CP40/641: Easter term 1421

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/641, rot. 111d

Term: Easter 1421
County: London
Writ type: Detinue
Damages claimed: £100
Case type: Detention of goods

Pleading: William N., son and heir of Nicholas N., claims that Simon G. unjustly detains one chest containing charters, writings, and other muniments. William N. claims that on 05/10/1405 he delivered the said chest with documents to a certain late Henry M. for safe keeping, and that after the death HM the same chest and documents passed into the possession of the defendant SG, who will not return it. The chest contained, among other documents, a charter by which William A., William L., and William S. granted to Walter N. and his son NN (father of WN) 'all their lands, tenements, and rents in North Lambeth, Surrey, which they lately had of the gift and enfeoffment of William A., the son and heir of Walter W., and John P.'; this same charter containing a warrantee clause. Damages are claimed at £100.

Pleading: SG presents the said chest with charters etc. to the court, and says that he is ready to deliver it with the court's decision. And upon this proclamations are made per diverse days and intervals that if anyone knows a reason why this chest with charters etc. ought not be delivered to WN that he should come and be heard, but no one presents themselves. Therefore the decision is that WN ought to have livery of the said chest with charters etc. and SG is quit of it.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/641, rot. 113

Term: Easter 1421
County: London
Writ type: Debt (account); Debt (bond)
Damages claimed: £40
Case type: Bond; Reckoning of account

Pleading: William C. and William T. claim that Katherine B., widow and executor of the will of William Beauchamp, owes them £29 6s 1d by way of a bond and arrears of account. WC and WT say that on 04/12/1419 the late William Beauchamp made a bond with them in £16 13s 11d, which has not been paid. They also say that on the same 04/12/1419 a reckoning of the account between WC with WT on one part, and the late William Beauchamp on the other part, was held before auditors William F. and William Blenkensop, concerning the time which the late William Beauchamp acted as receiver of the monies of WC and WT. It is claimed that this accounting found William Beauchaump to be £12 12s 2d in arrears to WC and WT. Damages are claimed at £40. The bond is shown to the court. And upon this WC and WT say that the bond was made at London etc.

Pleading: KB cites the statute of additions of 1 Henry V and says that on the day of the making of the original writ, and presently, she resides in Bromham, Wiltshire, and not in the vill of Powick, Worcestershire, as is specified in the original writ. KB seeks judgement on the writ.

Pleading: WC and Wt are not able to deny that KB now resides in Broham, Wiltshire, and seek licence of better writ (licence to bring a new, correct writ).

Postea text: The decision (same term as pleadings) is that WC and WT shall have nothing per their writ, and are in mercy for false claim. KB is without day.

Case notes: related to CP40/643 rot.115d

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/641, rot. 113d

Term: Easter 1421
County: London
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Damages claimed: £40
Case type: Bond

Pleading: Wiliam Cavendyssh and William Craneley claim that Katherine B., widow and executor of the will William B., owes them £47 14s 1½d per a bond made between William Cavendyssh and William Craneley on the one part, and the late WB on the other part. Damages are claimed at £40. Bond shown in court. And upon this William Cavendyssh and William Craneley say that the bond was made at London [parish and ward left blank].

Pleading: KB cites the statute of additions of 1 Henry V and says that on the day of the making of the original writ, and presently, she resides in Bromham, Wiltshire, and not in the vill of Powick, Worcestershire, as is specified in the original writ. KB seeks judgement on the writ.

Pleading: William Cavendyssh and William Craneley are not able to deny that KB now resides in Broham, Wiltshire, and seek licence of better writ (licence to bring a new, correct writ).

Postea text: The decision (same term as pleadings) is that William Cavendyssh and William Craneley shall have nothing per their writ, and are in mercy for false claim. KB is without day.

