208 THE BISHOPRIC OF CORNWALL, 



The reasons assigned for this change were, the impropriety of 

 the See being in a village like Crediton, contrary to the Canons 

 of the Church, and the better security which Exeter afforded 

 against the attacks of pirates, to which the Cornish and Crediton 

 Churches had been subjected. Exeter being a well-fortified city, 

 King Edward determined, with the approbation of the Pope, Leo 

 IX, to transfer the united Sees from the village of Crediton, " a 

 Cridiensi villula," to this important place. Leofric, who had filled 

 the office of Chaplain to the King, as well as of High Chancelk)r, 

 had for four years occupied the Sees of Cornwall and Crediton, 

 and had felt the expediency of such removal. To do the Prelate 

 greater honour, the King, with his accomplished Queen Edith, 

 with both the Archbishops, several Bishops, and an immense con- 

 course of the nobility and dignified Clergy, graced his installation 

 with their presence. In the Royal Charter, bearing date A.D. 

 1050, the King announces his having placed the endowment of 

 the new Bishopric of Exeter on the Altar of S. Peter ; that he 

 then conducted the Prelate by the right arm, whilst the Queen 

 supported the left arm, to instal him in the Episcopal Chaii\''' 

 The whole instrument is of much interest and importance. Omit- 

 ting the formal parts of it, the following is a translation : — 



"Wherefore I, Edward, by the grace of God, King of the 

 English, actuated by motives of good will, inasmuch as I have 

 ordained, in accordance with what is commanded in the Divine 

 decrees, to consolidate a Pontifical Chair at the city of Exeter, in 

 the Monastery of Saint Peter, Prince of the Apostles, which is 

 situated within the walls of the same city, by the authority of the 

 Heavenly King, by my own, and by that of my Consort Edith, 

 and of all my Bishops and Dukes, by virtue of this special grant 

 and the assurance of this hand-writing for all time to come, do 

 constitute Leofric, that he be Pontiff there, and those who shall 

 come after him, to the praise and glory of the holy and indivisible 

 Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and in honour of Saint 

 Peter the Apostle. I give also all possessions to the same place 

 belonging, whatsoever they may be, as well in lands, as in pastures, 

 meadows, woods, waters, freemen, slaves, bondwomen, laws, tax, 



• * Dr. Oliver's History of Exeter, pp. 27, 28. 



