CALENDAR OF THE PLEA and MEMORANDA ROLLS of the CITY OF LONDON
ROLL A 10
Membr. 1
Roll of the time of Adam de Bury, Mayor of the City of
London A
o 39 Edw. III [1365-1366] (fn. 1)
Nov. 1364
A Congregation of Mayor, Aldermen and Commonalty in
full Husting of Pleas of Land held on Monday after the Feast
of All Hallows [1 Nov.], at which were present Adam de
Bury, Mayor, Adam Fraunceys, John Noot, Thomas de
Lodelowe, William Welde, Bartholomew Frestlyng, Thomas
de Pykenham, John de Berners, John de St Albans, Simon
de Worstede, James de Thame and William de Tudenham,
Aldermen, John de Medeford and Simon de Mordon,
Sheriffs.
Bartholomew de Thornton, furner
(fn. 2) , having been committed to the prison of Newgate for contempt and trespass
against the assayers of white bread, came before the Mayor
on 14 Nov. and found mainprise for keeping the peace
towards the said assayers, viz. Robert Lambard, chandler,
Hugh Refham, fishmonger, and Stephen Vanner, baker, who
undertook, body for body, that no damage or peril should befall the said assayers by the said Bartholomew or by his means.
16 Nov. 1364
Pleas held in the Chamber of the Guildhall before the
Mayor and Aldermen on Saturday after the Feast of
S
t
Martin [11 Nov.]
John Lylleston and John Balyden delivered to the Mayor a
bill, complaining that they had bought five horses for 4 marks
8d from a certain Roger, and that John de Medford, one of the
Sheriffs, had seized the horses as having been feloniously
stolen, to the damage of the plaintiffs, from lack of guarantee
by the said Roger. They pray that the latter may be made to
refund the purchase money. [French]
The said Roger was summoned and admitted having sold
the horses at his house in the parish of St Andrew, Holborn.
Judgment that the complainants recover the value of the
horses, and that the said Roger be committed to Newgate till
he satisfy them.
Walter de Brokesheved, apprentice of Robert de Potenhale,
was attached to answer a charge of assaulting William Bonet,
constable of Baynard Castle Ward, who stopped him from
emptying a handcart (carecta manualis) full of rubbish and
filth (robotisa & putredine) into the Thames at the West
Watergate of Baynard Castle. The defendant pleaded that he
took the refuse by his master's orders to cast it into the
Thames, but admitted beating and knocking the constable
down. He put himself on the mercy of the Mayor and Aldermen, and was committed to prison. His master was also committed to prison, but was afterwards released on mainprise of
Thomas de St Albans and William Whetele, cordwainer, to
come up for judgment.
Simon Edelond, fisshere, complained that he sold a quantity
of fresh fish from the Thames to John Cotlond and Thomas
Kayho, fishmongers, and having received God's penny (fn. 3)
(denarium ad deum) he delivered the fish to their shop, but the
said fishmongers refused to pay the purchase money except at
a reduction of 12d, and when he refused to take less, the said
Thomas struck him with his hand, against the King's peace
and to his damage, 40s. The defendant Thomas admitted the
assault, and both fishmongers then paid what was due. They
were afterwards mainprised by Henry atte Hale and William de
Kyngeston, fishmongers, to keep the peace with the said Simon.
4 Dec. 1364
William de Nafferton, glasier, was committed to prison at
the suit of John de Brampton, by writ of the King, because he
could not find sufficient mainprise for keeping the peace.
5 Dec. 1364
5 Dec. John Bernes, altakere of the King, came into court
and paid Simon Brewere of Conynghopelane the sum of 100s
20d for ale taken for the King's use by tally and without
tally.
Membr. 1 b
11 Nov. 1364
Pleas held before the Mayor and Aldermen on Monday
the Feast of S
t
Martin [11 Nov.]
John Rote and John de Hidyngham brought a bill complaining that Andrew Grauntcourt, goldsmith, had used
threats to them when returning from the court of Sir Robert
de Thorpe, Chief Justice of the Common Bench, at St Martin's
le Grand, where they were acting as jurors in a nisi prius
action, in which James Hopman, hatter, was suing Reginald
de Cisterne of Lynn for £200 alleged to be due on an account.
Though by the common law of the land any man going to or
returning from the King's courts was under his protection,
the defendant had assaulted them with swords and knives,
pursued them to St Bride's, Fleet Street, and had called them
false and perjured (deleax, delezoes), because they would not
find an unjust verdict in favour of the above James, who also
had offered them £100 as a bribe. The plaintiffs pray for a
remedy, so that they may not find it necessary to petition the
King's Council. [French]
The defendant appeared on summons and, after denying
the above allegations, put. himself on the country. A jury
consisting of Robert Mortymer, Simon atte Nax, Robert
de Hycford, botelmaker, Richard Amys, Thomas Wynter,
William Dyggs, chandler, John Baterel, Simon Fulham,
William Bathe, Thomas Hosteler, brewer, Adam Gremesby
and Robert de Merston found him guilty, and he was committed to the custody of the Sheriff until etc.
The same jury found that James Hopman, Henry de Bury
and William de Fenton, hatters, had used abusive words to
John Melewold, clerk of the Common Bench, calling him a
false chaplain. They were committed to prison on this charge,
and also on a charge of having assaulted and used menacing
and opprobrious words to the above John Hidyngham, who
proceeded against them by a separate bill in the same Court.
[French]
Membr. 2
Thomas Cornwaleys, Robert de la More, Henry Boseworth
and Geoffrey Neuton were sworn surveyors to see that wines
should be properly sold in taverns and that the provisions of
the King's Charter to the Vintners (fn. 4) , as recorded in Letter
Book G, fo. (127 b), should be duly carried out.
