Confirmation of definitive sentence

From: John Stratford, archbishop of Canterbury Sentence of Mgr John de lecch', canon of Salisbury, auditor of causes and commissary, in a case in the archbishop's court of audience between 'Dominus' Thomas, vicar of Farningham ('Frenyngham') and the prior and convent of Canterbury Cathedral Priory, concerning a portion for the vicarage of Farningham. Recites the libels submitted by the priory's proctor. These state that Thomas alleges that a portion had been assigned but that the priory's almoner took so much for his own use and that what was left was insufficient for the vicar. The priory's proctor replies that the portion is known to be inadequate. Details of the tithes and offerings assigned for the portion, including profits of the mill of John of Farningham. The proctor also submits a supplementary libel, adding that certain specified tithes from lands which are part of the demesne of Charton ('Cheriton') and offerings from the chapel there are reserved to the priory. The proctor asks that Thomas should be made to pay the expenses of the case, because it is known that the portion is inadequate and he is causing trouble unjustly. Also recites Thomas's reply. This states that the portion was assigned in a letter from the priory to the archbishop dated 13 Dec 1344 at Canterbury. Thomas is vicar of Farningham, he resides there and pays for a chaplain and clerk to serve the church, as well as supporting other burdens relating to the church. The fruits and profits of the church are valued at £30 and more, but the portion assigned to the vicarage is insufficient and its value does not exceed 10 marks. There has never been an adequate portion since he has been vicar and the priory has refused to assign one. He asks the archbishop to assign an adequate portion. John de lecch' has considered the evidence. The priory has proved that the portion assigned is as described in their libels and articles and has an annual value of £12 and more. The portion is sufficient to maintain the vicar and enable him to support the burdens of the vicarage. He therefore pronounces that the portion should consist of tithes, offerings and other income as specified (as in DCc-ChAnt/F/15). Decree dated 28 Jul 1347 at Lambeth [Surrey]. Confirmation dated 20 May 1348 at Maidstone [Kent]. Endorsed with description as composition and 'De Elemosinar'' in 14th cent hands.

<p>Related document: CCA-DCc/ChAnt/F/15 Registered versions: CCA-DCc-Register/B, ff9r-11v, and Bodl MS Tanner 18, ff85v-91r (microfilm) Confirmation of sentence: PRO Exch Ancient Deeds, E 211/519</p>