Plea Rolls for Staffordshire: Diverse counties, 7-12 Ed. I

Staffordshire Historical Collections, Vol. 6 Part 1. Originally published by Staffordshire Record Society, London, 1885.

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'Plea Rolls for Staffordshire: Diverse counties, 7-12 Ed. I', in Staffordshire Historical Collections, Vol. 6 Part 1, (London, 1885) pp. 138-156. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/staffs-hist-collection/vol6/pt1/pp138-156 [accessed 26 April 2024]

Assize Roll of Divers Counties, 7—12 E. I.

Pleas before R. de Hengham and W. de Cokesey on the Thursday before the Feast of Pentecost, 7 E. I.

Staff. An assize, etc., if Richard de Lee, Alina his wife, William de Talk, Henry son of Hugh de Fulford, Walter de Severle, Robert de la Mere, Richard Brun, and others named, had unjustly disseised William Wyther and Orabilla his wife of the third of twenty acres in Fulford.

Richard du Lee appeared and answered for all, and stated that William Wyther and Orabilla were never in seisin of the tenement claimed. The jury say that the said Orabilla was endowed with the third part in question by one Philip de Draycote, and William and Orabilla were in full seisin for four seasons, before Richard and the others had disseised them. Judgment for William Wyther and Orabella. Damages 10s. m. 3.

Staff. An assize, etc., if Robert Shiret had unjustly disseised Nicholas de Semmor (St. Maur) of a messuage and forty-two acres of land in Marcenton (Marchington) under Nedwode. Robert pleaded the tenement was in Uttokeshather and not in Mercenton, and stated he was in seisin by a deed of Nicholas which he produced. Nicholas replied he had always been in seisin of the land notwithstanding the deed.

The jury say that Nicholas had enfeoffed the said Robert of a messuage and thirty-three acres of land, and had put him into full seisin of them, and Robert had afterwards enfeoffed one Robert Jurdan of twenty acres, so that after the death of Robert Jurdan, the said Robert Shiret had entered into the said twenty acres as custos, Robert son of Robert Jurdan being under age. Verdict for Robert Shiret. m. 3.

Staff. An assize, etc., if Henry de la Pyrye father of Hugh de la Piri of Gonston was seised, etc., of a messuage and twelve acres of land in Chilington when he died, and which Agnes the widow of Henry de Pirye now holds.

Agnes appeared and stated that Henry died seised of the tenement, but that Hugh after the death of his father had entered into it, and whilst in good seisin of it had given it to her in exchange for certain other tenements Hugh denied this and appealed to a jury, who stated that Henry the father of Hugh at the door of the Church when he married Agnes had enfeoffed (sic) the said Agnes, and after Henry's death Hugh had remitted all claim to the land, in exchange for a third part of the capital messuage in Gunston, and for 20s. in money, of which he had received 10s. Verdict for Agnes. m. 3.

Staff. An assize, etc., if Robert de Kaverswalle had unjustly disseised Thomas son of William de Kaverswalle of a messuage and one hundred acres of land in Lockesley. The parties appeared and agreed to abide by the arbitrament of William de Kaverswall and the Prior of St. Thomas of Stafford, and Robert gave the land into the hands of the Prior to hold till the question was decided. m. 3, dorso.

Staff. An assize, etc., if Roger the Bishop of Coventry and Lichfield had unjustly disseised Robert de Somerford of sixty acres of land, etc., in Brewode. Robert de Pipe the Bishop's Bailiff appeared for him, and stated that in a suit temp. H. III., before R. de Hengham and William Bagot, it had been decided that the sixty acres in question were in Brewode and not in Somerford, and he appealed to the records of these Justices. m. 3, dorso

Staff. An assize, etc., if Stephen son of Siward de Bidulf had unjustly disseised Nicholas the Parson of Bidulf of his common of pasture in twenty acres of the waste of Bidulf. Stephen stated that Thomas his son was in seisin of the land in question. Verdict for Nicholas. m. 3, dorso.

Staff. An assize, etc., if Roger de Aston had unjustly disseised Peter son of Peter de Colecestre of common of pasture in six acres of the waste of Walton. Roger pleaded that Peter could only claim through his wife Alice, who was not named in the writ, and as Peter could not deny this, the suit was dismissed. m. 3, dorso.

Warw. William son of William de Handesacre who had brought an assize of mort d'ancestor against William son of William le Boteler and Peter de Bultington respecting a messuage and eight acres of land, etc., and 10s. of rent in Ecleshale Sinerekote, withdrew his suit. m. 4.

Assizes taken before R. de Hengham and W. de Cokesay at Pencrys, on the Wednesday in the week of Pentecost, 7 E. I.

Staff. An assize, etc., if Roger de la Lone of Strethay, the father of Richard son of Roger de la Lone, was seised, etc., of a messuage and twelve acres of land and an acre of meadow in Strethay when he died, of which Christiana the widow of Ralph de Croxale and Robert her son held the messuage and nine acres and the acre of meadow, and John de Pype and Eva his wife held three acres. Christiana, John, and Eva called to warranty the said Robert, who warranted their tenements to them, and stated that Richard had an elder brother named Thomas of whom he is the heir, and Thomas after the death of Roger de la Lone had remitted and quitclaimed to one Robert de Croxale the grandfather of Richard (sic), whose heir he is, all his right and claim in the tenements in question by a fine which he produced, levied between the said Robert the grandfather and Thomas. Richard stated this fine should not prejudice him, because the said Thomas his brother had another brother William older than himself, and William had a heir one Muriel to whom the inheritance should descend, and that during her lifetime Thomas held nothing in the land, and could not levy a fine because she was the nearest heir.

A concord was afterwards made by which Richard remitted his claim and Robert gave him 60s. m. 5, dorso.

Assizes taken before the same Justices at Pencryz on the Friday in the week of Pentecost, 7 E. I.

Staff. John son of John de Whitemor, who brought a writ of mort d'ancestor against Elias son of Thomas de Cherleton respecting a tenement in Wythemor, withdrew his plea. m. 6.

Staff. Joan de Couleye, who brought a writ of novel disseisin against Richard son of Robert de Acton respecting common of pasture in Coule. withdrew her writ. m. 6.

Staff. John de Whytemor who brought a writ of mort d'ancestor against Ralph son of John de Whytemor respecting a tenement in Wytemor, withdrew his plea. His sureties are in misericordiâ, viz., Philip de Mutton and Adam de Wethale. m. 6.

Staff. Thomas le Jouene who brought a writ of novel disseisin against Philip Marmium and others respecting common of pasture in Oldington (Oulton), withdrew his plea. m. 6.

Staff. William son of William de Sallowe who brought a writ of mort d'ancestor against Roger Durdent and Thomas de Tomenhorn respecting a tenement in Fishereswyk, withdrew his plea. m. 6.

Staff. Robert son of John de Admundeston who brought a writ of novel disseisin against Richard de Blithfeld respecting the obstruction of a road in Blidefelt (Blithfield) to the injury of his free tenement in Admundeston (Admaston), withdrew his plea. m. 6.

Staff. William Galpin of Chedel who brought a writ of novel disseisin against Simon Basset and others respecting common of pasture in Chedle (Cheadle), withdrew his plea. m. 6.

Staff. Richard de Flotesbroke who brought a writ of novel disseisin against William son of William de Rouel of Oldeton respecting common of pasture in Northburi and Oldeton (Oulton), withdrew his plea. His sureties, Jordan de Pulesdon and Henry de Wiverston, are in misericordiâ. m. 6.

