Note 577 — Chapter III · THE LEGATION OF PANDULF 1219–1221

In the Patent Roll of 15 John (1213–1214), Pat. Rolls Joh., p. 107, it is stated that “vicesimo secundo die Decembris liberatum fuit sigillum apud Windlesoram Radulfo de Nevill, sub domino Wintoniensi episcopo deferendum.” From this it has by some writers been inferred that Peter was Chancellor for a short time in 1213–1214. But Walter de Gray, who had been Chancellor ever since 2nd October, 1205 (Close Rolls, vol. i. p. 53), appears in that capacity on 10th October, 1213, and again on 12th January, 1214 (ib. pp. 156 b, 160), and the title of chancellor is nowhere given to Peter. It seems therefore that Ralf was made keeper of the seal “under the Bishop of Winchester” as a mere temporary arrangement, necessitated by the fact that the Chancellor (Walter de Gray) was going to Flanders on business for the King; ib. p. 156 b. See also Powicke, “Chancery,” pp. 226, 227.