He was patron of several advowsons in addition to lordships of manors. The college was also granted the advowsons for the parishes. The College was also granted the advowsons for the parishes. Many of the advowsons were given to the college in the early twentieth century. The abbey also gained the advowsons of the churches of Mellinge and Tunstall in Lancashire. They purchased advowsons, established lectureships and provided direct financial support to individual clergymen. Advowsons were among the earliest incorporeal hereditaments, and often held in fee tail.