingly did, and thereby offered his testimony that
+the lord of Canterbury had not been to our church, nor had he
+oppressed any other church, speaking according to his conscience. And
+when the abbot had delivered those letters to the messengers of the
+archbishop, he said before us all that he did not fear, even if it
+were the archbishop's wish to deal deceitfully with those letters. The
+clerks answered on the peril of their souls, that their lord did not
+contemplate any subtle dealings, but only wished to be justified. And
+so the archbishop and the abbot were made friends.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI
+
+SAMSON'S CONTESTS WITH KNIGHTS, MONKS AND TOWNSMEN
+
+
+King Richard commanded all the bishops and abbots of England that for
+every nine knights of their baronies they should make a tenth knight,
+and that without delay those knights should go to him in Normandy,
+with horses and arms, in aid against the King of France. Wherefore it
+behoved the abbot to account to him for sending four knights. And when
+he had caused to be summoned all his knights, and had conferred with
+them thereon, they made answer that their fees, which they had holden
+of St. Edmund, were not liable to this charge, neither had they or
+their fathers ever gone out of England, although they had, on some
+occasions, paid escuage by the King's writ.
+
+The abbot was indeed in a strait; on one hand observing that hereby
+the liberty of his knights was in peril, on the other hand
+apprehending that he might lose the seisin of his barony for default
+in the King's service, as indeed had befallen the Bishop of London and
+many English barons. So he forthwith went beyond seas to the King; and
+though fatigued with many troubles and expenses, and very many
+presents which he gave the King, in the first instance he could make
+no agreement with the King by money. For the King said that he did not
+want either silver or gold, but that he instantly required four
+knights; whereupon the abbot obtained four mercenaries. When the King
+had got these, he sent them to the Castle of Eu, and the abbot paid
+them thirty-six marks down for their expenses for forty days.
+
+Now on the morrow, there came certain of the King's attendants, and
+recommended the abbot to carefully look to what he was about, stating
+that the war might possibly last a whole year or more, and that the
+expenses of the knights would consequently increase and multiply, to
+the endless damage of him and his church. They therefore advised him
+that before he left the court he should make fine with the King, so
+that he might be quit in respect of the service of the aforesaid
+knights after the forty days were passed. The abbot, having adopted
+this good counsel, gave to the King one hundred pounds for such a
+quittance. Thus being in favour with his sovereign, he returned to
+England, bringing with him the King's writ, commanding that his
+knights should be distrained by their fees to render him that King's
+service which he had got performed for them.
+
+The knights, being summoned, alleged their poverty and manifold
+grievances, and prevailed upon their lord to accept two marks upon
+every shield. The abbot, indeed, not forgetting that he had that same
+year burdened them much, and had impleaded them to make them render
+their escuage individually, was desirous of conciliating their esteem,
+and in good part accepted what they with a good grace offered.
+
+At that time, although the abbot had been put to great expenses beyond
+sea, yet he did not return home to this church empty-handed; for he
+brought with him a golden cross, and a most valuable copy of the
+Gospels, of the value of fourscore marks. On another occasion when he
+returned from beyond seas, sitting in chapter, he said that if he had
+been cellarer or chamberlain he would have made some purchase which
+would have been serviceable to his office; and since he was abbot, he
+ought to purchase something that should beseem him as abbot. After
+saying this, he offered to the convent a valuable chasuble, and a
+mitre interwoven with gold, and sandals with silken buskins, and the
+head of a crozier of silver and well wrought. In like manner, so often
+as he returned from beyond sea, he brought along with him some
+ornament or other.
+
+In the year of grace one thousand one hundred and ninety-seven,
+certain innovations and alterations took place in our church, which
+ought not to be passed over in silence. Insomuch as his ancient rents
+were not sufficient for our cellarer, Abbot Samson ordered that fifty
+pounds from Mildenhall should be given by way of increase to the
+cellarer yearly by the hands of the prior, not all at one time, but by
+monthly instalments, so that he should have something every month to
+expend, and that it should not all be disbursed at one time of the
+year.
+
+And so it was done for one year. But the cellarer with his fellows
+complained of this, saying that if he had that money in hand, he would
+provide himself and preserve a sufficient stock. The abbot, although
+unwillingly, granted his petition. Now, on the commencement of the
+month of August, the cellarer had already spent all, and, moreover,
+was in debt twenty pounds, and a debt of fifty pounds was about to
+fall due before Michaelmas.
+
+Hearing of this, the abbot was wroth, and thus spoke in chapter: "I
+have often and often threatened that I will take the cellarership into
+my own hands on account of your default and improvidence, for all of
+you keep incumbering yourselves with heavy debts. I put my own clerk
+with your cellarer as a witness, and in order that matters should be
+more advisedly managed; but there is neither clerk nor monk who dares
+to inform me of the real cause of debt. It is nevertheless said that
+excess of feasting in the prior's house, by the assent of the prior
+and cellarer, and superfluous expenses in the guest-house by the
+carelessness of the hospitaller, are the cause of all this. You see,"
+he continued, "what a great debt is now pressing; give me your advice,
+and tell me how this matter can be amended."
+
+Many of the cloister folk hearing this, and half smiling, took what
+was said in very good part, saying privily, "All that the abbot says
+is true enough." The prior cast the blame upon the cellarer, the
+cellarer in his turn upon the hospitaller; each one justified himself.
+We all of us well knew the truth of the matter, but we held our
+tongues, for we were afraid. On the morrow came the abbot, and said
+again to the convent: "Give me your opinion as to the means whereby
+your cellar can be better and more economically managed." But there
+was no one who answered, except one, who said that there was no
+superfluity at all in the refectory which could occasion such a debt
+or pressure. On the third day the abbot spoke the same words, and one
+answered, "That advice ought to proceed from yourself, as from our
+head."
+
+Then the abbot said, "As you will not state your opinion, and as you
+are incapable of managing your house for yourselves, the management of
+the monastery rests solely upon myself as father and supreme keeper. I
+take," he said, "into my own hand your cellar and the charge of the
+guests, and the stewardship of everything indoors and out of doors."
+So saying he deposed the cellarer and hospitaller, and put in their
+stead two other monks, under the style of sub-cellarer and
+hospitaller, associating with them Master G., a clerk of his own
+table, without whose assent nothing could be done, either in respect
+of meat or drink, or in regard to disbursements or receipts.
+
+The old purveyors were removed from their buying in the market, and
+provisions were bought by the clerk of the abbot, and all deficiencies
+were supplied out of the abbot's purse. The guests that ought to be
+entertained were received, and the honourable were honoured; the
+officials and monks, all of them alike, took their meals in the
+refectory, and on all sides superfluous charges were retrenched.
+However, some of the cloister monks said among themselves, "Seven, ay
+seven there were who devoured our substance, of whose devourings if
+any one did speak, he was accounted guilty of treason." Another would
+say, stretching forth his hands to heaven, "Blessed be God, who hath
+imparted this resolution to the abbot to correct such excesses"; and
+very many of them said that it was well done. Others would say, "Not
+so," they considering that such reform was an abatement of respect;
+and they styled the prudence of the abbot the ferocity of a wolf.
+Verily, they were again beginning to call their old dreams to mind,
+that the future abbot was to rage as a wolf.
+
+The knights marvelled and the townsfolk marvelled at the things that
+came to pass, and some one of the common folk said, "It is a strange
+thing that so many monks and learned men should permit their
+possessions and rents to be confused and mingled with the possessions
+of the abbot; especially as they have been always accustomed to be
+kept distinct and apart from each other. It is strange also that they
+take no heed of the peril that may befall them after the death of the
+abbot if our lord the King should find them in such a condition."
+
+Another person said that the abbot was the only one amongst them who
+acted wisely in the governing of external affairs, and that he ought
+to govern the whole who has the knowledge requisite to govern the
+whole. And there was one who said, "If there had been but one wise
+monk in such a large convent, who knew how to govern the house, the
+abbot would not have done as he has." And so we became a
+laughing-stock and a scoff to our neighbours.
+
+About this time it came to pass that the anniversary obit of abbot
+Robert was to be sung in chapter, and it was ordered that a _placebo_
+and _dirige_ should be sung more solemnly than ordinarily, namely,
+with tolling of the great bells, as upon the anniversaries of abbots
+Ording and Hugh, on account of the noble act of the aforesaid abbot
+Robert, who made the division between our possessions and rents, and
+the rents of the abbot. This solemnity, indeed, was performed by the
+advice of certain persons, so that thus at least the heart of the lord
+abbot might thus be stirred up to do what was right. There was also
+one who thought that this was done as a reproach to the abbot, who, it
+was said, was desirous of confusing and mingling together our and his
+possessions and rents, insomuch as he had seized the cellarership into
+his own hands. The abbot, however, hearing the unwonted noise of the
+bells, and well knowing and observing that it was done against all
+usage, discreetly ignored the reason of its being done, and solemnly
+chanted the mass.
+
+Indeed, on the next Michaelmas day, desiring to appease the murmurings
+of certain persons, he appointed him who had been formerly
+sub-cellarer to be cellarer, and he ordered some other man to be named
+sub-cellarer; the aforesaid clerk, nevertheless, remaining with them,
+and managing all things as before. But when that clerk began to exceed
+the bounds of temperance, saying, "I am Bu," meaning the cellarer,
+when he had exceeded the bounds of temperance in drinking, and without
+the knowledge of the abbot was holding the court of the cellarer,
+taking gages and pledges, and receiving the annual rents, disbursing
+them by his own hand, he was called by the people the chief cellarer.
+
+It was his habit to stroll about the court followed by a crowd of
+debtors, rich and poor, and of suitors of all ranks preferring various
+complaints, as if he were the master and high steward. On one such
+occasion, one of our officers happened to be standing in the court,
+and, upon seeing this, for confusion and shame, he wept outright,
+considering that this was a disgrace to our church, pondering upon the
+peril consequent thereon, and realizing that a clerk was preferred to
+a monk, to the prejudice of the whole convent.
+
+Therefore some one, who shall be nameless, undertook, through a third
+party, that these things should be intimated to the abbot in a proper
+and reasonable manner; and he was given to understand that this
+species of arrogance in the clerk, which was committed to the disgrace
+and dishonour of the society, was very likely to breed a great
+disturbance and dissension in the convent. The abbot certainly did,
+when he heard of this, forthwith summon the cellarer and the aforesaid
+clerk before him, and gave orders that thenceforth the cellarer should
+consider himself as cellarer in receiving moneys, in holding pleas,
+and in all other things, save that the aforesaid clerk should assist
+him, not as an equal, but as a witness and adviser.
+
+Hamo Blund, one of the wealthier men of this town, on his death-bed
+could hardly be persuaded to make a will. At last he did, but disposed
+of only three marks, and this in the hearing of no one, except his
+brother, wife and chaplain. The abbot, ascertaining this after the
+man's decease, called those three persons before him, and sharply
+rebuked them, especially upon this point, that the brother (who was
+his heir) and his wife would not suffer any one else to approach the
+sick man, they desiring to take all. The abbot said in audience, "I
+was his bishop, and had the charge of his soul; let not the folly of
+his priest and confessor turn to my peril. Insomuch as I could not
+advise the sick man when alive, I being absent, what concerns my
+conscience I shall now perform, late though it be. I therefore command
+that all his debts and his moveable chattels, which are worth, as it
+is said, two hundred marks, be reduced into a writing, and that one
+portion be given to the heir, and another to the wife, and the third
+to his poor kinsfolk and other poor persons. As to the horse which was
+led before the coffin of the deceased, and was offered to St. Edmund,
+I order that it be sent back and returned; for it does not beseem our
+church to be defiled with the gift of him who died intestate, and whom
+common report accuses of being habitually wont to put out his money to
+interest. By the face of God, if such a thing came to pass of any one
+again in my days, he shall not be buried in the churchyard!" On his
+saying these things, the others departed greatly disconcerted.
+
+On the morrow of the Nativity of our Lord, there took place in the
+churchyard meetings, wrestlings, and matches, between the servants of
+the abbot and the burgesses of the town; and from words they came to
+blows, from cuffs to wounds and to the shedding of blood. The abbot,
+hearing of this, called to him privately certain of those who were
+present at the sight, but yet stood afar off, and ordered that the
+names of the evil-doers should be set down in writing. All these he
+caused to be summoned, that they should stand before him on the morrow
+of St. Thomas the archbishop, in the chapel of St. Denis, to answer
+therefor. Nor did he, in the meantime, invite to his own table any one
+of the burgesses, as he had been wont to do, on the first five days of
+Christmas.
+
+On the day appointed, having taken the oaths from sixteen lawful men,
+and having heard their evidence, the abbot said, "It is manifest that
+these evil-doers have incurred the penalties of the canon _latae
+sententiae_; but because both parties are laymen, and do not understand
+what a crime it is to commit such a sacrilege as this, I shall by name
+and publicly excommunicate them, in order that others may be deterred
+from doing the like: and that in no wise there be any diminution of
+justice, I shall first begin with my own domestics and servants." And
+it was done accordingly, we putting on our robes and lighting the
+candles. So they all went forth from the church, and being advised so
+to do, they all stripped themselves, and altogether naked, except
+their drawers, they prostrated themselves before the door of the
+church.
+
+When the assessors of the abbot had come, monks as well as clerks, and
+informed him, with tears in their eyes, that more than a hundred men
+were lying down thus naked, the abbot wept. Nevertheless, making a
+show of legal severity both in word and countenance and concealing the
+pity he felt, he desired to be persuaded by his counsellors that the
+penitents should be absolved, knowing that mercy is exalted over
+judgment, and that the church receives all penitents. Thereupon, they
+being all sharply whipped and absolved, they swore all of them that
+they would abide by the judgment of the church for sacrilege
+committed.
+
+On the morrow, penance was assigned to them, according to the
+appointment of the canons; and thus the abbot restored all of them to
+unity of concord, uttering terrible threats to all those who by word
+or deed should furnish matter of discord.
+
+Further, he publicly forbade meetings and shows to be had in the
+churchyard; and so all things being brought to a state of peace, the
+burgesses feasted on the following days with their lord the abbot,
+with great joy.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII
+
+THE CARES OF OFFICE
+
+
+A commission of our lord the Pope had been directed to Hubert,
+Archbishop of Canterbury, and to the lord Bishop of Lincoln, and to
+Samson, Abbot of St. Edmund, touching the reformation of the church of
+Coventry, and the restoration of the monks thereto, without any
+revision of their case. The parties being summoned to Oxford, the
+judges received letters of request from our lord the King, that this
+business should be respited.
+
+The archbishop and the bishop, seeming to know nothing, were silent,
+as if seeking the favour of the clerks. The abbot was the only one who
+spoke out, and he did so as a monk for the monks of Coventry, publicly
+advocating and defending their cause. And by his means it was so far
+proceeded with on that day, that a certain simple seisin was made to
+one of the monks of Coventry by delivery of one book. But corporate
+institution was deferred for a time, that so in some degree the abbot
+might obey the request of our lord the King.
+
+At that time he entertained in his inn fourteen monks of Coventry who
+had appeared there; and when the monks were sitting at the table on
+one side of the house, and the masters of the schools who had been
+summoned thither on the other, the abbot was applauded as noble and
+liberal in his expenses. Never in all his life did he seem so joyful
+as at that time, for the reverence he bore towards reform of monastic
+rule. The feast of St. Hilary being now at hand, the abbot journeyed
+on to Coventry in high spirits, neither was he overcome by fatigue or
+charges, for he said, that even if he had to be carried in a
+horse-litter, he would not remain behind. On his arrival at Coventry,
+where for five days he was waiting for the archbishop, he kept with
+him all the afore-named monks, with their servants, in most honourable
+fashion, until a new prior was created, and the monks had been
+formally inducted. "He that hath ears to hear, let him hear," for it
+is an act worthy to be had in remembrance.
+
+After this the abbot Samson and Robert of Scales came to an agreement
+concerning the moiety of the advowson of the church of Wetherden, and
+the same Robert acknowledged it to be the right of St. Edmund and the
+abbot. Thereupon the abbot, without any previous understanding taking
+place, and without any promise previously made, gave that moiety which
+belonged to him to Master Roger of Scales, brother of the same knight,
+upon this condition, that he should pay by the hand of our sacrist an
+annual pension of three marks to that master of the schools who should
+teach in the town of St. Edmund. This the abbot did, being induced
+thereto by motives of remarkable generosity; in order that as he had
+formerly purchased stone houses for the use of the schools, that poor
+clerks should be free from house rent, so now from thenceforth they
+might be freed from all demand of moneys which the master of the
+school demanded by custom for his teaching. And so, by God's will, and
+during the abbot's life, the entire moiety of the aforesaid church,
+which is worth, as it is said, one hundred shillings, was appropriated
+to such purposes.
+
+Now the abbot, after that he had built in his vills throughout the
+abbacy many and various edifices, and had taken up his quarters at his
+manor houses oftener and more frequently than with us at home, at
+length, as if returning to himself, and as if making good better, said
+that he would stay more at home than he had been used to do; and would
+now erect some buildings within the court for necessary purposes,
+having regard to internals and externals, and as if he was aware that
+"the presence of the master is the profit of the field." Therefore he
+gave directions that the stables and offices in the court lodge and
+round about the same, formerly covered with reeds, should be newly
+roofed, and covered with tiles, under the supervision of Hugh the
+sacrist, so that thus all fear and risk of fire might be prevented.
+
+And now, behold the acceptable time, the day of desire, whereof I
+write not but with great joy, myself having the care of the guests.
+Lo! at the command of the abbot the court lodge resounds with spades
+and masons' tools, for pulling down the guest-house; and now it is
+almost all levelled. Of the rebuilding, let the Most High take
+thought! The abbot built for himself a new larder in the court lodge,
+and gave to the convent the old larder (which was situated, in a very
+slovenly fashion, under the dorter) for the accommodation of the
+chamberlain. The chapels of St. Andrew and St. Katherine and St. Faith
+were newly covered with lead; many repairs were also made, both inside
+the church and without. If you do not believe, open your eyes and see.
+Also in his time our almonry, which previously was of wood and out of
+repair, was built in stone; whereto a certain brother of ours, Walter
+the physician, at that time almoner, contributed much of what he had
+acquired by his practice of physic.
+
+The abbot also observing that the silver retable of the high altar,
+and many other precious ornaments, had been alienated for the purpose
+of the recovery of Mildenhall and the ransom of King Richard, was not
+desirous of replacing that table or such-like matters, which upon a
+similar occasion were liable to be torn away and misappropriated. He
+therefore turned his attention to the making of a most valuable
+cresting for the shrine of the glorious martyr Edmund, that his
+ornament might be set in a place whence it could by no possibility be
+abstracted, and whereon no human being would dare to put forth his
+hand.
+
+For indeed, when King Richard was captive in Germany, there was no
+treasure in England that had not either to be given up or redeemed;
+yet the shrine of St. Edmund remained untouched. However, the question
+was raised before the justices of the exchequer, whether the shrine of
+St. Edmund should not, at least in part, be stripped for the ransom of
+King Richard. But the abbot standing up, answered, "Know ye of a
+surety, that this never shall be done by me, nor is there a man who
+can compel me to consent to it. But I will open the doors of the
+church: let him enter who will, let him approach who dare." Each of
+the justices replied with oaths, "I will not venture to approach it."
+"Nor will I." "St. Edmund grievously punishes those who are far off as
+well as those who are near at hand; how much more will he inflict
+vengeance upon those who take away his vesture!"
+
+Upon this neither was the shrine despoiled, nor redemption paid.
+Therefore passing by other things, the abbot carefully and advisedly
+turned his mind towards the making of a cresting for the shrine. And
+now the plates of gold and silver resound between the hammer and the
+anvil, and "the carpenters wield their tools."
+
+Adam of Cockfield dying, left for his heir a daughter of three months
+old; and the abbot gave the wardship of his fee to whom he would. Now
+King Richard, being solicited by some of his courtiers, anxiously
+sought for the wardship and the child for the benefit of one of his
+servants; at one time by letters, at another time by messengers.
+
+But the abbot answered that he had given the ward away, and had
+confirmed his gift by his charter. Sending his own messenger to the
+King, he did all he could, by entreaty and good offices, to mitigate
+his wrath. And the King made answer, with great indignation, that he
+would avenge himself upon that proud abbot who had thwarted him, were
+it not for reverence of St. Edmund, whom he feared. When the messenger
+returned, the abbot very wisely passed over the King's threats without
+notice, and said, "Let the King send, if he will, and seize the ward;
+he has the strength and power of doing his will, indeed of taking away
+the whole of the abbacy. I shall never be bent to his will in this
+matter, nor by me shall this ever be done. For the thing that is most
+to be apprehended is, lest such things be made a precedent to the
+prejudice of my successors. On this business I will never give the
+King money. Let the Most High look to it. Whatever may befall, I will
+patiently bear."
+
+Whilst, therefore, many were saying and believing that the King was
+exasperated against the abbot, lo! the King wrote in a friendly way to
+the abbot, and requested that he would give him some of his dogs. The
+abbot, not unmindful of that saying of the wise man--
+
+ Gifts, believe me, influence both men and gods,
+ By the offer of gifts Jove himself is appeased--
+
+sent the dogs as the King requested, and moreover, added some horses
+and other valuable gifts. The King graciously accepted them, and in
+public most highly commended the honesty and fidelity of the abbot.
+
+He also sent to the abbot by his messengers, as a token of intimacy
+and affection, a ring of great price, which our lord the Pope,
+Innocent the Third, of his great grace had given him, being indeed the
+very first gift that had been offered after his consecration. Also, by
+his writ, the King rendered him many thanks for the presents the abbot
+had sent him.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII
+
+THE CUSTOMS OF THE TOWNSHIP
+
+
+Many persons marvelled at the changes in the customs that took place
+by the order or permission of the lord abbot Samson. From the time
+when the town of St. Edmund received the name and liberty of a
+borough, the men of every house used to give to the cellarer one penny
+in the beginning of August, to reap our corn, which annual payment was
+called rep-silver. Before the town became free, all of them used to
+reap as serfs; the dwellings of knights and chaplains, and of the
+servants of the court lodge being alone exempt from this payment. In
+process of time, the cellarer spared certain of the most wealthy of
+the town, demanding nothing from them. The other burgesses, seeing
+this, used openly to say that no one who had a dwelling house of his
+own was liable to pay this penny, but only those who rented houses
+from others.
+
+Afterwards, they all in common sought this exemption, conferring
+thereon with the lord abbot, and offering an annual rent as a
+composition of this demand. The abbot, indeed, considering the
+undignified way in which the cellarer used to go through the town to
+collect rep-silver, and the manner in which he used to take distresses
+in the houses of the poor, sometimes taking trivets, sometimes doors,
+and sometimes other utensils, and how the old women came out with
+their distaffs, threatening and abusing the cellarer and his men,
+ordered that twenty shillings should be given every year to the
+cellarer at the next portman-moot, at the hand of the bailiff before
+August, by the burgesses, who were to pay the rent to discharge this.
+And it was done accordingly, and confirmed by our charter, there being
+given to them another quittance from a certain customary payment,
+which is called sorpeni, in consideration of four shillings, payable
+at the same term. For the cellarer was accustomed to receive one penny
+by the year for every cow belonging to the men of the town for their
+dung and pasture (unless perchance they happened to be the cows of the
+chaplains or of the servants at the court lodge). These cows he used
+to impound, and had great trouble in the matter.
+
+Afterwards, indeed, when the abbot made mention of this in the
+chapter, the convent was very angry, and took it in ill part, so much
+so that Benedict the sub-prior in the chapter, answering for all,
+said, "That man, abbot Ording, who lies there, would not have done
+such a thing for five hundred marks of silver." The abbot, although he
+himself felt angry, put off the matter for a time.
+
+There arose also a great contention between Roger the cellarer and
+Hugh the sacrist concerning the appurtenances of their offices, so
+that the sacrist would not lend to the cellarer the prison of the town
+for the purpose of detaining therein the thieves who were taken in the
+cellarer's jurisdiction. The cellarer was thereby oftentimes harassed,
+and because the thieves escaped he was reprimanded for default of
+justice.
+
+Now it came to pass that one holding as a free tenant of the cellarer,
+dwelling without the gate, by name Ketel, was charged with theft, and
+being vanquished in a trial by battle, was hanged. The convent was
+grieved by the offensive words of the burgesses, who said that if that
+man had only dwelt within the borough, it would not have come to the
+ordeal, but that he would have acquitted himself by the oaths of his
+neighbours, as is the privilege of those who dwell within the borough.
+Therefore the abbot and the more reasonable part of the convent seeing
+this, and bearing in mind that the men without the borough as well as
+those within are ours, and ought all of them in like manner to enjoy
+the same liberty within the jurisdiction, except the villeins of
+Hardwick and their like, deliberately took thought with themselves how
+this could be done.
+
+Thereupon the abbot, being desirous of limiting the offices of the
+sacristy and the cellary by certain articles, and of quieting all
+contentions, commanded, as if taking the part of the sacrist, that the
+servants of the town bailiff and the servants of the cellarer should
+together enter upon the fee of the cellarer for the purpose of seizing
+thieves and malefactors, and that the bailiff should have half the
+profit for their imprisonment and safe keeping and for his pains
+therein; and that the court of the cellarer should go to the
+portman-moot, and judge the prisoners in common. It was also ordered
+that the men of the cellarer should come to the toll-house with the
+others, and there renew their pledges, and should be inscribed upon
+the bailiff's roll, and should there give the bailiff that penny which
+is called borth-selver, whereof the cellarer was to have one half
+part; but at this time the cellarer receives nothing at all from this.
+The intent of all this was, that every one should enjoy equal
+privilege. Nevertheless, the burgesses at this time say, that the
+dwellers in the outskirts ought not to be quit of toll in market,
+unless they belong to the merchant's guild. Moreover, the bailiff (the
+abbot conniving at the matter) now claims for himself the fines and
+forfeitures accruing from the fee of the cellarer.
+
+The ancient customs of the cellarer, which we have seen, were these:
+The cellarer had his messuage and barns near Scurun's well, at which
+place he was accustomed to exercise his jurisdiction upon robbers, and
+hold his court for all pleas and plaints. Also at that place he was
+accustomed to put his men in pledge, and to enroll them and to renew
+their pledges every year, and to take such profit therefor as the
+bailiff of the town was to take at the portman-moot. This messuage,
+with the adjacent garden, now in the occupation of the infirmarer, was
+the mansion of Beodric, who was of old time the lord of this town, and
+after whom also the town came to be called Beodricsworth. His demesne
+lands are now in the demesne of the cellarer, and that which is now
+called averland was the land of his rustics. And the total amount of
+the holding of himself and his churls was thirty times thirty acres of
+land, which are still the fields of this town.
+
+The service thereof, when the town was made free, was divided into two
+parts, so that the sacrist or town bailiff was to receive a free
+annual payment, namely, for each acre twopence. The cellarer was to
+have the ploughings and other services, namely, the ploughing of one
+rood for each acre, without meals (which custom is still observed),
+and was to have the folds wherein all the men of the town, except the
+steward, who has his own fold, are bound to put their sheep (which
+custom also is still observed); and was to have aver-peni, namely, for
+each thirty acres twopence (which custom was done away with before the
+decease of abbot Hugh, when Gilbert of Elveden was cellarer).
+
+Furthermore, the men of the town were wont upon the order of the
+cellarer to go to Lakenheath, and bring back a day's catch of eels
+from Southrey. They often, indeed, used to return empty-handed, so
+they had their trouble without any profit to the cellarer. It was
+therefore settled between them that each thirty acres, from
+thenceforth, should pay one penny by the year, and the men were to
+remain at home. But, in fact, at this time, those lands are subdivided
+into so many parts, that it can hardly be ascertained by whom that
+annual payment is to be made; so that I have seen the cellarer, in one
+year, receive twenty-seven pence, but now he can hardly get tenpence
+halfpenny.
+
+The cellarer was also wont to exercise authority over the ways without
+the town, so that it was not lawful for any one to dig for chalk or
+clay without his licence. He also was accustomed to summon the fullers
+of the town, that they should furnish cloth for his salt. Otherwise he
+would prohibit them the use of the waters, and would seize the webs he
+found there; which customs are still observed. Also, whosoever bought
+corn, or indeed anything from the cellarer, was accustomed to be quit
+from toll at the gate of the town when he went homewards, wherefore
+the cellarer sold his produce dearer; which usage is still observed.
+Also, the cellarer is accustomed to take toll of flax at the time of
+its carrying, namely, one truss from each load. Also, the cellarer
+alone ought, or at least used to have, a free bull in the fields of
+the town; now many persons have bulls.
+
+Also, when any one surrendered his burgage land in alms to the
+convent, and this was assigned to the cellarer, or other official,
+that land used, thenceforth, to be quit of haggovele, and most
+especially so to the cellarer, on account of the dignity of his
+office, for he is the second father in the monastery, or even as a
+matter of reverence to the convent, for the estate of those who
+procure our provisions ought to be favourable. But the abbot says that
+usage is unjust, because the sacrist loses his service. Further, the
+cellarer was accustomed to warrant to the servants of the court lodge,
+that they should be quit of scot and tallage; but now it is not so,
+for the burgesses say that the servants of the court lodge ought to be
+quit only so far as they are servants, but not when they hold burgage
+in the town, and when they or their wives publicly buy and sell in the
+market.
