CP40/568: Hilary term 1403

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/568, rot. 054

Term: Hilary 1403
County: London
Writ type: Trespass (force and arms)
Damages claimed: £40
Damages awarded: 3s 4d
Costs: 36s 8d
Case type: Assault; Bond; Imprisonment

Pleading: Jollan F. claims that John H. forcibly seized him in London and detained him for fifteen days so that he greatly feared for his life and limbs, and was abused and condemned such that he dare not go about his business, namely buying and selling, for a great time, out of fear of death, namely for half a year. Damages claimed at £40.

Pleading: JH, not acknowledging what JF has claimed, denies force and arms and acting against the peace, and puts himself upon the country, and JF puts himself likewise. Concerning the supposed imprisonment, JH says that long before the time he is accused of imprisoning JH a bond was made between the two men at London, on 04/10/1390, by which JF (by the name 'John Fishe') obliged himself to pay to JH 44s 4d at Christmas 1390. JH says that this bond was never paid by JF and so that JF was arrested by one John M. (this being the supposed imprisonment) so that he could be before William F. one of the sheriffs of London to answer the plaint of JH in the Guildhall of London. This JH is prepared to verify.

Pleading: JF says that he was imprisoned etc. and that he never, by the name of John Fishe, made any such bond with JH for 44s 4d. He seeks inquiry upon the country, and JH seeks likewise. Order to the sheriff of London to make a jury come in quindene of Easter term 1403.

Postea text: postea 1 - continuance between the parties as far as Trinity term 1403 unless heard before justice William H. at the assize at St. Martin le Grand on 18/06/1403.

Postea text: postea 2 - record is sent that the case was heard at the assize at St Martin le Grand on 18/06/1403 before justice WH and associate justice John C. The jury says that JH is innocent of the charge of imprisoning JF. The jury also says that JF did indeed make a bond with JH which he should have paid to JH at Christmas 1390 but did not, and so JF was to respond to the plea of JH in the Guildhall of London (under the name 'Janyn Fishe') so that an order was made that JM should arrest JF. However, JM arrested JF on the information of JH, and so the jury seeks the discretion of the justice concerning the seizure and imprisonment of JF in relation to JH and the jury also questions if the name of the plaintiff is now 'Jollan' or 'John'. And it is decided to award JF damages for his seizure and imprisonment, namely 6s 8d losses, 40d for the imprisonment and 40d costs. JF then asks that the damages be increased, and they are increased to a total of 40s.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/568, rot. 059

Term: Hilary 1403
County: London
Writ type: Debt (loan)
Damages claimed: 9m
Case type: Loan

Pleading: Margery C. claims that Helen ['Elena'] W. owes her 9m on a loan. Damages claimed at 9m.

Pleading: EW says that she does not owe MC anything and offers her law at the octave of the purification of St Mary 1403. Pledges of law named as well as pledges for further appearance.

Postea text: 1 postea - EW comes and makes her law. Therefore, MC and her pledges of prosecution are in mercy, and EW is without day.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/568, rot. 059

Term: Hilary 1403
County: London
Writ type: Trespass (force and arms)
Damages claimed: £20
Damages awarded: £20
Case type: Assault; Imprisonment

Pleading: John H. claims that William D., with force and arms, imprisoned and maltreated him until he delivered to WD a fine of 10m. Hence, JH claims that WD detained him for six weeks. Damages claimed at £20.

Pleading: WD claims that JH is his villein, of his manor of Thundridge, Hertfordshire, and so WD himself is not culpable and puts himself upon the country, and JH puts himself likewise. Order to the sheriff [of London?] to make a jury come in the quindene of Easter term 1403.

Postea text: postea 1 - continuance between the parties as far as 03/11/1403 unless first heard by justice William R. at the assize at St Martin le Grand on 20/10/1403.

Postea text: postea 2 - It is reported that the case heard at the assize of St Martin le Grand on 20/11/1403 before justice WR and associate justice Thomas S. The jury found that WD is culpable for his trespass against JH and assesses JH's damages at the full £20, and the same WD is to be arrested.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/568, rot. 059d

Term: Hilary 1403
County: London
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Damages claimed: 10m
Case type: Bond

Pleading: Hugh K. claims that John W. owes him £8 17s on a bond. Bond shown in court. Damages claimed at 10m.

Pleading: JW asks that the bond be read aloud in the court, and the bond says that if JW were to pay HK payments of £4 8s 6d at the quindene of Hilary term 1400 and the quindene of Trinity term 1400 then the bond should be null and void. JW says that he made these payments to HK at Newmarket, Cambridgeshire and so owes HK nothing.

Pleading: HK says that JW did not pay him the said £8 17s and seeks inquiry upon the country, and JW seeks likewise. Order to the sheriff of Cambridgeshire to make a jury come in the quindene of Easter 1403. Pledges named for the defendant.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/568, rot. 067

Term: Hilary 1403
County: London
Writ type: Debt (sale of goods)
Damages claimed: 100s
Case type: Sale of goods

Pleading: Hugh H., executor of the will of John R., claims that John Y. owes him 14m arising from the sale of 10 quarters of wheat, 9 quarters of barley, 12 quarters of oats, and 4 quarters of beans which JY bought from the late JR but did not pay for. Damages are claimed at 100s.

Pleading: JY says that he does not owe HH the said monies and offers to make his law at the quindene of Easter 1403. Pledges of law named as well as pledges for future appearance.

Postea text: 1 postea - HH does not come and so he and his pledges of the prosecution are in mercy, and JY is without day.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/568, rot. 103

Term: Hilary 1403
County: London
Writ type: Debt (account)
Damages claimed: £200
Damages awarded: 100s
Case type: Reckoning of account

Pleading: John H. claims that Walter P. owes him £142 14s 3½d arrears, as determined by a reckoning of account before auditors Roger K. and Thomas B., concerning various goods and chattels of his received by Walter P. before that time, namely: a certain piece of 'cloth of reins' containing 45 yards worth £18; another piece of 'cloth of reins' containing 45 yards worth £15 5s; another piece of 'cloth of reyns' containing 26 yards worth £8 6s 8d; one piece of velvet motley decorated with gold leaf worth £11 6s 8d; another piece of velvet decorated with 'chapelettes' worth £28 12s 9d; a piece of red satin decorated with gold peacocks and gold trees worth 43s 4d; a piece of gold 'attabby' worth £6 13s 4d; two pieces of red satin decorated with gold pheasants and gold rabbits worth £10; two pieces of red satin decorated with a gold castle worth £13 6s 8d; a piece of red velvet containing 7¾ yards worth £4 6s 10½d; another piece of red velvet containing 4 yards worth 40s; 1½ pieces of black 'baudekin' of Damascus worth £4; another piece and two remnants of green 'baudekin' of Damascus worth 66s 8d; a piece of blue 'baudekin' of Damascus worth 66s 8d; a piece of black 'baudekin' of Damascus worth 60s; another piece of blue 'baudekin' of Damascus worth 60s; twelve pieces of 'carde' worth 60s. Damages claimed at £200.

Pleading: WP says that the action against him ought not continue because the goods in question were the goods of a certain John M., who delivered them to WP to sell before the time WP is supposed to have had a reckoning concerning these same goods etc. WP is prepared to verify this, and seeks judgement.