Staff. Henry de la Coudrey who brought a writ of novel disseisin against Richard de Tetteswurth and others respecting common of pasture in Bradenop, withdrew his plea. m. 6.

Staff. Henry son of Henry de Aston who brought a writ of novel disseisin against Thomas de la Mere and others respecting common of pasture in Mere and Aston, withdrew his plea. His sureties, Robert de Mere and Alan de Oldeton, are in misericordiâ. m. 6, dorso.

Staff. An assize, etc., if William de Bagenholt, William his son, Stephen son of William, Robert son of William, Roger son of William, Peter de Bagenholt, and William Lewin, had unjustly disseised Philippa the wife (sic) of John de Cokefeld of her free tenement in Great Rouwenhale (Rownall), etc. William de Bagenholt answered for all the defendants, and stated the tenement was in Bagenholt (Bagnall) and not in Rowenhall. Verdict for Philippa. m. 8, dorso.

Staff. An assize, etc., if Robert de Staundon had unjustly disseised Roes the widow of Vivian de Staundon of her free tenement in Staundon, viz., onethird of two mills and twenty-six bushels of hard wheat annually from them. Robert appeared and conceded the claim of Roes, and likewise acknowledged he owed her 37 marks of money. m. 8 dorso.

Staff. An assize, etc., if Geoffrey de Morton, Graland his son, Richard de Swetenham and Margaret his wife, Ralph de Morton and Cecilia his wife, Thomas le Noreis and Richard Buissel had unjustly disseised William de Audythele (Audley) of a place in Thurnesfeld (Thursfield). The defendants did not appear, and the suit was taken in their absence. Verdict for William; damages 20s. m. 8, dorso.

Staff. An assize, etc., if William de Hodinet had unjustly disseised John the Provost of Huntesdon (Hixon) of an acre and a half of meadow in Hambriton (Amerton). William stated he had entry by a feoffment of Robert de Ferrars and not by a disseisin. The jury found that Robert de Ferrars had first enfeoffed the said John, and had afterwards sold the same tenement to William de Hodinet, who had ejected John. Verdict for John. m. 8, dorso.

Staff. An assize, etc., if William Bagot had unjustly disseised Richard Bagot of the manor of la Hide, excepting Coppenhale and la Leye, and of the manor of Pateshull and its members, viz., Byrnhill and Snoddon. William appeared and stated nothing against the assize being taken. Verdict for Richard, who recovers seisin. (fn. 1) Damages £10. m. 10.

Assizes taken at Warwick before R. de Hengham and Robert le Waleys on the Sunday before the Feast of St. Peter ad Vincula, E. I.

Warw. An assize, etc., if Robert son of Ralph de Brok, Robert de Brok, Eustace de la Hache, and others had unjustly disseised Richard Thedric of half a virgate and two virgates of land and two acres of meadow in Cestreton (Chesterton). Eustace appeared and answered for all the defendants, and stated he had entered by a feoffment made to him by the said Robert son of Ralph. Robert stated there had been no disseisin, because he had recovered the tenements by a suit in Banco against Richard de Loges.

The jury found that Richard de Loges was in seisin of the tenements, and Robert had sued him for them in Banco, and pending the trial the said Richard de Loges had enfeoffed Richard Thedrich, and Robert had recovered the tenements in his suit against Richard de Loges. Verdict for Robert and the other defendants. m. 15.

Warw. An assize, etc., if Hugh de Loges, and William de Codesbach and Matilda his wife had unjustly disseised Richard de Loges of 3s. of rent in Souwe. Hugh de Loges denied the disseisin, and stated he had entry by Hugh de Loges his father.

The jury found that Hugh de Loges the father of Hugh died seised of the rent in question, and after his death the said Hugh had taken the rent for two years whilst a plea was pending between the said Richard and William Bagot respecting the manor of Souwe, and after Richard had recovered the manor he had received the rent for a year, and until the said Hugh had distrained the tenants to pay it to him. Verdict for Richard. m. 15, dorso.

Warw. Richard de Loges who had brought a jury of twenty-four to convict a jury of twelve in a suit against Gilbert le Harpeur of Cestreton respecting common of pasture appurtenant to his free tenement in Cestreton, withdrew his plea, and is committed to prison. m. 15, dorso.

Assizes taken at Stafford before R. de Hengham and John fitz Aery on the Saturday after the Feast of St. Matthew, 7 E. I.

An assize, etc., if William de Stafford, Roger son of John de Lyttlebury, Thomas de Ferrars, Richard de Stratton, Walter de Stafford, William de Brunton, Robert de Verney, John de Say, James son of William de Stafford, Robert de Caverswelle and Richard his brother, Thomas the Provost of Saundon (Sandon), and twenty-nine others named, had unjustly disseised William Trumwyn of his free tenement in Great Saundon (Sandon) and Little Saundon, viz., of the third part of two parts of the manor of Great Saundon and Little Saundon, and a bovate of land, half a virgate of land, two parts of a mill, etc.

William Trumwyne withdrew his suit, and it was agreed between the parties that the third part of the two parts of the manor claimed by him should be divided into three parts, of which one share should remain to the said William Trumwyne and his heirs in fee for ever, and a second share should be held by William Trumwyne for term of his life by the courtesy of England, and after his death this share should revert to William de Stafford and his heirs for ever, and the residue should belong to the said William de Stafford and his heirs for ever. A similar arrangement was made respecting the two parts of the mill, and the rest of the land claimed was conceded by William de Stafford to William Trumwyne and his heirs in fee for ever. m. 19.

Staff. An assize, etc., if Petronilla la Brette mother of William le Brette was seised of a messuage and twelve acres of land in Burgheston (Burston) when she died, and which Richard son of John de Burheston and Petronilla his wife and Alice daughter of Philip le Bret now hold. The jury say that Petronilla died seised of the tenement in question, and that William is her next heir. He therefore recovers seisin. m. 20.

Staff. An assize, etc., if Henry de Hextall father of Henry son of Henry de Hextalle, who is stated to be within age, was seised as of fee, etc., of two messuages, sixty-one acres of land, an acre of meadow, and 20s. 8d. of rent in Melwiz (Milwich) when he died, and of which Philip de Chetewynde and Robert le Broun hold one messuage, and Robert son of Symon and the said Philip hold one messuage, William son of Ralph and the said Philip nine acres of land, and the said Philip fifty-two acres of land and the acre of meadow and the said rent.

Philip stated he claimed nothing in the land except the custody of the tenements till the full age of Henry son of Henry de Hexstall, who held the tenement of him by knight's service. And Henry son of Henry stated his father held nothing of the said Philip by which he could claim wardship. The jury find in favour of Henry, who recovers seisin. Damages 20s. m. 20.

Staff. Roes Trussell acknowledged for herself and her heirs she owed Roes de Staundon 120 marks, of which £25 is to be paid within a fortnight of Michaelmas next coming, and so from year to year at the same time until the debt is paid off. m. 20.

