Magister Omer lived in or had a room in a house at the east end of the precincts of Christ Church, Canterbury. This house became known as Meister Omers and served as a residence for various dignitaries. John Buckingham, bishop of Lincoln, wrote his testament, dated 9 Feb 1399, in a house called Meister Omers within Canterbury Cathedral Priory. [1] The house was demolished and rebuilt in the 1400s. It became a boarding house of The King's School in Canterbury in the 1900s.
1249-1280 Magister Omer was a practitioner of civil law. "In each yearly account of the Treasurer of Christ Church, a paragraph is set out under the title 'Partes Pensionum,' in which are entered the good service pensions awarded by the Chapter. The name of Master Omer first appears in the year 1249, when, apparently as junior standing counsel, he received a salary of forty shillings; and it regularly recurs, getting year by year nearer to the top of the list, until A.D. 1280, by which time Omer's stipend had been raised to a hundred shillings, equaling that of 'Magister Thomas medicus noster.'" [2]
1249 "Mgr Omer ('homerus') of Canterbury" was one of the witnesses to a lease from the prior and chapter of Canterbury Cathedral Priory to Roger the clerk of 'Sancta Elena' dated 1249 (no month, thus 25 Mar 1249 - 24 Mar 1250). [3]
1257 Acta "John of Sandwich, rector of St Mary Aldermary church, London, appeared before Mgr Walter of Acrise, deputy of the official of the court of Canterbury, at Canterbury Cathedral on 14 Dec 1257 to answer the prior and convent of Canterbury Cathedral Priory concerning a benefice ('beneficium'). The priory's sacrist proposed a libel on its behalf (recited), claiming that St Edmund [of Abingdon], archbishop of Canterbury, had granted the church to the sacrist for the cathedral fabric as a benefice worth 6 marks a year. John has not paid 2 marks of the payment for 4 years and the priory asks that he should be made to pay the arrears and to pay the full amount in future. John promises ('confiteor') to pay the full amount in the future and to pay the arrears. Sealed with the seals of Mgr Walter and John and with the seal of the officiality of the archdeaconry of Canterbury by Mgr Omer [seals no longer present]. Given at Canterbury Cathedral church. Endorsed '.Rudham Bygod.' in late 13th cent hand." [4]
1259 Master Omer was official to the Archdeacon of Canterbury (Stephen de Monte Luelli). In a dispute between Boniface, the Archbishop of Canterbury, and the prior and convent of Christ Church, "Prior Roger of St. Alphege, while not denying the necessity of maintaining discipline, alleged the inalienable right of his monks to receive correction for their misdeeds in their own chapter house and not elsewhere. The haughty Savoyard Archbishop, however, refused to give way, and the only course open to the Prior was an appeal to the Pope. It was for the purpose of publishing this appeal that the Prior and Chapter on the Sunday before Palm Sunday 1259 summoned their Consistory Court. As the constitution of this Court is of some importance for our present purpose it will be worth while to give an account of it. The presiding officers were Master Walter, official of the Prior and Convent, and Master Omer, official to the Archdeacon.* Then follow the names of certain clerks holding benefices in the city and its suburbs, followed by the names of four knights. After this come the names of certain citizens, and at the head of this list there occurs the name of Master Robert, rector of the schools of the city of Canterbury.
* Master Omer's name is preserved in the name of the prebendal house at the east end of the Cathedral (now occupied by Dr. Moore), which is still known as 'Master Homer's.'" [5]
c 1264 "After the Battle of Lewes (1264), Salle had fled in fear abroad and his houses were confiscated, to be restored to him by the king in the following year. One of his houses stood next to that of a certain Master Omer of Canterbury who had a chapel there. As Omer complained that his religious services were disturbed by his Jewish neighbour, the king ordered Salle's house to be demolished." [6]
1265 "William son of Ellen of Littlebourne ('Litleburne')" granted to "Mgr Omer, of Canterbury, clerk, son of William of Borden ('Bordenne') the whole of his land which lies at 'Lee' [in Ickham], lying with Omer's land to east and south and the land of the monks which is called the land of the treasurers to north and west. For an annual payment of 1 rose as a quit-rent ('forisgabulum'), payable as specified upon the same tenement. For this Omer has also paid 1 mark as a gersum fine. Dated 49 Henry III, no month (19 Oct 1264 - 18 Oct 1265)" [7] Ickham is about 5 miles east of Canterbury.