+
+Also, the cellarer was used freely to take all the dunghills in the
+street, for his own use, unless it were before the doors of those who
+were holding averland; for to them only was it allowable to collect
+dung, and to keep it. This custom gradually lapsed in the time of
+abbot Hugh until Dennis and Roger of Hingham became cellarers. Being
+desirous of reviving the ancient custom, they took the cars of the
+burgesses laden with dung, and made them unload; but a multitude of
+the burgesses resisting, and being too strong for them, every one in
+his own tenement now collects his dung in a heap, and the poor sell
+theirs when and to whom they choose.
+
+The cellarer was also wont to have this privilege in the market of
+this town, that he and his purveyors should have pre-emption of all
+the provisions for the use of the convent, if the abbot were not at
+home. Also, that the purveyors of the abbot, or cellarer, whichever of
+them first came into the market, should buy first, either the latter
+without the former, or the former without the latter. But if both were
+present, then preference was to be given to the abbot. Also, in the
+season when herrings were sold, the purveyors of the abbot should
+always buy a hundred herrings at a halfpenny less than other people,
+and likewise the cellarer and his purveyors. Also, if a load of fish
+or other provisions should come first into the court lodge, or into
+the market, and that load should not have been discharged from the
+horse or from the cart, the cellarer or his purveyors might buy the
+whole and take it home with them without paying toll. But the abbot
+Samson commanded his purveyors that they should give preference to the
+cellarer and his men, because, as he himself said, he had much rather
+himself go without than his convent. Therefore the purveyors, "in
+honour preferring one another," if they find there is any one thing to
+be bought which is not enough for both parties, buy it between them,
+and divide it, share and share alike, and so between the head and the
+members, and the father and the sons, there remains an agreement in
+disagreement.
+
+The poet has said, "Envy aims at the highest," and it is for this
+reason that I repeat these words, that when some one was perusing this
+narrative, and while he was reading of so many good acts, he called me
+a flatterer of the abbot, and a seeker of favour and grace, saying
+that I had silently suppressed some things which ought not to have
+been passed by.
+
+When I inquired which and what sort of acts they might be, he
+answered, "Do you not see how the abbot grants away, at his own good
+pleasure, the escheats of land belonging to the demesnes of the
+convent, and the female heirs of lands, and the widows, as well within
+the town of St. Edmund as without? Also, do you not see how the abbot
+draws to himself the plaints and pleas of those who demand by the
+King's writ lands which are of the fee of the convent, and especially
+those plaints from which profit arises; and those from which no gain
+ensues, he turns over to the cellarer or sacrist, or other officials?"
+Whereto I answered, as I believe the fact to be, perhaps rightly,
+perhaps wrongly, and said that every lord of a fee whereto there is
+homage, ought by right to have an escheat whenever it shall have
+fallen within the fee in respect whereof he has received homage. By
+parity of reason, there is due to him general aid of the burgesses,
+and also the wardships of boys, and the gifts of widows and girls, in
+those fees in respect whereof he has received homage; for all these
+things seem to belong to the abbot alone, unless by chance the abbey
+shall be vacant.
+
+Moreover, in the town of St. Edmund a special custom has place, by
+reason of its being a borough, that the next in blood shall have the
+wardship of a boy with an inheritance, until the years of discretion.
+Furthermore, I thus answered him concerning the plaints and pleas,
+that I had never seen the abbot usurp jurisdiction that belonged to
+us, unless in default of our administering justice; but nevertheless,
+he had on some occasions taken money, in order that by the
+intervention of his authority plaints and pleas should attain their
+final determination. Also, I have sometimes seen pleas which belonged
+to us decided in the court of the abbot, because there was not any in
+the commencement of the suit who would, on the part of the convent,
+assert jurisdiction.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV
+
+THE SHRINE OF ST. EDMUND
+
+
+In the year of grace one thousand one hundred and ninety-eight, the
+glorious martyr Edmund was pleased to strike terror into our convent,
+and to instruct us that his body should be kept more reverently and
+diligently than it had hitherto been.
+
+There was a wooden platform between the shrine and the high altar,
+whereon stood two tapers, which the keepers of the shrine used to
+renew and stick together, by placing one candle upon the stump of
+another in a slovenly manner. Under this platform there were many
+things irreverently huddled together, such as flax and thread and wax,
+and various utensils. In fact, whatever was used by the keepers of the
+shrine was put there, for there was a door with iron gratings.
+
+Now, when these keepers of the shrine were fast asleep, on the night
+of St. Etheldreda, part of a candle that had been renewed, and was
+still burning, fell, as we conjecture, upon the aforesaid platform
+covered with rags. Consequently, all that was near, above or below,
+began to burn rapidly, so much so that the iron gratings were at a
+white heat. And lo! the wrath of the Lord was kindled, but not without
+mercy, according to that saying, "In wrath remember mercy"; for just
+then the clock struck before the hour of matins, and the master of the
+vestry getting up, observed and noticed the fire. He ran at once, and,
+striking the gong as if for a dead person, cried at the top of his
+voice that the shrine was consumed by fire.
+
+We then, all running thither, found the fire raging wonderfully, and
+encircling the whole shrine, and almost reaching the woodwork of the
+church. Our young men, running for water, some to the well, some to
+the clock, some with their hoods, not without great labour,
+extinguished the force of the fire, and also stripped some of the
+altars upon the first alarm. And when cold water was poured upon the
+front of the shrine, the stones fell, and were reduced almost to
+powder. Moreover, the nails by which the plates of silver were affixed
+to the shrine started from the wood, which had been burnt underneath
+to the thickness of my finger, and the plates of silver were left
+dangling one from the other without nails. However, the golden image
+of the Majesty in front of the shrine, together with some of the
+stonework, remained firm and untouched, and brighter after the fire
+than it was before, for it was all of gold.
+
+It so happened, by the will of the Highest, that at that time the
+great beam which used to be over the altar had been removed, in order
+to be adorned with new carving. It also happened that the cross, the
+small image of St. Mary and St. John, the chest with the shirt of St.
+Edmund, and the reliquaries and other shrines which used to hang from
+the same beam, and other holy things which also stood upon the beam,
+had every one of them been previously taken away. Otherwise all these
+would have been burnt, as we believe, even as a painted cloth was
+burnt which hung in the place of this beam. But what would it have
+been had the church been curtained?
+
+When, therefore, we had assured ourselves that the fire had in no
+place penetrated the shrine, by carefully inspecting the chinks and
+crannies, if there were any, and had perceived that all was cold, our
+grief in a great measure abated: but all at once some of our brethren
+cried out with a great wailing, that the cup of St. Edmund had been
+burnt. When many of us were searching here and there for the stones
+and plates among the coals and cinders, they drew forth the cup
+entirely uninjured, lying in the middle of the great charred timbers,
+which were then put out, and found the same wrapped up in a linen
+cloth, half burnt. But the oaken box in which the cup was usually
+placed had been burnt to ashes, and only the iron bands and iron lock
+were found. When we saw this miracle, we all wept for joy.
+
+Now, as we observed that the greater part of the front of the shrine
+was stripped off, and abhorring the disgraceful circumstances of the
+fire, after a general consultation we sent for a goldsmith, and caused
+the metal plates to be joined together and fixed to the shrine without
+the least delay, to avoid the scandal of the matter. We also caused
+all traces of the fire to be covered over with wax or in some other
+way. But the Evangelist testifies that "there is nothing covered which
+shall not be revealed": for some pilgrims came very early in the
+morning to make their offerings, who could have perceived nothing of
+the sort. Nevertheless, certain of them, peering about, inquired where
+was the fire that they had just heard had been about the shrine. And
+since it could not be entirely concealed, it was answered to these
+inquirers that a candle had fallen down and that three napkins had
+been burnt, and that by the heat of the fire some of the stonework in
+front of the shrine had been destroyed. Yet for all this there went
+forth a lying rumour, that the head of the saint had been burnt. Some
+indeed contented themselves with saying that the hair only was singed;
+but afterwards, the truth being known, "the mouth of them that spake
+lies was stopped."
+
+All these things came to pass by God's providence, in order that the
+places round about the shrine of His saint should be more decently
+kept, and that the purpose of the lord abbot should be sooner and
+without delay carried into execution; which was, that the shrine
+itself, together with the body of the holy martyr, should be placed
+with greater security, and with more pomp, in a more dignified
+position. For before this aforesaid mishap occurred, the cresting of
+the shrine was half finished, and the marble blocks whereon the shrine
+was to be elevated and was to rest, were for the most part ready and
+polished.
+
+The abbot, who at this time was absent, was exceedingly grieved at
+these reports; and he on his return home, going into the
+chapter-house, declared that these and the like, nay, much greater
+perils might befall us for our sins, more especially for our grumbling
+about our meat and drink; in a certain measure turning the blame upon
+the whole body of the convent, rather than upon the avarice and
+carelessness of the keepers of the shrine. To the intent that he might
+induce us to abstain from our pittances for at least one year, and to
+apply, for at least a year, the rents of the pittancy, for the purpose
+of repairing the front of the shrine with pure gold, he himself first
+showed us an example of liberality by giving all the treasure of gold
+he possessed, namely, fifteen golden rings, worth, as it was believed,
+sixty marks, in our presence, towards the reparation of the shrine.
+
+We, on the other hand, all agreed to give our pittancy for such
+purpose; but our resolution was afterwards altered, by the sacrist
+saying that St. Edmund could very well repair his shrine without such
+assistance.
+
+At this time there came a man of great account, but who he was I know
+not, that related to the abbot a vision he had seen, whereat he
+himself was much moved. Indeed, he related the same in full chapter,
+with a very bitter speech. "It is indeed true," he said, "that a
+certain great man has seen a vision, to wit, that he saw the holy
+martyr St. Edmund lie outside his shrine, and with groans say that he
+was despoiled of his clothes, and was wasted away by hunger and
+thirst; and that his churchyard and the courts of his church were
+negligently kept."
+
+This dream the abbot expounded to us all publicly, laying the blame
+upon us, in this fashion: "St. Edmund alleges that he is naked,
+because you defraud the naked poor of your old clothes, and because
+you give with reluctance what you are bound to give them, and it is
+the same with your meat and drink. Moreover, the idleness and
+negligence of the sacrist and his associates, are apparent from the
+recent misfortune by fire which has taken place between the shrine and
+the altar." On hearing this the convent was very sorrowful; and after
+chapter several of the brethren met together, and interpreted the
+dream after this fashion: "We," said they, "are the naked members of
+St. Edmund, and the convent is his naked body; for we are despoiled of
+our ancient customs and privileges. The abbot has everything, the
+chamberlainship, the sacristy, the cellary; while we perish of hunger
+and thirst, because we have not our victuals, save by the clerk of the
+abbot and by his ministration. If the keepers of the shrine have been
+negligent, let the abbot lay it to his own charge, for it was he who
+appointed such careless fellows."
+
+In such wise spoke many in the convent. But when this interpretation
+of the dream was communicated to the abbot, in the forest of Harlow,
+on his way from London, he was very wroth, and was troubled in mind,
+and made answer: "They will wrest that dream against me, will they? By
+the face of God! so soon as I reach home I will restore to them the
+customs that they say are theirs. I will withdraw my clerk from the
+cellary, and will leave them to themselves; and I shall see the fruits
+of their wisdom at the end of the year. This year I have been residing
+at home, and I have caused their cellary to be managed without
+incurring debt; and this is the way in which they render me thanks."
+
+On the abbot's return home, having it in purpose to translate the
+blessed martyr, he humbled himself before God and man, meditating
+within himself how he might reform himself, and make himself at peace
+with all men, especially with his own convent. Therefore, sitting in
+chapter, he commanded that a cellarer and sub-cellarer should be
+chosen by our common assent, and withdrew his own clerk, saying, that
+whatsoever he had done he had done it for our advantage, as he called
+God and his saints to witness, and justified himself in various ways.
+
+"Hear, O Heaven!" the things that I speak; "give ear, O earth!" to
+what Abbot Samson did. The feast of St. Edmund now approaching, the
+marble blocks were polished, and everything made ready for the
+elevation of the shrine. The feast day having therefore been kept on a
+Friday, a three days' fast was proclaimed on the following Sunday to
+the people, and the occasion of the fast was publicly explained. The
+abbot also announced to the convent that they should prepare
+themselves for transferring the shrine, and placing it upon the high
+altar, until the masons' work was finished; and he appointed the time
+and the manner for doing this work.
+
+When we had that night come to matins, there stood the great shrine
+upon the altar, empty within, adorned with white doeskins above,
+below, and round about, which were fixed to the wood by silver nails;
+but one panel stood below, by a column of the church, and the sacred
+body still lay in its accustomed place. Lauds having been sung, we all
+proceeded to take our disciplines. This being performed, the lord
+abbot and those with him vested themselves in albs; and approaching
+reverently, as it was fit they should, they hastened to uncover the
+coffin.
+
+First there was an outer cloth of linen, overwrapping the coffin and
+all. This was found tied on the upper side with strings of its own.
+Within this was a cloth of silk, and then another linen cloth, and
+then a third. And so at last the coffin was uncovered, standing upon a
+tray of wood, that the bottom of it might not be injured by the stone.
+
+Affixed to the outside, over the breast of the martyr, lay an angel of
+gold, about the length of a man's foot, holding in one hand a golden
+sword and in the other a banner. Underneath it, there was a hole in
+the lid of the coffin, where the ancient custodians of the martyr had
+been wont to lay their hands, for the purpose of touching the sacred
+body. And over the figure of the angel was this verse inscribed:--
+
+"Martiris ecce zoma servat Michaelis agalma."
+
+("_Behold the martyr's body St. Michael's image keeps._")
+
+At the two heads of the coffin were iron rings, as there used to be on
+Danish chests.
+
+So, raising up the coffin with the body, they carried it to the altar,
+and I lent thereto my sinful hand to help in carrying it, although the
+abbot had strictly commanded that no one should approach unless he was
+called. The coffin was placed within the shrine, and the panel was put
+thereon and fastened down.
+
+Now we all began to think that the abbot would exhibit the coffin to
+the people on the octave of the feast, and would replace the sacred
+body before all of us. But we were sadly deceived, as the sequel will
+show; for on Wednesday, while the convent was singing compline, the
+abbot spoke with the sacrist and Walter the physician, and it was
+resolved that twelve brethren should be appointed who were strong
+enough to carry the panels of the shrine, and skilful in fixing and
+unfixing them.
+
+The abbot then said that it had been the object of his prayers to see
+his patron saint, and that he wished to join with him the sacrist and
+Walter the physician when he looked upon him; and there were also
+nominated the abbot's two chaplains, the two keepers of the shrine,
+and the two keepers of the vestry, with six others, Hugh the sacrist,
+Walter the physician, Augustine, William of Diss, Robert and Richard.
+The convent being all asleep, these twelve vested themselves in albs,
+and drawing the coffin out of the shrine, carried and placed it upon a
+table near where the shrine used to be, and commenced unfastening the
+lid, which was joined and fixed to the coffin with sixteen very long
+iron nails. When, with considerable difficulty, they had performed
+this, all were ordered to go further away, except the two forenamed
+associates.
+
+Now the coffin was so filled with the sacred body, both in length and
+width, that even a needle could hardly be put between the head and the
+wood or between the feet and the wood. The head lay united to the
+body, somewhat raised by a small pillow. The abbot, looking
+attentively, next found a silk cloth veiling the whole body, and then
+a linen cloth of wondrous whiteness, and upon the head a small linen
+cloth, and after that another small and very fine silken cloth, as if
+it had been the veil of some nun. Lastly, they discovered the body,
+wound round with a linen cloth, and then it was that all the
+lineaments of the saint's body were laid open to view.
+
+At this point the abbot stopped, saying he durst not proceed further,
+or view the holy body naked. Taking the head between his hands, he
+sighed and spoke thus: "Glorious martyr, St. Edmund, blessed be the
+hour wherein thou wast born! Glorious martyr, turn not my boldness to
+my perdition, for that I, miserable sinner, do touch thee, for thou
+knowest my devotion and my intention!" And proceeding, he touched the
+eyes and the nose, which was very massive and prominent. Then he
+touched the breast and arms, and raising the left arm, he touched the
+fingers, and placed his own fingers between the fingers of the saint.
+Proceeding further, he found the feet standing stiff up, like the feet
+of a man who had died that day, and he touched the toes, and in
+touching counted them.
+
+It was then proposed that the other brethren should be called forward,
+in order that they might see these wonders; and six, being thus
+called, approached, and also six other brethren with them, who had
+stolen in without the abbot's assent, and saw the saint's body,
+namely, Walter of St. Alban's, Hugh the infirmarer, Gilbert the
+brother of the prior, Richard of Hingham, Jocell the cellarer, and
+Thurstan the little, who alone put forth his hand, and touched the
+feet and knees of the saint. And the Most High so ordering it, that
+there might be abundance of witnesses, one of our brethren, John of
+Diss, sitting upon the roof of the church with the servants of the
+vestry, saw all these things plainly enough.
+
+All this being done, the lid was fastened down on the coffin with the
+same, and with the same number of nails, and in like manner as before,
+the martyr being covered up with the same cloths and in the same order
+as he was when first discovered. Finally, the coffin was placed in the
+accustomed place, and there was put upon the coffin, near to the
+angel, a certain silken bag, wherein was deposited a schedule written
+in English, containing certain salutations of Ailwin the monk, as is
+believed, which schedule was found close by the golden angel when the
+coffin was uncovered. By the abbot's order, there was forthwith
+written another short memorandum, also deposited in the same bag, in
+the following form of words: "In the year of the incarnation of our
+Lord, 1198, the abbot Samson, upon the impulse of devotion, saw and
+touched the body of St. Edmund on the night after the feast of St.
+Catherine, these being witnesses." And thereto were subscribed the
+names of the eighteen monks.
+
+The brethren also wound the whole coffin up in a suitable linen cloth,
+and over the same placed a new and most valuable silken cloth, which
+Hubert, Archbishop of Canterbury, had offered at the shrine that very
+year, and they placed lengthwise a certain linen cloth doubled under
+it and next to the stone, to prevent the coffin or the tray whereon it
+stood from being injured by the stone. Afterwards the panels were
+brought forth, and properly joined together on the shrine.
+
+When the convent assembled to sing matins, and understood what had
+been done, all who had not seen these things were very sorrowful,
+saying among themselves, "We have been sadly deceived." However, after
+matins had been sung, the abbot called the convent to the high altar,
+and briefly recounting what had been done, alleged that he ought not
+to call--and could not call--all of them to be present on such an
+occasion. Hearing this, with tears we sang "Te Deum laudamus," and
+hastened to ring the bells in the choir.
+
+On the fourth day after, the abbot deposed the keepers of the shrine
+and the keeper of St. Botolph, appointing new ones, and establishing
+rules, so that the holy places should be more carefully and diligently
+kept. He also caused the great altar, which heretofore was hollow, and
+wherein many things were irreverently stowed away, and that space
+which was between the shrine and the altar, to be made solid with
+stone and cement, so that no danger from fire could arise by the
+negligence of the keepers, as had been already the case; according to
+the saying of the wise man, who said,
+
+"Happy is he who learns caution from the danger of others."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV
+
+THE MONASTERY IN REVOLT
+
+
+Now when the abbot had obtained the favour and grace of King Richard
+by gifts and money, so that he had good reason to believe that he
+could succeed according to his desire in all his undertakings, the
+King died, and the abbot lost his labour and outlay. However, King
+John, immediately after his coronation, setting aside all other
+affairs, came down to St. Edmund, drawn thither by his vow and by
+devotion. We, indeed, believed that he was come to make offering of
+some great matter; but all he offered was one silken cloth, which his
+servants had borrowed from our sacrist, and to this day have not paid
+for. He availed himself of the hospitality of St. Edmund, which was
+attended with enormous expense, and upon his departure bestowed
+nothing at all, either of honour or profit, upon the saint, save
+thirteen pence sterling, which he offered at his mass on the day of
+his departure.
+
+About that time some of our officials made complaint, stating in our
+chapter that Ralph the porter, our servant, maintained causes and
+actions against them to the damage of the church and to the prejudice
+of the convent. It was ordered by the prior, with the assent of us
+all, that he should be punished according to the custom whereby our
+servants are usually punished, that is, by the withholding of their
+stipends. It was therefore ordered that the cellarer should withhold
+from him, not the corody which of right belonged to his office
+according to the tenour of his charter, but certain additions and
+perquisites which the cellarer and sub-cellarer allowed him without
+knowledge of the convent at large. Now the aforesaid Ralph,
+accompanied by certain of the abbot's table, complained to the abbot
+on his return from London, that the prior and convent had disseised
+him of his corody, whereof he was seised when the abbot had first come
+to the abbacy. They also stated to the abbot that this act was done
+without his sanction, and to his dishonour, and unreasonably, without
+his advice, and without investigation. The abbot indeed believed him,
+and, in other wise than was either fitting or customary, became
+excited. He instantly justified Ralph, and affirmed that he was
+innocent. Coming into chapter and complaining thereof, he said that
+what had been done was to his prejudice and without his consent. And
+it was answered by one of us, the others all joining him, that this
+was done by the prior, and with the assent of the whole convent.
+
+The abbot was confused at this, saying, "I have nourished and brought
+up children, and they have rebelled against me." Not overlooking this
+(as he ought to have done) for the sake of peace to the many, but
+rather exhibiting his power with a resolution not to be over-mastered,
+he openly gave command to the cellarer that he should restore to
+Ralph, fully and wholly, all that had been taken from him, and that he
+should drink nothing but water till he had restored everything. But
+Jocell the cellarer, hearing this, chose for that day to drink water,
+rather than restore the corody to Ralph against the will of the
+convent. When this came to the abbot's knowledge on the morrow, he
+forbade both meat and drink to the cellarer until he restored all.
+With these words the abbot immediately departed from the town, and
+stayed away for eight days.
+
+On the same day on which the abbot had departed, the cellarer arose in
+chapter, and exhibiting the precept of the abbot, and holding his keys
+in his hand, said that he had rather be deposed from his office than
+do anything in opposition to the convent. And then there began a great
+tumult in the convent, such as I had never before seen; and they said
+that the precept of the abbot was not to be obeyed. But the seniors
+and more prudent men of the convent, discreetly holding their tongues,
+upon being urged gave it as their opinion that the abbot was to be
+obeyed in everything, except in things manifestly against God's
+pleasure; and intimated that we must bear with this scandalous
+behaviour for a time for the sake of peace, lest worse should befall.
+Now when the prior had begun to sing "Verba mea" for all deceased, as
+is the rule, the novices withstood him, and with them nearly the half
+of the convent; and raising their voices, they all cried out in
+answer, and opposed it. Nevertheless, the senior part of the convent
+prevailed, although they were few as compared with the rest.
+
+The abbot, although absent, yet by his messengers terrified some by
+threats. Some others he drew over to him by fair words; and the more
+influential men of the convent, as though they were afraid even of his
+garment, he caused to secede from the counsel of the generality, that
+that gospel should be fulfilled which says, "Every kingdom divided
+against itself is brought to desolation." Moreover, the abbot said
+that he would by no means come amongst us, by reason of the
+conspiracies and oaths which, as he said, we had made against him,
+that we should kill him with our knives. However, returning home, and
+sitting in his inner chamber, he gave orders to one of our brethren
+whom he vehemently suspected, that he should come to him; and because
+he would not come, fearing to be taken and bound, he was
+excommunicated; and the whole day after he was put into fetters,
+remaining till morning in the infirmary. Three others the abbot also
+included in a lighter sentence, in order that the others might fear.
+
+On the morrow it was resolved that the abbot should be sent for, and
+that we should humble ourselves before him, both in word and
+demeanour, so that his anger might be appeased; and it was done
+accordingly. He, on the other hand, answering meekly enough, but
+always alleging his own rectitude, laid the blame upon us. Yet when he
+saw that we were willing to be overcome, was himself fairly overcome.
+Bursting into tears, he swore that he had never grieved for any one
+thing as he had upon the present occasion, as well on his own account
+as on our account also, and more especially for the scandal, the evil
+report which had already gone abroad concerning our dissension, to the
+effect that the monks of St. Edmund wished to kill their abbot.
+
+And when the abbot had told us how he went away on purpose till his
+anger had cooled, repeating this saying of the philosopher, "I would
+have taken vengeance upon thee had I not been angry," he arose,
+weeping, and embraced all and every one of us with the kiss of peace.
+He wept, and we also wept. The brethren who had been excommunicated
+were immediately absolved; and thus "the tempest ceased, and there was
+a great calm." Yet for all this the abbot gave private orders that the
+accustomed corody should be given without stint to Ralph the porter,
+as heretofore; to which matter, however, we shut our eyes, being at
+last made to understand that there is no lord who will not bear rule,
+and that battle is perilous which is undertaken against the stronger,
+and is begun against the more powerful party.
+
+In the year of grace one thousand two hundred a marshalling took place
+of the knights of St. Edmund and of their fees, whereof their
+ancestors had been infeoffed.
+
+ Alberic de Vere holds five knights' fees and a half: namely, in
+ Loddon and in Brome, one knight's fee; in Mendham and Preston, one
+ knight's fee; in Rede, one knight's fee; and in Cockfield, half a
+ knight's fee; and in Livermere, two knights' fees.
+
+ William of Hastings holds five knights' fees: to wit, in Lidgate, and
+ in Blunham and in Harling, three knights' fees; and in Tibenham and
+ in Gissing, two.
+
+ The Earl Roger holds three knights' fees in Norton and Brisingham.
+
+ Robert Fitz Roger holds one knight's fee in Marlesford.
+
+ Alexander of Kirkby holds one knight's fee in Kirkby.
+
+ Roger of Eu holds two knights' fees, in Mickfield and in Topscroft.
+
+ Arnald of Charneles and his co-parceners, one knight's fee, in
+ Oakley, and in Quiddenham, and in Thurston, and Stuston.
+
+ Osbert of Wachesham, one knight's fee in Marlingford and in Wortham.
+
+ William of Tostock, one knight's fee in Randestune.
+
+ Gilbert Fitz Ralph, three knights' fees: namely, in Thelnetham and in
+ Hepworth, one knight's fee; in Reydon (in Blithing) and in Gissing,
+ one knight's fee; and in Saxham, one knight's fee.
+
+ Ralph of Buckenham, half a knight's fee in Buckenham.
+
+ William of Bardwell, two knights' fees in Barningham, and in
+ Bardwell, and in Hunston, and in Stanton.
+
+ Robert of Langtoft holds three knights' fees, in Stow, and in
+ Ashfield, and in Troston, and in Little Waltham in Essex.
+
+ Adam of Cockfield, two knights' fees: namely, in Lavenham, and in
+ Onehouse, one knight's fee; and in Lelesey.
+
+ Robert Fitz Walter, one knight's fee, in Great Fakenham and in
+ Sapiston.
+
+ William Blund, one knight's fee in Thorp (in Blackbourn).
+
+ Gilbert of Peche, two knights' fees: namely, in Waude and in Gedding,
+ one knight's fee; in Felsham, and in Euston, and in Groton, one
+ knight's fee.
+
+ Gilbert of St. Clare, two knights' fees, in Bradfield and in
+ Wattisfield.
+
+ Geoffrey of Whelnetham and Gilbert of Manston, one knight's fee, in
+ Whelnetham and in Manston.
+
+ Hubert of Ansty, half a knight's fee in Briddinghoe.
+
+ Gervase of Rothing, one knight's fee, in Chipley and in Rothing.
+
+ Robert of Halsted, one knight's fee in Halsted, and half a knight's
+ fee in Brockley.
+
+ Reginald of Brockley, one knight's fee in Brockley.
+
+ Simon of Patteshall, half a knight's fee in Whatfield.
+
+ Peter Fitz Alan, half a knight's fee in Brockley.
+
+ Ralph of Presseni, half a knight's fee in Stanningfield.
+
+ Richard of Ickworth, two knights' fees, in Ickworth and in Wangford.
+
+ Robert of Horning, half a knight's fee in Horning.
+
+ Walter of Saxham, one knight's fee, in Ashfield and in Saxham.
+
+ William of Wordwell, half a knight's fee in Whelnetham.
+
+ Norman of Risby, half a knight's fee in Risby.
+
+ Peter of Livermere and Alan of Flempton, one knight's fee in
+ Livermere and Ampton.
+
+ Roger of Morieux, one knight's fee in Thorpe.
+
+ Hugh of Eleigh, in Eleigh, and in Preston, and in Bradfield, two
+ knights' fees.
+
+ Stephen of Brockdish, one fourth part of a knight's fee in Brockdish.
+
+ Adam of Barningham, one fourth part of a knight's fee in Barningham.
+
+ William of Wordwell, in Little Livermere and in Wordwell, one fourth
+ part of a knight's fee.
+
+ The total is fifty-two fees and one-half and one quarter.
