Crimson’s Creative Challenge #33
In 1285 King Eddy Longshanks sent an edict: To gather the geld from every hundred.
The bailiff of Trowse replied to the same: That the bishop of Norwich had refused him and even threatened excommunication.
An inquest was held, the matter laid bare.
In the face of the facts, King Longshanks expleted, called his Grandpère Jean a vulgar name. (Oops! Pardonne moi mon français.) But that accursed coin-clenching King John, to sweeten his toady, de Gray by name, had granted to the church the disputed manor.
Now never more would that manor be a lucrative source of taxes.
The story behind the story:
At the time of the Domesday Book, the manor of Trowse-cum-Newton Hall had been held by Archbishop Stigand. However, on Syigand’s death King William I took the manor into his own hands. It then hosted the Hundred Court where edicts were read and taxes collected. However, in 1205 a certain toady, John de Gray, lent King John some funds (how unusual that King John should need more money!) and as reward was *elected* as Bishop of Norwich. At the same time, he was also elected as archbishop of Canterbury. That one, however, the pope disallowed. As recompense, King John returned to Norwich cathedral land which they’d long petitioned was theirs. The Prior of Norwich caused to be built a country seat there and claimed for the land the usual church privileges. But, it seemed, neither the Church nor King John told anyone.
The matter came to a head in 1285, when the Prior of Norwich obstructed the king’s bailiff in his collection of king’s taxes—on pain of excommunication.
The inquest allowed the manor to continue in the hold of Bishop of Norwich.
After the Dissolution, Newton Hall became a retirement home for deans.
Today, the ruins of Newton Hall can be found at Whitlingham Country Park.
crispina kemp 
Aha! Our backdrop is rift with history.. Now, what to do with the sheaves….
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I have been asked with the withies are for. Since they’re for weaving … why not weave us a tale?
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Very interesting!
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I thank you
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Love how you do this. So interesting a tale as well as a wonderful short story by you.
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I was going to do it straight. But I couldn’t fit it into the 150 words. So … it a tale, and add the explanation. A technique I may have learned from Joy. 🙂
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He he he! Getting more bang for your buck…
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Indeed. Gotta be done
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I love learning historical stuff! Excellent flash!
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I was a bit hesitant. Didn’t know how many folks would be interested.
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I usually like historical factoids.
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That pleases.
When I first started with WP I had a history blog too. But it wasn’t just snips of historical stuff. It was indepth research on whatever grabbed me. Lots of research, all with references and links to … time-consuming. Too much, I had to give it up. So now that side of me has to be satisfied with adding a few snips of history to my posts here.
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Yeah, that *does* sound both interesting and way too hard for the rewards blogging gets you.
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Yea. It began in disgust of writers and television presenters repeating the same inaccurate information, not bothering to do beyond a quick wiki-research. And that’s what everything I posted was thick with links. If I could do it, with no university library, then so can anyone.
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What an interesting story! Wonderfully done, Crispina!
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I thank you. Good to make use of the research once done.
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🙂 It sure is!
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🙂
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Very interesting. Excommunication is an excellent way of hindering a bailiff fearing for his immortal soul!
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It’s a true story, too. No exaggeration!
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