In 30 Hen. III. the templars and hospitalers electing[299] many secular persons into their societies for succour of the Holy Land, and defence of those castles then besieged there, this earl sent[299] them a thousand pounds towards that good work. And the same year, in accomplishment[300] of his vow formerly made, founded[300] a Cistercian abbey at Hales (near Winchcombe, in com. Gloc.) causing also the church of Beaulieu (which his father King John had founded) to be then dedicated. Moreover, in anno 1247, (31 Hen. III.) by authority[301] from the Pope, he gathered[301] vast sums of money from those who were signed with the cross. And the next year following, through importunity with the king, obtained[302] that no clipt money should be current. In anno 1250, (34 Henry III.) passing[303] through France with a pompous retinue, viz.[303] forty knights, all in rich liveries, five waggons, and fifty sumpter horses, (his lady and his son Henry being also with him,) the pope being then at Lyons, sent[304] all his cardinals, except one, besides a number of clerks, to meet him, and conduct him thither, and there receiving him with great respect, feasted[304] him at his own table. Being returned[304] from thence in anno 1251, (35 Hen. III.) on the eve of St. Leonard, he caused the Church of Hales to be dedicated[304] with great solemnity; which, with extraordinary costs, he had so founded, as is before observed. And in 36 Hen. III. obtained a grant[305] of the Manor of Ocham in Rutland (sometime belonging to Isabel de Mortimer), in part of payment of five hundred pounds due to him from the king, upon the marriage of Senchia his wife, to hold to himself and the heirs of his body by her. Moreover, the next ensuing year, Albert, a clerk, coming[306] over into England from the Pope, made offer to him of the kingdom of Apulia, of which he refused[306] to accept, unless he might have some cautionary places of strength, as also hostages, for securing his possession. And in 38 Hen. III. the king then going into Gascoigne he was joined[307] with the queen in the government here during his absence, in which year he exacted vast sums of money from the Jews for the king’s use.