CP40/640: Hilary term 1421

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/640, rot. 072

Term: Hilary 1421
County: Kent
Writ type: Debt (sale of goods)
Damages claimed: £10
Case type: Sale of goods

Pleading: Robert W. claims that Richard D. owes him 44s arising from the sale of spices, cloth, and other goods which RD bought but did not pay for. The goods were namely: 4 pounds of pepper; three-quarters of saffron; 2 pounds of ginger; three-quarters of cloves; half of a pound of 'grains' [of paradise]; 2 pounds of currants; 12 pounds of almonds; 2 pounds of anise; three-quarters and one ounce of quince marmalade and almond paste ('chare de quynse et pastreale'); 12 pounds of soap; 12 ells of linen cloth called Flemish cloth; 40 ells of linen cloth of Brabant; one piece of red buckram; one piece of fustian; one dozen of 'Bewk estreit'; two dozen of 'Bewk large'; and one dozen threads of Paris and Norfolk. Damages are claimed at £10.

Pleading: RD says that he does not owe RW the aforesaid 44s nor any other monies and offers his law, to be made on the same day as pleadings.

Postea text: RD makes his law, same day as pleadings, and so is without day. RW is to have nothing per his writ, and is in mercy for false claim.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/640, rot. 109

Term: Hilary 1421
County: London
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Damages claimed: £100
Case type: Bond

Pleading: Hugh B. claims Thomas H. owes him £100 per a bond. Damages are claimed at £100. And upon this HB says that the bond was made at London etc.

Pleading: Thomas Huntyngdon says that the force of the bond ought not hold because on the day after the making of the aforesaid bond, namely on 05/12/1411, an indenture was made between Thomas Huntyngdon, John W., Robert H., and Thomas Hetheryngton on the other part, and HB on the other part. Thomas Huntyngdon says that in this indenture he JW, RH, and Thomas Hetherynfton obliged themselves to HB for £100, just as in the aforesaid bond 'thence made and fully contained', and HB granted that if Thomas Huntyngdon, JW, RH, and Thomas Hetheryngton should pay him 20m sterling at certain terms then the aforesaid bond would be null and void. Conversely, the indenture also stipulated that should the aforesaid payments not be made, that the £100 bond ought have full effect. The terms payment were namely, 5m in Easter 1412 (03/04/1412), 5m in the nativity of St John the Baptist 1412 (24/06/1412), 5m in Michaelmas 1412 (29/09/1412), and 5m in Christmas 1412 (25/12/1412). Thomas Huntyngdon says that these payments were made, as per the indenture, at Radstone, Northamptonshire, and so the £100 bond ought be null and void.

Pleading: HB says that the payment of Easter 1412 was not made, and so the £100 bond ought to have effect. Thomas Huntyngdon says that the payment of Easter 1412 was made and puts himself upon the country, and HB puts himself likewise. Order to the sheriff of Northamptonshire to make a jury come in Easter term 1421.

Postea text: 3 posteas - ass say that the sheriff of Northamptonshire did not send the writ, forwarding the case as far as Michaelmas term 1421.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/640, rot. 109d

Term: Hilary 1421
County: London
Writ type: Debt (loan); Debt (sale of goods)
Damages claimed: 40s
Damages awarded: 6s 8d
Case type: Loan; Sale of goods

Pleading: Thomas T. claims that John B. owes him 40s arising from the sale of cloth on two separate occasions, and a loan. TT says that on 08/02/1408 he sold JB 32 ells of linen cloth for 22s 8d; on 17/10/1411 he sold JB 2 kerchiefs of lawn for 12s; and that on 17/10/1411 he loaned JB 5s 4d. Damages are claimed at 40s.

Pleading: JB says that eh does not owe TT the aforesaid 40s nor any other monies and offers his law, to be made in Easter term 1421. Pledges of law are named, as well as pledges for future appearance.

Postea text: postea 1 - JB does not come and so is in default. TT is to recover the aforesaid debt plus damages of 6s 8d. JB is in mercy, and is to be arrested.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/640, rot. 113

Term: Hilary 1421
County: Middlesex
Writ type: Trespass (against statute)
Damages claimed: £100
Case type: Embracery

Pleading: John C. claims that John S., Nicholas S., Stephen G., Robert P., Peter H., William T., Simon T., John H., Edmund B., Thomas W., and Adam M. have broken the statutes of 34 and 38 Edward III against embracery. John C. says that he was involved in a plea of trespass against a certain Robert H., whereby he had claimed RH used force and arms to break his close and house at Ipswich, dig in his quarries and carry off stone to the value of £20. JC says that there was an inquisition held concerning this case in which JS acted as a juror and embracer, receiving from the then defendant RH, at Westminster on 30/04/1419, diverse sums of money and gifts. These sums JS distributed to the jurors as follows for the fixing of the jury, namely: to AM and SG, 10m; to TW 100s; to EB, PH, and NS, 5m each; to JH and ST, 40s; to WT 4m, and for RP and JS himself, 6m. Additionally JS and the other jurors each received food and drink worth 20s. Damages are claimed at £100.

