The borough of Kings Lynn: Miscellaneous writings

Miscellaneous writings

(d.) Miscellaneous Writings, viz. Deeds of Gift, Acknowledgments, Agreements, Memoranda, &c.

—, —. Grant for ever, in perpetual almoign, by Robert the son of Anger de Rysing to the Hospital of St. Mary Magdalen on the calcetum between Gaywode and Lenn, and to the brethren serving or hereafter to serve God there, of twenty denarates of annual rent, to be had yearly of certain land in the Damgate of Lenn; the grant being made for the welfare of the donor's soul and of the souls of his father and mother. Witnessed by James de Beluaco then Mayor of Lenn, Richard Lamberd then alderman, William Wygeyn then steward, Robert de London, John Constentin, William le Palmer, Simon de Myntling, William le cronur, Geoffrey the dyer, Symon le lanedielman, Thurstan Erl, Eborard the tanner, Geoffrey the glover.—No date: but James de Beauveys was Mayor of Lenn 55–6 Henry III.

—, —. Charter of Grant and Confirmation, by Matilda the daughter of Richard Chine, in her free power and widowhood, to God and the Blessed Mary Magdalen on the calcetum between Lenn and Geywde and the brethren serving or hereafter to serve God there, in respect to all those lands which Richard Goche, her man, gave to them and by his charter confirmed to them; the present charter of gift and confirmation being made by the said Matilda, in consideration of sixty shillings sterling, paid to her by the said Brethren. Witnessed by Robert the Mayor, Roger de Well', Michael Beauueys, Peter the son of Siric, Peter Godlam, Symon Forwen, William the son of Peter, Adam de G'nemne, Ralph de Libertye(?), John Kelloc, Robert the son of John de Geywde, Albert de Geywde, Geoffrey the son of . . . ., Master Alexander and others.—No date: but Robert de London was Mayor of Lenn 56 Henry III.

—, —. Know all men present and to come. That I Alice formerly the wife of Eudo Arsic in my proper widowhood have given and granted and by this my present charter have confirmed to God, the hospital of St. Mary Magdalen on the calcetum between Lenn and Geywde and to the brethren serving and in time to come about to serve God there, for the welfare of my soul and the souls of my ancestors and of all who died in the faith, in pure and perpetual almoign, free and quit of all secular service, twenty and one acres and one rood of land in the Fields of Dunham, that is to say, seven acres of land in Wlnothesdele lying between the land of Roland of Kemestun towards the west and the land of Mabel formerly the wife of John Put towards the east, and abutting on the King's way towards the north, and seven acres lying between the land of John the priest of Thyrsford and the King's way, and one acre of land which Simon the priest of Dunham held towards Lekesham near the King's way at Simundespit whether it be computed more or less, and one acre of land which was formerly of William the son of Roger of Dunham, lying between the land of John the son of Robert and the said land which was of the said Symon the priest of Dunham, and two acres of land lying between the way which is called Strategate and the land of Gilebert Trig, and abutting on the land of John the son of Robert de Estlekesham, and two acres and half an acre of land which Richard de Spinei held, and three perches of land which Reynciris Hoche formerly held, lying between the land of Heltwise de Dunham and the land of William the clerk of Kemestun, And besides one fold of two hundred and fifty sheep to have and put in the same land and in the common pasture of Dunham to have common with my sheep. And I the said Alice an my heirs will for ever warrant this pure and perpetual almoign of all the aforesaid land free and quit in all things to God and the said hospital of St. Mary Magdalen, and the brethren serving or hereafter to serve God there against all people whatever may happen. In testimony of this thing I have to this charter put the impression of my seal. These being witnesses, John the son of Alexander of Dunham, William the son of the Knight of Westlekesham, Alan Ruffo, William Tyvi, Alan de Rokeshale in Pagraue, Alan the son of Philip of Pagraue, William the son of Robert of Pagraue, Richard Le Rus, Roger Le Strange de Fraweth, Gilbert of the other Fraweth, Godefrey the son of the Knight of Fraweth, William de Laye in Fraweth, Koneyn de Stowe and others. No date.

—, —. Grant for ever, in pure and perpetual almoign, by Nicholas the son of William Thurvor of Ridun, to God and the Blessed Mary Magdalen upon the calcetum between Len and Geywde and to the brethren serving and hereafter to serve God there, of six denarates of annual rent to be had yearly of certain perches of land, described in the charter: the grant being made for the welfare of the grantor's soul and for the souls of his ancestors and "successors;" and it being expressed that the gift is quit "ab omnibus serviciis secularibus et demandis scicut aliqua elemosina potest dari . . . . alicui domui religionis." Witnessed by Gilbert the Mayor of Lenn, Bartholomew de Beu'o, Roger de Boylund, Nicholas the son of William de Lenn, John de Bedeford, Hernic Wein de Clencwartun, John the son of Alexander, and his brother Alan. No date.

