Before relating the curious episode in the history of ecclesiastical institutions which forms the subject of this paper, a few words on the constitution of the institution concerned are necessary.
Beverley Minster, the quasi-cathedral church of the East Riding of Yorkshire, was, until its dissolution in 1548, a college of nine secular canons. The Archbishop of York quà Archbishop was reputed (and disputed) founder, patron, visitor, head, and a canon, besides being lord of the manor and town of Beverley.