Pleading: JH says that WP had an accounting concerning the said goods and chattels before WP as he claims and seeks inquiry upon the country, and WP seeks likewise. Order to the sheriff of London to make a jury come at the octave of the purification of St Mary 1403.

Postea text: postea 1 - continuance between the parties as far as Easter term 1403 unless the case is first heard before justice William R. at the assize at St. Martin le Grand on 15/02/1403.

Postea text: postea 2 - Record sent that the case was heard at the assize at St Martin le Grand before justice WR and associate justice Thomas S. on 15/02/1403. The jury found that WP did have an accounting concerning the said goods and chattels of JH before the named auditors and so awards JH damages concerning the detention of his monies to the value of 40s. JH asks that the damages be increased. The justice increases the damages awarded by 60s. JH is to recover the debt plus a total of 100s damages. WP is committed to the Fleet.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/568, rot. 106d

Term: Hilary 1403
County: Kent
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Damages claimed: £20
Case type: Bond

Pleading: John L. claims Roger B. and Robert L. owe him £36 on a bond. Damages claimed at £20. Bond shown in court.

Pleading: RB and RL ask that the bond be read aloud in the court, and it says that if they were to pay JL £6 at Christmas 1397, £6 at Easter 1398, £6 at the Nativity of St. John the Baptist 1398, then the bond would be cancelled. The defendants say that they made these payments at Lambeth, Surrey, and so owe JL nothing.

Pleading: JL says that they did not make the payment at the Nativity of St John the Baptist 1398 and seeks inquiry upon the country. Order to the sheriff of Surrey to make a jury come at the quindene of Easter 1403.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/568, rot. 107d

Term: Hilary 1403
County: Norfolk
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Damages claimed: £40
Case type: Bond

Pleading: William L. claims that John B. and Richard R., along with Alan E., co-executors of the will of John W., owe him £28 6s 8d on a bond made between WL and JW during his lifetime. WL claims that the terms of the bond were that JW was to have paid him £10 at Christmas 1399, £10 at the Purification 1400, and £8 6s 8d at Easter 1400. Damages claimed at £40. Bond shown in court.

Pleading: JB and RR say that they were not the executors of the will of JW. JB says that long before JW's death, JW gave all his goods and chattels to AE, and after JW's death, AE sold a parcel of JW's former goods and chattels worth £26 to JB. These goods and chattels, as bought from AE, JB then administered as his own property. RR, not acknowledging that he was ever an executor of JW, says that JW, before his death, gave all his goods to AE, and that AE then made RR his deputy concerning the goods and chattels of JW, namely for the selling of certain parcels of these goods to the profit of AE.

Pleading: WL denies the defence of JB and RR, and says that they were made administrators of the goods of JW at Felmingham, Norfolk. He seeks inquiry upon the country, and the defendants seek likewise. Order to the sheriff of Norfolk to make a jury come at the quindene of Easter 1403.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/568, rot. 109

Term: Hilary 1403
County: London
Writ type: Debt (account)
Damages claimed: £20
Case type: Contract (general); Reckoning of account

Pleading: William P. and Edmund C. claim that Hamo C. owes them £10 as determined by a reckoning of certain expenses incurred in a lawsuit with a certain Robert B. WP and EC say that RB lately prosecuted a certain writ of scire facias versus WP, EC, HC (by the name 'Hamo Fuller'), and a certain Walter T., concerning certain lands in Kent, which certain writ was returnable and returned in the chancery of the king at Easter in three weeks 1398. And, Hamo, WP and EC were required to pay out to defend themselves against RB's suit, for which HC ought to have paid a portion. An accounting concerning these costs was held at London before auditor Thomas Kemp, and HC's portion of these costs was found to be £10, but he has not paid.

Pleading: HC says that he did not account before TK as claimed, and places himself upon the country, and WP and EC place themselves likewise. Order to the sheriff of London to make a jury come in the quindene of Easter term 1403.

Case notes: Related to CP 40/568, rot 109d.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/568, rot. 109d

Term: Hilary 1403
County: London
Writ type: Debt (account)
Damages claimed: £20
Case type: Contract (general); Reckoning of account

Pleading: William P. and Edmund C. claim that Walter T. owes them £10 as found by a reckoning of certain expenses incurred in a lawsuit with a certain Robert B. WP and EC say that RB lately prosecuted a certain writ of scire facias against WP, EC, WT, and a certain HF, concerning certain lands in Kent which certain writ was returnable and returned in the Chancery of the king at Easter three weeks 1398. And, WT himself, WP and EC were required to pay out to defend themselves against RB's suit, for which WT ought then have paid a portion of the costs and expenses of their defence. A reckoning of account concerning these costs was held in London before auditor Thomas Kemp, and WT's portion of these costs and expenses was found to be £10, but he has not paid and is in arrears.

Pleading: WT says that he never accounted before TK as claimed, and places himself upon the country, and WP and EC place themselves likewise. Order to the sheriff of London to make a jury come in the quindene of Easter term 1403.

Case notes: Related to CP 40/568, rot 109.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/568, rot. 110d

Term: Hilary 1403
County: London
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Damages claimed: £40
Case type: Bond; Imprisonment

Pleading: John S. claims that John W. owes him £20 on a bond. Damages claimed at £40. Bond shown in court.

Pleading: JW claims that the bond ought not hold, because he was living at Stockbridge, Hampshire, when JS came to him and asked that he come with JS to Winchester, concerning an agreement regarding the repair of the church of which JS was then parson. Upon this, JW left Stockbridge with JS in the direction of Winchester, but when they reached a field at Crawley, Hampshire, JS and three of his servants surrounded JW and threatened his life and limbs, and imprisoned him until he made the said bond.

Pleading: JS says that JW was a free man at the time of the making of the bond and seeks inquiry upon the country, and JW seeks likewise. Order to the sheriff of Hampshire to have jury of Crawley to the court at the quindene of Easter 1403. Pledges are named for the defendant.

Postea text: 1 postea - the sheriff did not send the writ and so the case if forwarded as far as Trinity term 1403.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/568, rot. 110d

Term: Hilary 1403
County: Suffolk
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Damages claimed: 40m
Case type: Bond

Pleading: John Alfred states that on 24 July 1399, at Bradfield Combust, Alice, then widow of Richard Rysby and now wife of Edward Salle, made a bond with him in £20, payable at Michaelmas then next following, but she has not paid, either before or after her marriage to ES, to JA's damage of 40m. He shows the bond in court.

Pleading: ES and AS defend the suit. Day is given between the parties at the quindene of Easter 1403.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/568, rot. 111

Term: Hilary 1403
County: London
Writ type: Detinue
Damages claimed: £100
Case type: Detention of goods; Real action / rents / damage to real estate; Safe keeping

Pleading: Thomas W. claims that William S. detains from him one chest containing a certain bond by which William D. is held to him in 100m as well as other documents. TW claims that he gave this chest to WS for safe keeping, and that now WS will not return it. Damages claimed at £100.