Staff. An assize, etc., if William son of Geoffrey de Tybyton, uncle of Henry de Herevile (Heronville) and brother of Lucy wife of Stephen de Prewes, and brother of Alice wife of William de Oxele, and brother of Isabella wife of Robert le Blomere, and brother of Alienora daughter of Geoffrey son of William, was seised, etc., as of fee of a messuage, a carucate of land, and 50s. of rent in Tybiton (Tipton) when he died, and which tenements and rent are held by Amice de Hondesacre and William her son. The jury find in favour of Henry, Lucy, Alice, and the other coheirs, and they state that William de Hondesacre had held the said tenements after the death of William son of Geoffrey. Henry and the other coheirs are therefore to recover damages, which were taxed by the recognitors of the assize at 57s. m. 22, dorso.

Pleas before Ralph de Hengham, at Westminster, on the Octaves of St. John the Baptist (Assizes in various Counties), 7 E. I.

Staff. An assize, etc., if Henry son of Richard de Gorsthull, brother of Geoffrey son of the said Richard de Gorsthull, was seised as of fee, etc., of two and a half acres of land in Shenestan (Shenstone) when he died, and which land William de Percy holds. William de Percy appeared and stated that the land was the maritagium of one Alesia his wife who was not named in the writ; and as Geoffrey could not deny this, he asked permission to withdraw his suit. m. 23.

Assizes taken at Stafford on the Saturday after the Feast of St. Matthew, 7 E. I., before R. de Hengham and John fitz Aery.

Staff. An assize, etc., if John de Elkesdon, Simon de Cliftone and Elena his wife, Simon Basset, Magister John de Stanlega, Christiana de Elkesdone, and Agnes Basset had unjustly disseised the Prior of Trentham of four messuages, sixty acres of land, sixty acres of pasture, sixty acres of meadow, one hundred acres of wood, etc., in Over Elkesdon. The defendants, with the exception of Magister John, stated they claimed nothing in the land.

And Magister John stated that a certain Adam Basset held half the said tenements, and one Ralph son of Bate held ten acres of the other half, and were in possession at the date the writ was sued out; and with respect to these portions he prayed for judgment on the writ. He stated also he entered by a feoffment made to him by Thomas son of the said Simon de Clifton, and Elena and Thomas had been enfeoffed by Simon and Elena.

And the Prior stated that the other defendants had formerly sued him for the manor of Over Elkesdone, with the exception of the tenements above mentioned, before the Justices Itinerant of the King's father, and had recovered it against him, and under colour of this verdict had disseised him of the tenements now in question.

The jury find that the said Adam Basset held the half of the tenements, and that the said Ralph held ten acres of the land in dispute at the time the writ was sued out, and that the said Magister John had not entered by means of a disseisin, but by a feoffment made to him by Thomas the son of Simon and Elena, and they say that the said Simon and Elena had disseised the Prior of the tenements in question. The Prior is therefore to recover seisin of the half excepting ten acres, and Simon and Elena are in misericordiâ, and the Prior is in misericordiâ for the false claim made for the residue. m. 24.

Staff. An assize, etc., if Ralph de Thyknes, William son of Nicholas de Audeley the Seneshall, and Alan son of Lovekyn had unjustly disseised Licoricia de Claytone of four acres of land in the vill of Newcastle-underLyme. Ralph stated he held two acres of the land in right of his wife Margaret, who was not named in the writ, and as regarded the residue that Lycoricia never was in seisin of it.

Lycoricia stated she had entered into the tenement as heir to her aunt, and had held it until dispossessed by Ralph. Ralph stated she could not claim as heir to her aunt because the said aunt had had a son.

The jury say that the four acres of land in dispute had been given to one Jordan in frank marriage with a certain Alina the aunt of Lycoricia, and Jordan had demised them for a term of years to one Thomas de Bokenhale, and in process of time the tenement had come into the hands of Ralph after the said Jordan and Alina had gone to Ireland, from which country they had never returned. And Lycoricia supposing the said term of years had expired, had entered into the tenement by night and taken seisin of it as nearest heir of the said Alina. And the jury being asked if Alina was still alive, stated they were ignorant, but they know she had a son before she started for Ireland, and they are not aware whether the son is alive or dead; and being asked if the term of years had expired, they say it had; and the said Lycoricia being asked if she would give up the land without suit or contradiction to the heirs of Alina if they came back from Ireland, said she would. It is therefore considered that Lycoricia should have seisin of the land to hold it until the nearest heir returned from Ireland. m. 24.

Assizes taken before R. de Hengham and John fitz Aer on the day of St. Bartholomew at Neweport, 7 E. I.

Staff. An assize, etc., if John Coygne (Coyney) of Weston and four others named had unjustly disseised the Prior of Ronton of his common of pasture in Weston near Caverswalle appurtenant to his free tenement in the same vill, viz., in one hundred acres of pasture where he used to common with all manner of cattle throughout the year.

The Prior withdrew his claim, and it was agreed between the parties that the said Prior should remit to John and his heirs all claim for pasture in the approvements made up to the Feast of St. Bartholomew, 7 E. I., and likewise in 12d. of rent which the said Prior used to receive from the said John; and for this concession the said John granted to the Prior in free alms six acres of land of his waste in the said vill to be assarted and cultivated saving to the said John and his heirs common of pasture in the land after the corn was carried. The said John also remitted to the Prior and his successors 6d. of rent which he used to receive from the Prior, and admitted the Prior's right to common of pasture in all wastes and woods of the said John in the same vill which had not been approved up to the time aforesaid, etc. m. 27.

Staff. An assize, etc., if Geoffrey de Greselega and Richard de Kengeslega had unjustly disseised Thomas Grym of Little Heywode of common of pasture in Morton appurtenant to his free tenement in Little Heywode, viz., in sixteen acres of wood.

Geoffrey stated that he was lord of Morton, and Thomas was his tenant, and that he had power to approve his wastes according to the provisions of Merton, leaving to his tenants sufficient pasturage appurtenant to their holdings, and free ingress and egress to the pasture. Thomas replied he held a small tenure of Geoffrey in the said vill, and it was not by reason of that holding he now claimed common of pasture in the sixteen acres in question, but by reason of another holding, and he stated that common in the said sixteen acres belonged to others as well as to Geoffrey, and therefore the statute of Merton did not apply. The jury say that the said Thomas used to common in the said sixteen acres for all the year, except for forty days at the time of mast, with all his cattle, and this right of common was appurtenant to a tenement he did not hold of Geoffrey. Verdict for Thomas. m. 27.

Staff. An assize, etc., if Richard son of Robert de Acton and Robert son of Ralph de Couley had unjustly disseised John de Coulega of common of pasture in Coulega (Cowley) appurtenant to his free tenement in the same vill. The defendants pleaded that Coulega was of the ancient demesne of the King, where such a writ would not run, and as Joan (sic) could not deny this, the suit is dismissed. m. 27, dorso.

Staff. An assize, etc., if John de Werdon (Verdun) the father of Theobald de Werdon was seised as of fee, etc. of forty acres of land in Baldrithelega (Balterley) when he died, which Geoffrey Gryffyn holds. Verdict for Theobald de Verdon, and Geoffrey is in misericordiâ. m. 27, dorso.

Staff. Agatha de Morlay, who brought an assize of novel disseisin against William le Jouene seygnur, Henry son of Hugh, and others named in the writ, respecting common of pasture in Contone (Colton), withdrew her plea. m. 27, dorso.

Staff. John de Poleswurth, who brought a writ of novel disseisin against Robert de Acoure (Okeover) of Denston and Margaret his wife, and Robert son of the said Robert, respecting a tenement in Quikeshull, withdrew his plea. m. 28, dorso.

