Page:The History of the Church & Manor of Wigan part 1.djvu/74

 parson of the church of Standish, concerning the advowson of the church of Wigan, dated 2 Hen. V. (1414-15).

2. Bond in £1,000 between Sir Ralph Langton and Lawrence de Standish, Esquire, in reference to the disputed title to the advowson of Wigan church. Sealed with the ancient arms of Wigan, a church between two tall trees, on the reverse a crowned head, in base a lion couchant between two turrets crenellated, dated 7 Hen. VI. (1428-9).

3. An indenture tripartite made 5th Jan. 8 Hen. VI. (1430), reciting a statute merchant from Sir Ralph Langton, knight, to Lawrence de Standish, of £1,000, and another from the said Lawrence to the said Sir Ralph, both to be delivered to Alice, wife of John Gerard of Bryn, the arbitrator chosen by both parties in the affair of the advowson of the church of Wigan, by which they mutually bind themselves to abide by the award of the said Alice.

4. Award of Alice, the wife of John Gerard of Bryn, in the matter in dispute with regard to the church of Wigan, between Sir Ralph Langton, knight, and Lawrence de Standish, Esquire. After having heard all that was alleged and denied on either side, and having consulted with her counsel learned in the law, both spiritual and temporal, and having considered the claims made by Sir Ralph Langton, knight, on the one side, and those of Lawrence de Standish, Esquire, with Alexander, his son and heir apparent, on the other side, she makes her award as follows:

"It appears evident from the concurring testimonies of great antiquity that the ancestors of Sir Ralph Langton have enjoyed the advowson from time immemorial, and also the presentation to the said church of Wigan; and that it is a parish church and not a chapel; and there was no proof shown that the said Lawrence de Standish had any right or title to the advowson or to any part thereof. Therefore it is awarded, deemed and ordained that the said Lawrence de Standish should take out a writ of right to the advowson of the said church against Thomas the bishop of Lichfield and Coventry, Sir Ralph Langton, Henry Brightley, and William Langton, parson of the church of Wigan, and James Langton,