Roll A 23: 1379-80

ROLL A 23

Of the time of John Hadlee, Mayor

Membr. 1

15 Nov. 1379

Writ of King Richard II to the Mayor and Sheriffs ordering them to release from Newgate a certain Ranulph de Hole, since John de Artynstall, William de Hatton, Geoffrey de Eccles and John de Hole of co. Chester had appeared in Chancery and mainprised the said Ranulph to answer any charges made against him. In answer to a previous writ of certiorari a return had recently been made by the Mayor and Sheriffs to the effect that the said Ranulph, under the name of Hanekyn Howel, had been taken to the Sheriffs' office in London by Thomas Beauchamp, knight, and others, who believed that he was a spy (explorator), on the ground that he had been seen in France carrying arms against his fellowsubjects, on account of which he had been kept in prison until the King's Council might be consulted. Dated at Westminster, 15 Nov. A^o 3 Ric. II [1379].

By virtue of this writ the said Ranulph was released on 17 Nov., and the writ delivered to William Baret, Sheriff, on 10 Jan. following.

19 Nov. 1379

Guillemyn de Ceres, general proctor for Charles de Beaumont, nephew and lieutenant of the King of Navarre, acknowledged as his own a letter of attorney to Master Paschal Dilardie dated at London 18 Nov. 1379.

As the said Guillemyn was not personally known to the Court, Richard Scutard, grocer, and Henry Neweman, tailor, gave sworn evidence as to his identity.

21 Nov. 1379

Husting of Common Pleas held on Monday before the Feast of S ^t Clement Pope [23 Nov.] A ^o 3 Ric. II [1379]

William Waryn, executor of the will of Alice, widow of William Spicer of Devizes, proved the said will by the oaths of Thomas Usk and Thomas Farnham as follows: To be buried at the Friars Preachers, London. Having made over all her lands, tenements etc. to William Waryn, rector of the church of S^t Margaret at Shaldebourne (fn. 1), she charges him to carry out her will, to pay her debts, and to cause 100 masses to be said by the Friars Preachers within a month of her decease, besides a trental of masses annually at the Friars Preachers and another trental in the church of S^t John at Devizes. He is further charged to give Alice her daughter the sum of 10 marks for her marriage. To Thomas Farnham she leaves a gown of medley furred with conies. To Matilda M... a red tunic and sanguyn hood. To Joan Radeclyfe her best veil and a gown of tauney. To the rector of S^t Margaret Moisi, London, 6d, the head clerk, 4d, and the underclerk, 2d. To Alice Wiltshire of Crokedlane a gyte of sanguyn. To Cristina Bocher a veil called " lampasduc (fn. 2)," to Joan Barnabe a veil of Paris thread, to Thomas Farnham the residue of her goods to pay her funeral expenses. Also to the aforesaid William Waryn she leaves her forcer with deeds and other contents, besides lands and tenements in Devizes and the hundreds of Bysshopescanyng (fn. 3) and Melkesham.

Membr. 1 b

16 Nov. 1379

Gilbert Maunfeld, Bartholomew Beavys, John Willyngham, John Peyntour, Peter atte Pole, John Waleworth, Thomas Hayward, John Cloworth, Geoffrey Grigge, William Stokesby, Nicholas Rote, Gilbert Bonet and Thomas Medelane, vintners, and other good men, were sworn to make a scrutiny of wine, vinegar, aysel (fn. 4) and other sauces in the cellars and shops of chaundlers and others and to pour out in the streets what they found to be unsound.

8 Dec. 1379

Writ of protection in favour of Roger de Walden, clerk, who was then about to set out for Jereseye (fn. 5) with Hugh Calvyle, Warden of the islands of Gerneseye, Jerneseye (sic), Serk and Aurnay, for the defence of the castle of Gurry in Jerneseye. Dated at Westminster, 8 Dec. A^o 3 Ric. II [1379].

Letter of attorney from Hugelyn Gerard of Boloigne le Crasse, merchant, to Stephen Alibert and Galdyn Rest, merchants of Milan. Dated 13 Dec. 1379.

15 Dec. 1379

Andreu Neuton who had been found guilty of maintenance during the Mayoralty of John Philipot, when a number of inquests were held for the discovery and punishment of such offenders, was now brought up on a charge of defaming Gilbert de Meldebourne, one of the jurors, by asserting that he was a malicious perjurer. Having confessed to the charge, he was fined half-a-mark to the use of the Commonalty and mainprised in £20 not to repeat his offence.

