The Register Of John Trefnant Bishop Of Hereford 1389-1404

The Register of John Trefnant, Bishop of Hereford (1389-1404): Your Gateway into Medieval England and Wales

Please Note the register is in Latin

Step back into the turbulent final decade of the 14th century and the dawn of the 15th. Immerse yourself in the world of your medieval ancestors with this meticulously preserved record of one of England's most pivotal dioceses. The Register of John Trefnant is not just a list of names; it is a living, breathing document from a time of seismic political shift, religious controversy, and war.

This is an indispensable primary source for any genealogist or historian with roots in Herefordshire, the Welsh Marches, or a passion for the late Middle Ages.

What You Will Discover Within These Pages:
This register offers a rare and detailed glimpse into the daily administration of the Diocese of Hereford. Uncover the lives of both the great and the humble, as you find:

Institutions and Collations: Trace the careers of clerical ancestors. Discover which relative was appointed as the rector or vicar of a specific parish, often noting their patron and the value of the living.

Ordination Records: Find the names of men ordained to the priesthood, providing a direct link to your ancestors' ecclesiastical journey.

Marriage Licences and Dispensations: Uncover unions that required special permission, often due to consanguinity (being related) or other canonical impediments. These records can reveal family connections not found elsewhere.

Wills and Probate (Acta): Locate references to the wills and testaments of prominent individuals and clergy, offering invaluable details about property, bequests, and family relationships.

Visitations and Clergy Discipline: Read the reports on the state of parish churches and the conduct of their clergy. This provides rich social context and can reveal stories of scandal or piety involving your ancestors.

Manorial and Land Records: Find mentions of land transactions, rents, and disputes, placing your family firmly in the physical landscape of medieval Herefordshire.

A Window into a Turbulent Era: Famous Names and Events

The reign of Bishop Trefnant coincided with some of the most dramatic events in English history, and his register is a front-row seat to the action.

The Lollard Heresy and John Wycliffe:

Bishop John Trefnant was a key figure in the early persecution of the Lollards, the followers of the radical reformer John Wycliffe, who challenged the authority of the Catholic Church. The register contains the proceedings against Lollard sympathizers within his diocese, making it a crucial document for understanding the religious ferment that preceded the Reformation. Your ancestor may have been a witness, an accuser, or even one of the accused.

The Usurpation of the Crown:

This register covers the dramatic fall of King Richard II in 1399 and the rise of Henry IV (Henry Bolingbroke). You will find records of oaths of allegiance to the new king and the political manoeuvring that rocked the nation. The powerful Bohun family, whose heiress Mary de Bohun married Henry Bolingbroke, held vast lands in the region, and their influence permeates the diocese.

The Welsh Rebellion of Owain Glyndŵr:

From 1400, the Diocese of Hereford was on the front line of the great Welsh rebellion led by Owain Glyndŵr. The register reflects the reality of living in a warzone, with entries concerning the fortification of churches, the protection of clergy, and the devastating impact of Welsh raids on border communities. If your family lived in the Marches, their lives were shaped by this conflict.