Pleading: WS brings the said chest to the court and says that he is ready to deliver it to TW with the court's decision, but that the said document contained within the chest which indicates that WD is held to WS in 100m, was given to him with the mutual assent of both TW and WD. Further, WS says that they gave him the said bond under the condition that he return it under certain conditions but of whether those conditions have been fulfilled on the part of WD, WS is completely unaware. The sheriff is ordered to forewarn WD to come to this court in the quindene of Easter term 1403 etc., to which day the other parties are to come as well. WS also says that he does not detain the said chest itself or its other contents (charters, documents, etc.), from the said TW. Concerning the detention of the chest and its other contents (beyond the bond in question) WS puts himself upon the country, and TW puts himself likewise. Order to the sheriff of London to make a jury come in the quindene of Easter term 1403.

Postea text: WD comes and says that the said chest with bond should be delivered to himself and not to TW. WD says that he and TW gave the chest to WS under the condition that if Alice E. daughter of William E. should have been in peaceful possession of all those lands and tenements with appurtenances that AE had through her enfeoffment by WE in the parish of Shorne, Kent, up to 18/11/1402, then the same chest containing the said bond would be delivered to WD.

Postea text: TW says that where WD claims AE enjoyed peaceful possession, WD in fact removed AE from 12 acres of land which had been of her father WE. Hence, TW says he should have delivery of the chest and bond.

Postea text: WD says that the 12 acres in question were never in the possession of WE, and this he is prepared to verify.

Postea text: TW reiterates his claim that the 12 acres from which WD removed AE were in fact previously of WE and seeks inquiry upon the country, and WD seeks likewise. Order to the sheriff of Kent venire facias in Trinity term 1403.

Postea text: postea 2 - the sheriff of Kent returns that the writ reached him too late and the case is forwarded as far as Michaelmas term 1403.

Postea text: postea 3 - Jury comes on 12/11/1403. But, the plaintiff TW does not come and so he and his pledges of the prosecution are in mercy. WD asks to have delivery of the said bond, and it is decided that he shall have it. WS delivers the said bond to WD and is quit of it.

Case notes: Repeated, with conclusion, on CP 40/569, rot 115.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/568, rot. 159

Term: Hilary 1403
County: London
Writ type: Trespass (force and arms)
Damages claimed: £20
Case type: Arbitration; Taking of goods

Pleading: John D. claims that John S., with force and arms, took and carried off 20m of his cash money at Moulsham, Essex. Damages are claimed at £20.

Pleading: JS says that the suit against him ought not be maintained because afterwards, on 20/06/1401 JS brought a plea of debt against JD demanding 26s 8d at London, in the compter of John W. then one of the sheriffs of London, by virtue of which JD was arrested. On that same day, in London, both JD and JS entered into arbitration before arbitrators John A. and John M., on this and all other trespasses and actions outstanding between them, and it was decided by the arbitrators that JS should pay to JD 40d so as to be quit concerning towards JD in all things. JS says that he gave this 40d to JD and is prepared to verify this.

Pleading: JD, not acknowledging anything said by JS, says that he did not place himself in the arbitration of JA and WM, and seeks inquiry upon the country, and JS seeks likewise. Order to the sheriff of London to make a jury come in the quindene of Easter 1403. Noted that JD puts in his place concerning this case, versus JS, a certain Thomas K.

Postea text: 4 posteas - all say that the sheriff did not send the writ, forwarding the case as far as Trinity term 1404

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/568, rot. 159d

Term: Hilary 1403
County: London
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Damages claimed: £10
Case type: Bond

Pleading: William D. claims that Richard Y. owes him £8 6s 8d on a bond. Damages claimed at £10. Bond shown in court. Noted that the bond does not say where it was made, but WD claims it was made in London, parish of St Mildred Poultry, Cheap ward.

Pleading: RY says that the force of the bond ought not hold because, since its making, he was granted a release by WD, by the name 'William Dunstable clerk of the earl of Kent', at Brushford, Somerset, and this release RY offers to the court.

Pleading: WD says that the release is not of his making and seeks inquiry upon the country, and RY seeks likewise. The release is given to clerk William P. for safe keeping. Order to the sheriff of Somerset to make a jury come in the quindene of Easter 1403.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/568, rot. 169d

Term: Hilary 1403
County: Kent
Writ type: Debt (other)
Damages claimed: £10
Case type: Contract (general)

Pleading: Prior Thomas B. claims that William H. owes him 100s by an agreement that prior TB would instruct a certain John H., kinsman of WH, in grammar for two years. During the said two years TB was to find forTH all his necessary food, drink and clothing, for which TB was to be paid 100s for his costs. However, WH has not paid this money and damages are claimed at £10.

Pleading: WH says that he does not owe TB the said 100s nor any other monies, and offers to make his law at the quindene of Easter term 1403. Pledges of law are named.

Postea text: postea 1 - WH makes essoin and so the case is forwarded to Trinity term 1403.

Postea text: postea 2 - TB does not come to prosecute his suit so he and his pledges to prosecute are amerced, and WH is without day.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/568, rot. 217

Term: Hilary 1403
County: London
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Damages claimed: 40m
Case type: Bond; Real action / rents / damage to real estate

Pleading: Thomas E., executor of the will of William E., together with Richard G. and RG's wife Joan G., hersellf being the co-executor of William E., claim that John M. owes them £40 as an unpaid part of a £200 bond made between JM and WE during WE's lifetime, payable at Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Damages are claimed at 40m. The plaintiffs show both letters that prove that they are the executors of the will of WE, and the aforementioned bond. Noted that the bond says nothing of where it was made, but the plaintiffs say it was made at London, in [parish and ward blank].

Pleading: JM comes and asks that the bond be read aloud in the court, and it says that the late WE and his wife Joan demised to JM those lands and tenements which were of the dower of JE in Seaton Delaval, Northumberland, and elsewhere for a yearly farm of 50m, on terms that if JM should make default of payment or destruction of the said lands he (that is, WE) or others might re-enter them. Moreover, if WE, JE, or others of them should enter the said lands due to JM having fallen into arrears of farm or having laid waste to them, and JM then pay all arrears and/or compensation for any damage done within 13 weeks, the said bond should then be null and void. And upon this day is given at the quindene of Easter 1403.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/568, rot. 217d

Term: Hilary 1403
County: London
Writ type: Trespass (force and arms)
Damages claimed: £10
Case type: Assault

Pleading: William J. claims that on 'Monday next after the feast of St Edward the king' Henry G. and William D. assaulted him with force and arms. Damages are claimed at £10. [The 'feast of St Edward the king' from which the assault's date had been calculated is the transllation of Edward the Confessor, 13 October]

Pleading: HG and WD deny the trespass, and put themselves upon the country, and WJ puts himself likewise. Order to the sheriff of London to make a jury come in the quindene of Easter term 1403.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/568, rot. 244d

Term: Hilary 1403
County: London
Writ type: Debt (loan)
Damages claimed: 100s
Case type: Loan

Pleading: John N. claims that Nicholas H. owes him 40s by a loan. Damages are claimed at 100s.

Pleading: NH says that he does not owe JN 40s nor any other monies and offers his law at Easter term in three weeks, 1403. Pledges of law are named.

Postea text: 1 postea - JN does not come to prosecute his suit and so he and his pledges are in mercy, and NH is without day.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/568, rot. 251

Term: Hilary 1403
County: London
Writ type: Debt (account)
Damages claimed: 20m
Damages awarded: 10m
Costs: 5m
Case type: Reckoning of account

Pleading: William K. claims that William R. owes him £20 arrears as determined by a reckoning of account between them before auditors Richard S. and John H. Damages claimed at 20m.

