World History

2.

Abbot of St. Augustine’ Claim to a Ship.

(Reign of William I. Latin text, Bigelow, Placita, p. 33. Translation by the editor.)

William son of the king to William sheriff of Kent, greeting. I command that you order Hamo, son of Vitalis, and the good neighbors of Sandwich, whom Hamo has named, that they tell the truth about the ship of the abbot of St. Augustine; and if that ship traversed the sea on the day when the king last crossed the sea, then I command that it now remain afloat until the king shall come into England, and in the mean time let the said abbot be again in possession of it. Witness the bishop of Salisbury and the chancellor, at Woodstock.

[Writ of execution of above on judgment.]

William son of the king to William sheriff of Kent, greeting. I command that you put they abbot of St. Augustine again in possession of his ship, as I commanded you by my other writ, and as it was declared by good men of the county that the abbot was in possession of it on the day when the king last crossed the sea; and let him hold it in peace. Witness the chancellor, at Windsor. And this without delay, lest I hear further complaint about it. Witness the same.