Preface

This volume on Lincoln diocese is the first of a series forming a revised and expanded edition of Le Neve's Fasti Ecclesiae Anglicanae, which the Institute of Historical Research intends to issue. John Le Neve's original work, published in 1716, gave particulars of dignitaries in England and Wales up to the year 1715. The second edition, prepared by Thomas Duffus Hardy and published in 1854, has long been out of print. It extended the period covered to Hardy's own time and made many additions and emendations. Since then much more material has become available, both in manuscript and in print. The late Professor A. Hamilton Thompson planned a new edition for the period up to 1541, with a view to publication by the Royal Historical Society. At his death, however, the Society felt unable to undertake the work and in 1955 the Institute agreed to take over responsibility.

It is intended to begin by publishing, in a number of volumes, fasti for the years 1300 to 1541, which will be followed in due course by similar volumes relating to the period before 1300. The revised lists will include the following dignitaries: Bishops, Priors, Deans and Sub-Deans, Archdeacons, Precentors, Treasurers, Chancellors, Canons and Prebendaries of secular cathedrals. Among the materials available to the compilers are annotated copies of Le Neve's Fasti belonging to the British Museum and the Public Record Office as well as the collections made by Professor Hamilton Thompson.

The following advisory committee was set up by the Institute of Historical Research to supervise the present work: Professor C. N. L. Brooke, Professor C. R. Cheney, Sir Charles Clay, Professor R. R. Darlington, Professor F. R. H. Du Boulay, Professor C. W. Dugmore, Professor Sir Goronwy Edwards, Dr. J. R. L. Highfield, Miss Rosalind M. T. Hill, Professor M. C. Knowles, Miss Kathleen Major, Mr. C. A. F. Meekings, Professor A. A. Saltman and Professor F. Wormald. Mr. H. P. F. King has compiled the first volume, dealing with the diocese of Lincoln, 1300-1541.

When the initial scheme has been completed consideration will be given to the continuation of the new edition beyond the year 1541 and material for this later period is being collected.

F. Wormald