Note 17.1 — THE PASTON LETTERS Henry VI

[From Fenn, iii. 236.] This letter was written by John Martin, Lord Abbot of St. Benet’s of Hulme. The heads of this monastery were mitred abbots, and sat in Parliament. The date may be assigned to the year 1455 for two reasons—first, that in that year St. Benet’s day (the 21st of March) fell on a Friday; and second, that in the same year the living of Stokesby lapsed to the Bishop of Norwich.