Pleading: WR says that he did not account before the auditors as claimed, and places himself upon the country, and WK places himself likewise. Order to the sheriff of London to make a jury come in the quindene of Easter term 1403. Pledges named for the defendant.

Postea text: postea 1 - WR did not come, jury did not come and so the case is placed in respite to Easter one month 1403.

Postea text: postea 2 - the case is again forwarded, as far as the octave of St John the Baptist, 1403, unless first heard at the assize at St Martin le Grand before justice William H. on 26/06/1403.

Postea text: postea 3 - Record is sent that the case was heard at the assize at St Martin le Grand on 26/06/1403 before justice WH and associate justice Richard C. The jury said on oath that there was an accounting before the auditors named, just as WK claimed, and so WK is to recover the said £20 plus 5m costs and 10m damages. WR is in mercy.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/568, rot. 251d

Term: Hilary 1403
County: Cambridgeshire
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Damages claimed: 20m
Case type: Bond

Pleading: William K. claims that William W. owes him 20m on a bond, payable at Michaelmas 1393. Damages claimed at 20m. Bond shown in court.

Pleading: WW asks that the bond and its endorsements be read aloud in the court, and it says that the condition of the bond is such that if WW should pay WK 10m over the following five years, in equal portions due no later than the feast of the Nativity of St John the Baptist [of each year], then the bond shall be null and void. WW says that he held to the terms of the bond as stated, having made the said payments to WK at Newton (juxta Harston), Cambridgeshire, and so WK ought not maintain his suit against him.

Pleading: WK says that whereas the bond said that WW should have paid him 10m over the next 5 years, due no later than the Nativity of St John the Baptist, WW did not pay him the said 10m nor any money as claimed. WK seeks inquiry upon the country, and WW seeks likewise. Order to the sheriff of Cambridgeshire to make a jury come in the quindene of Easter 1403.

Postea text: postea 1 - Continuance between the parties as far as Michaelmas term 1403 unless first heard at the assize at Cambridge on 23/07/1403.

Postea text: postea 2 - Record is sent that the case was heard at the assize at Cambridge on 23/07/1403 before justices John C. and John M. The jury came and said on oath that WW did indeed pay WK the 10m as described in the bond, and so WK is in mercy for false claim and his suit comes to nothing. WW is without day.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/568, rot. 251d

Term: Hilary 1403
County: London
Writ type: Debt (loan)
Damages claimed: 20m
Case type: Loan

Pleading: John W. is in mercy for many defaults. Alice T. claims that JW owes her £14 on a loan, which was payable on request. Damages are claimed at 20m.

Pleading: JW says that he does not owe AT the said £14 nor any other monies and offers his law, to be made at the octave of the purification of St Mary, 1403. Pledges of law named.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/568, rot. 273d

Term: Hilary 1403
County: London
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Damages claimed: £20
Case type: Bond

Pleading: John B. and Richard W. claim that John W. owes them £40 on a bond. Damages claimed at £20. Bond shown in court. Noted that the bond does not say where it was made, but the plaintiffs claim it was made in London etc.

Pleading: JW comes in his own person and defends etc. And upon this, day is given to the parties in the quindene of Easter term 1403.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/568, rot. 275

Term: Hilary 1403
County: Somerset
Writ type: Trespass (force and arms)
Damages claimed: £40
Case type: Arbitration; Housebreaking; Taking of goods

Pleading: John D. claims that Edmund F. used force and arms to break his close and house at Chilton Trivett, Somerset, from which he seized and carried off £7 13s 6d in cash. Damages claimed at £40.

Pleading: EF says that the suit against him ought not hold because the parties have since undergone arbitration at Sandwich, Kent, before arbitrators Thomas S. on the part of WF, and William P. on the part of JD. These arbitrators decided that EF ought to give to JD one feast ['jantaculum'] and one pair of hose worth 20d in full recompense for the aforesaid transgression. EF says that he gave these to JD after the said arbitration and is prepared to verify this.

Pleading: JD says that he never placed himself in this arbitration concerning the aforesaid trespass and seeks inquiry upon the country, and EF seeks likewise. Jury of Kent to be here at quindene of Easter.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/568, rot. 277

Term: Hilary 1403
County: London
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Damages claimed: £100
Case type: Bond

Pleading: William C. claims that William G. owes him £250 on a bond. Damages are claimed at £100. Bond shown in court.

Pleading: WG says that WC ought not have his action, as by a document which he presents in court, dated in London, WG granted to WC a certain annual rent of £10 to take annually at Easter and Michaelmas in equal portions from all the lands and tenements which WG held in the vills of East Harnham and West Harnham with their appurtenances in Wiltshire, as contained in a document made to WC, and also WG, Walter I. and John B, obliged themselves in £250 to WC, as contained in the bond, that if they or others in their name pay WC £10 at the quindene of Hilary then next following, at the Guildhall in London before the mayor or either of the sheriffs of the city, and £40 at the quindene of Easter then next following, and £40 at the quindene of the Nativity of St John the Baptist then next following, and £40 at the quindene of Michaelmas then next following, also in the Guildhall before the mayor or one of the sheriffs, and should not allege any such payments elsewhere in release of the said debt; and also if WG alone should have been enfeoffed with certain lands and tenements in East and West Harnham in fee simple, saving those worth 12m per annum which pertained to Joan Malwayn for the whole of her life, then after the said £130 has been paid then both the bond and the annual rent should cease and be cancelled. WG says that at the time of the making of the annuity he was indeed seised of lands and tenements in East and West Harnham worth £10, and concerning the £10 due at the quindene of Hilary, by a document which WG shows in court, dated in the Guildhall in London, in the parish of St Lawrence Jewry in Cheap ward, before William Venore, then mayor, on the said quindene of Hilary 1390, WC acknowledged receipt of this sum by the hands of Walter, dean of Bangor cathedral, and WG was acquitted; similarly, by a document dated in the same Guildhall on 19 April 1390, WC acknowledged receipt of the £40 due at the quindene of Easter, before John Loneye, one of the sheriffs, by the hand of Henry Covele, servant of WG, and WG was acquitted; and by a document dated at the Guildhall on 11 July, WC acknowledged receipt of the £40 due at the quindene of the Nativity of St John the Baptist, before JL, by the hands of Walter I, and WG was acquitted; and by another document dated at the Guildhall [no date given], WC acknowledged payment of the £40 due at the quindene of Michaelmas, before Thomas Vyvent, sheriff, by the hand of Henry C, and WG was acquitted. He therefore states that he has paid WC the said £130 contained in the bond.