Staff. William de Audedele, whom Petronilla the widow of John de Audele of Blore, called to warranty against Roger de Hales and Isabella his wife in a plea of mort d'ancestor, is essoined by William de Wishale. A day is given to him on the Tuesday after the close of Easter at Pencriz. m. 28, dorso.

Staff. An assize, etc., if Alienora the widow of Robert de Ferrars had unjustly disseised John le Foune of Holyngton of fifteen acres of land in Chartelay. Thomas Meverel the Bailiff of Alienora appeared for her, and stated that John had never been in seisin of the tenement.

The jury find that the tenement formerly belonged to one Simon de Cotes, who held it with other tenements, and that Simon had enfeoffed Robert de Ferrars and the said Alienora conjointly of the said fifteen acres, and therefore although the said John held some land in the said vill by the feoffment of Robert, he could never have been in seisin of the fifteen acres in question. Verdict for Alienora. m. 29.

Staff. An assize, etc., if Henry son of Roger de Caverswell had unjustly disseised John son of Robert le Clerk of a messuage and twelve acres of land in Levedale. Henry gave up the tenement. m. 29.

Staff. An assize, etc., if John le Caldloverd of Little Onne, John Bagot, and twelve others named, had unjustly disseised Henry de Wyverstone of his common of pasture in . . . viz., in twelve acres of land. John and the other defendants appeared and stated that the manor of Befcote was of the ancient demesne of the King, where such a writ would not run. Henry stated that the land he held in the said vill was not of the nature of sokmanship (extra naturam sokemanneriæ), and that his ancestors had been enfeoffed of it, but he produced no deed or evidence. He is therefore in misericordiâ. m. 29.

Assizes of various Counties taken before the King (fn. 2) at Westminster at a month from Michaelmas, 7 E. I.

Staff. An assize, etc., if Robert Bertram the father of Robert son of Robert Bertram was seised as of fee, etc., of a messuage and half a virgate of land in Thorp-Constantine when he died, and which John Costantine and Richard Costantine hold; and Richard had elsewhere appeared before R. de Hengham and stated that he alone held the tenement, and he called to warranty the said John, who was present and pleaded that no notice of warranty had been given to him, and to whom this day was accordingly given, and he now appeared by his attorney, but the said Richard never appeared, but essoined his attendance, which essoin would be annulled by the statute, inasmuch as he had appeared already in another place before Ralph de Hengham. The assize is therefore to be taken by default in his absence, but it is respited till the Tuesday after the close of Easter at Pencriz, through defect of a jury. The Sheriff is therefore to produce the jury at the above date. m. 29, dorso.

Staff. An assize, ete., if Cecilia daughter of Richard Godriche the mother of Richard son of Elias de Bickeford was seised as of fee, etc., of an acre and a half of land in Essinton when she died, and which Nicholas Purcel and Margaret his wife hold. Nicholas and Margaret had appeared at Newport before R. de Hengham and called to warranty Robert de Wyston. Robert did not appear, and the assize is to be taken by default, but is respited till the Tuesday (as above). m. 29, dorso.

Assizes, Certificates, and Attaints taken before Ralph de Hengham and Reginald de Leye at Pencryz on the day of St. Bartholomew, 8 E. I.

Staff. The suit respecting land in Upper Elkesdon between Simon Basset and others on one side, and the Prior of Trentham on the other, is concluded by a verdict in favour of the Prior. m. 37.

Staff. An assize, etc., if William Trumwyne, Roger de Littlebyri, and William de Stafford had unjustly disseised William son of William Trumwyne of three messuages and a virgate of land, the fourth part of a virgate, forty acres of land, and 21d. of rent in Little Sondon (Sandon), Smalris, and Wytenacre (Wheatenacre). William de Stafford stated he had entered by the said William Trumwyne and not by a disseisin, and that a collusive arrangement had been made between William Trumwyne and William son of William that William should enfeoff William son of William of these same tenements of which he now complained he had been disseised, and that although William had made a deed to that effect, that William son of William had never had seisin of them.

The jury say that one Margaret de Veroun (sic) had formerly held the said tenements in dower of the inheritance of one John de Lytleburi, and she had conveyed them to William Trumwyne for the term of her life; that afterwards the said William by collusion had enfeoffed in the same tenements William his son by charter, and had put him in seisin of them, and he had taken the homage of the tenants. It is considered therefore that William son of William Trumwyne should recover seisin of the said tenements by view of recognitors, and his damages are taxed at two marks, and William Trumwyne is in misericordiâ, and William son of William is similarly in misericordiâ for his suit against William de Stafford. m. 37.

Staff. An assize, etc., if William de Cotes, Reginald de Podymore, and Hugh de Swynesheved had unjustly disseised Robert Corbet of three and a half acres of wood in Cherleton.

The defendants stated that Robert had a certain waste, and wished to approve it, and as he could not do so without their consent he had assigned the wood in question to them with other land, and they produced his deed to that effect. Verdict for the defendants. m. 38.

Staff. An assize, etc., if John de Parva Sogenhill, Cecilia his mother, Thomas son of Thomas de Mareys, and Geoffrey de Parva Sogenhill, had unjustly disseised Nicholas son of Simon de Aspelegh and Avice his wife of an acre of land in Great Sogenhull (Sugnall). John answered for all the defendants, and stated the land in question was in Little Sogenhull and not in Great Sogenhull, and if it was decided that the land was in Great Sogenhull, he added that Robert his father had died seised of it. The jury say the tenement is in Great Sogenhull, and John and the others had disseised Nicholas and Avice of it unjustly. m. 38.

Staff. An assize, etc., if Geoffrey de Caunvile, Hugh de London, and David Bessyn had unjustly disseised John le Rus of his free tenement in Haunton, viz., of a messuage and five virgates of land of demesne, and ten acres of meadow and three virgates of land held in villenage. David Bessyn the bailiff of the said Geoffrey answered for the defendants, and stated that Geoffrey claimed nothing in the land but the custody of it until the lawful age of Ralph son of Ralph de Grendon, who was under age, and was not named in the writ, and prayed for judgment on the writ. The suit is dismissed. m. 38, dorso.

Staff. An assize, etc., if Robert son of Geoffrey, Matilda de Chelinton, John and William her brothers, and Thomas de la Hyde, and Nicholas de Penynton had unjustly disseised John son of Geoffrey de la Hyde of a messuage and ten acres of land in Chillinton. Robert answered for all, and stated that his father Geoffrey had been seised of the tenement when he died, and he had entered immediately after his father's death, and John never had had seisin of it.

John stated that the said Geoffrey his father had died seised of it, and he had entered into it after the death of Geoffrey, and was in good and peaceful seisin of it until ejected by Robert and the others. John afterwards withdrew his suit. (fn. 3) m. 38, dorso.

Staff. An assize, etc., if John de Herovill, Richard de la Lydeyate and his son Henry, had unjustly disseised Henry de Bruly of a messuage and twelve acres of land and two acres of meadow in Wednesbury. Richard answered for all, and stated Wednesbury was of the ancient demesne of the King, where such a writ would not run. Henry withdrew his suit. m. 39.

Assizes, etc., taken at Stafford before the same Justices on the Monday after St. Bartholomew, 8 E. I.

Staff. An assize, etc., if Margaret la Russe had unjustly disseised Richard son of Roger Illory of a messuage and six acres of land in Sheleftel (sic, Shelfield). Richard withdrew his suit. m. 39.

