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WALTER DE GRAY's WORK. 143
went on in spite of all opposition, until Edward III.
struck a final blow against it by the famous statute
of Provisors.
The Archbishop's policy in the government of his
diocese was evidently not of an autocratic character.
The clergy were much brought into consultation.
A diocesan synod met twice in each year, probably
in conformity with the decrees of the Lateran council
in 1 2 15. Much useful work was also done by the
ruri-decanal chapters. In matters affecting the English
Church at large, the convocations of the Northern
and Southern provinces met together for joint deliberation.
An interesting testimony to this practice
occurs in a letter written by Gray and his suffragans
to Henry III. in 1252.
The visitation by the archdeacons of the parishes
within the limits of their several districts was a
reality. They inspected the fabrics of the churches,
examined into the question of dilapidations, and made
careful inquiry as to the due supply of all that was
needful for the due celebration of Divine offices.
" The clergy were required to entertain the archdeacon
and a limited suite, and were charged with a
certain yearly sum for this expenditure."
Besides the general council, if we may so term it,
at which all the clergy assisted in the diocesan synod,
and the lesser meetings within each rural deanery,
the Archbishop evidently had an intimate conciliar
relation with his chapter. He appears to have applied
to Honorius III. suggesting that he should authorise
' "Archbishop Gray's Register," p. 211. (Pub. Surtees Soc.)