CP40/639: Michaelmas term 1420

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/639, rot. 072

Term: Michaelmas 1420
County: London
Writ type: Trespass (force and arms)
Damages claimed: £20
Case type: Housebreaking; Taking of goods

Pleading: Stephen P. claims that Richard H. used force and arms to break his close at Theydon Garnon, Essex, where he dug and hauled away 100 cart-loads of potter's earth/clay, to the value of 100s.

Pleading: Concerning the use of force and arms RH says that he is innocent and puts himself upon the country, and SP puts himself likewise. Concerning the remainder of the trespass RH says that the close aforesaid close and earth involved where, at the time of the supposed trespass, his own free tenement.

Pleading: SP says that at the time of the aforesaid trespass the aforesaid close and soil were part of his free tenement and seeks inquiry upon the country, and RH seeks likewise. Order to the sheriff of Essex to make a jury come in Martinmas 1420 (late in Michaelmas term). Pledges are named for the defendant.

Postea text: postea 1 - continuance between the parties as far as Hilary term 1421, so that a jury may be placed etc.

Postea text: postea 2 - RH does not come and so a jury is to be taken against him for default, in Easter term 1421.

Postea text: postea 3 - the jury does not come and so the case is respited until Michaelmas term 1421

Postea text: postea 4 - the jury does not come and so the case is respited until Hilary term 1422.

Postea text: postea 5 - the jury does not come and so the case is respited until Trinity term 1422

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/639, rot. 072d

Term: Michaelmas 1420
County: London
Writ type: Debt (loan)
Damages claimed: 10m
Case type: Loan

Pleading: Thomas D. claims that William R. owes him £10 per a loan. Damages are claimed at 10m.

Pleading: WR says that eh does not owe TD the aforesaid £12 nor any other monies and offers his law, to be made in Martinmas 1420 (late in Michaelmas term). Pledges of law are named. And upon this it is ordered that WR's attorney, John C., ought to have his master to this court in the aforesaid term to make his law.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/639, rot. 072d

Term: Michaelmas 1420
County: London
Writ type: Trespass (force and arms)
Damages claimed: 10m
Case type: Taking of goods

Pleading: Richard C. claims that John B. and his wife Alice B. used force arms to seize and carry off his goods and chattels at London to the value of 40s. The goods taken were namely one pound of silk, one hood (capuc'm), and other household utensils. Damages are claimed at 10m.

Pleading: JB and AB say that they are innocent and put themselves upon the country, and RC puts himself likewise. Order to the sheriff to make a jury come in Hilary term 1421. And upon this RC puts in his place versus JB and AB, (attorney) Thomas M.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/639, rot. 103d

Term: Michaelmas 1420
County: London
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Damages claimed: 40m
Case type: Bond

Pleading: John S. claims that John C. owes him £32 per a bond. Bond shown in court. Noted that bond does not say where it was made, but JS says that it was made at London etc. Damages are claimed at 40m.

Pleading: JC defends and seeks licence to imparl as far as the octave of the purification of St Mary 1421 (late in Hilary term).

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

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/639, rot. 104d

Term: Michaelmas 1420
County: London
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Damages claimed: 10m
Damages awarded: 26s 8d
Case type: Bond

Pleading: John L. and John S. claim that Baldwin D. owes them a 8m on a bond. Damages are claimed at 10m. Bond shown in court. And upon this JL and JS say that the bond was made at London etc.

Pleading: BD comes and says that he is neither able to deny the debt nor the validity of the bond.

Postea text: The decision [same day as pleading] is that JL and JS are to recover the aforesaid debt plus damages of 26s 8d. BD is in mercy and, at the petition of JL and JS, he is committed to the Fleet prison.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/639, rot. 105

Term: Michaelmas 1420
County: London
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Damages claimed: £500
Case type: Bond

Pleading: Robert M. and John T. claim that John E. owes them 400m per a bond. Damages are claimed at £500. Bond shown in court.

Pleading: JE says that the bond is not of his making and puts himself upon the country, and RM with JT put themselves likewise. Order to the sheriff to make a jury come later in Michaelmas term 1420. The bond is put into the safe keeping of clerk John H.

Postea text: postea 1 - 04/12/1420 the bond is delivered to justice John C. for consideration by a jury, and clerk JP is quit of it.

Postea text: postea 2 - 18/04/1421 justice JC returns the bond to clerk JP and so is quit of it.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/639, rot. 107d

Term: Michaelmas 1420
County: Essex
Writ type: Trespass (force and arms)
Damages claimed: £10
Case type: Trespass (chattels)

Pleading: John B. claims that John S., together with John E. and Hugh B., came to JB's land at Havering-atte-Bower (Essex) with force and arms, whence JS's horses, oxen, cows, and sheep trampled and consumed JB's wheat, barley, and hay to the value of 6m, and ploughed 16 acres of JB's lands so that JB was unable to profit from that soil from the day of the trespass as far as the day of the making of the original writ (day of writ left blank). Damages are claimed at £10.

Pleading: JS says that he is innocent and puts himself upon the country, and JB puts himself likewise. Order to the sheriff of Essex to make a jury come in Hilary term 1421. Pledges are named for the defendant.

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

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/639, rot. 114

Term: Michaelmas 1420
County: London
Writ type: Trespass (force and arms)
Damages claimed: 2000m
Case type: Safe keeping; Taking of goods

Pleading: John M., Roger R., and Thomas P., claim that William Mymmes, John H. and his wife Isabel H., together with John F., used force and arms to break into a certain chest and forcer (strong-box) belonging to JM, RR, and TP, from which William Mymmes, JH and IH (similarly with JF) seized and carried off goods and chattels to the value of 1200m. JM, RR, and TP say that the chest and forcer were broken into in: the parish of St Mary Woolnoth, Langbourn Ward; and the parish of St Mary Magdalen Old Fish Street, Castle Baynard Ward. The goods taken were namely: 1000 pearls; one girdle of red silk bound with gold; one set of a dozen silver vessels; 4 rubies; 8 sapphires; 10 balas-rubies; a piece of 'cloth of Reynes' containing 30 ells; one gold necklace called an 'ouche' (brooch?) with a certain image of a boy ('puelle') and set with precious stones; 6 gold rings set with rubies, sapphires, balas-rubies, and diamonds; four gold buckles (firmacula); 2 gold rosaries; 4 gold necklaces adorned with precious stones; one new piece of linen table cloth ('linei mensalis') containing 30 ells; and one cushion called a 'mattress'.

Pleading: William Mymmes, JH and IH say that they neither used force and arms to break into the aforesaid chest and forcer, nor did they seize and carry off any of the aforesaid goods, excepting one aforementioned tablecloth (manutergii) of 'cloth of Reyns' containing 30 ells. Concerning all of the aforesaid trespass, excepting the said tablecloth, the defendants put themselves upon the country, and plaintiffs JM, RR, and TP put themselves likewise. Concerning the aforesaid 30 ells of 'cloth of Reynes', the defendants (William Mymmes, JH and IH) say that long before day of the supposed trespass a certain William Maydeston delivered the said chest and forcer to JH and IH for safe keeping within their living house, the same chest and forcer being locked and sealed (serata et sigillata), with a certain towel (manutergium) of 'cloth of Reynes', which they claim is the cloth of Raynes named by the plaintiffs, as well as other goods and chattels inside. Furthermore, JH and IH say that they were ignorant as to the quantity and quality of whatever else, besides the aforesaid cloth of Raynes, was contained within the chest and forcer, and that the keys to the said chest and forcer remained in the custody of William Maydeston. The defendants say that William Maydeston then later died, at which time RR and TP came to the house of JH and IH, claiming that William Maydstone was alive and well, when he was not. At which time RR and TP presented a certain signet-ring and the keys to the chest and forcer saying that they needed to examine certain muniments and evidences contained within the said chest and forcer, which they then opened, and took things from the chest and forcer as it pleased them (prout eis placuit). In the morning of the following day RR and TP then returned saying that William Maydeston had died and claiming that they (RR and TP) and JM should have the contents of the aforesaid chest and forcer by way of a gift of the late William Maydeston. Under this pretext JM, RR, and TP took from the chest and forcer: the aforesaid tablecloth of 'cloth of Reynes'; a pair of napkins 'of cloth of 'werk'; 4 silver bowls/basins; one covered silver bowl/basin (una cratera argenta cooperta); 2 standing (stantibus) silver basins/bowls, one namely covered resembling 'gripiseye' (griffin's eye?) and the other un-covered; one bottle ('vtre') of mother of pearl, silver and gilt ( uno utre de cokell argento et deaurato); one silver 'powderbox'; 6 silver spoons; 2 silver salt cellars, one covered and one un-covered, one being square and one being round; silk girdles called corses, 'talliis', and 'scrowettys'; and one little chest contained within the same chest. WM, JH and IH say that these items were taken as much with the consent of both themselves and as with the consent of RR and TP. Further, it is claimed that the plaintiffs TP and RR, with the help of a certain Thomas Y. servant of the prior of Leeds who was with them at the time, took these items to the house of John S. in the parish of St. Gregory, Castle Baynard Ward.