1269 Magister Omer and others witnessed a quitclaim in August in which "Reginald de Cornhulle, son of Reginald de Cornhulle II" made a quitclaim to "the prior and convent of Canterbury Cathedral Priory For an annual payment of 6d quit-rent ('forgabulum'), payable for the stone house which Reginald de Cornhulle, Reginald III's grandfather, bought of Thomas son of John son of Robert in the city of Canterbury. For this the priory has also paid ½ a mark as a gersum fine. Witnesses: Mgr Omer; Mgr Hugh de clerevaus; John de Haleberg', prior's steward ('senescallus Prioris Cant''); Robert Polre; Thomas Chicch, bailiff ('prepositus') of Canterbury; William Cokin; John Dig'; Henry Isile." [8] In a related document "Reginald de Cornelle III ('tertius'), son of Reginald II ('secundus')" granted "in free, pure and perpetual alms," to "the prior and convent of Canterbury Cathedral Priory An annual payment of 6d, payable as specified for the great stone house in St Gregory's parish, Canterbury, which was of the tenement of Thomas the alderman. Reserving the service owed to Thomas's heirs. The grant is made for lights for [the shrines of] St Alphege and St Dunstan." No date, assigned to "late 13th century" based on "handwriting and witnesses to other Canterbury charters." "Witnesses: Mgr Omer; Mgr Hugh de Clerevaus; Mgr Hamo Dog'; John de haliberg'; Elias de hostio. Endorsed with derscription, describing the document as the final acquittance for a rent of 6d for the great stone house in St Gregory's parish, 'xm' and 'Rec' in late 14th cent hands." [9]
1270 The location of Magister Omer's land in Ickham was mentioned in a grant on April 20 in which "Emma Slehg; Emma, daughter of Emma Slehg" granted to "John de la Bertone 1 acre of land lying in the holding of Ickham ('Hycham') in a field called 'Cotmannesfeld', with the land of Mgr Omer to west, John's land to east and north and the land of Nicholas of Cherville ('Cherlefeld'') to south. For an annual payment of ½d free rent ('liber redditus'), payable as specified. For this John has also paid 30s as a gersum fine. Witnesses: Stephen the clerk of Goodnestone ('Godwineston''), serjeant ('serviens') of the court of Ickham; Stephen de Beholte; John de marisco; Simon of Lee [in Ickham]; Thomas of Lee [in Ickham]; Richard of Lee [in Ickham]; William of Lee [in Ickham]; Stephen of Lee [in Ickham]; Thomas of Appleton ('Abint''); Hugh de Bosco; Stephen of Seaton ('seten''); Roger pukel; William le Taylur;William the clerk" [10]
1272 "Receipt" from "Roger of St Alphege, prior of Canterbury Cathedral Priory For a charter of Theobald de Helles, dated 1 Mar 1272, by which he enfeoffed Mgr Omer of Canterbury (recited). Theobald granted Omer all his land and other property in Ash parish ('Esse') of the holding of Wingham, whether acquired by inheritance or purchase, reserving the marsh, free rents and suit of the tenants. For an annual payment of a pair of gloves, price 1d, payable as specified on the same tenement. For this Omer has also paid 300 marks as a gersum fine. Witnesses to charter: 'Dominus' John de Criol', knight; 'Dominus' Walter de Gosehall, knight; William de appelton'; Thomas de Modelond'; Thomas de cumba; John de Hukyng; Thomas de Dene; John de Dene; John crul; Adam de Wytefeld'; Richard de Wenderton'; John de Wenderton'; John de Byneberg' The priory will return the charter to Omer whenever he wishes it." [11]
1274 "Membrane 10 (otherwise 12) d, Kent. The King claims against Master Omer, clerk, a messuage, with appurtenances, in Canterbury, as his escheat by reason of Daubeney of Canterbury's trespass; and against Daniel Le Draper a messuage in the same place as his escheat by reason of Joce of Kent's trespass; and against the Prior of Holy Trinity of Canterbury a messuage, with appurtenances, as his escheat by reason of Master Aaron's death and trespass; and against William Talebot a messuage, with apprutenances, late of Isaac, son of Salle. The said Master Omer and the others came and craved a view of the land. Mandate of the Sheriff, that he see that they have the view, and notify on Hilary quindene. " [12]
"1275, Membrane 11d, Kent. Whereas the king sued Master Omer, of Canterbury, for a messuage in Canterbury, which he claimed as his escheat, the said Master Omer comes and gives the king 2 marks for leave to keep the messuage, and it is granted him accordingly." [13]
1278 On June 21, the Canterbury Cathedral Priory nominated Mgr Richard de Stratford and Mgr Omer of Canterbury and asked John de Chisull I, Bishop of London "to approve one of them to be appointed as official of the court of Canterbury sede vacante." John approved the appointment of Richard on June 24. [14]
1278/79 On 13 January, Mgr Omer was named the official of Canterbury Cathedral Priory by John de Chisull I, Bishop of London. [15] "Master Omer, Official in 1279 after the removal of Robert Stratford, was closely associated with the monastery for years." [16] The official acted in place of the Archbishop of Canterbury during a period of vacancy of the position of Archbishop.
