The indignity of being compelled to ride mares did not continue very long with the English monks, who soon became owners of the best-conditioned horses in the land, and were as devoted slaves to hunting, and other amusements of a similar character, as any beyond the monastery doors. When the archdeacon of Richmond arrived at Bridlington, Yorkshire (in 1216), to be inducted to the priory, he was accompanied by ninety-seven horses, twenty-one dogs, and three hacks. In 1256, Walter de Suffield, bishop of Norwich, bequeathed by will his pack of hounds to the king; whilst the abbot of Tavistock, who had also a pack, was commanded by his bishop, in 1348, to break it up. William de Clowne, abbot of Leicester, who died in 1377, had so good a stud, and was so skilful in hare-hunting, that the king, his son Edward, and several noblemen, paid him an annual pension that they might hunt with him. Wycliffe, who lived at this time, in his 'Trialogue,' inveighs against the priests for their 'fair horses, and jolly gay saddles and bridles ringing by the way.' And Chaucer does as much in his admirable delineation of the monk of his day:—
'A monk there was, a fair for the mastery;
An out-rider that lovéd venerie (hunting);
A manly man to be an abbot able.
Full many a dainty horse had he in stable.
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Therefore he was a prickasour (hard rider) a right:
Greyhounds he had as swift as foul (birds) of flight:
Of pricking (hard riding), and of hunting for the hare
Was all his lust; for no cost would he care.'
On the Continent, in 1180, the third council of Lateran prohibited this amusement while bishops were