Case notes: related to CP40/643 rot.115

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/641, rot. 114

Term: Easter 1421
County: London
Writ type: Trespass (force and arms)
Damages claimed: £20
Case type: Assault; Imprisonment

Pleading: John M. is in mercy for many defaults. William G. claims that John M. and Robert P. used force and arms to assault and imprison him at London until he paid them a fine of 40s for his deliverance. He was imprisoned from the hour of nine after nones (nona post nonam) of Monday (09/09/1420) until the tenth hour of Wednesday (11/09/1420). Damages are claimed at £20.

Pleading: JM and RP seek licence to imparl as far as Trinity term 1421.

Postea text: 4 posteas - all are further licences to imparl, forwarding the case as far as Trinity term 1422.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/641, rot. 120

Term: Easter 1421
County: Bedfordshire
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Damages claimed: 100s
Case type: Bond

Pleading: William A. claims that John S. owes him 5m per a bond, made at Dunstable (Bedfordshire) on 28/10/1417 and due in the nativity of St John the Baptist 1418 (24/06/1418). Damages are claimed at 100s. Bond shown in court. And upon this JS says that the bond was made at Dunstable, Bedfordshire.

Pleading: JS asks that the bond and its endorsements be rear aloud. The condition of the bond is that if a certain Thomas H. should pay WA 5m within one year of the making of the bond (i.e. no later than 20/10/1418), or if TH should default, JS should pay to WA 33s 4d in All Saints 1418 (01/11/1418), then the bond would be null and void. Upon hearing this, JS says that the bond ought to be void because TH did not pay WA the aforesaid 5m within one year of the bond's making, but he (JS himself) did pay WB the aforesaid 33s 4d in All Saints 1418, at Southwark, Surrey, as per the condition of the bond.

Pleading: WA says that JS did not pay him the aforesaid 33s 4d in All Saints 1418 and seeks inquiry upon the country, and JS seeks likewise. Order to the sheriff of Surry to make a jury come in Trinity term 1421.

Postea text: postea 1 - the sheriff of Surry did not send the writ and so the case is forwarded as far as Michaelmas term 1421.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/641, rot. 136d

Term: Easter 1421
County: London
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Damages claimed: £20
Case type: Bond

Pleading: Oliver T. claims that Matilda T. and Ralph T., executors of the will of James H., owe him £10 on a bond made between OT and the late JH. OT says that JH did not pay this bond, nor did executor MT whilst a single woman, nor have MT and RT paid the bond after being married. Damages are claimed at £20. Bond shown in court.

Pleading: MT and RT say that the action against them ought not continue because after the making of the aforesaid bond OT later issued the late JH a release at Trekenning, Cornwall, on 28 June 1418.

Pleading: OT says that the bond is not of his making. Enquiry on country, sheriff of Cornwall to have jury here at quindene of Trinity 1421. Release in custody of John Hotoft.

Postea text: 5 posteas - all say that the sheriff of Cornwall did not send the writ, forwarding the case as far as Michaelmas term 1422.

Postea text: postea 6 - before Michaelmas 1422 Henry V died, and so in Michaelmas term 1422 OT comes before the court and seeks a writ of the sheriff of London to resume pleadings against RT and MT that they ought to be here to hear a jury of the country etc., and also a new writ of the sheriff of Cornwall, both writs returnable in Martinmas 1422 (later in Michaelmas term 1422).

Postea text: postea 7 - the sheriff of London returns that RT and Mt have nothing within his bailiwick, and it is testified that RT and MT have estate in Cornwall. Therefore the sheriff of Cornwall is ordered to bring RT and MT to this court in Hilary term 1421 to hear a jury etc. The sheriff of Cornwall returns that the jury did not come, and so are respited as far as Hilary term 1421.

Postea text: postea 8 - 12/02/1422 the release is given to justice William C. for consideration by a jury, and chief clerk Robert D. is quit of it.

Postea text: postea 9 - 04/05/1422 Justice WC returns the release to chief clerk RB, and so justice WC is quit of it.