16 Dec. 1379

Richard Estbrok, brewer, of Langbourn Ward was fined 20s for saying that, were he as young as he formerly was, he would allow no aleconner to perform his duty in his own or any other ward, as they were now doing. He was further mainprised in £100 not to form any covin or congregation whereby harm might befall the aleconners.

Richard Bengeho, Stephen Mardolf and Thomas Wircestre, brewers, were bound over to the same effect.

Membr. 2

11 Jan. 1380

Richard Sibyle and John Appelby were presented to the Mayor and Aldermen by Robert Lucas, John Coraunt, Henry Bamme and Henry Malemayn, masters of the mistery of Goldsmiths, for rebellious conduct, the said Richard being further charged with having refused to come to the Church of S^t Michael at Corn, when the masters summoned him there to come to an agreement with John Broun, with whom he and John Appelby were at variance. The said John pleaded guilty and was bound over in £10 for his good behaviour. Richard Sibyle pleaded that he was coming to the church when he saw John Broun lying in wait for him, and so he dared not go further. The masters replied that he refused to come out of malice. A jury found for the plaintiffs, and the said Richard was committed to prison for 10 days. He was then sworn to keep the peace, but as he did not find mainprise, he was committed to the custody of the Sheriff, in whose court judgment had also gone against him at the suit of a party.

14 Feb. 1380

William Whitewell of co. Derby acknowledged receipt from John Harleston, knight, of the sum of 77½ francs due to him as wages for garrison service in the castle of Chirburgh. The money was paid, though the said William had lost the sealed bill of debt.

28 Jan. 1380

Writ of protection in favour of John Costantyn, who was then about to cross to Calais in the company of John Devereux, knight, on the King's service. Dated at Westminster, 28 Jan. A^o 3 Ric. II [1379-80].

Membr. 2 b

Richard Norbury was summoned to render an account to Elias, orphan son of Elias Fraunceys, the said Richard being executor of Richard Shirbourne, who was executor of the said Elias Fraunceys, senior. The plaintiff alleged that his father had left £100 to be divided between his children, and that he was the only survivor, his brother Simon and his sister Elizabeth having died before full age.

The defendant pleaded that the money never came into his hands, and a jury found in his favour. Judgment that he go thence without a day and that no amercement be put on the plaintiff, since he was an orphan.

Thomas Hostiller of le Swerd on the hope in Fleet Street was attached to answer John Sapy, knight, for the loss of £18 6s 8d contained in two chests called " Trussyngcoffres" in accordance with the common custom of the realm that the keeper of a hostelry was responsible for the goods and chattels brought by lodgers to his hostelry.

The defendant, while not admitting that so much money had been brought, pleaded that the plaintiff took the room, that the key was handed over to his servants in his presence and by his consent, and that the money was removed by the servants, as he was prepared to verify. He demanded judgment as to whether in this case the plaintiff could impute any fault to him.

The plaintiff pleaded that the key was handed to his servant John Birlyngham in the defendant's presence, that he and John went to the City on business and on their return found the door of the room broken and the goods carried away, and immediately demanded that the innkeeper should make a search for the goods, which he refused to do. Next day they heard from the defendant's wife that the chests had been found rifled in S^t Bride's Church.

The defendant would not admit that the servant John had the key, or accompanied his master to the City, or that the goods were taken in his absence, or that the door was locked. He declared that during the plaintiff's absence in the City, four of his servants remained behind near the room, and that the money was stolen by them.

The plaintiff replied that though the defendant did not admit the facts alleged by him, he did hot deny them, and consequently he was bound by law to answer for the goods.

In order to verify the facts, the Mayor, Recorder and several Aldermen visited the hostelry in accordance with City custom, and saw the broken lock. They then examined the plaintiff on oath as to whether the sum of money stated by him was correct and whether he suspected any of his servants. On his answering yes to the first question and no to the second, they gave judgment by the custom of the City for the amount claimed, with 40s damages, and committed the defendant to prison till he paid.

Membr. 3

21 Feb. 1380

Writ of certiorari concerning proceedings in the Husting between John, son of Walter de Bedyngton, mercer, and Leticia, widow of John Kiryel, knight, as to a messuage and four shops in London. Dated at Westminster, 21 Feb. A^o 3 Ric. II [1379-80].