Pleading: AM, TW, EB, JH, ST, WT, PH, RP, SG, NS and JS say that they took nothing from the aforesaid RH. Namely, AM, TW, EB, JH, ST, WT, PH, RP, SG, and NS, say that they took nothing for the giving of their verdict in the aforesaid case, and JS says that he did not act as an embracer. The defendants put themselves upon the country, and plaintiff JC puts himself likewise. The sheriff of Middlesex is ordered to make a jury come at the quindene of Easter 1421.

Postea text: Process continued, jury in respite to octave of Martinmas 1421. On this day, plaintiff JC comes, as do defendants AM, TW, EB, JH, ST, WT, PH, RP, SG, and NS. A jury also comes, and says on oath that the none of the defendants AM, TW, EB, JH, ST, WT, PH, RP, SG, and NS took money for his verdict, nor from JS, and so they are innocent of embracery and without day. Plaintiff JC is to have nothing for his writ, and is amerced for false claim.

Case notes: For a related case see CP 40/638, rot 436, and for related mesne process see CP 40/641, rot 088d.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/640, rot. 116d

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

Pleading: Nicholas T. claims that John T. owes him £10 per a bond, by which JT obliged himself to NT and his wife ET. Damages are claimed at £10. Bond shown in court. An upon this NT says that the bond was made at London [parish and ward left blank].

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

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/640, rot. 118

Term: Hilary 1421
County: London
Writ type: Detinue
Damages claimed: £40
Case type: Detention of goods; Safe keeping

Pleading: John Puddyng claims that John N. unjustly detains his goods and chattels to the value of £20. JP claims that on 23/05/1412 he delivered to Walter R. and William P., for safe keeping, goods and chattels to the value of £20, but that WR and WP later died at which point the aforesaid goods descended, in London, to the defendant JN, who will not return them. The goods and chattels were namely two weight of two tuns of iron called 'two tun-tights'. Damages are claimed at £40.

Pleading: JN says that he does not detain the aforesaid chattels or anything else and offers his law, to be made the same term as pleadings.

Postea text: JN makes his law, same term as pleadings, and so is without day. JP is in mercy for false claim.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/640, rot. 119d

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

Pleading: Reginald B. is in mercy for many defaults. John Bythewater, John Bernes, John Joce, and John Blakeden claim that Reginald B. owes them £200 per a bond, made between RB on the one part; and John Bythewater, John Bernes, John Joce, and John Blakeden together with the late John S. and late Robert H. on the other part. Damages are claimed at 200m. Bond shown in court. And upon this John Bythewater, John Bernes, John Joce, and John Blakeden say that the bond was made at London [parish and ward left blank on CP40/640 and CP40/641, information provided in CP40/642 Rot.109d.].

Pleading: RB defends and seeks licence to imparl as far as Easter term 1421.

Pleading: [further information drawn from CP40/642 Rot.109d] RB cites the statute of additions, namely that the original writ must include the title of the defendant or the place where he is living on the day of its making. RB then says that on the day of the original writ's making he was living at Little Haseley, Oxfordshire; and not at Chalgrove, Oxfordshire, as stated in the writ. RB seeks judgement upon the writ.

Pleading: John Bythewater, John Bernes, John Joce, and John Blakeden say that on the day of the making of the originally writ, namely 20/09/1420, RB was living at Chalgrove just as stated in the writ. John Bythewater, John Bernes, John Joce, and John Blakeden seek inquiry upon the country, and RB seeks likewise. Order to the sheriff of Oxfordshire to make a jury come in Michaelmas term 1421.

Postea text: postea 1 - further licence to imparl to [term not given]. [further information drawn from CP40/641 rot.106d] Further licence to imparl as far as Trinity term 1421.

Case notes: further information drawn from CP40/641 rot.106d; in this re-entry, damages are noted as £200 instead of the original 200m.; Further information drawn from CP40/642 Rot.109d. - damages here also noted as £200.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/640, rot. 120

Term: Hilary 1421
County: Devon
Writ type: Trespass (force and arms)
Damages claimed: £400
Case type: Assault; Housebreaking; Real action / rents / damage to real estate

Pleading: Joan F. and Philip F. claim that on 18 February 1417 William H., Walter S., John Bykebury, John R., John S., and Richard U., used force and arms to break their houses and closes at Warcombe, Woolston, and Alvington in Devon, whereupon they threatened Joan F. and Philip F.'s tenants so that the same tenants: withdrew from the tenure of Joan F. and Philip F., withdrawing their suit of court to Joan F. and Philip F., which court would normally be held every three weeks, and thus Joan F. and Philip F. were without their tenants' rents and services from the day of the trespass until the day of the making of their original writ on 5 April 1420. The tenants, the holdings from which they withdrew, and their rents, payable at Easter and Michaelmas in equal portions, are named as: Thomas Crispyn from one messuage and 50 acres of land in Warcombe for 26s 8d; John Crispyn from one messuage and 12 acres of land in Warcombe for 30s 8d; Roger Rider from 15 acres of land in Warcombe for 40s; John Hyndeston from 40 acres of land in Warcombe for 40s; John Rider from 16 acres of land in Woolston for 28s 6d; John Wynter from 10 acres of land in Woolston for 15s; Richard Wyot from 40 acres of land in Alvington for 23s 8d; John Elys from 12 acres of land in Alvington for 20s 4d; John Herberd from 16 acres of land in Alvington for 33s; and John Burlegh from one acre of land in Alvington for 16d. Damages claimed at £400.

