16. John Spondon

John Spondon ruled laudably 33 years (H83) from *1436 to1469 (WARD, M, PAGE) *1439-1472 (C41, C40C).

In his time the roofs of the chancel and the lady chapel were altered;  he probably had the Perpendicular clerestory windows in the nave built (H83, C41) .
 
8 June 1439 Alice, widow of John Tannesley of Nottingham, left the abbey 13/4, plus 6/8 to pray for her (C41).
 
April 1450 The abbot supervised an election at Welbeck (Notts) (details in C41E);  the apostate canon Ralphe *Crowche (C41E) *Crouche late of the abbey of Dale, apostate (COX18) was arrested by the sheriff of Derby.

Commission to the sheriff of Derby and others to arrest and bring before the King and council Ralph of Ilkeston (COX18), husbandman (C41E).
 
1452 The abbey held a knight’s fee in Elvaston (C39GM).
 
1457 William Fytell was pardoned by the king: he had refused to answer the abbot concerning a trespass.
 
1462 The abbot was a member of the court of appeal hearing the appeal against excommunication of Abbot Downham of Beauchief Abbey (S.Yorks) who had led 7 armed canons against the Visitor General;  he was retired to the vicarage of Wymeswold (C41E).