166 - 31 Aug. To John Bridgeman, bishop of Chester

Summary

Salutem in Christo.

My very good Lord.

I understand by your Letters, That the Parson of Hysham is now dead; And that one Christopher Parkinson and Sir Paul Attlewood have tender’d Presentations and Clerkes to your Lordship. But certainly neither of them can have any Shew of Title. For when those Lands and Patronages went out of the Crowne to Harrington (as far as I remember) they Descended fairly upon the Lord Morley. Save only that it was not discover’d till now That the Heyre Male fayled. And Certayne it is, That the Land and Patronages with it, of which Hysham is one upon that failer are to returne to the Crowne, which is the Title His Majestie now layes to it.

Concerning Institution, I know not what a Jurie will doe in this Case. Nor what favour it will shew to them which (for ought I yet know) are in possession. Therefore upon the whole matter, I would thinke it the safest way, for your Lordship to Institute the Kings Clerke. And then if the Rest have any minde to the Law, there they may trye theire Title. But as I am informed, the Thing is found very Cleere for the King. And the Partyes Concern’d are about to Compound; And the king will not Compound, but with Exception of the Guift of the Rectoryes, which makes me the more Carefull not to loose this Opportunity.

If your Lordship have any faire Opportunity of a Carryer or Other Messenger, you shall doe well to signifie thus much to my Lord Yorke. And so will I from hence. That so nothing may be done there against the Kings Right. And in the meane tyme I’le send you the Kings Clerke with as much speed as I can. So I leave you to God and rest

Your Lordships Loving friend and Brother.

W: Cant:

Croyden: August the last. 1638.

To the Right Reverend Father in God my very Good Lord and Brother, the Lord Bishop of Chester these