14 Nov. 1364
A bond in £108 was entered into by William Seynt Albon,
chandler, John Grove, armourer, Arnold Peutrer and John
Scot, heaumer
(fn. 5) , for the value of the wine of William de la Rok,
in case it should be adjudged forfeit to the King.
20 Nov. 1364
Baldewyn de Freville, knight, complained to the Mayor and
Aldermen that when he was passing through Cheap on
business of the Prince of Wales, he was rudely stopped by
John de Lubek, saddler, and charged with owing the said
John, as executor of the will of John de Blythe, a sum of
money, which he was told he would have to pay whether he
wanted to or not. To this he had answered that to his knowledge he owed nothing to any citizen of London, but if money
had been borrowed for his use by his servant Gilbert, he was
quite willing to answer before the Mayor and Aldermen,
whose duty it was to administer the laws of the City.
The said John Lubek, on being summoned to court, denied
the charge of insulting behaviour and put himself on the
country. A jury was summoned from Cheap, and he was
committed to prison meanwhile for lack of mainprise. When
questioned about the debt, he produced the will of the abovementioned John de Blythe, saying at the same time that it
had been enrolled in the Husting on Monday the eve of
St Margaret [20 July] Ao 35 Edw. III [1361] (fn. 6) . The will was
examined by the Court, when it was found that the surname
of " Lubek" and also the endorsement relating to the date of
enrolment had been erased, and when search was made on
the Roll, no enrolment could be found on the date alleged.
Under these suspicious circumstances, the will was retained
by the Mayor and Aldermen for further examination. The
defendant then asked leave to come to terms with the plaintiff,
and the Court assented. Afterwards on 26 Nov. Thomas
Askull, Roger de Excestre, John Tykhull, Thomas Bacheler
and John Lenechyld, saddlers, mainprised the said John for
his good behaviour under penalty of £15.
21 Nov. 1364
John de Lubek was committed to prison by assent of the
Mayor, Aldermen and Commonalty for coming before the
Mayor, Aldermen and Sheriffs, and declaring in full court that
they refused him justice in his plaints, in contempt of the King
and his court. He was afterwards mainprised as noted above.
23 Nov. 1364
John de Munden, wyndrawere, was committed to prison on
his own confession that he took 16d from a carter unjustly and
against the peace.
John Meredien, butcher, was committed to prison for
having perjured himself, when he was being examined on a
charge of having sold a wey of tallow (wayam sepe) to John de
Pritelwell of co. Essex, for conveyance out of the City contrary to the custom of the City (fn. 7) .
5 Dec. 1364
John Bayly, brewer, was attached to answer William Frere
of Wycombe in a plea of debt on demand of 105s, according
to the Statute of Smithfield, for malt bought at Queenhithe.
He acknowledged the debt and was committed to prison till
he paid.
2 Dec. 1364
Richard Palmer, pelter, who struck his wife in the breast
with a knife, was committed to Newgate until it was known
whether she would die or not.
John de Dunton, attorney in the Common Bench, was
fined for drawing a knife in Cheap against the constable of
Aldgate Ward.
Membr. 2 b
John Iklyngham was mainprised by Thomas Athelby and
William Iklyngham to pay a fine (pro fine faciend') for obstructing the four masters of the Vintners in the discharge of
their duty.
John Hydyngham, William Pershore and William de Bathe,
constables of Fleet Street, brought a bill of complaint against
John Maunsiple for having threatened the above William de
Bathe, when he went into the defendant's cellar to examine
his ale-measures. They also charged him with having rescued
by force a man who, after wounding John de Lodelawe,
cordwainer, in an affray, had taken sanctuary in a church.[French]
The defendant was summoned to answer the King and the
plaintiffs on the above charges. He admitted the first and was
committed to prison. He denied the second and put himself
on the country, being mainprised to hear the verdict and keep
the peace meanwhile by Thurstan de Chesenhale and John
Bakere, brewer. Afterwards a jury (including the two mainpernors) found him not guilty, and he was acquitted.
William Nosterfeld and Rose his wife were attached to
answer John de Briclesworth, who prosecuted for the Commonalty, on a charge of having sold ale with a quart-measure
sealed with a counterfeit seal of the Alderman of Dowgate
Ward, which measure was found to be short by one-third
when compared with the standard measure of the City. The
defendants admitted using the measure and charging a higher
price than was allowed by the proclamation, but as regards
the charge of counterfeiting the Alderman's seal they put
themselves on the country, and were found not guilty and
acquitted.
14 Dec. 1364
John le Bakere, Fleming, was committed to prison for
selling white cloth not properly soaked (non plene madefactus),
in deception of the common people.
The same day, Beatrice Bassett was committed to the
custody of the Sheriff for calling Simon de Worstede, Alderman, "a thief," when he told her not to put her refuse in the
highway.
Membr. 3
5 Nov. 1364
William de Twyford, cutler, was mainprised by William
Spaldyng and Richard Godchyld, cutlers, to keep the peace
with Paul Paneky, merchant of Lucca.
6 Nov. 1364
John Curteys was sworn before the Mayor to supervise the
sale of hostres, muskeles, cokkes and welkes
(fn. 8) , to see that they
were sold in sealed measures, and to remove them from the
stalls if unwholesome, and that the assay should take place at
half-prime (ad dimidium prime) (fn. 9) .
2 Nov. 1364
Robert de Horwode, foreign poulterer, put himself on the
mercy of the Court for having sold his poultry in secret places
instead of in open market.
Joan, wife of William atte Grene, after being sworn not
to keep her house as a brothel, was mainprised by John
Chaundeler and William Bedel, cordwainer.