Return to the above, giving proceedings in the Husting of Pleas of Land on Monday before the Feast of S^t Andrew [30 Nov.] A^o 3 Ric. II [1379].

7 Feb. 1380

Writ to the Sheriffs that, whereas it had been reported that William Norhampton, cordwainer, was about to leave the country to prosecute divers pleas prejudicial to the laws and statutes of the realm (fn. 6), the said William should be summoned to appear before the Sheriffs and find mainprise that he would not cross the seas without the King's special permission; and failing such mainprise, that he should be committed to prison. Dated at Westminster, 7 Feb. A^o 3 Ric. II [1379-80].

Return to the effect that the said William had found mainprise.

28 March 1380

John Pecche was attached to answer William Randulf (fn. 7), armourer, in a plea of trespass. The bill alleged that a certain John Costantyn, father of John Costantyn, in 1355 made a lease of a brewery and shops in Cordwainer Street in the Parish of S^t Aldermary for life to William Sallowe with a condition that, if he died within 40 years, his executors and assigns should have the remainder of the term of 40 years. By his will in 1361 the said William Sallowe left the unexpired portion of the lease to his wife Alice for her life or until her remarriage, with remainder to the Master of the House of S^t Thomas of Acon together with the wardship of his children. The widow married a certain John Wighale in 1372, but meanwhile in 1365 the defendant had forcibly obtained the indenture of lease from her and ejected her from the premises.

A further bill of the said William and Alice contained a similar complaint with regard to two shops in Watling Street, which John Costantyn, senior, had leased for 20 years to the said William Sallowe.

Membr. 3 b

The defendant pleaded to the first bill that, after John Costantyn's death, Adam de Bury, then Mayor, seized his son John and the above-mentioned properties and entrusted them to the defendant as guardian. As there was a rumour that the indenture of lease was false and that the tenements were entailed (talliata), he had sued the plaintiff Alice before the Sheriff for detinue of the deed and wrongful occupation of the properties mentioned in the first bill, and as the result of a compromise, the said Alice had surrendered the deed to him in his house in Lombard Street, together with all her right to the property.

The plaintiffs denied these allegations and said that if he made them the issue (fn. 8) of the action, they would produce proof. As regards their own declaration they demanded a jury.

The defendant made a similar defence to the second bill, and the plaintiffs again demanded a jury. On the defendant's likewise demanding a jury, a jury from the two venues was summoned.

While the jury were being sworn, the defendant confessed to the truth of the plaintiffs' pleadings and submitted himself to the judgment of the Court. Thereupon the jury was called upon to tax the damages and a day was given them, so that they might be more fully advised. They brought in a verdict that the plaintiff Alice was entitled on the first bill to the sum of £34 3s 4d for the period after her husband's death till her remarriage, with 100s damages, and £23 12s 10d on the second bill, with damages 100s. The Court, after an adjournment, gave judgment for those amounts, which the defendant then paid in court.

5 March 1380

Writ of protection in favour of John Cornewaille, knight, who was then about to proceed to Brittany in the company of John, Duke of Brittany. Dated at Westminster, 5 March A^o 3 Ric. II [1379-80].

Membr. 4

12 March 1380

Writ of certiorari to the Mayor and Aldermen demanding the record and process of a judgment against Robert Maunsell, mercer, for the sum of £167 11s 8d due to Richard de Notyngham, mercer. Dated at Westminster, 12 March A^o 3 Ric. II [1379-80].

Return to the above, forwarding an extract from the last roll (fn. 9) of Pleas and Memoranda of the time of John Philipot, late Mayor, adding that the proceedings were by law merchant according to the custom of the City, that judgment was pending as to other moneys claimed, and that the acquittance for the above sum had not yet been executed.

11 April 1380

John Edrop (fn. 10), vintner, recovered a debt of £160 4s against Jacob van Assell of Flanders, who was committed to prison until etc.

11 Jan. 1380

Petition for relief by John Wright of Sabrichesworth, an apprentice, whose master, John Broke, hurer, had fled for debt to Westminster, leaving him destitute. [French]

On the master failing to appear after four summonses, the petitioner was released from the remainder of his term of service on finding sureties to return to his master, if the latter should appear within a year and a day and prove that he had made provision for his instruction and keep during his absence.