Pleading: Plaintiffs JM, RR, and TP say that neither the aforesaid forcer nor chest was opened by them, nor where any items removed from either the chest or forcer with their consent. They also reiterate their claim that the 30 ells of cloth of Reynes mentioned in they original pleading was contained in the chest or forcer at the time of the supposed trespass, and that this was not tablecloth mentioned by the defendants.

Pleading: William Mymmes, JH and IH say, concerning the taking and carrying off of any 'piece of cloth of Reynes' other than the tablecloth of Reynes they mentioned in their counter-plea, that they are innocent.

Pleading: Plaintiffs JM, RR, and TP say that defendants William Mymmes, JH and IH are to blame for carrying off the aforesaid (30 ells) piece of cloth of Reynes and seek inquiry upon the country, and the defendants put themselves likewise. Order to the sheriff to make a jury come in Hilary term 1421.

Case notes: related to CP40/639 rot.118

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/639, rot. 118

Term: Michaelmas 1420
County: London
Writ type: Trespass (force and arms)
Damages claimed: 1000m
Case type: Taking of goods

Pleading: William Hanewell and his wife Joan amerced for many defaults. John M., Roger R., and Thomas P. claim that William H. and his wife Joan H. used force and arms to break into two chests belonging to the plaintiffs, from which they seized and carried off goods and chattels worth 600m. The chests were located in the parish of St Mary Woolnoth, Langbourn Ward and the parish of St Martin Ludgate, Farringdon Within ward. The goods and chattels taken were: a dozen decorated silver vessels; a certain golden image; 2 silver basins with 2 silver lavers; 6 gold rings with six sapphires set and fixed in the same; 7 golden rings with 7 rubies fixed in the same; 8 balas-rubies; 4 diamonds; 6 golden necklaces called 'ouches' with various precious stones set around them, namely sapphires, rubies, and diamonds; and three pairs of table-knives decorated with silver and gilt. Damages claimed at 1000m.

Pleading: WH and JH deny force and arms and acting against the peace, as well as the breaking of one of the chests and the taking of the goods and chattels. Parties on country, sheriff to have juries of the said parishes and wards here at the octave of Hilary. Concerning the breaking of the other chest, WH and JH say that long before the day of the supposed trespass, a certain William Maydeston, to whom possession of the chest pertained while he was alive, granted the chest to them in the parish of St Martin Ludgate, ward of Farringdon Within, and delivered it to them. By this, WH and JH were in possession of the said chest until, before the time of the alleged trespass, JM, RR and TP claimed that same chest belonged to them, because the late William Maydeston had granted them all his moveable possessions. Therefore, by virtue of the first gift of WM to WH and JH, WH and JH say that they opened the said chest, this being the alleged trespass. All this they are prepared to verify.

Pleading: JM, RR and TP, not acknowledging anything said by the defendants, say that prior to any such supposed gift of the aforesaid chest to WH and JH by the late William Maydeston, the same William Maydeston had granted the same chest, amongst other goods and chattels, to JM, RR and TP at Graveney, Kent. The plaintiffs say that as a result of William Maydeston having gifted the said chest to them, when WH and IH opened it they committed this trespass.

Pleading: WH and JH, not acknowledging that ownership of this second chest pertained to WM at the time of his alleged gift to the plaintiffs, since the plaintiffs did not deny that WM granted the chest to WH and JH long before the supposed trespass, as WH and JH are prepared to verify. And concerning the other matters offered by the plaintiffs, claiming that they were granted the aforesaid chest prior to the time it was gifted to WH and JH, WH and JH say that, according to the law of the land, they do not have to respond. They seek judgement.

Pleading: JM, RR and TP say that since WH and JH did not deny the matter they presented, they seek judgement, and damages concerning the breaking of the said chest, etc. And since the justices wish to be advised on their judgment, day is given to the parties at the said octave of Hilary.

Case notes: For a related case see CP 40/639, rot 114.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/639, rot. 124

Term: Michaelmas 1420
County: London
Writ type: Trespass (against statute)
Case type: Breach of Statute

Pleading: John P. claims that John G., Thomas G., Stephen S., Ralph S., John C., Gerard C., and Robert O., together with Robert C., broke the state of 1 Henry V against the making of false muniments for the disturbance of the peaceful possession of land. JP claims that the defendants, and RO, conspired together to make false muniments at London concerning one messuage and 40 acres of land in Middlesex, which they used to disturb JP's possession and title to the aforesaid messuage and lands. [no further pleading]

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/639, rot. 127

Term: Michaelmas 1420
County: London
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Damages claimed: £40
Case type: Bond

Pleading: The executors of Walter J. namely John R., Thomas B., and Margaret O. (lately the wife of WJ and currently the wife of Henry O.), together with MO's husband Henry O., claim that Robert C. owes them £8 16s 8d per a bond made between RC and the late WJ. Damages are claimed at £40. Bond shown in court, as well as letters testamentary.

Pleading: RC says that the action against him ought not continue concerning £7 4d of the aforesaid £8 16s 8d because after the making of the aforesaid bond the late WJ issued him a release, made at Briston on 4/10/1413, regarding this same £7 4d. RC presents the release to the court. Concerning the remaining 36s 4d of the aforesaid £8 16s 8d, RC says that he was prepared to pay this money to the late WJ when the bond originally came due in Michaelmas 1410, that he was always prepared to pay WJ this money during his life, to pay WJ's executors, and or even to pay HO after he married WJ's former wife MO. RC presents this same 36s 4d to the court, and it is received by the plaintiffs. Hence RC is quiet concerning the aforesaid 36s 4d.

Pleading: JR, TB, MO, and HO say that that the aforesaid release for £7 4d is not of the late WJ's making and seek inquiry upon the country, and RC seeks likewise. Order to the sheriff of Bristol to make a jury come in Hilary term 1421. The release is given to clerk John H. for safe keeping.

Postea text: postea 1 - 10/11/1425 the aforesaid release has been delivered to RC's attorney, John G., because the plea has been discontinued, and therefore clerk Robert D. is quit of it.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/639, rot. 131d

Term: Michaelmas 1420
County: Norfolk
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Damages claimed: £100
Case type: Bond

Pleading: Thomas D., William B., John T., and William P., executors of the will of the late bishop of Norwich Alexander T., clam that William R. ('lately proctor [procurator] of the discrete man Master John Bremore lately parson of parish church of Terrington, Norwich diocese) owes them 100m per a bond made between WR and the late bishop AT. The plaintiffs claim that though the aforesaid 100m were often requested WR did not pay them to the late bishop AT, themselves (as executors), nor to their late co-executor Edward O (now deceased). Damages are claimed at £100. The bond is shown in court, as well as letters testamentary.

Pleading: WR says that the plaintiffs ought not continue their action against him, because their late co-executor EO issued him a release, at London, on 10/02/1417. WR offers this release to the court and seeks judgement.

Pleading: Plaintiffs TD, WB, JT and WP say that their late co-executor EO never released WR from the aforesaid debt and seek inquiry upon the country, and WR seeks likewise. Order to the sheriff of London to make a jury come in Hilary term 1421.