Staff. An assize, etc., if Henry son of Hugh de Colton and John Griffin had unjustly disseised William son of Matilda of Uttokather (Uttoxeter) and Juliana his wife of common of pasture in forty acres of wood in Colton, where they used to common with all kinds of cattle after the time of mast. Henry and John stated that the plaintiffs never had had common of pasture in the wood, and which had been enclosed ever since the time of King John, and the jury find in their favour. m. 39.

Staff. An assize, etc., if Robert de Warde and two others had unjustly disseised Felomina the widow of Robert de Brodok of a messuage and twenty-three acres of land in Brodok which she held in dower. Robert stated that Brodok was not a vill nor a borough, but a certain place within Kingele (Kingsley), and prayed for judgment on the writ; and if it was decided that Brodok was a vill, he stated that Felomina never was in seisin of the land, and that the ancestors of Robert her husband held it of his ancestors at will from year to year. Philomena withdrew her suit, and it was arranged that Robert should grant her a house and seven acres of land for her life at an annual rent of 21d. m. 39.

Assizes taken at Newport before the same Justices on the Sunday after St. Bartholomew, 8 E. I.

Salop. An assize, etc., if Thomas son of Robert de Wodecote, William Randulf, and forty-three others named, had unjustly disseised John son of Michael de Morton of a messuage and half a virgate of land in Wodecote. The same assize also came to make recognition if the defendants had unjustly disseised William son of Michael de Morton of fifty-eight acres of land, two acres of meadow, the third part of a water-mill and vivary, etc., in Lyndon and Wodecote.

William Randulf answered for all the defendants, and stated he had entry by a feoffment of Thomas son of Robert de Wodecote, who was present and acknowledged this, and answered for himself and the others, and stated that his grandmother Isabella held the said tenements in dower, and the King after the death of Robert his father had taken into his hands all his lands, in consequence of Robert holding of the King (in capite); that the King had afterwards surrendered the lands to him, and he had enfeoffed in them the said William Randolf, together with the reversion of that part held in dower by Isabella when it should fall in, and after the death of Isabella he had entered into the tenement held by her, and had enfeoffed in it the said William.

John and William de Morton admitted Isabella had held the tenement in dower, but stated that she had surrendered it to Thomas during her lifetime, and Thomas whilst in good seisin of it had enfeoffed the said John and William of it. The jury find in favour of John and William sons of Michael de Morton. m. 41.

Assizes taken at Pencriz before the same Justices [no date]. (fn. 4)

Staff. An assize, etc., if Margaret la Rousse of Waleshale and John Paynel had unjustly disseised the Abbot of Hales of common of pasture in thirty-six acres of waste in Waleshale.

Margaret appeared and answered for herself and John, and stated that Waleshale was of the ancient demesne of the King where such a writ would not run, and prayed for judgment on it. The Abbot replied that whether Waleshale was of ancient demesne or not, she ought not to object to the writ, because one Henry son of Richard had held the tenement in Waleshale, to which the common of pasture was appurtenant, of the Church of Waleshale, and had enfeoffed in it one of the Abbots his predecessor. Margaret stated that the tenement in question had been held of her ancestors for 18d. per annum, of which 12d. was assigned to the lighting of the Church, and the other 6d. was paid to her ancestors, and of the 6d. she is in seisin of 3d., and William de Morteyn her coparcener is in seisin of the other 3d.

The jury say that Richard de Calnhull the father of Henry formerly held the tenement in question of the said Church of Waleshale and of the Abbots who were the Parsons of it, for the service of 12d. annually, and they held it in free alms of the gift of the ancestors of Margaret, and the same Richard held a croft in the same vill of the same lord for the service of 6d. annually, and Henry the son of Richard wishing to benefit the Church, had enfeoffed the Abbot's predecessor of these tenements, and the common of pasture was appurtenant to them. Verdict for the Abbot; damages 2s. m. 42.

Assizes taken at Stafford [no date].

Staff. An assize, etc., if Margaret la Rousse had unjustly disseised William son of William de Schelfeld of four acres of land in Schelfeld. Margaret appeared by her bailiff, who stated that William le Rous the father of Margaret had died seised of the tenement, and it had been assigned to her by the King as part of her purparty. Adjourned to Pencriz for the morrow of the close of Easter. m. 42, dorso.

Assizes of co. Stafford taken at Westminster before Ralph de Hengham and R. de Legh on the Octaves of St. Martin, 8—9 E. I.

Staff. An assize, etc., if Roger de Stretton father of William son of Roger de Stretton was seised as of fee, etc., of a messuage and a virgate and a half of land in Stretton when he died, which Adam del Park and Cecilia his wife hold, who appeared and called to warranty Richard de Stretton. Adjourned to the morrow of the close of Easter at Pencriz. m. 45.

Staff. An assize, etc., if Henry Pynel of Hydesland the uncle of Simon Pynel was seised as of fee, etc., of a messuage and half a virgate of land in Hydeslaund when he died, which Richard de Teverey of Pencriz holds, who appeared and called to warranty Robert son of John de Engleton. Adjourned to the same date at Pencriz. m. 45.

Assizes taken at Stafford before Ralph de Hengham and Reginald de la Leye on the Friday before St. Laurence, 9 E. I.

Staff. William Purcel withdrew his suit against Richard de Marham and Margaret his wife and others respecting common of pasture in Bisseburi. m. 61.

Staff. An assize, etc., if John de Swynwerton and seven others named had unjustly disseised John de Cherleton of his common of pasture in Swynnerton appurtenant to his free tenement in Cherleton, viz., in eighty acres of heath. John stated that John de Cherleton had no common of pasture in Swynwerton except by agreement, viz., that so long as he ground his corn at the mill of Swynwerton he should have common of pasture there. John de Cherleton denied this, and stated he had held common of pasture in Swynwerton without any condition of the kind, until he had been disseised of it by the defendants.

The jury say that Swynwerton and Cherleton are of different baronies, and that common of pasture in one vill is not appurtenant to the other, and that John de Cherleton was in seisin of common of pasture in Swynwerton by reason only of the multure of his corn there. m. 61.

Staff. John Giffard sued Nicholas de Penynton, Richard de Bromhale, and others, for illegally throwing down a fence in Chylynton. The defendants pleaded that the fence had been presented and convicted in the Bishop's Court of Chilinton, and ordered to be prostrated. John stated the fence had stood for a year and upwards, and that a presentment of this kind could only be made at two tourns (fn. 5) yearly, at which tourns it had not been presented. The jury say the fence had stood for more than a year, when by the procurance of the said Nicholas a presentment had been made against it in the Bishop's Court. Verdict for John Giffard: damages half a mark, and the fence is to be put up again at the cost of the defendants. m. 61, dorso.

Staff. An assize, etc., if William de Audele, Ela the widow of James de Audele, and ten others named, had unjustly disseised Ralph de Gretton of common of pasture in Horton appurtenant to his free tenement in Gretton, viz., in eighty acres of wood and heath. William and Ela state that Ralph is their tenant and homager, and had sufficient pasture for his cattle, and free ingress and exit, etc., and they pray for judgment that it is lawful for lords of wastes to approve them so long as they left sufficient pasture to their men. Verdict for William. m. 62.

Staff. An assize, etc., if the Abbot of Oseney and twenty-four others named had unjustly disseised Margaret la Rousse of common of pasture in Stonhall appurtenant to her free tenement in Waleshale, viz., in five hundred acres of wood and waste where she was accustomed to common with all kind of cattle throughout the year. The Abbot admitted her right to common of pasture in the open season. Verdict for Margaret. m. 62.

