The Register Of John De Trillek Bishop Of Hereford 1344-1361

Unlock Your Medieval Past: The Register of John de Trillek, Bishop of Hereford (1344-1361)

Please Note the register is in Latin

Step through a doorway into the 14th century. Imagine the rustle of parchment, the scratch of a quill, and the murmur of Latin prayers in a stone cathedral. Within this meticulously preserved register lies the raw, unfiltered history of a pivotal era—and perhaps, the name of your very own ancestor.

This is not just a history book; it is a primary source, a direct link to the lives, loves, and losses of the people living in the Diocese of Hereford during the tumultuous reign of King Edward III. For the genealogist, it is an undiscovered treasure trove, waiting to reveal the secrets of medieval lineages.

Your Genealogical Goldmine: What's Inside?
Bishop John de Trillek’s register is the official administrative record of his episcopate. It is a snapshot of an entire society, recorded by the most powerful institution of the day: the Church. Within its pages, you will find a wealth of records that can break down your brick walls and add incredible depth to your family tree:

Clergy Ordinations & Appointments: Was your ancestor a priest, deacon, or clerk? Discover their career path, the parishes they served, and the names of their patrons.

Institutions to Benefices: See who was appointed as the rector or vicar of local parishes. These records often name the patron of the living—a powerful lord or institution—and can reveal family connections to the gentry.

Wills and Testaments: Among the most precious records for any genealogist. Find bequests to family members, details of land and property ownership, and the names of witnesses who were often relatives or neighbours.

Marriage Licences & Dispensations: Uncover the unions of your more affluent ancestors, especially those requiring special permission due to consanguinity (being related) or other canonical impediments.

Ecclesiastical Court Disputes: Read the arguments over wills, tithes, and land rights. These records provide a fascinating, and often dramatic, insight into family feuds and local rivalries.

Episcopal Visitations: When the Bishop inspected his parishes, he recorded the names of local officials, sometimes even noting grievances. This can place your ancestors in a specific time and place.

A World in Turmoil: The Historical Context

Your ancestors lived through extraordinary times. This register covers the height of the Hundred Years' War and the cataclysmic arrival of the Black Death (1348-1350). The devastating impact of the plague is etched into these records, with a surge in institutions to new benefices as priests perished, and a flurry of wills as people faced their mortality.

Famous People & Powerful Connections

The pages of this register are filled with the names of the great and the good who shaped England’s destiny. Your ancestors may have been their tenants, soldiers, or parishioners. Look for connections to:

King Edward III: The warrior-king whose reign defined the age. His influence permeated all levels of society, and his dealings with the Bishop would be recorded here.

The Mortimer Family, Earls of March: As the immensely powerful Marcher Lords, the Mortimers (including the famous Roger Mortimer, 2nd Earl of March) held vast swathes of Herefordshire and the Welsh Borders from their stronghold at Wigmore Castle. Their appointments, disputes, and interactions with the diocese are a key feature of this period.

St. Thomas de Cantilupe: A former Bishop of Hereford who was canonized in 1320. His shrine at Hereford Cathedral was a major pilgrimage site. The register records the administration of the offerings and the cult surrounding this beloved local saint.

Who is this essential for?

Genealogists with family roots in Herefordshire, Shropshire, Worcestershire, and surrounding counties.
Historians researching the medieval English church, the Black Death, or the Marcher Lords.
Local and family history societies seeking definitive primary sources for their region.
Anyone with a passion for the Middle Ages and a desire to connect with the past on a personal level.
Don't let your family story remain in the shadows of history. Add this indispensable volume to your collection and walk in the footsteps of your medieval ancestors.