A letter from Honorius III (1218)

Translated letter:

"To Isabel, illustrious queen, widow of John king of the English." He grants that when her land should be under a general interdict, it would be permitted to her to hear the divine offices celebrated by her chaplain, with doors closed and excommunicates excluded. At the Lateran, 12th kalends of August, second year [of our pontificate].

Original letter:

"Isabelle illustri Regine relicte I(ohannis) Regis Anglorum." Indulget ut cum eius terra generali supposita fuerit interdicto, ipsi per capellanum suum celebrantem divina officia, clausis ianuis et excommunicatis exclusis, audire liceat. Laterani XII. Kal. Aug. anno secundo.

Historical context:

The pope grants that if her land should be placed under interdict, her chaplain can celebrate divine offices behind closed doors and with excommunicates kept out. He would, however, excommunicate her and her husband Hugh a few years later, see letters of 1220, 1222.

Manuscript source:

Reg.Var.lib.2, epist.1289, fol.285

Printed source:

Regesta Honorii Papae III, 1.255, #1538 (summary)

Date:

1218