Staff. An assize, etc., if Roger the Bishop of Coventry and Lichfield, Adam le Bedel, William Meverel, Stephen de Ulsale, and sixteen others named, had unjustly disseised Philip Nowell (Noel) of common of pasture in Eccleshale appurtenant to his free tenement in Newebold, (fn. 6) viz., in twenty acres of heath, where he was accustomed to common throughout the year with all manner of cattle. Verdict for Philip. m. 62.

Staff. An assize, etc., if Thomas de Melewiz, William de Kavereswall, Kt., William de Piestok, Robert de Mere, John de Grendon, and ten others named, had unjustly disseised William del Puiz of common of pasture in forty acres of waste in Melewiz (Millwich) appurtenant to his free tenement in the same vill.

Thomas de Melewiz answered for himself and all his men, and stated that William is his homager (homo), and has sufficient pasture for his cattle, and free exit and entrance, and prayed judgment that the lords of wastes could approve them so long as they left sufficient pasture, etc., to their tenants, and John de Grendon (fn. 7) gave the same answer for himself and his men. No verdict. m. 62.

Staff. An assize, etc., if Hugh de Hakedon and William de Bredelegh had unjustly disseised Lucy the wife of Reginald de Huntenbach and Avice the wife of William de Horseleye of four acres of land in Hakedon. William stated he claimed nothing except by a demise of the land to him for twenty years made by the said Hugh, and Hugh stated he entered by a demise made to him by Robert the father of Lucy and Avice for a term of twenty years. Reginald and the others say that Lucy and Avice had been in seisin of the land after the death of their father Robert. The jury state that Hugh and William had no claim except by a demise of the land to them for twenty years, and that term had now expired. Reginald and the others therefore to have seisin. m. 62, dorso.

Staff. Robert son of Robert Gaunsel of Alveton sued Theobald de Verdun for unjustly disseising him of two messuages and three and a half acres of land, and half an acre of pasture in Alveton. Theobald appeared by his bailiff and stated that Robert was his villain. Suit respited to Eccleshale on the Wednesday after the Assumption. m. 62, dorso.

Assizes taken at Eccleshale on the Wednesday after the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin, before R. de Hengham and R. de Leye, 9 E. I.

Staff. An assize, etc., if Henry de Northale the father of John was seised as of fee, etc., of a messuage and two acres of meadow, and nine acres and half a virgate of land in Chilinton, when he died, and which John Giffard holds. John Giffard appeared and pleaded that John son of Henry was his villain; and John son of Henry stated that notwithstanding his ancestors had held by villain services, Peter Giffard the father of the said John had enfeoffed freely Henry his father by his deed which he produced. The jury say that Henry the father of John died in a free status, and had seisin by the feoffment made to him by Peter Giffard. John de Northale is therefore to recover seisin. Damages 10s. m. 66, dorso.

Staff. An assize, etc., if Hugh de Okovere the father of Robert was seised as of fee, etc., of twenty acres of land, three acres of meadow, twenty acres of wood, and £10 10s. 7d. of rent in Swynescou (Swinscoe) when he died, which the Abbot of Roffa (Rowcester) held. The Abbot stated that Hugh did not die seised of the land, for long before his death he had enfeoffed him in it by a charter, which he produced. The suit is respited till the next coming of the Justices. m. 67.

Staff. An assize, etc., if Walter de Morton, Robert de Brunton, Richard de Picheford, William de Draycote, Thomas de Engelton, John de Waltham, Adam de Parco, William de la Dune, Adam de Olney, William son of Robert de Eyton, Richard le Mey of Abeton, Henry de Wolaveston, Henry de Wyvereston, Alan le Bedel (fn. 8) Adam Cornet, and nineteen others named, had unjustly disseised the Prior of Lappeley of sixty perches of land, etc., in Eston near Lappeley. Adam and the others appeared and pleaded that a presentment had been made at the Sheriff's tourn of Cotheleston Hundred that the Abbot had obstructed a road, and they had thrown down by order of the Sheriff a certain mote (mota) which the Prior had made. The jury find that the defendants had thrown down (prostracerunt) the mote by their own authority and not by the Sheriff's precept. It is therefore ordered to be restored at their expense. m. 67.

Assizes taken at Mere before Ralph de Hengham and Reginald de Leye on the Saturday after the Feast of St. Botulph, 10 E. I.

Staff. An assize, etc., if Richard de Abetoft of Barleye, Richard de Curzun of Croxale, and eight others named, had unjustly disseised John son of Ralph de la Bache of a messuage in Edeningdale (Edingale).

Richard de Curzun answered for all the defendants, and stated that he had entered by Richard de Abetoft, and called him to warranty. Richard de Abetoft was present and warranted the messuage to him, and stated he had entered by a feoffment made by one Roger de la Bache, and he produced his charter. John pleaded he had seisin of the messuage as heir of his brother Roger. The jury find that John was in peaceable seisin of the messuage, together with his mother Matilda, until ejected by the said Richard and the others. He is therefore to recover seisin, and Richard de Curzun is to be compensated by Richard de Abetoft. m. 74.

Staff. An assize, etc., if Adam de Chetewynd, William de Ippestanes, Eva de Oswaldestre, John her son, and William le Provost had unjustly disseised Richard de Acoure (Okeover) and Beatrice his wife of a messuage and one-third of sixteen acres, and one-third of one hundred acres of wood in Ippestanes. Adam answered for himself only, and stated that he claimed through William de Ippestaues, who is under age and in ward to him. William de Ippestanes stated that Richard and Beatrice had never been in seisin of the tenement, because William de Ippestanes his father had enfeoffed in it one Petronilla la vedue (the widow), and after the death of Petronilla, he (William) had entered as of his own right. The jury say that as regards the sixteen acres, Beatrice had formerly recovered them in Banco in a suit against John de Verdun as her dower (the rest is illegible).

Staff. An assize, etc., if John de Tresel had unjustly disseised Geoffrey de Bradelegh and William de Overton of 21s. of rent from a water mill in Seysdon; the jury say that Robert le Mouner (Miller) had formerly held the mill of the said Geoffrey for the said rent of 21s., and Geoffrey had enfeoffed William of a part of the rent, and afterwards Robert had sold the mill to John, and when Geoffrey and William tried to distrain John for the rent, John had resisted the distress. Geoffrey and William are therefore to recover seisin. Damages 10s. 6d. m. 74, dorso.

Staff. An assize, etc., if the Prior of St. Thomas near Stafford and Thomas Meverel of Gayton had unjustly disseised Richard le Parker of eighty acres of wood and waste in Charteleye; and the Prior and Thomas de Gayton (sic) appeared and stated the land was in Gayton and not in Charteleye, and that Robert de Ferrars formerly Earl of Derby had held it in severalty, and had enfeoffed them in it. They say also that Richard had sufficient pasture elsewhere appurtenant to his tenure, and Robert de Ferrars the lord had approved the said waste. The jury find in their favour. m. 77.