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

Case notes: related to CP 40/639, rot.336

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/639, rot. 133

Term: Michaelmas 1420
County: Hertfordshire
Writ type: Debt (sale of goods)
Damages claimed: £10
Case type: Sale of goods

Pleading: Thomas H. claims that William B. owes him £14 arising from the sale of 40 quarters of malt which WB bought but did not pay for. Damages are claimed at £10.

Pleading: WB says that he does not owe TH the aforesaid £14 nor any other monies and offers his law, to be made in Hilary term 1421. Pledges of law are named.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/639, rot. 147d

Term: Michaelmas 1420
County: Hertfordshire
Writ type: Trespass (force and arms)
Damages claimed: £20
Case type: Abduction; Taking of goods

Pleading: Richard E. claims that Thomas O. used force and arms to take his goods and chattels to the value of 20m at Watford, Hertfordshire, and abduct his servant, Christine S., so that she was out of his service for two years. The goods and chattels taken were namely woollen and linen cloth; 2 pair of sheets; two hoods (capucia); and 12 kerchiefs. Damages are claimed at £20.

Pleading: To says that he is innocent and puts himself upon the country, and RE puts himself likewise. Order to the sheriff of Hertfordshire to make a jury come later in Michaelmas term 1420.

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

Postea text: postea 2 - a jury comes and says on oath that TO is innocent, and so TO is without day. RE is in mercy for false claim.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/639, rot. 158d

Term: Michaelmas 1420
County: Hertfordshire
Writ type: Account
Damages claimed: £10
Case type: Contract (service/employment); Reckoning of account

Pleading: Nicholas R. claims that Robert W. has not rendered to him reasonable account concerning the time when RW was his receiver of monies at Bayford, Hertfordshire. NR says that he set forth RW as his receiver on 29/09/1417 for one full year, during which time RW receiver 4m from the hands of William C., concerning which money he has not rendered reasonable account. Damages are claimed at £10.

Pleading: RW says that he was never NR's receiver and puts himself upon the country, and NR puts himself likewise. Order to the sheriff of Hertfordshire to make a jury come in Hilary term 1421.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/639, rot. 293

Term: Michaelmas 1420
County: London
Writ type: Debt (loan)
Damages claimed: 40s
Case type: Loan

Pleading: William B. claims that Richard P. owes him 40s per a loan. Damages are claimed at 40s.

Pleading: RP says that he does not owe WB the aforesaid 40s nor any other monies and puts himself upon the country, and WB puts himself likewise. Order to the sheriff to make a jury come in Hilary term 1421. And upon this RP puts in his place versus WB, a certain (attorney) Thomas M.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/639, rot. 293

Term: Michaelmas 1420
County: London
Writ type: Debt (sale of goods)
Damages claimed: 40s
Case type: Sale of goods

Pleading: William B. claims that John B. owes him 40s arising from the sale of 8 casks of red herrings, which JB bought but did not pay for. Damages are claimed at 40s.

Pleading: JB says that he does not owe WB the aforesaid 40s nor any other monies and puts himself upon the country, and WB puts himself likewise. Order to the sheriff to make a jury come in Hilary term 1421. And upon this JB puts in his place versus WB, a certain (attorney) Thomas M.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/639, rot. 293d

Term: Michaelmas 1420
County: London
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Damages claimed: 100s
Case type: Bond

Pleading: John B. claims that Robert M. owes him £10 per a bond. Damages are claimed at 100s. Bond shown in court.

Pleading: RM says that the bond is not of his making and puts himself upon the country, and JB puts himself likewise. Order to the sheriff of Middlesex to make a jury come in Hilary term 1421. The bond is given to clerk John H. for safe keeping. And upon this RM puts in his place versus JB, a certain (attorney) Robert T.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/639, rot. 293d

Term: Michaelmas 1420
County: London
Writ type: Debt (loan)
Damages claimed: 40s
Case type: Loan

Pleading: William B. claims that John S. owes him 40s per a loan. Damages are claimed at 40s.

Pleading: JS says that he does not owe WB the aforesaid 40s nor any other monies and puts himself upon the country, and WB puts himself likewise. Order to the sheriff to make a jury come in Hilary term 1421.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/639, rot. 308d

Term: Michaelmas 1420
County: London
Writ type: Detinue
Damages claimed: £10
Case type: Detention of goods; Safe keeping

Pleading: Thomas M. claims that Christopher B. detains one bond which was given to him for safe keeping. This bond shows that a certain Richard C. is held to TM in £12 payable in Easter 1418 (27/03/1418). Damages are claimed at £10.

Pleading: CB says that he is ready to deliver the bond with the decision of the court. CB says that the bond was given to him with by TM and RC, only to be returned to either TM or RC under certain conditions. CB says that he is ignorant as to whether these conditions have been met, and seeks that RC be brought before the court etc. Therefore, the decision is that the sheriff should make RC come to this court in Hilary term 1421, and day is given between CB and TM in the same term.

Postea text: 5 posteas - all say that the sheriff did not send the writ and so order to arrest RC, as before, and further day is given between the parties. The case is forwarded as far as Easter term 1422

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/639, rot. 310

Term: Michaelmas 1420
County: London
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Damages claimed: £20
Case type: Bond; Imprisonment

Pleading: Simon F. claims that Nisholas G. owes him £16 by way of three bonds, two bonds of 100s each and one bond of £6. Damages are claimed at £20. Bonds shown in court. And upon this SF says that the bonds were made at London etc.

Pleading: NG says that the force of the bonds ought not hold because he was imprisoned at the time of their making, by SF and others of his coven at Glemsford, Suffolk.

Pleading: SF says that NG was a free man at the time of the bonds' making and seeks inquiry upon the country, and NG seeks likewise. Order to the sheriff of Suffolk to make a jury come in the Hilary term 1421. pledges are named for the defendant.

Postea text: postea 1 - the sheriff of Suffolk returns hat he delivered the writ to John H., bailiff of the liberty of Bury St. Edmunds, but had nothing in return. The sheriff of Suffolk is again ordered to summon a jury, to be brought in Easter term 1421, and is not to omit the aforesaid liberty.

Postea text: postea 2 - the sheriff of Suffolk did not send the writ and so the case is forwarded as far as Trinity term 1421.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/639, rot. 310d

Term: Michaelmas 1420
County: London
Writ type: Debt (other)
Damages claimed: £20
Case type: Contract (general)

Pleading: John P. claims that on 24/06/1400, in London, he was retained by William L. to ride from London to Lincoln Cathedral and , in the name and place (vice) of WL, take corporal possession of the prebend called 'Carlton Kyme'. In exchange JP says that he was to receive 20m, which he claims he has not been paid, and thus the present suit. Damages are claimed at £20.

Pleading: WL says that he does not owe JP the aforesaid 20m nor any other monies and offer to make his law (in the same term as pleadings). The decision is that WL is to make his law.

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

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/639, rot. 311

Term: Michaelmas 1420
County: London
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Damages claimed: £20
Case type: Arbitration; Bond

Pleading: John A. claims that Thomas J. owes him £20 per a bond made on 28/01/1420 and payable in Easter 1420 (07/04/1420). Damages are claimed at £20. Bond shown in court. And upon this JA says that the bond was made at London etc.

Pleading: TJ comes and seeks that the bond and its endorsements be read aloud. The condition of the obligation is that the bond shall be null and void only if: TJ and William B. with his wife Agnes B. should undertake arbitration before four good and honest men of Dunstable, Bedfordshire, assented to by JA and TJ ('per condecionem assensum'), before Easter 1420 (07/04/1420 - same due date of bond); and should none of the four arbitrators be contrary and yet they are not able to agree, that JA and TJ should then choose four more faithful arbitrators to agree prior to Easter 1420. TJ says that according to these conditions the force of the bond ought not hold, because he and JA assented to the arbitration of William A., Walter B., Lawrence P., and Richard L, four good and honest men of Dunstable. JA says that these men agreed, prior to Easter 1420, to be arbitrators concerning all quarrels and debts which had arisen between JA and TJ, and concerning claims JA took on (asservit) a certain Joan daughter of Simon V. to be his apprentice whilst she was not yet of age and that TJ unjustly detained her. TJ says that the arbitrators ordained that the aforesaid Joan, in the presence of TJ and JA, ought be led to the village cross of Dunstable where she should choose which one of them (TJ or JA) to depart with, so that whomever she should choose ought thence to have retained her peacefully and with the force of the arbitration. TJ says that Joan was brought to the cross of Dunstable in this manner, and that she chose to depart with TJ, and that JA has impeded her. And, TJ says that as both he and WB with his wife AB stood arbitration as required the bond ought to be null and void.