18 April 1380

A similar petition by John Spaldyng, an orphan, who had been apprenticed to the above John Broke for eleven years. Similar relief granted.

Membr. 4 b

28 Feb. 1380

Petition to the Mayor, Recorder and Aldermen by William de Kyrkeby of Westmoreland, an apprentice, against his master John Carbonel, haberdasher, for refusing to teach him how to buy and sell, for concealing his purchases and failing to provide for him as he ought. [French]

There being other matters of difference between the two, they were allowed to submit themselves to arbitrators chosen from among the overseers of the Haberdashers and neighbours. On 13 March the arbitrators, viz., Geoffrey Walpole, John Grafton, Roger Crane, John Reynold, John Silbourne and Thomas Colman, reported that there were faults on both sides and awarded that the apprentice should declare on oath the debts due to his master and the names of the debtors, and help him to collect the same, and further, that he should humbly ask his pardon for divers trespasses, after which a general acquittance should be made by each of the parties. Inasmuch as, however, the said John Carbonel refused to stand to the award, the Court exonerated the apprentice from service and from all personal actions against him.

12 April 1380

The King's licence to Robert Cadeham, clerk, and John Mundde of London to act as attorneys of Torold Gascoigne, Lombard, who was too ill to attend personally to his business, with power to appoint other attorneys if necessary. Dated at Westminster, 12 April A^o 3 Ric. II [1380].

11 April 1380

The Mayor, having learnt that a large number of journeymen saddlers were congregated in the Church of S^t Mary atte Bowe without the consent or order of the masters of the Saddlers, sent for Richard Neweson, Coyus Fuystour, Thomas Giselyngham, Walter Lucas and Thomas Perne, who were said to have summoned the assembly. On their arrival in court they were bound over, under mainprise of Richard Broke and Thomas Depham, saddlers, and under mutual security, in a penalty of £40, payable to the Chamberlain, to keep the peace and not to engage in further assemblies with out the permission and presence of their masters.

Memorandum that whereas the Mayor and Commonalty had ordained a tax on carts and horses, to raise money for cleansing the streets, and had assigned collectors at the gates, who should account weekly with the Chamberlain for their receipts, a certain Simon Driffeld declared that the tax was unjust, and insulted the Mayor's serjeant, John Botkesham, when the latter was summoning the collectors at Aldersgate to account at Guildhall. The offender was arrested with the help of the neighbours and taken to the Compter of John Heylesdon, Sheriff. After five days in Newgate he was brought into court on 26 April, when he put himself on the mercy etc. Judgment that he be bound over in the sum of £40 to keep the peace.

4 May 1380

John Laurence, squyer, of co. Bucks. appointed John Reve and William Talbot, tailors, his attorneys to receive a debt of 100 marks due to him from the Duke of Brittany, Earl of Mountfort and Richemond.

Membr. 5

4 May 1380

Thomas Wircestre, baker, was summoned to answer the Mayor and Aldermen as well as Henry, son of Robert..., an orphan, in a plea of account. Ralph Strode, who sued for the above orphan, said that the orphan's father left to him 100s in silver, and goods and chattels valued at £4 8s 10d. This money came into the hands of his executor John Brenatour, and on his death into the hands of his widow Cristiana, and on her death into the hands of her second husband Thomas Wircestre.

On the appearance of the parties the Mayor appointed John Bryan and Richard Aylesbury as auditors to hear the account in Guildhall on 15 May. Before them the defendant demanded judgment as to whether he was liable, inasmuch as the above-mentioned property had not come into his hands. The plaintiff pleaded that the property had in fact come into the hands of the defendant. On this issue both parties demanded a jury. The auditors having reported the proceedings to the Court, the Mayor and Aldermen ordered a jury to be summoned, which found a verdict for the defendant. Judgment accordingly. The plaintiff was not amerced because he was an orphan.

14 June 1380

Memorandum that on 14 June 1380 certain deeds relating to the inheritance of John Humbercolt, which had been found in the custody of Thomas Mordon in London, were delivered to Robert Tirwhit his attorney, together with an umbrer for a bassynet (fn. 11). Three other documents were retained in court, viz. A deed of gift of seven shops in Southwark from Robert. Vynour to William Offyngton, barber, and Juliana his wife; a grant for life from the same to William Barbour and Juliana his wife of a shop in Southwark; and an instrument of divorce between William Uffyngton and Juliana Haunsard under the seals of the Official of the Archdeacon of London and Denis Lopham, notary.