Staff. An assize, etc., if Henry de Oxonia, Hervey de Wolfrehampton Richard de Echeles, Thomas de Pyrye, Geoffrey de Graseley, and others named, had unjustly disseised Richard son of Nicholas de Wolfrehampton of common of pasture in twenty-two acres of wood and heath in Wolfrehampton. Henry and the others answer by Moysem the Bailiff, and state that they are tenants of the Dean of Wolfrehampton, and the Dean had the power of approving the waste of the manor according to the Provision of Merton, so long as he left sufficient pasture to his tenants, and free entry and exit. The jury say that Richard had not sufficient entry nor sufficient pasturage for his tenure in the said vill. He is therefore to recover seisin, and his damages are taxed at 20s. m. 77.

Staff. An assize, etc., if Robert Lesyng the father of Susan the wife of Robert Lauvel was seised, etc., as of fee of a messuage and fourteen acres of land in Wytokeshather (Uttoxeter) when he died, and which Thomas de Stamford holds, who appeared and called to warranty Henry Oweyn who appeared and called to warranty John son and heir of Robert de Ferrars son and heir of William de Ferrars, formerly Earl of Derby, who is under age and in ward to the King, and he produced a charter of Robert de Ferrars granting the tenement to him (Henry). Robert and Susan pleaded that Robert de Ferrars never held the tenement after the death of Robert de Lesyng the father of Susan.

Henry stated that King Henry, whilst the said Robert was under age and in ward to him, had given the wardship and custody of his lands to Alianora the Queen his consort, and the said Queen had demised the tenement to Henry to hold till the full age of the heir; and when Robert had come of age he had enfeoffed him in the tenement. The jury find in favour of Thomas and Henry. m. 77.

Staff. An assize, etc., if Adam de Otherton, Isolda his mother, Robert Freman, John de Oteleye and Alice his wife, Robert de Pylatenhale, and three others named, had unjustly disseised Richard de Loges of common of pasture in eighteen acres of arable land in Otherton, appurtenant to his free tenement in Rotheboldeston (Rodbaston). Richard withdrew his plea. m. 77, dorso.

Assizes taken at Salop before the same Justices on the Saturday after the Octaves of St. John the Baptist, 10 E. I.

Staff. An assize, etc., if Reginald de Huntebache the uncle of Lucy de Halfhyde and cousin of William son of Felicia was seised, etc., as of fee of two messuages and a virgate and a half of land excepting four acres in Waleton and Huntebache when he died and of which tenements Roger the Bishop of Coventry and Lychfeld holds half a messuage and a half virgate of land, and John Gyffard of Walton holds half a messuage and a virgate of land excepting four acres. Roger the Bishop and John Gyffard stated an assize would not lie because Reginald had two sisters Alice and Petronilla, and Alice had issue Margaret, who is not named in the writ. As the plaintiffs Lucy and William could not deny this, the suit is dismissed. m. 78.

Staff. An assize, etc., if Alienora de Grendon the mother of Isabella the wife of Roger de Hales was seised, etc., of a messuage and a bovate of land in Grendon when she died, and which Petronilla the widow of John de Audedelegh of Blore holds. Petronilla made default, and William de Audedelegh, of whose inheritance she holds, appeared and prayed to be heard for her, and stated Alienora never died seised of the tenement claimed, but held it by a demise of one Philippa de Grendon, who held it in dower. The jury find that Alienora died seised of the tenement, and that Isabella is her next heir. Isabella therefore to have seisin. m. 78.

Salop. An assize, etc., if Robert de Bispeston the father of Robert de Bispeston was seised, etc., of a virgate of land in Bispeston (Bishton) when he died, which John son of Robert de Bispeston holds. John appeared and stated that Robert had enfeoffed him in the said tenement by his charter, which he produced; he stated also that Robert had taken his homage, and therefore if he was impleaded for the tenement, he ought to warrant it to him, and he prayed for judgment; and on being asked in what place he had taken his homage, he replied he had taken it in full Court at Albryton (Allbrighton) in the presence of John de Pychesford, William de Wrottesle, Herbert de Wyke, and John son of Henry de Bispeston.

Robert denied he had accepted the homage of John for the said tenements, and stated he had never had seisin of them. Verdict for John. m. 78.

Warw. An assize, etc., if Robert son of Robert de Stafford and five others named had unjustly disseised Edmund the son of Robert de Stafford of a messuage and a carucate of land, etc., in Overe Tysho. Edmund stated that the said Robert had enfeoffed him in the said tenements in Tysho, and had sent a bailiff with his letters patent to put him in seisin of them, and afterwards coming to Tysho himself, had ratified all that his bailiff had done, and had summoned all the men of the tenure of Tysho to do homage to him (Edmund) in his presence, and then when he (Edmund) had been in good and peaceable seisin of them, he had come with a number of men and ejected him from them.

The jury stated that the tenements in question belonged to Robert de Stafford the father of Robert, who had enfeoffed him (Robert) in them, and he wishing to promote the said Edmund his brother, had given the said tenements to him to hold to him and his heirs, but with the condition that he (Robert) should hold them during his lifetime, and a fine was levied in Banco to this effect; and afterwards there was an arrangement made between them respecting these tenements in Tysho and other tenements of the said Edmund in Norton, co. Stafford, viz., that Edmund should enfeoff Robert in ten librates of land in Norton to hold for his life, for which Robert should remit his claim in the land in Tysho; but afterwards when the agreement made between them was read out at Norton, Edmund, dissatisfied with certain articles in it, had torn it up, and Robert had immediately returned to Tysho and had never relinquished his status there. Verdict for Robert. m. 79.

Assizes taken at Aston on the morrow of St. Margaret, 10 E. I., before R. de Hengham and Henry de Sheldon.

Warw. An assize, etc., if Robert le Baron de Stafford the father of Nicholas le Baron of Stafford was seised, etc., of a carucate of land in Overe Tysho when he died, which Robert de Stafford holds. The jury say that Robert the Baron died seised of the tenement, and that Nicholas is his next heir. Nicholas therefore to recover seisin. Damages nothing, because Robert had died. m. 80, dorso.

Assizes taken at Stafford. No date, but probably of 10 E. I.

Staff. An assize, etc., if Richard de Stretton, Thomas de Pykestoke, and two others named, had unjustly disseised William de Stafford of one-third of fourteen acres of waste in Dunstone. The defendants appeared, and Thomas stated he claimed nothing except dominium over four acres which William de Pykestoke held of him. Richard stated William held nothing in the vill of Dunstune except two virgates and a half of land by a feoffment of his (Richard's) ancestors, and he had no right to approve any of the waste of Dunstune. William denied that he held by feoffment of the ancestors of Richard de Stretton, and stated that his ancestors were enfeoffed of the third part of the vill of Dunstune by the ancestors of the Baron of Stafford. No verdict. m. 84.

Assizes taken before the same at Salop, Friday on the Feast of St. Roman, 10 E. I. and 11 E. I.

Salop. An assize, etc., if Roes Trussel and two others named had unjustly disseised Hugh de Haleweton (Haughton) of common of pasture in Hales upon Lousyerd (Lizeard, i.e., Sheriff Hales), appurtenant to his free tenement in Halweton. Roes stated that Hugh had no right to common of pasture in Hales, and that William Pantouf her ancestor held all the waste in severalty enclosed by ditches. Respited till the next advent of the Justices. m. 85.

Salop. An assize, etc., if Richard de Mundeville and Matilda his wife and another had unjustly disseised Saer Mauveysin of the third part of one hundred acres of land and wood in Upton.