Postea text: postea 9 - 10/07/1422 the release is delivered to justice WC for consideration by a jury, and so chief clerk RD is quit of it.

Postea text: postea 10 - 04/11/1422 justice WC returns the release to chief clerk RD, and so justice WC is quit of it.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/641, rot. 139d

Term: Easter 1421
County: Norfolk
Writ type: Debt (loan)
Damages claimed: £20
Case type: Loan

Pleading: William S. and William A. claim that Thomas B. owes them £16 per a loan. Damages are claimed at £20.

Pleading: TB says that he does not owe WS and WA the aforesaid £16 nor any other monies and offers his law, to be made tame term as pleadings.

Postea text: TB makes his law (same term as pleadings) and so is quit. WS and WA are in mercy for false claim.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/641, rot. 149d

Term: Easter 1421
County: London
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Damages claimed: £30
Case type: Bond

Pleading: John D. (Jr.) and Julia D. the widow of John D. (Sen.), executors of the will of John D. (Sen), claim that Hugh R. owes them £36 per a bond. Damages are claimed at £30. Bond shown in court, as well as letters testamentary.

Pleading: HR says that the force of the bond ought not hold because the now late John D. (Sen.) granted him a release, after the time of the bond's making. HR presents this release to the court, made at Sandwich, Kent, on 06/09/1417. John D. (Jr.) and Julia D. say that the release is not of the late John D. (Sen.)'s making and seek inquiry upon the country, and HR seeks likewise. Order to the sheriff of Kent to make a jury come in Trinity term 1421. The bond is given to chief clerk John H. for safe keeping.

Postea text: postea 1 - the sheriff of Kent returns that that the writ reached him late, and so the case is forwarded as far as Michaelmas term 1421.

Postea text: postea 2 - continuance between the parties as far as Trinity term 1422.

Postea text: postea 3 - continuance between the parties as far as Michaelmas term 1422.

Postea text: postea 4 - Henry V died before Michaelmas term 1422, and so in Hilary term 1423 the aforesaid executors come and seek a writ of the sheriff of London to have the defendant HR before this court to hear the jury, and also a writ of the sheriff of Kent to make the jury come, both returnable in Easter term 1423.

Postea text: postea 5 - 14/11/1424 the release is delivered to justice John M. for consideration by a jury, and so chief clerk Robert D. is quit of it.

Postea text: postea 6 - 08/02/1425 justice JM returns the release to clerk RD and so is quit of it.

Postea text: postea 7 - 06/07/1428 the suit has been discontinued, and plaintiffs John D. (junior.) and Julia D. are not prosecuting, therefore the bond is delivered to defendant HR's attorney, John G. Clerk RD is quit of it.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/641, rot. 193

Term: Easter 1421
County: London
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Damages claimed: £10
Case type: Bond; Contract (general)

Pleading: Chaplain William B. claims that John C., executor of the will of chaplain William W., owes him £10 per a bond made between chaplain WB and the late chaplain WW. Damages are claimed at £10. Bond shown in court, which was given at London etc.

Pleading: JC asks that the bond and its endorsements be read to the court. The condition on the bond was that if the late chaplain WW should not impede or make impediment to the free entry and exit of chaplain WB or his heirs and assigns, concerning the taking and carrying away (extraportand') of all his movable goods within the rectory of Halstead, Kent, from the day of the bond's making (10/04/1420) as far as the feast of saints Peter and Paul (29/06/1420) then the bond should then be null and void. Upon hearing and understand this condition, JC says that the bond ought to be null and void, because the late chaplain WW did not impede or make impediment to chaplain WB etc.

Pleading: Chapliaim WB says that the late chaplain WW did impede him from removing his moveable goods from the rectory of Halstead, namely: 4 quarters of barley; 4 quarters of oats; one basin with laver; and other household utensils. Chaplain WB seeks inquiry upon the country, and JC seeks likewise. Order to the sheriff of Kent to make a jury come in Trinity term 1421.

