1303-04-28, Northallerton

Grant, at the petition of Benedict, the abbot, and the prior and convent of St. Mary's, York, and in consideration of 502. to be paid by them on demand, that when the abbey falls void by the death or cession of the said Benedict, the prior and convent shall have the custody thereof for three months, so that no escheator or other bailiff or minister shall meddle therein or prevent their free administration of the possessions, profits, and rents thereof, or of the issues arising therefrom; saving to the king, knights fees, advowsons of churches, and wards and marriages of the free tenants of the abbey that fall in during that time; with a proviso that if the voidance last longer than three months the king shall then have the custody. By K. on the information of J. de Benstede, 21.