+
+Now Geoffrey Ruffus, one of our monks, although he deported himself
+in somewhat too secular a manner, yet was a useful person to us in
+the keeping of the four manors of Barton, Pakenham, Rougham, and
+Bradfield, where there had often been heretofore a deficiency in the
+farms. But the abbot, although hearing of the evil report of his
+continence, yet winked at it for a long time, most likely because
+Geoffrey seemed to be serviceable to the community. At length, when
+the truth was known, the abbot suddenly made a seizure of his chests,
+put them in the vestry, and caused all the stock of the different
+manors to be kept most closely, and remanded Geoffrey to the
+cloister. There was found much gold and silver, to the value of two
+hundred marks, the whole of which the abbot said was to be laid by
+for the purpose of making the front of the shrine of St. Edmund.
+
+On the feast of St. Michael it was decreed in chapter that two
+brethren, not one alone, should succeed to the keepership of the
+manors, whereof one was Roger of Hingham, who promised before us all
+that he was willing and able to undertake the charge of the manors
+and cellary together. The abbot gave his assent thereto, but the
+convent was reluctant. And Jocell, who had well and carefully managed
+his office, and for two years had been in charge of the cellary
+without incurring debt, as other cellarers had used to do, was
+deposed from the cellary and was made sub-cellarer. But at the end of
+the year, Roger, on rendering account of his receipts and outgoings,
+affirmed that he had received sixty marks from the stock of the
+manors to supply the deficiency of the cellarer. Therefore, upon
+counsel being taken, it was resolved that Jocell should be restored
+to the cellary; and Mildenhall and Chebenhall and Southwold were
+granted to him. The other manors were committed to Roger and Albin,
+and were divided from the cellary, lest the manors should be ruined
+by the cellary, or the cellary be ruined by the manors.
+
+Adam of Cockfield being dead, the abbot could have had three hundred
+marks for the wardship of the only daughter of the same Adam; but
+because the grandfather of the damsel had taken her away privily, and
+inasmuch as the abbot was not able to obtain seisin of the damsel,
+unless by the aid of the archbishop, the abbot granted that wardship
+to Hubert, Archbishop of Canterbury, for the consideration of one
+hundred pounds. The archbishop, for five hundred marks, granted to
+Thomas de Burgh, the brother of the King's chamberlain, that same
+wardship; and the damsel was delivered to him, with her rights, by
+the hand of the abbot. Thomas, therefore, at once required the seisin
+of these manors, which we had in our hands after the death of
+Adam--Cockfield, Semer, and Groton--we believing that we had power to
+retain all of them in our demesne, or at least two of them, Semer and
+Groton; both because Robert of Cockfield, being on his deathbed, had
+publicly affirmed that he could claim nothing by right of inheritance
+in these two manors, and also because Adam, his son, had re-assigned
+to us those two manors in full court, and had made his charter
+thereof, wherein it was contained that he holds those two manors by
+the permission of the convent during his life only.
+
+Thomas, therefore, suing a writ of recognition thereof, caused the
+knights to be summoned, that they should come to be sworn before the
+King at Tewkesbury. Our charter read in public had no force, for the
+whole court was against us. The oath being administered, the knights
+said that they knew nothing about our charters, or of any private
+agreements; but this they said they did believe, that Adam and his
+father and his grandfather, for a hundred years back, had holden the
+manors in fee-farm, one after the other, on the days of their
+respective deaths. Thus we were disseised by the judgment of the
+court, after much trouble and many charges expended, saving
+nevertheless our ancient fee-farm rents payable annually.
+
+The lord abbot seemed to be "misled by a certain appearance of
+right," because, forsooth, the Scripture saith, "I will not give my
+glory to another." The abbot of Cluny coming to us, and received by
+us in such wise as he ought, our abbot would not give place, either
+in chapter or in the procession on Sunday, but he must needs sit and
+stand in the middle between the abbot of Cluny and the abbot of
+Chertsey. Wherefore divers thought different things, and many
+expressed their feelings in various ways.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI
+
+THE ELECTION OF A NEW PRIOR
+
+
+Robert the prior was at this time in a dying state; but while he was
+yet alive many opinions were uttered as to appointing a new prior.
+Some one, therefore, related to us, that the abbot sitting in the
+choir, and steadfastly beholding all the brethren from the first to
+the last, found no one upon whom his spirit might rest to make him
+prior, save Herbert his chaplain. By these and similar acts the will
+of the abbot was made apparent to most of us. One of us hearing this,
+answered that it was not to be believed; asserting "that the abbot, a
+diligent and prudent man, to such a man, a youth and almost beardless
+novice of twelve years, who had only become a cloister monk four
+years ago, not approved in the cure of souls, nor in doctrinal
+learning--to such a one," said he, "he will never give the priorate."
+
+Now, when the prior died, the abbot was staying in London; and a
+certain person said, "A month has scarcely elapsed since the abbot
+made Herbert the chaplain, sub-sacrist, and when he committed that
+office to him, in the chapel of St. Nicasius, he promised that if he
+could, by any means, make him prior, he would use his utmost
+exertions on his behalf." Some one hearing of this, who was desirous
+of making himself agreeable to the abbot and the future prior, most
+urgently solicited many of us, seniors and juniors alike, that when
+the opportunity presented itself they would nominate Herbert, at
+least with some others, for prior. He affirmed that by this means
+they would gratify the abbot, for such indeed was his desire.
+
+There certainly were many of us, as well of the seniors as the
+juniors, who asserted that the same Herbert was an amiable and
+affable man, and worthy of much honour. Also, there were some--few in
+number, indeed, but whose advice was more respected, and who belonged
+to the wiser part of the convent--who were desirous of promoting
+Master Hermer the sub-prior to be prior, as being an experienced,
+learned and eloquent man, skilful and expert in the cure of souls,
+who at that time had governed the cloister for fourteen years in good
+discipline, an approved sub-prior, and well known. This man, I say,
+they were desirous of preferring, according to that saying of the
+wise man, "believe an experienced master."
+
+But the greater number of us secretly grumbled in opposition, saying
+that he was a passionate, impatient, restless, fussy and fretful man,
+a litigious person, and a disturber of peace, deriding him, and
+saying, "The discretion of a man deferreth his anger, and it is his
+glory to pass over a transgression." Also, another one said, "This
+one thing, as being a scandal, is to be much guarded against, namely,
+that if the sub-prior be removed, henceforward learned clerks will
+not deign to take on them the religious habit in our house, if it
+should happen that any dumb image be set up, and a wooden log be
+preferred in such a convent as ours." And the same brother added
+somewhat more, saying that a person to be prior of our convent,
+should be such a one that if any question of great importance arose
+in the abbot's absence concerning ecclesiastical or secular affairs,
+it might be referred to the prior, as being the highest and most
+discreet person.
+
+A certain one of our brethren, hearing these and such like things,
+said, "What good is it that ye multiply so many and such sayings?
+When the abbot comes home, he will do as he pleases about it. Perhaps
+he may seek the advice of each of us singly, and with great show of
+formality; but in the end, by allegations and by plausible reasonings
+and circumlocutions, he will at last come down to the fulfilment of
+his own desire; and the affair will end as he has all along
+intended."
+
+The abbot, therefore, having returned, and sitting in chapter, set
+forth to us amply and eloquently enough what sort of man ought to be
+appointed prior. John the third prior answered, in the presence of us
+all, that the sub-prior was a worthy and fit person. But the greater
+number immediately opposed, saying, "A man of peace, let a man of
+peace be given us." Two of us, therefore, replied to them, saying
+that a person should be appointed who knew how to direct the souls of
+men, and to distinguish "between leprosy and leprosy," which saying
+gave great offence, for it seemed to favour the part of the
+sub-prior. But the abbot hearing this uproar, said that he would
+after chapter hear what each had to say, and so proceed advisedly in
+the business, and upon the morrow would dispatch it as he thought
+fit.
+
+In the meantime some one said that the abbot would go through this
+formality in order that the sub-prior should be cautiously shelved
+from the office of prior, as if it had been done by the advice of the
+convent, not by the desire of the abbot; and so he, the abbot, would
+be held excused, and by this policy the mouth of them that speak lies
+should be stopped.
+
+On the morrow the abbot, as he sat in chapter, wept sorely, saying
+that he had passed the whole night without sleep, for sheer anxiety
+and apprehension that he might chance to nominate one who was
+displeasing to God. He swore upon peril of his soul that he would
+nominate four of us who, according to his opinion, were most
+serviceable and fit, so that we should choose one from those four.
+Therefore the abbot, in the first place, named the sacrist, whom he
+well knew to be infirm and insufficient, as the sacrist himself
+testified with an oath. Forthwith, in the presence of all, he named
+John the third prior, his cousin, and Maurice his chaplain, and the
+before-named Herbert, all indeed young men, of about forty years old
+or under, and all of them of moderate learning, and, so far as
+respects the cure of souls, rather requiring to be taught than
+learned therein, nevertheless apt to learn.
+
+These three the abbot nominated and preferred, passing over the
+sub-prior, and passing by many others of the seniors and elders,
+experienced and learned men, some who had formerly been masters of
+the schools, as well as all others. The abbot dwelt long in speaking
+of and commending the person of John in many respects; but,
+nevertheless, on the other side, alleged that the great number of his
+relations in this province would lie heavy on his neck if he were
+prior.
+
+Now, when the abbot was about to allege the same thing concerning
+Maurice (and he could with reason do it), so that in a roundabout way
+he should come to make mention of Herbert, his discourse was
+interrupted by one of the elders of the convent saying, "Master
+precentor, you have the first voice; name Master Herbert." "He is a
+good man," said he. On hearing the name of Herbert, the abbot stopped
+speaking, and turning to the precentor, said, "I have no objection to
+receive Herbert if you will." On this saying, the whole convent cried
+out, "He is a good man; he is a good and amiable man"; and this same
+thing also many of the elders testified. Immediately hereupon the
+precentor and some one in alliance with him, and two others on the
+other side, arose with all haste, and put Herbert in the midst.
+
+Herbert, indeed, at first humbly begged to be excused, saying that he
+was insufficient to fill such a dignity, and particularly, as he
+said, he was not of such perfect knowledge that he should know how to
+make a sermon in chapter in such manner as would become a prior. Most
+of those who witnessed this were amazed, and for very confusion
+struck dumb. However, the abbot said in answer many things to
+re-assure him, and as it were in disparagement of learned men, saying
+that he could well remember and con over the sermons of others, just
+as others did; and began to condemn rhetorical flourishes, and
+pompous words, and choice sentences, saying that in many churches the
+sermon in convent is delivered in French, or rather in English, for
+moral edification, not for literary ostentation.
+
+After this had been said, the new prior advanced to the feet of the
+abbot and kissed them. The abbot received him with tears, and with
+his own hand placed him in the prior's seat, and commanded all that
+they should pay him the reverence and obedience due to him as prior.
+
+The chapter being over, I being hospitaller, sat in the porch of the
+guest-hall, stupefied, and revolving in my mind the things I had
+heard and seen; and I began to consider closely for what cause and
+for what particular merits such a man should be advanced to so high a
+dignity. And I began to reflect that the man was of comely stature
+and of striking appearance; handsome and pleasant looking; always
+cheerful; of a smiling countenance, be it early or late; kind to all;
+a man calm in his bearing, and grave in his gait; polite in speech,
+possessing a sweet voice in chanting, and expressive in reading;
+young, strong, of a healthy body, and always in readiness to undergo
+travail for the needs of the church; skilful in conforming himself to
+every circumstance of place or time, either with ecclesiastics,
+clerks or seculars; liberal and social, and gentle in reproof; not
+spiteful, not suspicious, not covetous, not tiresome, not slothful;
+sober and fluent of tongue in the French idiom, as being a Norman by
+birth; a man of moderate understanding, who, if "too much learning
+should make him mad," might be said to be a perfectly accomplished
+man.
+
+When I regarded these things I said in my mind, such a man would
+become very popular, but "there is nothing every way blessed," and I
+wept for joy, saying that "God hath visited his people; as the Lord
+pleased, so it hath been done." But of a sudden another thought
+occurred to me: "Be cautious in your praise of a new man, for honours
+alter manners, or rather they show them. Wait and see who and what
+sort of men will be his counsellors, and to whom he will give ear,
+for each thing naturally draws to its like. The event will prove his
+doings, and therefore be sparing in your praises."
+
+On the same day certain unlearned brethren, as well officials as
+cloister-folk, came together, and "whetted their tongues like a sword
+that they might shoot privily at" the learned, repeating the words of
+the abbot, which he had that day spoken, as it were to the prejudice
+of the learned. Thus they said to one another, "Now let our
+philosophers take to their philosophies: now is it manifest what
+their philosophies are worth. So often have our good clerks declined
+in the cloister that they are now declined. So much have they
+sermonized in chapter that all are driven away. So much have they
+spoken of discerning between leprosy and leprosy that as lepers they
+are all put out. So often have they declined _musa_, _musae_, that
+all of them are reckoned musards" (drivellers). These and such like
+things certain uttered in ridicule and scandal of others, justifying
+their own ignorance: they condemned the knowledge of polite learning,
+and disparaged learned men, being very merry, and expecting great
+things, which, in all probability, will never come to pass, for "Hope
+of good is often deceived in its expectation."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII
+
+THE ABBOT'S FOIBLES
+
+
+The wise man hath said, "No one is in every respect perfect"; nor was
+the abbot Samson. For this reason let me say this, that according to
+my judgment the abbot was not to be commended when he caused a deed
+to be made and ordered the same to be delivered to a certain servant
+of his, for him to have the sergeanty of John Ruffus, after the
+decease of the same John. Ten marks, as it was said, "did blind the
+eyes of the wise." Wherefore, upon Master Dennis, the monk, saying
+that such an act was unheard of, the abbot replied: "I shall not
+cease from doing as I like a whit the more for you than I would for
+that youngster." The abbot also did the like thing in respect of the
+sergeanty of Adam the infirmarer, upon payment of one hundred
+shillings. Of such an act it may be said, "A little leaven leaveneth
+the whole lump."
+
+There is, also, another stain of evil doing, which I trust in the
+Lord he will wash away with tears, in order that a single excess may
+not disfigure the sum total of so many good deeds. He built up the
+bank of the fish-pond at Babwell so high, for the service of a new
+mill, that by the keeping back of the water there is not a man, rich
+or poor, who has land near the water, from the gate of the town to
+Eastgate, but has lost his garden and his orchards. The pasture of
+the cellarer, upon the other side of the bank, is spoilt. The arable
+land, also, of the neighbouring folk has been much deteriorated. The
+meadow of the cellarer is ruined, the orchard of the infirmarer has
+been flooded by the great flow of water, and all the neighbouring
+folk are complaining thereof. Once, indeed, the cellarer argued with
+him in full chapter, upon this excessive damage; but he, quickly
+moved to anger, made answer, that his fish-pond was not to be spoilt
+on account of our meadows.
+
+The Dean of London writes thus in his chronicles: "King Henry the
+Second, having conferred with the archbishop and bishops concerning
+the vacant abbacies, so far observed the rule of the canons in
+appointing abbots, that it was the custom to appoint them upon votes
+solicited from other houses; thinking, perhaps, that if pastors were
+set up in every place from their own body," a previously contracted
+familiarity would afford impunity to vice, and old acquaintanceship
+would give indulgence to wickedness, and thereby too great remissness
+would obtain in cloisters. Another has said: "It does not seem fit
+that a pastor should be elected from his own house, but rather from
+some other house; because, if he is taken from elsewhere he will
+always believe, according to the greatness of the monastery which he
+has undertaken to rule, that many are good men and true, whose advice
+he will seek if he is a good man, and whose honesty he will fear if
+he is a bad one. But a servant of the house, better knowing the
+ignorance, inability and incompetence of every one, will the more
+carelessly serve therein, mixing square with round."
+
+The monks of Ramsey followed this line of reasoning; for in those
+days, when they were able to choose one of their own body, on two
+occasions they chose an abbot from other houses.
+
+In the year of grace one thousand two hundred and one there came to
+us the abbot of Flay, and through his preaching caused the open
+buying and selling which took place in the market on Sundays to be
+done away with, and it was ordained that the market should be held on
+the Monday. The like the abbot brought to pass in many cities and
+boroughs of England.
+
+In the same year the monks of Ely set up a market at Lakenheath,
+having the permission, as well as the charter, of the King. Now, we
+in the first place, dealing peaceably with our friends and
+neighbours, sent our messengers to the chapter of Ely, and, first of
+all, to the lord Bishop of Ely, letters of request that he should
+forbear his intentions; adding that we could, in a friendly way, for
+the sake of peace and preserving our mutual regard, pay the fifteen
+marks that were given as a fine for obtaining the King's charter. Why
+make a long story of it? They would not give way, and then upon all
+sides arose threatening speeches, and "spears threatening spears."
+
+We therefore procured a writ of inquest to ascertain whether that
+market was established to our prejudice, and to the damage of the
+market of the town of St. Edmund. The oath was made, and it was
+testified that this had been done to our damage. Of all which, when
+the King was informed, he caused it to be inquired, by his registrar,
+what sort of charter he had granted to the monks of Ely; and it was
+made to appear that he had given to them the aforesaid market, under
+such conditions that it should not be to the injury of the
+neighbouring markets. The King, therefore, forty marks being offered,
+granted us his charter that from thenceforward there should be no
+market within the liberty of St. Edmund, unless by the assent of the
+abbot. And he wrote to Geoffrey Fitz-Peter, his justiciary, that the
+market of Lakenheath should be abolished. The justiciary wrote the
+same to the sheriff of Suffolk.
+
+The sheriff, being well aware that he could not enter upon the
+liberties of St. Edmund, or exercise any authority there, gave it in
+charge to the abbot, by his writ, that this should be performed
+according to the form of the royal command. The steward of the
+hundred, therefore, coming thither upon the market day, with the
+witnessing of freemen, in the King's name openly prohibited that
+market, showing the letters of the King and the sheriff; but being
+treated with great abuse and violence, he departed, without having
+accomplished his object.
+
+The abbot, on the other hand, deferring this matter for awhile, being
+at London, and consulting the learned thereupon, commanded his
+bailiffs, that taking with them the men of St. Edmund with horse and
+arms, they should abolish the market, and that they should bring
+along with them in custody the buyers and sellers therein, if they
+should find any. So at dead of night, there went forth nearly six
+hundred men well armed, proceeding towards Lakenheath. But when the
+scouts gave intelligence of their arrival, all who were in the market
+ran hither and thither, and not one of them could be found.
+
+Now, the prior of Ely on that same night had come thither, with his
+bailiffs, expecting the arrival of our men, in order that, to the
+best of his ability, he might defend the buyers and sellers; but he
+would not stir out of his inn. When our bailiffs had required from
+him gage and pledge to stand trial in the court of St. Edmund for the
+wrong committed by him, and he had refused, upon consultation, they
+overturned the butchers' shambles and the tables of the stalls in the
+market, and carried them away with them. Moreover, they led away with
+them all the cattle, "all sheep and oxen; yea, and the beasts of the
+field," and set off towards Icklingham. The bailiffs of the prior
+following them made suit for their cattle, by replevin within fifteen
+days: and their suit was allowed. Within the fifteen days there came
+a writ, whereby the abbot was summoned to come before the court of
+exchequer to answer for such act, and that the cattle taken should in
+the meantime be delivered up without charge. For the Bishop of Ely,
+who was an eloquent and well-spoken man, in his own person had made
+complaint thereof to the justiciary and the nobles of England, saying
+that a most unheard-of piece of arrogance had been committed in the
+land of St. Etheldreda in time of peace; wherefore many were highly
+indignant with the abbot.
+
+In the meanwhile another cause of disagreement arose between the
+bishop and the abbot. A certain young man of Glemsford had been
+summoned to the court of St. Edmund, for a breach of the King's
+peace, and had been sought for a long while. At length the steward of
+the bishop brought forth that young man in the county court, claiming
+the jurisdiction of the court of St. Etheldreda, and exhibiting the
+charters and privileges of his lord; but our bailiffs, claiming the
+jurisdiction of the plaint and the seisin of such liberty, could not
+be heard. The county court, indeed, put that plaint in respite until
+the justices in eyre should arrive, wherefore St. Edmund was ousted
+of his jurisdiction. The abbot, on hearing this, proposed to go over
+to the King; but because he was sick, he decided to defer the matter
+till the Purification.
+
+And, behold! on St. Agnes day there came the King's messenger,
+bearing the writ of our lord the Pope, wherein it was contained, that
+the bishop of Ely and the abbot of St. Edmund should make inquisition
+concerning Geoffrey Fitz-Peter and William de Stutville, and certain
+other lords of England who had taken the cross, for whom the King
+required discharge, alleging their personal infirmity, and the
+necessity for their advice in the government of his kingdom. The same
+messenger also brought letters from our lord the King, commanding
+that he, upon the sight thereof, should come to him to confer upon
+the message of our lord the Pope. The abbot was troubled in his mind,
+and said, "I am straitened on every side; I must either offend God or
+the King: by the very God, whatsoever may be the consequence to me, I
+will not wittingly lie."
+
+Therefore, returning home with all speed, somewhat weakened by
+infirmity of body and humbled, and (as was not his wont) timid, by
+the intervention of the prior, he sought advice of us (a thing he
+heretofore had seldom done), as to what course he was to pursue in
+respect of the liberties of the church which were in jeopardy, and
+whence the money was to come if he took his journey, and to whom the
+keeping of the abbey was to be committed, and what should be done for
+his poor servants who had a long time served him. And the answer was,
+that he might go, and that he was at liberty to take up at interest
+sufficient money, to be payable out of our sacristy and from our
+pittances, and from our other rents at his pleasure; and that he
+should give the abbey in charge to the prior, and some other clerk
+whom he had enriched, and who could, in the interval, live upon his
+own means, that thereby a saving might take place in the expenses of
+the abbot, and that he might give to each of his servants money
+proportioned to his length of service.
+
+He, hearing such counsel, was pleased therewith, and so it was done.
+The abbot, therefore, coming into chapter the day before he took his
+departure, caused to be brought with him all his books, and these he
+presented to the church and convent, and commended our counsel which
+we had signified to him through the prior.
+
+In the meantime we heard certain persons murmuring, saying that the
+abbot is careful and solicitous for the liberties of his own barony,
+but he keeps silence respecting the liberties of the convent which we
+have lost in his time; namely, concerning the lost court and
+liberties of the cellarer, and the liberty of the sacrist, as regards
+the appointment of the bailiffs of the town by the convent.
+Therefore, the Lord raised up the spirit of three brethren of but
+indifferent knowledge, who, having got many others to join them,
+conferred with the prior thereupon, in order that he should speak
+with the abbot respecting these matters. On our behalf the prior was
+to ask him, at his departure, to provide for the security of his
+church in respect of those liberties. On hearing this, the abbot
+answered that no more was to be said upon the subject, swearing that
+so long as he lived he would be the master; but towards evening he
+talked more mildly thereupon with the prior.
+
+On the morrow, indeed, sitting in chapter, as he was about to depart
+and ask licence so to do, he said he had satisfied all his servants,
+and had made his will just as if he was now to die; and beginning to
+speak concerning those liberties, he justified himself, saying that
+he had changed the ancient customs in order that there should not be
+a default in the administration of the King's justice, and threw the
+blame upon the sacrist, and said that if Durand, the town bailiff,
+who was now sick, should die, the sacrist might hold the bailiwick in
+his own hand, and present a bailiff to the chapter for approval, as
+the custom had been of old, so nevertheless that this be done with
+the assent of the abbot; but the gifts and offerings to be made
+yearly by the bailiff he would in no wise remit.
+
+Now, when we asked him what was to be done in respect of the
+cellarer's court which was lost, and especially of the halfpence
+which the cellarer was accustomed to receive for renewing pledges, he
+became angry, and asked us in his turn by what authority we demanded
+the exercise of regal jurisdiction, and those things which appertain
+to regalities.
+
+To this it was replied that we had possessed it from the foundation
+of the church, and even three years after he had come to the abbacy,
+and this liberty of renewing pledges we possessed in every one of our
+manors. We stated that we ought not to lose our right in
+consideration of a hundred shillings, which he received privately
+from the town bailiff every year; and we boldly required of him to
+give us such seisin thereof as we had had even in his time.
+
+The abbot, being as it were at a loss for an answer, and willing
+enough to leave us all in peace and to depart quietly, ordered that
+those halfpence and the other matters which the cellarer demanded
+should be sequestrated until his return; and he promised that upon
+his return he would co-operate with us in everything, and make just
+order and disposition, and render to each what was justly his. On his
+saying this, all was quiet again; but the calm was not very great,
+for
+
+ "In promises any man may wealthy be."
+
+
+ FINIS.
+
+
+ APPENDICES:
+
+ PAGE
+
+ I _SAMSON AS AN AUTHOR_ 215
+
+ II _NOTES TO THE TEXT OF THE CHRONICLE_ 222
+
+ III _TABLE OF CHIEF DATES IN THE HISTORY
+ OF THE ABBEY OF ST. EDMUNDSBURY_
+ (A.D. 870 _to_ 1903) 257
+
+
+
+
+APPENDIX I
+
+SAMSON AS AN AUTHOR.
+
+
+Samson having been generally looked upon as a man of action rather
+than as a man of letters, it seems desirable to consider at greater
+length than is possible in the general Introduction, his claims to be
+regarded as a literary character.
+
+In the Bodleian Library at Oxford is a huge codex of 898 pages (MS.
+240) in a script of the 14th century. This once belonged to Bury
+Abbey, as at the beginning is the note "Liber monachorum Sancti
+Edmundi, in quo continetur secunda pars Historia auree, quam scribi
+fecit dominus Rogerus de Huntedoun sumptibus graciarum suarum anno
+domini MCCC.LXXVII^o." Over the title is written on the margin
+"Thomas Prise possidet," and in another hand "Io. Anglicus erat
+author."
+
+There is considerable difficulty in assigning the exact authorship of
+this work: but that it was compiled at Bury is certain, and it was no
+doubt added to as new materials turned up or were deemed worthy of
+admission, especially such as were connected with St. Edmundsbury. Dr.
+Carl Horstman has published in the preface to Vol. I. of his _Nova
+Legenda Anglie_ (Oxf. Univ. Press, 1901) a summary of the contents of
+this book which throws much new light on its _provenance_. It is, as
+he says, "the depository of documents of Bury Abbey, and not the work
+of one individual; but the joint work, the common concern of the
+monastery, for a whole generation."
+
+The MS. contains only the second part of the Historia aurea, and with
+an abbreviated text; and this is followed by a collection of
+miscellanies, lives of saints, poetry and documents of all sorts. Dr.
+Horstman prints in his second volume the lives of several saints,
+scattered through the last half of the codex.
+
+The only one of these lives that need concern us is that of St.
+Edmund, which is very long and detailed, and occupies 116 printed
+pages. This is followed almost immediately by a chapter De modo
+meditandi vel contemplandi (including St. Edmund's prayer, "Gratias
+tibi ago"), and later by a compilation on monastic discipline for the
+novices of Bury Abbey.
+
+This Life of St. Edmund is by far the most complete extant. It is
+described as "Vita et passio cum miraculis sancti Edmundi regis et
+martiris, excerpta de cronicis et diuersis historiis seu legendis, de
+eodem breuiter et sub compendio compilata." It is doubtless the
+"Prolixa vita" from which was compiled the "abbreviata vita" included
+in Abbot Curteys' Register (now at the British Museum), and printed in
+Archdeacon Battely's book of 1745 (pp. 25, 149). In the margins are
+given the authorities from which it is compiled, and amongst these
+are, in addition to the chronicles of Blythburgh, Ely, Hoveden, Hulme,
+Huntingdon, Malmesbury, Marianus, Norwich, Sarum, Waringford, and
+Westminster, the writers specially identified with Bury Abbey:--Abbo
+of Fleury, Herman the Archdeacon, Galfridus de Fontibus, Osbert of
+Clare, Jocelin of Brakelond (from whom are taken the incidents
+described in chapters viii. and xiv. of this book), and--Samson.
+
+There are in all eighteen sections of the Life for which Samson is
+quoted as the authority. On eight occasions the word "Sampson" appears
+in the margin; "Sampson abbas," eight times; "Sampson abbas sancti
+Edmundi," once; "Ex libro de miraculis eius Sampson," once (the first
+occasion when the name appears); and "Ex libro primo miraculorum
+Sampson abb." once (the seventh occasion).
+
+Before considering Samson's share in the collection of materials
+relative to the history of St. Edmund, a few words must be said about
+the earlier writers on the subject.
+
+The first contributor to the tangle of legends and miracles connected
+with St. Edmund and his shrine was ABBO, of Fleury, a great monastery
+on the Loire above Orleans, founded in the 7th century. A native of
+Orleans, Abbo was sent early to the monastic school at Fleury, where
+he mastered five of the seven arts, viz., grammar, arithmetic,
+dialectic, astronomy and music. (Migne's _Patrologia_, vol. 139.) A
+deputation coming to Fleury from the monks of Ramsey Abbey, asking
+that a man of learning might be sent to them, Abbo was selected for
+the office, and he remained two years in England, when he was
+recalled. He died from a spear-thrust in November, 1004. Whilst in
+England (circa 985) he heard from Archbishop Dunstan the story of St.
