by Jill Blackwell Hughes, BA Thesis submitted to the University of ...

Decree to Br. Roger de Crek and the other fellow
monks of the house of Sandwell notifying the
annulment of the unanimous and amicable election
of Br. John de Duckebroc, monk of the church of St
Milburga, Much Wenlock (Wenlok), as prior of the
house, vac. by the death of Br. Thomas the last
prior, whose election was forwarded to bp. Langton
by public instrument and strengthened with their
seal. The bp. found notable and substantial
defects both in the form and in the circumstances
of the election. However, lest the house should
suffer loss in spiritualities and temporalities on
account of a long vacancy, the bp. provides, by
special grace, Br. John as prior, having examined
him concerning his religion and distinction as
regards spiritual matters (spiritualia) and,
moreover, his circumspection and industry
concerning the temporalities to be managed.
However, because Br. John is of the Cluniac
(Cluniacen') order, he should make profession
according to the rule and he has been unable to
obey without the bp. 's provision (provisioni) or
the licence of his abbotl made for the election.
Br. Henry, abbot, 2 for the prior of the Cluniac
(Cluniacen') church of Blessed Mary, Thetford
1. Sic, Much Wenlock was an alien priory.
2. Sic. The prior of Much Wenlock from 1285 - 1320
was Henry de Bonvillars, see VCH Shropshire, ii,
p. 46.
635