WESTMINSTER. U PON the dissolution of monasteries ^- by king Henry VIII, the King, by letters patent dated 17th Dec. 1540, converted the abbey of Westminster into an episcopal see. The cathedral was to consist of a bishop, a dean, and twelve prebendaries ; and by a subsequent charter dated 5th Aug. 1542 the dean and chapter were endowed with large estates be- longing to the late abbey, and to various other monasteries. The diocese was to extend over the whole county of Middlesex, except the vill of Fulham, (the seat of the bishop of London,) and the new bi- shop was 1540 Thomas Thihlby, S.T.P., dean of the King's chapel. 32Hen.VIII. The King informed the archbishop of Canterbury 18th Dec. that he had appointed Thirlby to the bishopric, and desired his grace to consecrate him forthwith -^^ : he was accordingly consecrated the next day. Having sat ten years Thirlby surrendered the bishopric 29th March 1 550, and was translated to Norwich 1st April 1550-^' pursuant to statute i Edw.VI. c. i, when king Edward VI dissolved the bishopric of Westminster and restored the county of Middlesex to the see of 32 The abbey of Westminster and appointed the late abbot, and all the possessions thereunto William Boston alias Benson, to belonginj^ were resigned into the be the dean, and the prior and King's hands i6th Jan. 1539-40, five monks were made prei)end- (Orig. in Oflic. Augment.) and aries. his Majesty ordered the church •'•"' Pat. 1^2 ilen.VIII. p. 8. m. to be governed by a dean, and a 47- certain number of prebendaries, •*•* Pat. 4 Edw.VI. j). i. N°2i.