+Edmund's death, as related to Dunstan when a youth by an old man who
+said he was armour-bearer to St. Edmund on the day of his death (20th
+November, 870). At the entreaty of the monks of Ramsey, Abbo put this
+story into writing, prefacing it with a dedicatory epistle to Dunstan
+in which he says that the work is sent to the Archbishop because every
+part of it, except the last miracle, is related on his authority.
+
+Abbo being "composition master" to the student monks at Ramsey, he
+wrote, as Mr. Arnold says (I. xiv.), "with that freedom with which men
+whose information is scanty, and their imagination strong, are not
+sorry to enjoy." Lord Francis Hervey, in a masterly analysis of the
+facts and fictions of St. Edmund's life in his Notes to Robert Reyce's
+_Breviary of Suffolk_ (1902), thus sums the matter with great truth:
+"Abbo's treatise, with its declamatory flourishes and classical tags,
+is for historical purposes all but worthless."
+
+The copies extant of Abbo's _Passio_ are numerous. (For List, see
+Hardy's Catalogue, vol. i, p. 526.) At least four of them (two in the
+Cottonian collection, one at the Bodleian, and one at Lambeth)
+belonged to Bury Abbey, the earliest being Tiberius B. ii., which has
+on fol. 1_a_ the words "Liber feretrariorum S. Edmundi in quo
+continentur uita passio et miracula S. Edmundi." It is a beautiful MS.
+of the end of the eleventh or beginning of the twelfth century; "and
+the gold enrichment is sometimes splendid" (Arnold I. lxv.), though
+the illumination is unfinished. The other Cottonian MS. (Titus A.
+viii.) is of the thirteenth century, and has on fol. 65 the words
+"Liber monachorum S. Edmundi." (Both these books will be referred to
+later.)
+
+The next writer on the subject was HERMAN THE ARCHDEACON, who, at
+the end of the eleventh century, wrote a treatise _De Miraculis Sancti
+Eadmundi_.
+
+Herman was Archdeacon to Bishop Arfast of Thetford, at the time when
+the latter first endeavoured to establish his see at Bury; but later
+he must have become a monk of St. Edmund, and he manifests in his
+narrative enthusiastic devotion to the monastery. In the prologue he
+explains that he compiled his work at the request of Abbot Baldwin
+"felicis memoriae" (died 1097), partly from oral tradition, partly from
+an old and almost undecipherable manuscript "exarata calamo cujusdam
+difficillimo, et, ut ita dicam, adamantino." Mr. Arnold has printed
+the text of Herman on pp. 26-92 of his vol. I. from the Cottonian
+volume Tiberius B. ii. above referred to, which is composed of Abbo's
+_Passio_ and Herman's _Miracula_.
+
+A third writer was GALFRIDUS DE FONTIBUS, who wrote in the days of
+Abbot Ording (1146-1156) a short tract, _De Infantia Sancti Eadmundi_,
+of which only one MS. is known (in the Cambridge University Library).
+Further additions to the legends and miracles were made by OSBERT of
+CLARE, prior of Westminster, who flourished between 1108 and 1140,
+but whose writings are not now separately extant, though extracts from
+them appear in the manuscripts of other authors.
+
+It would seem that working upon all these records, and doubtless
+others which have not descended to us, Samson, at the period of his
+life when he was still a subordinate officer of Bury Abbey, set about
+compiling a treatise of his own. His prologue indicates that he was
+moved to narrate the glorious miracles of the glorious king and martyr
+St. Edmund by the orders of his superiors and the exhortations of his
+fellow monks. His work seems, however, to have been mainly that of a
+compiler and editor, though the prologue, described by Mr. Arnold (I.,
+liii.) as "written in a massive and manly style," was doubtless of his
+own composition. The work appears after Abbo's _Passio_ in the
+Cottonian MS. Titus A. viii., and consists of two books, Liber I.
+containing sixteen chapters, and Liber II. twenty-one chapters. All
+but four of the chapters in the first book refer to narratives that
+had been told before by Herman, and Samson "has merely re-written
+them, adding no new facts, but greatly improving the style." The
+second book contains another prologue, followed by a prefatory letter;
+and a hand of the fourteenth or early fifteenth century has written in
+the Cottonian MS. "Osberti de Clara prioris Westmonasterii" in the
+margin of the prologue, and "Incipit epistola Osberti prioris
+Westmonasterii missa con. S. Edmundi de miraculis ejusdem" in the
+margin at the beginning of the letter.
+
+Mr. Arnold speaks of the "inflated diction and fantastical mystical
+interpretations" of this (second) prologue and prefatory letter, and
+says that "Samson seems simply to have annexed them while making up
+his own work." As, however, some of the narratives in this second book
+are ascribed to Samson himself in the Bodleian MS. 240, whilst others
+in the same book are ascribed to Osbert, it is manifest that some
+confusion had arisen in the interval as to the respective shares of
+responsibility for the narratives. But this need not prevent us from
+accepting Samson as at least the compiler and editor of the work _De
+Miraculis Sancti Edmundi_ referred to on page xxxiv. of the
+Introduction, and printed in full on pp. 107-208 of Mr. Arnold's first
+volume.
+
+If it be the case, as Mr. Arnold thinks (and there seems no reason
+against the ascription) that the Prologue of Book I. was Samson's own
+composition, it will doubtless be of interest that it should be
+reproduced here as a specimen of his literary style; and a translation
+of it is therefore subjoined, which follows the structure of the
+original as closely as possible:--
+
+"When we see the deeds of many earthly men extolled in brilliant
+writings, which those skilled in letters have handed down to the
+memory of posterity, it is to be wondered that we do not blush that
+the great works of God, which, through His servants, have been brought
+into being almost in this our very age, should through our sloth be
+blotted out, and through our silence be condemned. And although those
+secular historians, in the pride of their eloquence, have said very
+much about small affairs, and have gained the favour and tickled the
+ears of their audience by the sweetness of their speech, yet Christian
+simplicity and Catholic plainness, innocent of the leaven of
+superstition, are rightly preferred to them all. Indeed, the greatest
+faith is to be placed in the account of those who do not wish, and do
+not know how, to colour what they have heard, or, by the grace of
+their words, to twist matters into one tortuous path after another.
+
+"In saying this we do not impudently speak to the discredit (be that
+far from us) of Churchmen who, by the divine inspiration, endowed with
+wonderful eloquence, have with their words, sweeter than honey and the
+honeycomb, adorned the deeds of our honoured ancestors, as it were a
+golden tablet ornamented with most brilliant pearls. But verily those
+are to be confuted who are carried headlong by a damnable presumption
+to that with which erudition has nought to do, and to which the grace
+of the Holy Spirit imparts nought.
+
+"But we (whom the apostle warns lest we should despise the riches of
+the goodness of God, and whom he exhorts not to receive His grace in
+vain) with a truthful, albeit an unpolished style, at the command of
+superior authority and by the exhortation of brotherly love, have
+undertaken to tell of the glorious miracles of the glorious king and
+martyr Edmund: since, indeed, it appears impious that we should allow
+the lantern, which God lighted and placed upon a candlestick, to be
+obscured through our sloth, or should hide it negligently under the
+bushel of oblivion. For to this purpose is it placed upon a
+candlestick, that it may give light to all who are in the house."
+
+In which matter the victorious champion of God, Edmund, illuminating
+the borders, not only of Britain, but also of foreign lands with the
+glory of his miracles, gives frequent token of his merit towards God.
+
+ "On behalf of whose merits, Omnipotent God, we pray
+ That Thou in Thy clemency wouldst purge our inmost heart,
+ And wouldst infuse the gift which the fostering spirit bestows,
+ Opening the tongues of speechless babes and making them eloquent,
+ That we may be able worthily to tell the praises of the martyr,
+ His famous acts, his virtues and his triumphs."
+
+
+
+
+APPENDIX II
+
+NOTES TO THE TEXT OF THE CHRONICLE.
+
+ [_The full titles of the works of reference quoted in the pages of
+ this Appendix as "Arnold," "Battely," "James," "Rokewode," will be
+ found on pages 276 and 277 of Appendix III_].
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+1, 4. _The year when the Flemings were taken captive._ On the 17th
+October, 1173, Richard de Lucy, the chief justiciary of King Henry
+II., defeated at Fornham St. Genevieve, near Bury St. Edmunds, the
+rebel Robert de Beaumont, Earl of Leicester, who had landed from
+Flanders at Walton in Suffolk on the 29th September, 1173, at the head
+of a force of Flemings. The chroniclers speak of large numbers of the
+foreign mercenaries as being killed at the battle of Fornham. The Earl
+and Countess of Leicester were captured, and imprisoned at Falaise
+till 1174. For an interesting description of the battle, with many
+references to the chronicles, see Miss Kate Norgate's _England under
+the Angevin Kings_, II. 150-1.
+
+1, 10. _Hugh the Abbot._ Hugh, Prior of Westminster, succeeded Ording
+as 9th Abbot of St. Edmundsbury in 1157. Gervase records his being
+blessed by Archbishop Theobald at Colchester, and his vowing to him
+canonical obedience. But a bull obtained at great cost from Pope
+Alexander III. in 1172 (see p. 7) made the abbey immediately subject
+to Rome. Some details of the occurrences during his abbacy are given
+in Battely, pp. 78-82.
+
+1, 11. Genesis xxvii. 1.
+
+2, 21. _Debt ... to Jews._ Whilst the Jews were legally simply
+chattels of the king, they were at this time "practically masters of
+the worldly interests of a large number of his Christian subjects, and
+of a large portion of the wealth of his realm" (Norgate's _Angevin
+Kings_, II. 487). There are many instances besides that of St.
+Edmundsbury of ecclesiastical property and furniture being pledged to
+the Jews, _e.g._ the sacred vessels and jewels of Lincoln Minster were
+in pledge to Aaron, a rich Jew of that city, for seven years or more
+before Geoffrey, bishop-elect, redeemed them in 1173.
+
+3, 6. _Benedict the Jew._ In 1171 "Benedict the Jew, son of Deodate,
+was fined xx^li for taking certain sacred vestments in pawn." (Pipe
+Rolls, Norf. and Suff. 17 Hen. II.) Other fines on Jews are recorded
+by Rokewode (pp. 106-7).
+
+3, 9. _William the sacrist._ From the _Gesta Sacristarum_ (Arnold II.
+291) we learn of this officer, who was once Samson's superior,
+afterwards a rival candidate for the abbacy, and finally Samson's
+subordinate, "Huic [Schuch] successit Willelmus cognomento Wiardel;
+qui non sine causa a domino Samsone abbate amotus fuit ab
+administratione." His evil deeds recorded by Jocelin appear therefore
+to have been remembered.
+
+6, 1. _Richard the Archbishop._ Richard was a Norman by birth and of
+humble parentage; and was prior of Dover when the question of filling
+up the primacy was discussed 2-1/2 years after Becket's murder on 29th
+December, 1170. There was a disputed election, but Robert, by the
+Court influence, won the day over Odo, Prior of Canterbury; and
+eventually his election was confirmed by Pope Alexander III. on 2nd
+April, 1174. Immediately after his enthronisation (5th October, 1174)
+Richard held a legatine visitation of his province; and as he rode
+with a great train, his visits were specially grievous to the
+religious houses that had to receive him.
+
+6, 19. _Sent to Acre._ Castleacre, Westacre, and Southacre, in
+Norfolk, are all described in Domesday book as "Acra." There were two
+Priories, one at Castleacre, the other at Westacre; but the former was
+the more famous of the two. As it was a Cluniac institution, and as
+the Cluniacs were a kind of stricter Benedictines, it seems most
+probable that it was to Castleacre that Samson was sent as a
+punishment. Apparently this was his second banishment there; for he
+speaks here to Jocelin (then a novice, and who joined the monastery in
+1173) as though of recent events. (As to his first imprisonment after
+his return from Rome about 1161, see page 74 and note on p. 237.) The
+Priory of Castleacre was founded about 1084 by William de Warrenne,
+created by the Conqueror Earl of Surrey, and the progenitor of that
+famous sixth Earl who fought Baliol and Wallace in Scotland, and who,
+when called upon by the King's Commissioners to produce the title by
+which he held his possessions, drew his sword and laid it on the
+table. Some remarkably beautiful ruins of the Priory, particularly of
+its west front and the Prior's Lodge, have happily escaped the ravages
+of the village builders, who for centuries used the ruins as a stone
+quarry.
+
+6, 24. Exodus v. 21.
+
+7, 4. _authority as legate._ Mr. Rokewode goes at length (pp. 107-8)
+into the documents relative to the claim of the monks of St. Edmund to
+exemption under Royal authority from ordinary episcopal jurisdiction.
+The Bull of 1172 which they obtained from Pope Alexander III. exempted
+them from the jurisdiction of any other ecclesiastical authority than
+the Pontiff or his _legatus a latere_. Shortly afterwards the
+Monastery was exempted from the personal interference of Archbishop
+Richard as legate _a latere_.
+
+8, 5. _Jurnet the Jew._ Rokewode quotes (pp. 108-9) from the Pipe
+Rolls of Henry II. the following: In 23 Henry II., Jurnet the Jew of
+Norwich was amerced in MM marcs; and he stood amerced, in the 31st
+year of the same king, in MMMMMDXXV marcs and a half, for which debt
+the whole body of Jews were chargeable: and they were to have Jurnet's
+effects and chattels to enable them to pay it. He gave King Richard
+MDCCC marcs that he might reside in England with the King's good
+will.
+
+10, 23. _morrow of St. Brice._ November 15, 1180. Hugh was buried in
+the Chapter House nearest the door, sixth and last of the six abbots
+buried there, as recorded in a MS. at Douai circa 1425. The other five
+were:--Ording (1146-1156), Samson (1182-1211), Richard of Insula
+(1229-1234), Henry of Rushbrook (1234-1248), Edmund of Walpole
+(1248-1257). The lidless coffins of these five, with skeletons within,
+were discovered January 1, 1903. The coffin of Hugh had disappeared,
+but bones which may have been his were found buried at the spot.
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+12, 3. _Ranulf de Glanville._ The famous author of the oldest of our
+legal classics, the "Treatise on the Laws and Customs of England," was
+of Suffolk stock, and was born at Stratford St. Andrew, Saxmundham. He
+succeeded Richard Lucy as chief justiciary of England, and
+thenceforward he was the king's right-hand man (Richard of Devizes
+called him the "King's eye"). At the moment of Abbot Hugh's death
+Henry II. was in France (he kept that Christmas at Le Mans), so the
+monks appreciated the importance of letting Glanville as justiciary
+know at once the fact of the vacancy. Glanville took the cross, and
+died at the siege of Acre in 1180.
+
+12, 11. _wardship of the Abbey._ The accounts rendered by the wardens
+during the abbatial vacancy have been fortunately preserved in the
+returns which Wimer, the Sheriff of Norfolk and Suffolk, made to the
+Exchequer for the 27 and 28 Henry II. Mr. Rokewode gives the actual
+text of them (pp. 110-1). The rental of the Abbot from Michaelmas,
+1180, to Michaelmas, 1181, was L326 12_s._ 4_d._: out of which L56
+13_s._ 4_d._ was paid for corrodies, including L21 for Abbot Hugh's
+expenses for the six weeks before his death, and L35 for the
+Archbishop of Trontheim.
+
+14, 2. Deuteronomy xvi. 19.
+
+14, 9. _paintings._ For an interesting discussion as to these
+paintings, and the subjects of them, see _James_, pp. 130 _et seq._
+
+14, 11. _building the great tower._ Samson's work as subsacrist in
+connection with this tower is thus described by James, page 119:
+"Samson finished one storey in the great tower at the west end. This
+was a western tower occupying a position similar to that of the
+western tower at Ely, immediately over the central western door." It
+was _not_ this tower (as stated by Rokewode, page 111) that fell down
+on 23 Sept., 1210, but the central tower (see James, pp. 121-203).
+
+16, 7. Judges xvi. 19.
+
+16, 11. Judges xvi. 29.
+
+16, 18. Matthew xxv. 21.
+
+17, 7. Quot homines tot sententiae. Terence, _Phormio_, Act. 2, Sc. 3,
+14.
+
+17, 12. _Abbot Ording._ In the dedication to Abbot Ording of the
+_Liber de Infantia Sancti Eadmundi_ by Galfridus de Fontibus, Ording
+is said (Arnold, i. 93) to have been "watchful in attendance on the
+King from his boyhood." Apparently this King was Stephen (born about
+1097), as Henry II., his successor, was not born until 1133. At that
+time Ording would have been on duty at Bury: for he was already Prior
+in 1136, when Anselm, then Abbot, was nominated for the Bishopric of
+London. Ording was appointed in 1138 Abbot in Anselm's place; but as
+the latter failed to get his nomination to the See of London confirmed
+by the Pope, he came back to Bury. Ording therefore, "sive volens sive
+nolens" had to return to his duties as Prior; but when Anselm died in
+1148, Ording was re-elected Abbot, and held office till he died in
+1156. As to his place of burial, see note to p. 152, l. 5, on p. 247.
+
+17, 23. Matthew xvi. 19.
+
+18, 9. _Barrators of Norfolk._ Barrator==an incitor to lawsuits (from
+O. Fr. _bareter_, to deceive, cheat). The men of Norfolk were noted
+for their litigious propensities (cf. Tusser's rhyming autobiography:
+"Norfolk wiles, so full of guiles"). Fuller in his _Worthies_ says:
+"Whereas _pedibus ambulando_ is accounted but a vexatious suit in
+other countries, here (where men are said to study law as following
+the plough-tail) some would persuade us that they will enter an action
+for their neighbour's horse but looking over their hedge." An Act was
+passed in 1455 (33 Hen. VI. cap. 7) to check the litigiousness of "the
+City of Norwich, and the counties of Norfolk and Suffolk."
+
+18, 17. Acts xxvi. 24, 25.
+
+20, 13. 1 Corinthians xiii. 11.
+
+21, 4. Romans xvi. 5.
+
+21, 6. _Blood-letting season_ (tempore minutionis). At stated times of
+the year there was a general blood-letting among the monks; and in the
+same _Liber Albus_ in which Jocelin's chronicle appears is a set of
+Regulations _De Minutis Sanguine_ (fol. 193). Amongst the servants in
+the infirmary of Bury Monastery was _Minutor, cum garcione_ (_id._
+fol. 44). The effects of the minutio were supposed to last three days,
+during which the monk did not go to matins.
+
+21, 17. Nihil est ab omni parte beatum. Horace, _Od._ i. 16.
+
+22, 8. John xix. 22.
+
+22, 9. Et semel emissum volat irrevocable verbum. Horace i. _Ep._ 18.
+71.
+
+22, 23. Medio tutissimus ibis. Ovid, _Metamorphoses_ ii. 137.
+
+23, 1. Matthew xix. 12.
+
+23, 3. _Archbishop of Norway._ In 1180 Eystein (Augustinus) Archbishop
+of Trontheim, refusing to crown Sverrir, a successful rebel, who had
+defeated Magnus, King of Norway, was driven into exile and came to
+England. (William de Newburgh, iii. 16.) Rokewode (p. 113) shows from
+the accounts of the Wardens of the Abbey during the vacancy, that the
+corrodies allowed to the Archbishop amounted in all to L94 10s.
+
+23, 11. _Holy child Robert._ Nothing is known of the circumstances of
+this boy's death at the hands of the Jews, on 10th June, 1181, or of
+Jocelin's account of it (line 16), beyond the reference made by Bale
+in his list of Jocelin's writings to _Vita Roberti Martyris_.
+
+23, 13. Acts v. 12.
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+25, 12. Jeremiah xxiii. 40.
+
+25, 21. Cf. 1 Corinthians xii. 3.
+
+26, 23. _Verba Mea._ The 5th Psalm in the Vulgate begins with these
+words.
+
+31, 9. _Waltham._ The interview with Henry II. took place at Bishop's
+Waltham, in Hampshire, on the 21st February, 1182.
+
+31, 15. _Geoffrey the Chancellor._ Geoffrey was a natural son of Henry
+II.--it is generally stated as by Fair Rosamond, though this is now
+discredited by the facts adduced in the _Dict. Nat. Biog._ He was
+successively Bishop of Lincoln (1173), Chancellor (1182), Archbishop
+of York (1191), and after a violent quarrel with King John, fled the
+country in 1207, dying in Normandy in 1212.
+
+32, 5. Matthew xix. 30; Mark x. 31.
+
+34, 23. _By the very eyes of God_: "per veros oculos Dei!" This was a
+favourite oath of Henry II. In a contemporary metrical life of St.
+Thomas of Canterbury, the King is more than once made to exclaim "Par
+les oilz Dieu" (Rokewode, p. 115). William II. used to swear by "the
+holy Face of Lucca"; John by "the teeth of God" (Ramsay, _Angevin
+Empire_ (1903), p. 414).
+
+35, 7. _Miserere mei Deus._ Psalm li.
+
+
+CHAPTER IV
+
+37, 24. _Threshold of the gate._ Samson alighted at what is now known
+as the "Norman Tower."
+
+38, 4. _Martyri adhuc._ Rokewode gives on page 115 the text (with the
+musical notes) of this response, the words of which are: "Martyri
+adhuc palpitanti, sed Christum confitenti, jussit Inguar caput
+auferri: sicque Edmundus martyrium consummavit, et ad Deum exultans
+vadit." In a MS. (Digby 109) now at the Bodleian Library (which
+contains also a copy of Abbo's _Passio_) this response comes after the
+5th lesson of the office of St. Edmund.
+
+39, 23. John vi. 6.
+
+39, 24. _New seal._ A representation of this seal is given as the
+Frontispiece. It is taken from an instrument in the Archives of
+Canterbury Cathedral, dated 6 November, 1200, being an award in a
+dispute between the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Canons of
+Lambeth, referred by Pope Innocent III. to Hugh, Bishop of Lincoln
+(for whom Roger, Dean of Lincoln, was substituted), Eustace, Bishop of
+Ely, and Abbot Samson.
+
+The seal represents Abbot Samson, vested in amice, alb, tunic,
+dalmatic, chasuble, rationale, and mitre. He holds a crozier in his
+right hand and a closed book in his left. The mitre is unusually large
+for the date. The inscription is broken, but in full reads thus:
+"Sigillum Samsonis Dei Gratia Abbatis Sancti Eadmundi." The
+counterseal (much smaller) displays the lamb bearing a cross, with the
+words round the circumference, "Secretum Samsonis Abbatis."
+
+41, 9. _Thomas of Hastings._ Apparently the object of Thomas in
+introducing thus early his nephew, Henry of Hastings, to the notice of
+Samson, was to secure a recognition by the new Abbot of the claims of
+his family to the hereditary stewardship of the Liberty of St. Edmund.
+By Charter of William I., Lidgate in Suffolk, and Blunham in
+Bedfordshire (where the church is dedicated to St. Edmund), were given
+to one Ralph to hold in fee of the Abbot of St. Edmund by the service
+of Dapifer or Steward. Later, between 1115 and 1119, Abbot Albold
+granted the lands, with the office held by Ralph, to Maurice of
+Windsor and his heirs, and this grant was confirmed by King Stephen.
+Maurice was succeeded by Ralph of Hastings, his nephew, and Ralph by
+William of Hastings, his nephew; and Henry, on whose behalf the claim
+of the stewardship was made to Samson, was William's son and heir. The
+Abbot admitted that his right was indisputable (the original Charters
+of William I., Abbot Albold, Stephen, and Henry II. [two] are quoted
+by Rokewode, pp. 118-120). But Samson's point seems to have been that
+Henry was too young to give personal service as Steward, and therefore
+"the business was deferred." Rokewode observes (p. 117): "Henry
+continued a minor in 1188, his office being then filled by Robert of
+Flamville, who held it at the time of his being one of the Wardens of
+the Abbey during the vacancy" (see p. 12). In Reece's _Breviary of
+Suffolk_ (1902) John of Hastings is given as Lord of the Manor of
+Lidgate in 1315.
+
+
+CHAPTER V
+
+43, 11. _Enclosed many parks._ At the Abbot's manor at Melford was an
+old deer park of very ancient foundation. It was called Elmsett or
+Aelmsethe, or the Great Park, and consisted chiefly of open wood. It
+was in olden times termed "Magnus Boscus Domini," and in the surveys
+of Edward I. and Henry VI. it is reckoned both as park and wood, the
+wood part being in the latter survey 217a. 2r. 34p. The whole was
+impaled round and stored with deer. (Parker's _Melford_, pp. 310-11).
+
+43, 12. _beasts of chase._ The "Beasts of the Chase" in Angevin days
+were the buck, doe and fox: the "Beasts of the Forest" were the hart,
+hind and hare: and the "Beasts and Fowls of the Warren" were the hare,
+rabbit ("coney"), pheasant and partridge. The fox was coupled with the
+wolf in Canute's Forest Law, No. 27, as "neither forest beasts nor
+game." When the fox was made a Beast of the Chase cannot be
+ascertained with any precision. The same Law No. 27, protected "hares,
+rabbits and roedeer"; the last are not mentioned in later times. In
+addition to the animals above named, the otter was hunted--_vide_
+Patent Rolls of Henry III. of 1221. The badger, polecat or wild cat
+(_catus_) and marten are specified as beasts which receivers of royal
+licences might hunt "with their own hounds" in the twelfth and
+thirteenth centuries. There appears to be no such charter or licence
+granting leave to hunt "the King's great game" (deer): on the
+contrary, deer are often specially reserved.
+
+43, 12. _Keeping a huntsman with dogs._ The St. Edmund breed of dogs
+seems to have been celebrated, as Richard I., when there was a
+difference between him and Samson as to the wardship of Nesta of
+Cockfield, wrote to the Abbot in a friendly way, and asked him for
+some of his dogs (page 148). The hunting dog of old times was probably
+a light sort of mastiff. Sometimes a breed was more celebrated for
+speed or for strength or for courage, as in the case of the hounds
+bred by the abbots of Bury. In the course of time the slighter
+varieties developed into the greyhound, and the thicker into the
+mastiff of modern times. Canute's Forest Law 31 forbade possession of
+"the dog which the English call greihounds" to the lower classes.
+Henry II.'s Assize of the Forest, given at Woodstock 1184, forbids
+(Clause 2) any one entering a royal forest with bow, arrows, dogs or
+greyhounds, save with special warrant. Clause 14 requires the lawing
+of mastiffs.
+
+The Wardrobe Account of Edward I. for 1299-1300, records payment for
+maintenance of twelve "_fox dogs_." These were used to kill foxes in
+coverts previously netted round, so were not, probably, "running
+hounds." On April 11, 1279, Edward I. wrote to Charles of Salerno
+promising to send the harriers asked for by the latter: which seems to
+indicate that the English harrier had a high reputation at that
+period.
+
+43, 16. _take part in the sport._ Strutt, in his _Sports and
+Pastimes_, observes:--"By the game laws of Canute, the dignified
+clergy were permitted to hunt in the forests belonging to the Crown;
+and their prerogatives were not abrogated by the Normans. Henry II.,
+displeased at the power and ambition of the ecclesiastics, endeavoured
+to render these grants of none effect by putting in force (1157) the
+canon law, which strictly forbade the clergy to spend their time in
+hunting and hawking." Henry III.'s First Charter of 1217 gave leave to
+an archbishop, bishop, earl or baron to take two deer while passing
+through a forest "by view of the forester"; or in the absence of that
+official the sportsman was to blow a horn on killing.
+
+44, 14. _The Eight Hundreds._ These eight hundreds of Thingoe,
+Thedwastre, Blackbourn, Bradbourn, Bradmere, Lackford, Risbridge and
+Babergh, with the half hundred of Cosford (see line 18) constituted
+the Liberty of St. Edmund, as to which see note on page 238.
+
+44, 15. _Robert of Cockfield._ See note to pp. 86, l. 18, on page 241,
+and cf. pages 254-6.
+
+44, 24. _Hidages, foddercorn, hen-rents._ Hidage was a tax upon every
+hide of land; foddercorn an ancient feudal right that the lord should
+be provided with fodder for his horses; hen-rents were a common
+reservation upon inferior tenures.
+
+45, 11. _Kalendar._ A transcript of this kalendar, which, as stated in
+the text (p. 45, l. 2) was completed by 1186, is now in the possession
+of Prince Frederick Dhuleep Singh. In the _History of the Hundred of
+Thingoe_ (1838) an extract from it relating to that Hundred is given
+on pp. xii.-xvii.
+
+46, 1. _Hugh the subsacrist._ Jocelin says that Samson appointed Hugh
+subsacrist to William Wiardel, and shortly after (p. 47) made Samson
+the precentor sacrist. But this arrangement was probably short-lived,
+for the _Gesta Sacristarum_ (Arnold, ii. 290) says Hugh succeeded
+William as sacrist, and gives a lengthy list of the works he carried
+out in the church. In 1198, when the body of St. Edmund was examined,
+Hugh was present, and is described as sacrist (see p. 172).
+
+50, 16. Omnia Caesar erat. Lucan, _Pharsalia_, iii. 108.
+
+52, 5. Summa petit livor. Ovid, _Remedia Amoris_, 369.
+
+52, 8. 1 John iv. 1.
+
+52, 18. James ii. 13.
