Legal Definitions - beneficio primo ecclesiastico habendo

Beneficio primo ecclesiastico habendo is a historical Latin legal term that translates to "having the first ecclesiastical benefice." It refers to a specific type of royal writ, or formal written order, issued by the King of England to his Lord Chancellor during medieval and early modern periods.

This writ commanded the Lord Chancellor to ensure that a named individual was appointed to the very next ecclesiastical benefice that became vacant. An "ecclesiastical benefice" was a church office, such as a rectorship, vicarage, or canonry, which provided the holder with a regular income, often a residence, and specific duties within the Church. Essentially, it was a powerful tool for the monarch to exert direct influence over appointments within the Church, allowing them to pre-select individuals for future vacancies, often to reward loyal service, secure political allies, or provide for favored individuals.

• Example 1: Rewarding a Loyal Chaplain

  Imagine King Henry IV wished to reward his long-serving and trusted chaplain, Father Alaric, who had provided spiritual guidance and administrative support to the royal household for many years. To ensure Father Alaric's future security and status, the King would issue a beneficio primo ecclesiastico habendo to his Lord Chancellor. This writ would instruct the Chancellor to appoint Father Alaric to the first available parish rectorship that became vacant within a specific diocese, thereby guaranteeing him a comfortable living and a position of authority within the Church.

  How it illustrates the term: This scenario directly demonstrates the King's use of the writ to command the appointment of a specific, favored individual (Father Alaric) to the "first ecclesiastical benefice" (the next vacant rectorship), thereby securing his future through royal prerogative.

• Example 2: Securing Political Influence within the Church

  During a period of political tension, King Edward III might have sought to strengthen his influence within a particular region by placing a loyal supporter in a key church position. He could identify a politically astute cleric, Master Geoffrey, known for his unwavering support of royal policies. To ensure Master Geoffrey's advancement and presence in the church hierarchy, the King would issue a beneficio primo ecclesiastico habendo. This writ would direct the Lord Chancellor to grant Master Geoffrey the next vacant deanery or prebendary in a strategically important cathedral, ensuring a royal ally held a significant ecclesiastical post.

  How it illustrates the term: Here, the writ serves as a mechanism for the King to strategically place an individual (Master Geoffrey) who aligns with royal interests into a powerful church office (the next vacant deanery or prebendary), showcasing its use for political maneuvering and consolidating power.

• Example 3: Providing for a Younger Son of a Noble Family

  In medieval society, younger sons of noble families often entered the Church as a career path, as they typically did not inherit land or titles. If a powerful noble family, loyal to King Richard II, had a third son, Brother Thomas, who had completed his clerical training but lacked immediate prospects for a benefice, they might appeal to the King. Sympathetic to the family's service, King Richard could issue a beneficio primo ecclesiastico habendo to his Lord Chancellor. This writ would specify that Brother Thomas be appointed to the next available chantry or other suitable benefice that could provide him with a respectable income and position, thus securing his livelihood and status.

  How it illustrates the term: This example highlights the writ's function in securing a livelihood and a suitable position for an individual (Brother Thomas), often a younger son of a noble family, by ensuring their appointment to the "first ecclesiastical benefice" that becomes available, demonstrating royal patronage.