[1] This yeare also, Geffrey the kings bastard sonne, who was the elect of Lincolne, and had receiued the profits of that bishoprike by the space of seuen years, and had his election confirmed by the pope in the feast of the Epiphanie at Marlebridge, in presence of the king and bishops renounced that preferment, of his owne free will. R. Houed. Within a while after the pope sent a streit commandement vnto Richard archbi|shop of Canturburie, either to cause the same Gef|frey by the censure of the church to renounce his mi|ter, or else to take vpon him the order of préesthood. Wherefore vpon good aduice taken in the matter with his father and other of his especiall fréends, iud|ging himselfe insufficient for the one, he was con|tented to part with the other; and therevpon wrote letters vnto the said archbishop of Canturburie, in forme as followeth.