—, —. Grant, in perpetual almoign, by John de Kirtlinge the son of Alan de Kirtlinge, to God and the church (Deo et ecclesie) of the Blessed Mary Magdalen on the calcetum between Lenn and Geywde, of certain homage and service, that is to say, of twenty-two denarates of annual rent, arising from certain land in Ridun and Gangham; the grant being made for the welfare of the grantor's soul, and of the souls of his ancestors and successors, and it being expressed that the gift is quit of all secular services and demands "sicut aliqua elemosina potest dari melius ac liberius eidem domui vel alicui domui religionis" ; the concession being moreover accompanied with an engagement that the grantor and his heirs will warrant and defend "prenominatum homagium et servicium prenominate ecclesie et fratribus ibidem deo servientibus et servituris contra omnes homines." Witnessed by Robert de Gnefeld then the chaplain ministering there, Anger de Risinge, William de Gangham, Simon Bonet, Roger de Ridun, Roger and Simon the sons of Alan, Geoffrey de Tilneye, Nicholas the son of the priest (fil' sacerdotis), Roger Dunet, John de Gunetorp the clerk, Richard the clerk son of Alan the chaplain of Len, Simon Frewen, and many others. No date.

—, —. Grant by Eudo Arsic to the Friars of Geywde.—Know all men, present and to come, That I Eudo Arsic have granted and given and by this my charter have confirmed to God and St. Mary Magdalen on the calcetum between Lenn and Geywde, and to the brethren serving God there and to the brethren who shall serve God there in time to come, for the health of my soul and my ancestor's souls, and for the health of the soul of my wife Alice and of the souls of her ancestors in pure and perpetual almoign, free and quit of all secular service, sixteen acres of land lying in the field of Dunham, that is to say, seven acres of land in Wlnoresdele, between the land of Roland de Kemeston towards the west, and the land of Mabel formerly the wife of John Put towards the east, and abutting on the high way towards the north; and seven acres of land lying in its length between the land of John the priest of Thirsforde and the king's way, and abutting towards the west on the land of John the son of Robert, and towards the east on the land of the said Eudo Arsic; and one acre of land which Symon the priest of Dunham held towards Lechesham near the King's way at Lymundspa, whether it be computed at more or less; and one acre of land, formerly of William the son of Roger de Dunham, lying between the land of John the son of Robert, and the aforesaid land that was of the said Symon the priest. And besides I have granted and given to the aforesaid Brethren a fold of two hundred and fifty sheep, to have and put them in the same land and in the common pasture of Dunham to have commonage with our sheep. Moreover also, I Eudo Arsic and my heirs will warrant the aforesaid tenement and the aforesaid fold, together with the aforesaid pasture, to the brethren against all men for ever. These being witnesses, John de Dunham, Richard le rus, Symon de Keruinge, Nicholas the parson of Westlechesham, Jordan the parson of Dunham, Thomas Edeline, John de Oxewic, Robert the Mayor of Lenn, Roger Godlam, his brother Peter, William Saphir, Peter the son of Siric, Master Alexander, and others. No date.

—, —. Grant by Laurance Utlator of Lenn, to God and to the hospital of Len, and to the sick brethren serving God there (et fratribus infirmis ibidem deo servientibus) of a penny, to be had yearly of his purse on Michaelmas day throughout his life, the said grant being made for the welfare of the souls of the grantor, his parents and his benefactors: With further concession and provision that, after the grantor's death, the hospital and sick brethren serving God therein shall receive annually for ever the yearly rent of one penny, which Peter Strac and his heirs are bound to render the grantor and his assigns in perpetuity, from a certain four-feet breadth of land lying in the Damgate between the grantor's land and the said Peter's land. Witnessed by Sir Robert mayor of Lenn, Ralph Kelloc, Adam de G'nemitta, William the clerk de G'nemitta, Robert the son of David, Richard de Brecha, William the son of Aell'd, John de Geywdia, Michael de Beaw, Yvon de Lincoln, William the son of Richard, John the son of A'stin', and many others, No date.

—, —. Grant by Geoffry, the son of Peter, the son of John, the son of Swith of Len, of two denarates of rent yearly to be received of Ailled Mader and his heirs, from the chief messuage of the said Ailled, to God and the Hospital of St. Mary Magdalene on the calcetum between Len and Geywde and to the brethren who serve or shall serve God there. Witnessed by William de . . . ., Gilbert the son of Warin. John de Bedeford, Edmund de Walsingeham, John de Koltone, Geoffrey de Sleford, Odo the tanner, Thomas Coleuile, Peter de Leie clerk, Vincent the clerk and others. No date.

—, —. Grant for ever, by Margaret the daughter of Alexander of London to God and the church of St. Mary Magdalen on the calcetum between Lenn and Geywde and to the brethren serving God there, for the health of her soul and of her father's soul, and of the souls of all who have died in the faith, of—(1) the homage of Robert the son of Henry de Wis and a service of six shillings and eight pence yearly to be received at the Feast of St. Margaret, as the charter which the aforesaid brethren have of the grantor's mother Cecilia testifies; (2) the homage of Augustine the son of Orrich' de Clenchwarton and a service of forty pence; (3) the homage of William Scot de Tiln', and a service of twelve pence in like manner to be had at the Feast of St. Margaret, as the charter, which the aforesaid Brothers have of the grantor's aforesaid mother Cecilia, bears witness. Witnessed by Adam de Guntune, Peter the son of Sirie, Ralph Roman', John de Bedeford, Geoffrey de Lincoln, Robert de Walton, his nephew Walter, Fulk de Grimeston, John Kelloc, William de Parisio, William de Swafham, John de Clinch-Wardton, Alexander the Clerk, and others. No date.

