File NLW MS 24068F. - Confirmatio of Henry de Gower,

Archiepiscopal confirmation in Latin, dated 21 May 1328, by Henry of Eastry (d. 1331), Prior of Christ Church, Canterbury (the monastic Cathedral Chapter), validating the election of Master Henry de Gower, Archdeacon of St David's, as Bishop of St David's. The document displays the sede vacante arrangements for the archdiocese of Canterbury, with the Prior of Canterbury acting at metropolitical level during the vacancy caused by the death of Archbishop Walter Reynolds on 16 November 1327. The document refers to the presence at Canterbury of de Gower and of the proctor (official representative) of the Precentor and Chapter of St David's. It notes the roles of the Prior of St Thomas's, Haverfordwest and Master David de Buelt [of Builth], canon of Bangor, in the election process, the latter acting as Canterbury's official overseeing matters in the Diocese of St David's during the vacancy. The witness list includes the names of Hugh de Forsham, William de Wynterton, John de Grone, Stephen Steest, John de Gloucestria, and Peter Duraunt, together with the scribe, Magister [?J.] Wymburn.
Following the death of the previous incumbent, Bishop David Martin, in March 1328, Henry de Gower (1277/9-1347) had been elected bishop of St David's by the Cathedral Chapter on 21 April. This document confirmed the validity of that election, and the suitability of the bishop-elect. Gower was duly consecrated at Canterbury on 12 June by Stephen Gravesend, Bishop of London, and the election was later confirmed by Pope John XXII in December 1328. The timing of de Gower's enthronement at St David's is unclear. See further 'Henry de Gower: bishop and builder', in Glanmor Williams, The Welsh and their Religion. Historical essays (Cardiff: University of Wales Press, 1991), pp. 93-116.