A.D. 1212.

TO all the faithful in Christ, who may inspect this present charter, Reginald, King of the Islands, greeting. Know that I have become liegeman of our lord, John, King of England, against all men, as long as I shall live, and that I have performed fealty, and oath to him.*

And in testimony thereof, I have thereupon made this present charter.

Witnesses:

Lord P. Bishop of Winchester.
W. Earl of Salisbury.
G. son of Peter, Earl of Essex.
S. Earl of Winchester.
William Briwerr.
Guarin, son of Gerold.

At Lambeth, xvi day of May.

REGINALDUS, REX INSULARUM, DEVENIT HOMO LIGIUS REGIS JOHANNIS.

FOEDERA.

14 JOHANN.

OMNIBUS Christi fidelibus, præsentem cartam inspecturis, Reginaldus Rex Insularum, salutem. Sciatis quod deveni homo ligius domini Regis Angliæ, Johannis, contra onmes mortalis quamdiu vixero, et inde ei fidelitatem et sacramentum præstiti.

Et in hujus rei testimonium hane chartam meam inde feci.

Testibus :

Domino P. Winton Episcopo.
W. Comite Sarum.
G. filio Petri Comite Essex.
S. Comite Winton.
Willielmo Briwerr.
Guarino, filio Geroldi.

Apud Lameh', xvi die Maii.

The above act on the part of Reginald was done not out of any love to King John, but in order to make his seat on the throne as firm as possible. Reginald, at the time, was in constant fear of his brother Olave, who was trying to dethrone him; and in order to secure himself, not only became liegeman to the English king, but made over the kingdom of Mann and the Isles to the Pope also. See his letter to Pope Honorius.

Any comments, errors or omissions gratefully received The Editor
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