—, —. Deed of Gift and conveyance for ever, at a yearly rent to her and her heirs for ever of one half-penny, of all her right in a certain ferry-boat at Lenn Ferry (in una nave transvectrici in passagio aque Lenn), which her father Symon de Waynfleth had in marriage with her mother Matilda, by Clarice (daughter of aforesaid Symon), in her widowhood and free power, to Geoffrey de Welle and his heirs and assigns for ever: the said grant being made in consideration of a payment of two marks sterling. Witnessed by Leman de Horningtoft, John Godewyn, Adam Koket and others. No date.

—, —. Grant in fee-farm for ever, at a yearly rent of eight pence, of two acres of arable land in the marsh of Ghewnd, called Saltushill and lying between Cotehill and the land of Adam de Gernemuth, by Simon, the parson of half of the church of Sk'ningham, to Peter the Chaplain, Master of the house of lepers of the Holy Mary Magdalen of Lenn, and to his successors being Masters of the same house; the grant being made "pro homagio suo quod michi fecit de feudo et pro tribus marcis Argenti quas michi dedit in gersuma." Witnessed by Gilbert de Hawesham, Adam de Gernemuth, Simon the son of Robert of Sk'ningham, John de Badhele, John de Monte Acuto, Geoffrey the Chaplain de Ghewnd, Robert the son of John, Ralph the Clerk, Geoffrey de Hagheclose, Peter the son of . . . ., Nicholas the son of William, Richard the son of Goce. No date.

—, 14 Edward I. Deed of Gift and conveyance in fee-farm for ever, at a yearly rent of a clove to the grantors and their heirs &c., of a certain ferry boat at Lenn ferry (unam navem transvectricem in passagio aque Lenne que vocatur ferye) with all the liberty pertaining to the same vessel, by Philip Peyteuyn of West-Lenn and his wife Agnes to John Ode burgess of Lenn, his heirs and assigns: the said grant being made in consideration of a payment of forty marks of silver. Witnessed by Adam de St. Edmund then Mayor of Lenn, William de Lindeseye, John de St. Omer, Alan de Lindeseye, John de Yspania, Thomas Cholle, Thomas Euerard de Northlenn, John le feryer, Thomas son of Geoffrey de Wells of Westlenne, Absalone de Leuerington, John the clerk and others. Dated at Lenn on St. Martin's day.

—, 25 Edward I. Deed of Gift and conveyance of all his right in the ferry-boat of Lenn ferry (formerly belonging to Symon de Waynfleth burgess of Lenn), with the liberty and all things pertaining to the same vessel, by John Costantyn burgess of Lenn to John Quytlock comburgess of the same town and to his wife Isabel and their heirs and assigns: the said grant being made in consideration of a certain payment of silver. Witnessed by Hugh de Massingham then Mayor of Lenn, Thomas de Grangia then Steward, and others named or unnamed. Dated at Lenn, at the Feast of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary.

—, 26 Edward I. Deed of Gift and conveyance, made in consideration of a payment of silver, by John Ode burgess of Lenn of his ferry-boat at Lenn ferry (navem meam transvectricem in aqua Lenne que vocatur ferye cum pertinenciis et libertate predicte navi pertinentibus et totum jus dicte navis et libertatis sue quod fuit quondam Willclmi filii Godwin Anger de Lenn) to John de Welle comburgess of Lenn and his heirs and assigns for ever. Witnessed by Hugh de Massingham then Mayor of Lenn, Peter de Thrunden, John de Yspania, John de St. Omer, his son Lambert, Alan de Lindeseye, Geoffrey Drewe, Ralph le Paumer, Richard de Munby, Thomas de Waynflet, John de Acre, John de Bauseye the clerk and others.

—, April 1301. Deed of Grant by Robert de Scales, Lord of Midilton, (made for the health of his soul, and the soul of his wife Isabella, and the souls of their children and ancestors) to the Friars Minors of Lenn, of the use for ever of a certain spring-head in the donor's lordship of Dungeton, at a place called Herdewyk . . . . . Welle, So that the said Friars of Lenn or others in their behalf may, so often as it may seem expedient to them, search and dig at the said springhead and put down all things necessary for leading water from the same spring to their house at Lenn.

— June, 1 Edward II.—Indenture of an Agreement, made between John by God's grace Bishop of Norwich of the one part, and the Mayor and community of his town of Lenn of the other part, whereby the said bishop granted for himself and his successors warranty, acquittance and defence against all people for ever to the said Mayor and community, in respect to a certain place in the bishop's ground on the north of the said town, held by them of the said bishop and his successors at a yearly rent of twelve pence, in which place a certain "inclusa" or basin for water has been put by the same Mayor and community. Dated at Gaywode.