Pleading: JA denies that Joan S. was led to the cross of Dunstable and chose TJ, and JA denies that he impeded Joan S. He says that his neither these allegations nor his debts versus TJ ought be precluded. Further, TJ denies that either TJ or WB with his wife AB undertook arbitration before the aforesaid arbitrators.

Pleading: TJ says that Joan S. was indeed led to the cross of Dunstable according the aforesaid arbitration etc. and puts himself upon the country, and JA puts himself likewise. Order to the sheriff of Bedfordshire to make a jury come in Hilary term 1421.

Postea text: postea 1 - the sheriff of Bedfordshire returns that the writ reached him late, and so the case is forwarded to later in Hilary term 1421.

Case notes: N.B. William Pocher and his wife Agnes later appear as 'William Bocher and his wife Agnes'; 'Agnes, daughter of Simon' also appears once, but seems thereafter to be named 'Joan, daughter of Simon'.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/639, rot. 311d

Term: Michaelmas 1420
County: London
Writ type: Detinue
Damages claimed: 100s
Case type: Detention of goods; Safe keeping

Pleading: John C. claims that William B. unjustly detains chattels to the value of 40s, which JC delivered to WB for safe keeping. JC says that on 30/09/1420 in St Paul's Cathedral, London, he gave to WB for safe keeping: one surplice; one burnet coloured habit with a hood lined with tartarin; and one amice lined with calaber (squirrel fur); and that WB will not return them. Damages are claimed at 100s.

Pleading: WB says that he does not detain the aforesaid chattels nor any other parcels and offers his law (to be made the same term as pleadings).

Postea text: WB makes his law (same term as pleadings) and so is without day. JC is in mercy for false claim.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/639, rot. 312d

Term: Michaelmas 1420
County: London
Writ type: Debt (sale of goods)
Damages claimed: 8m
Case type: Sale of goods

Pleading: Alice K. claims that Hugh W. and his wife Alice W. owe her 8m arising from the sale of pearls which AW, whilst a woman alone, bought from AK but did not pay for. Damages are claimed at 8m.

Pleading: HW and FW say that they do not owe AK the aforesaid 8m nor any other monies and offer their law, to be made in Hilary term 1421. Pledges of law are named. It is decided that HW and FW's attorney, William S., is to have his masters here to make their law in the aforesaid term.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/639, rot. 319

Term: Michaelmas 1420
County: Middlesex
Writ type: Trespass (force and arms)
Damages claimed: 20m
Case type: Housebreaking; Real action / rents / damage to real estate; Trespass (chattels)

Pleading: Thomas W. is in mercy for many defaults. Agnes V. claims that on 02/02/1419 Thomas W. uses force and arms to break her close at Willesden, Middlesex, whereupon TW's horses, cows, and sheep trampled and consumed AV's hay/grass to the value of 100s. Damages are claimed at 20m.

Pleading: Concerning the use of force and arms, TW says that he is innocent and puts himself upon the country, and AV puts herself likewise. Concerning the remainder of the charges against him, TW says that the location of the supposed trespass was a croft containing 10 acres which long before the above said 02/02/1419 belonged to a certain Thomas P. who was seized of the aforesaid croft in his demesne as of fee. This same TP, prior to the supposed trespass, granted the said croft to John H. and Robert H. who were seised of it in their demesne as of fee. TW says that, of this JH and RH, he had estate in the aforesaid croft prior to the time of the supposed trespass. TW also says that the 'aforesaid TP afterwards (but) prior to 02/02/1419, entered the aforesaid croft contrary to his gift of it (to JH and HR) and granted it to a certain John V.', of whom AV claims to have had estate in the same croft at the time of the supposed trespass.

Pleading: AV says that it is well and true that TP was seised of the aforesaid croft long before the trespass, that JH with RH afterwards entered into the same croft, and that TP afterwards re-entered the same croft prior to the trespass, whence he enfeoffed the property to JV. AV says that JV was then seised of the same croft in his demesne as of fee, and subsequently enfeoffed it to AV herself so that she is now seised of the same croft in her demesne as of fee. Hence TW committed trespass against her etc.

Pleading: TW says that TP granted the croft to JH and RH in the manner and form he claimed above. TW puts himself upon the country, and AV puts herself likewise. Order to the sheriff of Middlesex to make a jury come in Hilary term 1421.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/639, rot. 332

Term: Michaelmas 1420
County: Yorkshire
Writ type: Detinue
Damages claimed: £300
Case type: Detention of goods

Pleading: Robert W. is in mercy for many defaults. Thomas B. and Elizabeth P. claim that Robert W. detains a certain forcer containing charters, writings, and other muniments. TB and EP say that a certain Robert G. was seized of the aforesaid forcer, as well as lands, tenements, and rents in: Uckerby, Arrathorne, East Appleton, Richmond, 'Nether Whitwell', 'Over Whitwell', Scorton, Catterick, Ellerton, Hunton, Brompton-on-Swale, Moulton, Leeming, Exelby, Kingston upon Hull, Reeth, Fremington, and Healaugh (all in Yorkshire.) The forcer contained: a charter by which Peter W., son of John W., granted to a certain John G. (Sen.), father of John G. [Jr.] the father of RG, his chief messuage with 30 acres of lands, 3 acres of meadow and 2s 6d annual rents in Uckerby; a charter by which parson Thomas S. granted to John G. (Sen.) 2 tenements, 2 acres of lands, and 2 acres of meadow in Uckerby; a charter by which Simon U. granted to John G. (Sen.) his chief messuage, 2 tofts, 2 crofts, 5 tenements, half a carucate of land, 12 acres of meadow, and 50 acres of lands in Uckerby; A charter by which the same SU granted to John G. (Sen.) the advowson of the 'chapel of St James', one croft and 50 acres of lands together with all of the manor (una cum toto dominio)' lately pertaining to SU in Arrathorne, as well as one toft and 2 bovates of lands in East Appleton; a charter by which the same SU granted to John G. (Sen.) 2 messuages in Richmond - one messuage, 2 tofts, 2 crofts, one grove ('granam'), 18 acres of lands and meadow in Nether Whitwell - 4 acres of lands in Scorton - 3 messuages and one water mill in Catterick - one toft, 23 acres of lands, and 2 acres of meadow in Ellerton - 20 acres of lands and one acre of meadow in Hunton; a charter by which John L. granted to John G. (Sen.) and his wife Joan G. (1st) who later died within John G. (Sen.)'s lifetime, 2 messuages, 4 bovates of lands in Brompton-on-Swale; a charter by which Ismene B. and Bertha B., the daughters of Hugh B., granted to John G. (Sen.) one messuage and 20 acres of lands in Brompton-on Swale; a charter by which Richard R. granted to John G. (Jr.) one bovate of lands in Leeming and Exelby; a charter by which William son of William G. granted to John G. (Jr.) and his wife Joan G. (2nd) who died in John G. (Jr)'s lifetime, herself the sister of William son of William G., 11 tenements in Kingston-upon-Hull - one messuage, 3 tenements, 150 acres of lands, 20 acres of meadow, one sheep-fold (barcariam), one garden, and 320 of lands and pasture in Reeth - one messuage, 60 acres of lands, 10 acres of meadow, one alder grove, and 100 acres of pasture in Fremington - one tenement, 40 acres of lands, 80 acres of pasture, and 6 acres of meadow in Healaugh; a release by which William son of William G. released and quitclaimed to John G. (Jr.) all rights and claim to he had in the same lands aforesaid, he and his heirs warranting the same lands against all persons in perpetuity; a writing by which 'Richard L. granted to John G. (Jr.) 15s annual rents concerning the aforesaid tenements, in perpetuity, concerning all his lands and tenements in Richmond, so that if those rents should fall into arrears John G. (Jr.) may make distraint by way of the same muniments, namely court rolls of the manor of Arrathorne relating to aforesaid tenements as well as other charters, writings, and muniments relating to the aforesaid tenements. Plaintiffs TB and EP claim that RG died seised of the aforesaid tenements as well as the said forcer containing all the documents mentioned above, and that after RG's death the aforesaid tenements descended to TB and EP as cousins (consanguineis) and heirs of the late RG. TB is the son of a certain Joan (B.), on of the sisters of John G. (Jr.). EP is 'another sister of John G. (Jr.)'. TB and EP also say that after RG's death the aforesaid forcer, containing all the above charters, writings, and muniments passed to RG's widow Christine W., who later married the defendant RW, whence to said forcer passed into RW's possession on 19/11/1417 at Uckerby, Yorkshire. TB and EP say that they have since often requested the aforesaid forcer, but that RW unjustly detains it. Damages are claimed at £300.

