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The Soul of a Priest
The item below is illustrative of a typical practise in the mediaeval church. The rector of Somersham formally seeks to have lands set aside, the rents of which are to be used to pay for a clerk to have prayers said for the good of his soul. The King has, of course, to take his cut in the form of a tax on the transaction.
Patent Rolls Edward III
10 May 1361
Licence for 6 pounds paid to the king by Master Richard de Badewe parson of the church of Somersham for the alienation in mortmain by him of a messauge, a carrucate of land, 8 acres of meadow and 20 acres of pasture in Wodehamferrars, to a chaplain to celebrate divine service daily in the church of St May Great Badewe for his good estate, for his soul when he is departed this life and for the souls of his father, mother and ancestors.
And be it remembered that the 6 pounds have been paid in the hanaper.