200 The Tropcndl Crtrtuhtrn. 



Tlie tivst part of the story professes to be derived from the register 

 of Bishop Eichard le Poore, which is not now extant. 



So far as regards the first two pages of this section of our M.S., 

 the narrative has found its way into general history ; and tlie 

 account has been printed, from a MS. in the Chapter House, in 

 Sarum Charters (Chron. and Memorial Series, No. 97), 1891, p. 266, 

 and is nearly identical with our MS. I give the story, greatly 

 abbreviated; from the Tropenell MS., with something of an apology 

 for dwelling on what, as far as it is history, is generally known. 

 But it may be also interesting to show what formerly passed for 

 history, and how necessary it is to interrogate aacient documents 

 before accepting them. Moreover, this account of the foundation 

 of the Cathedral and city is here placed in the forefront of legal 

 documents put together for a special purpose, as I am now enabled 

 to show. 



In ancient time the Cathedral estaljlishment was settled within 

 the old Sarum Castle boundaries ; but instructions were issued, in 

 the troublous times of King John, to get rid of it cautiously, and 

 free the whole space for the royal use. So one Eogation-tide, the 

 canons being out in procession to St. Martin's Church, the gates 

 were quietly closed, and the canons shut out. In this plight they 

 returned to the Bishop, who quoted scripture in favour of the 

 persecuted, and counselled flight, vowing to God, and to the Blessed 

 Virgin Mary, to found, if possible, a Church on another spot which 

 should be free from such harass. (The Bishop must have been 

 Herbert le Poore, 1194 — 1217.) He then approached King John 

 for this purpose, and was most benignantly received ; and with 

 this encouragement went to Home and obtained papal letters 

 permitting and encouraging the work. (_)n his return, however, 

 he was met by tidings of the death of King John (October, 1216), 

 and he began to fear his work had been in vain. But in his dreams 

 that night the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared, to comfort him and 

 promise her assistance. On this the Bishop made his petition to 

 Henry III., obtaining a charter and promise of further help. But 

 he now became exercised as to the site. At length the thought 

 occurred of obtaining one from the Abbess of Wilton. And now 



