MRP: Sir Nathaniel Brent to Sir James Oxinden
Sir Nathaniel Brent to Sir James Oxinden
(MS. 27,999, f. 261)
Printed as Letter CIX in D.E. Gardiner (1933:127-128)
SIR,
Your request concerning a pew for your nephew is so reasonable that I should be iniurious both to yourself and to my worthy friend Mr. Dean of Canterb: who, as it seems, hath begun the businesse, if I should denye it. Onely I desire you not to expect a facultie under seal until my coming to Canterb: which shal be (God willing) about Michaelmas; or perhaps before. I will then see such clauses put into it as the law requireth, the instrument being legall(y made) may be the more permanent. The releasing of the Visitation wil make no difference, because this business is (by our Law) accounted inter ardua with which the Archdecon can not meddle, and because I have at times concurrence of iurisdiction with him, and because it was begun in the visitation and so must be ended by the same authoritie. It shal be don in the best manner in respect of al circumstances. And so with my loving salutations I bid you hartely farewell
Your very faithful frend and servant
NA: BRENT
Oxford Aug. 7. 1637
Notes
D:E: Gardiner provides the following note toa ccompany this letter:
"Nathaniel Brent (c. 1573-1652) became Warden of Merton College, Oxford, in 1622 in succession to Sir Henry Savile. When already Warden he was appointed Commissary of the Diocese of Canterbury and Vicar General to Archbishop Laud, and on Sir Henry Marten's death, a Judge of the Prerogative Court. In 1629-30 he was admitted to the freedom of Canterbury honoris causa. The facts of his interesting career may for the rest be read in the Dictionary of National Biography. "Mr. Dean of Canterbury" at this date was Isaac Bargrave who held the office, 1625-1642."
