New member Alan Longbottom has kindly contributed some anecdotal Medieval references that he has come across recently in the Calendar of Papal Registers:-
To William de Spalding Canon of Sculdham – football death
1321 – Kal May Avignon f. 149
William de Spalding, Canon of Sculdham of the Order of Sempingham.
During a game at ball (ad pilam) as he kicked the ball (cum pede), a lay friend of his, also called William, ran against him and wounded himself on a sheathed knife, carried by the Canon, so severely that he died within six days.
Dispensation granted, as no blame is attached to William de Spalding, who, feeling deeply the death of his friend, and fearing what might be said by his enemies, has applied to the Pope.
Vol 2 – 1305-1342 1895 591 pp.214
And,
1324 – Kal Apr Avignon f. 131d
To William de Norvella, of the Diocese of Lincoln. Dispensation touching the death of one of his fellow scholars, caused by a blow given in a fight with sticks about victuals which were being taken; the scholar dying 40 days after the blow, perhaps by neglect of the physician. William may be ordained and hold benefices.
Vol 2 – 1305-1342 1895 591 p.239
1401 – 16 Kal Dec St. Peter’s Rome f. 6
To Emma Scherman of the Diocese of York. Indult to her who formerly took a vow of a recluse, and has had herself for many years enclosed in a cell in a place of Pontefract, with a little garden (ortulo) contiguous thereto for the sake of taking fresh air (refrigerum aeris recaptando),
On account of the tumults and clamours of the people in the said place, to transfer herself to a more suitable place, to have there another cell with a like garden, and to leave her cell yearly for the purpose of visiting churches and other pious places, and of gaining the indulgences granted there, without requiring licence of the diocesan or other. – Sincere Dilectionis.
Lateran Regesta C – 13 Boniface IX (p. 471)Vol 5 – 1396-1404 : 1904 – 814 pp.
Our sincerest thanks to Alan for sharing these with section members and blog readers.
Medieval Section of the Yorkshire Archaeological and Historical Society 