Pleading: WC, not acknowledging that WG alone was seised of the said tenements at the time of the making of the annuity as claimed, says that the acquittance presented in his name acknowledging payment of the £10 due at the quindene of Hilary 1390 is not of his making. Enquiry on the country, jury of London to be here at quindene of Easter. The acquittance is placed in the custody of William P.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/568, rot. 279

Term: Hilary 1403
County: London
Writ type: Detinue
Damages claimed: £200
Case type: Detention of goods; Safe keeping

Pleading: Henry Kyng and his wife Juliana say that Richard S. ought to render to them a certain chest containing charters, bonds and other documents which he detains. HK and JK claim that a certain Gilbert F., son of Ralph F., was formerly seised of four messuages with appurtenances in Reading in his demesne as of fee, which messuages, according to the custom of the town, he entrusted in his will to a certain John F., his brother. JF thus held this property, and in his will left it to his widow Matilda F., to hold for the term of her life, with reversion to the rightful heirs of John F. JF died without heirs, and after the death of Matilda, the lands descended to a certain Walter Foulere, alias Walter Strode, father of Juliana, whose heir Juliana is, namely as [omitted]. And the aforesaid chest with charters, namely the will aforesaid and other documents, came into the possession of a certain John atte Thorne, then mayor of Reading, for safe keeping, and after he died, the chest came into the possession of John's widow, Agnes, who later, on 30 September 1392, delivered the said chest to Richard Stonyford in the parish of St Sepulchre, Farringdon Without ward in London. Walter later died, and the chest and documents thus belong to Juliana, but RS has not delivered the chest to the plaintiffs, despite requests to do so. Damages claimed at £200.

Pleading: RS comes in person and defends etc. [no further pleading]

Case notes: For the same case against other defendants, see CP 40/568, rot 279d.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/568, rot. 279d

Term: Hilary 1403
County: London
Writ type: Detinue
Damages claimed: £40
Case type: Detention of goods; Safe keeping

Pleading: Henry Kyng and his wife Juliana say that William S. ought to render to them a certain chest containing charters, bonds and other documents which he detains. HK and JK claim that a certain Gilbert F., son of Ralph F., was formerly seised of four messuages with appurtenances in Reading in his demesne as of fee, which messuages, according to the custom of the town, he entrusted in his will to a certain John F., his brother. JF thus held this property, and in his will left it to his widow Matilda F., to hold for the term of her life, with reversion to the rightful heirs of John F. JF died without heirs, and after the death of Matilda, the lands descended to a certain Walter Foulere, alias Walter Strode, father of Juliana, whose heir Juliana is, namely as [omitted]. And the aforesaid chest with charters, namely the will aforesaid and other documents, came into the possession of a certain John atte Thorne, then mayor of Reading, for safe keeping, and after he died, the chest came into the possession of John's widow, Agnes, who later, on 30 September 1392, delivered the said chest to William S. in the parish of St Sepulchre, Farringdon Without ward in London. Walter later died, and the chest and documents thus belong to Juliana, but WS has not delivered the chest to the plaintiffs, despite requests to do so. Damages claimed at £40.

Pleading: WS says that he does not detain the said chest from HK and JK and makes his law immediately. HK and JK are amerced for false claim, WS is sent without day.

Case notes: For the same case against other defendants, see CP 40/568, rot 279 and rot 279d.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/568, rot. 279d

Term: Hilary 1403
County: London
Writ type: Detinue
Damages claimed: £40
Case type: Detention of goods; Safe keeping

Pleading: Henry Kyng and his wife Juliana say that John K. ought to render to them a certain chest containing charters, bonds and other documents which he detains. HK and JK claim that a certain Gilbert F., son of Ralph F., was formerly seised of four messuages with appurtenances in Reading in his demesne as of fee, which messuages, according to the custom of the town, he entrusted in his will to a certain John F., his brother. JF thus held this property, and in his will left it to his widow Matilda F., to hold for the term of her life, with reversion to the rightful heirs of John F. JF died without heirs, and after the death of Matilda, the lands descended to a certain Walter Foulere, alias Walter Strode, father of Juliana, whose heir Juliana is, namely as [omitted]. And the aforesaid chest with charters, namely the will aforesaid and other documents, came into the possession of a certain John atte Thorne, then mayor of Reading, for safe keeping, and after he died, the chest came into the possession of John's widow, Agnes, who later, on 30 September 1392, delivered the said chest to John K. in the parish of St Sepulchre, Farringdon Without ward in London. Walter later died, and the chest and documents thus belong to Juliana, but JK has not delivered the chest to the plaintiffs, despite requests to do so. Damages claimed at £40.

Pleading: John K says that he does not detain the said chest from HK and Juliana K, and makes his law immediately. HK and Juliana K are amerced for false claim, John K is sent without day.

Case notes: For the same case against other defendants, see CP 40/568, rot 279 and rot 279d.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/568, rot. 283d

Term: Hilary 1403
County: London
Writ type: Debt (sale of goods)
Damages claimed: £10
Case type: Sale of goods

Pleading: Prior Thomas B. amerced for many defaults. William H. claims that TB owes him 40s from the sale of two pieces of brown worsted. Damages are claimed at £10.

Pleading: Prior TB says that he does not owe TH the said 40s or any other money and offers his law, to be made at the quindene of Easter term 1403. Pledges of law are named.

Postea text: TB makes essoin, and so the case is forwarded to Trinity term 1403.

Postea text: WH does not come to prosecute his suit, and so he and his pledges are in mercy, and TB is without day.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/568, rot. 283d

Term: Hilary 1403
County: Kent
Writ type: Trespass (force and arms)
Damages claimed: £20
Case type: Taking of goods

Pleading: Roger M. claims that on 13 February 1402, at Tunstall, Kent, William G., with force and arms, seized and carried off RM's goods and chattels to the value of £10, namely 6 cloths called 'bordeclothes', 8 brass jars ('ollas ereas'), 6 brass plates ('patellas ereas'), 4 silver spoons, pewter vessels, namely chargers, platters, dishes and saucers, 2 'sanaps' and two geese called 'brood geese'. Damages are claimed at £20.

Pleading: WG denies the trespass and places himself upon the country, and RM places himself likewise. Order to the sheriff of Kent to have jury here at the quindene of Easter 1403.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/568, rot. 288

Term: Hilary 1403
County: London
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Damages claimed: £200
Case type: Bond

Pleading: William B. is in mercy for many defaults. Robert C., brother and executor of the will of John N., claims that WB owes him £250, as an unpaid parcel of a bond made of £500 made between WB and the late JN. Damages are claimed at £200. Letters testamentary and the bond are shown to the court. Noted that the bond does not say where it was made, but RC says that it was made at London etc.

Pleading: WB comes by attorney and defends. Day given between the parties at the quindene of Easter 1403.

Postea text: postea 1 - WB did not come and so is to be distrained etc. to be here in Trinity term 1403.

Postea text: postea 2 - the sheriff did not send the writ so the case is forwarded as far as octave of Michaelmas 1403.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/568, rot. 289

Term: Hilary 1403
County: London
Writ type: Debt (account)
Damages claimed: 40s
Case type: Reckoning of account

Pleading: Roger D. claims that John B. owes him 40s arrears as determined by a reckoning of account between them before auditors John H. and Thomas L. Damages claimed at 40s.

Pleading: JB says that he did not undergo any reckoning before the auditors named and places himself upon the country, and RD placed himself likewise. Order to the sheriff of London to make a jury come in the quindene of Easter term 1403. Pledges named for the defendant.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/568, rot. 289

Term: Hilary 1403
County: London
Writ type: Debt (sale of goods)
Damages claimed: £12
Case type: Sale of goods

Pleading: William R. claims that John U. owes him £12 from the purchase of 24 quarters of wheat on 13 April 1402 and payable at Easter then next following [15 April 1403, presumably an error, as this post-dates the enrolment]. Damages claimed at £12.