— October, 3 Edward II.—Copy of the composition made in October 3 Edward II. between John by God's grace Bishop of Norwich of the one part and the Mayor and the Community of the town of Lenn on the other part, for the settlement of divers contentions between them, containing this clause touching the liberty of Inhabitants of the said burgh:—"The Meyre also and the comonalte of the forsed town of no man willing in the same towne of Lynne to inhabite hymself and dwelle as for his inhabiting and dwellyng no thyng violently shul aske or take or for the same colour or title resceyve for hit that expressly agens the liberte and the lordship of the Bishop be fore seyd but ȝif it be as that any man in the same towne abyde a year and ther yn aftirward as a mansyfe wol dwelle and abide so that afterward he may not be classed no straunge man and thanne aftirward to his power as other of the towne to alle profytes and skileful thynges of reson and helpynges that owe to be do of reson to the comonalte of Lenne they shal ȝyve so that for his inhabitying and dwellyng of no man ther shal no thyng be take on no manere wyse;" and this clause respecting immoderate tallages, "The Meyr also and comonalte befor seid have graunted that all taskes and tallyages unleeful and unresonable grevous which that by the grete men of the towne aforesaid upon the mene peple and the povere to their oppression and hyndryng ofte tyme they have be putte upon and by grevous distressyng so vyolently of hem take with owte cause and depauperacion gretly of the towne fro hens forward it shal no more be do but whan profite or nede aske it resonably and mesurably it should be do and hove suche contribuciouns redyly after the faculte myght and power of every man with owte any excepcioun of any persone."—Also on the same parchment a copy of the composition made 11 August 7 Henry IV., between Henry by God's grace Bishop of Norwich of the one part and the Mayor burgesses and community of Bishop's Lenn of the other part, for the determination and settlement of contentions between them.

— 7 Edward II. Certificate that at an Assembly held in the Gildhall of Bishop's Lenn, for making provision in respect to all business touching the community in the King's parliament and elsewhere, authority was given to twenty-six persons, some of whose names are imperfectly legible on the parchment, to elect twelve of the more sufficient of the said town for the said matter; that the persons chosen by the committee were Lambert de St. Omer, John de Thornbegg', Adam de Berwik, William de Sculton, Robert Faukes, John de Thorndeyn, William Wimark, John Burghard, Robert de Walshingham, John de Bukworth, Peter de Elingham, Walter de . . ., and Thomas de Pulham; and that the said thirteen persons had warranty under the common seal that whatever they should determine should be deemed good and be adhered to; and that the whole community concurred in all the aforesaid matters.—It is noteworthy that though appointed to choose twelve persons, the committee of twenty-six made choice of thirteen individuals, the thirteenth perhaps being perhaps elected and appointed to give a casting-vote, in case the twelve should be equally divided on any matter.

7 Edward II.—Deed of Gift and conveyance of the ferry-boat, which he bought of John Costantyn, together with all liberty and things pertaining to the same vessel, by John Quitlock burgess of Lenn to John de Sissewelle of the parish of St. Peter of Lenn. Dated at Bishop's Lenn on Wednesday in the week of the Passover. Also, a series of Grants or deeds of Quitclaim in respect to the ferry-boat and its rights at the passage of the Lenn water, dated respectively in 11, 15, and 18 Edward II.; 4 and 23 Edward III.; and 3 Richard II.

5 November, 9 Edward II.—As sages hommes e as chers amiz Johan de Thornech Merre de Lenne e as burgess de meismes la Ville Robert de Monthaut seneschal de Cestre saluz e totes e cheres amistez. Chers Amiz e purceo q' vous maues mande q' les deners q' me saunt duwes au paier ore a la feste des touz seintz derrein passe ne sount pas uncore levez par la resoun des grevaunces e destourbances q' vous aves, Sachiez chers amiz q' de vostre grevaunce me peisse malement, et si ieo vous purrie eser ou alleger de vestre grevaunce jeo le ferraie molt bonement, mes certeinement chere amis jco sui ore entiel meschief de deners qil vent q' ieo . . . . par quei vous pri chers amis q' vous me facez avoir mes deners an plus enhaste q' vous purrez qar certeinement ieo ne les pus plus longement desporter q' mout me peise. Et endroit del damage q' fu et fait a mon baillif, mavez vous maunde q' les parties sount accordez, Sachiez q' coment q' la pease soit faite par entre eux, le despit fait a moi nest pas redress, par quei vous pri chers Seignours q' dentre vous voillez ordiner q' les amendes me soient faites del despit avaundit. A die chers amiz q' vous doint bone vie e longe. Escrit an Shouldh' le v jour de Novembre.

Running in English thus,—

To the prudent men and our dear friends John de Thornech mayor of Lenne and to the burgesses of the same town, Robert de Monthaut Steward of Chester, health and all good and dear friendship:—Dear Friends, whereas you have sent me word that the moneys which were presently due at the Feast of All Saints last past are not yet levied on account of the troubles and disturbances you have had, Know dear friends that I am surely concerned for your trouble, and if I could give you ease or alleviation of your trouble I would do it most readily, but assuredly dear friends I am at present in such misfortune of money that . . . . wherefore I pray you my dear friends that you put me in possession of my moneys as speedily as you can, since of a truth I can no longer dispense with them, which much troubles me. And with respect to the wrong that was done to my bailiff, you have sent me word that the parties are in agreement, Know you that though peace be made between them, the contempt done to me is not redressed, wherefore I pray you dear Sirs that you will take order amongst. yourselves that amends may be made to me for the aforsaid contempt. Adieu dear friends! May he give you happy and long life! Written at Shouldham the 5th day of November.

