817 Gift in free alms by Sewale English [or the Englishman] to Reading Abbey of 2s [? rent] from the land of Padworth [c. 1150 × 75]

Af40r;Bf71r;Cf36r

Notum sit omnibus tam presentis quam futuri temporis Christi fidelibus quod ego Sewale Anglicus do et concede ecclesie sancte Marie de Rading(ia) in perpetuam elemosinam duos solidos de terra de Pedewrde. Et ut hec donatio rata sit, appositione sigilli mei confirmo, pro anima mea et uxoris mee et omnium predecessorum et successorum meorum. His testibus: Willelmo Stalon, Ernaldo Springard, Georgio presbitero de Weregrava, Simone dapifero, Walt(erio) coc(o).

819 Gift in free alms by Isabel de Sifrewast to Reading Abbey, for the souls of among others Robert de Sifrewast her father, Emma her mother, and her husbands buried at Reading, of half a virgate of land in Purley

[1194 × early 13th cent.] Af81v; Bf63r; Cf30r Sciant presentes et futuri quod ego Ysabella de Siffrawasta dedi etb concessi etc presenti carta mea confirmavi deo et sancte Marie de Rading(ia) et monachis ibidem deo servientibus, pro salute anime mee et pro animad Roberti de Siffrawasta patris mei et Emme matris mee et pro animabus maritorum meorum qui apud Rading(iam) sepeliuntur, et pro animabus omnium antecessorum meorume et successorum meorum, dimidiam virgatam terre in Purleya quam tenet in vilenagio Osbertusf filius Godwinig piscatoris, cum omnibus pertinentiis suis, in perpetuam et puram elemosinam liberam et quietam ab omni consuetudine et exactione et demanda, et immunem ab omni servitio seculari; et ut abbas et conventus Rading(enses) transmutent predictum Osbertumf et progeniem suam ad voluntatem et dispositionem ipsorum hsive ad opus vilenagii sive ad censum annuum.h Ego autem et heredes mei respondebimus pro servitio forinseco, siquid forte ab eis aliquando exactum fuerit. Quod ut ratum in perpetuum permaneat, sigilli mei appositione confirmavi.i Hiis testibus:J [Iohanne capellano. Thoma Sorel, et multis aliis].

821 Lease for life by Abbot Anscher of Reading to Tomus of a house in Reading, with the custom called heusir', and two corner plots, one of meadow and one of marsh

[1130 × 35]

Sciant presentes et futuri quod ego Anscherius abbas Radyng(ensis), consilio et consensu fratrum nostrorum, concessi huic Tomo domum quandam in burgo Radyng(ie) in vita sua tenendam pro servitio suo ita quietam et liberam ne alicui inde respondeat nisi decano, quod si contigerit ipsum Tomum aliquando ab servitio nostro cessare de domo ilia predicta reddet decano singulis annis .xviii. d'. Concessimus ei quamdam consuetudinem in eadem domo habere que dicitur heusir', duos quoque angulos contiguos domui sue apud villam, unum de prato et alterum de mora, illi concessimus. Isti vero anguli et domus predicta post obitum ipsius Tomi in dominium nostrum redibunt. Huius rei testes sunt Hugo testab(u)I(arius), Rad(ulfu)s prepositus, Gaufr(edus) dapifer, Rad(ulfu)s eius socius, Simon famulus.

1065 Gift in free alms by William, Earl Ferrers [earl of Derby] to Reading Abbey of 20 acres of arable land and 5 acres of meadow in his manor of Stanford [-in-the- Vale] [c. 1168 × 1189]

Sciant presentes et futuri quod ego Willelmus comes de Ferr(es) dedi deo et ecclesie de Rading(ia) in liberam et perpetuam elemosinam .xx. acras de terra arabili in manerio meo Stanford(ie) iuxta ecclesiam apud occidentalem partem et .v. acras prati, scilicet .iiii. acras quas Samson pro duobus solidis tenuit et quintam quam Gilebertus de Wicha tenuit. Hanc terram tenebunt prefate ecclesie monachi, in expectationem melioris et prestantioris doni mei, libere et quiete ab omni consuetudine et exactione seculari, pro salute anime mee et Sibille comitisse uxoris mee et omnium filiorum meorum et pro anima patris mei et matris mee et omnium antecessorum et successorum meorum. Testibus: Nicholao filio Pagani dapifero meo, Rog(erio) de Fifhida, Roberto de Bachepuz, Iohanne filio eius, Henrico de Kinchest(una), Walt(erio) de Stokes, lohanne Chatin', et multis aliis.