Pleading: RW defends and seeks licence to imparl as far as Hilary term 1421.

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

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/639, rot. 335d

Term: Michaelmas 1420
County: Cornwall
Writ type: Trespass (force and arms)
Damages claimed: £40
Case type: Housebreaking; Real action / rents / damage to real estate; Taking of goods

Pleading: John S. claims that Ralph B., Richard K., John N., and John B., used force and arms to break his house and close at Tregullas, from which they seized and carried off 40 cart-loads of hay to the value of £10. Damages are claimed at £40.

Pleading: Concerning the use of force and arms RB, RK, JN, and JB say that they are innocent and put themselves upon the country, and JS puts himself likewise. JB also says that both the aforesaid close and the place where the hay was growing are his own land and free tenement, and were his at the time of the supposed trespass. RB, RK, and JN say that they were simply acting as JB's servants.

Pleading: JS says that at the time of the trespass both the close and the land where the aforesaid hay was growing were his own free tenement and seeks inquiry upon the country, and the defendants (RB, RK, JN, and JB) seek likewise. Order to the sheriff of Cornwall to make a jury come in Hilary term 1421. JS puts John C. or John W. in his place against the defendants.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/639, rot. 336

Term: Michaelmas 1420
County: Hertfordshire
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Damages claimed: £40
Case type: Bond

Pleading: Thomas D., William B., John T., and William P., executors of the will of the late bishop of Norwich Alexander T., claim that William R. who was proctor of the late master John B., owes them 100m per a bond made between WR and the late bishop AT. This bond was payable to the late bishop AT at Norwich, on Easter 1411 (12/04/1411) and Michaelmas 1411 (29/09/1411) in equal portions. Damages are claimed at £40. Bond shown in court, as well as letters testamentary.

Pleading: [No counterplea is entered]

Case notes: related to CP40/639 rot.131d.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/639, rot. 336d

Term: Michaelmas 1420
County: London
Writ type: Trespass (force and arms)
Damages claimed: £40
Case type: Abduction

Pleading: Robert N. claims that 'parish clerk Robert H.' used force and arms to abduct William N., the apprentice of RN. RN claims damages of £40.

Pleading: RH says that he is innocent and puts himself upon the country, and RN puts himself likewise. Order to the sheriff to make a jury come in Hilary term 1421.

Postea text: 4 posteas - all say that the sheriff did not send the writ, forwarding the case as far as Hilary term 1422.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/639, rot. 339d

Term: Michaelmas 1420
County: Yorkshire
Writ type: Trespass (force and arms)
Damages claimed: £200
Case type: Housebreaking; Real action / rents / damage to real estate; Taking of goods

Pleading: Robert W. and his wife Christiana W. are in mercy for many defaults. Thomas B. and Elizabeth P. claim that RW and his wife CW used force and arms to break their house and close at Uckerby, Yorkshire, whereupon they: seized and carried off 1000 doves worth 40s; felled trees, reaped grain, and mowed grass worth £30, which they seized and removed; and allowed their beasts to trample and consume hay to the value of 10m. The trees felled and removed were, 20 ash, and 30 large willow trees. The grain reaped was, wheat, barley, beans, peas, and oats. The grass mowed amounted to 100 cartloads of hay. The animals with which RW and CW trampled and consumed TB and EP's hay were, horses, oxen, cows, sheep, and plough beasts ('affri'). Damages are claimed at £200.

Pleading: RW and CW defend and seek licence to imparl as far as Hilary term 1421.

Pleading: [further information drawn from CP40/641 rot.225; Easter term 1421] Concerning the use of force and arms RW and CW say that they are innocent and put themselves upon the country, and TB with EP put themselves likewise. Concerning the remainder of the aforesaid trespass, RW and CW say that there were not as many doves as claimed in the plaintiffs' writ, nor were the doves, trees, grain or hay of as great a value as claimed in the plaintiffs' writ. RW and CW also say that the aforesaid closes and houses, in one of which were the aforesaid doves, as well as the places where the trees, hay, and grain were growing, were all part of the free tenement of RW and CW themselves, by right of CW. Hence, RW and CW say that they had good licence to enter the houses and closes, fell the trees, mow the grain etc.

Pleading: TB and PS say that a certain John G. Was seised of 10 messuages, one dove-cote, 12 gardens, 4 crofts, 200 acres of land, and 20 acres of meadow in Uckerby, including the houses and closes where the aforesaid trespass took place. This JG then made a certain whereby he gifted the aforesaid tenements to a certain William Walton, William Wenslawe, and their heirs in perpetuity, but making them in no way seised of the aforesaid tenements. Afterwards, JG died whilst still retaining his estate in the same tenements, and so that estate passed to his son and heir Robert G., who was seised of the aforesaid tenements in his demesne and as of fee. William Walton and William Wenslawe, who only had estate in the tenements on the pretext of the aforesaid charter, but nevertheless pretending to be seised of them, then gave and granted the same tenements to RG, his wife Christiana (the same plaintiff CW), and the heirs of RG in perpetuity. In this manner RG continued to have his estate in the aforesaid tenements as he had had prior to the grant of William Walton and William Wenslawe (because these men were never actually seised of the property), and later died without a heir of his body. At RG's death, the property them passed to both RG's cousin, plaintiff TB the son of Joan G. sister of RG's father JG, and RG's aunt plaintiff EP the sister of RG's father JG. The plaintiffs TB and EP, as the heirs of RG, say that they then made entry into the same tenements, and were seised of them in demesne and as of fee, until such time as RW and CW (lately wide of RG) ejected them on the pretext of the grant made by William Walton and William Wenslawe.

Pleading: RW and CW say that JG was indeed seised of the aforesaid tenements, but that he fully enfeoffed them to William Walton and William Wenslawe, who were seised of them in demesne and as of fee. They argue that the same William Walton and William Wenslawe enfeoffed the same tenements to RG and CW (then RG's wife), to be held of they and the heirs of RG in perpetuity, in demesne and as of fee. RW and CW say that RG then died without and heir of his body, CW later married RW, and was seised of the tenements at the time of the aforesaid trespass.

Pleading: TB and EP restate their case that JG died seised of the tenements, which then passed to RG who likewise died seised of them (without an heir of his body), and so the same tenements descended to TB and EP. They also deny that they ever ejected RW and CW from the said tenements.

Pleading: RW and CW restate their case that they were seised of the said tenements by way of the grant of William Walton and William Wenslawe to CW and her late husband RG, claiming that William Walton and William Wenslawe were fully seised of the aforesaid tenements and thus able to make such a grant.

Pleading: TB and EB say that JG died seised of the aforesaid tenements and seeks inquiry upon the country, and RW with CW seek likewise. Order to the sheriff of Yorkshire to make a jury come in Trinity term 1421.

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

Case notes: further information drawn from CP40/641 rot.225.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/639, rot. 418d

Term: Michaelmas 1420
County: Hertfordshire
Writ type: Trespass (force and arms)
Damages claimed: £40
Case type: Assault

Pleading: Richard S. claims that William T., John Whyte, John H., and John Williamservant, together with Robert T., assaulted him with force and arms at Westmill, Hertfordshire. Damages are claimed at £40.

Pleading: Concerning the use of force and arms WT, John Whyte, JH, and John Williamservant say that they are innocent and put themselves upon the country, and RS puts himself likewise. Concerning the supposed assault, the defendants say that RS assaulted them and that they simply defended themselves, not intending RS any other harm.