Pleading: The defendants deny force and arms; parties on country. Concerning the remainder, defendant RU says that long before the aforesaid 18 February 1417 a certain Thomas U., his father, was seised of the aforesaid lands in his demesne as of fee, and that the plaintiff Joan F. unjustly disseised TU of these lands by enfeoffing them in fee-simple to certain unknown persons who then later enfeoffed Joan F. and Philip F., their heirs and assigns, in perpetuity. The defendants claim that TU later died, whereupon RU entered his lands as son and heir, and this entry is the supposed breaking of houses and closes cited in the plaintiffs' writ. And, concerning the claim that he threatened the aforesaid tenants etc., defendant RU says that he went to the aforesaid holdings and ordered the tenants to be intendant on him, and pay their rents or services to him and no other, or else he would expel them from their holdings. Lastly, defendants William H., Walter S., John Bykebury, John R., John S say that they are, and at the time of the supposed trespass were, neighbours of RU, and say that RU asked then to come with him to the aforesaid houses and closes to make entry into them as was his right, and assist RU while he received the submissions of the aforesaid tenants concerning the rents and services aforesaid as of the right of RU in the form aforesaid, because otherwise the same RU should have ejected the same tenants from their holdings as by good licence.

Pleading: Joan F. and Philip F. repeat their claim that William H., Walter S., John Bykebury, John R., John S., and Richard U. used force and arms to compel their tenants to withdraw from the aforesaid holdings so that Joan F. and Philip F. were without their rents and services for a great time etc.

Pleading: William H., Walter S., John Bykebury, John R., John S., and Richard U. repeat claim that Joan F. and Philip F. disseised TU, father of RU, of the aforesaid properties and put themselves upon the country, and Joan F. with Philip F. put themselves likewise. Order to the sheriff of Devon to make a jury come at Easter three weeks 1421.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/640, rot. 128d

Term: Hilary 1421
County: London
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Damages claimed: £40
Case type: Bond; Contract (general)

Pleading: Thomas D. claims that Eustace R. owes him £40 on a bond made on 06/10/1409 in the parish of St. Botolph in the ward of [omitted], London, payable in Christmas 1409. Damages claimed at £40. Bond for shown in court.

Pleading: ER says that whereas TD has pleaded that he made the aforesaid bond in London, he in fact never made any such bond in London, and so TD ought not be able to maintain his present writ. ER refuses to respond to the writ and seeks that TD be examined. The court therefore considers that TD should be examined on this, and TD's attorney, John E., is to have his master here to be examined at the quindene of Easter next. Pledges named for the defendant.

Pleading: [continued at Easter 1421, rot 129d] ER seeks that the bond and its endorsements be read to the court. The condition of the bond is such that if a certain Hugh J. should make fine with the executors of the will of James B., or render himself to the king's prison of Norwich castle, before the bond's due date of Christmas 1409, then the bond should be null and void. ER says that the aforesaid HJ did deliver himself to the king's prison at Norwich castle prior to Christmas 1409, and so the bond should be null and void.

Pleading: TD says that TJ did not deliver himself to the king's prison of Norwich castle prior to Christmas 1409 and seeks inquiry upon the country, and ER seeks likewise. Order to the sheriff of Norwich to make a jury come at the quindene of Trinity 1421.

Case notes: Further information drawn from CP 40/641, rot 129d.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/640, rot. 132

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

Pleading: Robert T. claims that William Gyle owes him 50m as determined by a reckoning of the account between them before auditors Robert C. and William Gyan. Damages are claimed at 100s.

Pleading: William Gyle says that he does not owe RT the aforesaid 50m nor any other monies, and is prepared to defend against RT and RT's suit as the court decides; 'but that it is the intention of RT that he should not make his law against RT upon the arrears of account narrated against him in the manner aforesaid.' Hence, William Gyle seeks that RT, per the statute, be examined; and that if it will lie (be acceptable) at the end of this examination, that he be admitted to make his law presently. Hence, examination is made per statute and the decision is that William Gyle ought to be allowed to make his law, same day as pleadings.

Postea text: William Gyle makes his law (same day as pleadings) and so is without day. RT is in mercy for false claim.