1067 Gift by Hugh de Mortimer to Hugh, his son, of [Mortimer] Worthy [Hants.] and Stratfield [Mortimer] in England and of St Riquier with appurtenances in Normandy [c. 1170 × 73]

Hugo de Mortuomari omnibus hominibus et fidelibus suis citra mare et ultra, salutem. Sciatis me dedisse et hac carta mea confirmasse Hugoni filio meo, pro homagio et servitio suo, in Anglia Wordiam et Estratfeld, sibi et heredibus suis tenend(as) de me et heredibus meis cum omnibus pertinentiis suis in feudo et hereditate per servitium dimidii militis, et in Normannia Sanctum Richerum cum pertinentiis suis, scilicet Dancurt et Prusevilla, per servitium dimidii militis. Quare volo et concede ut predictus filius meus predictas terras habeat et teneat et heredes sui post eum cum omnibus pertinentiis suis, in bosco et plano, in pratis et pasturis, in aquis et molendinis, in viis et semitis et in omnibus aliis locis et aliis rebus ad easdem pertinentibus, bene et in pace, libere et quiete et plenarie et honorifice per predictum servitium. His testibus: W(illelmo) comite de Aubemara, Reginaldo de Warenna, Hugone de Creissi, Rogero de Clera, Willelmo Pecc(at)o, Reginaldo de Wassumvilla, Willelmo de Spineto, Radulfo filio Modberti, Olivero Costard, Roberto de Portmort.

1073 Concession in free alms by William de Mandeville, earl of Essex, to Reading Abbey of the land which Alfric son of Croc of Kiddington held in his manor of Streatley [prob. 1175]

Sciant presentes et futuri quod ego Willelmus de Mandevill(a) comes Essexie concessi et presenti carta confirmavi deo et ecclesie sancte Marie de Rading(ia) et monachis ibidem deo servientibus totam terrain quam tenuit Aluricus filius Croc de Katend(ena) in manerio meo de Stratleia, reddentem .xxvi. solidos et .iiii. d', in perpetuam elemosinam cum omnibus pertinentiis suis in bosco et piano, in pratis et pasturis, in viis et semitis, cum omnibus libertatibus et liberis consuetudinibus suis quas Aluricus filius Croc vel aliquis successorum eius unquam melius habuit in manerio meo de Stratl(eia). Tenebunt autem predicti monachi et perpetuo possidebunt prenominatam terram reddentem sibi .xxvi. solidos et .iiii. d' pro omni servitio, libere et quiete et absque omni terreno servitio, salvo tamen servitio domini regis quod eadem terra facere solebat. Cum autem contigerit quod relevari debeat prefata terra, relevabunt earn hii qui earn hereditarie possessuri sunt solvendo .x. solidos predictis monachis de Rading(ia). Si vero forisfecerint, satisfacient pro forisfacto monachis Ra[f41r]ding' sicut dominis suis per iudicium curie ipsorum monachorum. His testibus: Rog(ero) Bigot, Gileberto de Veir, Hugone Talebot, [Willelmo filio Rog(eri), Sawalo de Osevil', Iohanne de Rochell', Waltero cubiculario, Waltero filio Bernardi, et Waltero filio eius, Willelmo capellano de Pangeb(urna), Haimone de Rading(ia)].

