[140] “The York Pontifical,” p. 370. Surtees Society.
[141] In the Diocese of York, in 1344-5, there were ordained—
| Acolytes | 421 | ||||
| Sub-deacons | 204, | of whom | 71 | were regulars. | |
| Deacons | 326 | " | 96 | " | |
| Priests | 271 | " | 44 | " | |
| 1222 | 211 | ||||
In 1510-11, there were—
| Acolytes | 298, | of whom | 17 | were regulars. | |
| Sub-deacons | 296 | " | 51 | " | |
| Deacons | 248 | " | 41 | " | |
| Priests | 265 | " | 173 | " | |
| 1107 | 282 | ||||
In the first year of the episcopate of Bishop Stapledon of Exeter, viz. from December 21, 1308, to September 20, 1309, there were ordained 539 to the first tonsure, 438 acolytes, 104 sub-deacons, 177 deacons, 169 priests.
In the year from March 22, 1314, to December 20, 1315, there were ordained 75 to the first tonsure, 71 acolytes, 44 sub-deacons, 50 deacons, 66 priests.
[142] “In 1281 the Pope dispensed an acolyte, whose left little finger had been shortened while a child by an unskilful surgeon, to hold a benefice notwithstanding the defect” (“Calendar of Papal Registers,” 1491). “Jacob Lowe and Sampson Meverall, base born, and Godfrey Ely, blind of one eye, were dispensed by the Pope for ordination” (“Register of Smyth, Bishop of Lichfield,” p. 175).
[143] “Lichfield,” p. 129. S.P.C.K. See additional examples in the chapter on Abuses.