592 ANTIQUITIES 



tioned the visiter " vos unicum levamen nostrum et 

 spem unanimiter rogamus, quatinus eligendum ex nobis 

 unum confratrem de gremio nostro, in nostra religione 

 probatum et expertum, licenciam vestram paternalem 

 cum plena libertate nobis concedere dignemini gra- 

 ciose." Reg. Waynflete, torn. i. 



Instead of the license requested we find next a com- 

 mission "custodie prioratus de Selebourne durante 

 vacatione," addressed to brother Peter Berne, canon- 

 regular of the Priory of Selebourne, and of the order 

 of St. Augustine, appointing him keeper of the said 

 Priory, and empowering him to collect and receive the 

 profits and revenues, and "alia bona" of the said 

 Priory ; and to exercise in every respect the full power 

 and authority of a prior; but to be responsible to the 

 visiter finally, and to maintain this superiority during 

 the bishop's pleasure only. This instrument is dated 

 from the bishop's manor-house in Southwark, March 1, 

 1453-4, and the seventh of his consecration. 



After this transaction it does not appear that the 

 chapter of the Priory proceeded to any election: on 

 the contrary, we find that at six months end from the 

 vacancy the visiter declared that a lapse had taken 

 place ; and that therefore he did confer the priorship on 

 canon Peter Berne. " Prioratum vacantem et ad nos- 

 tram collationem seu provisionem, jure ad nos in hac 

 p&rteper lapsum temporis legitime devoluto spectantem, 

 tibi (sc. P. Berne) de legitimo matrimonio procreato, 

 &c. conferimus," &c. This deed bears date, July 28, 

 1454. Reg. Waynflete, torn. i. p. 69. 



On February 8, 1462, the visiter issued out a power 

 of sequestration against the Priory of Selborne on 

 account of notorious dilapidations which threatened 

 manifest ruin to the roofs, walls, and edifices of the 

 said convent; and appointing John Hammond, B. D. 

 rector of the parish church of Hetlegh, John Hylling, 

 vicar of the parish church of Newton Valence, and 

 Walter Gorfin, inhabitant of the parish of Selborne, his 



