The following extracts, all taken from the patent Rolls show how well before the reformation, the King could take a keen interest in who was appointed to which benefice. Once again the great wealth of the Church in general, and individual churches in particular, made it too tempting to interfere in dishing out the goodies.
24 July 1361 - Presentation of John de Swynlegh to the church of Somersham in the diocese of Lincoln, in the king’s gift by reason of the voidance of the bishopric of Ely. By letter of secret seal
21 September 1361 - Presentation of David de Wollore to the church of Somersham in the diocese of Lincoln, in the kings gift by reason of the voidance of the bishopric of Ely. By K
13 October 1361 - Presentation of Thomas de Neuby to the church of Somersham in the diocese of Lincoln, in the kings gift by reason of the voidance of the bishopric of Ely. By K
Patent Rolls Richard II 1397 - 14 March 1397 Westminster - Presentation of John Godmanston to the church of Somersham in the diocese of Lincoln. By p.s.
17 November 1397 - License for king’s clerk Master William Waltham and his proctors to sue full execution of papal bulls touching the church of Somersham in the diocese of Lincoln lately void by the death in the Roman Court of Adam Cardinal Priest of St Cecilia’s and take possession of the said church notwithstanding any statutes or ordinances to the contrary.
Patent Rolls Henry IV 1404 - 16 February 1404 Westminster - Walter Cook parson of the church of Somersham in the diocese of Ely. By p.s.
Patent Rolls 22 Henry VI - 29 October 1443 - Presentation of Thomas Pate parson of the church of Therfeld to the Parish church of Somersham in the diocese of Ely in the Kings gift by reason of the temporalities of the said being in his hands on an exchange of beneficies with Robert Wetheryngsete.