Case notes: related to following plea - CP40/640 rot.132d.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/640, rot. 132d

Term: Hilary 1421
County: London
Writ type: Debt (account)
Damages claimed: £20
Case type: Reckoning of account

Pleading: Robert T. claims that William Gyle owes him 50m as determined by a reckoning of the account between them before auditors Robert C. and William Gyan. Damages are claimed at £20.

Pleading: William Gyle says that he does not owe RT the aforesaid 50m nor any other monies, and is prepared to defend against RT and RT's suit as the court decides; 'but that it is the intention of RT that he should not make his law against RT upon the arrears of account narrated against him in the manner aforesaid.' Hence, William Gyle seeks that RT, per the statute, be examined; and that if it will lie (be acceptable) at the end of this examination, that he be admitted to make his law presently. Hence, examination is made per statute and the decision is that William Gyle ought to be allowed to make his law, same day as pleadings.

Postea text: William Gyle makes his law (same day as pleadings) and so is without day. RT is in mercy for false claim.

Case notes: related to previous plea - CP40/640 rot.132

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/640, rot. 186d

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

Pleading: Richard B. claims that 'Robert M. son of Richard M' owes him 100s per a bond, payable at London. Damages are claimed at £10. Bond shown in court.

Pleading: Robert M. says that the force of the bond ought not hold because on the day of the bond's making RB and other unknown men seized him and threatened his life and limbs, so that he was forced to make the aforesaid bond for the salvation of his life and limbs.

Pleading: RB says that Robert M. was a free man at the time of the bond's making and seeks inquiry upon the country, and Robert M. seeks likewise. Order to the sheriff of Warwickshire to make a jury come in Easter term 1421.

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

Postea text: postea 2 - the sheriff of Warwickshire returns that the writ reached him too late and so the case is forwarded as far as Michaelmas term 1421.

Postea text: postea 3 - the sheriff of Warwickshire does not send the writ and so the case is forwarded as far as Hilary term 1422.

Postea text: postea 4 - the sheriff of Warwickshire does not send the writ and so the case is forwarded as far as Easter term 1422.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/640, rot. 205

Term: Hilary 1421
County: London
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Damages claimed: 10m
Case type: Bond; Imprisonment

Pleading: Nicholas C. and John T. claim that William M. owes them 14m by way of two bonds of 7m each made on 06/07/1418; one payable on 01/08/1418, and the other on 01/11/1418. Damages claimed at 10m. Bonds shown to the court. And, NC and JT say the bonds were made at London etc.

Pleading: WM says that the force of the bonds ought not hold because he was imprisoned by NC, JT, and his associates at Colnbrook, Middlesex.

Pleading: NC and JT say that WM was a free man at the time of the making of the bonds, and seek inquiry upon the country, and WM seeks likewise. Order to the sheriff of Middlesex to make a jury come at Easter three weeks. Pledges named for defendant.

Postea text: postea 1 - the sheriff of Middlesex did not send the writ and so the case is forwarded to the morrow of St John the Baptist 1421.

Postea text: Process continued, jury in respite to the morrow of the Purification. On this day, NC and JT come by attorney, WM did not come, in default. Pledges to be taken. Jury came, but wished to be advised on their verdict and left. When they returned, the plaintiffs did not come, so they and pledges amerced. WM sent without day.

Case notes: Related to CP 40/639, rot 543.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/640, rot. 279

Term: Hilary 1421
County: London
Writ type: Debt (loan)
Damages claimed: 100s
Case type: Loan

Pleading: Thomas B. claims that Peter S. owes him £4 4s per a loan. Damages are claimed at 100s.

Pleading: PS says that he does not owe TB the aforesaid 100s or any other monies and offers his law, to be made in Easter term 1421. Pledges of law are named, as well as pledges for future appearance.

Postea text: postea 1 - TB makes essoin and so the case is forwarded as far as Trinity term 1421.

Postea text: postea 2 - TB does not come to prosecute his writ and so he and his pledges of the prosecution are in mercy. PS is without day.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/640, rot. 279

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

Pleading: William D. claims that Simon C. and Thomas S., together with John L. and his wife Joan L., John S., and John B., used force and arms to break his house and close at London, whereupon they assaulted him and seized his goods to the value of 40m. The goods taken were namely one silver bound and gilt mazer, 6 silver spoons, one basin with laver and other household utensils. Damages claimed at £40.

Pleading: SC and TS deny the trespass as claimed. Parties on country, sheriff of London to have jury here at quindene of Easter 1421.

Pleading: [Followed by mesne process of same plea against the other trespassers, who did not come. Sheriff to take, not found, to be taken for same term.]

Postea text: 2 posteas - sheriff did not send the writ, to octave of Michaelmas 1421.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/640, rot. 279d

Term: Hilary 1421
County: London
Writ type: Debt (loan)
Damages claimed: £10
Case type: Loan

Pleading: William L. claims that John J. owes him £18 3s per a loan. Damages are claimed at £10.

