A.D. 1201. LETTER OF POPE INNOCENT. 535 ing, and, for the sake of greater precaution, by his own seal corroborated the same, and finally gave his corporeal oath that he would in nowise intermeddle therewith. In answer to this, the archdeacon himself stated, that, when Henry the First, of glorious memory, king of England, wished to create a new episcopal see at Carlisle, because by that step the archdeaconry of Richmond received injury, that king requested one of the archbishops of York, of blessed memory, by way of recompense for some portion of what was withdrawn from the said archdeaconry, to grant the before-mentioned dignities thereto ; on which, the archbishop acceded to his requests, and presented the rights of institution, as also the care [of vacant churches], not personally to the then archdeacon, but by a real and free grant, with the consent of the chapter of York, to the archdeaconry for ever ; and that, whereas the said archdeaconry had been in continuous possession thereof, as also of other privileges, in the times of many archbishops, kings, and archdeacons, and the archbishop so often named, without any condition being made, granted him the same, after having so conferred it, the said archbishop asserted that he had given the same with all its liberties, the right of institution and the care of vacant churches excepted. That he, however, knowing full well the habit of the said archbishop, easily to give, and speedily to repent, and fearing lest if he should expressly contradict him, inasmuch as he had not yet gained possession of the archdeaconry, either his obtaining the same might be altogether hindered, or might for a long time be put off, made answer that93 not only about that matter, but as to all his revenues as well, he would act in such manner as should be agréable to the archbishop. That, after he had entered into possession of the archdeaconry, he freely enjoyed the liberties thereof, as his predecessors had been in the habit of doing. That afterwards, when, contrary to all justice, the archbishop had deprived him of the said archdeaconry, and he could in no way obtain restitution thereof, without by deed renouncing the said privileges, he, knowing that his right would still hold good, being thus despoiled, gave to the archbishop himself, a letter of renunciation thereof, sealed with his own seal ; but that he never did, as alleged by the other side, abjure the same, but, 9 3 A rather unbecoming defence to be made by a minister of religion before the pope, notwithstanding the opinion of pope Alexander, mentioned in the next page.