Pleading: RS reiterates his claim that he was assaulted and seeks inquiry upon the country, and the defendants seek likewise. Order to the sheriff of Hertfordshire to make a jury come in Hilary term 1421.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/639, rot. 420

Term: Michaelmas 1420
County: Middlesex
Writ type: Detinue
Damages claimed: £40
Case type: Detention of goods; Safe keeping

Pleading: Robert B. claims that William L. detains one chest containing charters, writings, and other muniments, namely: one charter by which Thomas B. (Jr.) granted John G. and John P. one messuage with appurtenances in Berkhamsted (Hertfordshire); a release by which JG and JP relinquished and quitclaimed to John M. all their rights to one messuage in Berkhamsted; and rentals, court rolls, and diverse memoranda relating to RB's inheritance. RB says that he delivered this chest with charters etc. to WL for safe keeping on 08/10/1419, but WL now refuses to return it. Damages are claimed at £40.

Pleading: WL says that he does not detain the aforesaid chest or charters etc. and puts himself upon the country, and RB puts himself likewise. Order to the sheriff of Middlesex to make a jury come in Hilary term 1421.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/639, rot. 420d

Term: Michaelmas 1420
County: London
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Damages claimed: 10m
Case type: Bond

Pleading: Richard A. claims that Richard S. owes him 10m per a bond which was made between RS on the one part, and RA together with Richard W. and Wlliam C, both now deceased, on the other part. This bond was made on 14/08/1413 and payable in equal payments at Michaelmas 1418 (29/09/1418) and Easter 1419 (16/04/1419). Damages are claimed at 10m.

Pleading: RS defends and seeks licence to imparl as far as the morrow of the Purification of St Mary (late in Hilary term) 1421. Pledges are named for the defendant.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/639, rot. 424

Term: Michaelmas 1420
County: Surrey
Writ type: Trespass (force and arms)
Damages claimed: £40
Case type: Arbitration; Assault

Pleading: William M. claims that Henry W. assaulted him with force and arms at Southwark, Surrey, on 24/10/1417. Damages are claimed at £40.

Pleading: HW says that the action against him ought not continue because after the day of the supposed trespass, namely on 25/11/1417, he and WM submitted themselves to the arbitration before arbitrators Richard S., John W., James J., and John S. HW says that these arbitrators decided that WH ought to give to WM 26s 8d to resolve all disputes between them, which same 26s 8d HW has since paid to WM.

Pleading: WM says that there has been no such arbitration between himself and HW. WM seeks inquiry upon the country, and HW seeks likewise. Order to the sheriff of London to make a jury come in Hilary term 1421. Pledges are named for the defendant.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/639, rot. 451

Term: Michaelmas 1420
County: Middlesex
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Damages claimed: £20
Case type: Bond

Pleading: Robert F. claims that John L. owes him 40m per a bond. Damages are claimed at £20. Bond shown in court. And upon this RF says that the bond was made at [location left blank].

Pleading: JL says that the force of the bond ought not hold because at the time of it's making he was imprisoned by RF and others of his coven at Canterbury, Kent.

Pleading: RF says that JL was a free man at the time of the bond's making and seeks inquiry upon the country, and JL seeks likewise. Order to the sheriff of Kent to make a jury come in Hilary term 1421.

Postea text: postea 1 - the sheriff of Kent did not send the writ and so the case is forwarded as far as Easter term1421.

Postea text: postea 2 - the sheriff of Kent returns that he delivered the writ to Robert B. and Thomas L., bailiffs of the liberty of Canterbury (Kent), but received nothing in return etc. Therefore the sheriff of Kent is again ordered to bring a jury, and not to omit the liberty of Canterbury. The case is forwarded as far as Trinity term 1421.

Postea text: 6 posteas - all say that the sheriff of Kent did not send the writ, forwarding the case as far as Hilary term 1423.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/639, rot. 452d

Term: Michaelmas 1420
County: London
Writ type: Debt (sale of goods)
Damages claimed: 40s
Case type: Sale of goods

Pleading: Walter H. claims that William B. owes him 40s arising from the sale of 6 yards of green cloth and 4 yards of black cloth called 'black of Lyre' which WB bought but did not pay for. Damages are claimed at 40s.

Pleading: WB says that he does not owe WH the aforesaid 40s nor any other monies and offers his law (made same day as pleadings).

Postea text: WB makes his law (same term as pleadings) and so is without day. WH is in mercy for false claim.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/639, rot. 453

Term: Michaelmas 1420
County: London
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Damages claimed: 20m
Case type: Bond

Pleading: Augustin D., Robert C., and John W., executors of the will of the late parson John L., claim that Walter B. (canon of Lichfield Cathedral and lately parson of East Quantoxhead, Somerset) owes them £10 per a bond made on 14/07/1395 between WB, whilst he was 'rector' of East Quantoxhead, and the late parson John L. Damages are claimed at 20m. Bond shown in court as well as letters testamentary. Upon this the plaintiffs say that the bond was made at London [parish and ward left blank].

Pleading: WB says that the force of the bond ought not hold because after its making the late parson JL issued him a release, namely on 20/10/1407 at Lichfield (Staffordshire), concerning all real and personal actions.

Pleading: Plaintiffs AD, RC, and JW say that the release is not of the late parson JL's making and seek inquiry upon the country, and WB seeks likewise. Order to the sheriff of Staffordshire to make a jury come in Hilary term 1421. The release is given to clerk John H. for safe keeping.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/639, rot. 455d

Term: Michaelmas 1420
County: London
Writ type: Account
Damages claimed: 200m
Case type: Contract (service/employment); Reckoning of account

Pleading: John C. claims that John H. has not rendered to him reasonable account concerning the time when JH was his bailiff and receiver of monies at London. JC. Claims that he set forth JH as his receiver of monies, and bailiff concerning one messuage in London, parish of St Antholin, Cordwainer Street Ward, on 02/03/1415 for one year then next following. During this period JH had care and administration of 10 casks of oil and 5000 pounds of wax contained within the aforesaid messuage, and received on JC's behalf £23 per the hands of a certain John B. in the parish and ward aforesaid. JC claims damages of 200m.

Pleading: JH says that the action against him ought not continue because after the period aforesaid he had a full reckoning of account with JC, 'before themselves' (coram se), at Bristol (date not given).

Pleading: JC says that he and JH did not have a reckoning of account with in the manner alleged by JH and seeks inquiry upon the country, and JH seeks likewise. Order to the sheriff of Bristol to make a jury come in Hilary term 1421

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/639, rot. 457

Term: Michaelmas 1420
County: London
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Damages claimed: £40
Case type: Bond

Pleading: Thomas E. and Walter L., executors of the will of Walter T., claim that Thomas D. owes them 35m by way of two bonds made between TD and the late WT. The first bond, for £20, was made at the staple of Westminster, Middlesex. The second Bond was for 5m. Damages are claimed at £40. Bonds shown in court, as well as letters testamentary. And upon this WL and TE say that the second bond was made at London [parish and ward left blank].

Pleading: TD defends and seeks licence to imparl as far as Hilary term 1421.

Postea text: 2 posteas - both say simply '... to which day the parties come. And upon this day is given between the parties...', forwarding the case as far as Trinity term 1421.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/639, rot. 460d

Term: Michaelmas 1420
County: London
Writ type: Detinue
Damages claimed: 40m
Case type: Detention of goods; Loan; Safe keeping

Pleading: Margaret N. and John C., executors of the will of parson John B., claim that Thomas C. detains five silver cups (ciphos) and two silver lids/covers (coopercula) worth £20. MN and JC says that the late parson JB gave these goods to TC for safe keeping, but that TC will not return them. Damages are claimed at 40m. Letters testamentary are shown to the court.

Pleading: TC says that he does not detain one silver covered-cup with its cover (unam ciphum coopertum argent' et cooperculum euisdem ciphi) from the aforesaid chattels, and offers his law. Concerning this cup with lid TC makes his law and so is quit. MN and JC are in mercy for false claim concerning this same cup with lid. Concerning the remainder of the aforesaid chattels, TC says that after the time when the late parson JB supposedly delivered the aforesaid chattels to him for safe keeping, parson JB in fact delivered the said chattels to him as surety (collatteral) for a loan of 100s (which TC extended to the late parson JB). TC says that he was always prepared to return the said chattels to the late JB upon repayment of the 100s loan, and is prepared now to return the chattels upon payment of the 100s by JB's executors, MN and JC.