Pleading: JB defends and seeks licence to imparl as far as Easter term 1421.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/640, rot. 279d

Term: Hilary 1421
County: London
Writ type: Debt (loan); Debt (other)
Damages claimed: 40s
Case type: Loan; Real action / rents / damage to real estate

Pleading: John M. claims that John W. owes him 40s arising from a loan of 13s 4d, and 26s 8d as the unpaid residue of £8 which JW ought to have paid JM for one tenement with appurtenances in Edgware, Middlesex. Damages are claimed at 40s.

Pleading: JW says that he does not owe JM the aforesaid 40s nor any other monies and offers his law, to be made in Easter term 1421. Pledges of law are named.

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

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/640, rot. 347d

Term: Hilary 1421
County: London
Writ type: Debt (sale of goods)
Damages claimed: £10
Case type: Sale of goods

Pleading: Henry O. claims that John B. owes him £10 arising from the sale of wide and spices which JB bought but did not pay for. The spices and wine in question were namely: 3 pipes of red wine; 4 gallons of taint (dye); one jar of green ginger containing one pint; and one chest/box of syrup (pixidem de siripo). Damages are claimed at £10.

Pleading: JB says that he does not owe HO the aforesaid £10 nor any other monies and offers his law, to be made in Easter term 1421. Pledges of law are named.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/640, rot. 348

Term: Hilary 1421
County: London
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Damages claimed: 50m
Case type: Bond

Pleading: Richard A. claims that Walter R. owes him 50m, as the unpaid residue of a 100m bond. Damages are claimed at 50m. Bond shown in court. And upon this RA says that the bond was made at London etc.

Pleading: WR defends and seeks licence to imparl as far as Easter term 1421.

Postea text: postea 1 - WR seeks further licence to imparl as far as Trinity term 1421.

Case notes: related to CP40/643 rot.310, slightly different details

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/640, rot. 355

Term: Hilary 1421
County: London
Writ type: Debt (sale of goods)
Damages claimed: £20
Case type: Sale of goods

Pleading: William T. claims that William Bery owes him £12 7s 7d arising from the sale of diverse linen cloths and kerchiefs (flameloa), and other mercery, which WB bought between 08/02/1420 and 28/02/1420, but did not pay for. Damages are claimed at £20.

Pleading: WB says that he does not owe WT the aforesaid £12 7s 7d nor any other monies and offers his law, to be made in Easter term 1421. Pledges of law are named.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/640, rot. 371d

Term: Hilary 1421
County: London
Writ type: Debt (sale of goods)
Damages claimed: £4
Damages awarded: 13s 4d
Case type: Sale of goods

Pleading: Thomas B. claims that Richard W. owes him 63s 4d arising from the sale of one pipe of red wine which RW bought but did not pay for. Damages are claimed at £4.

Pleading: RW defends and seeks licence to imparl as far as Easter term 1421. Pledges are named for the defendant. [further details drawn from CP40/641 rot.106d] RW says that he does not owe TB the 16s 6d of aforesaid 63s 4d his law, to be made in Trinity term 1421. One pledge of law is named [a blank space has been left for the name of a second pledge of law]. Concerning 46s 8d of the aforesaid 63s 4d, RW says that he was prepared to pay TB this money at the Nativity of St John the Baptist 1416 [when it was due] and has always been prepared to pay it. RW offers this money to TB before the court. [Note, that 16s 6d plus 46s 8d does not add up to the full 63s 4d in question]

Pleading: TB says that RW was not previously willing to pay him the aforesaid 46s 8d and seeks inquiry upon the country. However, RW totally 'refuses to admit that verification' and seeks judgment of the court. Therefore, the decision of the court is that TB is to recover the aforesaid 46s 8d plus damages of 13s 4d, and RW is in mercy. Pledges are named, to have RW to this court to make his law concerning the aforesaid 16s 6d of the aforesaid 63s 4d [same pledges as named in the earlier licence to imparl].

Case notes: further details drawn form CP40/641 rot.106d

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/640, rot. 374d

Term: Hilary 1421
County: London
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Damages claimed: £10
Damages awarded: 20s
Case type: Bond

Pleading: Eliams C. and Nicholas S. claim that Alice P., widow and executor of William P., owes them 10m per a bond made between the late WP on one part, and EC with NS on the other part. Damages are claimed at £10. Bond shown in court. And upon this EC and NS say that the bond was made at London etc.

Pleading: AP says that she is not able to deny the validity of the bond or the debt.

Postea text: AP has admitted the debt and so EC and NS are to recover the aforesaid 10m plus damages of 20s. And upon this EC and NS relax the aforesaid damages.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/640, rot. 377d

Term: Hilary 1421
County: Middlesex
Writ type: Account
Damages claimed: £40
Case type: Contract (general); Reckoning of account

Pleading: Edmund B. claims that John K. ought to render him reasonable account concerning the time, from 15/06/1420 to 08/09/1420, when JK was his bailiff and receiver of monies concerning his manor of Paddington, Middlesex. EB says that JK needs to render account for his term of office and administration concerning wheat, barley, beans, peas, oats, horses, oxen, cows. pigs, sheep, carts, wagons, coaches, harrows and other diverse things pertaining to the manor. EB also says that during this time, JK receiver at Paddington 16s per the hands of a certain John M., £4 per the hands of John G., and 5m per the hands of Thomas S., concerning which JK has not rendered reasonable account. Damages are claimed at £40.