At the places indicated by points in this translation of a curiously courteous demand for money and amends, contain words of the French epistle have been effaced from the parchment.

—10 Edward II. Writing of acknowledgment and acquittance, by Robert de Monthaut, Steward of Chester, for £173. 6s. 8d. paid him by the Mayor and community of Lenn in part payment of £4000, which the said Robert de Monthaut and his wife Emma recovered against the same Mayor and community in the King's Court, before the Justices of the Bench in Easter Term 7 Edward II., of which £173. 6s. 8d. one hundred pounds were in payment of £100 due at the Easter next following the completion of this letter, and the other £73. 6s. 8d. were due at the Feast of All Saints next following the said Feast of Easter. Dated at Quorndon.

— 12 Edward II. Writing of Acknowledgment and acquittance, by Robert de Monthaut, Steward of Chester, for 40 marks sterling, paid him by the Mayor and community of Lenn, in part payment of the 4,000l., which the said Lord and his wife Emma recovered against the same Mayor and Community in the King's court before the Justices of the Bench. Dated at Euerwyk on Saturday next after the Feast of St. Andrew.

19 May, 12 Edward II. Writing of acknowledgment and acquittance, whereby Robert de Monthaut, Steward of Chester, acknowledged him self to have received from the Mayor and community of Lenne 20l., in part payment of the 4,000l. sterling, which he and his wife Emma recovered before the Justices of the Bench at Westminster in the 7th year of Edward II., against the said Mayor and community, "del terme de tonz seintz proschein avenir apres la . . . . de cest escrit, sicom plus pleinement csl contenu en un escrit endente fait pentre nous." Dated at Lenn.

— January 13, Edward II. Deed (Latin) of Acknowledgment and acquittance. Be it known to all men by these presents, that we, Frater Johannes by God's permission Bishop of Norwich have received of Lambert de St. Omer and our other burgesses of Lenn thirty-and-two pounds and eleven shillings of silver, of the one hundred and forty pounds in which they were bound to us for certain amercements "p' sum' scacarii d'n'i regis," in which they were amerced before Ralph de Monte Hermeri and his associates the Lord King's Justices of Oyer and Terminer in the county of Norfolk, for the trespass of done to Robert de Montalt; And which hundred and forty pounds we pardon the same Lambert and the rest of our burgesses of Lenn, who were amerced before same Justices for the said transgression, the [remaining] one hundred and seven pounds and nine shillings of silver. Dated "apud Geywode viii. Idus Jannarii."

— 14 Edward II. Writing of Acknowledgment and acquittance, by Robert de Monthaut, for £13. 10s. 4d. paid him by the Mayor and Community of Lenn, in part payment of the 4,000l., which he and his wife Emma recovered against the same Mayor and community in the King's Court before the Justices of the Bench at Westminster, in the Easter Term of 17 Edward II.: the said sum of £13. 10s. 4d. being part of the 50l. which the same Mayor and community ought to have paid the said Robert at the term of All Saints last past. Dated at Lenn, on Saturday next before the Nativity of our Lord.

— 14 Edward II. Writing of Acknowledgment and acquittance by Robert de Menthant, Steward of Chester, for £7 3s. 0d. paid him by the Mayor and community of Lenne, in part payment of the 50l., which the same Mayor and community are bound to pay him at the next Feast of All Saints, of the debt of 4,000l. which he and his wife Emma recovered against the same Mayor and community in the King's Court at Westminster before the Justices of the Bench in Easter Term 7 Edward II. Dated at Lenne on Tuesday next following the feast of our Lady's Assumption.

— 14 Edward II. Writing of Acknowledgment and acquittance, by Robert de Montbaut, Steward of Chester, for ten pounds of silver from the Mayor and community of Lenn, in part payment of the 50l., which the said Mayor and community were bound to pay him at the Feast of All Saints 14 Edward II., of the debt of 4,000l. which the said Robert and his wife Emma recovered against the said Mayor and community in the King's Court at Westminster before the Justices of the Bench in Easter Term 7 Edward II.—Dated at London on St. Martyn's.

5 August, 15 Edward II. Writing of Acknowledgment and acquittance by Robert Monthaut, Steward of Chester, for £15 6s. 8d., paid him by the Mayor and community, in part payment of the 4,000l. which he and his wife Emma recovered against the same Mayor and community at Westminster before the Justices of the Bench; the said £15 6s. 8d. being in part payment of £50, due at the next Feast of All Saints in part payment of the same 4,000l. Dated at the Chastel de Rysinge.

2 December, 15 Edward II. Writing of Acknowledgment and acquittance by Robert de Monthaut, Steward of Chester, for £34 13s. 4d., due to him at the Feast of All Saints last part "sicom plus pleynment est contenu en un escrit endente, parentre moi et eux," in part payment of the 4,000l., recovered by the same Robert and his wife Emma "en la Court le Roi a la quinzeme de Pasque" at Westminster 7 Edward II. Dated at the Chastel de Risinges.

