Note 1074 — Chapter V · THE YOUNG KING 1223–1227

The chroniclers speak of this sacrilege as if Falkes were alone responsible for it. So far as concerned one of the churches, however, we know from a better authority that Falkes was neither the sole nor the chief culprit. On 5th February, 1217, the guardians of the realm made little Henry give a benefice to the Prior and convent of Newnham for the welfare of his own soul and his father’s soul, “et in recompensacionem dampni quod idem I. pater noster fecit priori et conventui de Newenham quando dirui fecit ecclesiam S. Pauli de Bedeford, quae fuit dicti prioris et conventus de Newenham, eo tempore quo firmari fecit castrum Bedefordiae.” Pat. Rolls, vol. i. p. 29.