1 May 1380

Robert Whyte, draper, brought a bill of complaint against John de Mordon, late undersheriff of Richard Lyons, Sheriff, to the following effect: The plaintiff had sued Peter Beek, Lombard, in the Sheriffs' Court for a debt of 400 marks due on an obligation, and, on the plaint being entered, the said Peter had been arrested and committed to Newgate. He had first denied the obligation and a jury had been summoned on that issue, but afterwards he had acknowledged the deed, whereupon the plaintiff had demanded judgment. After dinner that day in Lombard Street the plaintiff had begged the undersheriff to render judgment and enter it, and on the undersheriff's suggestion he had given him a pair of scarlet hose. The undersheriff had then endorsed the obligation to the effect that Peter had acknowledged it and had been remanded to prison. Next day he falsely told the plaintiff he had enrolled the judgment, whereas he had not done so. As a result the debtor had been allowed to go at large to the damage of the plaintiff £500. [French]

The undersheriff appeared on summons and while not admitting that the debtor had acknowledged the obligation, denied receiving the hose or making any agreement to enrol judgment. As a freeman of the City he offered to acquit himself by making his law. As regards the allegation that the debtor was allowed to go at large for default of enrolment, he pleaded that, while the action was still pending and no judgment had been given, the plea was adjourned sine die because the debtor produced a writ of protection from the King, as appears by the record produced in court. He demanded judgment as to whether the plaintiff had any action against him.

The plaintiff replied that the debtor had acknowledged the obligation six weeks and more before the letters of protection. The making of a law was not permissible in an action of deceit which affected the King as well as the party plaintiff. As regards his other allegation (concerning the acknowledgment), the defendant had not denied it, arid accordingly he demanded judgment and damages.

Process being continued between the parties until Tuesday before the Feast of S^t Luke the Evangelist [18 Oct.] A^o 4 Ric. II [1380], the proceedings were recited in full Husting before the Mayor and Aldermen. As it appeared to the Court that a law was permissible by the custom of the City in such a case, as evidenced by previous judgments, and as the plaintiff refused to accept the plaintiff's law, judgment was given that as regards that part of the bill of complaint, the plaintiff should take nothing. Afterwards on 2 Oct. A^o 5 Ric. II [1381] the plaintiff quitclaimed all actions against the defendant.

Membr. 5 b

2 June 1380

Dame Mary Syward, Prioress of the House of S^t Leonard of Stratford, offered herself by Richard Forster her attorney against William Bartilmeu, goldsmith, in a plea of debt upon demand. The debtor, who was summoned by foreign attachment, made four defaults, whereupon at the plaintiff's request the attachment was valued by oath of Peter Sprot, William Phelip, Robert Gildeford and John Hacton as follows: A cage and a bird called "thrusshe," 2s; a lance, 12d; a counter, 20d; an ambry, 20d; a fenestrall (fn. 12), 20d; a kemelyng (fn. 13), a verinysshbarell and a bench (scannum), 8d; a standyngbassin and four leaden weights each of one lb, 4d; a brass pot, 3d; 2 cups, 2d; a candelabrum, 1d; a tub, 2d; a banker and a dosser, 12d; a chair (sedile), 2d; a bultyngtubbe (fn. 14), 12d; a reele, 4d; 2 belyes (fn. 15), 4d; a worchyngstol, 8d; 3 chairs (sedilia), 4d; one sper (fn. 16), 12d; a mortar and pestle, 4d; a pair of tonges, 1d; 12 pairs of pigeons, 3s; fagettes, 10d; a fother of coal, 4s; also pots daberam (?) (fn. 17) touching the craft of goldsmytherye, 6d; a stondyngbed, 2s; a sword, a bolle, 2 trestles and a paner (fn. 18), 6d; a tye (fn. 19), 4d; a bord, 2d; 2 trebulettes (fn. 20), 2d; a sarcebox, 1d; a form and a banker and dosser, 6d; 3 stokkes (fn. 21), 2d; 8 lbs of lead, 8d; 3 tables and one pair of trestles, 2s 6d; a chest and long stool, 20d; a chair, 4d; 2 longestoles, 12d; 2 stools and a cheker, 12d; a candelabrum and a corndyssh, a yard-stick (virga) of iron and a brass pan, 6d; a herthe, 4d; a stool and a dressyngburd (fn. 22), 2d; a marbilston, 1d; total 35s 5d. The above goods were handed to the Prioress under mainprise to restore them if the debtor should appear within a year and a day and disprove the debt.