2 December, 15 Edward II. Writing of Acknowledgment and acquittance by Robert de Monthaut, Steward of Chester, for 23l., paid him by the Mayor and community of Lenn, by the hand John Burghard, in part payment of the 50l., due from the same Mayor and community next Easter, in part payment of the 4,000l. recovered by the said Robert and his wife "a la Quynzeme de Pasque" 7 Edward II., &c. Dated at the Chastel de Rising.

—15 Edward II. Writing of Acknowledgment and acquittance, by Robert de Monhaut, Steward of Chester, for sixty shillings in part payment of 50l. due from the Mayor and community of Lenn to the said Robert "a la Pasque prochain suyaunt apres la confeccion de ceste lettre," of the debt of £4,000 &c. &c. Dated at Snetesham, on the Wednesday next after our Lady's Purification.

17 October, 16 Edward II. Robert de Monthaut's Acknowledgment and acquittance, for 4l. paid him by the Mayor and community of Lenn, in part payment of the 50l. due at the next Feast of All Saints, in part payment of the 4,000l., &c. Dated at Snetesham.

16 December, 16 Edward II. Robert de Monthaut's Acknowledgment and acquittance for £8 13s. 4d. paid him by the Mayor and community of Lenn, in part payment of the 50l., due next Easter from the said Mayor and community, in part payment of the 4,000l., &c. Dated at Kenynghale.

22 December, 16 Edward II. Robert de Monthaut's Acknowledgment and acquittance for £30 17s. 4d. paid him by the Mayor and community of Lenn, in part payment of the 50l., due next Easter in part payment of the 4,000l., &c., &c. Dated at Lenn.

31 December, 16 Edward II. Robert Monthaut's Acknowledgment and acquittance for £10 9s. 4d., paid him by the Mayor and community of Lenn, in part payment of the 50l. due from them next Easter, in part payment of the 4,000l., &c. Dated at Chastel Risinges.

16 Edward II. Robert de Monthaut's Acknowledgment and acquittance, for £14. 13s. 4d., paid him by the Mayor and community of Lenn, in part payment of 50l. due to him from them at the next Feast of All Saints in part payment of the 4,000l., &c., &c. Dated at Chastel de Risinges on St. Margaret's Eve.

16 Edward II. Robert de Monthaut's Acknowledgment and acquittance for £2 10s. 4d., paid him by the Mayor and community of Lenn, in part payment of the 50l. due to him from them at the next Feast of All Saints, in part payment of the 4,000l., &c., &c. Dated at Chastel Risinges on the Eve of St. Simon and St. Jude.

— 16 Edward II. Robert de Monthaut's Acknowledgment and acquittance for 6l. paid him by the Mayor and community of Lenn, in part payment of the 50l. due to him from them next Feast of All Saints in part payment of the 4,000l., &c., &c.

16 April, 16 Edward II. Robert de Monthaut's Acknowledgment and acquittance for 21l. paid him by the Mayor and Community of Lenn, in part payment of the 50l. due to him from them next Feast of All Saints, in part payment of the debt of 4,000l., &c., &c. Dated at Chastel de Risinges.

35–6 Edward III.—Four Writings put together on the same file,—

(a.) Schedule headed "Ceaus sunt les choses qe devent Custume a Tolbothe."

(b.) Schedule of the profits of the Tolboth of Lenn from Michaelmas 35 to Michaelmas 36 Edward III.

(c.) Schedule of the proportions of the Profits of the Tolboth of the town of Lenn, accruing "domino Principi, domine Regine, Orby and Suffole."

(d.) The Account of Simon de Gunton of the issues of the Tolboth of Lenn to the Queen, the Prince, the Earl of Suffolk, and the heirs of Orby.

(e.) Memorandum:—Whereas the heirs of Robert de Tateshale or the assigns of Robert de Montalt as heirs of Hugh d'Albini formerly Earl of Arundel, together with the Bishop of Norwic, before the time of the last journey of the Justices into the County of Norfolk, both lately held and still claim to hold the lordship and jurisdiction of the water of Lenn, and claim that distresses and attachments for customs, plaints and all other things there arising ought to be made in the aforesaid water by the common bailiffs of themselves and of no other persons, the aforesaid Robert de Montalt in his life, that is to say, in the 3rd year of the reign of King Edward the father of the present King, appointed a court to be held on his presumption of authority at the bridge of St. Germain in Wygenhale by Walter Payn his first Bailiff there; Emma who was the wife of the said Robert de Montalt injuriously continuing the said Court has appointed Thomas Wolsy and John Philip to be her Bailiffs there, Which Thomas and John at this present time cause the merchants and other men, rowing and flowing to the said town of Lenn with their ships and boats, laden as well with men as with merchandize, and on their return therefrom, to be summoned in inquests, distrained, attached, oppressed and harrassed, both by menacing them with hurling of stones that they come to land and tarry, and by extorting heavy fines from them, by the which very many merchants are borne down and impoverished by such and so great oppressions that they have left and sold their ships and boats, and by usurping the jurisdiction of the King's courts, to his injury and against the form of the King's statute in that case provided, to the very great loss of persons passing that way, constrain certain magnates of kingdom, as for instance the Abbot of Cruland, and others who hold of the Lord King in chief by victuals and other the goods bought in Lenn water aforesaid, that to persons making plaint respecting them they answer before them for trespasses committed and contracts made in the county of Lincoln and other counties of the kingdom.