1075 Settlement between Reading Abbey and Elias of Englefield over the mill of Russiford [in Sulhamstead Abbots], with the assent of King Henry II and confirmed by Gervase Paynel, overlord of Elias, whereby the abbot and monks have remitted all complaints against Elias regarding the harm caused to their lands by the mill, on condition that they will have half the rents and profits of the same in perpetuity. They will find half the expenditure necessary for the mill, and those in charge of it shall be appointed by common counsel of both parties. Both Parties will have free multure of their demesne at the mill

Sciant filii sancte ecclesie presentes et futuri istam conventionem factam fuisse inter ecclesiam Radingensem et Heliam de Englefeld de molendino de Rissieford, assensu domini nostri Henrici regis Anglorum. Scilicet quod abbas et monachi Radingenses remiserunt querelas suas et calumpnias quas moverant adversus Heliam propter dampna et gravamina que per ipsum molendinum inferebantur terris ecclesie sue. Et hoc fecerunt tali tenore quod habebunt medietatem reddituum et proficuorum ipsius molendini in moltura et piscibus et in omnibus omnino rebus vel exitibus contra Heliam et heredes suos in perpetuum. Et invenient abbas et monachi medietatem omnium que in operibus vel necessitatibus ipsius molendini fuerint expendenda. Ministri autem et custodes ibi constituentur communi utriusque partis consilio et ipsi facient fidelitatem tarn ecclesie Rading(ensi) quam Helie et heredibus suis. Tam vero abbas et monachi Rading(enses) quam Helias et heredes sui habebunt quietantiam molture dominii sui perpetualiter in ipso molendino. Actum fuit hoc concedente Gervasio Painello domino ipsius Helye et sigilli sui impressione id confirmante. Huius conventionis testes fuerunt Robertus de Luci, Petrus de la Mara, Hugo de la Mara, Adam de Cathmera, Petrus de Stanford, et multi alii.

1102 Gift by William Bannister son of John Bannister of Sulhamstead [Bannister] to Abbot Elias and the convent of Reading of 10 acres of meadow of his demesne in Widemead in Sulhamstead, lying between Havekeresforde and Middleham, for 2s annual rent. For this the abbey has given him 7 marks and a 3-year old colt from its stud [1200 × 1213]

[1200 × 1213]

Af105r; Bf68r; Cf34v

Sciant presentes et futuri quod ego Willelmus Banastre filius Iohannis Banastre de Silhamstede dedi et concessi et hac presenti mea carta confirmavi deo et sancte Marie de Rading(ia) et beato Iacobo et Helie abbati Rading(ensi) eiusdemque loci conventui, pro salute anime mee et omnium predecessorum meorum successorumque meorum, decem acras prati de dominico meo in Widemeda de Silhamstede, que iacet inter Middelham et Havekeresforde, tenendas de me et heredibus meis in perpetuum, reddendo inde annuatim mihi et heredibus meis duos solidos ad festum sancti Egidii [1 Sept.] pro omni servitio et exactione seculari. Sciendum tamen quod pratum predictum solet singulis annis partiri per particas et distribui per sortes, sed quocumque modo fiat partitio seu per sortes distributio, quolibet anno remanebunt abbati Rading(ensi) et predicto conventui decem acre integre secundum quod per sortes eis evenerit. Pro hac autem donatione et concessione et huius carte confirmatione dederunt mihi predictus abbas et conventus septem marcas argenti et unum pullum masculum trium annorum de haracio suo. Ne autem hec donatio et concessio et confirmatio in posterum possit in irritum revocari, volui totum istud sierilli mei appositione communiri. Hiis testibus.

1108 Notification by Empress Matilda, daughter of King Henry, to the bishop of Salisbury and the archdeacon and all barons of Berkshire that she has given to Reading Abbey, for the health of her soul and that of King Henry her father and for the safety of the kingdom of England, the church of Thatcham, which is a manor of the monks, as well as Roger bishop of Salisbury held the church

[4 Dec. 1139 × 7 Apr. 1141]

His testibus: Mil(one) conestabulo, et Unfr(edo) de Buhun dapifero, et Willelmo camerario de Pontearche.

1132 Lease by Abbot Anscher of Reading to Ansculf of Englefield and his heir of the land which Osuy de Hathefelda held

Ego frater Anscherius Radyng(ensis) abbas, consilio fratrum nostrorum, concessi Ansculfo de Englefelda et heredi eius terram illam quam tenuit Oswy de Hathefelda tenere de nobis ita videlicet ut reddat nobis pro ea .vii. solidos singulis annis ad festum sancti Michaelis.