Postea text: postea 1 - the sheriff of Kent did not send the writ and so the case is forwarded as far as Michaelmas term 1421.

Postea text: postea 2 - continuance between the parties as far as Trinity term 1422.

Postea text: postea 3 - in Trinity term 1422 a continuance was given as far as Michaelmas term 1422, before which term Henry V died. Chaplain WB then came before the court in Hilary term 1423 and sought a writ of the sheriff of London directing him to have JC to this court to hear a jury, and one of the sheriff of Kent to have a make a jury come, both returnable in Easter term 1423.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/641, rot. 201

Term: Easter 1421
County: London
Writ type: Trespass (force and arms)
Damages claimed: £40
Case type: Taking of goods

Pleading: Thomas F. is in mercy for many defaults. Robert L. claims that Richard B. used force and arms to seize and carry off one 'cloth of arras' and one silver cup worth 40m, at London. Damages are claimed at £40.

Pleading: TF defends and seeks licence to imparl s far as Trinity term 1421.

Pleading: [further information drawn from CP40/642 rot.112 - Trinity 1421] TF says that he is innocent and puts himself upon the country, and RL puts himself likewise. Order to the sheriff of London to make a jury come in Michaelmas term 1421.

Case notes: further information drawn from CP40/642 rot.112

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/641, rot. 202d

Term: Easter 1421
County: London
Writ type: Debt (other)
Damages claimed: 100s
Case type: Contract (general)

Pleading: Dederic D. claims that William A. owes him 62s 11d arising from an agreement between them, whereby they agreed that DD, in exchange for 62s 11d, would make and embroider diverse beds (lectos) and tapestries of red worsted with the heads of deer called 'buck heads', to the use of a certain lady Katherine Grene lately wife of Ralph Grene. DD says that he was not paid for this work and seeks damages of 100s.

Pleading: WA says that he does not owe DD the aforesaid 62s 11d nor any other monies and offers his law, to be made in Trinity term 1421. Pledges of law are named as Richard P. (also WA's attorney) and [second name left blank]. And it is decided that WA's attorney, RP, is to have his master here to make in law in the term aforesaid.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/641, rot. 211d

Term: Easter 1421
County: London
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Damages claimed: £200
Case type: Bond

Pleading: John D., executor of the will of Robert D., claims that Robert C. owes him £178 per a bond made between RC and the late RD. Damages are claimed at £200. Bond shown in court. And upon this JD says that the bond was made at London [parish and ward left blank].

Pleading: RC defends and seeks licence to imparl as far as Trinity term 1421. Pledges are named for the defendant.

Postea text: postea 1 - further licence to imparl as far as the morrow of St John the Baptist (later in Trinity term 1421).

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/641, rot. 218

Term: Easter 1421
County: London
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Damages claimed: £40
Case type: Bond

Pleading: John B. claims that Thomas J. and Isabel C. (widow of Thomas C.), executors of the will of TC, owe him £33 per a bond made between JB and the late TC. Damages are claimed at £40. Bond shown in court. And upon this JB says that the bond was made at London etc.

Pleading: IC and TJ defend and seek licence to imparl as far as Trinity term 1421. And upon this IC and TJ, with the assent of JB, put in their place (attorney) Thomas P.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/641, rot. 218d

Term: Easter 1421
County: London
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Damages claimed: £40
Case type: Bond

Pleading: Matilda B. claims that the certain executors of the will of the late Earl of Arundel Thomas FitzAlan, namely: Beatrice FitzAlan (widow of earl Thomas FitzAlan), John W., parson Thomas H., William B., and William R, together with their co-executor archbishop of Canterbury Henry Chichele, owe her £40 per a bond, made between MB herself and the late earl Thomas FitzAlan. This bond was made on 20/10/1410 and payable in payments of £20 in Christmas 1410 (25/12/1410) and £20 in Easter 1411 (12/04/1411). Damages are claimed at £40. Bond shown in court. And upon this MB says that the bond was made at London [parish and ward left blank).

