Croyland Abbey; An Historical Sketch (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1867. Excerpt: ... 106 CHAPTER VII. 1216--1486. "Learned cell and sacred pile, Made animate with sweetness, flowing o'er The music-rolling roof and branching aisle." The Cathedral. Henby HI., ascending the throne at nine years of age, could not himself do much to heal the wounds inflicted by the misgovernment of his father. But it was fortunate that the young king was surrounded by virtuous and able ministers, and especially that he had such an adviser as Stephen Langton, Archbishop of Canterbury. Under their advice and direction the attacks and spoliations made upon the church by King John ceased, and churchmen were again respected and honoured. In the year 1220 the king granted a charter to Croyland, confirming its estates and privileges. The estimation in which the Abbot of Croyland was held at this time may be inferred by his being specially invited by letter, from the Archbishop of Canterbury, to assist at the great ceremony of the translation of the remains of St. Thomas a Becket to a place of higher honour in Canterbury Cathedral. "No living man," says the chronicler, "could remember such a solemnity in England, so glorious, so magnificent." Unfortunately, the Abbot Henry could not attend the ceremonial, being now of great age and much occupied with continual business; for it was the unhappy lot of the abbey to be always involved in some disputes with their neighbours about the boundaries of their property. At one time it is the Prior of Spalding and the men of Holland, then the Lord Wake and the men of Depyng, again the Abbot of Peterborough, are contending with Croyland about the rights to the fens. From the nature of the ground it was indeed scarce possible to keep up satisfactory landmarks, and written descriptions of boundaries were but of little avail. Hence th...