1188 Gift in free alms by Simon son of Nicholas and Isabel his wife to Reading Abbey of the whole land which Thomas son of Alan sometime gave them in the vill of Ufton [Nervet] (Huffinton'). To be held freely by rendering annually to the said Thomas and his heirs 1d at Easter and to Richer Neirnut, lord of the fee, and his heirs ys sterling at Michaelmas for all custom, demand, suit and secular service, saving such foreign service as pertains to the said tenement, which the abbey will acquit. Warranty and sealing with their seals.

1197 Gift in free alms by Ralph of Ufton to Reading Abbey of 1 virgate of land in Ufton [Robert] [before July 1182; ? not later than 1154]

Af44r; Af81v; Bf62r; Cf28v

Pd. (transl.) A. M. Sharp, History of Ufton Court,

Sciant omnes fideles quod ego Radulfus de Offintona dono et confirmo hac carta mea unam virgatam terre in Offentona pro salute anime mee et omnium parentum meorum in liberam et perpetuam elemosinam ecclesie de Rading(ia). His testibus: Helya de Englefeld, Edmundo de Benham, Turstano de Witeleia, Simone de Herwardesl', et multis aliis.

1200 Gift by Richard son of Ralph (Rand'i), chaplain of Theale (la pele), to Reading Abbey of the whole land with rents and all appurtenances which he had in the parish of St Mary in Wallingford (Walingford), viz., that lying between the messuage which belonged to John le Ferrun and that which belonged to William Orpedeman. To be held freely by rendering annually to him and his heirs 1d at Michaelmas for all service, exaction and demand. Warranty and sealing.

Witnesses [omitted]

[c. early Henry III]

Bf75v;Cf39v

Ralph, the donor's father, was almost certainly alias Ralph le Weymag’, who was said to have held three stalls in Wallingford in King John's time (see no. 1201 n.). In view of the pleading by Nicholas de Stallis in 1251–2 (see ibid.) a date early in Henry Ill's reign seems likely for this gift.

1202 Concession by William, perpetual vicar of the church of Wargrave (Weregrave), to his lords the abbot and convent of Reading, of 1 acre of land belonging to the church of Wargrave, viz., that on which their houses are situated, to be had freely in perpetuity. In recompense they have remitted to him and his successors 2s annually of the pension from the church.

[c. Mar. × 3 Apr. 1241]

Original charter: BL Add. Ch. 19625

Af84r;Bf54r; Cf22v

Pd. (cal.) Hurry, Reading Abbey, 176–7

Hiis testibus: magistro Egidio archidiacono Berk' officiali domini episcopi Sar(esburiensis), magistro Willelmo de Bestlesden' officiali eiusdem, magistro Jacobo de Sancto Egidio, Petro capellano eiusdem, Ricardo vicario Sancti Laur(entii), Helia capellano de Weregrave, magistro Willelmo de Rading(ia), Henrico rectore ecclesie de Pangeburn', Johanne, Roberto, Thoma, servientibus de sacristeia Rading', et aliis.

1204 Quitclaim, in chirograph form, by Abbot Roger and the convent of Reading to William Pipard and his heirs of a serf called Richard son of Saric duole and his heirs, at a price of 2 marks for their manumission

[1158 × 65]

Original charter: BL Add. Ch. 19595

C f139v

1267 Testimony by Abbot Walter [de Lucy] and the convent of Battle to Abbot R. and the convent of Reading that, when they held [Windsor] Underoure, it was always in their demesne and no one held it of them

[1154 × 65]

A f 47r

Venerabili R. abbati de Rading(ia) domino et amico suo totique eiusdem loci conventui frater Walt(erius) humilis minister ecclesie sancti Martini de Bello et humilis eiusdem loci conventus, civitatisillius cives fieri de qua psalmista cecinit dicens, ‘Gloriosa dicta sunt de te, civitas dei’. Sicut iam pridem paternitati vestre intimavimus, ita adhuc viva voce testamur quod terra de Underora quondam nostra semper in dominio nostro fuit, nee aliquis illam de nobis tenuit, sed monachi nostri, qui etiam adhuc supersunt, illam in dominio nostro tenuerunt. Hoc dicimus, hoc affirmamus, et his litteris ecclesie vestre de ilia terra huiusmodi testes sumus. Valeat paternitas vestra in domino, dilectissime pater et fratres.