Pleading: Beatrice FitzAlan (widow of earl ThomasFitzAlan), JW, parson TH, WB., and WR defend and seek licence to imparl as far as Trinity term 1421.

Postea text: postea 1 - further licence to imparl as far as Michaelmas term 1421 [case also appearing on CP40/642 rot.106 - Trinity term 1421]

Case notes: case also appearing on CP40/642 Rot.106.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/641, rot. 219

Term: Easter 1421
County: Hertfordshire
Writ type: Trespass (force and arms)
Damages claimed: £40
Damages awarded: 46s 8d
Costs: 20s
Case type: Assault; Housebreaking

Pleading: William T. claims that on Robert S. used force and arms to break his house and close at Aspenden ('Apisden'), Hertfordshire, whereupon RW assaulted him and threatened his life and limbs so that he could not walk openly or go about his business for fear of death for one month following the aforesaid trespass. Damages are claimed at £40.

Pleading: RS says that he is innocent and puts himself upon the country, and WT puts himself likewise. Order to the sheriff of Hertfordshire to make a jury come in Trinity term 1421.

Postea text: postea 1 - continuance between the parties as far as Martinmas 1421 (late in Michaelmas term 1421), because the jury did not come.

Postea text: postea 2 - a jury comes and says that RS is guilty as charged, and award WT damages of 46s 8d plus costs of 6s 8d. And upon this WT asks the justices to increase the amount he has been awarded for costs. Upon this the justices increase WT's award for costs to 6s 8d plus an additional 13s 4d. Therefore, the decision is that TW is to recover a total of 5m for damages and costs. RS is to be arrested.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/641, rot. 220

Term: Easter 1421
County: London
Writ type: Detinue
Damages claimed: £200
Case type: Detention of goods; Safe keeping

Pleading: John S. and Joan S. claim that William H. unjustly detains one charter. John S. and Joan S. say that on 18/05/1417 Walter D., the brother of Joan S., gave this charter to WH for safe keeping. John S. and Joan S., say that WD has since died, and that Joan S. is his rightful heir, but though often requested WH will not return the charter to John S. and Joan S. The charter was an indenture made between the late king Edward (III) on the one part, and John D. with his wife Joan D. on the other part, granting John D. with Joan D. the manor of Merden, Wiltshire, at the rent of one rose in the feast of St. John the Baptist etc. [This charter appears in the Calendar of Patent Rolls for Edward III 1374-77, p. 33. In addition to the manor of Merden (Wiltshire), it also mentions an earlier indenture between John D. and the prioress of Dertford in 47 Edward III, which relates to the manors of 'Norton, Skydemore, Fifhide, Trowe, Haccesham, Braundeston and Combes, cos. Wilts., Surrey, and Suffolk…'] John S. and Joan S. say that WD dies seised of this same manor of Merden, without an heir of his body, and that after his death the manor passed to Joan S. Damages are claimed at £200.

Pleading: WH says that he is not able to deny the action against him, nor that WD is dead and Joan S. is his rightful heir. WH says that since the death of WD he has always been prepared to deliver the said charter to Joan S. and John S. WH presents the charter to the court. The decision is that John S. and Joan S. are to have the aforesaid charter and their attorney, William R., receives it in their name. WH is quit and there are no damages.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/641, rot. 220d

Term: Easter 1421
County: London
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Damages claimed: £40
Case type: Bond

Pleading: William F. claims that Thomas G. owes him £34 as the unpaid residue of two bonds, both made on 23/01/1419. WF says that the first bond was for £20 16s 8d, payable in the vigil of Easter 1419 (15/04/1419), which has not been paid. WF says that the second bond was for £14 3s 4d, payable in the vigil of the Pentecost 1419 (03/06/1419), concerning which sum he has been satisfied in only 20s. Damages are claimed at £40. The bonds are shown to the court. And upon this WF says that the bonds were made at London [parish and ward left blank].

