The Chamberlain, like the Sacrist, derived most of his income from the rents of properties within easy reach. Bequests in the past had been specifically made for the provision of clothing for the monks, which was the Chamberlain’s main duty. Nine London churches and two country ones, those of Ashwell and Uppingham, made contributions to an income of about ninety pounds a year. The Chamberlain was responsible neither for the clothing of the Abbot nor the outfit of the novices. The former was required to provide all things for himself while the Treasurer paid for the somewhat elaborate list of articles required for the latter. Islip as Treasurer wrote down the full catalogue of these:—
In primis payede for ij peyre Straylys. [Stragulæ = bed blankets]
Item pro uno materes cum j bolster.
Item for a payre Blankettis.
Item for ij Coverleddis.
Item for a pylow wt. ij pylowe Berys [cases].
Item for a Nyghte Cappe wt. ij kerchrys.
Item for a Coembe [? comb].
Item for a peyre Corkys.
Item for Cersey for ij peyre hoson wt. the makyng.