2 Nov. 1364
At an inquest held the same day, a jury of William Clophull,
John Clerk, John Popul, Henry Polter, John Conyngburgh,
John Clapschethe, Peter Polter, John Wastell, John atte
Noke, Adam Polter, John Messager and John Clerk presented
John Stukle, poulterer, as guilty of selling his poultry in
secret places and not in open market, and of having sold
poultry to John Wenge, cook, at the latter's lodgings (fn. 10) .
Seven of the above jury, together with John Depyng and
John Whytefeld, bailiff of Cheap, were sworn to supervise the
poultry trade and keep down excessive prices.
5 Nov. 1364
At an inquest held on Tuesday after the Feast of All Saints
[1 Nov.], a jury of Hamo Crepulgate, William Hamond,
William Senesterre, Robert Hervy, Richard Donmowe and
others presented John Cokhow and John Stylle as partners
in poultry-selling, and John Belte, a foreign poulterer, for
keeping a shop in the Poultry, where he sold the goods of
other foreign poulterers, as though they were the goods of
freemen, thus defrauding the Sheriff of his customs. The
above persons put themselves on the mercy of the Court. The
jury said further that all the poulterers of the City sold poultry
at a higher price than was allowed by the Statute (fn. 11) . On being
ordered to give the names of persons so offending, they produced a lengthy list including their own names.
4 Dec. 1364
Richard Bayoun admitted that he was an apprentice of
William Plumer of Westminster, and because he refused to
be enrolled according to the custom of the City (fn. 12) , he was committed to Newgate.
5 Dec. 1364
William Stolmaker recovered 16s 3½d from John Brewere,
carter, for the loss of goods in carriage caused by the latter's
negligence.
John Byrrade, John Cortour, Roger Vanyewylowe, John de
Poules, William þe Mayre and Peter Pellyn were mainprised
to keep the peace with John Yongehere, Fleming, who was
also mainprised with his son John, to keep the peace with the
other Flemings. The said John Yongehere had previously
been committed to prison on his confession that he had aided
and abetted his son John in striking a man of Flanders.
Membr. 3 b
Nov. 1364
William Holbech, Alderman, brought a bill of complaint
against Simon Levelif, brewer, for impleading him by writ at
Westminster on matters arising within the franchise of the
City, contrary to his oath as a freeman (fn. 13) . [French]
The said Simon, happening to be in court, was questioned
on the charges and admitted that they were true. He was
committed to prison until the Court should be advised as to
their judgment.
22 Nov. 1364
Writ, dated at Westminster, 22 Nov., enclosing a petition
to the Chancellor from John van Stene, merchant of Ghent,
who complained that he had sued John Penetrie and Henry
Forester, skinners, before the Mayor of the Staple at Westminster for moneys due for goods supplied, and that the above
Mayor had sent a bill of the Staple to the Mayor and Recorder
of the City requesting them to do justice therein, but owing to
the neglect of John Not, then Mayor of the City, and the fact
that his serjeant had been bribed, no sequestration was made
on the defendants, who had fled with their goods to Westminster, so that the petitioner was unable to recover his debt
in the City. [French]
The late Mayor and his serjeant were summoned to answer
the articles in the above bill, but when they appeared the
plaintiff said that he did not wish to prosecute his bill.
Judgment was given that the plaintiff take nothing by his bill
and be in mercy, and that the defendants go thence without a
day.
17 Dec. 1364
Robert Vynter of Maydenstane (fn. 14) and Andrew Pyebakere of
Cornhill entered into a recognizance for the appearance of
Roger de Heryetesham, a monk of Boxlee (fn. 15) , at an audit of
accounts between the said monk and John Burgeys, mariner,
as regards the profit and loss of a farcost
(fn. 16) , engaged in carrying
red herrings from Yarmouth to the monastery at Boxley and
in other trading.
On the quindene of Easter next year the recognizance was
cancelled because the above John Burgeys did not put in an
appearance at the account.
Membr. 4
5 Dec. 1364
Vane Camby of Pistoja, Lombard, brought a bill of complaint to the effect that he had bought a letter of exchange in
London for £30 from Nicholas Sardouch of Lucca, Lombard, which letter was to be payable to himself or his attorney
at Bruges in the form of 200 scudos, each scudo being worth
3s; that he had given the letter to his attorney John Paule, and
that the latter had been refused payment in Bruges. [French]
The said Nicholas in his defence said that the plaintiff had
instructed him to pay the money, i.e. 200 scudos, value
£28 15s, to Sir Paul Johan of Pistoja or to a certain John
Paule, and that he had paid the former. He prayed judgment
whether the plaintiff had any action against him. To this the
plaintiff replied that the payment was to be made to John
Paule and not to Sir Paul Johan or any one else.
After ah adjournment that the Court might be advised, the
parties agreed that the defendant should enter into a bond to
produce a receipt from the person to whom he had paid the
money, and also a letter from the Echevins and Burgomasters
of Bruges as to the payment. On 16 July next year the action
was further adjourned till Monday after the quindene of
Michaelmas.
Complaint having been made that many who were born
within the franchise of the City of London were prevented
from enjoying the freedom, unless they had been admitted to
it in some other way (than by birth), it was ordained by the
Mayor, Aldermen and Commons that any one born free
within the City or the bounds of the franchise thereof, who
could prove the fact, should enjoy the freedom as fully as
others who had been admitted by apprenticeship or redemption or in any other way, as had always been the
custom, provided that if his freedom were challenged and
he claimed it by birth (fn. 17) , he should take the oath like
others. [French]
13 Dec. 1364
Adam de Bury, Mayor, delivered to Roger Regas a girdle,
value 5 marks, in full court.
Membr. 4 b
9 Dec. 1364
John de Hatfeld, Gilbert Bonet, vintner, John Chaucier,
Blasius de Bury and Thomas de Athelby, pelter, mainprised
Richard Lyeuns (fn. 18) of London to keep the peace with Alice de
Perers (fn. 19) , and not to interfere with her going where she wished
on the King's business and on her own.