Pleading: TG defends and seeks licence to imparl as far as Trinity term 1421. Pledges are named for the defendant.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/641, rot. 228d

Term: Easter 1421
County: London
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Damages claimed: £40
Damages awarded: 100s
Case type: Bond

Pleading: John S. claims that Anna G., widow and executor of John G., owes him £16 4s per a bond made between JS and the late JG. Damages are claimed at £40. Bond shown in court.

Pleading: AG does not acknowledge that the bond is of the late JG's making. She also says the she is, and was on the day of the making of the original writ, subject to the coverture of a certain James A. of Tehidy, Cornwall, who is alive and well. AG seeks judgement on the writ.

Pleading: JS says that as of the day of the making of the original writ, namely 01/10/1420, JA had died, at Uxbridge, Middlesex. JS seeks inquiry upon the country, and AG seeks likewise. Order to the sheriff of Middlesex to make a jury come in Trinity term 1421.

Postea text: postea 1 - continuance between the parties as far as Michaelmas term 1421.

Postea text: postea 2 - a jury comes and says on oath that JA was indeed deceased on the day of the making of the original writ. The decision is that JS is to recover the aforesaid debt plus damages of 100s. AG is in mercy.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/641, rot. 363

Term: Easter 1421
County: London
Writ type: Detinue
Damages claimed: 10m
Case type: Detention of goods; Safe keeping

Pleading: Thomas G. claims that on 14/11/1419 he delivered to John M. 200 sheep skins worth 6m for safe keeping, but JM will not return them. Damages claimed at 10m.

Pleading: JM defends and seeks licence to imparl as far as Trinity term 1421. Pledges are named for the defendant.

Postea text: 4 posteas - all further licence to imparl as far as Michaelmas 1422

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/641, rot. 363

Term: Easter 1421
County: London
Writ type: Trespass (force and arms)
Damages claimed: £20
Case type: Housebreaking; Taking of goods

Pleading: John L. claims that Robert W. used force and arms to break his house at London, whereupon he seized and carried off goods and chattels to the value of £20. The goods taken were namely: 8 ounces of broken silver (agrenti fracci); one gold ring; one silver ring; one blue silk cape (capam), one amber rosary; one forcer; one silver bound and gilt girdle; two large bowls of silver (crateres argenti); and one coat of mail. Damages are claimed at £20.

Pleading: RW says that he is innocent and puts himself upon the country, and JL puts himself likewise. Order o the sheriff of London to make a jury come in Trinity term 1421.

Postea text: postea 1 - the sheriff of London did not send the writ and so the case is forwarded as far as the quindene of St John the Baptist (later in Trinity term 1421).

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/641, rot. 389a

Term: Easter 1421
County: London
Writ type: Detinue
Damages claimed: 20m
Case type: Detention of goods; Safe keeping

Pleading: Robert O. claims that John B. unjustly detains two bonds which were given to him for safe keeping. RO says that one of these bonds shows that a certain John S. is held to him in 100s. RO says that the second bond shows that he himself is held to JS in 100s. Damages are claimed at 20m.

Pleading: JB presents these two bonds to the court and says that he is prepared to deliver them with the court's decision. JB says that these two bonds were given to him with the unanimous assent of RO and JS, with the understanding that they were only to be returned to one or the other of them under certain conditions. JB says that he is ignorant as to whether these conditions have been met on the part of JS. JB seeks that JS be brought to this court etc. Therefore, the decision is that the sheriff of London is to have JS before this court in Trinity term 1421 to say if RO ought have delivery of these bonds etc. Day is given between JB and RO in this same term.

