Part 29 (1/2)

[201] HALE, p. 12.

[202] Ibid. pp. 75, 83; _Suppression of the Monasteries,_ p. 47.

[203] Ibid. p. 80.

[204] Ibid. p. 83.

[205] I have been taunted with my inability to produce more evidence. For the present I will mention two additional instances only, and perhaps I shall not be invited to swell the list further.

1. In the State Paper Office is a report to Cromwell by Adam Bekenshaw, one of his diocesan visitors, in which I find this pa.s.sage:--

”There be knights and divers gentlemen in the diocese of Chester who do keep concubines and do yearly compound with the officials for a small sum without monition to leave their naughty living.”

2. In another report I find also the following:--

”The names of such persons as be permitted to live in adultery and fornication for money:--

”The Vicar of Ledbury.

The Vicar of Brasmyll.

The Vicar of Stow.

The Vicar of Cloune.

The Parson of Wentnor.

The Parson of Rusbury.

The Parson of Plowden.

The Dean of Pountsbury.

The Parson of Stratton.

Sir Matthew of Montgomery.

Sir ---- of Lauvange.

Sir John Brayle.

Sir Morris of Clone.

Sir Adam of Clone.

Sir Pierce of Norbury.

Sir Gryffon ap Egmond.

Sir John Orkeley.

Sir John of Mynton.

Sir John Reynolds.

Sir Morris of Knighton, priest.

Hugh Davis.

Cadwallader ap Gern.

Edward ap Meyrick.

With many others of the diocese of Hereford.”

The originals of both these doc.u.ments are in the State Paper Office. There are copies in the Bodleian Library.--_MS. Tanner,_ 105.