Pleading: JK says that the action against him ought not continue because after the time when it has been supposed that he was EB's bailiff and receiver, he had a full reckoning of account with EB at London.

Pleading: EB says that JK did not have an accounting with him concerning the time aforesaid and seeks inquiry upon the country, and JK seeks likewise. Order to the sheriff of London to make a jury come in Easter term 1421.

Postea text: 5 further posteas - all say that the sheriff of London did not send the writ, forwarding the case as far as Easter term 1424

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

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

Postea text: postea 4 - from this day (the quindene of Trinity term 1422) the case was adjourned as far as Michaelmas term 1422., before which time Henry IV died. Therefore, EB came and sought a new writ of the sheriff of Middlesex, to summon a jury in the case aforesaid, returnable in Hilary term 1423.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/640, rot. 390

Term: Hilary 1421
County: Essex
Writ type: Detinue
Damages claimed: £20
Case type: Detention of goods; Real action / rents / damage to real estate

Pleading: Robert H. claims that Richard Stace seized and detains the RH's beasts, namely 6 cows, at Harlow in a place called 'Freshgrove', contrary to his surety and pledge. Damages claimed at £20.

Pleading: Richard Stace says that as bailiff of bishop Thomas L., John L., Roger T., Robert Suthwell, and Ralph A., he acknowledged the seizure of the aforesaid beasts in the place aforesaid. Richard Stace says that RH holds 40 acres of land and 12 acres of wood in Harlow, of which the place concerned is a parcel, from the aforesaid bishop TL, JL, RT, Robert Suthwell, and RA, by fealty and services of 4s 4d at Easter and Michaelmas in equal portions, as well as scutage of 3s 4d. However, RH did not pay his rent to Richard Stace, as bailiff of bishop TL, JL, RT, Robert Suthwell, and RA, for three years prior to the seizure of the aforesaid animals, leading to an arrears of 12s 6d and thus the seizure of RH's animals.

Pleading: RH, not acknowledging anything said by RS, says that Richard Stace ought not have taken the aforesaid animals, as concerning the services on 20 acres of the aforesaid lands upon which it has been supposed he owes services and rents, RH says that a certain David F. was seised of these 20 acres of lands in his demesne as of fee before the statute of 'quia emptores' [18 Edward I], and thus seised, by a charter of 1 Edward I which RH presents to the court, DF granted them to a certain Richard P., describing them as 20 acres of arable land with all appurtenances in the field of 'Davyesreden' in Harlow, lying between he lands of Humphrey de Hasteg to the west, the king's highway to the east, the wood called 'Hastengeswode' to the south, reserving to DF and his heirs the breadth of one rod of land at the northern head of the said land. The charter said that the land was to be held freely by RP and whomever he might wish to grant it to, in perpetuity, for an annual rent of one clove at Easter and scutage to the lord king of 12d for all other services. DF also warranted the land against all etc. Plaintiff RH says that he has estate in this same 20 acres by way of the aforesaid RP, and that bishop TL, RT, Robert Suthwell, and RA have the estate of the aforesaid DF. Concerning a further 6 acres of lands for which it has been supposed he owes services, RH says that bishop TL, JL, RT, Robert Suthwell, and RA were lately seised of this 6 acres in their demesne as of fee, and after the statute of 'quia emptores' enfeoffed them to the defendant, Richard Stace. Concerning the remaining 14 acres of land and 12 acres of wood, RH says that he does not hold these lands or wood from the aforesaid bishop TL, JL, RT, Robert Suthwell, and RA, nor did he hold them so on the day his animals were seized, nor has he held these lands of them any time since, nor does he claim to hold them, and he thoroughly denies that he holds the lands of them.

Pleading: Richard Stace, not acknowledging anything said by RH, states that concerning the 20 acres of land, he does not acknowledge that the aforesaid charter is of DF's making, or that the 20 acres specified in the charter were part of the said 40 acres mentioned above. Concerning the services in the 6 acres of land mentioned by RH, Richard Stace says he was not himself enfeoffed of these lands by the aforesaid bishop TL, JL, RT, Robert Suthwell, and RA. Concerning the remaining 14 acres of land and 12 acres of wood, Richard Stace says that after bishop TL, JL, RT, Robert Suthwell, and RA were seised of these lands and wood, that RH enfeoffed them to parties unknown, who re-enfeoffed them to RH, in an attempt to disinherit bishop TL, JL, RT, Robert Suthwell, and RA.

