III - His enquiry into the lives and manners of his clergy by his Archdeacons.

Summary

The zealous Bishop of Lincoln did not content himself with instructing his clergy by his sermons, nor with directing ʼem by salutary laws and statutes. He was no less solicitous to see his exhortations and directions put in practice, as far as lay in his power. With this in view he drew up a body of information to be taken by all his archdeacons, in their respective districts and these informations are but a juridical inquest to be made by the archdeacons to see if the parochial and inferior clergy comply with their duties. Which are pretty much the same as those prescribed in his statutes for parish priests, which we have subjoined to the third part of his first sermon to the clergy. These informations or enquiries, may be seen at length in the Annals of Burton and in Wilkins who places them, I know not for what reason, to the year 1230. But this is a gross mistake, not only because [this was] 5 or 6 years before Grossetete was made Bishop but because it's plain from the contents that they are either of, or after, the year 1237. These enquiries are 49 in number. By the first, the archdeacons are to enquire whether there be any rector, vicar, parish priest, enormously illiterate. By 38, whether any of illegitimate birth be admitted either to benefice or orders without a previous dispensation. By the 3, 4, 5, 6 and 32, whether there be any in holy orders that are married or entertain concubines, and who they are that harbour the concubines of such delinquents. By the 7 and 8, whether any of the clergy frequent the churches or monasteries of nuns, without reasonable and necessary cause; or keep with them under the same roof any persons of the sex, whether kinswoman or other that gives occasion to suspicions. By the 17, whether any of the clergy frequent alehouses or taverns, or profess themselves fighters or wrestlers, or assist at shews or gaming. By the 11 and 18, whether any of them act as sheriffs, justices, bailiffs or stewards to the laity, which renders ʼem accountable to the Lay-Courts. Or whether any of them bear arms, or neglect to wear the tonsure and habit of their order. By the 28 whether any beneficed person take or give lessons in the Civil Law.