1282 The following two documents suggest that Magister Omer had sons Simon and Andrew, issue of a relationship with Margaret Wybert, daughter of Thomas Wybert of Sandwich, Kent.
"(f. 187v.) Wingham, 6 August 1282. To the commissary-general, ordering him to examine witnesses on the legitimacy of the sons of Master Omer of Canterbury.
Magistro Martino commissario Cant' pro Simone et Andrea, filius Magistri Omeri de Cant'. [Note in the margin: "Propter legitimationem filiorum procedendum est ad sententiam".] Frater I., etc, delecto filio magistro Martino, commissario nostro Cant, salutem gratiam et benedictionem. Sua nobis Andreas et Simone, filii magistri Omeri de Cant' petitione monstraverunt quod, licit pater eorum cum Margareta Wyberia de Sandwyco, ut asserunt, matrimonium contraxisset, eos quod postea genuisset ex eadem, ipse tamem dum adhuc viveret matrimonium ipsum cum eadem sollempnizare non curavit, propter quod ipso O, patre eorem, viam universe carnis ingresso, illegitimi et paterna successione indigni a pluribus reputantur, quare nobis humiliter supplicaverunt ut super hoc eisdem ex officii nostri debito paterna dignaremur sollicitudine subvenire. Quia ergo rei tam favorabili aures nostras aperire tenemur sine preiudicio alieno, vobis in virtute obedientie firmiter iniungendo mandamus quatinus testes idoneos quos ipsi super hoc duxerint presentandos examinatis diligenter, et eorum dicta in publica faciatis redigi munimenta, denuntiantes publice et sollempniter in locis omnibus quibus videritis expedire, ut omnes qui sua crediderint interesse certis die et loco a vobis prefigendis compareant peremptorie, visuri receptionem testium eodem et super denuntiatione huiusmodi fidele faciatis testimonium adhiberi ad decisionem quod ipsius negotii ratione previa ulterius procedentes, sententia diffinitiva ipsius nobis reservata. Datum apud Wingham Cant' diocese, VIII id. Augusti, anno Domini MoCCoLXXXo secundo, consecrationis nostre anno quarto." [17]
"(f. 189.) Aldinton, 21 September 1282.
Notice that Master Omer did not die excommunicated and intestate.
Pro Filiis Magistri Omeri de Cant', quia propositum erat contra eos quod pater eorum decessit excommunicatus. [Marginal note: "Littera testificalis quod talis mortuus non fuit excommunicatus."]
Universis sancte matris ecclesia filiis ad quorum notitiam presens sciptura pervenerit, Frater I., permissione divina Cant' Archiepiscopus, totius Anglie Primas, salutem in Domino sempiternam. Cum sacrorum canonum et imperialium constitutionum iura inhibeant post mortem hominis eius memoriam, nisi in quibusdam exceptis criminibus dampnari: nonnulli tamen iniquitatis filii, olla invidie et indignationis noviter succensi, proprie salutis immemores, memoriam laudabilis viri magistri Omeri de Cant' iamdiu defuncti, quantum in eis est, dampnare presumentes et, ut intelleximus, detrahentes eidem, ipsum dicunt intestatum, utpote excommunicatum, decessisse, pro eo quod aliquandiu cum Margareta filia Thome Wybert de Sandwyco quam, ut dicitur, tenuit pro uxore, beneficium ecclesiasticum occupavit. Nos autem advertentes ipsum et, si ita esset, nulla iuris vel hominis excommunicationis sententia propter hoc fuisse vel esse legatum, volentesque, prout decet, veritati testimonium perhibere ac memoriis foveri defunctorum et ora eis obloquentium, quantum possumus obstruere iniqua, cum nichil contra eum dum vixerit, seu post mortem eius, sit in iure propositum vel probatum, quare ab ecclesia precisus, seu excommunicatus, sit vel fuerit merito iudicandus, ipsum vobis tanquam Catholicum et testatum, nec ab ecclesia quoquomodo excommunicatum seu precisum, set sub fide et sacramentis eiusdem annuntiamus in fata pie decessisse. In cuius rei testimonium sigillum nostrum presentibus duximus apponendum.