+
+54, 9. _School of Melun_ (Meludinensium). John of Salisbury calls a
+scholar of Melun "Meludensis." Peter Abelard opened there, early in
+the twelfth century, a celebrated school for teaching Dialectic.
+
+54, 23. Ecclesiasticus vii. 24.
+
+57, 14. Strangulat inclusus dolor atque exaestuat intus. Ovid,
+_Tristia_, v. i. 63.
+
+
+CHAPTER VI
+
+62, 7. _Pulpit._ This pulpit, from which Samson preached in his native
+dialect of Norfolk, was one of the works of Hugo the sacrist (Arnold,
+ii. 291).
+
+65, 3. _Norfolk Barrator._ See note to p. 18, line 9 (pages 226-7).
+
+66, 21. _Sale of holy water._ Ducange cites the acts of a synod of
+Exeter in 1287, that from ancient times the profits arising from the
+distribution of holy water had been set apart to maintain poor clerks
+in schools.
+
+68, 23. _Schools._ Samson is usually credited with having founded a
+town school in connection with the monastery. This may very likely
+have been the case, but I have found no direct evidence of it. It
+seems from this passage that at any rate he provided free lodgings for
+poor scholars, and from p. 144 that he endowed the mastership of the
+schools with half the tithes of Wetherden. There is a street at Bury
+St. Edmunds, just outside the precincts of the monastery, known as
+School Hall Street.
+
+69, 3. _Manor of Mildenhall._ Edward the Confessor gave Mildenhall to
+St. Edmund's, but when Domesday Book was compiled it was in the hands
+of the Crown, being then worth L70. Amongst the Crown lands sold by
+Richard I. immediately after his accession was this manor, purchased,
+according to Jocelin, for 1,100 marks, of which 1,000 marks apparently
+went to the King, and 100 marks to Queen Eleanor (see p. 71, l. 3).
+See also note to p. 72, l. 4, on page 235.
+
+69, 5. _Expulsion of the Jews._ Arnold (i. 249) expresses the opinion
+that, "under the circumstances, this must have been the most humane
+course in the interests of the Jews themselves. All large English
+towns at this time were imperfectly policed, and the temper of the
+populace savage and uncertain. A riot having once been set on foot,
+the only hope of safety for the Jews was in taking refuge in some
+royal castle. There was no castle at Bury; to the Abbot alone could
+the survivors [from the massacre in 1190] look for protection; and
+Samson knew that he had not sufficient force at his command to ensure
+it to them."
+
+69, 6. _New hospital at Babwell._ The ruins of this hospital,
+dedicated to the Saviour, still exist in Northgate, beyond the railway
+arch. It was originally founded for a warden, twelve chaplains, six
+clerks, twelve poor gentlemen, and twelve poor women, and was the
+subject of numerous Charters, which will be found fully described in
+Chapter II. of the late Sir Wm. Parker's _History of Long Melford_
+(1873). In the Feet of Fines for Suffolk, 1 John (1199), there are
+references to two deeds entered into by "Walter, Master of the
+Hospital of the Blessed Saviour outside the northern gate of St.
+Edmund's." The Master of the Hospital had his manor at Melford and
+held his courts: which manor remains to the present day, as the _Manor
+of the Monks in Melford_. It was at St. Saviour's Hospital that
+Humphrey, Duke of Gloucester, put up when he was arrested, in
+February, 1447, by Henry VI., who was in the town for the Parliament
+which met in the refectory of Bury Abbey.
+
+70, 9. _Great roll of Winchester._ Domesday Book: the returns forming
+the basis of which were transmitted to a board sitting at Winchester,
+by whom they were arranged in order and placed upon record (Lingard,
+i. 249).
+
+70, 19. _Custom of the realm._ This custom is described by Blackstone
+(_Commentaries_ [1844 ed.] i. 229) as an ancient perquisite called
+queen-gold or aurum reginae, due, in the proportion of 10 per cent.,
+from every person making a voluntary offering to the King.
+
+71, 1. _Ransom of King Richard._ Richard wrote to his mother from
+Haguenau on the 19th April, 1193, a letter notifying the 70,000 marks
+demanded for his ransom by the German Emperor Henry VI. To meet this,
+the monasteries of England handed over all their gold and silver to
+royal commissioners, and amongst the treasure delivered up by St.
+Edmund's was the golden chalice given to the Abbey by Henry II. Queen
+Eleanor's release of it is printed in the _Monasticon_ (1821 ed.),
+iii. 154 (see also p. 146 of the _Chronicle_).
+
+71, 19. _Icklingham._ This appears to be the transaction referred to
+in a Charter of 1200, granted by Samson (confirmed by King John 15th
+March, 1200):--"We further give and grant to the said Hospital of St.
+Saviour, for the maintenance of the poor folk, L12 in money from our
+town of Icklingham, to be annually received through our sacrist." The
+signatures to this Charter (given in Parker's _Melford_, p. 9) are
+interesting. They include "Herbert, the prior," "Hermer, the
+sub-prior" (see chapter xvi. of this book), and "Jocelin, the almoner"
+(our Chronicler).
+
+72, 4. _confirmed by the King's Charter._ Richard I. signed at Chateau
+Galliard on 18th July, 1198, two charters (1) confirming to Abbot
+Samson the manor and advowson of Mildenhall; (2) placing the manor,
+except Icklingham, at the disposal of the sacrist on certain
+conditions. At the accession of King John, Samson gave the King L200
+for a confirmation of the first Charter, and especially of Mildenhall
+(cf. Rokewode, pp. 124-5).
+
+72, 15. _Walter of Coutances._ The Church at Woolpit was the first
+piece of preferment of this famous Archbishop. Walter apparently
+succeeded, at Woolpit, Geoffrey Ridel, made Bishop of Ely in 1173 (see
+note on page 237). Rokewode says (p. 126): "Henry II. obtained from
+Hugh, Abbot of St. Edmund's, in free alms, the Church of Woolpit for
+his clerk, Walter de Coutances, and in consideration thereof, by
+charter dated at Winchester, granted that after the decease of Walter
+or his resignation, the Church should be appropriated to the use of
+the sick monks" (_Reg. Nigr._ fol. 104 v.). Walter obtained several
+other appointments, but seems from the text to have retained the
+Church at Woolpit till 1183, when he was consecrated Bishop of
+Lincoln. Next year (1184) he was elected Archbishop of Rouen. He took
+a prominent part in the troubles of the reigns of Richard I. and John,
+and died at Rouen on 16th November, 1207.
+
+72, 22. _Pope Alexander and Octavian._ Alexander III., elected Pope on
+7 September, 1159, was obliged to leave Italy in 1162, on account of
+the power of the Anti-Pope Octavian, and did not return until the
+decease of the latter in 1164. Samson's journey to Rome was,
+therefore, between 1159 and 1162, before he became a professed monk.
+
+73, 3. _Pretended to be Scotch._ Mr. Arnold gives as the reason for
+this that "the Scottish kingdom at this time naturally sided with
+Octavian, England being in favour of Alexander" (I. xliii.). It has
+been suggested that "simulavi me esse Scottum" in the text means that
+Samson pretended to be an _Irishman_, the name Scotus having
+originally signified Irish, only acquiring its present meaning with
+the immigration of the Scots from the North of Ireland into Argyll,
+and their growth into a powerful nation. Bromton, speaking of Ireland,
+says:--"Dicta est eciam aliquando Scotia a Scotis eam inhabitantibus,
+priusquam ad aliam Scotiam Britannicam devenerunt; unde in
+Martirologio legitur: Tali die apud Scotiam natalis Sanctae Brigidae:
+quod est, apud Hiberniam" (see Twysden, _Historiae Anglicanae Scriptores
+X_, London 1652: vol. I., col. 1072, l. 11). When therefore this
+passage was written (the fourteenth century) it is clear that the
+usage of Scot as meaning Irishman was not understood, and was regarded
+as needing explanation. Samson's contemporary, Ralph de Diceto,
+following the account of Henry of Huntingdon, twice explains that the
+Scots came from Ireland (ed. Stubbs 1876, I. 10; II. 34). This
+explanation again implies that by the middle and end of the twelfth
+century the word had come to mean exclusively "Scotsman." The same
+opinion is expressed by Burton: "It is not safe to count that the word
+Scot must mean a native of present Scotland, when the period dealt
+with is earlier than the middle of the twelfth century" (_History of
+Scotland_, 1873, I. 207). In that part of the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle
+which was compiled during the reign of King Alfred, Scot regularly
+means Irishman. In A.D. 903 the death is noted of Virgil, abbot of
+the Scots, i.e. Irish: but this appears to be the last instance of the
+use of the word in the Chronicle in that sense. Between the years 924
+and 1138 the word Scot occurs fourteen and Scotland twenty-six times
+in the Chronicle, always with the modern significance.
+
+73, 6. _Gaveloc._ Javelin, a word of Celtic origin, but not
+specifically Scotch. Matthew Paris speaks of it in 1256 as a Frisian
+weapon: "Frisiones cum jaculis quae vulgariter gavelocos appellant."
+(Chr. Maj. ed. Luard. v. 550.) In the Romance of Percival by Chrestien
+de Troyes, is the couplet, "Et il, qui bien lancier savoit, De
+gaverlos que il avoit." (Ed. Potvin, Tome I. lines 1309-10. Mons,
+1866).
+
+73, 10. _Ride, Ride Rome, turn Cantwereberi_, This is written in
+English by Jocelin; and its meaning seems to be "I am riding towards
+Rome, turning from Canterbury." Arnold (I. xliii.) says, "If he had
+meant to say 'returning to Canterbury,' he would at once have been
+taken for an English adherent of Alexander."
+
+74, 12. _Geoffrey Ridel._ This presentation appears to have been made
+(c. 1161) by Henry II., perhaps during Samson's journey abroad. In
+1163 Geoffrey became Archdeacon of Canterbury in succession to Thomas
+a Becket, appointed Archbishop, and for the next eight years was in
+violent opposition to his primate, who called him "our arch-devil,"
+and excommunicated him. On May 1, 1173, Geoffrey was chosen Bishop of
+Ely, and died at Winchester, 27 July, 1189. As Geoffrey from the
+chronicles seems to have been of a masterful and contumacious spirit,
+it must have given Abbot Samson peculiar satisfaction to have got the
+better of him over the timber referred to on page 106.
+
+74, 19. _Acre._ This was Samson's first imprisonment at Castleacre
+(circ. 1161, before he became a monk). His second imprisonment
+probably took place about 1173, as on page 6 he speaks of it to
+Jocelin, then a novice, as something quite recent. As to Castleacre,
+see note on pages 223-4.
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+77, 23. _Charters of the King._ This dispute with the monks of
+Canterbury, heard before King Henry II. on the 11th February, 1187,
+raised the whole question of the Liberty of St. Edmund, a matter
+respecting which the Bury monastery was extremely tenacious. A
+marginal note in the original MS. of the Chronicle, against the
+puzzled phrase of the King (see page 78, lines 1-3), says: "Our
+Charter speaks of the time of King Edward, and of the time of his
+mother, Queen Emma, who had eight and a half hundreds as a marriage
+portion before the time of King Edward, besides Mildenhall." According
+to the _Anglo-Saxon Chronicle_, the Confessor, after his coronation in
+1043, seized the possessions of his mother, "because she was formerly
+very hard on the King her son, and did less for him than he wished
+before he was King, and also since." The Franchise having thus come
+into the Confessor's hands, was granted to the Abbots and Monks of
+Bury shortly after his accession. Under a Charter of King Edmund
+granted about 945, and Charters of Canute and Hardicanute, the
+jurisdiction of Bury Abbey had been restricted to the town, and the
+circuit indicated by the four crosses placed at the distance of a mile
+from the extremities of the town: but by the Confessor's Charter, it
+was enlarged to a district extending over about two-fifths of the
+whole county of Suffolk. (For names of the 8-1/2 hundreds included in
+the Liberty see note on page 232, 14.)
+
+Edward the Confessor paid a visit to the shrine of St. Edmund in 1044,
+and when he had come within a mile of it, dismounted from his horse
+and accomplished the rest of the journey on foot. Herman the
+archdeacon, who wrote about half a century later, is the first to
+relate this fact, and also the grant by the King to the abbey of the
+8-1/2 hundreds: "Qua tunc suffragatorem reditibus imperialibus
+honorat, centurias quas Anglice hundrez vocant, octo et semis sibi
+circum-circa se donat, regiamque mansionem nomine Mildenhall his
+adauget" (Arnold, I. 48). The original grant of Edward the Confessor
+gave the abbey jura regalia in wide loose general terms. Later,
+Charters became gradually more explicit as to the extent of
+jurisdiction (civil and criminal) conferred. Later still, the Royal
+justices in eyre supervened. The institution of the circuits and
+assizes had to be fitted into the exempt jurisdiction: so the Liberty
+had its own assizes, etc., but outside the interior special and
+inviolable circuit of the bannaleuca or limits of St. Edmundsbury
+itself.
+
+Lord Francis Hervey, who has made a special study of the subject,
+gives hope on page 250 of his notes to the _Breviary of Suffolk_
+(1902), of his undertaking "a detailed examination of the history and
+incidents of the great Liberty of St. Edmund, which remained in the
+hands of its monastic rulers till the day when Abbot Reeve surrendered
+his Abbey to Henry VIII., November 4, 1539."
+
+78, 15. Matthew xix. 12.
+
+78, 16. _the matter was put off._ This dispute between Bury and
+Canterbury was not, as a matter of fact, ultimately composed till over
+200 years later. Amongst Dr. Yates' manuscript materials for the never
+completed Part II. of his _History of Bury_ is a memorandum (now
+amongst the Egerton MSS. in the British Museum) in the following
+words:--
+
+"The Letters Patent of King Henry 4th the 25th Nov. 1408 confirm and
+ratify an Indenture of three parts between the Archbishop of
+Canterbury, the Prior of Christ Church, Canterbury, and the Abbot of
+Bury St. Edmund's, by which it is determined that the parishes of
+Hadleygh et Illeygh being within the eight hundreds and an half called
+the Liberty or Franchise of St. Edmund should be subject to the
+Abbot's Seneschallus, or High Steward of the Franchise, and that the
+return of the writs of the Seneschal's Great Court with the rolls
+fines and other rights and privileges should be regarded in those
+parishes in the same manner as in the other parts of the Liberty. An
+exemption on the part of the Archbishop having been claimed, this
+indenture terminated a dispute that had been above 160 years [cf.
+Arnold, III. 188] in agitation. During this dispute it was agreed that
+the Sheriff of Suffolk should act till its termination as Seneschal of
+these Parishes. A patent was addressed to the Sheriff of Suffolk dated
+27th November in the same year, commanding him no longer to intromit
+within the Franchise of St. Edmund, but to preserve inviolate the
+Liberties and immunities of the Abbot and Monastery.--_Registrum
+Rubrum in Collect, Burien._: 317 _to_ 328 _inclusive._"
+
+78, 16. Et adhuc sub judice lis est. Horace, _Arte Poet._, 78.
+
+79, 6. _Bishop of Ely._ This was William of Longchamp (d. 1197), once
+described by Henry II. as a "son of two traitors." He fled the kingdom
+in 1191 on his fall from power, came to England in 1192, but was not
+permitted to proceed further than Canterbury, and crossed the seas
+again. In 1193 he returned, bearing letters from the Emperor, and met
+the Regency at St. Albans. It was on this occasion that he passed
+through St. Edmundsbury, as recorded on page 80. In Normandy, at the
+instigation of the Archbishop of Rouen, he had been everywhere
+received as an excommunicated person (cf. Rokewode, page 127).
+
+79, 10. _Archbishopric vacant._ Archbishop Baldwin died at Acre, in
+November, 1190; his successor Reginald, Bishop of Bath, was elected in
+December, 1191, and died after a few days. Hubert Walter, with whom
+Samson afterwards came into conflict, was elected Archbishop in May,
+1192 (see note on page 245).
+
+80, 12. _Archbishop of York._ This was Geoffrey, the half-brother of
+Richard I., to whom he had sworn that he would not return to England
+without the King's leave. Having returned, he was, on his landing at
+Dover in September, 1191, arrested by Longchamp's orders, and thrown
+into prison.
+
+80, 24. _King Henry had taken the Cross._ At the interview of Henry
+II. with Philip of France, between Trie and Gisors, the two Kings took
+the cross upon the Feast of St Agnes, 21 January, 1188.
+
+82, 8. _War throughout England._ After John's return from France in
+1193, the country was in a state of general warfare; and Windsor was
+besieged by the Regency with the King's other castles.
+
+82, 16. _His own standard._ See note to p. 85, l. 25, below.
+
+83, 1. _Licence for holding tournaments._ This was little more than a
+device for raising money. In 1194 Richard ordered tournaments to be
+held, in order to practise the knights in warfare. No one could joust
+at a tournament without a licence; and the price of the licence varied
+with the rank of the holder.
+
+85, 12. _Withgar._ This great thane, who is styled in the Cartulary of
+Abbot John of Northwold "the famous Earl," had the custody for Queen
+Emma, mother of Edward the Confessor, of the franchise of the eight
+hundreds and a half which subsequently constituted the Liberty of St.
+Edmund (see notes on pages 232 and 238). Mr. Rokewode says (p. 129):
+"The honour of Clare was composed chiefly of the great possessions in
+Suffolk and Essex of Alfric, son of Withgar or Wisgar (_Liber
+Domesday_)."
+
+85, 25. _Standard of St. Edmund._ In the famous Harleian MS. 2278, the
+original book containing the metrical life of St. Edmund by John
+Lydgate, presented to Henry VI. by Bury Abbey after his visit to the
+monastery in 1433, there is a pictorial representation of this
+Standard. It depicts Adam and Eve on either side of the Tree of
+Knowledge, and the devil with a human face and a serpent's body curled
+round the tree. Above the tree is a lamb and a cross, with crescents
+in the background. The counterseal of Abbot Samson also has the lamb
+and cross (see page 229).
+
+86, 6. _Earl Roger Bigot._ This Earl was son of Hugh, the rebellious
+baron. It appears from the text that the Standard of St. Edmund was
+carried by him into the fight at the battle of Fornham, in October,
+1173 (see p. 1).
+
+86, 18. _Robert of Cockfield._ References to members of this family of
+Cockfield, or Cokefield, appear often in the _Chronicle_. The dispute
+as to rights which arose on Robert's death is told again in greater
+detail at the end of the _Chronicle_, by William of Diss (see pp.
+254-6), and the dispute as to the wardship of the daughter of Adam,
+son of Robert, on pages 187-8. Nothing here arises except Samson's
+denial of Adam's right of hereditary tenure, in which he was
+successful.
+
+87, 16. _Eight and a half hundreds._ See notes to p. 44, l. 14, and p.
+77, l. 23, on the Liberty of St. Edmund (pp. 232, 238).
+
+88, 16. _Haberdon._ This is a field (still called by the same name) in
+the south-east corner of the town, with remains of earthworks. It was
+held in monastic times of the sacrist by the singular tenure, that the
+tenant should find a white bull as often as a gentlewoman should visit
+the shrine of St. Edmund "to make the oblation of the said white
+bull," with a view to secure a favourable answer to her prayers for
+offspring. On these occasions the bull was led from his pasture on the
+Haberdon through the principal streets of the town in procession to
+the Church of St. Edmund.
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+101-105. The whole of this Chapter is obviously an interpolation in
+the Chronicle by some monk other than Jocelin himself. The story of
+Henry of Essex is included in the long and elaborate "vita et passio
+cum miraculis Sancti Edmundi" prepared in the fourteenth century in
+the monastery at Bury, and now preserved in the Bodleian Library (MS.
+240); and at the end of this transcript the compiler adds, "Cuius
+narracionem Jocelinus audiens, in scriptis redegit" (_Nova Legenda
+Anglie_, ed. Horstman, 1901, II. 637). It is apparent from the opening
+phrase of the text (p. 105) that Jocelin, who most probably went to
+Reading in the train of the Abbot, commenced to set down the story at
+the bidding of Samson, but left its completion to some other monk of
+inferior degree. Perhaps this was William of Diss, who added at the
+end of the Chronicle (see pages 254-6) a declaration as to the lands
+of Robert of Cockfield.
+
+101, 10. _precept of Seneca._ Mr. Arnold says: "Many things resembling
+this sentiment occur in the 109th Epistle of Seneca; but probably the
+passage is somewhere else in his works."
+
+103, 18. _thrown down the standard._ Henry of Essex's act of cowardice
+took place in 1157, during an expedition into Flintshire, when the
+Welsh made a sudden attack. His dropping the standard brought King
+Henry II. and the Royal army into great peril (Gervase, i. 165, Rolls
+ed.).
+
+104, 1. _Roger Earl of Clare._ There seems to be an attempt at
+punning, at this point, by the monk who wrote the original story in
+Latin: "Rogerus comes Clarensis, clarus genere et militari clarior
+exercitis, cum suis Clarensibus maturius occurrisset."
+
+104, 9. _trial of battle._ This fight between Henry of Essex and
+Robert de Montfort took place in 1163 (Ralph de Diceto, _Ymag. Hist_.
+i. 310, Rolls ed.), on an eyot in the Thames, and is still
+traditionally remembered at Reading.
+
+
+CHAPTER IX
+
+106, 6. _stay at Melford._ The manor of Melford was given to the
+monastery in the time of Leofstan (second Abbot) by Earl Alfric, the
+son of Withgar (Parker's _History of Long Melford_, p. 1). At Long
+Melford, 13 miles south of Bury, was a country house belonging to the
+Abbots of Bury; and at the present Melford Hall there are said to be
+still some relics of this occupancy. After Samson died, in 1211, there
+was a dispute that lasted a considerable time as to the validity of
+the election of Hugo, his successor; and the Papal Legate, Nicholas,
+Bishop of Tusculum, who tried vainly to compose it, stayed for some
+time at Melford (Arnold, ii. 46). Abbot Simon of Luton died at his
+manor of Melford in April, 1279.
+
+108, 8, 13. _forty pounds a year from the town._ Battely prints
+(_App._ xvii. 149) a letter from Pope Eugenius III. (no date)
+addressed to Helyas, the sacrist (Ording's nephew), confirming
+Ording's instructions as to the rents of the town being applied to the
+service of the Altar.
+
+112, 8. _Charter from King Henry the Second._ "All the men of London
+shall be quit and free, and all their goods throughout England, and
+the ports of the sea, of and from all toll and passage and lestage and
+all other customs" (Charter Henry I.). "All the citizens of London
+shall be quit from toll and lastage throughout all England and the
+ports of the sea" (Charter of Henry II.--confirmed by Charter of
+Richard I., 23 April, 1194, and by Charter of John, 17 June, 1199).
+(Birch's _Historical Charters of the City of London_, 1887, pp. 3, 5.)
+
+112, 15. _theam_ (Lat. themus, team). The right of compelling a person
+in whose hands stolen property was found to say from whom he received
+it (Glossary in Stubbs's _Select Charters_).
+
+113, 10. Judges xvi. 9.
+
+116, 15. _A charter was made._ The text of this Charter of 1194,
+granted by Samson to the Burgesses, will be found in Battely (_App._
+xxii. 155-6) and in the _Monasticon_, iii. 153. It confirms to the
+town all the customs and liberties which it had in the times of Henry
+II. and his predecessors; and it declares that with regard to watch
+and ward and the custody of the gates, the ancient custom is that the
+town shall furnish eight watchmen night by night, all the year round,
+two for each ward, and a larger number at Christmas and on St.
+Edmund's Day [20 November]; also that the town should find four
+gatekeepers for the four gates, the fifth or eastern gate being in the
+custody of the Abbot. Nothing is said in the Charter about the
+appointment of the portreeves; but the right of burgesses to sue and
+be sued in their own borough-court (portmanne-mot), instead of going
+outside the borough to the hundred-mot or the shire-mot, is insisted
+upon. "What is evidently assumed is that the portreeve is the Abbot's
+servant, and administers justice in the Abbot's name" (Arnold, II.
+xxxix.).
+
+
+CHAPTER X
+
+119, 10. Lamentations iv. i.
+
+121, 12. _Abbot Robert._ This was Robert II. (fourth Abbot), a monk of
+Westminster, elected by the convent in 1102, but not confirmed by
+Henry I. until 1107. He died shortly afterwards, on the 16th
+September, 1107, and, after an interregnum of seven years, Albold,
+Prior of St. Nicasius, at Meaux, succeeded him in the abbacy. Robert
+was buried in the Infirmary Chapel (Douai MS.). For his character and
+labours, see MS. quoted in Arnold, i. 356.
+
+121, 20. _Hubert Walter._ Hubert's father, Harvey Walter, was
+descended from Hubert, the first Norman settler, who received at the
+Conquest grants of land in Norfolk and Suffolk. Hubert is said to have
+been born at West Dereham, in Norfolk (Tanner, _Not. Monast. Norfolk_,
+xxi.), where lived, as will be seen from the text (p. 121, l. 25), his
+mother Matilda de Valognes (whose sister Bertha married Ranulf de
+Glanville). He was brought up in Glanville's household, and was so
+much in his confidence that he was afterwards said to have "shared
+with him in the government of England." In 1186 he became Dean of
+York, and in 1189 Bishop of Salisbury. In 1190 he went to the Holy
+Land, returning in 1193, in which year he was elected Archbishop of
+Canterbury and appointed justiciary. Richard's departure over sea in
+1194 left him virtual ruler of England for the next few years. He died
+in 1205; and in March, 1890, a tomb opened in Canterbury Cathedral was
+found to contain his remains.
+
+124, 6. _The Pope wrote._ This letter of Innocent III. was dated 1st
+December, 1198, and was addressed (not to the Archbishop but) to the
+Abbot and convent of St. Edmund (_Migne's Patrologia_, vol. ccxiv.,
+No. 457 of the Regesta).
+
+
+CHAPTER XI
+
+134, 13. Tendens ad sidera palmas. Virgil, _Aen._ i. 93.
+
+135, 18. _Anniversary obit of the Abbot Robert._ According to the
+_Liber Albus_, fol. 35, the anniversary of Abbot Robert was "xvi Kal.
+Octobris" (16th September). The anniversaries of Ording and Hugh,
+mentioned in line 20, were 31st January and the 16th November.
+
+139, 20. _Chapel of St. Denis._ This chapel was at the west end of the
+church, probably north of the great western tower, with a chapel
+dedicated to St. Faith above it. Abbot Baldwin, who commenced the
+erection of the basilica, was a monk of St. Denis; hence, no doubt,
+the dedication of a chapel to that saint.
+
+
+CHAPTER XII
+
+142, 5. _Church of Coventry._ Hugh de Nonant (d. 1198), Bishop of
+Lichfield and Coventry, had a violent dislike to all monks, and,
+whenever he could, put secular canons in their place. He had turned
+out the monks at Coventry, and Pope Celestine III. appointed in 1197 a
+Commission, on which Samson sat, for restoring these expelled monks.
+The monks were re-inducted by Archbishop Hubert Walter on 18th
+January, 1198.
+
+144, 1. _Church of Wetherden._ This deed is recorded in the Feet of
+Fines for Suffolk, 9 Richard I., No. 49.
+
+144, 9. _master of the schools._ A perpetual pension of three marcs,
+payable from the tithes of Wetherden to "the master of the school at
+St. Edmund," was granted in 1198 by John, Bishop of Norwich, at the
+request of Samson (_Curtey's Register_, Brit. Mus. fol. 119).
+
+145, 24. _Chapel of St. Andrew._ According to the _Gesta Sacristarum_
+(Arnold, ii. 291) the Chapel of St. Andrew was for the most part built
+and finished by the sacrist Hugo under Samson, and seems to have been
+then connected with the infirmary (iii. 87). Later on it was removed
+into the cemetery of the monks (iii. 187).
+
+145, 25. _Chapels of St. Katherine and St. Faith._ Two chapels at the
+west end; St. Katherine to the south, over the chapel of St. John, St.
+Faith to the north, over the chapel of St. Denis.
+
+147, 19. Tractant fabrilia fabri. Horace, _Ep._ ii. i. 116.
+
+147, 20. _Adam of Cockfield._ This was the claimant whose case is
+reported on pp. 86-8, and again (by William of Diss) on pp. 254-6. An
+elaborate pedigree of the Cockfield family is given by Rokewode on pp.
+140-8 of his book. His daughter's name was Nesta, and, as stated at p.
+187, l. 24, she became, on her father's death in 1198, the ward and
+wife of Thomas de Burgh, brother of Hubert the chamberlain, who was
+afterwards justiciary and Earl of Kent. Nesta married three times, and
+died about 1248.
+
+149, 3. Munera (crede mihi) capiunt hominesque deosque; Placatur donis
+Jupiter ipse datis. Ovid, _Arte Amandi_, iii. 653.
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII
+
+151, 13. _Portman-moot._ Borough court. Written in English in the
+original Chronicle ("portmane-mot.")
+
+151, 18. _Sorpeni._ Payment for grass for a cow.