16 Jan. 1365
John Talbot brought a bill of complaint to the effect that
he went to lodge at the inn of Richard Pecok, hostiller, in
Fancherstret and entrusted (bailla) to him certain goods, viz.
£4 13s 4d in gold; 4 ells of scarlet, value 40s; a silver ouche
(fn. 20) ,
value 16s; 6 spoons, value 8s; a bond in which the master of
the ship called "Katerine" was bound to him in £21; and two
acquittances—of which goods he could not have delivery from
the said Richard, who was intending to leave the City, and
had threatened him. He prays a remedy, and that the said
Richard may find security for keeping the peace. [French]
Both parties appearing on 18 Jan., the defendant produced
the goods mentioned, with the exception of the money and
the acquittances. As regards the money, nothing he said had
the effect of exonerating him (nichil dicit in effectu ad exonerandum ipsum), and he was committed to prison until etc.
He denied receiving the two acquittances, and in this matter
the plaintiff did not prosecute further. The defendant was
bound over to keep the peace with the plaintiff.
The same day the defendant sued the plaintiff for 31s 6d
due for 6 ells of green cloth, which debt the said John declared
that he had paid, and waged and made his law (fn. 21) to that effect,
and was acquitted thereof. On this, Richard Pecok drew a
knife, and was fined for so doing.
10 Dec. 1364
John de Wynchecombe, armourer, came and stated that
his apprentice, William atte Hawe, son of Margaret de
Grubbelane, refused to be enrolled according to the custom
of the City. The apprentice confessed refusing and was committed to Newgate. Thereupon his mother came into court
and said that there was an agreement between the two that
the indentures of apprenticeship were to be broken and that
the master was to give the apprentice a general acquittance.
This the master could not deny. The Court allowed the indentures to be cancelled and then fined the master 20s for not
having enrolled his apprentice.
The same day Walter atte Grene, Henry Asselyn, William
Ryf and William Mareschal, masters of the Butchers at St
Nicholas Shambles, reported that a pig found in the shop of
John Huntyngdon of Bykleswade, butcher, was corrupt and
abominable to the human race. William Cornewaylle, taverner,
paid the fine of 20s and mainprised the said John to appear
before the Mayor and Aldermen when required.
14 Jan. 1365
John Parys, shethere
(fn. 22) , was committed to prison for 10 days
and fined 10s for rebellious conduct towards the masters of
his mistery (fn. 23) .
Membr. 5
20 Nov. 1364
Writ de minis, dated at Westminster 20 Nov., notifying that
the King had taken John de Brampton under his protection,
and ordering the Mayor and Sheriffs to take security from
William de Nafferton, who had threatened to burn the said
John's houses and do him personal injury.
Return to the effect that the above-mentioned William had
been mainprised for keeping the peace by William Ledbetere,
John Geddyng, glazier, Roger Parchemyner and William
Yoman, mareschall
(fn. 24) .
8 Jan. 1365
The Cordwainers of London brought a bill of complaint
to the effect that Thomas de Folkeshull, wyrdrawere, claimed
to monopolise (fn. 25) the whole outfit of Robert Leg, ageletmakere
(fn. 26) ,
who had been accustomed hitherto to make laces for shoemakers in general. [French]
The parties having been summoned to court, the said
Thomas admitted buying shoe-laces (aguylettes) from the said
Robert at 1¾d and selling them for 2½d, and put himself on
the mercy of the Mayor and Aldermen. He was committed to
prison. Robert also admitted making the alleged agreement.
He was forbidden to make any such agreement again and was
ordered to sell his wares to the cordwainers and any others
who wanted to buy. The same day the defendant Thomas was
allowed to find mainprise for the payment of 20s fine to the
Commonalty and undertook not to enter into any such
arrangement again to the fraud and deception of the common
people.
8 Jan. 1365
William Lytherpol, goldsmith, was committed to prison
for saying in full court that the Mayor and Aldermen would
not listen to him and do him justice. Next day he was mainprised by William de Burton and John Coraunt, goldsmiths,
for the payment of 15d fine, and for his good behaviour towards the Mayor and Aldermen and other servants of the
King, and also for keeping the peace with John de zeftele and
Beatrice his wife.
John de Allesford of co. Southampton was put on the pillory
and sent to Newgate for reasons noted in Letter Book G,
fo. 147 (fn. 27) .
William Gedelyne complained that William de Ely, pouchmaker, had spread a report that the plaintiff was a man of illfame, who had robbed his master of six purses and was not
fit to work at the trade. As no one would employ him, the
plaintiff had been forced to seek work at York, where his
behaviour disproved the scandals moved against him. He
brought with him a certificate from York, testifying to his
good conduct.
The defendant, being summoned, declared that he would
submit to judgment if four good men of his mistery could be
found who would declare him guilty. Thereupon four pouchmakers—John Rosemond, John Storm, John Norfolk and
Richard Spark—declared on oath that he was guilty. The Court
adjourned the case for consultation. Afterwards at the Husting
held on Monday the Feast of SS. Fabian and Sebastian
[20 Jan.] he publicly did penance for his false statements by
standing on a stool (scdbellum) in the great Hall, after which
he was released.
13 Dec. 1364
Beatrice Langbourne was committed to the custody of the
Sheriffs for calling Simon de Worstede, Alderman, a false
thief and a broken-down old yokel (falsum latronem et
rusticum veterem & defractum), when he arrested her for
throwing filth in the street.
14 Dec. 1364
Peter le Bakere, Fleming, was committed to prison for
selling to Henry Leberd white cloth which had not been
properly soaked (non adplene madefactus).