Datum apud Aldington', XI kal. Octobris, anno Domini MoCCoLXXXo secundo, consecrationis nostre quarto." [18]
c. 1280-c. 1300 Margaret Wyberd, daughter of Thomas Wyberd of Sandwich, sought remedy in Chancery from the King against eight debtors: Henry Pirot, kt. of Kent; Alan de Helles; Thomas le Heyward of Ireland; Nicholas Barroth, bailiff of the prior of Canterbury; John Golfinch (Goldfinch); Michael le Orfevere (Goldsmith) of Canterbury; Robert de Wegham, taverner of Canterbury; Thomas de la Heye. The petition has been speculatively dated to c. 1280-c. 1300 on the basis of the hand. [19]
[Petition in 8 parts]
1) Wyberd requests remedy against Pirot for money he owes her for livestock that he bought from her.
2) She requests remedy against Helles as he has failed to render money to her which he promised to lend her on the security of a portable breviary and gradual which she gave to him, and he wrongfully detains the pledges.
3) She requests remedy against Heyward concerning horses that he has wrongfully retained.
4) She requests remedy against Barroth for goods he detains from her.
5) She requests remedy against Goldfinch for a horse, pail and cask which he wrongfully detains from her.
6) She requests remedy against Goldsmith for a ring which she gave to him so that . . . but she can have nothing from him.
7) She requests remedy for . . . [damaged] . . . which he wrongfully detains from her.
8) She requests remedy against Heye . . .
1290 Margaret daughter of Thomas Wyberd accused Adam de Bishopgate, Ralph le Serjaunt, and Andrew Dorre of the Office of Bs. during the State Trials of Edward I in Kent in Easter term (April) in 18 Edward I. The nature of the offense was not stated. The outcome was "Margaret did not come. Accused sine die." [20]
1290 Margaret daughter of Thomas Wyberd accused Ralph la Seriaunt, Walter Bedel, John le Grom, William Atefole, and Luke Cherringges of the Office of Bs. of King in Kent during the State Trials of Edward I in Kent in the Quindene of Trinity (June 11) in 18 Edward I. Neither the offense nor the result are stated. [21]
1314 A court case brought by her grandsons states that Margaret Wybert's heirs were her sons Simon, William, Laurence, and Thomas.
Additional references to Magister Omer of Canterbury and discussions of his career include:
"But of all the buildings provided for the accommodation of visitors the largest and most typical is that which now forms the prebendal house, due east from Becket's Crown. This house, which after a former occupant, one Master Omer, who in the middle of the thirteenth century was official of the court of the prior and chapter, is still called by his name, has a circular staircase leading up to various rooms which were doubtless occupied by guests. The western side had ground- floor rooms then, as now, used for offices, above which was the gallery, which could be used for music. The whole of the eastern part of the building was, before the suppression of the monastery, one great hall, which could be used alike for meals and as a dormitory for servants and retainers. It was in this house that John Buckingham, sometime bishop of Lincoln and afterwards a monk of Christ Church, died in 1396." [22]
A discussion of the role of the Commissary general in the Canterbury administration cites the case regarding the legitimacy of Magister Omer's sons. "Sometimes the Archbishop would delegate to him the collection of certain information required in connection with some suit or appeal before the Archbishop, but not giving him the power to pass a definitive sentence himself. Footnote 5. E.G., in 1282 he was instructed to enquire into the legitimacy of Simon and Andrew the sons of Master Omer of Canterbury, they having petitioned the Archbishop of Canterbury ex officio to decide if their father's marriage was legitimate in order that they might succeed to his property, but the pronouncement of the definitive sentence was reserved to the Archbishop. Reg. Pecham, f. 187b." [23]
"At Canterbury, as elsewhere in England, the reign of Henry III witnessed the emergence of a series of influential trained lawyers and administrators whose skills were soon applied to resolving the legal disputes which divided the archbishop from his monks. It was due to the services of men like Master Omer, a paid employee of the convent for over thirty years after 1249, and resident at the famous house---which still bears his name---within the Cathedral precinct, that some oil was now applied to the previously troubled jurisdictional waters.(31) (Footnote 31. Gervase, Historical Works, ii, 208-9, 221, 250-1; Smith, Cant. Cath. Priory, 69-70. For the origins of the Omer family, see J. B. Sheppard, "The Meister Homers, Canterbury', Arch. Cant., 13 (1880), 116-7; cf. below, p. 95.) Of all the many concordats and compromises relating to issues at stake between archbishop and monks which were produced in the middle of the thirteenth century, much the most significant was a definitive agreement made between Archbishop Boniface and Prior Roger of St Alphege before Hugh de Bigod, then Justiciar of England, in 1259. At long last, a clear and workable division was made between the baronia or franchise of the archbishop on the one side, and the libertas of the Cathedral chapter on the other." [24]