Richard and Matilda answered by their bailiff, and stated that the land in question was formerly held by John fitz Alan in severalty, and Saer and his ancestors had no claim over it except one oak annually by the delivery of the Foresters, and after the death of John fitz Alan, John his son held it in the same way, and after the death of John fitz Alan, junior, the said Matilda had her dower in the said land, and held the same status in it as the said John. Verdict for Richard and Matilda. m. 85.

Assizes taken at Pencriz on the Monday before the Feast of Michaelmas, 11 E. I.

Staff. An assize, etc., if William Trumwyne and four others named had unjustly disseised William de le More of common of pasture in two acres of arable land in Great Wyrleye where he used to common with all manner of cattle throughout the year. William Trumwyne and the others stated they held their portions of the land in severalty before William de la More had any dominium or free tenement in the said vill. No verdict. m. 88, dorso.

Staff. An assize, etc., if William son of William de Bagenholt had unjustly disseised Walter de Stanlegh of common of pasture in one hundred acres of wood in Bagenholt (Bagnal) appurtenant to his free tenement in Stanlegh. A convention was made by which it was agreed that Walter and his heirs should have common in the wood for all the year except for forty days between the Feast of Michaelmas and the Feast of St. Martin, and for this concession Walter acknowledged he owed to William 10 marks. m. 88, dorso.

Staff. An assize, etc., if Henry de Verdun, junior, Thomas de Pulesdon, Roger son of Roger de Walton, Alexander de Verdun, and another, had unjustly disseised Roger son of Hervey de Derlaveston of a fourth part of a rood of land in Derlaveston. Henry de Verdun and the other defendants stated the land in question was part of the waste which Henry father of Thomas could approve as they pleased. Roger stated that a certain Dionisia de Derlaveston held a noke of land as copareener of the manor, and had enfeoffed Hervey his father in it together with her purparty of the waste appurtenant to the vill of Derlaveston, so that he could approve the same as Henry de Verdum and his heirs, and he produced the deed of Dionisia to this effect.

Henry stated that notwithstanding this deed neither Hervey the father nor Thomas (? Roger) had ever been in seisin of the waste so that they could approve it at their pleasure. The jury say that the said Roger never had dominium in the said vill, nor was accustomed to sell turf except per merkettum, nor take anything from the waste except turf for burning like the other tenants of the same vill, nor had ever approved the waste as a coparcener. Verdict for Henry. m. 89.

Staff. An assize, etc., if William de Mere had unjustly disseised Thomas de Dutton of the fourth park of forty acres of heath and waste in Mere (Maer).

William stated that there were formerly four coparceners in the vill of Mere, viz., Thomas de Mere, the Prior of St. Thomas near Stafford, Thomas de Dutton and Philippa his wife, and Nicholas his father; and it was agreed between these four coparceners that none should approve without the permission of the others, and that when Thomas had come there he had departed from this agreement and had approved without the assent of the other coparceners. The jury find that the said waste had been divided between the coparceners of the vill, and Thomas had not approved without the assent of the others, but William had done so. Thomas is therefore to recover seisin of his common of pasture by view of the recognitors. m. 89.

Staff. An assize, etc., if William le Mareschal, John his brother, and John de Swynesco had unjustly disseised Ralph Wyther of common of pasture in ten acres of land in Staunton appurtenant to his free tenement in the same vill. William answered for all, and stated that Ralph had only right of pasture in the open season. The jury found, however, he had right of common throughout the year. m. 89.

Staff. An assize, etc., if Robert de Hugeford and fifteen others had unjustly disseised William de Pulton of common of pasture in twenty acres of heath in Hyldelveston (Hilderston) appurtenant to his free tenement in the same vill.

Robert stated that there had been a former plea between them before R. de Hengham at Lichfield, and peace had been made between them by his giving up six acres of land to be approved (fn. 9) by William. William stated the six acres in question had been given to him before the suit. The jury find in favour of William de Poulton. m. 89.

Assizes taken at Salop on the Friday after the Octaves of St. Martin.

Staff. An assize, etc., if Roger de Stretton father of William son of Roger de Stretton was seised, etc., when he died, of a messuage and a virgate and a half of land in Stretton which Adam del Park and Cecilia his wife hold, who appeared and called to warranty Richard de Stretton. Richard was present in court and warranted the tenement to them, and stated that Roger never died seised of it, and that William was not his nearest heir. The jury say that a certain Walter de Gnousale formerly held the tenement, and had made an arrangement with Roger that Roger should take his daughter and hold the land and find Walter all necessaries for his life, and after his death the tenement should fall to Roger in fee and inheritance, and Roger had died, and after the death of Roger Walter retained the tenement for a long time, so that Roger had not died seised of it. Verdict for Richard. m. 92.

Staff. An assize, etc., if Hervey de Stretton the father of Richard son of Hervey de Stretton was seised, etc., when he died of a messuage and half a virgate of land in Stretton which John son of Richard de Stretton and Felicia the widow of Simon del Corner of Stretton hold. John stated that Felicia held only at his will, and that one Richard de Meeston held an acre of the land, and if it should be found that he was sole tenant, he pleaded that Hervey never died seised of the land in demesne as of fee, because he held only a rent of 3s. in it. The jury find in favour of John de Stretton. m. 92.

Assizes taken at Bosewurth on the Tuesday before the Epiphany, 12 E. I.

Staff. An assize, etc., if John de Eton and Joan his wife and five others named had unjustly disseised Margaret the wife of William de Oseney of the half of two parts of the manor of Humeleye (Himley) and of the half of two assarts in Seggesle. John appeared, and Joan answered by John as her Bailiff. The jury say that the tenements formerly belonged to one Peter de Selleye, who had taken to wife Alice the niece (nepotem) of John de Plessy Earl of Warwick, and by her had issue two daughters, viz., the said Joan and Margaret the wives of the said John and William; and afterwards Peter thinking to promote the interests of his daughters, had enfeoffed John de Plessy of two parts of the manor of Humeleye and the two assarts in Seggesley in order that the said John should marry, (i.e., find husbands) for his two daughters, but when John de Plessy found that he was involved in various suits for the said land in the Court of Roger de Somery at Duddeley and elsewhere, and not wishing to remove the said Joan and Margaret the daughters of Peter from the land, he had enfeoffed them in it conjointly, and they were in good seisin of it and remained in the custody of their mother, and Alice the mother married Joan the eldest daughter, now the wife of John de Eton, to one Alan de Englefeud, and Alan and Joan had unjustly disseised Margaret of her purparty. William and Margaret are therefore to recover seisin. m. 94, dorso.

Footnotes

  • 1. Probably a collusive suit; see previous proceedings, 4 E. I., between the same parties.
  • 2. I.e., the King was present in Court. The assizes were no doubt taken before Ralph de Hengham and his fellow Justices.
  • 3. A verdict was given in another trial (membrane 39 of the Roll) in favour of the defendants.
  • 4. No doubt this membrane is out of place, and these suits are a continuation of those previously taken at Penkridge on St. Bartholomew's Day.
  • 5. I.e. at the two Great Hundred Courts held at Easter and Michaelmas.
  • 6. Newbolt in Chebsey. According to Chetwynd, Newbolt is the ancient name of Hilcote.
  • 7. The interest of John de Grendon does not appear in the pleadings, but it is evident he must have held a part of the manor.
  • 8. All the names down to Adam Cornet have been scored out on the roll.
  • 9. Latin approviatis, i.e., land taken from the waste of a manor, and enclosed so as to be held in severalty, either as pasture or arable.