28 June 1380

Quitclaim (fn. 23) by Richard Goodchild, cutler, and John Grove, armourer, to Geoffrey Chaucer, esquire, of all actions, demands etc. Dated at London, 28 June A^o 4 Ric. II [1380].

The same date. Similar quitclaim from Cecilia Chaumpaigne, daughter of the late William Chaumpaigne and Agnes his wife, to Richard Goodchild and John Grove. Dated at London, 28 June.

2 July 1380

2 July A^o 4 Ric. II [1380]. Recognizance from John Grove, armourer, of a debt of £10 to Cecilia Chaumpaigne, payable at Michaelmas.

[Marginal note: cancell' quia solut'.]

18 June 1380

Writ of protection in favour of John Chapel, son of William Chapel of London, who was then about to proceed to Brittany. Dated at Westminster, 18 June A^o 3 Ric. II [1380].

Membr. 6

3 July 1380

Quitclaim by Robert Lucas, goldsmith, and Margaret his wife, widow and executrix of John Northwich, goldsmith, to William de Tongge, vintner. Dated 3 July A^o 4 Ric. II [1380].

Schedule of goods belonging to David Lacy seized by order of the Mayor and appraised by oath of Stephen Maynard, William Godehewe and Roger Bernard, and delivered to John Stalham, parson of the Church of Rysyngg, and Richard Fitznicholl in part satisfaction of a debt due to them, viz. a tapit of black and white sarge, 2s; a pair of botailles, 12d; 2 pairs, of botz, 18d; a hopeland (fn. 24), 12d; 2 doublettes, 3s 8d; a cote of fusteyn, 2s 6d; a jakke, 5s; a doublet, 3s 4d; another doublet, 3s; 2 pairs of sheets, 12d; a joupe (fn. 25) of camaca (fn. 26), 6s 8d; a hood, 3s 4d; a capelyne (fn. 27), 5s; 5 pairs of hose (caligarum) and a veil, 7s; 2 pairs of solar' (fn. 28), 8d; a silver girdle, 24s; linen cloth, 18d; half-a-yard of velvet and two remnants of camaca, 6s; one pair of trussyngcoffres (fn. 29), 4s; and a clothsak, 2s; total, £4 4s 2d.

30 June 1380

A letter from the Mayor, Aldermen and Commonalty of the City of London under the Common Seal to the Burgomasters, Echevins and Counsellors of Bruges, complaining that, in spite of a guarantee given by the towns of Bruges, Ypres and Ghent in favour of English merchants during the dissensions between the Count and the men of Flanders, certain men of Sluys had on 2 June boarded a hakebot (fn. 30) lying in the Cogrode outside the piles (estaches) at Sluys, driven out the sailors and carried off the vessel and cargo. This hakebot, of which Giles Gosson of Coksiche (fn. 31) was master, had been freighted by John Drewe, apprentice and attorney of Matthew Passelewe, citizen of London, with merchandise valued at £220 gross of Flanders for the voyage to London. The Burgomasters etc. are urged to do all in their power to effect a resti tution of the merchandise or its value, in like manner as they would wish the citizens of London to do in a similar case. Dated 30 June 1380. [French]

Note that similar letters were sent to Ghent and Ypres.

9 July 1380

A letter to the Burgomasters, Echevins and Counsellors of Ghent with reference to a complaint by Joan, wife of John Pound, citizen of London, that her husband had freighted a ship to Sluys with goods of the value of £50, which he had bought at the Fair of Antwerp, and that on the voyage the ship had been captured by Arnold Jonesson, captain of the castle of Savetynge (fn. 32), who had carried the said John and the goods to the castle, where he still detained them. Dated at London under the Common Seal, 9 July 1380. [French]

Note that similar letters were sent to Bruges and Ypres.