Pleading: JU says that he does not owe WR the aforesaid £12 not any other monies, and offers his law at quindene of Easter 1403. Pledges of law are named.

Postea text: postea 1 - JU makes essoin and the case is forwarded to Easter five weeks 1403.

Postea text: postea 2 - WR does not come to prosecute his case and so he and his pledges are in mercy, and JU is without day.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/568, rot. 289d

Term: Hilary 1403
County: London
Writ type: Trespass (force and arms)
Damages claimed: £100
Damages awarded: £3
Costs: £4
Case type: Abduction; Housebreaking

Pleading: Richard K. claims that William B. and John B. committed housebreaking against him with force and arms, and seized and abducted his servant Joan V. so that she was out of his service from 08/09/1402 until the procurement of his writ on 24/12/1402. Damages claimed at £100.

Pleading: WB and JB come and say that they are innocent and place themselves upon the country, and RK places himself likewise. Order to the sheriff of London to make a jury come in the quindene of Easter term 1403.

Postea text: postea 1 - process continued, jury in respite to octave of Trinity 1403, unless first heard before John C., chief baron of the Exchequer, at the assize at St Martin le Grand on 26/05/1403.

Postea text: postea 2 - Record is sent that the case was heard at the assize at St Martin le Grand on 26/05/1403 before JC, chief baron of the Exchequer, and associate justice Hugh L. The jury said on oath that WB and JB are responsible for the said trespass and so RK is to recover damages of £3 and costs of £4.

Postea text: postea 3 - WB and JB are seized etc. afterwards, namely on 04/07/1405. Hence, JB comes into this court and pays the said £7 to RK, both for himself and WB, and they are quit etc.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/568, rot. 307d

Term: Hilary 1403
County: London
Writ type: Debt (other)
Damages claimed: £10
Case type: Arbitration; Debt

Pleading: John C. claims that John G., son of Henry G., underwent arbitration in the church of St Martin le Grand in London, before arbiters James B. and John A. on the part of JC, and Richard A. and John E. on the part of JG. This arbitration was to consider all actions, quarrels and debts outstanding between them, and it was decided that JG should pay to JC £10. However, JG has not paid this money. Damages are clamed at £10.

Pleading: JG says that he did not place himself in this arbitration and puts himself upon the country, and JC puts himself likewise. Order to the sheriff of London to make a jury come in the quindene of Easter term 1403.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/568, rot. 308

Term: Hilary 1403
County: Essex
Writ type: Trespass (other)
Damages claimed: £300
Case type: Real action / rents / damage to real estate

Pleading: William Woborn is in mercy for many defaults. William Pygot, citing the provision of common council against the waste or destruction of property held for a term of years, states that William Woborn held by the law of England after the death of Alice Pygot, of the inheritance of William P., [blank space in document] with appurtenances in Rayleigh, Rainham, Thunderley and Rawreth. However, WW then made waste, sale and destruction of the 'aforesaid tenements', namely the taking and selling marl, clay and sand from two acres of land to the value of 20s; allowing a hall, two rooms, two kitchens and one grange to become un-roofed, so that the timbers rotted, causing damage worth 100s; and in the woods he felled and sold 500 oak trees each worth 5s, 100 ash trees worth 4s each, 400 elm trees worth 3s each, 1000 little oak trees worth 6d each, 1000 little ash trees worth 4d each, and 100 'crab-trees' worth 6d each; and in the garden he felled and sold 6 pear trees and 12 apple trees worth 12d each, all to the disinheritance of WP. Damages are claimed at £300.

Pleading: WW says that AP was seised of the said property in fee during her lifetime, and that after her death he made no waste or destruction to the property.

Pleading: WP says that WW did make waste, sale and destruction to the property as claimed, and seeks inquiry upon the country, and WW seeks likewise. Jury here at quindene of Easter 1403.

Postea text: 2 posteas - sheriff did not send the writ, to octave of Hilary 1404.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/568, rot. 318

Term: Hilary 1403
County: London
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Damages claimed: £10
Case type: Bond; Real action / rents / damage to real estate

Pleading: John Tabard claims that Richard Skete owes him 10m on a bond. Damages claimed at £10. Noted that the bond does not say where it was made, but John Tabard claims it was made at Ewell, Surrey.

Pleading: RS asks that the bond and endorsement be read aloud in the court. The condition of the bond is such that if John Tabard or his heirs at any time in the future should be sued or troubled in any manner by the wife of RT or anyone else concerning all or any part of those lands and tenements with appurtenances which JB has of the gift and enfeoffment of RS in Ewell, Surrey, then the bond shall stand; otherwise it shall be null and void. RS says that Tabard ought not have his action, as he has held to these conditions.

Pleading: Tabard says that RS did not hold to all of the conditions of the bond, stating that RS enfeoffed him with a messuage and 40 acres of land in Ewell, to him and his heirs in perpetuity. Tabard says that these tenements were of the ancient demesne of the prior of Merton, and in the court of the said prior in Ewell, a certain John Tanner and his wife Margaret prosecuted a writ of 'recto clausum' against him on 6 January 1399, before Edmund de Lodelowe, the prior's steward, concerning 9 acres of land with appurtenances, parcel of the aforesaid messuage and 40 acres. Process continued in that court until 8 February 1401, when Tanner and his wife recovered these 9 acres from him. Tabard therefore states that he was disturbed in his possession, and seeks judgement.

Pleading: RS says that Tabard did not have these 9 acres of his enfeoffment as claimed.

Pleading: Tabard states that he did have these 9 acres of RS's enfeoffment. Enquiry by country, jury to be here at the quindene of Easter 1403.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/568, rot. 374d

Term: Hilary 1403
County: London
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Damages claimed: 20m
Case type: Bond

Pleading: Walter J. claims that John R., lately parson of Walwyn's Castle, owes him £20 on a bond, payable in St Paul's Cathedral. Damages are claimed at 20m. Noted that the bond does not say where it was made, but WJ claims it was made at London etc.

Pleading: JR comes and says that afterwards, on 28/06/1398, WJ, by a certain indenture, granted that if JR, by the name John Robert clerk lately parson of Walwyn's Castle, should pay WJ or a certain John Smyth, clerk, or their attorney, £5 in payments at certain dates, namely 50s on 03/09/1398, 25s at All Saints 1398, and 25s at the Nativity of St John the Baptist 1399, then the bond shall be cancelled. RJ says that he made the first of these payments on 3 September 1398 at Steeple Bumpstead, Essex, and offered to make the other payments on the given days, and is still prepared to pay. RJ offers the indenture to the court. Noted that the indenture does not say where it was made, but RJ claims it was made at [omitted] in county [omitted].

Pleading: WJ, not acknowledging that JR paid the first 50s as claimed, says that his action should continue, as JR did not offer to him the 25s due at All Saints 1398 according to the terms of the indenture. Enquiry by country, jury here at quindene of Easter 1403. Noted (marginalised Essex) that the 50s is returned to JR before the court..

Postea text: Writ arrived too late, to octave of St John the Baptist 1403.

