CP40/582: Trinity term 1406

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/582, rot. 101

Term: Trinity 1406
County: London
Writ type: Other
Case type: Real action / rents / damage to real estate

Pleading: The mayor and aldermen of the city of London have inserted this record and process of a certain case heard before them in the Hustings of London. A plea of land was heard in the Hustings on 10 May 1406 in which William H. with his wife Margery sought against Agnes B., who is defending due to the default of her husband John B., one messuage and three shops with appurtenances in London. This same messuage and three shops, similarly with other messuages and tenements, a certain William Combemartyn referred to as 'all the tenements he had in the city of London, excepting his capital messuage in which he resided with wharfage and rents from either part beyond the gate and all his other appurtenances' were entrusted by his will, enrolled in the Hustings of London on 15 May 1318, to his daughters Alice C., Isabel C., and Joan C. to have and to hold to themselves and their heirs. Hence, after the death of William Combemartyn his daughters were seised of the said messuage, three shops, and other property in demesne as of fee during the reign of Edward III. The said messuage and three shops were allocated to the said IC, and other messuages and tenements were separately allocated to AC and Joan C. Those properties which were allocated to AC later descended to her son and heir Walter Chesthunt, and subsequently to his daughter Alice Chesthunt. Those properties which were allocated to Joan C. later descended to her son and heir John C. Lastly, when IC died her messuage and three shops which are in question passed to her son and heir Giles, who the plaintiffs claim, later left them to his daughter Margery, the same present plaintiff Margery H.

Pleading: In the said Hustings case, the defendant AB warranted a certain Thomas S. with his wife Agnes S., as son and heir of Agnes, lately the wife of Richard Preston, summoned in the county of Gloucestershire. However because TS and AS have no property in London the Hustings sent the case to the Common Pleas to he heard in Trinity term 1406 so that the Common Pleas might call TS and AS to warrant.

Pleading: Presently, in the Common Pleas, plaintiffs WH and MP and defendant AB seek a writ of the sheriff of Gloucestershire calling TS and AS to warrant. This writ is issued, returnable in Hilary term 1407.

Postea text: postea 1 - the sheriff of Gloucestershire returns that he delivered the writ to William W, bailiff of the liberty of the Abbey of Fecamp in Gloucestershire, who returned nothing. Therefore order to the sheriff once again, as before, and he is not to omit the liberty etc.

Case notes: No county heading given. Related to CP 40/574, rot 259.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/582, rot. 102d

Term: Trinity 1406
County: London
Writ type: Trespass (force and arms)
Damages claimed: £20
Case type: Contract (general); Taking of goods

Pleading: Thomas P. claims that Richard G. used force and arms to seize and carry off one horse worth 4m and chattels worth 40s which TP had a London. The chattels taken were namely one saddle with one bridle, 'ocrias', and spurs. Damages are claimed at £20.

Pleading: RG says that he is innocent of the use of force and arms and puts himself upon the country, and TP puts himself likewise. Concerning he remainder of the trespass RG says that on 11/03/1402 (i.e. one weeks before the supposed taking of goods) TP delivered the said horse with saddle etc. to him for under the condition that RG would take the said horse etc. into safe keeping for the following eight weeks. RG says that for each week of the said eight weeks he was to have 14d plus grain and hay, and that if TP did not ask (non peciisset) for the same horse etc. back that he ought sell the horse and chattels in the best manner he is able, and that any monies raised beyond the expenses incurred in keeping and feeding the said horse RG would pay to TP. RC says that he was left in the keeping of the said horse for three quarters of one year beyond (the initial week) during which time TP paid him nothing and did not ask for have the horse back, during which time RG presented to TP account concerning monies received for the said horse, reserving to himself reasonable custom for the keeping and feeding of the said horse, and TP has refused to hear other account. Hence he had delivery of the said horse and chattels from RG.

Pleading: TP says that on the aforesaid Saturday (11/03/1402) he delivered horse with saddle etc. to RG for safe keeping as far as the following Friday, on which Friday (17/03/1402) RG was to sell the horse in the market of Smithfield market, London, for the best possible price giving all monies beyond RG's costs in keeping and feeding the said horse to TP, or alternatively to return the horse to TP. TP says that RG did not sell the horse and tack on the said Friday (17/03/1402), nor did he return the horse and tack to TP, hence seizing and carrying off the said horse and tack on the Saturday (18/03/1402).

Pleading: RG reiterates his claim that TP delivered to his the said horse and chattels under the conditions he narrated above and puts himself upon the country, and TP pus himself likewise. Order to the sheriff etc.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/582, rot. 112

Term: Trinity 1406
County: London
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Damages claimed: £40
Case type: Bond

Pleading: Robert F. and Rose S. claim that John U. and Matilda U., sister and heir of Thomas H., owe them £26 on a bond. Damages are claimed at £40. Bond shown in court.

Pleading: JU and MU say that they have no lands or tenements in simple fee which were descendant of TH to MU, nor did they have any at the time of the making of the original writ.

Pleading: RF and RS say that at the time of the making of the original writ, on 04/01/1406, JU and MU had various lands and tenements which MU had inherited from he brother TH, held in simple fee at Bramley and Shire with Gomshall, Surrey. RF and RS say that these were sufficient to pay the said debt and seek inquiry upon the country, and JU with MU seek likewise. Order to the sheriff of Surrey etc.