Membr. 6 b

13 July 1380

William Stamelden, goldsmith, was mainprised by Adam Bamme, John Walden and John Fayrher, goldsmiths, to keep the peace with William, Bishop of London, and his servants.

8 July 1380

Writs of protection in favour of John Saunson and John Waryn, butchers, who were then about to go abroad in the company of Thomas, Earl of Buckingham. Dated at Westminster, 8 July A^o 4 Ric. II [1380].

12 July 1380

Writ of certiorari demanding the tenor of a deed enrolled in the Husting on Monday after the Feast of S^t Barnabas [11 June] A^o 47 Edw. III [1373], whereby John Malweyn granted to Peter Tebaud of Sleford co. Lincs., John de Crull and Peter Wappelode, draper, certain tenements in London and the manors of Lesenesmersh (fn. 33) and Borden co. Kent. Dated at Westminster, 12 July A^o 4 Ric. II [1380].

Return to the above.

Memorandum that Dunstan Harcherugge, draper, executor of Richard atte Boure, complained that John Bosham, Thomas Welford, Richard Norbury, Thomas Lakford, Robert de Louthe and William Pountfreit, who had been assigned to audit his accounts, refused to allow him a debt of £15 owed to him on an obligation by the testator, and charged him with £16 is 8d as due to the orphans. It was now agreed in court that he should have £7 is 6d in settlement of his claim, and that he should sue Alan de Twitham for £4 due to the estate, at the expense of and on behalf of the orphans. On those terms he consented to the cancelling of the obligation, and his accounts were discharged.

Membr. 7

26 July 1380

Peter Gracyan, merchant of Lucca, paid to the wife of William Whetely, woolman, the sum of £8 due on an obligation from Guy de Port, himself and Robert Rayson, grocer. On his informing the Court that the said Guy was principal debtor and that he and Robert were merely sureties, the cancelled obligation was delivered to him in order that he might recover the amount from the said Guy.

13 July 1380

Robert Culham, armourer, and Isabella, wife of Ralph Whithors, attended before John Haddele, Mayor, and William Cheyne, Recorder, at the Mayor's house in the parish of S^t Pancras, for the settlement of a debt of 80 marks due to the said Robert from Ralph Barry, knight, the said Isabella having been surety of the bonds. She claimed to have paid the whole amount excepting 5 marks, while the said Robert alleged that 25 marks were in arrears. He now agreed that if she would swear that she had paid over 50 marks he would exonerate her of all but the 5 marks. She took the oath and paid the 5 marks, and the said Robert was mainprised to return to her the bonds. At the same time he acknowledged satisfaction for the sum of 25 marks out of a debt of £21 owed by Ralph Barry.

28 July 1380

Writ de minis ordering the Mayor and Sheriffs to summon and put to mainprise Richard Sutton, Master of the Hospital of S^t Bartholomew, Smithfield, Walter de Parys, skinner, and John Luton, somonour (fn. 34), to keep the peace with Robert Yorke, cordwainer. Dated at Westminster, 28 July A^o 4 Ric. II [1380].

8 Aug. 1380

Writ of supersedeas, the above-mentioned Richard, Walter and John having been mainprised in Chancery by Richard Marberer, Walter Parker, Alan Orewell and Richard Fraunceys of London. Dated 8 Aug.

Similar writ de minis on behalf of Adam Boneton, cordwainer. Dated 28 July.

Note that on 4 Aug. the above-mentioned Master was arrested in the Compter of William Baret and detained there until he was mainprised by Adam Verney, draper, William Menden, serjeant, Richard Noke, goldsmith, and Richard Ardern, skinner, under penalty of £40.

Membr. 7 b

Aldebrand Gascoyne was summoned to answer Torellus Gascoyne, Lombard, in a plea that he render him a reasonable account for the time when he was receiver of his moneys, namely of £157 8s received between 7 Aug. 1374 and Easter following by the hands of John Janyn and Peter Taverner, servants of the plaintiff, being issues of the sale of Gascon, Romeneye (fn. 35), Malvesye (fn. 36) and Provynce wines, which money was entrusted to the defendant to trade therewith for the benefit of the plaintiff.

