BISHOP AYLMER. 131 



also the exemption of the Tower; by pretence of which an CHAP, 

 ancient Priest, commonly called Old Sir Roger, did marry XL 

 without any licence. For, as Stanhop prudently signified old sir 

 to the Bishop, if he made special restraint of his licences, R ger&amp;lt; 

 and all other courts were left at liberty, although the 

 judges of those courts were careful themselves herein, yet 

 their courts being kept in London, it was easy for those 

 that meant evil to seek that in one place, which they might 

 not have in another, as daily experience shewed in the ex 

 emption of the Tower ; by virtue whereof Old Sir Roger 

 married many a couple, which licences could not or would 

 not be obtained. And if other courts were not restrained, 

 as well as that of the Bishop of London, as the subject 

 would receive no benefit, so a blot would only remain upon 

 the Bishop s court, and his jurisdiction be in part over 

 thrown ; when men should know, that they were driven to 

 leave his court to sue to another. 



Therefore upon these considerations, and for a due regu 

 lation of these licences every where, the said learned Civilian 

 craved of the Bishop, that he would endeavour with their 

 Honours of the Council, that certain restraints might be 

 put upon all courts where such licences were wont to issue 

 out : first, for the form of them ; and secondly, for certain 

 limitations to be observed concerning them. 



For the forms, he sent the Bishop a copy of that of the 

 court of Canterbury, and another of that of London. 

 Whereby it might appear, that the latter was a great deal 

 more strait in respect of the manner of the licences, and the 

 consent of the parents. And if by comparing both it should 

 be found, that that form of London were less disordered, then 

 that his Lordship would procure that form might generally 

 stand. 



The limitations to be observed to be these : 

 First, That no licence pass, but that it be directed to 

 some certain parish, and either to the Parson, Vicar, or Cu 

 rate, who did continually serve there. So might the officers 

 know upon present search, where to answer the delivery of 

 their licences. 



