1422. Bishop Spofford writes: “Wee ordayne and charge you under payne of unobedyence that no suster hald nor receyfe ony surgyner, man or woman weddyd, other maydens of lawful age to be wedded, knave chyldren aboven eght yeer of age.” Reg. Thome Spofford (Cant. and York. Soc.), p. 82.
Hertfordshire.
14. Flamstead.
1530. At the visitation of Longland one nun “reported that young girls were allowed to sleep in the dormitory.... The Prioress was enjoined ... to exclude children of both sexes from the dormitory.” V.C.H. Herts. IV, p. 433.
15. Sopwell.
*1446. In the Warden’s Accounts of 1446 there is entered payment of 22/6 for Lady Anne Norbery, for the commons of her daughter, apparently a boarder here. (Rentals and Surveys, R. 294.) V.C.H. Herts. IV, p. 425 (note 41).
1537. At the time of the Dissolution two children were living in the priory. Ib. p. 425.
Kent.
16. Dartford.
In 1527 was confirmed the concession made to sister Elizabeth Cresner by F. Antoninus de Ferraria, formerly vicar of Garsias de Lora, Master General of the Dominican order (1518-24), that she might receive any well born matrons, widows of good repute, to dwell perpetually in the monastery, with or without the habit, according to the custom of the monastery; and also that she might receive young ladies and give them a suitable training, according to the mode heretofore pursued. Archaeol. Journ. (1882) XXXIX, p. 178.