Pleading: RH reiterates his claim that the 20 acre parcel of land in question is indeed the 20 acres specified in the aforesaid charter; parties on country. RH says that the 6 acre parcel of land in question was enfeoffed to Richard Stace by bishop TL, JL, RT, Robert Suthwell, and RA; parties on country. Lastly, RH says that he has no knowledge of any enfeoffment of the remaining 14 acres of land and 12 acres of wood by bishop TL, JL, RT, Robert Suthwell, and RA and denies that they were enfeoffed to him of bishop TL, JL, RT, Robert Suthwell, and RA and says that according to the law of the land he does not have to answer on this point.

Pleading: Richard Stace says concerning the 14 acres of land and 12 acres of wood, that RH is a true tenant of bishop TL, JL, RT, Robert Suthwell, and RA and that the allegation against him is sufficient, that he is prepared to verify this, and he seeks judgment because RH refuses to admit this. Justices wish to be advised concerning this, so day is given between the parties quindene of Easter 1421. Sheriff of Essex to make a jury come at the same day.

Postea text: postea 1 - the justices have not yet been advised and the sheriff of Essex did not send the writ, and so the case is forwarded as far as Michaelmas term 1421.

Postea text: 3 posteas - all say that day is given for judgment at the following term, forwarding the case to Trinity term 1422.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/640, rot. 398d

Term: Hilary 1421
County: Kent
Writ type: Debt (sale of goods)
Damages claimed: £20
Case type: Sale of goods

Pleading: John F. claims that William S. owes him £10 arising from the sale of 4,000 talwode [wood cut into pieces].

Pleading: WS defends, per attorney John W., and seeks licence to imparl as far as Easter term 1421.

Pleading: [further information drawn from CP40/642 rot.136] WS comes, in his own person, says that he does not owe JF the aforesaid £10 nor any other monies and offers his law, to be made in the octave of St John the Baptist 1421 (later in Trinity term 1421). Pledges of law are named.

Postea text: postea 1 - further licence to imparl as far as Trinity term 1421.

Postea text: postea 2 - WS makes essoin and so the case is forwarded as far as Michaelmas term 1421.

Postea text: postea 3 - WS makes his law and so is quit. JF is in mercy for false claim.

Case notes: membrane mis-numbered as 388; further information drawn from CP40/642 rot.136

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/640, rot. 408

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

Pleading: John S. claims that John M. owes him 40m per a bond. Damages are claimed at £20. Bond shown in court. And, JS says that the bond was made at London [parish and ward left blank].

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

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/640, rot. 408a

Term: Hilary 1421
County: London
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Damages claimed: £10
Damages awarded: 20s
Case type: Bond

Pleading: William B. claims that John T. owes him £4 arising from two bonds, one of 20s and one of 60s. Damages are claimed at £10. Bonds shown in court. And, JT says that the bonds were made in London etc.

Pleading: JT says that the action against him ought not continue because after the making of the aforesaid bonds, namely on 12/12/1419 at Slapton (Northamptonshire), JT issued him a receipt/release acknowledging that he had received 53s 4d per the hands of chaplain John B. in full satisfaction of the aforesaid £4 debt. JT offers this receipt/release to the court.

Pleading: WB says that the aforesaid release is not of his making and seeks inquiry upon the country, and JT seeks likewise. Order to the sheriff of Northamptonshire to make a jury come in Easter term 1421. The release is given to clerk John h. for safe keeping. Pledges are named for the defendant.

Postea text: postea 1 - JT does not come and so is in default. Therefore, the decision of the court is that WB is to recover the aforesaid debt plus 20s damages. JT is to be arrested.

Postea text: postea 2 - 28/01/1422 WB comes before the court and acknowledged satisfaction of the aforesaid debt and damages. JT is quit.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/640, rot. 408d

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

Pleading: Thomas B. claims that Thomas S. owes him 20m per a bond. Damages are claimed at 20m. Bond shown in court. And, TB says that the bond was made at London, parish of St. Pancras.

Pleading: TS seeks that the bond and its endorsements be read in the court, and the condition of the bond contained therein is that if TS should pay TB 7m in the feast of Christmas 1421 (25/12/1421) then the bond should be null and void. TS says that he paid TB the aforesaid 7m at St. Albans, Hertfordshire, in accordance with the condition of the bond, and so the bond should have no further force etc.

Pleading: TB says that TS did not pay him the aforesaid 7m and seeks inquiry upon the country, and TS seeks likewise. Order to the sheriff of Hertfordshire to make a jury come in Easter term 1421. Pledges are named for the defendant.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/640, rot. 409d

Term: Hilary 1421
County: London
Writ type: Debt (sale of goods)
Damages claimed: £10
Damages awarded: 20s
Case type: Sale of goods

