Exemption of Dues on Two Ships

† In the name of our Lord, the Savior Christ, I, Æthelbald, King of Mercia, have been asked by the esteemed Bishop Milred to grant exemption of all the dues pertaining to two ships to him and his holy community – to make this concession to those who serve the blessed Peter, chief of the apostles, in the monastery which is established in the province Hwicce in the place called Worcester. To this request I have granted my very gracious approval, for the salvation of my soul, upon condition that they would oblige to intercede continually with the Lord for my sins. Very gladly then I have granted them exemption of all the dues on two ships which are required by the tax-collector in the harbor of London; and never shall I or my successors or tax-collectors presume to change or oppose this. If they will not agree, they will be excluded from participation in the body and blood of our Lord and Savior Christ, and they shall be severed and separated from all the fellowship of the faithful, unless they make amends for it here with intercession.

✠ I, King Æthelbald, have written this, confirming my own gift.

Bishop Milred has affixed here the symbol of the holy cross.

Bishop Ingwald has written this in agreement.

Bishop Wilfrith has written this.

Alda, the king’s companion, has written this.