Membr. 5 b
8 Jan. 1365
Albredala Veyse was committed to Newgate for saying that
Rose, wife of Thomas Whytcherche, had been put on la
Thewe
(fn. 28) for selling ale contrary to regulations and that the
Mayor had taken a sum of money to put her there during the
night time. Afterwards on 10 Feb. she was mainprised by
Thomas atte Lake, latoner
(fn. 29) , to behave herself and bridle her
tongue (lingua sua frenabitur).
The same day Joan Palmer was committed to Newgate for
telling Richard Hanyper, lockyer, and Thomas Tornour that
the above-mentioned Rose ought to be put on the thew.
Memorandum that Robert Raven found surety, viz.
William de Harewedone and Richard Brok, saddler, for producing the will of Richard de Herteleye, mareschal, before the
Mayor and Aldermen when required Thereupon the will was
returned to him. [French].
10 Jan. 1365
John Caysho, butcher, was committed to Newgate for 10
days and ordered to pay 10s for rebelling against the masters
elected to govern the trade and for selling meat at too high a
price, viz. a shoulder of mutton (spaude de motun) for 6d.
William de Cumberton, skinner, was committed to prison
for mixing old and new fur, against the Statute (fn. 30) and in deception of the people.
Membr. 6
15 Jan. 1365
Robert Mauncel, mercer, sued John de Aldham, mercer,
for the price of three sercles
(fn. 31) , value £14 11s 8d, £4 and 60s
respectively. The defendant said that the actual prices were
14 marks, 40s and 30s, which he was willing to pay. The
parties came to terms on the latter prices.
John de Hardyngham, mercer, by his attorney Henry de
Bray, sued John Prentys for a debt due on a tally sealed with
the defendant's seal, which tally the latter admitted as his
deed. Judgment for the plaintiff, and the debtor committed
to prison until etc.
18 Jan. 1365
William de Kyrkely, tailor, was committed to Newgate for
rebellious conduct towards Walter Iweyn, John Furneys,
William Moderby and John Wylardesby, the masters of his
mistery.
16 Jan. 1365
Thomas de Bryhull, cordwainer, recovered against William
Bedel, fuller, the sum of 5s for shoes sold to him. He further
charged the said William with having drawn a knife and
assaulted him. The defendant denied on oath having drawn
a knife or any other weapon (armaturam). A jury of Friday
Street found that the defendant did not draw a knife but used
a stick, and that he kept the plaintiff a prisoner for half an
hour. Both parties having thus perjured themselves, they
were sent to prison till the next Husting, when they were made
to stand uncapped (decapiciati) (fn. 32) on the stool in Guildhall by
way of penance in accordance with the statute, after which
they were set free.
All the weavers of the City were summoned for taking
apprentices in their court and for exacting fines from them,
viz. one mark from William Parker and others in contempt of
the liberty of the City (fn. 33) .
Membr. 6 b
Roger atte Grene, cordwainer, was committed to Newgate
for rebellious conduct towards the masters of the mistery of
Cordwainers.
Adam de Lynne and William Gale, skinners, were committed to prison by the Mayor for using bad language in
contempt of the King and his court.
24 Jan. 1365
John de Chalton, junior, came before the Mayor, Aldermen
and Sheriffs and confessed to having assaulted Hugh de
Brampton. He was adjudged to pay the said Hugh half a
mark damages, and because he had drawn blood contrary
to the Statute (fn. 34) , to pay a fine of the same amount to the
Chamberlain.
John atte Hale, tanner, sued John de Lubek, saddler, for
64s 6d, the price of goods sold to him, viz. 20s for 3 hides of
Hungrye
(fn. 35) , 14s for 14 lappes
(fn. 36) of hide for saddles, 16s for 2
saddles, 3s for 4 skins silvered (iiii pell' arg' ), 4s in silver and
6d for a pair of knives. The defendant denied the debt, and
both parties put themselves on the verdict of a jury. Subsequently the defendant made default, and the jury in his
absence found a verdict for the plaintiff.
20 Jan. 1365
Henry de Newport, fishmonger, was committed to prison
for using unseemly and horrible words (verba inonestia &
orribilid) to Robert atte Noke, chandler, in court.
24 Jan. 1365
John Lubek, saddler, came into the Chamber of the Guildhall and there charged the Mayor and Aldermen with denying
him justice, and said he would be revenged. Accordingly
those who had already mainprised him on a previous occasion
in £40 each, viz. Thomas de Askhull, Roger de Excestre,
John de Tykhull and John Lenechyld, were committed to the
custody of the Sheriff. The said Roger was also committed to
prison for contempt in the King's court.
Membr. 7
24 Jan. 1365
Richard atte Welle, goldsmith, took an oath that he would
teach his apprentice, "John in the lane," the trade which he
practised, and that he would not send him into the country to
thresh his corn or do any other continuous field work (opera
campestrina) (fn. 37) .
27 Jan. 1365
Roger del Ewerye, the King's barber, recovered from John
Want the sum of £4 13s 4d in which the said John was bound
to him for the custody of a certain beast called an "ore" (fn. 38)
from Egypt. The King's privy seal letter on this matter,
directed to Adam de Bury, remains in the Mayor's bag in
the Chamber of the Guildhall.
14 Jan. 1365
Roger atte Grene, cordwainer, was committed to prison for
rebelling against the masters of the mistery of Cordwainers.
He was afterwards released on mainprise of John de Notyngham
and Walter de Barton, cordwainers, for his good behaviour,
and of William Canel, cordwainer, for the payment of a fine.
22 Jan. 1365
John de Bury, skinner, was committed to prison for rebelling against the masters of the mistery of Skinners.
1 Feb. 1365
John de Coggeshall, John Monk and Robert de Mildenhale
similarly committed.