Pleading: John W. claims that John D. owes him £18 as the unpaid residue of a £33 2s debt arising from the sale of spices and other goods, on three separate occasions. The goods bought were namely, on 3 August 1414: 7lb of pepper; 43¾lb of ginger; 4lb of cloves; 4 lb of mace; 2lb of galingale; 4lb of cinnamon and canella; one quarter of cubeb pepper (quibyber'); 4lb of vermilion; 4 pounds of mercury ('argenti vivi'); two barrels of varnish; 24lb of red lead ('plumbi rubii'); 200¼lb of alum rock ('alom roche'); 36lb of currants; 2lb of sugar candy; one box ('pixidem') containing 16lb of treacle; 40lb of sugar; 3lb of glue; one vessel containing 7¾lb of green ginger; 6lb of red wax, 56 pounds of anise comfit; 200lb and 16 quarters of almonds; 12lb of confections; 4lb of wormseed; 6lb of fenugreek; 12 pounds of 'curis'; and 5 dozens of 'tinfoll', all for £16 18s 1d. And on 18 October 1414, namely: 22lb of pepper; 36lb of ginger; 50lb of soap; 3lb of red wax; 1lb of saffron; 6lb of cloves; 100lb of rice; and 12lb of cotton, all for £8 19s 10d. And on 23 February 1415, namely: 30lb of pepper; 12lb of ginger; 4lb of galingale; 2lb of canella; 55lb of almonds; 2 reams of paper; 1lb of orpiment of 'Oxcerocrosio'; 4lb of sulphur; 6lb of red wax; 12lb of cotton; and 12lb of 'unynet' for £7 4s 1d. Damages are claimed at £10.

Pleading: JD defends and seeks licence to imparl To Easter three weeks 1421. Pledges are named for the defendant.

Postea text: postea 1 - further licence to imparl as far as Trinity term 1421.

Postea text: postea 2 - JD does not come and so is in default. JW is to recover the aforesaid debt plus 20s damages.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/640, rot. 424

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

Pleading: John S. claims that Robert C. owes him £4 4s per a bond. Damages are claimed at 100s. Bond shown in court.

Pleading: RC defends and seeks licence to imparl as far as Easter term 1421.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/640, rot. 424

Term: Hilary 1421
County: London
Writ type: Trespass (force and arms)
Damages claimed: 100m
Case type: Abduction; Assault; Taking of goods

Pleading: Tomas H. claims that parson Gervase N. used force and arms to pillage/rape (rapuit) and abduct his wife Margaret H. at London, as well as taking goods and chattels of TH, which parson GN presently detains. The goods taken were: one bed ('lecto') of red Worsted; one bed-coverlet ('coopertorio lectulio') with one tester; one pair of blankets; one canvas; one wildcat's fur; one lamb's fleece (agnelina); one black hooded huke (cape/cloak); 3 pillows ('pulwes'); one 'book of hours of the Blessed Virgin Mary'; and other diverse adornments; 4 pewter jars called 'potelpottes'; 2 sopper/brass candelabras; 11 pair of sheets; two napkins/tablecloths ('mappis'); 4 towels; one glass bottle ('utro'); one copper/brass plate; one cauldron; 6 silver spoons; and other household utensils. Damages are claimed at 100m.

Pleading: Parson GN seeks licence to imparl as far as Easter term 1421. Pledges are named for the defendant.

Pleading: [further information drawn from CP40/641 rot363d - Easter term 1421] Parson GN says that he is innocent and puts himself upon the country, and TH put himself likewise. Order to the sheriff of London to make a jury come in [term left blank]. Pledges are named for the defendant [same as those named previously].

Case notes: further information drawn from CP40/641 rot363d.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/640, rot. 424

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

Pleading: Lawrence G. says that Albert D. unjustly detains chattels worth 100s, which LG gave to AD for safe keeping but which AD will not return. The chattels are namely: 2 dozen lasts (a last in a shoe-making tool), two knives called 'shaping-knives', 4 trenkets (shoemaker's knife), one table called a 'shaping-board', 4 formulas, one 'trasshour', one bucket, and other household utensils. Damages are claimed at 10.

Pleading: AD says that he does not detain the aforesaid items nor anything else and offers to make his law, to be made in Easter term 1421. Pledges of law are named as well as pledges for future appearance.

Postea text: postea 1 - LG does not come...[postea incomplete].

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/640, rot. 424d

Term: Hilary 1421
County: Middlesex
Writ type: Account
Damages claimed: £20
Case type: Contract (service/employment); Reckoning of account

Pleading: John G. claims that John Braunston has not rendered reasonable account concerning the time when he acted as JG's receiver, namely from 01/11/1417 to 21/11/1417 in the Parish of St Sepulchre without the bar of West Smithfield (Middlesex). JG says that during this time JB received on his behalf 10m per the hands of John Brook Damages are claimed at £20.

Pleading: John Braunston says that the action against him ought not continue because he made a full accounting concerning the time aforesaid, namely on 19/01/1418 at Northamptonshire, before auditors Roger B. and Alexander S.

Pleading: JG says that there was no such accounting as John Braunston claims and seeks inquiry upon the country, and John Braunston seeks likewise. Order to the sheriff of Northamptonshire to make a jury come in Easter term 1421. Pledges are named for the defendant.

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