Postea text: JR does not come, and so is in default. Jury in respite to quindene of Michaelmas 1403, as jury did not come.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/568, rot. 385

Term: Hilary 1403
County: London
Writ type: Trespass (force and arms)
Damages claimed: 100m
Case type: Arbitration; Taking of goods

Pleading: John T. claims that John M. and William B. forcibly seized and carried off his goods and chattels to the value of £40. The goods taken were namely 4 furs of cristy gray, 3 furs of miniver, six furs of calaber, one fur of pote, 5 furs of squirrel ('popill'), 5 furs of strandling, 4 furs of 'beshys' (badger?), one fur of 'poleyn wombes', 42 ermines and 8 timbers of grey fur. Damages claimed at 100m.

Pleading: JM and WB, protesting that they know nothing of what the plaintiff says, state that the action ought not continue, as on 16 January 1402 the parties placed themselves in the arbitration of Nicholas N. and Geoffrey S. concerning all outstanding matters between them, and these arbitrators ordered that JM and WB ought to give to JT one gallon of wine for the settlement of all debts and trespasses between them. JM and WB say that they gave JT this wine as ordained.

Pleading: JT says that there was never any such decision made between them as claimed. Enquiry on country, sheriff of Oxfordshire to have jury here at quindene of Easter 1403.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/568, rot. 419d

Term: Hilary 1403
County: London
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Damages claimed: 100m
Damages awarded: 10s
Case type: Bond

Pleading: Guy Mone, bishop of St David's, says that John D. owes him £40 as the unpaid residue of a £54 14s 1½d bond, payable in three equal payments at Easter 1400, Michaelmas 1400, and Easter 1401. Damages claimed at 100m. Noted that the bond does not say where it was made, but GM says it was made at London.

Pleading: JD says that the bond is not of his making and places himself upon the country, and GM places himself likewise. Pledges named for the defendant. Bond placed in the safe keeping of clerk William P. Order to the sheriff of London to make a jury come in the quindene of Easter term 1403

Postea text: Process continued, jury in respite to octave of Trinity 1403.

Postea text: JD does not come, in default. Jury did not come, so placed in respite to quindene of St John the Baptist, unless first heard at the assize at St Martin le Grand before justice William H. on 07/07/1403.

Postea text: On 06/07/1403 the bond is delivered to justice WH, and WP is quit.

Postea text: On 10/07/1403 the bond is returned to WP, WH quit.

Postea text: On 12/07/1403 the bond is delivered to justice WH, WP quit.

Postea text: Process continued, jury in respite to octave of Michaelmas, unless the case is heard on 06/10/1403 at the assize at St Martin le Grand before justice WH.

Postea text: On 20/10/1403 the bond is returned to WP, WH quit.

Postea text: WH sends record that the case was heard on 06/10/1403, before himself and associate justice Richard C. A jury came and found that the bond was made by JD. GM to recover the debt, and damages of 10s. JD is to be arrested.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/568, rot. 471

Term: Hilary 1403
County: London
Writ type: Debt (account)
Damages claimed: £40
Case type: Reckoning of account

Pleading: John H. claims that William A. owes him £21 11s arrears as determined by a reckoning of account held between them before auditors Thomas H. and William K. JH claims that the arrears arose from diverse victuals and woollen and linen cloth sold to WA, as well as various jewels sold to WA and other agreements between them. Damages claimed at £40.

Pleading: WA says that the action against him ought not continue because since the accounting JH issued him a release from all outstanding actions between them, made at Yaxley, Huntingdonshire, and offers this release to the court.

Pleading: JH says that this release is not of his making. Enquiry on country, sheriff of Huntingdonshire to have jury of Yaxley here at quindene of Easter 1403. Bond given to clerk William P. for safe keeping. JH appoints John Wylteshire in his place against WA.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/568, rot. 478

Term: Hilary 1403
County: London
Writ type: Debt (account); Debt (bond)
Damages claimed: 10m
Case type: Bond; Reckoning of account

Pleading: Gilbert D. claims that John H., former apprentice of Thomas H., owes him 117s arising from an unpaid bond of 17s and unpaid arrears of debt on account 100s as determined by a reckoning of account held between them before auditor John C. Damages are claimed at 10m.

Pleading: JH comes and says concerning the 17s bond, he was prepared to pay GD this money on the given day, and still is prepared to pay, and is prepared to verify this. Concerning the other 100s, JH says that he did not have a reckoning of account before the aforesaid auditor and puts himself upon the country, and GD puts himself likewise.

Pleading: GD says of the 17s bond that JH was not prepared to pay him on the said day. Enquiry on country, jury of London to be here at the quindene of Easter 1403. Pledges named for the defendant.

Postea text: Continuance between the parties, jury in respite to octave of Michaelmas 1403.

Postea text: JH did not come, in default. Jury in respite to morrow of Martinmas, as the jury did not come.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/568, rot. 478d

Term: Hilary 1403
County: London
Writ type: Debt (account)
Damages claimed: 60s
Case type: Reckoning of account; Sale of goods

Pleading: Thomas C. claims that Richard C. owes him 70s as determined by a reckoning of account between them regarding RC's purchase of various merchandise, namely red herrings, stockfish, salmon and other goods. Damages claimed at 60s.

Pleading: RC claims that he does not owe TC this 70s or any money and offers his law at Easter three weeks, 1403. Pledges of law and pledges for future appearance are named for the defendant.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/568, rot. 479

Term: Hilary 1403
County: London
Writ type: Debt (account)
Damages claimed: £10
Case type: Arbitration; Reckoning of account

Pleading: John T. and his wife Margaret T. claim that Richard B. owes them £10 as determined by a reckoning of account held between Margaret T., while she was a single woman, and RB before auditors Richard C. and John N. Damages claimed at £10.

Pleading: RB says that the action ought not continue, as after the supposed accounting he underwent arbitration with JT and MT at Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, before arbiters John W. and Thomas S., concerning all issues outstanding between them. RB claims that the arbitrators ordered that, for the resolution of all disputes between them prior to the time of the arbitration, RB should pay 18d to JT and MT. RB says that he paid them this 18d, and seeks judgment.

Pleading: JT and MT say that they never placed themselves into the arbitration of JW and TS as claimed. Enquiry by the country is ordered; sheriff of Buckinghamshire to have jury here at Easter term in one month, 1403.

Postea text: 2 posteas, sheriff did not send writ, to octave of Michaelmas 1403.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/568, rot. 486

Term: Hilary 1403
County: London
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Damages claimed: £40
Case type: Bond

Pleading: Robert M. claims that John S. and John H., as executors of the will of Simon N., owe him £50 as the unpaid residue of a 200m bond made between RM and SN during his lifetime. Damages claimed at £40. Bond shown in court. It is noted that the bond says nothing of where it was made, but RM claims it was made at London etc.

Pleading: JS and JH say that the action against them ought not continue because they never administered any of the goods and chattels formerly of SN.

Pleading: RM says that the defendants did administer various goods and chattels formerly of SN after his death, namely silver cups, mazers, silver spoons, wool and linen cloth, brass, bronze and wooden vessels ('vasa enea, erea et ligina'), and other household utensils, namely in the parish of St Mary Colechurch in the ward of Cheap. Enquiry by country; the sheriff of London is to have a jury of St Mary Colechurch here at quindene of Easter 1403.

Postea text: Continuance between the parties as far as the octave of Martinmas unless first heard by chief justice William G. at the assize at St Martin le Grand on 07/11/1403.

