The founding of a cathedral

‘Be it known to all men… that I, John de Gisors, have given and granted and by the present charter confirmed to God and the church of St Mary Sudwica (Southwick) and to the canons regular there serving God for ever in free alms for the salvation of my soul and those of my father and mother, my ancestors and heirs, a certain place for building here on a chapel in honour of the glorious martyr Thomas of Canterbury, one-time Archbishop, on my land… on the island of Portesia (Portsea).' Extracted from the a charter of Southwick Priory held at Hampshire Record Office, 4.M.55, probably dated 1180.