"In addition to his chaplains and the permanent members of his household, the prior of Christ Church relied on the more specialized and professional skills of a large and highly heterogeneous group of councillors. The great importance of these individuals for the welfare of the monastery was first analysed in detail by the late R.A.L. Smith in what has deservedly proved one of the most influential chapters of his study of Canterbury Cathedral Priory. Although Smith probably exaggerated the stability and institutional ethos of what he called the prior's 'inner council of legal experts', he was certainly right to draw a major distinction between those lay counsellors who lived in or near Canterbury and the even larger number of senior clerical administrators who were retained by the prior to work primarily at Lambeth or Westminster. As Smith also appreciated, it was during the middle years of the thirteenth century that the operations of both the Church and---even more---the English common-law courts rapidly became too technical and sophisticated to be readily intelligible to most monks of Canterbury themselves. Accordingly, it was at this time, and in the persons of men like Master Roger Cantelupe, Master Omer, Robert of Ludlow, and Hugh Mortimer, that the prior became very heavily dependent indeed on highly trained lawyers for the conduct of his Cathedral's affairs." [25]
"At Christ Church, Canterbury, the prior's council can first be detected in the second quarter of the thirteenth century. The records of the Baldwin contest at the end of the previous century make it abundantly clear that no private council existed at that date. All the negotiations at Rome and at the royal court were carried on solely by monks. Even after the return from exile the pars sanior et discretior of the monks continued to negotiate in person with the king, and in the controversy with Boniface the monks relied largely on their own resources. The event which appears to have stimulated the formation of a small standing council was the quarrel of the monks with the bishop of London and archdeacon of Canterbury over sede vacante jurisdictions. This controversy, which first became acute in 1240, involved highly technical problems of law and precedent, and the monks were wise to choose Roger Canteloup and Robert of Ludlow, two trained lawyers who enjoyed the royal favour, as their representatives in the struggle. Both of these men were paid high fees by the priory and tirelessly upheld the claims of the prior and chapter to exercise diocesan and provincial jurisdiction during vacancies in the see, by canvassing the episcopate, influencing suitable persons, and making pointed appeals to historical precedent. About the middle of the century two other lawyers, Hugh Mortimer, the official of the archbishop, and Master Omer,[Footnote 7] the official of the archdeacon, were granted an annual pension by the monks in return for their expert advice. At this stage, therefore, the prior's council may be said to have consisted of a small group of trained lawyers, who received a yearly pension for their counsel and their championship of the jurisdictional claims of the priory. [Footnote 7: In 1249, Magister Omerus was paid a pension of £2 and for the next thirty-one years he rendered continual service to the priory, receiving an annual salary of £5 in his last years as well as a house in the precinct which still bears his name (H.M.C. App. to IXth Report, p. 124). After 1250 he was official to the archdeacon (W. Somner, Antiquities of Canterbury, Part II, ed. N. Battely, 1703, p. 153). We find him journeying to London with the sacrist on behalf of the priory during the Dover dispute in 1274: Lambeth MS. 242, fo. 23.]" [26] Note: The cited item in Battely's edition of Somner does not provide a source for its statement regarding the appointment of Mr. Omer. [27]
Research Notes:
Routledge, in his discussion of Thomas Stoughton, suggests that the Omer family of Kent descended from Magister Omer, [28]
A.D. 1591. Thomas Stoughton (whose effigy appears on a brass in the chancel) bequeaths to the poor people of St. Martin's £5, as 'a stocke to kepe them to work,' and the same stock to remain to their uses, and to be used at the discretion of his executor. He also bequeaths 20s. to the poor of St. Paul's, and the same sum to the poor of Ash. His daughter married Thomas Wilde, gentleman. His sister was an Omer of Ash, one of the family of Meister Omer.