Pleading: MN and JC reiterate their claim that the late parson JB gave the aforesaid chattels to TC for safe keeping, and not as surety for a loan.

Pleading: TC reiterates his claim that the said chattels were given to him as surety for a 100s loan and puts himself upon the country, and MN with JC put themselves likewise. Order to the sheriff to make a jury come in Hilary term 1421.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/639, rot. 493

Term: Michaelmas 1420
County: London
Writ type: Debt (account)
Damages claimed: 5m
Damages awarded: 6s 8d
Case type: Loan; Reckoning of account

Pleading: William B. claims that William H. owes him 5m. WB claims that on 18/02/1415 a reckoning of the account between himself and WH was held before auditor William S. WB claims that at this reckoning of account WH was found to be in arrears and clear debt to WB for 40s. WB also says that on the same day as the aforesaid accounting he loaned WH an additional 26s 8d. WB says that he has often requested these monies but that they have not been paid, and thus the aforesaid suit. Damages are claimed at 5m.

Pleading: WH says that he does not owe WB the aforesaid 26s 8d and offers his law, to be made in Hilary term 1421. Pledges of law are named. Concerning the remaining 40s, WH says that he did not have a reckoning of account before auditor WS and puts himself upon the country, and WB puts himself likewise. Order to the sheriff to make a jury come in Hilary term 1421.

Postea text: postea 1 - WH does not come to make his law and so WB is to recover the aforesaid 26s 8d versus him plus 6s 8d damages. WH and his pledges of law are in mercy.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/639, rot. 493

Term: Michaelmas 1420
County: London
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Damages claimed: £9
Case type: Bond

Pleading: Nicholas T. and Emma T. (lately wife of Henry W.), executors of the will of Henry W., claim that Peter K. owes them £9 5s 1d per a bond made between PK and the late HW. Damages are claimed at £9. Bond shown in court. Noted that the bond says nothing of where it was made, but ET and NT say it was made in London [parish and ward left blank].

Pleading: PK defends and upon this day is given between the parties in Hilary term 1421.

Postea text: postea 1 - further day is given between the parties in Easter term 1421.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/639, rot. 493d

Term: Michaelmas 1420
County: London
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Damages claimed: 6m
Case type: Bond

Pleading: Joan W., widow and executor of the will of John W., claims that Richard W. owes her 6m per two bonds, of 40s each, made between RW and the late John W. Damages are claimed at 6m. Bonds shown in court, as well as letters testamentary.

Pleading: RW says that the action against him ought not continue because after the making of the aforesaid bonds, on 15/08/1416, the late John W. issued him a release at Maidenhead, Berkshire.

Pleading: Joan W. says that the release is not of the late John W.'s making and seeks inquiry upon the country, and RW seeks likewise. Order to the sheriff of Berkshire to make a jury come in Hilary term 1421. Pledges are named for the defendant. The release is given to clerk John H. for safe keeping.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/639, rot. 530d

Term: Michaelmas 1420
County: Surrey
Writ type: Trespass (force and arms)
Damages claimed: £60
Case type: Housebreaking; Real action / rents / damage to real estate; Taking of goods

Pleading: Richard W. claims that Henry G. used force and arms to break his house and close at Chertsey, Surrey, whereupon HG reaped RW's growing corn, and carried off that corn and other chattels to the value of £40. The growing corn was namely 10 acres of wheat, 8 acres of barley, 10 acres of oats and 4 acres of peas; which corn and other chattels taken were namely 20 quarters of wheat, 10 quarters of barley, 30 quarters of oats, and 30 cart-loads of hay. Damages are claimed at £60.

Pleading: Concerning the use of force and arms HG says that he is innocent and puts himself upon the country, and RW puts himself likewise. Concerning the remainder of the supposed trespass, HG protests that the hay and corn involved was not worth as much as RW has claimed, and that the same aforesaid hay and corn was growing only on the free tenement of a certain Thomas S. and William B., for whom he was acting as a servant.

Pleading: RW says that long before the day of the trespass a certain Thomas P. was seised of two messuages, one cottage, 113 acres of land, 23 acres of meadow, 20 acres of wood, 12 acres of pasture, and 8 acres of marsh in Chertsey, Addlestone, and Woburn (all Surrey). RW says that TP was seised of these lands, including the place where the trespass took place, when on 29/11/1416 TP recognized debts of statute staple before 'Richard Whityngton then mayor of the staple of Westminster' by which he owed John C. and William G. £120, for merchandize bough from JC and WG in the staple of Westminster, which should have been paid in the feast of Easter 1417 (11/04/1417) but was not paid; on which pretext JC and WG sought to have execution of the debt before the same mayor of the staple of Westminster. And, because TP had no lands or chattels within the jurisdiction of the staple of Westminster from which JC and WG were able to have the aforesaid money, as had been testified by TP before the mayor of the staple, JC and WG sought a writ of the king's chancery which directed James K, then sheriff of Surrey, to arrest TP and to give to JC and WG all goods, chattels, lands, and tenements which TP had in Surry on the day of the recognizance of the aforesaid debt or thereafter from whomever's hands they may have come into, unless they should have descended to an underage heir. Additionally, the sheriff of Surry was to make delivery of these things to JC and WG, for a reasonable worth and extent, so that JC and WG might hold them as their free tenement according to the statute and thereby raise the aforesaid debt. The (then) sheriff of Surrey JK returned this writ saying that on the day the aforesaid debt was recognized TP held in his demesne and as of fee the aforesaid messuages, cottages, lands, meadows, woods, pastures, and marsh, having a value of at least 5m per annum, and that TP had no other goods, lands etc. in Surrey. Hence, JC and WG had livery these lands which were of TP in Surrey, to hold as their free tenement until TP's debt should be recovered. And it is from JC and WG that plaintiff RW has estate in them now, and had estate in them at the time of HG's trespass. RW says that at the time of the trespass the lands which were of TP, where the trespass took place, where his own free tenement by reason of execution of the stature staple, and not the free tenement of TS and WB as has been claimed by the defendant. RW seeks inquiry upon the country and HG seeks likewise. Order to the sheriff of London to make a jury come in Hilary term 1421.

Case notes: The related certificate of statute merchant is at TNA C 241/212/17.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/639, rot. 533

Term: Michaelmas 1420
County: Berkshire
Writ type: Trespass (force and arms)
Damages claimed: 100m
Case type: Arbitration; Taking of goods

Pleading: Richard G. claims that John M., together with John H. and Henry M., used force and arms to seize and carry off his goods and chattels to the value of £60, at Abingdon (Oxfordshire) on 02/09/1416. The goods taken were namely 50 pieces of white woollen cloth.

Pleading: Concerning the use of force and arms, JM says that he is innocent and puts himself upon the country, and RG puts himself likewise. Concerning the remainder of the supposed trespass, JM protests that the goods involved were not as valuable as has been claimed. JM also says that the action against him ought not continue because after the date of the supposed trespass, on 10/09/1416, he and RG undertook arbitration at London before arbitrators Robert B. with Richard C. It was the decision of these arbitrators that JM ought to be quit concerning his trespasses against RG, and that RG ought to pay JM 6s 8d to settle all disputes between them.

Pleading: RG protests that nothing was had of any such arbitration between himself and JM by way of the aforesaid arbitrators. RG says that he never submitted himself to be in the arbitration of the aforesaid arbitrators concerning aforesaid trespass and offers to verify this. Further, he says that JM has not denied the aforesaid trespass and seeks judgement.

Pleading: JM says that RG did submit to arbitration and puts himself upon the country, and RG puts himself likewise. Order to the sheriff of London to make a jury come in Hilary term 1421.

