From the Vatican Archives.

Document No. 176.

1246. POPE INNOCENT IV TO LAURENCE ARCHDEACON OF MAN OF THE SODOR DIOCESE.

To LAURENCE ARCHDEACON OF MAN OF THE SODOR DIOCESE.,

As exhibited to us in the matter of thy compliance with Church law the Petition contained (as follows, viz.) that when Nicholas thy father had with B. thy mother, a virgin, contracted marriage publicly and legitimately - the same (Nicholas), after thy birth, in accordance with the liberty (given him) of thy mother herself vowing chastity (for life) was advanced into being a priest, - but because these things, the witnesses being dead, cannot easily he proved, to us humbly thou hast made petition that, with a view to the removing of suspicion about thy birth, we would deign with thee over these matters to the limit of prudence to act pityingly. Because in fact unto the most favourable side in matters doubtful leaning should be made (we) to thy devout prayers disposed to give ear, do by the authority of (these) present in thy case give a dispensation, as in orders already entered into to minister and to a higher order to rise, moreover the ecclesiastical dignity, even if it have a cure of souls, that thou mayest be able validly to obtain.

In such measure nevertheless that if to the honour of the episcopate it shall have fallen to thy lot to be called, that (honour) under the cover (or extent) of this dispensation by no means must thou accept without special licence of the Apostolic See.

To no one therefore etc. . . . of our dispensation etc. . . . If anyone etc. . . . Given at Lyons on the first of June in the third year.

Laurence the Archdeacon had been elected to succeed Simon as Bishop, but was drowned, together with the King and Queen, on his way home from Norway whither he had gone for consecration.