We may conjecture, however, that Ivo was eventually obliged to succumb to those who had conspired to oust him from his benefice, for in 1344 Roger, bishop of Coventry and Lichfield, issued his letters to William, Abbot of St. Werbergh, Chester, to admit
Master John de Cravene to the Rectory of Wigan on the presentation of Sir Robert de Langton, Knight.[1]
In 23 Edw. III. (1349) the King appears to have revived a claim to the right of presentation to Wigan church, which had formerly been made by his grandfather, King Edward I., on what grounds does not appear, but the judgment formerly given in favour of Robert Banastre was now reversed by reason of errors, and in Michaelmas Term, 1349, the King was adjudged to have his action against Robert de Langton, cousin and heir of the said Robert Banastre.[2] Cravene, in his turn, had now to give way to the King's nominee. On 20th February, 24 Edw. III. (1349-50) the King, by his letters patent, informed the bishop that he had established his right to the patronage against Sir Robert de Langton, and that the verdict was on record. He thereupon nominated his beloved clerk
John de Winwick to the benefice, and commanded the bishop to grant institution.[3] On iv Id. (12th) March a commission was accordingly granted by Roger, bishop of Lichfield and Coventry, dated at Heywod, to Henry de Chaddesden, to institute John de Winwick to the church of Wigan on the presentation of the King.[4] But the right of patronage was doubtless still contested by Sir Robert de Langton, for the bishop or his commissioners seemingly withheld their hands for awhile, and during the litigation the rectory was held for John de Winwick by Henry de Chaddesden.[5] On 26th April, 1350, the King