(f.) Copy of a Petition to the Lord Chancellor for relief from the excessive and extortionate demands of the bailiffs of the Tolboth of Lenn; beginning "Plese a mon Seignor le Chanceller en salvacion de droit heritage de sa Eglice Dely et meyntenannce de droiture considereer southescriptz apartenantz a les custumes de la Tolboth de Lenn levees par les Baillifs extorseousement et saunz garrant en desherison des tenanntz mon dite Seigner et de tout le comon poeple illonquo repairant." Setting forth the words of the recent presentment of the same bailiffs by divers of the hundreds of Norfolk "termino Pasche isto eodem anno coram Domino Rege apud Norwyk," the petition concludes, "Mon tresreverent Sr. cest' presentement fut fait al bannk le Roi a la darrein session en Norff' affyn qent due correccion dut avoir este faire par le Justic' solom droit et reson mes droit reson et loy sont mys a derer par un Supersedeas qe vient a le dit Justic sur ce en prejudice de Roi et de vous et de plosours altres Seignors et de vos tenauntz et de toute le comon poeple."

26 August 1382. Acknowledgment and bond of the Prior and convent of the Friars of St. Augustine of Lenn, for fifty marks of gold received by them for the said convent's use, of John de Beston, Professor of sacred Theology of the same order and convent, under conditions set forth in the instrument.

15 April 19, Richard II. Acknowledgment of John Merston, auditor of the Duke of Brittany, and deputy of the said Duke's receiver-general Richard Fitz Nichol, that he has received, from the Mayor and community of the town of Lenne, twenty marks of silver, of the issue of the farm of the portion of the Tolboth of the same town, pertaining to the said Duke, for the term of Easter last past.

1 July 20, Richard II. Acknowledgment of John Merston, auditor of the Duke of Brittany and deputy of Richard Fitz-Nichol the said Duke's receiver, that he has received of the Mayor and community of the town of Lenn twenty marks of silver, of the issue of the farm of the portion of the Tolboth of the same town, pertaining to the said Duke, for the term of St. Michael next coming.

— 22 Richard II.—Acknowledgment of Robert, rector of the church of Marlyngford and receiver in Norfolk of the Duke of York's moneys, that he has received of Thomas do Watirdeu, Mayor of Lenn, by the hands of John de Lakynghith, ten marks of silver, for the farm of the Tolboth of Lenn pertaining to the said Lord Duke, for the term of St. Michael next coming after the date of the same acknowledgment. Dated on Friday in the virgil of St. Mathew the Apostle and Evangelist, in the said year.

20 December. 1 Henry IV. Acknowledgment of Edmund Aleshalle, receiver-general in Norfolk of the moneys of Henry Duke of Lancaster, that he has received eight marks and half a mark of the usual money of England, of Thomas Drewe late Mayor of Lenne, for the farm of the Tolbothe of the same town, for the term of St. Michael last past.

—, 8 Henry V. Indenture (tripartite) of the Agreement, whereby, for the determination and perfect settlement of differences long existing amongst his sons in Christ and tenants of his town of Lenn, John by God's Grace Bishop of Norwich granted (together with other concessions) that yearly in the presence of the Mayor of Lynn, present either at his pleasure or if necessity require his presence for the prevention of discords and debates, there should be yearly chosen in each of nine constabularies of the Town of Lenn, by the same constabulary, three burgesses of the more competent and peaceful of the burgesses thereof, having sufficient tenure in the aforesaid town, to take part in the causes and affairs touching the same town, namely in all taxes, tenths, fifteenths, allowances, repairs of houses, walls, bridges, watercourses and ditches, and also in all payments, renderings of accounts and allowances, and all other charges and exonerations of this kind, as often as it shall be necessary; So that if three sufficient, peaceful and discreet persons of this kind cannot be found in any constabulary, then burgesses shall be chosen from the other constabularies in place of those wanting, and that whatever the Mayor Alderman twenty-four or the greater part of them and the twenty-seven persons as is aforesaid or the greater part of them shall think right to ordain in the premises shall be agreed upon (et quiequid Maior Aldermannus viginti quatuor vel major pars corundem et viginti septem persone ut premittitur vel major pars eorundem in premissis duxerint ordinandum ratum et gratum habeatur). Provided always that if any person or persons of the twenty-seven thus elected shall be less than duly sufficient, discreet and peaceful, another person or other persons may be chosen from his constabulary or their constabulary or constabularies or from another constabulary or other constabularies by the aforesaid Mayor Alderman twenty-four or the greater part of them, and the aforesaid twenty-seven or the greater part of them present in the common council of the aforesaid town: With provision of measures to be taken in case the said assembly should be unable to agree respecting the election of a person or persons in place of the disqualified person or persons.

