Robert de Courci, follower of emperess Matilda, with manor and advowson of the parish church.
Bytelescumb, de Bere, Morton, Blachyngdon, de Bere, de Reigners, Joan, de Chedeldon, Gofys, and Eleanor de Verney.
Agnes de Newmarke in 1317, Sibyl de Horsy in 1317, Joan di Bratton in 1317, Matilda Pulham in 1333, and Alice Northlode in 1333. The community allowed many corrodies and temporary residence for lay women in the 14th century including: Dyonisia Peverel, Isabel Fychet, Joan Wason and Maud Poer.
There were 11 nuns in 1317, and 2 chaplains. At about the time of suppression there were 6 nuns besides the prioress. At suppression there were 5 nuns besides the prioress.
Bishop nominates a nun at his election. There was a dispute over the election of the Prioress in 1317. There were also difficulties relating to scandal and lax administraton in the years, 1311, 1132, and 1351.
Benefactors include the founder Hugh d'Welles, Bishop Lincoln by testament of 1212. Also Robert Fitz Pain in 1333, John d'Chidiok in 1354 and Robert de Sambourn in 1354.
The community had permission of the Bishop to allow lay women and their servants in residence during holidays and for short visits. In the 14th century there were abuses of this practice.
Nuns and a prioress
The comunity assets included land holding, chapels and a parish church, and chapter house. The community was in such poverty in the 14th century that it was exempted from tax rolls. By 1535 its assets were valued at 39 pounds.
Income was derived from rents in the province and also by monies paid by lay boarders. Boarders payments were insufficient and this practice put a strain on the community's resources.
The community had permission of the Bishop to allow lay women and their servants in residence during holidays and for short visits. In the 14th century there were abuses of this practice.
Joannis Lelandi antiquarii De rebus britannicis collectanea, 78.
The Victoria history of the county of Somerset, 2:109-11. available online at ">http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=40925"> [Victoria County History]
Mad 6/10/97
[V0230]
Scandals include a nun ( [CN=2X043] ) who gave birth about 1333 but who was still in residence in 1349. [unable to locate source for this ref. 3/23/99]
Scandals include a nun who gave birth about 1333 but who was still in residence in 1349.
