."

Richard de London was elected abbot in 1274. He had held several
offices in the monastery before his instalment, and being well
acquainted with the discipline of the church, he governed well and
wisely. He recovered the manor of Biggins, near Oundle, of the Earl of
Clare, and his success was mainly owing to the eloquence of one of his
monks, who pleaded the cause of the monastery in person, before the
judge of assize at Northampton.

It was during the government of Richard de London that Prior Parys
built and endowed the Lady Chapel.[11] This abbot ("when he was
sacrist") also built one of the largest steeples of the church, and
gave two bells to the monastery. He died in 1295, having ruled twenty
years. In his reign the library and the monastery lands were increased
considerably.

William de Woodford was next elected abbot. During the latter part of
the rule of Richard, he had assisted him in performing the duties of
abbot, which the latter was unable to do of himself, on account of his
great age.

Swapham informs us that whilst William was abbot, the Pope taxed all
the manors of the abbey.

Woodford is described as a fair and impartial man, of much kindness and
benevolence, who added to the provisions of the monks,--obtained a
charter for the possession of all the deer that might be slain on the
monastery lands, and devoted his attention to the better regulation of
the hospital of St. Leonard.[12] He died after a rule of four years, in
1299, and was succeeded by Godfrey de Croyland in the same year. This
abbot, on his installation, was presented by Prince Edward with a
silver cup, and had the confirmation fees returned to him by the
Bishop's order.

The service in the chapel of Thomas a Becket was for a time suspended
during this abbot's rule, in consequence of a violation of the sanctity
of the place by certain officers, who, being in search of several men
that had transgressed against the laws, and hearing they had taken
shelter in the monastery, dragged them hence by force. The Bishop of
Lincoln therefore put his curse upon the place, nor was it without much
persuasion that he granted an absolution.

The same year, being 1300, says Gunton, "a marriage being intended
betwixt the heirs of Offord and Southorp, king Edward supposing himself
to be interested therein, appointed inquisition to be made whether the
disposal of that marriage belonged to him or the abbot of _Peterburgh_.
And it being upon the in