The siblings of this Thomas Stoughton were Francis Stoughton (four of whose grandchildren were New England immigrants in the 1600s) and Alice Stoughton, wife of Richard Omer (d. bet. 23 Aug - 8 Dec 1588, Ash next Sandwich). Thomas Stoughton's wife Jane Omer [29] and Alice Stoughton's husband Richard Omer [30] were cousins. They were great grandchildren of Laurence Omer (d. abt. 24 Jan 1486/87) [31]
In his discussion of the parish of Staple in Kent, Hasted states,
There was a family of the name of Omer, called likewise Homer, which had constantly resided in this parish, their mansion being in Staple-street, for upwards of four hundred years, as appears by old courtrolls wills, and other evidences. (fn. 1) The last of them who resided here, was Laurence Omer, gent. who died about the year 1661, leaving an only son Charles, who died unmarried; their burial-place was in this church-yard, and there are now two of their tombs remaining there, one of which is much adorned with sculpture, but the inscriptions are nearly obliterated, only there can be read on the latter, the name Omer, alias Homer.
1. Several of their wills are in the Prerog. off. Canterbury. [32]Addenda and corrigenda to volume 9
Staple.
Page 190[sic], line 8 from the bottom. Add, on one of these tombs is an inscription for Lawrence Omer, alias Homer, gent. of Staple, obt. 1661, at. 25, having married Rebecca, daughter of John Degnez, by whom he had Mary, deceased, and Charles. Arms, Quarterly, per pale and fess indented, on a bend, 3 lozenges impaling quarterly first and fourth 3 birds, second and third 5 lozenges in fess. [33]
In his discussion of the parish of Staple in Kent, Philipott states, [34]
There is a Family in this Parish called Omer, which as appears by old Court-rolls, tombs, deeds, and other evidences, have been constantly resident almost four Hundred years.
A William son of Thomas del Omer was nominated as an attorney "1312 May 17, York. Richard Constantyn, staying in Ireland, has letters nominating William son of Thomas del Omer and Thomas de Everwik his attorneys for two years." [35]
In addition to documents mentioning Magister Omer of Canterbury, the Canterbury Cathedral archives contain several documents relating to land transfers to Magister (Mgr) Omer de Valle and to Magister Omer of Thanet.
In an undated land transfer, "Henry of Sandwich" granted "Mgr Omer de valle 16 acres and one-third of 2 acres, except one-third of an acre which lies 'en la gare' next to 'le broc', of which 8 and one-third acres lie at 'Halclinge [Hacklinge in Worth?], and 8 and one-third acres lie at Mongeham in the holding ('tenementum') of Adisham. For an annual payment of 1lb of pepper, payable as specified at Sandwich. Also for an annual payment of 4s as a quit-rent ('forgabulum'), payable as specified to William and Nicholas, the sons of Hilary, on the land called 'la gare' at 'Halclinge'. For this the priory has also paid 3 marks as a gersum fine." No date, assigned to "early 13th century" based on "handwriting." "Witnesses: John the young ('Iuvenis') of Felderland [in Eastry]; Samuel, son of John the young of Felderland [in Eastry]; Alwardus the fair ('Blundus'); Edmund, son of Alwardus the fair ('blundus'); Nicholas of Worthe; Charles, brother of Nicholas of Worth; William of Worth; Samuel, son of William of Worth; Charles ('Carelus'); Thomas of 'Halclinge' [Hacklinge in Worth?]; Stephen of 'Halclinge' [Hacklinge in Worth?]; Dunstan of 'Halclinge' [Hacklinge in Worth?]; John of 'Halclinge' [Hacklinge in Worth?]; Elias, brother of John, of 'Halclinge' [Hacklinge in Worth?] Endorsed with description in late 13th cent hands." [36].