4 Jan. 1365
Robert de Watlyngton complained that a cloth cleaned for
him by William de Moteshunte, fuller, stank so badly that he
lost one mark in selling it. The defendant declared the cloth
to have been well and competently fulled according to the
agreement between them, and thereon he made his law. He
was acquitted. The Court ordered the plaintiff to stay further
proceedings in the Sheriffs' Court.
4 Feb. 1365
John atte Hale, tanner, was committed to prison for having
perjured himself in a plaint against John Lubek. He afterwards had his judgment in the Husting on the stool there,
according to the Statute (fn. 39) .
Richard de Bromherde, wortesellere
(fn. 40) , was attached to
answer Richard Marchaunt, who complained that the defendant carried a dead woman from Newgate to the plaintiff's
house at Castle Baynard, and also assaulted the plaintiff and
his wife Agnes, causing a great affray. The defendant pleaded
not guilty, and was committed to prison for lack of mainprise.
Afterwards the parties came to terms and the defendant went
quit.
Membr. 7 b
4 Feb. 1365
Richard atte Welle, James Farman, Nicholas de Dunstaple
and Thomas Duke, skinners, were committed to prison for
rebellious conduct towards the masters of their mistery.
1 Feb. 1365
Gilbert de Walden, tailor, sued John Fraunceys for the
return of 30s which had been paid to the defendant in respect
of a brewhouse leased by him to the plaintiff, but which the
plaintiff had been unable to occupy, owing to its having been
claimed as an escheat to the King. The defendant pleaded
that he was not indebted in the manner alleged and waged his
law, which he made on the spot as a foreigner (fn. 41) . Judgment for
the defendant.
11 Feb. 1365
Thomas Scryveyn was mainprised by William Rome, John
atte More and Nicholas Wylton to appear before the Mayor
and Aldermen, because he took illegal custom on hides from
Yorkshiremen at Billingsgate.
Note that customs for wharfage and quayage, taken by
divers persons, belong of right to the Commonalty, which is
responsible for the repair of wharves.
13 Feb. 1365
John de Stoke, brewer, was committed to prison till he paid
a fine of 20s to the Chamberlain for drawing his knife and
wounding a certain chaplain against the King's peace and the
ordinance of the City.
John Knott, fishmonger, was mainprised by John Curteys
and Hugh de Ware that he would abide by the award (stet ad
rewardum) of the Bishop of London, Robert de Thorpe and
John Knyvet, and also that he would not carry a plea into the
Court Christian either within or outside the realm.
15 Feb. 1365
Thomas Russhemere, goldsmith, residing in Lombard
Street, was committed to prison, on the prosecution of the
masters of the mistery of Goldsmiths, for rebellious conduct
towards them and for making counterfeit work.
Membr. 8
28 Feb. 1365
Richard de Berdefeld, parson of the Church of Wolcherchehawe, sued Thomas atte More chaplain, for a debt of
£7 17s 2½d, being arrears due to the church for rents and
other profits. The defendant declared that he would submit
to judgment if the parson would make his law that the money
was due. Thereupon the parson made his law that the defendant owed him 100s 6½d, but was unwilling to swear concerning the rest. Judgment for the amount sworn. The defendant was committed to prison, being released on 5 May,
when he paid.
17 Feb. 1365
John Pope, drover, by a bill of the Statute of Smithfield (fn. 42) ,
recovered against John Cornewaille, butcher, the sum of £6
for beasts sold to him, and next day recovered a further
4 marks due from Henry Cornewaille, butcher.
18 Feb. 1365
John Pope, drover, complained that Henry de Cornewaylle,
butcher, had seized certain animals of his at Westsmithfield,
pretending that the plaintiff owed him £20. The defendant
confessed to having seized the animals, but declared that he
did so because the above John had entered into an obligation
(invadiadium) with a penalty of £20, and that that sum
accrued to him by failure of the plaintiff to keep the covenants.
The plaintiff denied that he ever made any such obligation
and, having waged his law, made it on the spot. Judgment
that the plaintiff be acquitted of the alleged obligation (fn. 43) .
20 Feb. 1365
Edmund de Ippegrave, John Bonyng and Bertram Hurst,
goldsmiths, mainprised John de Shordych that he would
repair a silver cup, weighing 38 shillings, by Easter next in
accordance with the order of Simon de Codyngton, knight.
19 Feb. 1365
Thomas Cotul and Cristiana his wife paid 10s in settlement
for an assault committed by the said Cristiana on Joan, wife
of John de Colchestre.
29 Feb. 1365
Agnes Drew, poulterer, who had been committed to Newgate on the complaint of the masters of the Poulterers, for
buying poultry at Leadenhall before prime in order to forestall the market, was released by favour of the Mayor and
sworn not to offend again.
14 Feb. 1365
Ernold de Bruyn, taverner, was committed to prison on
suspicion of having robbed Baudewyne, the master of a ship
belonging to Brele in Seland, of 9 gold nobles and 6 gold
motouns
(fn. 44) in Cordwainer Street. He was afterwards released
on depositing with the Chamberlain pledges to the value of
the robbery. A day was given for the proof of the felony
(ad probandum feloniam predictani).
6 March 1365
Walter de Boston, pursere
(fn. 45) , was committed to prison,
having confessed to being a common maintainour of Richard
de Boston, who unjustly prosecuted a writ of imprisonment
against John le S...... He was mainprised by Richard
Upryht, puchemakere, and John Quyk.
20 Feb. 1365
John Rothewelle, wytthazoyere
(fn. 46) , was committed to Newgate
for snatching a beaver hat off the head of James de Dyne,
Lombard.
John, servant of Robert de Lynne, was mainprised as regards a girdle of counterfeit silver found on him.