Postea text: postea 1 - the sheriff of London returns that JS has nothing in his bailiwick. And upon this it is testified that JS has estate in Middlesex, and so the sheriff of Middlesex is ordered to have JS before this court in the octave of St John the Baptist 1421 (later in trinity term 1421). Further day is given between JB and RO in the same term.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/641, rot. 397d

Term: Easter 1421
County: London
Writ type: Account
Damages claimed: £40
Case type: Arbitration; Contract (service/employment); Reckoning of account

Pleading: Thomas M. claims that John D. has not rendered reasonable account concerning the time when JD acted as TM's bailiff of one messuage at London, parish of St Michael Crooked Lane, Bridge Ward. TM says that this messuage contained diverse linen and woollen cloth, one butt of rumney wine, and other merchandise over which JD exercised administration. TM also says that during this time JD received on his behalf £4 10s, per the hands of William G. Damages are claimed at £40.

Pleading: JD says that the action against him ought not continue because after the time aforesaid, namely on [date left blank] at Bury St Edmonds, Suffolk, he and TM undertook arbitration before arbitrators John L. and Walter P. These arbitrators ordained that to settle all disputes between JD and TM prior to the day of the arbitration, JD ought to give to TM one eel (murenam) and one gallon of wine. JD says that he gave these things to TM, and is prepared to verify this.

Pleading: TM says that there has not been any such arbitration between himself and JD and seeks inquiry upon the country, and JD seeks similarly. Order to the sheriff of Suffolk to make a jury come in Trinity term 1421.

Postea text: 2 posteas - both say that the sheriff of Suffolk did not send the writ, forwarding the case as far as Hilary term 1422.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/641, rot. 398

Term: Easter 1421
County: Norfolk
Writ type: Disseisin
Case type: Dower; Real action / rents / damage to real estate

Pleading: Ralph M. and his wife Margery seek from William J., Nicholas J., John B., John P., William Weston, William C., and vicar Richard B., a third part of the manor of Shipden, with appurtenances in Shipden, Runton, Felbrigg, and Beeston (Regis), as the dower of MM from her late husband Walter Walyngton.

Pleading: WJ, NJ, JB, JP, William Weston, WC and vicar RB say that plaintiffs RM and MM ought not have the aforesaid manors as part of MM's dowry from her late husband Walter Walyngton. The defendants say that the late Walter Walyngton was not seised of the manor of Shipden on the day he married MM, or at any time thereafter, and had no estate from which MM ought to have dower.

Pleading: RM and MM admit that Walter Walyngton was not seised of the manor of Shipden on the day he married MM, or at any time thereafter. RM and MM to take nothing for their writ, amerced for false claim. Defendants sent without day.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/641, rot. 398d

Term: Easter 1421
County: Hertfordshire
Writ type: Trespass (force and arms)
Damages claimed: £20
Case type: Contract (service/employment); Taking of goods

Pleading: William C. claims that William D. and John D. used force and arms to seize and carry off goods and chattels to the value of 5m, as well as 6m case money, at Hitchin, Hertfordshire. The goods and chattels were namely: one mattress, two covers (coopertoria), two blankets, and two pair of sheets. Damages are claimed at £20.

Pleading: WD and JD defend and seek licence to imparl as far as Trinity term 1421.

Pleading: [further information drawn from CP40/642 rot.122 - Trinity 1421] Concerning the use of force and arms, WD and JD say that they are innocent and put themselves upon the country, and WC puts himself likewise. Concerning the remainder of the supposed trespass, JD says that Margaret C., now the wife of William C., had a son named Thomas F., with a man named Adam. F. JD says that prior to supposed trespass an agreement was made (with Margery) whereby this same TF was to be apprenticed with him for a term of seven years (presumably to learn to be a draper). In exchange, JD was to receive a bed and 6m in cash money. JD says that he received TF as his apprentice, and later went to Hitchin (Hertfordshire) and requested from the plaintiff WC that he should have livery of the aforesaid bed and 6m cash, as per the agreement. It is under this pretext that he took livery of the aforesaid goods and 6m money, as he had good licence to.

