The Register of Richard Fleming, bishop of Lincoln 1420-1431: II

Newly edited documents bring to life a hitherto shadowy figure, revealing the details of his work in the church.Founder of Lincoln College, Oxford, and staunch opponent of the teachings of John Wycliffe, Richard Fleming is best known for his academic interests and his concern to prevent the spread of heresy. He has, however, left little trace in the archives apart from his episcopal register, of which this volume forms the second part of an edition. It comprises a calendar of the institutions of clergy to benefices in the archdeaconries of Leicester, Huntingdon, Bedford, Buckingham and Oxford, the collations of dignities and prebends in Lincoln Cathedral, and the ordinations of clerks, whether beneficed, unbeneficed or in religious orders, to the sacred ministry. The workings of the administration of the vast diocese of Lincoln can be seen running smoothly, even when the bishop was absent overseas on diplomatic business, revealing Fleming as an effective diocesan and a conscientious shepherd of his flock. N.H. BENNETT is Vice-Chancellor and Librarian of Lincoln Cathedral.