1384-08-05, Westminster

To Roger Juyll escheator in Devon. Order to remove the king's hand and meddle no further with the lands of Henry Blakebourne parson of Stokenhamme in Stokenhamme, saving to the king his right of action, and to deliver to the said Henry any issues thereof taken ; as the king lately ordered William Brightlegh late escheator to certify in chancery the cause wherefore he took the premises into the king's hand, and he certified that he found by inquisition, taken of his office, that Jurdan Fitz John gave to William then rector of Stokenham and to his successors all the lands now held in demesne by the rector in order that he should every day by himself or a chaplain in his stead celebrate all divine offices and sacraments save burial in the chapel of St, Martin for the lords and tenants of Malston, Kynedoun, Stan- Nitherton and Ramescombe, that the said William and all successors so did time out of mind, until a vicar was appointed in said church, and so did all the rectors and vicars since that time, the said Henry and William Clyfton now vicar performed the services until Easter 50 Edward III, and since that feast have withdrawn the same, that the premises are held in chief, that Fitz Johan lord of Stokenham died without an heir, and for of such heirs all right which should fall to them pertains by escheat the king, that all lands now held by the rector and vicar pertain the king by reason of the withdrawal aforesaid, and that they are 20 marks a year; and after deliberation in chancery with the the king's serjeants and others of the council learned in the the king is aware that the premises ought not to have been so although the charges aforesaid ought to be performed and withdrawn.