Page:The History of the Church & Manor of Wigan part 1.djvu/15

 The first indubitable Parson, or Rector, of Wigan that I meet with is

, Treasurer of Salisbury, who, as a non-resident, appears to have nominated a vicar or perpetual curate to serve the church in his place. On 12th June, 1199 (1 John), a grant was made to Adam, clerk, de Frekelton, of the perpetual vicarage of the church of Wigan, at the request of Ranulf, Treasurer of Salisbury, Parson of Wigan. Ranulf resigned the benefice in the 6th year of John (1205), when the right of patronage, for that turn, fell to the Crown, because the land of Makerfield was in the King's hands by reason of the death of Guarin Banastre; and on the 23rd April, 1205. the King presented his beloved clerk,  (Durham), to the church of Wigan, vacant by the resignation of Ranulph, Treasurer of Salisbury, saving to Adam, the clerk. Vicar of the said church, his "Vicaria." 