Membr. 8 b
10 Jan. 1365
William de Cumberton, skinner, was committed to prison
for a defect in a piece of pured fur (furura puratd) (fn. 47) sold by
him to John de Fakenham, servant of Isabella the King's
daughter. On 1 March Henry de Sudbury, skinner, and
Michael de Hakeneye, felmongere, entered into recognizances
of £40 on his behalf and he was liberated. The fur remained
in the custody of the Chamberlain.
4 March 1365
John Huberd, Gregory de Shaldeford, Richard atte Hacche,
Richard de Petteworth, William de Louthe, John de Elmeswell and William de Quynton, who had been sworn on an inquest, concerning the repair of certain tenements of Master
Richard de Plescy by William Northaw and John de Pelham,
chaplains, were asked if they were freemen of the City. They
confessed that they were not, and were thereupon committed
to prison by the Mayor and Aldermen. Next day they were,
released and were told that if they were again summoned to
the Guildhall for an inquest, they should raise an objection
before being sworn, otherwise they would be sent to the
pillory.
5 March 1365
William de Bristowe, John Rigal and John Capel, cordwainers, were attached to answer a charge of rebelling against
the masters of the mistery of Cordwainers, viz. William de
Whetele, John Longe, John de Leycestre, Richard Freman,
John Hoke and Henry de Gilyngham, who complained that
the defendants had threatened that as soon as the present
Mayor was out of office they would have redress for the
wrongs they had suffered. [French]
Two of the defendants pleaded guilty, and John Capel,
who put himself on the country, was found guilty by a jury.
All three were committed to prison. On 13 March John
Rigal was liberated on mainprise of Ralph Bassingbourne
and William Dene, cordwainers, to pay a fine of one mark,
and not to join in covins and confederacies in future. William
de Bristowe was also liberated on paying 20s fine.
6 March 1365
William le Bakere was committed to Newgate for having
served on the jury in the above action, not being a freeman of
the City.
Richard Curteys, butcher, in his own person sued Adam
le Gaoler of Newgate and Alice his wife (fn. 48) for unjust detinue
of 20s, which he had entrusted to the said Alice the year before for delivery to Walter de Baldeswell. The defendants
Alice and Adam denied the debt alleged in the plaint, and the
wife, with the consent of her husband, waged her law. She
then made her law immediately in the form in which she had
waged it, and she and her husband were acquitted.
William Moot, brewer, John de Henham and Thomas
Fraunceys, hakeneymen
(fn. 49) , were attached to answer charges of
being concerned in an affray by night in Candlewickstreet
Ward, of keeping their doors open after curfew and of being
nightwalkers against the peace. They were committed to
prison, but the same day were mainprised to keep the peace
and released.
5 March 1365
William Skynnere entered into a bond of £10 to Richard
Palmere, not to carry away the latter's wife again (si plus
caperet uxorem suam in rapdonem), and thereupon all actions
between the parties were stayed.
Membr. 9
On the sworn complaint of the masters of the Saddlers,
John de Brokhurst, saddler, was committed to prison for ten
days for rebellious conduct, and was fined for having in his
possession two defective saddles. He was afterwards mainprised by Robert Frye and Thomas atte Halle for his good
behaviour.
Nicholas de Upton, cardmaker, was attached to answer the
Commonalty for having made his law in the Sheriffs' Court
as a foreigner, as reported by John Penne, the Sheriffs'
serjeant, whereas he was a freeman of the City by birth. He
was mainprised by John Abraham, girdler, and Roger Say,
haberdasher, to come up on Thursday, when he paid a fine
for contempt.
Roger atte Wode, brewer, living without Cripplegate,
mainprised Lambert Rutee, webbe
(fn. 50) , that he would submit to
law (ad standum recto) concerning a sequestration made upon
him at the suit of James Andrew for a certain defect found in
the fulling of a cloth.
Thomas le Northerne, vintner, was attached to answer the
King and the Commonalty on a charge of contempt. Richard
Lyouns, who prosecuted for the King and the Commonalty,
declared that whereas three malefactors had assaulted and
wounded his servant, John de Melton, and had then taken
sanctuary at St Antholin's Church, the defendant with certain
accomplices went at midnight to the church and released and
allowed the felons to escape from the City against the laws of
the King and the City. The defendant said that he was [not?]
guilty and that he was prepared to acquit himself thereof as
the Court should direct. He was mainprised by Robert de
Whytton, draper, and Robert Breynte, skinner, to come
before the Mayor and Aldermen when summoned. He was
afterwards acquitted by an inquest (fn. 51) .
March 1365
William Canteys, pewterer, recovered 15s damages against
Adam Brabasoun in a plea of covenant submitted to a jury.
The jury found that the said Adam was withholding from the
plaintiff part of a stable, which belonged to certain tenements
conveyed by the defendant to the plaintiff. The Court ordered
the serjeant to give the plaintiff seisin of the stable, and also
execution of the money, in accordance with the verdict.
Membr. 9 b
13 March 1365
John de Fulham was attached to answer a charge of having
enticed Joan Gosebak from the service of Thomas Charlewode, girdler, contrary to the ordinance of the mistery of
Pouchmakers, which provided that any one so offending
should be fined 100s. The defendant pleaded guilty and openly
declared in court that he could not succeed before the Recorder (non potuit expedire negocia sua prope Recordatorem)
because the latter, as he had heard, was a maintainer (fn. 52) of the
Pouchmakers. He gave the name of Richard Storioun of St
Lawrence Lane as his informant, but the said Richard denied
having said anything of the kind. Thereupon the statute of
the Pouchmakers having been read, the defendant was committed to prison till he paid the Commonalty 40s, and also for
his contempt of the King and the court. On 18 March he was
released on mainprise of John Abraham, William Walais and
Richard atte Boure, girdlers, that he would not speak disrespectfully in future of the judges and officers of the City.
