Æthelbald’s Grant of Church Exemptions
Overview
Æthelbald’s Grant of Church Exemptions is detailed in William of Malmesbury’s Chronicles of the Kings of England, written in the 12th century. According to Malmesbury, this grant was issued by Æthelbald, king of the Mercians, following a letter from Boniface, Apostle of the Germans, who was Angle by birth. In the letter, Boniface admonished Æthelbald for stripping the church of many privileges and for committing adultery with nuns. He also chastised him for allowing his nobles to do the same. Boniface sent a similar letter to Cuthbert, Archbishop of Canterbury, addressing these issues. After receiving these letters, Cuthbert and Æthelbald convened a synod, where Æthelbald granted exemptions to the church and monasteries.
It often happens, due to the unpredictable changes of time, that things confirmed by the testimony and advice of many faithful people become ineffective due to the stubbornness of many others or deceitful practices, without any regard for justice, unless they are preserved in eternal memory through written authority and charters. Therefore, I, Æthelbald, king of the Mercians, out of love for heaven and concern for my own soul, have felt the necessity of considering how I may, through good works, set it free from every tie of sin. Since the Omnipotent God, through his great mercy, without any prior merit on my part, has bestowed upon me the scepter of government, I willingly repay him with what he has given me.
For this reason, I grant, for as long as I live, that all monasteries and churches in my kingdom shall be exempt from public taxes, works, and impositions, except for the building of forts and bridges, from which no one can be released. Additionally, the servants of God shall have complete freedom in the produce of their woods and lands, and the right to fish. They shall not be required to bring gifts to the king or princes unless they choose to do so voluntarily, and they shall serve God without interference.
Note: This translation has been updated to be more accessible to modern readers, while remaining faithful to the original structure and meaning.
Further Research & Sources
Malmesbury, William. The Chronicles of the Kings of England: From the Earliest Period to the Reign of King Stephen. Translated by J. A. Giles. London: Bohn’s Antiquarian Library. 1847.