 Ranulf often worked in concert with Haimo the dapifer , or seneschal , and Urse d 'Abetot in carrying out royal judgements . On one occasion , they , along with Robert Bloet the Bishop of Lincoln , reassessed the lands of Thorney Abbey for taxes . On another occasion , they were ordered along with Ralph de Luffa Bishop of Chichester to see that the abbey of Fecamp received custody of a church at Steyning . Others who often worked with Ranulf were Robert FitzHaimo , Roger Bigod , and Eudo the dapifer . These men are sometimes considered by historians to be the first Barons of the Exchequer . There are also signs during Ranulf 's administration of resident justices in the counties who held courts for the king . Itinerant justices were probably also used to hear pleas that were reserved to the crown . 