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

Case notes: marginalized 'Buckinghamshire', presumably an error

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/639, rot. 533d

Term: Michaelmas 1420
County: London
Writ type: Debt (other)
Damages claimed: £100
Case type: Contract (service/employment); Real action / rents / damage to real estate

Pleading: John F. and Ralph F., executors of the will of William F., claim that John M. owes them 54m arising from an agreement, made in London on 28 October 1409, whereby the late WF had demised to JM, at will, the church of Llanstephan in Wales, commencing at Michaelmas 1409, in exchange for 6m annually. JF and RF say that JM held the aforesaid church for nine years after that time, enjoying all the incomes of that church, but neither he nor his executors have not paid the 54m outstanding for that period, to their damage of £100. Letters testamentary are shown to the court.

Pleading: JM, protesting that he never had any such demise as claimed, states that he ought not owe this debt, as after the supposed demise, on 27 January 1410, he was retained by WF, then archdeacon of Brecon (to which archdeaconry the said church pertained), to be of the counsel of WF on all matters pertaining to the said archdeaconry, taking the tithes, oblations, etc of that church as his fee. He does not detain the said 54m from the executors, or any money as claimed.

Pleading: JF and RF repeat that JM owes them this 54m. Enquiry on country, jury here at octave of Hilary.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/639, rot. 534

Term: Michaelmas 1420
County: London
Writ type: Debt (other)
Damages claimed: £20
Case type: Real action / rents / damage to real estate

Pleading: Wiliam B. claims that Andrew C. owes him £12 10s 10d. William B. says that Robert B., John T., and John Brokhole, were seised of two shops with upper rooms (cum solariis superedificatis) and one messuage in London, in demesne and as of fee. WB says that these men were thus seised on 24/06/1415 when they made an indenture whereby they demised the same two shops with upper rooms to Andrew C. at farm for thirteen years, commencing in the nativity of St John the Baptist 1415 (24/06/1415). During this period AC was to pay RB, JT, and John Brokhole 40s annually in the city of London, at the terms of Michaelmas, Christmas, Easter, and the nativity of St John in equal portions. WB says that RB, JT, and John Brokhole also made a second indenture on 29/09/1415 whereby they granted the aforesaid messuage 'on the corner of 'Budge Row' to AC at farm for a term of 39 years, commencing Michaelmas 1415 (29/09/1415). During this period AC was to pay RB, JT, and John Brokhole £4 5s annually, at the terms of Michaelmas, Christmas, Easter, and the nativity of St John in equal portions. It is also claimed that RB, JT, and John Brokhole then later, on 04/01/1416, by way of (recitantes per quoddam scriptum suum) the same indenture they had used to grant AC the aforesaid two shops with rooms overhead, granted the 40s annual rents arising from the aforesaid shops to a certain Margery (B.) the daughter of John Bedyngton lately of London. Likewise it is claimed that RB, JT, and John Brokhole, on 04/01/1416, by way of (recitantes per quoddam ...) the same indenture they had used to grant the aforesaid messuage on the corner of Budge Row to AC, granted 2m 5s of the aforesaid £4 5s annual rent arising from the aforesaid messuage to the same Margery B. Lastly, plaintiff WB says that he married Margery B., on 19/04/1417 in the parish of St John Walbrook [ward not given] and that on 24/09/1420 she died in the same parish [ward not given]. However, for three and a half years prior to the making of WB's original writ, namely on 26/09/1420, AC did not pay the aforesaid rents due to the late Margery B., neither whilst she was a woman alone nor after her marriage to WB, leading to an arrears of £12 10s 8d which WB seeks by this present suit. Damages are claimed at £20. WB presents to the court (tam) as much one part of the aforesaid indentures concerning the said shops and messuage, bearing the seal of AC, as (quam) the aforesaid writings confirming the said rents to Margery B.

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

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/639, rot. 543

Term: Michaelmas 1420
County: London
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Damages claimed: 20m
Case type: Bond

Pleading: John P. claims that John N. owes him 24m by way of three bonds which were made between JN on one part, and JP with a certain late Thomas R. on the other part. These bonds were all made on 09/05/1412, one being for 10m and two being for 7m each. Damages are claimed at 20m. TJP shows the bonds to the court, and he says that they were made in London etc.

Pleading: JN says that the force of the bonds ought not hold because after their making, name on 03/01/1415 at Corsham (Wiltshire), the late TR issued him a release.

Pleading: JP says that the release is not of the late TR's making and seeks inquiry upon the country, and JP seeks likewise. Order to the sheriff of Wiltshire to make a jury come in Hilary term 1421. Pledges are named for the defendant. The release is given to clerk John H. for safe keeping.

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

Postea text: postea 2 - 01/12/1421 the release is delivered to justice William C. for consideration by a jury, and clerk JH is quit of it.

Case notes: Related to CP40/645 rot.115d, which would appear to be a new attempt to claim on the same bonds plus a loan of 2m

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/639, rot. 543

Term: Michaelmas 1420
County: London
Writ type: Debt (bond); Debt (loan)
Damages claimed: £10
Case type: Bond; Loan

Pleading: Nicholas C. and John T. claim that William D. owes them 14m by way of a 7m bond and a 7m loan, both made on 06/07/1418 and payable in the feast of All Saints the same year (01/11/1418). Damages are claimed at £10. Bond shown in court.

Pleading: WM comes and defends. And upon this day is given between the parties in Hilary term 1421. Pledges are named for the defendant.

Case notes: Related to CP40/639 Rot.205.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/639, rot. 551

Term: Michaelmas 1420
County: London
Writ type: Debt (other)
Damages claimed: 40s
Case type: Contract (general)

Pleading: John Gayme states that on 15 July 1420, in London, Thomas Prudman hired him to build him a stone-framed window in his house, for which he was to pay him 40s. However, although JG did this job fully and properly, TP has not paid him this 40s, to his damage of 40s.

Pleading: TP states that he does not owe JG 36s of this money, or any money as claimed. Parties on country. Concerning the other 4s, TP says that he has always been prepared to pay this 4s to JG, and offers it before the court.

Pleading: JG says that TP had not always been prepared to pay him this money. Enquiry by country, jury here at quindene of Hilary.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/639, rot. 551

Term: Michaelmas 1420
County: London
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Damages claimed: £10
Case type: Bond

Pleading: William W. and Robert S. claim that John W., administrator of the goods and chattels of the late parson John S. who died intestate, owes them £13 6s 8d per a bond made between WW and RS on the one part, and the late JW on the other part. Damages are claimed at £10. Bond shown in court. And, the plaintiffs say that the bond was made at London etc.

Pleading: JW defends and seeks licence to imparl as far as Hilary term 1421.

Pleading: [further information drawn from CP40/641 rot.210 - Easter term 1421] JW says that he ought not be responsible for the debt in the aforesaid bond because he none of the goods or chattels of the late parson JS are or were, on the day of the making of the original writ, in his hands as administrator.

Pleading: WW and RS say that on the day of the making of the original writ, namely 20/01/1420, JW had administration of diverse goods and chattels of the late parson JS which were not yet administered. These goods were namely: 100s in cash money; one book called a 'porteous' (a portable breviary), worth 10m; 16 quarters of wheat; 20 quarters of barley; 20 quarters of oats; 30 quarters of beans and peas; and other goods and chattels, to the value of £60, at Widford, Hertfordshire. WW and RS seek inquiry upon the country, and JW seeks likewise. Order to the sheriff of Hertfordshire to make a jury come in Trinity term 1421.

Postea text: postea 1 - further licence to imparl as far as Easter term 1321.

Postea text: postea 2 (following Easter term 1421 pleadings) - continuance as far as Michaelmas term 1421.

Postea text: postea 3 (following Easter term 1421 pleadings) - a jury comes and says un oath that no un-administered goods of the late JS were in the hands of defendant JW at the time WW and RS made their original writ. Therefore, JW is without day and WW with RS are in mercy for false claim.

Case notes: further information drawn from CP40/641 rot.210

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/639, rot. 554

Term: Michaelmas 1420
County: Middlesex
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Damages claimed: 10m
Case type: Bond

Pleading: Thomas M. claims that John C. owes him £10 per a bond. Damages are claimed at 10m. The bond is shown to the court.

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

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

Postea text: postea 2 - JC does not come and so is in default. TM is to recover the aforesaid debt plus 13s 4d damages. JC is in mercy, and to be arrested.