+
+152, 5. _Ording who lies there._ Ording (d. 1156) was one of six
+abbots who were buried in the Chapter House, and whose names are
+recorded in the MS., circa 1425, discovered by Dr. Montagu James at
+Douai (_James_, p. 180). The original chapter house of the monastery
+was built by Godefridus, the sacrist, about 1107. There was a fire
+which destroyed all the convent buildings, and Helyas, the sacrist,
+Ording's nephew, "reformavit ad plenum" the chapter house. His uncle
+was the first Abbot buried there. Ording's place of sepulture was
+nearest to the east end or dais. Hugo and Samson, Ording's successors,
+were also buried in Helyas's chapter house: Samson being, according to
+the Douai MS. "sepultus in capitulo sedus ad pedes Ric. Abb. sub
+lapidibus marmoreis ut suprascriptum est de Abb. Ordingo." About 1220
+Richard of Newport, then sacrist, "vetus capitulum destruxit, et novum
+a fundamentis construxit." (Arnold, II. 293.) Afterwards Richard of
+Insula (1229-34), Henry of Rushbrook (1234-46), and Edmund of Walpole
+(1248-56) were also buried in the chapter house. Its dimensions,
+according to William of Worcester's measurements in 1479, were 60
+paces by 20. In the course of some recent excavations (1902-3) the
+coffins of five of the above Abbots, and much worked stone and marble,
+have been found on the site of this chapter house.
+
+152, 19. _tenant of the cellarer, by name Ketel_. As Ketel dwelt
+"without the gate," he was, being "of the cellarer's fee," subject to
+the "judicial duel" which William I. had introduced; whereas the
+argument of his fellow-burgesses seems to have been that if he had
+dwelt within the borough he would have been tried and acquitted or
+condemned by the "oaths of his neighbours"--the compurgators out of
+whom our jury system grew. The monks recognized that the time had come
+when the franchise of the town should be extended to the rural
+possessions of the Abbey, and all brought under a common jurisdiction.
+
+153, 6. _within the jurisdiction._ "Infra bannamleucam," defined by
+Ducange as a certain territory by the boundaries of which the
+jurisdiction and immunities of any place, whether a town or monastery,
+were limited. _Bannum_ is here used in the sense of jurisdiction; and
+the amount of territory so enfranchised was usually reckoned as a
+league either way, hence banna leuca or banlieue. The exempt
+jurisdiction of Bury Abbey was limited to the circuit of a mile within
+four crosses.
+
+153, 6. _Villeins of Hardwick._ The Latin word is _lancettos_, serfs
+holding by base services. In one of the cartularies of St. Edmund, the
+"Lancetti de Hardwick" were to cleanse the latrines of the monastery.
+
+154, 23. _Beodricsworth._ This is the ancient name of Bury St.
+Edmunds. Mr. Arnold says (I. iv.) the name of Beodric "seems to mean
+'a table chieftain,' _comp._ beod. geneat, a table companion. But
+there is some countenance in the MSS. for Beadricsworth, which would
+come from beadu-rica, one mighty in war." Seynt Edmunds Biri is first
+substituted for Beodricsworth in Charters from Edward the Confessor to
+the Monastery (cf. page 260 and Battely, _App._ ix. 134).
+
+155, 14. _Aver-peni._ The money paid by the tenant in commutation of
+the service (avera) of performing any work for his lord by horse or
+ox, or by carriage with either.
+
+155, 20. _Eels from Southrey._ Aelgiva, Queen of Canute, gave to the
+Monastery yearly four thousand eels, with her gifts which pertained
+thereto at Lakenheath. The manor of Southrey, in Norfolk, with three
+fisheries, was appropriated to the cellarer (Rokewode, p. 151).
+
+157, 2. _haggovele._ Probably head-tax or hearth-tax.
+
+159, 2. Romans xii. 10.
+
+159, 9. Summa petit livor. Ovid, _Rem. Amoris_, 369.
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV
+
+163, 8. Habakkuk iii. 2.
+
+164, 11. _Chest with the shirt of St. Edmund._ Archdeacon Herman, in
+his treatise _De Miraculis Sancto Eadmundi_ (Arnold, i. 26 _et seq._),
+describes how Leofstan (2nd Abbot) decided to open the coffin
+containing St. Edmund's body and examine the remains. The body was
+found covered with a vestment stained with blood and pierced with
+arrows. This was taken off and the body wrapped in a linen sheet. In
+the continuation of Herman's work, ascribed to Samson himself, there
+is an account of another Herman, a monk of Bury, and a popular
+preacher, who displayed irreverently certain relics of St. Edmund. He
+took the shirt out of its casket, and unfolded it for the people to
+kiss. Tolinus the sacrist commented severely on the occurrence, and on
+the third day at sunset Herman died. The "feretrum cum camisia S.
+Edmundi" was amongst the relics carried in procession round the Church
+on Christmas Day, Palm Sunday, Easter Day, and probably other high
+festivals (Rituale, Harl. MS. 297, cent, xiv., quoted by _James_, p.
+183).
+
+165, 1. _Cup of St. Edmund._ To drinking from this cup various
+miracles are ascribed: a rich lady cured after long suffering from
+fever; a Dunwich man with dropsy; a girl afflicted with a great
+swelling, who drinks from the cup thrice in the name of the Trinity; a
+Cluniac monk of St. Saviour's, Southwark, named Gervasius, whose story
+is told in great detail in Samson's _De Miraculis_ (Arnold, i. 202-3).
+It is said that an indulgence _toties quoties_ was granted to pilgrims
+who drank from this cup "in the worshippe of God and Saint Edmund,"
+hence its name of "Pardon Bowl"; but I have not found the original
+authority for this.
+
+165, 19. Luke xii. 2.
+
+166, 9. Psalm lxiii. 11.
+
+170, 4. Isaiah i. 2.
+
+171, 18. _verse inscribed._ In the _Cronica Burienis_ (Arnold, iii. 8)
+this verse is given in a slightly different form--"Martyris ecce zoma
+Michaelis servet agalma," the writer adding, "Agalma, id est, sacra
+receptacula divinitatis." "Zoma" is probably the Greek word "soma,"
+body. But it has also been translated "garment," and Carlyle's version
+of the inscription (_Past and Present_, ch. xvi.) is, "This is the
+Martyr's garment, which Michael's Image guards." Lord Francis Hervey,
+in his edition (1902) of Recce's _Breviary of Suffolk_, says, "Having
+regard to the fondness of the mediaeval versifiers for rhyme, I feel
+tempted to suggest that the word may have been 'salma,' a word of
+unknown origin, which in Italian means corpse.... The verse in
+question was most probably not home made, and was not clearly
+intelligible to the monks themselves."
+
+171, 21. _iron rings._ This phrase is somewhat obscure: "annuli ferrei
+sicut solebat fieri in cista Norensi." Ducange gives "Norrensis" as an
+occasional equivalent for Northmannus, hence Mr. Arnold suggests for
+cista Norensis "a Norwegian chest" (i. 311).
+
+175, 10. _Ailwin the monk._ Ailwin, also written Egelwin, was keeper
+of the shrine of St. Edmund before the foundation of the Abbey. In
+view of the invasion of England by the Danish chief Turchil, Ailwin
+fled, in 1010, from Beodricsworth to London with the body of St.
+Edmund, returning 1014. In 1050 Ailwin, then a very aged man, was
+invited by Abbot Leofstan to come from Hulme to Bury to identify the
+body of the Saint.
+
+176, 18. _Keeper of St. Botolph._ There was a chapel (probably on the
+south side of the presbytery) dedicated to St. Botolph, in which was
+the shrine with the relics of that Saint.
+
+177, 3. Felix, quem faciunt aliena pericula cautum. Erasmus, _Adagia_.
+
+
+CHAPTER XV
+
+178, 6. _King John ... came down to St. Edmund._ John paid several
+visits to Bury Abbey during Samson's abbacy: once in 1199, immediately
+after his coronation, when he made the miserable offering described by
+Jocelin on p. 178; a second time in 1201, when returning from
+Northumberland; a third time in 1203, when, according to Rokewode (p.
+154), "he made a pilgrimage to St. Edmund's, at the feast of St.
+Thomas the Apostle, and gave the convent ten marcs annually, payable
+from the exchequer, for the repairs of the shrine of St. Edmund, in
+consideration of the monks giving back to the King, for his life, a
+sapphire and ruby, which he had offered to the Saint, and which were
+to revert to the convent." In connection with the disputed question of
+the nomination of Samson's successor (which lasted for over two
+years), John came to Bury on November 4, 1114, and meeting the monks
+in the chapter house, made them a speech as to his own rights in the
+matter, which is recorded in Arnold, II. xv. and 95-6.
+
+180, 7. Isaiah i. 2.
+
+182, 3. Matthew xii. 25.
+
+183, 9. In te vindicassem nisi iratus fuissem. Cic. _Tusc._ iv. 36.
+
+183, 14. Mark iv. 39.
+
+187, 20. _seisin of the damsel._ There was another claimant for the
+wardship of Nesta of Cockfield, not here mentioned, viz., King Richard
+I., who (see pp. 148-9) was defied by Samson, but was appeased by a
+present of some horses, dogs, and other valuable gifts. "Here you may
+see what misery followeth the tenure by Knight's service: if the
+tenant dieth, leaving his heir within age, how the poor child may be
+tossed and tumbled, chopped and changed, bought and sold like a jade
+in Smithfield, and what is more, married to whom it pleaseth his
+guardian, whereof ensue many evils" (Rastell: _Terms of the Lawes of
+this Realm_, ed. 1579, fol. 98).
+
+189, 6. Decipi quadam specie recti. Horace, _De Arte Poetica_, 25.
+
+189, 8. Isaiah xlii. 8.
+
+189, 9. _Abbot of Cluny._ This was Hugh, Abbot of Reading from 1180 to
+1199, when he was appointed Abbot of Cluny. Much information about him
+may be found in Dr. J. B. Hurry's admirable _History of Reading
+Abbey_, 1901, whence the following note as to precedence is taken:
+"Sir Henry Englefield (_Archaeologia_, vol. vi. p. 61) states that the
+Abbot of Reading took precedence after the Abbots of Glastonbury and
+St. Albans. But it is probable that no such definite order was
+observed.... In the Articles of Faith under Convocation, 28 Henry
+VIII., the following is the order of signatures--St. Albans,
+Westminster, St. Edmunds Bury, Glastonbury, Reading."
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI.
+
+190, 6. Numbers xi. 26.
+
+191, 1. _When the Prior died._ Mr. Rokewode assigns Robert's death to
+1200, perhaps because the narrative of the election of his successor
+follows in the Chronicle the account of the visit to the monastery of
+Hugh, Abbot of Cluny.
+
+192, 9. Proverbs xix. 11.
+
+193, 19. Deut. xvii. 8.
+
+196, 19. _[Herbert] the new prior._ This election seems to have taken
+place in 1200. After Samson's death in 1211, Herbert had a great deal
+of anxiety arising out of King John's refusal to accept the choice of
+Hugh II. (then Prior of Westminster and afterwards Bishop of Ely) as
+Abbot; and the narrative of the _Electio Hugonis_ takes up 102 pages
+of Mr. Arnold's vol. ii. Herbert died in September, 1220, and was
+succeeded as Prior by Richard of Insula (afterwards 12th Abbot).
+
+197, 20. Acts xxvi. 24.
+
+197, 23. Nihil omne parte beatum. Hor. _Odes_, i. 16.
+
+198, 7. Exitus acta probabit. Ovid, _Heroides_, ii. 85.
+
+198, 11. Psalm lxiv. 3.
+
+199, 5. Fallitur augurio spes bona saepe suo. Ovid, _Heroides_, xvii.
+234.
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII.
+
+200, 8. Deut. xvi. 19.
+
+200, 16. Galatians v. 9.
+
+201, 20. _Dean of London._ This quotation from the _Ymagines
+Historiarum_ of Ralph de Diceto, Dean of St. Paul's, who died about
+1202, is interesting, as showing that apparently a manuscript copy of
+that work was in the possession of Bury Abbey shortly after its
+compilation. Diceto has often been identified with Diss in Norfolk:
+and there are evidences that William of Diss had a good deal to do
+with Jocelin's Chronicle (cf. pages 242, 254). Bishop Stubbs thinks
+that Diceto is "an artificial name, adopted by its bearer as the Latin
+name of a place with which he was associated," and this he suggests
+may be one of three places in Maine.
+
+202, 16. Mutans quadrata rotundis. Hor. _Ep._ i. 1, 100.
+
+203, 16. Pila minantia pilis. _Lucan_, 1, 7.
+
+204, 13. _By his writ._ The same difficulty as to jurisdiction that
+arose in the case of Monk's Eleigh with Christ Church, Canterbury (see
+chapter vii. and notes to p. 77, l. 23, and p. 78, l. 16) occurred
+with the Bishop of Ely; and it lasted an equally long time. In the
+_Excerpta Cantabrigiensia_ (Arnold, III. 188) is a long account of a
+"Contentio inter monasterium S. Edmundi et episcopum Eliensum" (Univ.
+Lib. Ff. 2, 29) respecting the return to writs affecting places within
+the Liberty of St. Edmund. The Bishop claimed that when a writ came
+down to the Sheriff of Suffolk referring to a place which, though
+within the liberty of St. Edmund, belonged to the see of Ely, it was
+the duty of the sheriff to send that writ for execution, not to the
+abbot, but to the bishop; and the abbot claimed that the ancient
+jurisdiction of St. Edmund would thus be infringed. Since the liberty
+of St. Edmund comprised eight and a half hundreds in the county of
+Suffolk, within which hundreds the see of Ely possessed many manors,
+it is obvious that if the charge and execution of writs affecting
+these manors were withheld from the abbot and given to the bishop, the
+jurisdiction of St. Edmund would be to that extent impaired and
+restricted. The Contentio begins with a reference to the King's
+decision just given (1408) in favour of Bury against the Canterbury
+monks (see note on page 239), and goes on to describe the efforts made
+by Abbot Cratfield to stop the encroachments of Bishop Fordham of Ely,
+with whom he proposes a meeting, from which the bishop excuses
+himself. The controversy dragged on, with many adjournments and
+delays, all of which the (Bury) writer lays to the charge of the other
+side: nor was it concluded at the date (1426 or 1427) when the tract
+was written (Arnold, III. xviii.-xix.).
+
+205, 20. Psalm viii. 8.
+
+207, 7. _Geoffrey Fitz-Peter and William de Stutville._ These were
+important officials, whom John could ill spare. Geoffrey Fitz-Peter,
+Earl of Essex (died 1213) was justiciar, having been appointed by
+Richard I. to this high office in 1198, on the resignation of
+Archbishop Hubert Walter. He was confirmed in his appointment by John,
+who disliked him, but used him for his own ends. William de Stutville
+had been appointed sheriff of the county of York in 1201, and died in
+1203.
+
+209, 20. _made his will just as if he was now to die._ The Royal
+summons to Court was dated 1203, as the brief of Innocent III. is
+printed in Migne's _Patrologia_, vol. 214, and is dated 21 January,
+1203. Samson lived nearly nine years afterwards; but as to the facts
+of his latest years we know practically nothing. As to his death and
+burial, see Preface, pages xl.-xlii.
+
+211, 9. Pollicitis dives quilibet esse potest. Ovid., _De Arte
+Amandi_, 1. 444.
+
+211. At the foot of fol. 163 of the _Liber Albus_, from which
+Jocelin's Chronicle is taken, is a memorandum by William of Diss,
+which, as it has been printed both by Rokewode and Arnold, is
+translated below, though it is not by Jocelin. It is merely an
+expansion of the story told by Jocelin himself on pp. 86-8. Adam of
+Cockfield wanted to claim his father's lands by hereditary right; but
+William of Diss gives the evidence against this claim. The succession
+was: Lenmere, Adam the first (married Adeliza), Robert (died 1191),
+Adam the claimant (died 1198), who married Rohesia, and had a daughter
+Nesta, over whose wardship there was the dispute recorded on page 187.
+
+"Robert of Cockfield acknowledged to my lord abbot Samson, in the
+presence of many persons--Master W. of Banham, brother W. of Diss,
+chaplains, William of Breiton, and many others--that he had no
+hereditary right in the vills of Groton and Semere. For in the days of
+King Stephen, when the peace was disturbed, the monks of St. Edmund,
+with the consent of the abbot, granted the aforesaid two vills to Adam
+of Cockfield, his father, to be held all the days of his life: Semere
+for the annual payment of one hundred shillings, and Groton by the
+payment of an annual rent, because Adam could defend the aforesaid
+towns against the holders of the neighbouring castles, W. of Milden
+and W. of Ambli, in that he had a castle of his own near to the
+aforesaid manors, namely, the castle of Lelesey.
+
+"After the death of the aforesaid Adam, they granted the said manors
+to Robert of Cockfield, son of Adam, at a double rate for Semere, that
+is an annual rent of ten pounds, so long as the lords abbots and the
+convent wish. But he never had a charter for it, not even to the end
+of his life. He had good charters for all the tenements which he held
+of St. Edmund by hereditary right, which charters I, William, known as
+William of Diss, at that time chaplain, read, in the hearing of many,
+in the presence of the aforesaid abbot: that is for the lands of
+Lelesey, which Ulfric of Lelesey held of St. Edmund in the same
+township; the charter of the abbot and convent concerning the socages
+of Rougham, which Mistress Rohesia of Cockfield, once wife of Adam the
+younger, brought as her dowry; for the lands also which Lenmere, his
+ancestor, held in the town of Cockfield by hereditary right, and which
+in the time of King Stephen, with the consent of Anselm, abbot of St.
+Edmund, were changed into half a knight's fee, although at first they
+had been socages of St. Edmund.
+
+"He had also charters of the abbot and convent of St. Edmund, for the
+lands which are in the town of St. Edmund; for the land, that is to
+say, of Hemfrid Criketot, where the houses of Mistress Adeliza were
+once situated. They have also a hereditary charter for a great
+messuage, under a payment of twelve pence, where the hall of Adam the
+first, of Cockfield, was of old situate, with a wooden tower seven
+times twenty feet in height. It was confirmed to them as hereditary
+right by the charter of the abbot and convent, in which charter are
+specified the length and breadth of that place and messuage, to be
+held by a payment of two shillings. They also hold a hereditary
+charter for the lands which Robert of Cockfield, son of Odo of
+Cockfield, now holds in Barton. But they have no charter for the
+township of Cockfield, that is, for the portion which pertains to the
+food of the monks of St. Edmund.
+
+"Then there was one brief of King Henry I., in which he commands Abbot
+Anselm to allow Adam of Cockfield the first to hold in peace the farm
+of Cockfield, and others, as long as he pays rents in full; and that
+brief was sealed only of one part, representing the royal
+form--against the form of all royal briefs.
+
+"But Robert of Cockfield claimed, in the presence of the lord abbot
+and the aforesaid, that he believed Cockfield to be his hereditary
+right on account of his long tenure: because his grandfather, Lenmere,
+held that manor for a long time before his death, and Adam the first,
+his son, for the term of his life, and he, Robert, all his
+life--well-nigh sixty years; but they never had a charter of the abbot
+or the convent of St. Edmund for the aforesaid land."
+
+
+
+
+APPENDIX III
+
+ TABLE OF CHIEF DATES IN THE HISTORY OF THE ABBEY OF
+ ST. EDMUNDSBURY, from A.D. 870 to 1903.
+
+
+[_Editor's Note._--I had originally contemplated printing only the
+dates included in Section II. of this Table, but at the suggestion of
+the general Editor of the series, I have extended it backwards and
+forwards so as to give a rapid _apercu_ of the history of Bury Abbey
+from its earliest beginnings up to the present date. The Table may
+have a use other than for readers of _Jocelin's Chronicle_, as it
+brings to a focus a mass of chronological information now scattered
+over a great variety of books.
+
+For unfortunately there does not exist at present any adequate history
+of Bury Abbey, one of the most ancient, flourishing and important of
+the Benedictine institutions in England. There are adequate
+materials--at any rate for some of the periods of its existence--in
+the copious manuscripts relating to Bury (many of them formerly
+belonging to the monastery) now on the shelves of our public libraries
+and in private hands; and it seems a pity that no one has the courage
+to undertake a task which, though formidable, has been successfully
+accomplished in the case of other foundations of less fame.
+
+The names of some of the principal works that may usefully be
+consulted by students of the history of the Abbey will be found on pp.
+276 and 277 at the end of the Table.--E. C.].
+
+
+SECTION I
+
+_BEFORE THE DAYS OF ABBOT SAMSON_
+
+ 870 Nov. 20. Martyrdom of St. Edmund. His head is cut off by the
+ Danes and hidden in a wood "in silvam cui vocabulam est
+ Haglesdun" (_Abbo_, writing 100 years after). [Domesday book
+ (1086) records the existence in Wilford Hundred of a place
+ called Halgestou.] The head being found, is miraculously
+ rejoined to the body, which is buried "in villula Suthtuna
+ [Sutton] dicta, de prope loco martyrizationis" (_Herman_,
+ writing 200 years after).
+
+ 903 (or later). Relics of St. Edmund removed from the place of
+ burial to Beodricsworth--afterwards called Bury St. Edmunds.
+ The early authorities differ as to this date. Herman says
+ the translation took place in the reign of Athelstan
+ (925-941): the compiler of the Bodl. MS. 240 says A.D. 900
+ or 906 (_Nov. Leg. Angl._ II. 590); the Curteys Register
+ (Part I. f. 211) says A.D. 903.
+
+ 937 (_circa_). According to Abbo, Dunstan, then a youth, hears the
+ story of St. Edmund's death from an old man who said he was
+ the King's standard bearer.
+
+ 945 Bishop Theodred (II) of Elmham opens St. Edmund's coffin,
+ finds the body "whole and incorrupt," and places it in a new
+ wooden "loculus" (Abbo).
+
+ 945 Charter of King Edmund II (son of Edmund the Elder) granting
+ lands round Beodricsworth to the clerks (_monasterii
+ familia_) who were then guarding St. Edmund's shrine. (Text
+ in Arnold II. 340-1.) _p._ 238.
+
+ 985 (_circa_). Dunstan, the Archbishop, tells the story of St.
+ Edmund's martyrdom to others, and Abbo recounts it in his
+ _Passio Sancti Eadmundi_. (Text in Arnold I. 3-25.)
+ _p._ 217.
+
+ 1010 Egelwin, or Ailwin, takes the body of the Saint from
+ Beodricsworth to London. _p._ 175.
+
+ 1013 Return of Egelwin, with body of St. Edmund, to Beodricsworth.
+
+ 1014 February. Death of King Sweyn (according to the chroniclers,
+ at the hands of St. Edmund).
+
+ 1020 At the instance of Aelfwin, Bishop of Elmham, the clerks in
+ charge of St. Edmund's shrine are removed, and twenty monks,
+ headed by Uvius, prior of Hulme, installed at Beodricsworth.
+
+ 1020 Uvius consecrated 1st abbot of Bury by the Bishop of London.
+
+ 1020 New stone church (to replace the wooden one containing St.
+ Edmund's body) commenced by order of Canute, in expiation of
+ the sacrilegious behaviour of his father Sweyn towards the
+ saint.
+
+ 1028 Charter of Canute granting "fundus" or farm at Beodricsworth
+ to be for ever in possession of monks, who were to be free
+ from episcopal jurisdiction. (Text in Arnold II. 340-1).
+
+ 1032 Oct. 18. Consecration of the new stone church by Egelnoth,
+ Archbishop of Canterbury.
+
+ 1035 Charter granted to the Abbey by Hardicanute, imposing a fine
+ of "thirty talents of gold" on any one found guilty of
+ infringing the Abbey's franchises. (For privileges granted,
+ see Bodl. MS. 240, printed in _Nova Legenda Anglie_ II.
+ 607.)
+
+ 1038 Oct. Body of the Saint removed to King Canute's new church.
+
+ 1044 Visit of Edward the Confessor to Bury. _p._ 236.
+
+ 1044 The Confessor grants to Bury abbey jurisdiction over 8-1/2
+ hundreds in Suffolk, and the manor of Mildenhall, with
+ freedom to choose their abbot. _p._ 238.
+
+ 1044 Death of Uvius (remains in Infirmary Chapel). Leofstan
+ appointed 2nd abbot.
+
+ 1065 Death of Leofstan (remains placed in shrine at foot of St.
+ Edmund). Baldwin of St. Denis (physician to Edward the
+ Confessor) appointed 3rd abbot.
+
+ 1065 Mint established at Bury under grant of Edward the Confessor,
+ in which Beodricsworth is called (apparently for the first
+ time) St. Edmundsbury. "Ic kithe ihu that Ic habbe unnen
+ Baldewine Abbot one munetere with innen Seynt Edmunds Biri"
+ (Battely, p. 134). _p._ 248.
+
+ 1071 Abbot Baldwin at Rome: receives from Pope Alexander II a
+ precious altar of porphyry, with special privileges.
+
+ 1071 Oct. 27. Bull of Pope Alexander II, taking the monks of St.
+ Edmund under the special protection of the Holy See, and
+ forbidding that a bishop's see should ever be established at
+ Beodricsworth. (Text in Arnold I. 344.)
+
+ 1081 May 31. Charter of William the Conqueror deciding against the
+ claim of Arfast, Bishop of Thetford, to transfer his see to
+ Bury, and granting exemption from episcopal jurisdiction.
+ (Text in Arnold I. 347.)
+
+ 1086 Domesday Book returns show that the annual value of the Town
+ "ubi quiescit humatus S. Eadmundus rex et martyr gloriosus"
+ was double that of its value under Edward the Confessor, and
+ a larger number of persons were maintained.
+
+ 1095 Apr. 29. Translation of St. Edmund's body to new and
+ magnificent basilica built by Baldwin and his sacrists
+ Thurstan and Tolinus.
+
+ 1097 Death of Baldwin: buried in the Abbey church, east of the
+ choir altar.
+
+ 1098 (_circa_). Herman the Archdeacon compiles his book, _De
+ Miraculis Sancti Eadmundi_. _p._ 218.
+
+ 1100 Henry I gives abbacy to Robert, son of Hugh Lupus, Earl of
+ Chester. Robert (I) deposed 1102.
+
+ 1101 Attempts of Herbert de Losinga, Bishop of Norwich, to fix his
+ see at Bury; finally disposed of 1102.
+
+ 1102 Robert II, a monk of Westminster, elected 5th abbot. Scheme
+ for Abbey church enlarged. Godefridus the sacrist a man "of
+ almost gigantic stature, great in body but greater still in
+ mind." _p._ 247.
+
+ 1107 Aug. 15. Robert II consecrated by St. Anselm. Dies soon after,
+ 16 Sept.; buried in Infirmary Chapel.
+
+ 1114 After seven years' interregnum, Albold, prior of St. Nicasius
+ at Meaux, elected 6th abbot: died 1119; buried in Infirmary
+ Chapel.
+
+ 1120 Charter of Henry I confirming the Charters of Canute and
+ Edward the Confessor.
+
+ 1121 Anselm, nephew of St. Anselm, elected 7th abbot. In his days
+ the Norman tower of the Abbey was built.
+
+ 1132 Henry I pays a pilgrimage to the shrine of St. Edmund.
+
+ 1135 (_circa_). St. James' Church built by Abbot Anselm, instead of
+ making a pilgrimage to St. James of Compostella. Church
+ consecrated by William Corbeil, Archbishop of Canterbury.
+
+
+ SECTION II
+
+ _DURING ABBOT SAMSON'S LIFETIME_ (1135-1211)
+
+ 1135 SAMSON born at Tottington, near Thetford.
+
+ 1144 Samson taken by his mother on a pilgrimage to St. Edmund.
+ _p._ 56.
+
+ 1146 Death of Anselm: buried in Infirmary Chapel.
+
+ 1146 Ording, Prior of St. Edmund, appointed 8th abbot.
+
+ 1150 Fire, which destroys the conventual buildings--Abbot's palace,
+ refectory, dormitory, the old infirmary, and the
+ chapter-house. Rebuilt by Helyas the sacrist, Ording's
+ nephew. _p._ 247.
+
+ 1150 (circa). Galfridus de Fontibus writes the tract _De Infantia
+ Sancti Eadmundi_, dedicated to Ording. _p._ 218.
+
+ 1153 Eustace, eldest son of King Stephen, plunders some of the
+ lands of the monastery. Dies at Bury.
+
+ 1156 Jan. 31. Death of Ording: buried in chapter-house. _p._ 247.
+
+ 1156 Hugh, Prior of Westminster, elected 9th abbot. Receives
+ benediction at Colchester from Archbishop of Canterbury.
+
+ 1157 Battle of Coleshill: Cowardice of Henry of Essex.
+ _pp._ 103, 243.
+
+ 1160 (_circa_). Samson returns from Paris, and made _magister
+ scholarum_ or schoolmaster. _p._ 66.
+
+ 1160 (_circa_). Samson's visit to Rome. _pp._ 72, 236.
+
+ 1161 Jan. 12. Bull of Alexander II, confirming the Abbot and monks
+ of Bury in all their rights and privileges, authorizing
+ appropriation of certain manors to special purposes, etc.
+ Future abbots to be freely elected. In important matters
+ there is to be an appeal to the Holy See. (Text in Arnold
+ III. 78-80.)
+
+ 1161 May 22. Brief obtained from Pope Alexander III, confirming the
+ right of the Abbey to the revenues of Woolpit. _p._ 74.
