326 ANTIQUITIES OF SELBORNE. 
WA Sy, yl eo a ae OP 
THE reader is here presented with the titles of five forms 
respecting the choosing of a prior. ‘“‘Charta petens licentiam 
elegendi prelatum a Domino episcopo Wintoniensi:”—“ Forma 
licentie concesse :”—“ Forma decreti post electionem conficiendi :” 
—108. “Modus procedendi ad electionem per formam scrutinii :” 
—et ‘Forma ricte presentandi electum.” Such evidences are rare 
and curious, and throw great light upon the general sovsastico- 
ecclesiastical history of this kingdom, not yet sufficiently understood. 
In the year 1324 there was an election for a prior at Selborne; 
when some difficulties occurring, and a devolution taking place, 
application was made to Stratford, who was bishop of Winchester 
at that time, and of course the visitor and patron of the convent at 
the spot above-mentioned.* 
An Extract from ‘‘ Reg. Stratford.” Winton. 
P. 4. “ Commissio facta sub-priori de Selebourne,” by the bishop 
enjoining him to preserve the discipline of the order in the convent 
during the vacancy made by the late death of the prior, (“ nuper 
pastoris solatio destituta,”) dated 4th kal. Maii. ann. 2do sc. of his 
consecration. [Sc. 1324. ] 
P. 6. “ Custodia Prioratus de Seleburne vacantis,” committed by 
the bishop to Nicholas de la , a layman, it belonging to the 
bishop, “ratione vacationis ejusdem,” in July, 1324, ibid. “nego- 
tium electionis de Selebourne. Acta coram Johanne Episcopo, &c. 
1324 in negotio electionis de fratre Waltero de Insula concanonico 
prioratus de Selebourne,” lately elected by the sub-prior and convent, 
by way of scrutiny ; that it appeared to the bishop, by certificate from 
the dean of Alton, that solemn citation and proclamation had been 
made in the church of the convent where the election was held that 
any who opposed the said election or elected should appear. Some 
difficulties were started, which the bishop overruled, and confirmed 
the election, and admitted the new prior sub hac forma :— 
* Stratford was Bishop of Winchester from 1323 to 1333, when he was translated to 
Canterbury, 