Pleading: WC reiterated his claim that JD used force and arms to take the aforesaid goods.

Pleading: JD says that he took livery of the aforesaid goods in the manner aforesaid (as per agreement) and puts himself upon the country, and WC puts himself likewise. Order to the sheriff of Hertfordshire to make a jury come in Michaelmas term 1421.

Case notes: further information drawn from CP40/642 rot.122

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/641, rot. 401

Term: Easter 1421
County: Sussex
Writ type: Trespass (against statute)
Damages claimed: £10
Case type: Breach of Statute; Contract (service/employment)

Pleading: Matthew P. claims that on 06/02/1419 at Sedlescombe, Sussex, he retained Thomas K. to work as a labourer for one whole year then next following. However, MP claims that TK left his service prematurely on 05/03/1419, thus breaching the statute of labourers. Damages are claimed at £10.

Pleading: TK says that he left MP's service with good cause, because MP refused to give him reasonable food and drink, as had been agreed when TK entered MP's service.

Pleading: MP says that he did not refuse to give TK reasonable food and drink, and seeks inquiry upon the country. TK seeks likewise. Order to the sheriff of Sussex to make a jury come in Trinity term 1421.

Postea text: 3 posteas - all say that the sheriff of Sussex did not send the writ, forwarding the case as far as Hilary term 1422.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/641, rot. 408d

Term: Easter 1421
County: Hertfordshire
Writ type: Trespass (force and arms)
Damages claimed: £10
Case type: Assault

Pleading: Thomas O. claims that Richard E. assaulted him with force and arms at Watford, Hertfordshire, on 05/06/1416. Damages are claimed at £10.

Pleading: RE says that he is innocent and puts himself upon the country, and TO puts himself likewise. Order to the sheriff of Hertfordshire to make a jury come in Trinity term 1421.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/641, rot. 411

Term: Easter 1421
County: London
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Damages claimed: £10
Case type: Bond

Pleading: John T. claims that William C. owed him £8 13s 4d per a bond. Damages are claimed at £10. Bond shown in court.

Pleading: WC defends and seeks licence to imparl as far as Trinity term 1421. Pledges are named for the defendant.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/641, rot. 411

Term: Easter 1421
County: London
Writ type: Debt (account)
Damages claimed: 100s
Case type: Reckoning of account

Pleading: John W. claims that John P. and his wife Joan P., administrators of the goods and chattels of William B. (died intestate), owe him 40s as determined by a reckoning of the account between plaintiff JW and the late WB before auditors Richard W. and John B. JW says that though he often requested this money the late WB did not give it to him, nor did Joan P. after WB's death, nor have Joan P. and John P. since being married. Damages are claimed at 100s.

Pleading: John P and Joan P. say that Joan P. was never the administrator of the goods and chattels of the late WB and seeks judgement.

Pleading: JW says that Joan P. was the administrator of the goods and chattels of the late WB, namely at London in the parish of St Stephen Colmanstreet, and seeks inquiry upon the country, and Joan P. with John P. seek likewise. Order to the sheriff of London to make a jury come in Trinity term 1421. Pledges are named for the defendants.

Postea text: 2 posteas - both say that the sheriff of London did not send the writ, forwarding the case as far as Michaelmas term 1421.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/641, rot. 411d

Term: Easter 1421
County: London
Writ type: Account
Damages claimed: £10
Case type: Reckoning of account

Pleading: William S. claims that James P. has not rendered to him reasonable account concerning the time when JP acted as his receiver. WS claims that JP acted as his receiver from 01/06/1420 to 30/06/1420, during which time JP received on WS's behalf 6m per the hands of James Q. Damages are claimed at £10.

Pleading: JP defends and seeks licence to imparl as far as Trinity term 1421. Pledges are named for the defendant.

Postea text: postea 1 - JP does not come and so the decision is that JP ought to (render) account. JP is to be arrested.