+
+ 1163 Abbot Hugh at the Council of Tours, where he usurps the seat
+ of the Abbot of St. Albans.
+
+ 1163 Wager of battle between Henry of Essex and Robert de Montfort
+ at Reading. _pp._ 104-5.
+
+ 1166 Samson takes monastic orders. _p._ 60.
+
+ 1172 Apr. 7. Bull of Pope Alexander III, dated at Tusculum,
+ exempting the Abbey from the visitation of the Archbishop of
+ the Province as _legatus natus_ of the apostolic see (_Cf._
+ Rokewode, p. 107). _p._ 7.
+
+ 1173 Jocelin of Brakelond becomes Monk of St. Edmund. _p._ 1.
+
+ 1173 Hugh the Prior deposed: succeeded by Robert. _p._ 1.
+
+ 1173 October 17. Battle of Fornham. _pp._ 1, 86, 221.
+
+ 1175 (_circa_). Samson master of the novices. _p._ 6.
+
+ 1180 (_ante_). Samson compiles the work _De Miraculis Sancti
+ Eadmundi_. (See Appendix I.) _pp._ 215-21.
+
+ 1180 Sept. 9. Abbot Hugh's accident near Rochester. _p._ 10.
+
+ 1180 Nov. 15. Death of Abbot Hugh I. _pp._ 10, 225.
+
+ 1180-2 Samson subsacrist and master of the workmen. Rebuilds choir of
+ Abbey Church, and makes preparations for building the great
+ tower. _p._ 14.
+
+ 1181 June 10. Martyrdom of the boy Robert by the Jews. _p._ 23.
+
+ 1181 Aug. 9. Arrival at Abbey of Archbishop of Trontheim on a
+ visit. _p._ 23.
+
+ 1182 Feb. 21. Appointment of Samson as Abbot at Bishop's Waltham,
+ with Henry II's approval. _p._ 31.
+
+ 1182 Feb. 28. Samson receives the blessing of the Bishop of
+ Winchester, at Merewell. _p._ 36.
+
+ 1182 Mar. 21. (Palm Sunday). Samson is solemnly received at St.
+ Edmunds. _p._ 37.
+
+ 1182 Mar. 29. Samson calls a meeting of the convent, the Knights
+ and certain burgesses as to the election of bailiffs.
+ _p._ 109.
+
+ 1182 Mar. 31. Samson sends messengers to Rome for confirmation of
+ the Abbey's privileges. _p._ 84.
+
+ 1182 Apr. 1. Barons, Knights and freemen summoned to do homage.
+ _p._ 41.
+
+ 1182 Samson appointed a judge in the ecclesiastical courts, by Pope
+ Lucius III. _p._ 51.
+
+ 1182 Contests as to town rights and dues. _p._ 108.
+
+ 1183 Samson restores the Church of Woolpit to the monastery.
+ _p._ 72.
+
+ 1184-5 Samson founds St. Saviour's Hospital, at Babwell. _p._ 69.
+
+ 1186 Kalendar or general survey of Abbey estates completed.
+ _pp._ 44-5.
+
+ 1187 Victory over Archbishop Baldwin as to jurisdiction in case of
+ homicide at Monks Eleigh. _p._ 76.
+
+ 1187 Jan. 21. Samson obtains from Pope Urban III the privilege of
+ giving the episcopal benediction. _p._ 84.
+
+ 1187 Feb. 11. Dispute as to jurisdiction, between Samson and the
+ Monks of Canterbury, brought before Henry II in
+ chapter-house at Canterbury. _pp._ 77, 238.
+
+ 1187 Sept. 29. Loss of Jerusalem: Samson's grief. _p._ 60.
+
+ 1187 Samson waits upon Henry II at Clarendon, to obtain a
+ recognition of the immunity of the Abbey from certain taxes.
+ _p._ 96.
+
+ 1188 Jan. 20. General exemption granted by the Pope to Samson and
+ his successors from the authority of the Archbishop of
+ Canterbury. _p._ 84.
+
+ 1188 Jan. 21. Henry II takes the Cross between Trie and Gisors.
+ _p._ 80.
+
+ 1188 Feb. Henry II at Bury. Samson refused permission to accompany
+ the King to the Crusades. _p._ 81.
+
+ 1189 Sept. 3. Richard I crowned at Westminster; Abbot Samson
+ present.
+
+ 1189 Sept. Purchase of the manor of Mildenhall from Richard I.
+ _p._ 70.
+
+ 1189 Nov. Samson appointed one of the arbitrators to settle the
+ dispute between Archbishop Baldwin and the Monks of Christ
+ Church at Canterbury.
+
+ 1190 March 18. Massacre of 57 Jews at Bury. _p._ 69.
+
+ 1190 Oct. Conflict as to monastic discipline, at the Council of
+ Westminster, between Samson and the Bishop of Ely. _p._ 81.
+
+ 1191 Death of Robert of Cockfield. _pp._ 86, 255.
+
+ 1191 Samson's quarrel with William Longchamp, Bishop of Ely.
+ _p._ 79.
+
+ 1191 Sept.-Oct. Excommunication of Longchamp, and his flight from
+ England. _pp._ 79, 240.
+
+ 1192 Complaints of the monks to the abbot concerning the Abbey
+ revenues. _p._ 114.
+
+ 1193 Return of Longchamp. Samson refuses to celebrate Mass before
+ him. _p._ 80.
+
+ 1193 Collection of money for the ransom of King Richard.
+ _pp._ 71, 234.
+
+ 1193 Samson excommunicates the disturbers of the peace, and appears
+ in arms before Windsor. _p._ 82.
+
+ 1193 Samson visits Richard I in his German prison "with many
+ gifts." _p._ 82.
+
+ 1194 Feb. 4. King Richard released from captivity.
+
+ 1194 Mch. 12. Lands at Sandwich after an absence of 4-1/4 years;
+ pays, before the end of the month, thanksgiving visits to
+ (1) Canterbury (2) St. Edmundsbury.
+
+ 1194 June 28. Samson's contest with turbulent young knights, who
+ hold a Tournament without his authorization. _p._ 83.
+
+ 1194 Samson grants a Charter to the town. _pp._ 116, 244.
+
+ 1194 Abbey debts entirely discharged. _p._ 46.
+
+ 1196 Samson's contest with his fifty knights concerning their dues:
+ the abbot victorious. _pp._ 97-9.
+
+ 1196 Samson takes the cellarer's department into his own hands.
+ _p._ 131 _et seq._
+
+ 1197 Commission of Pope Celestine III for the restoration of the
+ Monks of Coventry. _pp._ 142, 246.
+
+ 1198 Jan. 14. Samson at Coventry in high spirits. _p._ 143.
+
+ 1198 Jan. 18. Coventry Monks re-inducted by the Archbishop.
+ _p._ 143.
+
+ 1198 Samson charges moiety of Wetherden in favour of schools at
+ Bury. _p._ 144.
+
+ 1198 (_circa_). Archbishop Hubert Walter proposes to visit the
+ Abbey of Bury. _p._ 122.
+
+ 1198 Dispute between King Richard and Samson as to the wardship of
+ Nesta of Cockfield. _pp._ 147-9.
+
+ 1198 Samson goes to Normandy to settle with King Richard as to the
+ four knights demanded from the Abbey for the war against the
+ King of France. _p._ 129.
+
+ 1198 July 18. Richard I confirms by Charters the Manor of
+ Mildenhall to the Abbey. _pp._ 70-2, 235.
+
+ 1198 Oct. 17. Fire in the Abbey: shrine of St. Edmund in danger.
+ _p._ 162.
+
+ 1198 Nov. 23. Shrine transferred to high altar. _p._ 170.
+
+ 1198 Nov. 26. Samson views St. Edmund's body. _p._ 173.
+
+ 1198 Dec. 1. Letter of Pope Innocent III exempting the Abbey from
+ the visitation even of a legate, unless he were a legate _a
+ latere_. _pp._ 124, 245.
+
+ 1199 Reconciliation between Hubert Walter, Archbishop of
+ Canterbury, and Samson. _p._ 127.
+
+ 1199 April 6. Death of King Richard I.
+
+ 1199 May 27. King John crowned at Westminster. _p._ 178.
+
+ 1199 King John visits Bury. _p._ 178.
+
+ 1199 Violent quarrels between Samson and his monks: he withdraws
+ from the Abbey for a week: reconciliation effected.
+ _pp._ 179-83.
+
+ 1200 Mar. 15. Ratification by King John of Charter granted by
+ Samson to St. Saviour's Hospital at Babwell. _p._ 72.
+
+ 1200 Nov. 6. Samson one of three arbitrators in dispute between
+ Archbp. of Canterbury and Canons of Lambeth. _p._ 229.
+
+ 1200 List drawn up of knights of St. Edmund. _pp._ 183-6.
+
+ 1200 Hugh, Abbot of Cluny, visits Bury. _p._ 189.
+
+ 1200 Death of Prior Robert: Herbert succeeds him. _p._ 191.
+
+ 1201 Eustace, Abbot of Flay, preaches at Bury. _p._ 202.
+
+ 1201 Sept. Samson appointed one of three Commissioners sent by
+ the Pope to Worcester to investigate the miracles of
+ St. Wulfstan.
+
+ 1202 Dispute between the monks of Ely and of Bury concerning the
+ market at Lakenheath. _pp._ 203, 253.
+
+ 1202 Hugh of Northwold (afterwards abbot) admitted a monk.
+
+ 1203 Jan. 31. Samson appointed by the Pope on a commission
+ concerning the dispensation of Crusaders from their vows:
+ and summoned over sea to advise the King on this question.
+ _pp._ 207-11.
+
+ 1203 Dec. 21. John at Bury, and makes valuable offerings: but
+ prevails on convent to grant him for life the use of the
+ jewels which his mother Queen Eleanor had presented to St.
+ Edmund. _p._ 251.
+
+ 1208 Mar. 24. Interdict comes into force throughout England.
+
+ 1210 Sept. 23. Fall of central tower of Abbey Church.
+
+ 1211 Dec. 30. Death of Samson: buried in unconsecrated ground.
+ _p._ xl.
+
+ 1213 July. King John expresses a wish for the vacancy to be filled:
+ Hugh (II) of Northwold chosen.
+
+ 1214 July 2. Interdict solemnly dissolved.
+
+ 1214 Aug. 12. Samson's body exhumed and buried in the chapter-house
+ of Bury Abbey. _pp._ xlii., 247.
+
+
+ SECTION III
+
+ _FROM 1214 TO DISSOLUTION IN 1539_
+
+ 1214 Nov. 4. King John at Bury: makes a speech in the chapter-house
+ asserting his rights over the election of abbot. _p._ 251.
+
+ 1214 Nov. 20. The discontented earls and barons meet at Bury
+ (probably on St. Edmund's Day) "as if for prayer."
+ Archbishop Langton reads to them Henry I's charter: and each
+ swears on the high altar to make war on John unless he gives
+ them the liberties contained therein (_Roger of Wendover_,
+ vol. iii. 293-4).
+
+ 1215 Mar. 10. Commissioners appointed by the Pope finally give
+ judgment in favour of Hugh's election as abbot.
+
+ 1215 June 9. King's approval to appointment of Hugh given in
+ Staines meadow.
+
+ 1215 June 15. Magna Charta signed.
+
+ 1215-6 Louis, son of Philip II of France, invited by the barons to
+ help them in their struggle against John. East Anglian towns
+ sacked--Norwich and Lynn by the French; Cambridge, Yarmouth,
+ Dunwich, Ipswich and Colchester by the barons (Ramsay's
+ _Angevin Empire_, 1903, _p._ 497). Bury St. Edmunds a
+ stronghold of the king (Norgate, _John Lackland_, 1902,
+ _pp._ 257-8). Louis himself fighting in the south of
+ England. No evidence of Louis or his hordes ever being at
+ Bury.
+
+ 1216 Oct. 19. Death of John at Newark. Henry III succeeds to the
+ throne.
+
+ 1220 (_circa_). Richard of Newport, sacrist, destroys the old
+ chapter-house and rebuilds it from foundations. _p._ 247.
+
+ 1220 Death of Herbert the prior. Richard of Insula (afterwards 12th
+ abbot) succeeds him.
+
+ 1224 Abbot Hugh at the Royal camp before Bedford Castle, attended
+ by knights holding manors under St. Edmund.
+
+ 1225 (_circa_). Abbot's Bridge built.
+
+ 1229 Abbot Hugh II made Bishop of Ely: died August, 1254. Described
+ by Matthew Paris as "flos nigrorum monachorum."
+
+ 1229 Nov. 20. Richard of Insula recalled from Burton and installed
+ as 12th abbot on St. Edmund's Day.
+
+ 1234 Abbot Richard sent abroad on an appeal to Pope Gregory IX.
+ Attacked on his return with mortal illness, and dies at
+ Pontigny. Buried in the chapter-house at Bury, where his
+ skeleton was discovered on January 1, 1903, with skull sawn
+ through and sternum severed (evidently for embalming
+ purposes). _p._ 247.
+
+ 1235 Henry of Rushbrook, prior of Bury, elected 13th abbot.
+
+ 1235 Royal Charters granted to Abbot Henry to hold two fairs at
+ Bury and a market at his manor of Melford.
+
+ 1245 Abbot Henry excused by the Pope, on account of the gout, from
+ attending the Council of Lyons.
+
+ 1245 At the request of the convent, Henry III calls his newly-born
+ son Edmund (founder of the house of Lancaster). Text of
+ Royal letter in Arnold III. 28.
+
+ 1248 July 5. Bull of Pope Innocent III (signed at Lyons)
+ prescribing the solemn celebration of the feast of the
+ translation of St. Edmund (April 29). Text in _Nov. Leg.
+ Angl._ (1901) II. 574.
+
+ 1248 Death of Abbot Henry: buried in chapter-house. Edmund of
+ Walpole, LL.D., appointed 14th abbot.
+
+ 1250 Henry III takes the Cross: the abbot does the same, exposing
+ himself to general derision (Matt. Par. v. 110).
+
+ 1252 Simon of Luton (afterwards abbot) made prior.
+
+ 1254 Richard of Clare, seventh Earl of Gloucester, claims St.
+ Edmund's manor of Mildenhall: threatened with
+ excommunication by the Pope.
+
+ 1254 Aug. Death of Hugh, Bishop of Ely (Abbot of Bury, 1213-29).
+
+ 1256 Aug. Statutes approved by Pope Alexander IV for the governance
+ of the Abbey of Bury, providing _inter alia_ for "two
+ persons watching the body of St. Edmund and two the church
+ treasure and clock night and day."
+
+ 1256 Dec. 31. Abbot Edmund died: buried in the chapter-house.
+ _p._ 247.
+
+ 1257 Jan. 15. Simon of Luton, prior, elected 15th abbot: cost of
+ confirmation by the Pope, 2,000 marks.
+
+ 1263 Nov. Franciscan friars expelled from Bury, under a rescript
+ from Pope Urban IV, and compelled to migrate to Babwell.
+
+ 1264 (Easter). Serious conflict between the monastery and the
+ burgesses. The abbot complains to the king: fine inflicted
+ on the burgesses.
+
+ 1265 Defeat and death of Simon de Montfort. Many barons of his
+ party take shelter at Bury, but subsequently dislodged.
+
+ 1267 February. Henry III summons the barons who owe military
+ service to the Crown to meet him at Bury.
+
+ 1272 Sept. 1. Henry III at Bury on his way to Norwich.
+
+ 1272 Nov. 16. Death of Henry III (Rishanger says at Bury).
+
+ 1275 April 17. Edward I and his Queen come to St. Edmundsbury on a
+ pilgrimage, "as they had vowed in the Holy Land."
+
+ 1275 July 1. Foundation stone of new Lady Chapel laid by Prior
+ Robert.
+
+ 1279 April. Death of Abbot Simon at Melford: buried in the Lady
+ Chapel, which he had built "at the cost of himself, his
+ parents and his friends" (Leland, iv. 164).
+
+ 1279 Dec. 28. John of Northwold, guest master of the abbey,
+ solemnly received in the Abbey Church as 16th abbot, after
+ having gone to Rome to be blessed by Pope Nicholas III. Cost
+ of his journey, 1,175 marks, his credit from abbey being
+ only 500 marks.
+
+ 1281 A new division between the property of the abbot and that of
+ the convent, sanctioned by Edward I in consideration of
+ L1,000.
+
+ 1285 Feb. 20. The King with the Queen and her three daughters make
+ a pilgrimage to Bury.
+
+ 1292 April 28. The King, with his son and daughters, again at Bury,
+ remaining either at the abbey or the manor of Culford for
+ ten days. Granted charter that none of his justices should
+ sit within the banlieue of St. Edmund.
+
+ 1292 Dispute between monastery and town. Royal Commission of
+ inquiry sent down. The burgesses to present annually an
+ alderman for confirmation by the abbot: the alderman to
+ present four persons to the sacrist as keepers of the four
+ gates.
+
+ 1294 Mar. 18. Edward I again at St. Edmundsbury "with great
+ devotion."
+
+ 1296 Nov. Edward I holds a Parliament at Bury to obtain an aid from
+ the clergy and people. Difficulties in its collection.
+
+ 1301 Oct. 29. Death of Abbot John I: buried in the church before
+ the choir altar.
+
+ 1301 Nov. 30. Edward's I's letter giving permission for a new
+ election.
+
+ 1302 Jan. 2. Election of Thomas of Tottington (Samson's birthplace)
+ as 17th abbot.
+
+ 1305 Further disputes between the convent and the town. The king's
+ justices impose fines on the aldermen and burgesses.
+
+ 1312 Jan. 7. Death of Abbot Thomas: buried in north aisle of abbey
+ church (part of his memorial brass now at Hedgerley church,
+ Bucks). Succeeded by Richard of Draughton.
+
+ 1326 Edward II spends Christmas at Bury.
+
+ 1327 Great riots at Bury: the abbey plundered. The abbot seized and
+ carried off, and eventually deported to Diest in Brabant.
+ The outlying manors ravaged, and nearly the whole of the
+ conventual and domestic buildings burnt: loss of property
+ assessed at L140,000. Charter extorted by the townsmen from
+ the convent. (French text in Arnold III. 302-317.)
+
+ 1330 Sept. 13. Charter of Edward III granting free warren in all
+ demesnes of the Abbey of St. Edmund, and a weekly market at
+ Melford, with an annual fair of nine days.
+
+ 1335 Death of Abbot Richard: buried in north aisle of the church.
+ The sub-prior, William of Bernham, hastily elected 19th
+ abbot for fear of the Pope's interference.
+
+ 1345 Jan. 24. Completion of Richard of Bury's _Philobiblon_.
+
+ 1345 Quarrel between the abbey and Bishop Bateman of Norwich.
+ Morality and discipline of the abbey reported bad by
+ diocesan commissioners.
+
+ 1346 The abbot appeals to the Pope, and also sues Bishop Bateman in
+ the King's Court, pleading the Charter of Hardicanute
+ (1035): the judges give sentence in the abbot's favour.
+
+ 1346 (_circa_). Completion of abbey gateway, erected after
+ destruction of a previous gateway by the townspeople in the
+ riots of 1327.
+
+ 1351 Presentation to the abbot of three names for selection of an
+ alderman to have charge of the municipal government of Bury.
+ Admission by the abbot of John Ewell as a matter of favour.
+
+ 1361 Death of Abbot William: buried in Lady Chapel. Henry of
+ Hunstanton elected his successor, and proceeds to Avignon,
+ but dies of the pestilence near that city before obtaining
+ confirmation by the Pope.
+
+ 1361 John of Brinkley appointed as 20th abbot by Pope Innocent VI.
+
+ 1375 Date of last miracle recorded in Bodleian MS. 240 (Symon
+ Broun, nearly lost at sea, vows to St. Edmund and is saved.
+ _Nov. Leg. Anglie_ (1901) vol. II. _p._ 678).
+
+ 1379 Death of John of Brinkley at Elmswell: buried in the Lady
+ Chapel. John of Timworth, sub-prior, elected by the monks
+ 21st abbot. Urban VI appoints Edmund de Bromfeld instead,
+ and a controversy ensues, lasting five years.
+
+ 1381 Rebellion in East Anglia under Jack Strawe. Murder of John de
+ Cambridge, the prior, and Sir John Cavendish, the chief
+ justice. Town of Bury outlawed and fined 2,000 marks.
+
+ 1383 Richard II and Anne of Bohemia visit Bury and remain ten days
+ at the monastery, at an expense of 800 marks.
+
+ 1384 June 4. Matters having at length been arranged with the Pope,
+ John of Timworth's election as abbot is confirmed (died
+ 1389).
+
+ 1390 William of Cratfield elected 22nd abbot.
+
+ 1400 Oct. 1. Thomas of Arundel, Archbishop of Canterbury, visits
+ Bury: received as a visitor with much respect, but without a
+ procession.
+
+ 1408 Nov. 25. Letters patent of King Henry IV finally deciding, in
+ favour of Bury Abbey, the disputed question as to the
+ jurisdiction of the Liberty of St. Edmund over Hadleigh and
+ Eleigh. _pp._ 76-8, 239.
+
+ 1410 Catalogue of 195 Monastic Libraries (including that of Bury),
+ compiled by John Boston, monk of Bury.
+
+ 1415 June 18. Death of Cratfield. William of Exeter elected 23rd
+ abbot.
+
+ 1424 William Exeter causes the marble tomb of Ording (and (?) of
+ Samson) in the chapter-house to be renewed. _p._ 247.
+
+ 1424-33 Building of the present St. Mary's Church on the site of an
+ older church in S.W. corner of the cemetery of the abbey.
+
+ 1427 Thomas Beaufort, second son of John of Gaunt, buried in Abbey
+ Church (coffin discovered and re-interred 1772).
+
+ 1429 Death of William Exeter. William Curteys or Curtis elected
+ 24th abbot.
+
+ 1430 Dec. 18. Fall of Southern side of western tower.
+
+ 1430 Dec. 30. Fall of Eastern side of western tower. Immediate
+ steps taken to contract for a new tower.
+
+ 1430 Abbot Curteys builds a library for the abbey (see his
+ regulations for use of books in _James, pp._ 109-11).
+
+ 1432 Ruins of tower cleared away. Rebuilding commenced: estimated
+ cost, 60,000 ducats of gold.
+
+ 1433-4 Visit of Henry VI to Bury Abbey from Christmas till St.
+ George's Day. The monastery presents him with a
+ magnificently illuminated _Life of St. Edmund_, by John
+ Lydgate (now in Brit. Mus. Harl. MS. 2278).
+
+ 1446 Sept. 17. Henry VI writes to Abbot Curteys to ask him to be
+ present at laying of foundation stone of King's College,
+ Cambridge, on Michaelmas Day.
+
+ 1446 Death of Curteys. Succeeded by William Babington as 25th
+ abbot.
+
+ 1447 Feb. 10. Parliament at Bury, in the Abbey refectory. Duke
+ Humphrey of Gloucester present, and arrested (Feb. 18) for
+ high treason.
+
+ 1447 Nov. 13. Charter of Henry VI confirming the abbey privileges.
+ (Text in Arnold III. 357.)
+
+ 1449 Royal Charter granted, freeing the Abbot of all aids to the
+ King for forty marks a year.
+
+ 1453 Death of Abbot Babington: John Boon, or Bohun, appointed 26th
+ abbot.
+
+ 1462 General pardon granted by Edward IV to the Abbot and monks,
+ whose sympathies had been Lancastrian.
+
+ 1462 Nov. 17. A lost Abbey register bought by John Broughton, and
+ presented by him to the monastery at the instance of Abbot
+ Boon.
+
+ 1465 Jan. 20. Abbey Church completely gutted by fire. (St. Edmund's
+ shrine said to have been saved.) Abbot Boon spends and
+ collects large sums for its repair and rebuilding.
+
+ 1469 Death of Abbot Boon: buried in the Lady Chapel. Succeeded by
+ Robert of Ixworth as 27th abbot.
+
+ 1474 Richard of Hengham appointed 27th abbot.
+
+ 1479 Thomas of Rattlesden appointed 28th abbot.
+
+ 1479 May. William of Worcester visits the Abbey and takes
+ measurements of the various buildings.
+
+ 1486 Visit of Henry VII to Bury.
+
+ 1497 William of Codenham appointed 29th abbot.
+
+ 1513 Death of Codenham. John Reeve of Melford appointed 30th and
+ last abbot.
+
+ 1532 Abbot Reeve assists at the funeral of Abbot Islip of
+ Westminster.
+
+ 1533 July 21. Mary Tudor, sister of Henry VIII, buried in great
+ state at the Abbey (subsequently re-interred in St. Mary's
+ Church).
+
+ 1535 Nov. 5. Letter from John Ap Rice to Thomas Cromwell as to the
+ state of morals and worship of relics at Bury Abbey and
+ enclosing _compertes_ of proceedings (_Compendium
+ Compertorum_ now at Record Office).
+
+ 1536 Nov. 26. Grant by the Abbey to Thomas Cromwell and his son
+ Gregory of an annuity of L10.
+
+ 1538 (_circa_). Visit of Leland the antiquary to Bury, in search of
+ ancient books and records.
+
+ 1538 Sept. Sir John Williams, Richard Pollard, Philip Parys and
+ John Smyth report to Cromwell that they have been to St.
+ Edmundsbury, "where we founde a riche shryne which was very
+ comberous to deface. We have takyn in the said monastery in
+ golde and sylver MMMMM marks and above, over and besydes a
+ well and riche crosse with emereddes, as also dyvers and
+ sundry stones of great value, and yet we have left the
+ churche, abbott and convent very well ffurnesshed with plate
+ of sylver necessary for the same" (MS. Cotton. Cleop. E. iv.
+ 229). The actual amount of plate taken at 'His Majesty's
+ visitation' on this occasion was 1,553 oz gold plate, 6,853
+ oz. gilt plate, 933 oz. parcel-gilt plate, 190 oz. white
+ plate. (_Monastic Treasures_, 1836). See also under Dec. 2,
+ 1539.
+
+ 1539 Nov. 4. Deed of surrender of Bury Abbey signed by Abbot Reeve,
+ Prior Thomas Denysse of Ryngstede and 41 other monks.
+
+ 1539 Nov. 7. Sir Richard Rich, Sir A. Wingfield, Ric. Southwell,
+ Wm. Petre, John Ap Rice, and T. Mildmay inform Henry VIII of
+ the surrender of the Abbey: they "have taken the plate and
+ best ornaments of the house" for the King, and have sold the
+ rest. They also ask whether they are "to deface the church
+ or other edifices of the house." The lead and the bells (if
+ the house be defaced) will be worth 4,500 marks.
+
+ 1539 Dec. 2. Indent of Richard Southwell of amount of plate taken
+ from Bury Abbey--150 oz. gilt plate, 145 oz. parcel-gilt
+ plate, and 2,162 oz. white plate, besides a pair of birrall
+ candlesticks (handed to the King), and an ornamented mitre
+ (_Monastic Treasures_, 1836). [Thus, with the spoils of
+ 1538, 1,553 oz. gold plate (all on the first occasion), and
+ 10,433 oz. silver plate, were taken from the Abbey.]
+
+
+ SECTION IV
+
+ _FROM THE DISSOLUTION TO 1903_
+
+ 1540 March 30. Death of ex-Abbot Reeve; buried in the
+ chancel of St. Mary's Church.
+
+ 1550 The first of the thirty grammar schools founded by Edward VI
+ established at Bury.
+
+ 1560 Feb. 14. Site of Monastery sold by Queen Elizabeth for L412
+ 19_s._ 4_d._ to John Eyer; by him transferred to Thomas
+ Badby.
+
+ 1578 Aug. 7. Queen Elizabeth at Bury.
+
+ 1599 Over a hundred books from Bury Abbey in the hands of William
+ Smart, a "Postman" of Ipswich. Given by him to Pembroke
+ College, Cambridge.
+
+ 1606 Apl. 3. Bury made a Borough by Charter of James I. (Borough
+ Motto: _Sacrarium Regis, Cunabula Legis_).
+
+ 1634 Condition of the site of the Abbey described by William
+ Hawkins of Hadleigh in his "Corolla Varia."
+
+ 1644 Publication at Toulouse of Caseneuve's "Vie de St. Edmond,"
+ alleging that the body of the saint was at the basilica of
+ St. Sernin there, and had been brought over by Louis in
+ 1216. Caseneuve describes, misquoting Matthew Paris (II.
+ 663) the alleged pillage by Louis of "Toutes les eglises du
+ comte de Suffolk," refers to the fact that in those days
+ "les Chretiens faisaient gloire d'enlever par un devot
+ larcin les reliques des saints," and says "Il est croyable
+ que les Francais en firent autant de celles de St. Edmond"
+ (_cf._ 1216, 1256, 1901).
+
+ 1745 Publication at Oxford by Rev. Dr. Oliver Battely of
+ _Antiquitates S. Edmundi Burgi ad annum MCCLXXII perductae_,
+ written by his uncle, Dr. John Battely (died 1708).
+
+ 1761 Ancient gates of town pulled down by order of Corporation.
