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 of the Wells charters: our knowledge of them comes entirely from other sources. The three occur together in five charters: Br. 51 (c. 1146), B. i. 61, Ath. 187, Br. 54, and another to be described presently. The first of these confirms a grant made in 1146: the second, the Bath Donation, is attested by Simon abbot of Athelney whereas Ath. 187 is a charter of Benedict his successor. These four charters may be assigned conjecturally to 1146-8.

The fifth charter is Bishop Robert's confirmation of W. de Falaise's grant of St Andrew of Stoke (Stoke Curcy, now Stogursy) to the monks of St Mary of Lonlay. Its first witness is Ivo dean of Wells; then follow Martin archdeacon of Bath, Eustace archdeacon of Wells, Hugh de Turnay archdeacon de ultra Perret, Samuel vice-archdeacon of Wells. The special interest of this charter lies in its mention of the three Somerset archdeaconries: that 'beyond the Parrett' was afterwards called the archdeaconry of Taunton. It is also interesting to find for the first time a vice-archdeacon.

We have no record of any of these persons as archdeacons after 1159; but Master Eustace and Master Martin are found in charters after this date, and it is just possible that these are the archdeacons retired from office.

A fixed date is given us by the Huish charter (R. i. 26), which is