In an undated quitclaim, "Solomon son of Laurence" and "Simon son of Adam of Sandwich" granted to "Mgr Omer de valle" for "an annual payment 47d, payable by Omer, [in acknowledgement of] 22s 8d which he paid them in the moment of their greatest necessity." No date, assigned to "mid 13th century" based on "handwriting." "Witnesses: 'Dominus' Henry of Sandwich; William, brother of 'Dominus' Henry of Sandwich; Adam the baker ('pistor'); Laurence, brother of Adam the baker ('pistor'); William; Nicholas; Matthew of Worth Endorsed with description, which does not mention any place name, in late 13th cent hands." [37]
In an undated land transfer, "Alice daughter of Asketin of Mongeham ('Mu'ningeham')" granted to "Mgr Omerus of Thanet 8 acres in Hacklinge vill [in Worth ('Halclinge')]. For an annual payment of 6d. For this Omer has paid 10 marks as a gersum fine. Omer must defend the land against Adisham ('Hedesham') court." No date, assigned to "early 13th century" based on "handwriting." "Witnesses: 'Dominus' William de Badelesmere; Thomas de Dane; James de Hahe; Anselm de Burne; John the young ('iuvenis'), of Felderland [in Eastry ('feldworlande')]; Amfrid the white; Nicholas de Wordthe; John de Broch Endorsed with description in late 13th cent hand. Land described as in Mongeham ('Moningeham') in the tenement of Adisham." [38] [39]
In a related grant, William, Simon, and Thomas, sons of Omer of Thanet, grant to their mother Mary "25 acres of land lying at Felderland ('feldwarelond'') [in Eastry] and an annual payment of 30s in the vill ('villa') of Hacklinge ('Halekelinge') [in Worth] which their father bought ('adquisivit'). For this Mary has also paid 10 marks as a gersum fine." No date, assigned to "early 13th century" based on 'handwriting." "Witnesses: Mgr Simon of Thanet; Stephen de Valle; John, brother of Stephen de Valle; William osseuuord; Brictulus the clerk; Henry gisors; Henry de stanes; Henry kempe; Henry de chelbrig'; Richard de stanes; Batholomew part; Reginald cupere Endorsed with description, giving Omer's name as Mgr Omer of Thanet, in late 13th cent hands." [40] [41]
There is an early 13th century Canterbury Priory deed witnessed by Mgr Omer the physician. "Grant, in pure and perpetual alms" from "William son of Robert-the-black ('niger')" to "the monks of Canterbury Cathedral Priory A chase ('Cacia') 95 perches long and 2 perches wide, going from south to north in Gestling [in Northbourne] in the marsh called 'middelmerse', lying between 'holeberthe' and 'Niwemerse', reserving the use of the pasture in the chase. The grant is made for his soul and the souls of his ancestors." No date, assigned to "early 13th century" based on "handwriting and witnesses to other Eastry charters." "Witnesses: Henry of Cobham; Henry of Ospringe, steward ('Senescallus'); Thomas de Dene; Joyce the clerk; Mgr Omer the physician ('phisicus'); James de ecclesia; Simon the fair ('blundus'); Richard dreng'; Osward Knapelin; Richard of Gore [in Eastry]; Reginald the bedel ('bedellus') Endorsed with description in mid 13th cent hands and note of registration in late 13th cent hand." [42] [Could Mgr Omer have served as a physician before he served as a lawyer? Could the grantor "William son of Robert-the-black ('niger')" be Omer's father William of Borden?]
[1] The National Archives of the United Kingdom Catalog, Canterbury Cathedral Archives, CCA-DCc-ChAnt/W/220, [UKNationalArchives].
[2] "The Meister Homers, Canterbury," Archaeologia Cantiana 13 (1880), 116-121, at 121, [InternetArchive].
[3] The National Archives of the United Kingdom Catalog, Canterbury Cathedral Archives, CCA-DCc-ChAnt/O/109, [UKNationalArchives].
[4] The National Archives of the United Kingdom Catalog, Canterbury Cathedral Archives, CCA-DCc-ChAnt/L/74, [UKNationalArchives].
[5] C. Eveleigh Woodruff and Harry James Cape, Schola Regia Cantuariensis: A History of Canterbury School Commonly Called the King's School (London: Mitchell, Hughes and Clarke, 1908), 21, [InternetArchive].
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