The defendant denied being receiver of the said moneys as alleged in the declaration, which he was prepared to verify. He prayed judgment. The plaintiff said that the defendant was receiver in the form aforesaid, and put himself on the country. The defendant did likewise. A jury of Englishmen and Lombards was summoned from the parish of S^t Edmund, Lombard Street, and meanwhile the defendant was mainprised by Fredus Genysane and Francis Cristofre. On 20 Oct. the jury, viz., John Leycestre, Thomas Weston, Walter Tebaud, Richard Albon, Henry Syward and John Fraunkeleyn, Englishmen, and Cosmas Daurea, Daniel de la Mare, Barnabas de Balde, Jakettus Dyne, Wlstan Pynel and James Wlpel, Lombards, brought in a verdict that the defendant was not receiver of the moneys as alleged in the declaration. Judgment that the plaintiff take nothing by his bill and be in mercy, and that the defendant go thereof without a day.

17 March 1381

Quitclaim from Robert White (fn. 37), draper, to John de Morton, late undersheriff to Richard Lyons, late Sheriff, of all actions etc. Dated 17 March A^o 4 Ric. II [1380-1]. [French]

Note that upon this, judgment was given that the said Robert take nothing by his bill and be in mercy and that the said John go thereof quit.

Membr. 8

3 Sept. 1380

Letter of attorney from James Castelyn, merchant of Flanders, to Francis Vyncheguerre, merchant of Lucca, Walter Sporiere and John de Gynes.

24 Sept. 1380

John Litle, tailor, was attached to answer John Rote, skinner, John Cassy and John Kestevene, mercer, who, owing to the default of Thomas Moye, clerk, were admitted to sue alone, in a certain plea on a certain bill wherein they complained that they had acquired by feoffment from Roger Payn a messuage in the parish of S^t Augustine by the Gate of S^t Paul's and that the defendant, who was the said Roger's tenant-at-will, refused to accept notice to quit at Michaelmas or to evacuate the premises. They pray the Court to order the defendant to find mainprise to quit the tenement.

The defendant pleaded that he was not bound by law to quit, because at Christmas A^o 1 Ric. II [1377] in the Kyngeshede in Cheap the said Roger granted him a 60 years' lease of the tenement and promised to have indentures made for the same.

The plaintiffs admitted that there had been a discourse (locucio) concerning such a lease, but said that it had been agreed that the defendant should construct a new jetty in front of the tenement and that there were other conditions, and that the defendant made a draft which did not tally with the agreements, whereupon discord arose between the parties. Afterwards the said Roger sent another draft to the defendant by the hands of Simon Wynchecombe and William Horston, and it was agreed that if they could not come to terms within three days the negotiations should be at an end, in spite of any lease suggested or made. No agreement was made, as the plaintiffs were ready to verify, wherefore they prayed judgment.

The defendant repeated that an agreement was made at the Kingeshede in the manner and form alleged by him, and not otherwise, and thereon he put himself upon the country. The plaintiffs did likewise.

On 14 Nov. the parties appeared and renounced inquiry therein and willingly put themselves on the oath of Roger Payn, John Hedyngham and John Willughby, who were ordered to appear on 15 Nov. The said Roger, John and John then swore that there was no discourse for breaking the first agreement as alleged by the plaintiffs. Judgment was given that defendant have his term of 60 years and that the plaintiffs be in mercy.

26 April 1380

Thomas Farndon was summoned to answer John Seman in a plea that he repay him 20s expended on the making of a pavement within the gate of a brewhouse in the parish of S^t Peter Wood Street. This house, the plaintiff declared, had been leased by the defendant for 20 years to John Doxenford, who left the lease by will to his widow Matilda, who married the plaintiff. The lease provided that all repairs should be carried out by the lessor. As the pavement was ruinous and there was a public right of way, the plaintiff had caused it to be repaired, but the defendant had refused to reimburse him.

The defendant pleaded that the site was his own private property, that no one had a right of way but the tenant and his servants and that the plaintiff had repaired the pavement without his consent. He prayed judgment as to whether the plaintiff ought to have any action against him.

The plaintiff pleaded that there was from time immemorial a public right of way from sunrise to sunset, and thus the defendant was bound to keep the place in repair.

On this issue the parties put themselves on the country. The jury found that the piece of ground within the gate was private property and that there was no right of way to anyone except the tenants and their servants. Judgment that the plaintiff take nothing by his bill, but be in mercy etc.

Cedula

A schedule of certain members of each of the misteries, apparently drawn up for the purpose of raising money.