Simony Act 1588

1588 CHAPTER 6 31 Eliz 1

An Acte against Abuses in Election of Scollers and presentacions to Benefices.

X1 Elections of Fellows, Scholars, &c. in Colleges, &c. made corruptly;

Whereas by the intent of the Founders of Colledges, Churches Collegiat, Churches Cathedrall, Scoles Hospitalls Halles and other like Societies within this Realme, and by the Statutes and good Orders of the same, the Eleccions presentacions and Nominacions of Fellowes Schollers Officers and other persons to have roome or place in the same, are to be had and made of the fittest & moste meete persons beinge capable of the same Eleccions presentacions and Nominacions, freelye without anye Rewarde Guyfte or Thinge given or taken for the same; And for true performaunce whereof, some Ellectors Presentors and Nomynators in the same have or shoulde take a Corporall Oathe to make their Eleccions presenacions and Nominacions accordinglye; Yet notwithstandinge it is sene and founde by experience that the saide Eleccions Presentacions and Nominacions be manye tymes wrought and brought to passe with Monye Guyfts & Rewards, whereby the fyttest persons to be presented elected or nominated wantinge Money or Friends are sildome or not at all preferred, contrarie to the good meaninge of the saide Founders, and the saide good Statutes and Ordynaunces of the saide Colledges Churches Scholes Halles Hospitalls & Socyeties, and to the great prejudice of Learning and the Common Wealthe and Estate of the Realme:

Editorial Information

X1 Abbreviations or contractions in the original form of this Act have been expanded into modern lettering in the text set out above and below.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C1 Short title given by Statute Law Revision Act 1948 (c. 62), Sch. 2