By the Rev. J. K. Floyer, M.A., F.S.A. 107 
acceptance of the Deanery made Downton ipso facto vacant, tried 
to assert his right of patronage and presented one of his own clergy, 
Robert de Maydenstane. William Burnell, on this, began a law- 
suit with Maydenstane, and finding that by his acceptance of the 
Deanery he had violated the constitutions of Gregory X., he 
resigned the latter in 1295, and in 1303 obtained a letter from 
Pope Boniface VIII. to be again collated to Downton; Robert de 
Maydenstane in consequence retiring to his rectories of “Mulchil- 
mere” and “ Adurbiri,” the latter in the Diocese of Lincoln. It 
is not to be assumed that among these ‘non-resident “ parsons” the 
cure of souls was necessarily neglected. The papal indulgences some- 
times stipulated that it should not be so, and, in providing a benefice 
for a given person, often mentioned whether it was to be with, or 
without, cure of souls. The “ parson,” or “rector,” } probably held 
much the same position as a lay rector now, that is to say, one who 
receives a portion of the tithe, but is not necessarily responsible 
for the cure of souls. 
Harewedon is the first presentation mentioned in the episcopal 
register of Winchester,? and he is entered as the successor of 
Burnell, from which it would appear that Maydenstane’s law-suit 
was unsuccessful. Harewedon held also the Rectory of Thyngden, 
was one of the King’s justices, and an attorney, in which capacity 
he obtained, at various times, legal acknowledgments of debts. 
William de Honingham, who is next mentioned, as “ parson,” 
may have been vicar under Harewedon, for the latter is mentioned 
again as “parson ”’ of Downton in 1317. 
_ Robert de Sandale may also have been vicar under Charlton, 
for both presentations are recorded in the same year. 
Thomas de Chorleton, or Charlton, D.C.L., held, besides the rectory 
of Downton, Canonries and Prebends of York, Salisbury, Lichfield, 
and London. In 1320 he obtained from Pope John XXII. the 
reservation of the next vacant benefice in the Salisbury diocese. In 
October, 1327, he was consecrated Bishop of Hereford, being then 
*The word “parson” is used in the English records, “rector” in the papal 
- letters. 
? The writer is indebted to the Rey. F.T. Madge, Minor Canon, for the search. 