+
+ 1772 Some excavations on site of Church, made by Mr. King, and
+ reported in vol. III. of Archaeologia.
+
+ 1805 Publication of _An Illustration of the Monastic History and
+ Antiquities of the Town and Abbey of St. Edmund's Bury_, by
+ Richard Yates, D.D., F.R.S. (1769-1834).
+
+ 1806 Site of Abbey comes into the hands of the Hervey family, the
+ present possessors.
+
+ 1840 Rokewode's Edition of Latin text of _Chronicle of Jocelin of
+ Brakelond_, published by Camden Soc.
+
+ 1843 Carlyle's _Past and Present_ published.
+
+ 1843 Publication of second edition--including fragment of Part II
+ projected in 1805--of Yates' History of Bury (Remainder of
+ Yates' materials amongst Egerton MSS. in British Museum).
+
+ 1844 T. E. Tomlins' English translation of _Jocelin's Chronicle_.
+
+ 1850 S. Tymms' _Bury Wills_ (Camd. Soc.).
+
+ 1865 Papers by Mr. Gordon M. Hills on antiquities of Bury St.
+ Edmunds in _Journal British Archaeological Association_, vol.
+ xxi. _pp._ 32-56 and 104-140.
+
+ 1869 July 20. British Archaeological Association at Bury: paper on
+ Abbey read by Mr. Alfred W. Morant.
+
+ 1890 Publication of J. R. Thompson's _Records of St. Edmund_
+ [mostly based on Battely and the legendary chronicles].
+
+ 1890 Publication of vol. I. of _Memorials of St. Edmund's Abbey_
+ (Rolls series), edited by T. Arnold (vol. II. published
+ 1892, vol. III. 1896).
+
+ 1893 Publication of _St. Edmund King and Martyr_, by Rev. Father
+ Mackinlay, O.S.B. [picturesque and interesting, but
+ uncritical].
+
+ 1895 Publication of Dr. Montague R. James' two papers on (1) the
+ Library (2) the Church of "The Abbey of St. Edmund at Bury"
+ (Camb. Antiq. Soc., 8vo. Publications No. xxviii.).
+
+ 1901 Publication of _Nova Legenda Anglie_ (Ox. Univ. Press),
+ containing in vol. II. the full "Vita et passio cum
+ miraculis sancti Edmundi," compiled at Bury in the 14th
+ Century (Bodl. MS. 240).
+
+ 1901 July 25. Landing at Newhaven, for the new Roman Catholic
+ Cathedral of Westminster, of bones from Toulouse said to be
+ those of St. Edmund (_cf._ 1216, 1256, 1644.).
+
+ 1901 Sept. 5. Letter in _The Times_ showing cause against these
+ bones being those of St. Edmund.
+
+ 1901 Sept. 9. Cardinal Vaughan admits at Newcastle-on-Tyne that, in
+ view of facts stated, "the relics are not genuine."
+
+ 1902 Publication of Lord Francis Hervey's _Suffolk in the XVIIth
+ Century_, containing in Appendix a critical study of the
+ legends about St. Edmund's life and martyrdom.
+
+ 1902-3 (Winter). Excavations on site of chapter-house.
+
+ 1903 Jan. 1. Discovery on the site of the chapter-house of five
+ stone coffins with skeletons, in the positions assigned in a
+ Bury MS. of circa 1425 (now at Douai) to the burial places
+ of Abbots Ording (1146-56), SAMSON (1182-1211), Richard of
+ Insula (1229-34), Henry of Rushbrook (1234-46), and Edmund
+ of Walpole (1248-56). A sixth skeleton (uncoffined) also
+ found in a line with these coffins to the west--doubtless
+ that of Abbot Hugh I (1156-80). _pp._ 225, 247.
+
+
+
+
+ INDEX
+
+
+ Abbo of Fleury: 217.
+
+ Acre: 6, 74, 125, 223, 237.
+
+ Adam, the infirmarer: 200.
+
+ Aelmessethe, _see_ Elmsett.
+
+ Aelmeswell, _see_ Elmswell.
+
+ Ailwin, or Egelwin: 175, 250.
+
+ Alberic, the earl: 85, 98, 184.
+
+ Albold, Abbot of St. Edmund: 229, 245, 261.
+
+ Alexander II. (Pope): 260.
+
+ Alexander III., Pope: 72, 236.
+
+ Alfric: 85, 241.
+
+ Alveth, Gilbert of: 26.
+
+ Ambli, William of: 255.
+
+ Ambrose (monk): 25.
+
+ Ampton: 185.
+
+ Andrew (monk): 25.
+
+ Anselm, Abbot of St. Edmund's, 116, 255-6, 261.
+
+ Ansty, Hubert of: 185.
+
+ Anthony (monk): 26.
+
+ Arnald: 49.
+
+ Arnold, T., Memorials of St. Edmund's Abbey, xix. and
+ _passim_.
+
+ Ashfield: 184, 185.
+
+ Augustine (monk): 172.
+
+ Augustine, Archbp. of Trontheim: 23, 227.
+
+ Averpenny: 155, 248.
+
+
+ Babwell: 69, 72, 201, 234.
+
+ Baldwin, Abbot of St. Edmund: 260.
+
+ Baldwin, Archbishop: 76-8.
+
+ Banham, William of: 255.
+
+ Bardwell: 184.
+ William of: 184.
+
+ Barningham: 184, 185.
+ Adam of: 185.
+
+ Barrator: 18, 65, 108, 226-7.
+
+ Barton: 95, 186, 256.
+
+ Battely, Dr. John: 276.
+
+ Beasts of chase: 230.
+
+ Beccles: 95.
+
+ Bedingfield: 95.
+
+ Benedict of Blakenham: 8.
+
+ Benedict, the Jew: 3, 4, 223.
+
+ Benedict, the monk: 25, sub-prior, 152.
+
+ Beodricsworth: 154, 248, 258.
+
+ Bigot, Roger, Earl of Norfolk: 86, 96, 98, 99, 184, 241.
+
+ Bishop's Waltham: 31, 228.
+
+ Blakenham, Benedict of: 8.
+
+ Blithing: 184.
+
+ Blood letting season: 21, 227.
+
+ Blund, Hamo: 138.
+ William: 184.
+
+ Blunham: 184, 229.
+
+ Botolph, St.: 176, 250.
+
+ Boxford: 90, 94.
+
+ Bradfield: 44, 90, 95, 185, 186.
+
+ Brakelond, _see_ Jocelin.
+
+ Breiton, William of: 255.
+
+ Brettenham: 90, 94.
+
+ Briddinghoe: 185.
+
+ Briseword, Hubert of: 96.
+
+ Brisingham: 184.
+
+ Broc, Peter de (monk): 25.
+
+ Brockdish: 185.
+ Stephen of: 185.
+
+ Brockford: 94, 95.
+
+ Brockley: 185.
+ Reginald of: 185.
+
+ Brome: 184.
+
+ Buckenham: 184.
+ Ralph of: 184.
+
+ Burgh, Thomas de: 187-189.
+
+
+ Canterbury (Christ Church): 77-8, 238, 239.
+
+ Canterbury, Archbishops of:--
+ Baldwin: 76-8.
+ Hubert Walter: 83, 98, 121-2, 125, 142-3, 175-6, 187,
+ 240, 245.
+ Richard: 6, 7, 221, 224.
+
+ Carlyle's _Past and Present_: xv., xxiv., xxix., xl.
+
+ Castle Acre: 6, 74, 125, 223, 237.
+
+ Celestine III, Pope: 142, 246.
+
+ Cellarer, jurisdiction of: 154-9.
+
+ Cereville, Gilbert of: 104.
+
+ Chapter House of Bury Abbey: 152, 247, 278.
+
+ Chebenhall: 187.
+
+ Chelsworth: 95.
+
+ Chernelles, Arnald of: 184.
+
+ Chertsey [Bertrand] Abbot of: 33, 189.
+
+ Chevington: 49, 94.
+
+ Chipley: 185.
+
+ Clare, Richard, Earl of: 85-6.
+ Roger, Earl of: 104, 243.
+
+ Clarendon: 96.
+
+ Cluny, Hugh, Abbot of: 189, 252.
+
+ Colchester: 95.
+
+ Coleshill: 103.
+
+ Constantine, Geoffry of: 5.
+
+ Cosford Hundred: 44, 86, 232, 238.
+
+ Cockfield, Adam (1st) of: 255.
+ Adam (2nd) of: 86, 147, 184, 187, 246, 254-6.
+ Adeliza of: 255.
+ Lemnere of: 255.
+ Nesta of: 187, 246-7, 251, 255.
+ Odo of: 256.
+ Robert of: 12, 15, 44, 77, 86, 91, 241, 255-6.
+ Rohesia of: 255.
+
+ Cockfield or Cokefield, Town of: 88, 95, 184, 188, 256.
+
+ Cotton: 94.
+
+ Coventry, the Monks of: 142-3, 246.
+
+ Coutances, Walter of: 72, 235.
+
+ Criketot, Hemfrid: 256.
+
+ Cunegestun (Kingston): 95.
+
+ Curteys, W., Abbot: 273.
+ His Register: 216.
+
+
+ Dennis, cellarer of St. Edmund: 6, 8, 9, 25, 32, 33, 34,
+ 157, 200.
+
+ Dereham: 121, 125.
+
+ Diceto, Ralph de, dean of London: 201-2, 236, 253.
+
+ Dickleburgh: 90, 95.
+
+ Diss, John of: 174.
+ Walter of: 67.
+ William of (the elder): 67.
+ William of: 172, 242, 253, 254-6.
+
+ Dissolution of Bury Abbey (1539): 274-5.
+
+ Dogs, coursing by, 43, 231.
+ Presented by Samson to Richard I: 149, 231.
+
+ Durand of Hosteley: 91.
+ (town bailiff): 209.
+
+ Domesday Book: 70, 234, 260.
+
+ Dunstan, Archbishop: 217.
+
+ Durham: 67.
+
+
+ Edmund (monk): 29.
+
+ Edmund, the "golden" monk: 45.
+
+ Edward the Confessor: 233, 238, 259.
+
+ Egelwin, or Ailwin: 175, 250.
+
+ Eleanor, Queen, 70-71, 234.
+
+ Eleigh, Monks: 76-77, 79, 238-9.
+ Combust: 185.
+ Hugh of: 185.
+
+ Elias, cupbearer: 67.
+
+ Elm, Robert of: 91.
+
+ Elmsett: 106-7, 230.
+
+ Elmswell: 67, 94, 106-7.
+
+ Elveden: 95.
+ Gilbert of: 155.
+
+ Ely, Bishops of:--
+ William Longchamp: 79, 80-2, 240.
+ Geoffrey Ridel: 74, 106-7, 203-7, 237.
+
+ Ely: 125, 203-7, 253.
+
+ Endgate: 90.
+
+ Essex, Henry of: 101-105, 242.
+
+ Etheldreda, St., court of: 206.
+
+ Eu, Castle of: 129.
+ Roger of: 184.
+
+ Eustace (monk): 26.
+ (tenant): 93.
+
+ Euston: 185.
+
+
+ Fair of St. Edmund: 112-3, 115-6.
+
+ Fakenham, Great: 184.
+
+ Felsham: 185.
+
+ Fitz-Alan, Peter, of Brockley: 185.
+
+ Fitz-Drogo, Richard: 68.
+
+ Fitz-Hervey, Osbert: 51.
+ William: 96.
+
+ Fitz-Isabel, William: 2.
+
+ Fitz-Peter, Geoffrey: 204, 207, 254.
+
+ Fitz-Ralph, Gilbert: 91, 184.
+
+ Fitz-Roger, Robert: 184.
+
+ Fitz-Walter, Robert: 184.
+
+ Flamville, Robert of: 12.
+
+ Flay, Eustace, Abbot of: 202-3.
+
+ Flemings defeated (A.D. 1173): 1, 86, 222.
+
+ Flempton, Alan of: 185.
+
+ Foddercorn: 44, 232.
+
+ Fordham, Geoffrey of: 25.
+
+ Fornham magna: 94.
+ St. Genevieve: 95;
+ battle of: 1, 86, 222.
+ St. Martin: 95.
+
+ Francheville, William of: 96.
+
+ Fressingfield: 95.
+
+
+ Galfridus de Fontibus: 218, 226.
+
+ Gaveloc (javelin): 73, 237.
+
+ Gedding: 185.
+
+ Geoffrey of Constantine: 5.
+
+ Geoffrey Archbishop of York: 31, 80, 126, 228, 240.
+ (bailiff): 109.
+
+ Germany, Samson's visit to: 82.
+
+ Gilbert, Deputy Steward of St. Edmund: 42.
+ (monk): 174.
+
+ Gislingham: 95.
+
+ Gissing: 184.
+
+ Glanville, Ranulf de, Justiciary of England: 12, 41, 77,
+ 93, 108, 225.
+
+ Glemsford: 106, 206.
+
+ Godfrey (bailiff): 109.
+
+ Godefridus the sacrist: 247, 260.
+
+ Great Fornham: 94.
+
+ Great Horningsherth: 95.
+
+ Green, J. R. (history) xvi.
+
+ Groton: 88, 95, 185, 188, 255.
+
+
+ Haberdon, Bury St. Edmund's: 88, 242.
+
+ Hadleigh: 239.
+
+ Haggovele: 157, 249.
+
+ Haglesdun: 258.
+
+ Halgestou: 258.
+
+ Halsted, Robert of: 185.
+
+ Hamo Blund's will: 138.
+
+ Hardwick, the villeins of (lancetti): 153, 248.
+
+ Hargrave: 49, 94.
+
+ Harling: 184.
+
+ Harlow: 49, 92-3, 95, 169.
+
+ Hastings Henry of: 41, 229.
+ Thomas of: 41, 229.
+ William of: 98, 184.
+ William of (monk): 29.
+
+ Hatfield, Walter of: 49.
+
+ Helyas the sacrist: 243, 247.
+
+ Hemfrid, Criketot: 256.
+
+ Hengham, _see_ Hingham.
+
+ Hen-rents: 232.
+
+ Henry II, King of England: 4, 12.
+ Approves Samson's appointment as abbot: xxviii., 31-5.
+ Dispute between Bury and Canterbury: 76-8, 238.
+ Takes the Cross: 80, 240.
+ Ruling at Clarendon on Samson's appeal: 96.
+ Battle of Coleshill: 103, 243.
+ Charter to Merchants of London: 112, 244.
+
+ Henry of Essex: 101-105, 242.
+
+ Hepworth: 184.
+
+ Herard: 92.
+
+ Herbert the Dean: 88-90.
+
+ Herbert, prior of St. Edmund: xlii., 190-6, 197, 235, 252.
+
+ Herman the Archdeacon: 218, 238, 249.
+
+ Hermer (monk): 25 (sub-prior): 191-193, 235.
+
+ Herringswell: 95.
+
+ Hidages: 44, 232.
+
+ Hinderclay: 95.
+
+ Hingham, Hugh of: 6, 75.
+ Richard of: 174.
+ Roger of: 6, 75.
+ Roger of (cellarer): 157, 186-7.
+
+ Hitcham: 80.
+
+ Honington: 91, 94.
+
+ Hopton: 91, 95.
+
+ Horning, Robert of: 185.
+
+ Horningsherth: 95.
+
+ Hostesley, Durand of: 91.
+
+ Hubert, Archbishop of Canterbury, _see_ Walter.
+
+ Hugh, Abbot of St. Edmund (A.D. 1157-1180): 1, 2-9, 10,
+ 49, 108, 116, 135, 222, 225.
+ Prior of St. Edmund: 1, 6.
+ Third Prior of St. Edmund: 25, 26, 29, 31, 32.
+ The sacrist: 46, 110, 145, 152, 172, 232.
+ The Infirmarer: 174.
+
+ Humphrey, Duke of Gloucester: 234, 273.
+
+ Hundreds in Liberty of St. Edmund: 44, 77, 232, 238.
+
+ Hunston: 184.
+
+
+ Icklingham: 71, 95, 205, 235.
+
+ Ickworth, Richard of: 185.
+
+ Illegh or Eleigh (Monachorum): 76-7, 79, 238-9.
+ (Combust): 185.
+ Hugh of: 185.
+
+ Ingham: 95.
+
+ Innocent III, Pope: 124, 149, 245.
+
+ Interdict: xli.
+
+ Ireland: 236.
+
+ Isaac, the Jew: 3.
+
+
+ Jerusalem, loss of: 60.
+
+ Jews, abbey debts to: 2-4, 15, 48, 223.
+ Driven from St. Edmundsbury, 69-70, 223.
+
+ Joce, Rabbi: 3.
+
+ Jocelin of Brakelond: xx.-xxiv., 1, 6, 23, 39, 56, 93, 101,
+ 145, 197-8, 200, 235, 242.
+
+ Jocell the cellarer: 174, 186-187.
+
+ John, King of England: 82, 228.
+ Comes to St. Edmundsbury: xxxiii., 178, 251, 267.
+ Calls for Samson's advice: xxxiii., 207, 254.
+
+ John, third Prior: 193-5
+
+ Jordan de Ros: 91, 92, 93.
+
+ Jurnet the Jew: 8, 224.
+
+
+ Kalendar, Samson's: 45, 232.
+
+ Kentford: 37.
+
+ Ketel, the case of: 152, 247.
+
+ Kingston: 95.
+
+ Kirkby: 184.
+ Alexander of: 184.
+
+ Knights of St. Edmund, list of: 183-6.
+
+
+ Lackford: 95.
+
+ Lailand: 103.
+
+ Lakenheath: 155, 203, 205.
+
+ Langtoft, Robert of: 184.
+
+ Lavenham: 184.
+
+ Lelesey: 184, 255.
+
+ Len: 95.
+
+ Lenmere of Cokefield: 255.
+
+ Leofstan, Abbot of St. Edmund: 249. 259.
+
+ Liber Albus: xvi.-ii.
+
+ Liberty of St. Edmund: 41, 42, 44, 77, 82, 85, 87, 112,
+ 138, 206, 232, 238.
+
+ Lidgate: 184, 229.
+
+ Lincoln, Bishop of: 142.
+
+ Little Waltham: 184.
+
+ Livermere: 184, 185.
+ Peter of: 185.
+
+ Loddon: 184.
+
+ London, Bishop of: 113.
+ Dean of: 201, 253.
+ Merchants of: 112, 113, 243.
+
+ Longchamp, William: 79, 80-2, 240.
+
+ Louis, son of Philip II of France: 267, 276.
+
+ Lovel, Ernald: 91.
+
+ Lucius III, Pope, 51, 263.
+
+ Lydgate, John: xliv, 241.
+
+
+ Malmesbury, Abbot of: 32-3.
+
+ Manston: 185.
+ Gilbert of: 185.
+
+ Marlesford: 184.
+
+ Marlingford: 184.
+
+ Maurice, chaplain of Abbot Samson, 194.
+
+ Melford: 94, 106, 230, 243.
+
+ Melun, School of: 54, 232.
+
+ Mendham: 184.
+ Thomas of: 86.
+
+ Merchants of London: 112-3, 243.
+
+ Meringthorp: 90, 95.
+
+ Mickfield: 184.
+
+ Milden: 78.
+ William of: 255.
+
+ Mildenhall: 69-71, 95, 118, 131, 146, 187, 233, 235, 238,
+ 259.
+
+ Monk Eleigh: 76-7., 79, 238-9.
+
+ Montfort, Robert of: 103-4, 243.
+
+ Moot-horn: 110.
+
+ Morieux, Roger of: 185.
+
+
+ Nicasius, St., chapel of: 191.
+
+ Nicholas (bailiff): 109.
+
+ Nonant, Hugh de, Bishop of Coventry: 142-3, 246.
+
+ Norfolk, Roger Bigot, Earl of: 86, 96, 98, 99, 184, 241.
+
+ Norton: 184.
+
+ Norway, Archbp. of: 23, 227.
+
+ Norwich, Bishops of: 75, 81, 91.
+ (City): 95, 98, 99, 125.
+
+ Nova Legenda Anglie: 215-6.
+
+ Nowton: 8, 90, 95.
+
+
+ Oakley: 184.
+
+ Octavian, the Anti-pope: 72, 236.
+
+ Onehouse: 184.
+
+ Ording, Abbot of St. Edmund: 17, 116, 135, 152, 226, 243,
+ 247.
+
+ Osbert of Clare: 218-9.
+
+ Oxford, Alberic de Vere, Earl of 85, 98, 184.
+
+ Oxford, Samson at: 142-3.
+
+
+ Pakenham 90, 95, 186.
+
+ Palgrave: 11, 63, 94.
+ Richard of: 11, 63.
+
+ Paris, schools of: 66.
+
+ Parks enclosed by Samson: 43, 230.
+
+ Patteshall, Simon of: 185.
+
+ Peche, Gilbert of: 185.
+
+ Portman-moot: 151, 153, 247.
+
+ Presseni, Ralph of: 185.
+
+ Preston: 184, 185.
+
+
+ "Queen Gold": 70, 234.
+
+ Quiddenham: 184.
+
+
+ Ralph, the porter: 179.
+
+ Ramsey, monks of: 202.
+
+ Randestune: 184.
+
+ Ranulf, Master: 118.
+
+ Reading: 101, 243.
+
+ Rede: 184.
+
+ Reiner, the monk: 48.
+
+ Reydon: 184.
+
+ Richard I, King of England:
+ Sells Manor of Mildenhall to Bury: 69, 70, 233, 235.
+ His ransom: 71, 147, 234.
+ Licence for holding tournaments: 83, 241.
+ Imprisonment in Germany: 81, 82, 264-5.
+ Samson visits him in Germany: 82.
+ Demands of knights for French war: 128.
+ Dispute with Sampson over wardship of Nesta of Cockfield:
+ 148-9, 231, 251.
+ His death: 178, 266.
+
+ Richard, Archbishop of Canterbury: 6, 7, 223, 224.
+
+ Rickinghall: 95.
+
+ Ridel, Geoffrey: 74, 106-7, 203-7, 237.
+
+ Risbridge Hundred: 85.
+
+ Risby: 67, 95, 185.
+ Norman of: 67-8, 185.
+ William of: 67-8.
+
+ Robert II, Abbot of St. Edmund: 121, 135, 244-5.
+ Prior of St. Edmund: 1, 13, 190-1, 252.
+ The boy martyred by Jews: 23, 227.
+
+ Roger Bigot, Earl of Norfolk: 86, 96, 98, 99, 184, 241.
+
+ Roger the cellarer: 25, 29, 31, 32, 152.
+
+ Rokewode, John Gage: xvii.-xviii. and _passim_.
+
+ Rome, Samson's visit to: 72-4.
+
+ Ros, Jordan de: 91, 92, 93.
+
+ Rothing, Gervase of: 185.
+
+ Rougham: 44, 95, 186, 255.
+
+ Ruald (monk): 26.
+
+ Ruffus, Geoffrey: 186.
+ John: 200.
+ R. (monk): 12.
+
+ Rungton: 95.
+ Herlewin of: 49, 50.
+
+ Rushbrook: 95.
+
+
+ Sacristy, offerings to: 53.
+
+ St. Alban's, Nicholas of: 32-3.
+ Walter of (monk): 174.
+
+ St. Andrew, Chapel of: 145, 246.
+
+ St. Botolph, Chapel of: 176, 250.
+
+ St. Clare, Gilbert of: 185.
+
+ St. Denis, Chapel of: 139, 245.
+
+ St. Edmund, King and Martyr, _passim_.
+ His Martyrdom: 258.
+ Life of (Bodl. 240): 216-21.
+ Cup of: 165, 249.
+ Miracles of: 216 _et seq._, 249.
+ Shirt of: 164, 249.
+ Shrine of: 162, 177, 249-50.
+ Standard of: 85, 241.
+
+ St. Faith, Chapel of: 145, 246.
+
+ St. Faith's, prior of: 33.
+
+ St. Katherine, Chapel of: 145, 246.
+
+ St. Neot's, H., prior of: 33.
+
+ St. Nicasius, Chapel of: 191.
+
+ St. Robert, the boy: 23.
+
+ St. Sernin, Toulouse: 276.
+
+ Samson, Abbot, _passim_.
+ As an Author: xxxiii-v., 215-21.
+ Sketch of his life: xxiv.-xliii.
+ Dates of events: 261-6.
+ His death and burial: xli.-ii., 247.
+ His Seal: _Frontispiece_, 39, 229.
+
+ Samson, the Precentor: 38;
+ appointed sacrist: 47.
+
+ Sapiston: 184.
+
+ Saxham: 49, 94, 184, 185.
+ Walter of: 185.
+
+ Scaldwell: 90, 95.
+
+ Scales, Robert of: 143.
+ Roger of: 144.
+
+ Schools at Bury: 68, 144, 233, 246.
+
+ Scotland: 236.
+
+ Scurun's Well: 154.
+
+ Semer: 88, 95, 188, 255.
+
+ Sheriff of Suffolk: 87, 204.
+
+ Soham: 95.
+
+ Sorpeni: 151, 247.
+
+ Southrey: 45, 95, 155, 248.
+
+ Southwold: 187.
+
+ Standard of St. Edmund: 85-6, 241.
+
+ Stanningfield: 105.
+
+ Stanton: 184.
+
+ Stapleford: 49, 95.
+
+ Stephen, King of England: 226, 255.
+
+ Stephen, son of Herbert the Dean: 89.
+
+ Stigand, Archbishop: 7.
+
+ Stow: 94, 184.
+
+ Stuston: 184.
+
+ Stutville, William of: 207, 254.
+
+ Sutton: 258.
+
+
+ Tewkesbury: 188.
+
+ Theam: 112, 244.
+
+ Thelnetham: 184.
+
+ Thetford: 83, 92.
+
+ Thorpe: 50, 95, 184, 185.
+
+ Thurstan (monk): 26, 174.
+
+ Thurston: 184.
+
+ Tibenham: 184.
+
+ Tillener: 50.
+
+ Tivetshall: 90, 95, 100.
+
+ Tomlins, T., his Translation of Chronicle (1844):
+ xviii.-xix.
+
+ Topscroft: 184.
+
+ Tostock, William of: 184.
+
+ Toulouse, St. Sernin: 276.
+
+ Tournaments: 83, 241.
+
+ Trontheim, Archbishop of: 23, 227.
+
+ Troston: 184.
+
+
+ Ulfric of Lelesey: 225.
+
+ Urban III. (Pope): 84, 263.
+
+ Uvius, first Abbot of Bury: 259.
+
+
+ Valognes, Robert of: 91.
+
+ Vere, Alberic de: 85, 98, 184.
+
+
+ Wachesham, Osbert of: 184.
+
+ Walchelin, the Archdeacon: 92.
+
+ Walter the physician: 25, 146, 172.
+
+ Walter, Hubert, Archbishop of Canterbury: 83, 98, 121-2,
+ 125, 142-3, 175-6, 187, 240, 245.
+
+ Waltham: 125.
+ Little: 184.
+ (Bishop's): 31, 228.
+
+ Wangford: 185.
+
+ Warin (monk): 14.
+
+ Waringford, Nicholas of: 32.
+
+ Warkton: 48, 95.
+
+ Wattisfield: 185.
+
+ Waude: 185.
+
+ Wendling: 90, 95.
+
+ Westley: 90, 95.
+
+ Wetherden: 95, 144, 246.
+
+ Whatfield: 185.
+
+ Whelnetham: 185.
+ Geoffrey of: 185.
+
+ Whepstead: 8, 95.
+
+ William Wiardel, sacrist of St. Edmund: 3, 13, 14, 15, 25,
+ 32, 46-7, 223.
+
+ William of Worcester: 247, 274.
+
+ Wimer, the Sheriff: 25, 39, 225.
+
+ Winchester [Richard] Bishop of: 31, 34, 36.
+
+ Windsor, siege of: 82.
+
+ Witham: 85.
+
+ Withgar: 85, 241.
+
+ Woolpit: 72, 74, 95, 235.
+
+ Worlingworth: 95.
+
+ Wortham: 95, 184.
+
+ Wordwell, William of: 185.
+
+ Wrabness: 95.
+
+
+ Yarmouth: 113.
+
+ Yates' History of Bury, 276.
+
+ York [Geoffrey] Archbishop of: 31, 80, 126, 228.
+
+
+ * * * * *
+
+Butler & Tanner, The Selwood Printing Works, Frome, and London.
+
+
+
+
+ * * * * *
+
+
+
+
+Transcriber's note:
+
+Varying and archaic spelling and varying hyphenation were retained.
+
+Page xxxviii, "obedientaries" changed to "obedientiaries".
+
+Page 11, "allgeing" changed to "alleging".
+
+Page 241, "Jornham" changed to "Fornham".
+
+Page 264, "1180" changed to "1188".
+
+Page 269, "owes" changed to "owe".
+
+Other apparent printer's errors were corrected.
+
+Pages 221 and 230 are missing double-quotes but it is unclear where
+they should be inserted.
+
+Page 274 records two persons being appointed as 27th abbot, in 1469
+and 1474.
+
+
+
+***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE CHRONICLE OF JOCELIN OF
+BRAKELOND: A PICTURE OF MONASTIC LIFE IN THE DAYS OF ABBOT SAMSON***
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