Cristina Burnete brought a plaint against Thomas le
Bakere for detinue of 18 lbs of red and medley-green woollen
yarn, pledged to him for 2s four years before. The parties
came to an agreement in court.
Ralph Martin, shearman, paid 6s 8d to Simon de Manby
in court, being the price of a horse.
15 March 1365
Robert de Eye, pelleter
(fn. 53) , recovered against William de
Langford the sum of 2 marks and a bed, as wages earned by
his wife for acting as a nurse for four years to the defendant.
12 March 1365
John Pye, Mayor of the Staple of Westminster, recovered
a debt of 65s against Walter de Wychyngdon by a bill of the
Staple.
Membr. 10
18 March 1365
Antony de la Vale de Pynrell recovered against Thomas de
Marry of Florence a debt of £40 due on a bond.
24 March 1365
Thomas Daubeour, chaplain, came before the Mayor and
Thomas de Lodelowe, Recorder, and entered into a recognizance of £100 to the King that he would not prosecute any
pleas against any of the King's lieges in the Court of Rome or
elsewhere outside the realm to the prejudice of the King's
crown and dignity. He also made oath to the same effect, and
was thereupon released from prison.
16 March 1365 - Attachiamentum (fn. 54) fonnsecum
An attachment was made on William Basset at the suit of
John Moyne in an action of debt. The said William having
made four defaults and thus refused to justify himself against
the attachment according to the custom of the City, the
attachment was valued by Thomas de Wilby and Robert de
Guldeford, goldsmiths, as follows: a forcer
(fn. 55) , 8s; 2 pieces of
silver and 12 silver spoons, 48s; a chapelet of small pearls,
7s 6d; 3 pairs of paternosfres
(fn. 56) , 8s; 2 rings and a nouche
(fn. 57) , 7s;
4 rings with two clasps (finnaculis), 37s 6d; total 116s. The
goods were then delivered to Joan, wife of John Moyne, in
part payment of the debt of £7 10s claimed, the said Joan
being mainprised by Richard le Goldbetere and William de
Fakenham, taverner, to answer for the goods or their value,
in case the above William Basset should be able to prove
within a year and a day that he owed nothing to the said John
Moyne.
26 March 1365
Maissiota la Lauendere was mainprised by John Popel,
poulterer, and William de Claretone for her good behaviour
and for the restraint of her tongue towards the Count de
Portyoun and his servants.
Gilbert de Wodewey and Janinus Graunt, skinners, were
committed to prison for ten days for their rebellious behaviour
(rebellitate) towards the surveyors of their mistery, and were
afterwards released on payment of a fine.
Membr. 10 b
22 March 1365
Walter Doget, John de Grovele, Robert de la More,
Nicholas Brembre, William Wodeford, Thomas Hynxton,
John Dony, John Fayrher, Richard de Northbury, Geoffrey
Newenton, Thomas Everard, Thomas Gysors, John zakesle,
John Croydon, Roger Longe, John Maymond, Thomas
Mockyng and Robert Launde came into court and mainprised Nicholas de Exton, Robert de Rameseye, William
Fourneaux, Ralph Doubble, Richard Style, William Mondene, John Hanekyn, John Horn, John Horn of Northflete,
Hugh Denny, John de Leddrede, William de Kynggeston,
John Gatyn, John Rous, William Courtroy, William Chyvenyng and John Rydere, fishmongers, to keep the peace with
Alexander Turk, Robert Turk, John Turk, Andrew Pykeman,
Robert Stylligo, William Juwel, John Waldesshef and Thomas
Clench under penalty of £40. The mainprised persons also
became sureties for each other under the same penalty.
27 March 1365
The above-mentioned Alexander Turk and his fellows (fn. 58)
were similarly mainprised to keep the peace with John
Leddrede and his fellows.
Membr. 11
27 March 1365
The same day Master Adam Rous, Master David, Master
Henry de Wotton and Master William Taunton, sworn
surgeons to the City, came before the Mayor and Aldermen
and testified on oath that Giles Pykeman, fishmonger, was
not in danger of death. Thereupon it was considered that
Robert, son of John Lyttele, and John de Hedon should be
released on mainprise from the custody of the Sheriffs.
Accordingly four Aldermen, John Lyttele, fishmonger, John
Pecche, draper, John de Stodeye, vintner, and William Welde,
draper, became sureties for them. But when the documents
came to be read over to them, William Welde declared that
he would only answer for Robert Lyttele and not for John de
Hedon.
31 March 1365
Robert Blok, horse-dealer (mercator equorum), was committed to prison for insulting Thomas de Pykenham, Alderman of Bishopsgate Ward, and the constables thereof. On
1 April he was mainprised for his appearance on 18 April to
pay a fine, and also for his admission to the freedom of the
City if he continued to reside and do business in the City.
Robert Waleys, tawyer, successfully made his law in full
court that he did not owe to Segelinus de Male, Fleming, a
pair of shoes value 2s, and so went quit. And the said Segelinus was sworn in court to serve the said Robert for one
whole year from Christmas last according to the agreement
between them.
John Nocke, cozour
(fn. 59) , was committed to prison for detaining
a horse belonging to John Levelyf, draper.
William Querdelyng, Walter Garlek, Robert Waleys,
William Ramme, John Potbury, William Goldyng, John
Creek and Andrew Wylly, tawyers, were summoned to court
and asked whether they were willing to observe the articles
relating to their mistery ordained in the time of Thomas
Leggy, Mayor (fn. 60) . The articles were read to them, and in spite
of the order of the Court that they should swear to observe
them, they twice refused. Accordingly they were committed
to Newgate until etc.