Postea text: record is sent that the case was heard before chief justice WG and associate justice John M. at the assize at St Martin le Grand on 07/11/1403. The jury came, but plaintiff RM did not come. Therefore, RM is to take nothing by his writ, and he and his pledges of the prosecution are to be amerced.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/568, rot. 486d

Term: Hilary 1403
County: London
Writ type: Debt (account); Debt (sale of goods)
Damages claimed: 100s
Damages awarded: 3s 4d
Costs: 11s 8d
Case type: Reckoning of account; Sale of goods

Pleading: Margery, widow of Peter Cornewaile, states that Henry Conewey owes her 10m arrears as determined by a reckoning of account held between them. Margery claims that this debt concerns diverse victuals taken and bought from her by Henry C., his wife Ellen and their men and servants. Damages claimed at 100s.

Pleading: HC says that he does not owe MC the said 10m nor any other money. Parties on country, jury of London to be here at quindene of Easter 1403.

Postea text: Continuance between the parties as far as the octave of St John the Baptist 1403, unless first heard at the assize of St Martin le Grand before justice William H. on 30/06/1403.

Postea text: Record is sent that the case was heard at the assize at St Martin le Grand before justices WH and Richard C. on 30/06/1403. The jury found that HC only owes MC 5s, and not the 10m she claimed. The jury says that MC is to recover this 5s debt plus 3s 4d damages. Upon this MC asks the justice to increase the award for her costs in the suit, and it is decided that she is to recover the above said debt and damages as well as an additional 11s 8d. HC amerced. MC amerced for false claim concerning the other 5m.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/568, rot. 503

Term: Hilary 1403
County: London
Writ type: Trespass (against statute)
Damages claimed: 100s
Case type: Breach of Statute; Contract (service/employment)

Pleading: John S., citing the terms of the Statute of Labourers, claims that at Michaelmas 1402 he hired John A. to work in his service as a tiler for one year, and that JA left his service prematurely and without good reason on 02/11/1402. Damages claimed at 100s.

Pleading: JA says that it is true that he was retained by JS as claimed, for which service he was to receive 12d on the Saturday at the end of each week. However, JS did not pay this salary for four weeks prior to his leaving, and thus he had good reason to leave JS's service.

Pleading: JS repeats that JA left his service without good cause. Enquiry on country, jury of London to be here at [damaged], 1403. Pledges named for the defendant.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/568, rot. 503

Term: Hilary 1403
County: London
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Damages claimed: £100
Damages awarded: 100s
Costs: 100s
Case type: Bond; Imprisonment

Pleading: William C., William A., Richard L., executors of the will of Hugh la Zouche. and John P. his wife, their co-executor, claim that John W. owes them £120 on a bond made between JW and HZ during his lifetime. Damages claimed at £100. Bond shown in court, as well as the testamentary letters of HX, showing that the plaintiffs are the executors of HZ's will. Noted that the bond says nothing of where it was made, but the executors claim it was made at London etc.

Pleading: JW says that the force of the bond ought not hold because at the time of its making he was imprisoned by HZ and his associates at Southwark, Surrey, and made the bond under duress.

Pleading: The plaintiffs say that JW was a free man at the time of the making of the bond. Enquiry on the country, sheriff of Surrey to have jury here at Easter one month, 1403. Pledges named for the defendant.

Postea text: Sheriff did not send writ; case forwarded to the octave of St John the Baptist 1403.

Postea text: JW did not come, and so is in default. The case is forwarded to Michaelmas in three weeks, 1403, as the jury did not come.

Postea text: Sheriff did not send writ, jury in respite to octave of Hilary 1404.

Postea text: Continuance between the parties, jury in respite to octave of Hilary 1405.

Postea text: JW did not come, in default. A jury comes and says that JW made the bond freely. Executors to recover the £120 debt, damages of 100s, and a further 100s costs awarded by the court. JW amerced.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/568, rot. 503d

Term: Hilary 1403
County: London
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Damages claimed: £100
Case type: Bond

Pleading: Walter P. claims that John A. owes him 120m on a bond. Damages claimed at £100. Bond shown in court. Noted that the bond says nothing of where it was made, but WP says it was made in London etc.

Pleading: JA says that the action against him ought not continue, as afterwards WP issued him a release, under the name of 'Walter Paforde, firmarius of Aylesbury', from all outstanding real and personal actions. JA offers this release to the court and seeks judgment.

Pleading: WP says that the release is not of his making. Enquiry on country, sheriff of Buckinghamshire to have jury here at Easter one month, 1403. Release is given to clerk William P. for safe keeping.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/568, rot. 517

Term: Hilary 1403
County: Surrey
Writ type: Trespass (force and arms)
Damages claimed: £10
Damages awarded: 53s 4d
Case type: Abduction; Contract (service/employment); Housebreaking

Pleading: Geoffrey J. claims that John M. came with force and arms, broke his close at Walworth in Surrey, and abducted his servant Agatha P. so that she was out of his service from the time of the trespass (19/06/1402) until Michaelmas 1402 (29/09/1402). Damages claimed at £10.

Pleading: JM denies force and arms, and breaking the close; parties on country. Concerning the abduction of AP, JM says that on the day of the supposed abduction he found AP at London in the parish of St. Benet Gracechurch, Bridge Ward, unemployed and outside of anyone's service, and took her into his service, as he had good licence to do.

Pleading: GJ repeats JM forcibly abducted AP from his service at Walworth. Enquiry on country, sheriff of Surrey to have jury here at quindene of Easter, 1403.

Postea text: Continuance between the parties, jury in respite to octave of Trinity 1403.

Postea text: Parties come, jury states that JM is innocent of breaking GJ's close at Walworth. However, they state that JM did forcibly abduct AP from GJ's service at Walworth, as GJ claimed. Damages assigned at 40s by the jury, and a further 13s 4d awarded by the court. JM to be arrested. GJ amerced for false claim on the rest of the plea concerning which JM is acquitted.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/568, rot. 517d

Term: Hilary 1403
County: Essex
Writ type: Disseisin
Case type: Real action / rents / damage to real estate

Pleading: John Gate and his wife Margaret G. seek against John Glasene, John D., John C., Walter B., Robert H., Thomas T., John R., and Robert C., one messuage and two acres of land with appurtenances in Bocking, Essex, which were of John B. and his wife Joan B. John Gate and MG claim that a certain John Godyn granted to John B. and Joan B. the aforesaid messuage and two acres in Bocking for the term of their lives. After the death of John B. and Joan B. the said messuage and land passed to their heirs Sewall S. and his wife Margery S. This Sewall S. and Margery S. had two sons, John S. and Roger S., and so after the death of Sewall S. and Margery S. the property passed to their (eldest) son John S. John S. later died without heirs, and the property then passed to his brother Roger S. The plaintiff, Margaret G., claims that she is the daughter and heir of RS, and so she and her husband John Gate should have possession of the property.

Pleading: The defendants come and say that they are not able to render the said tenement with appurtenances to MG and John Gate because they are not in possession of this property, nor were they in possession at the time of the original writ, nor have they been since.

Pleading: Margaret G. and John G. say that on the day of the making of the writ, namely [omitted] and afterwards, the defendants were tenants of the said property. Enquiry by country, jury to be here at octave of St John the Baptist 1403.