20 October, 5 Henry VI. and 1426 A.D. Bond of the Prior and Convent of the Friars of the order of St. Augustine of Norwich for payment of twenty marks to the Convent of Augustine Friars of Lenne.

30 November, 19 Henry VIII.—Indenture of an Agreement, made (at the mediation and motion of Thomas lord Cardinal, Legate de Latere. Archbishop of York, Primate of Englonde and Chancellor) for the settlement of controversies between Richard by God's grace Bishop of Norwich of the one part and the Mayor and burgesses of the burgh of Bishop's Lenn of the other part ; Whereby the said Bishop granted, together with other things, a lease for thirty years to the said Mayor and burgesses of the yearly Lete of the said town with all the perquisities thereof, and also the two courts called the Stewards' Hall Court and the Tollebothe Court, and all such fairs and markets waifs and strays as the said Bishop had or ought to have in the said burgh, and also his liberty and franchises of return of all the king's writs, &c., at a yearly rent of one hundred and four shillings.

4 May, 1 Edward VI. Indenture of a Decree in arbitration and agreement, between William Coke, S.L. recorder of Cambridge, Thomas Gawdy esq. recorder of King's Lynne, Thomas Waters and Raffe Downes burgesses and aldermen of King's Lynne, and John Fanne and John Ruste burgesses and aldermen of the town of Cambridge : For the determination and settlement of controversies and contentions between the Mayor and burgesses of King's Lynne and the Mayor Bailiffs and burgesses of the town of Cambridge respecting certain tolls customs and other charges levied of the burgesses of Cambridge by the Mayor and burgesses of King's Lynne, and respecting certain privileges and liberties granted to the two towns by the said King and his progenitors.

18 February, 18 Elizabeth. Writ of Inhibition, addressed by Edward, Earl of Lincoln and Lord High Admiral, to the Mayor and aldermen of the town of Lenn and their officers. Forbidding them to proceed further in a certain matter against Thomas Hubberd.

15 November, 7. James I. Indenture of a decree in arbitration, made by Sir Henry Hobart, bart., His Majesty's Attorney-General and Sir John Jacksonne knt., recorder of the town of Newcastle, arbitrators appointed for the settlement of differences between the Mayor and burgesses of Newcastle-upon-Tyne and the Governor stewards and brethren of the Fraternity of hoastmen of the said town of the one part, and the Mayor and burgesses of King's Lynne co. Norfolk of the other part, touching tolls and customs.

17 October, 20 James I.—Indenture of an Agreement, made between Francis Gurney citizen and merchant-taylor of London, Ambrose Tompson of Thetford co. Norfolk glover, and Martin Hill of Ellingham co. Norfolk woolchapman, of the one part, and the Mayor and burgesses of the borough of Lenn of the other part: Whereby, for considerations set forth in the writing, the said Francis, Ambrose and Martin agreed to instruct the poor children of the said town in the art of spinning worsted-yarn, providing the wool needful for the same instruction, and also to give employment to the poor of Lenn in the same industry of spinning worsted-yarn, paying those of them that are not mere learners fit wages for their work.

7 August 1622.—Grant by the Dean and Chapter of the Cathedral Church of the Holy Trinity of Norwich to the Mayor and burgesses of King's Lynn: Reciting a certain deed of 1 May 1626, whereby the same Dean and Chapter granted a lease for twenty-one years of the "rectory of Sct. Margaret in Kynge's Lynn aforesaid, some[time] called the pryorie of Lynn and all gleeb lands tenthes tythes oblacions . . . . unto the sayd parsonage and rectory and unto the cappells of Sct. Nicolas and James within the walls of King's Lynn belonging and appertaining, &c.," at a yearly rent of £20 2s. 0d.; and Granting that a certain piece of ground, parcel of the premises so demised, may be taken into and added to St. Margaret's churchyard, for the needful enlargement of the burying ground of that parish.—Also Letters Testimonial, dated 4 August 1624, by Samuel bishop of Norwich, constituting the aforesaid ground sacred, and dedicating it to uses of interment, in accordance with the afore-described grant by the Dean and Chapter.

Besides the writings mentioned in the foregoing catalogues, the Corporation of King's Lynn possesses a large assemblage of Deeds (Grants, quitclaims, indentures of agreement, leases, acknowledgments, &c.,) municipal or private, from Edward the First's time to the 18th century, touching property, municipal or private, lying within the boundaries of the borough; together with numerous writings of the same diverse kinds, having reference to lands and tenements outside the borough now or in former time belonging to the Corporation. These documents preserve a large body of particulars, likely to be serviceable to topographers and other historians of Old Lynn; and persons who may search them for the sake, of this information will have occasion to be grateful for the careful labour expended on their arrangement by the late Mr. H. Harrod, F.S.A.

At the conclusion of this report on an exceptionally interesting and valuable collection of municipal muniments, I venture to give public expression to my sense of obligation to the Town Council of King's Lynn for the facilities they afforded me for the performance of my official duties, and to several inhabitants of the ancient borough for social courtesies that rendered my term of work within their bounds a term of enjoyment.

John Cordy Jeaffreson.