ANTIQUITIES OF SELBORNE. 2l7 



do whatever else was necessary. Then their proctor, before the 

 witnesses, required Berne's assent in the chapter-house ; " qui quidem 

 instanciis et precibus multiplicatis devictus," consented, " licet indignus 

 electus," in writing. They therefore request the bishop's confirmation of 

 their election "sic canonice et solemniter celebrata," &c. &c. Sealed 

 with their common seal, and subscribed and attested by the notary. 

 Dat. in the chapter-house September 5th, 1472. 



In .consequence, September llth, 1472, in the bishop's chapel at 

 Esher, and before the bishop's commissary, appeared W. Wyndesor, 

 and exhibited the above instrument, and a mandate from the bishop 

 for the appearance of gainsayers of the election there on that day ; 

 and no one appearing, the absentees were declared contumacious, and 

 the election confirmed ; and the vicar of Aulton was directed to induct 

 and install the prior in the usual manner. 



Thus did canon Berne, though advanced in years, reassume Ms 

 abdicated priorship for the second time, to the no small satisfaction, as 

 it may seem, of the bishop of Winchester, who professed, as will be 

 shown not long hence, an high opinion of his abilities and integrity. 



STONE COFFIN, KEPT IN THE FARM HOUSE GARDEN. 



LETTEE XXII. 



As Prior Berne, when chosen in 1454, held his priorship only to 1468, 

 and then made a voluntary resignation, wearied and disgusted, as we 

 may conclude, by the disorder that prevailed in his convent ; it is no 

 matter of wonder that, when re-chosen in 1472, he should not long 

 maintain his station ; as old age was then coming fast upon him, and 

 the increasing anarchy and misrule of that declining institution 

 required unusual vigour and resolution to stem that torrent of profligacy 

 which was hurrying it on to its dissolution. We find, accordingly, 

 that in 1478 he resigned his dignity again into the hands of the 

 bishop. 



WATNFLETE KEG. fol. 55. 



Resignatio Prioris de Seleborne. 



May 14, 1478. Peter Berne resigned the priorship. May 16, the 

 bishop admitted his resignation " in manerio suo de Waltham," and 