Postea text: postea 1 - the sheriff of Surrey did not send the writ and so the case is forwarded as far as Martinmas in 12 days (Michaelmas term) 1406.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/582, rot. 113

Term: Trinity 1406
County: Sussex
Writ type: Trespass (force and arms)
Damages claimed: £40
Case type: Housebreaking; Taking of goods

Pleading: William L. claims that Willliam R. used force and arms to break his house and close at 'Skyndon', Sussex, carry off 100s in money, and threaten WL's life and limbs so that he was afraid to go about his business for a great time, namely for [omitted]. Damages claimed at £40.

Pleading: [no counterplea entered]

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/582, rot. 117

Term: Trinity 1406
County: Norfolk
Writ type: Other
Case type: Assault; Embracery

Pleading: Jury of twenty-four knights concerning view of Shouldham, Norfolk, to decide if jurors at the assize held at Stoke Ferry before justices John Cokayn and Richard Lyversegge on 21 April 1406, made false oath in a case whereby William Lok had accused Richard Thweyt, John Chircheman, John Alderford, John Dowe, Thomas Sefoul, William Snetesham and Richard Cros of trespass [CP 40/579, rot 304d (Michaelmas 1405)]. In that case, WL claimed that Thweyt and the others had assaulted him, to his damage of £200. In response the defendants claimed that WL was a bondman of their manor of Sparham, Norfolk, as his ancestors had been. This then went to inquiry, and was heard at the assize at Stoke Ferry, Norfolk, on 21 April 1406, where a jury found that WL was a free man, awarding him 200m damages which WL then released.] RT etc now claim that the jurors in that previous case gave false oath when they said that WL was of free condition. The jurors, namely: John Chapman, John Cook, Robert Langedon, William F., Nicholas S., Roger G., John F., Thomas B., John Croos, Thomas I., William G., and Thomas T., have not come, and so the sheriff of Norfolk is ordered to distrain them to be here in Michaelmas term 1406. Upon this RT etc reiterate their claim that WL is in fact a bondman of their manor of Sparham, as were his ancestors since time immemorial, and seek inquiry by the aforesaid jury of twenty-four knights, and WL seeks likewise. The said jury of twenty-four knights in respite to the octave of Michaelmas 1406, as they did not come. Sheriff to have jury of 24 here on that day; same day given to parties.

Postea text: Sheriff of Norfolk returns that the writ reached him too late and so the case is forwarded to the octave of Hilary 1407.

Postea text: RT etc come, original jury do not come, in default. Jury of 24 in respite to quindene of Easter, as they did not come, nisi prius they come before the justices of assize at Thetford on 19 February 1407.

Postea text: RT etc came, justices of assize send record that on that day, 19 February 1407, before justices John Cokayn and Richard Norton, RT etc came, as did WL, jury of 24 found against the original jury of 12 by default. Jury of 24 say that the original jury gave a good and lawful oath. Therefore RT etc amerced for false claim, WL sent without day.

Case notes: Related to CP 40/579, rot 304d.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/582, rot. 119

Term: Trinity 1406
County: London
Writ type: Detinue
Damages claimed: £40
Case type: Detention of goods; Safe keeping

Pleading: Prior Robert E. of Christchurch Priory is in mercy for many defaults. William F. claims that prior RE detains from him a certain bag containing £20, which he gave to the prior for safe keeping on 21/02/1402 in the parish of St Katherine in Aldgate ward [presumably St Katherine Cree], but which prior RE will not return. Damages are claimed at £40.

Pleading: Prior RE says that WF seeks this money through his wife AF. Prior RE says that AF was lately married to a certain JM who made her executor of his will whilst he lie on the point of death, himself possessing the said £20 as much £300 and more. Prior RE claims that before he died JM charged Alice to see to the distribution of goods and chattels to diverse religious men and paupers. After the death of JM, Alice married WF who declared himself the executor of JM and delivered the said £20 from among the goods and chattels of the late JM, to prior RE for him and his canons, and for the placing of the late JM in the house's book of benefactors (martalagio). And, the prior says that does not detain the said bag.

Pleading: WF says that JM made Alice his executor, as much concerning the said £20 as concerning the rest of his goods an chattels. WF says that Alice was made executor and administrator of the will of JM by the then bishop of London Robert B. WF says that the said £20 was assigned to Alice for her profit etc. after the debts of the said JM had been paid, and with the assent of the others executors. Hence, the said £20 were put into the hands of prior RE in the manner RE has narrated.

Pleading: Prior RE says that William F. did not deny the condition affecting the action (materiam) which he has cited, which material is sufficient in law to preclude WF's action, and by the law of the land prior RE need not respond (necesse non het' pro legem terre respondere) and seeks judgement. Upon this the justices decide that WF's ought have nothing for his writ and is in mercy for false claim. Prior RE is without day. And upon this the sheriff is to make a jury come concerning that which was first pleaded. [It would appear that because the plaintiffs did not enter a counterplea regarding the prior's assertion that he does not detain the bag, that as a result that part of the plaint has been thrown out. However, a jury is to be brought regarding the detention of the said £20. The document does not make this clear, and it is open to interpretation.]

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/582, rot. 130

Term: Trinity 1406
County: Middlesex
Writ type: Debt (other)
Damages claimed: £40
Damages awarded: 2m
Case type: Contract (general)

Pleading: Christopher T. claims that John N. owes him £20 per an indenture whereby CT had hired JN on 24/10/1404 to well and sufficiently make up and edify four rooms within his house called 'Parkers Inn' within the parish of St Cements outside Temple Bar (St Clement Danes), Middlesex. One room was to be, in length, along the lane on the western part of the inn and lying against the aforesaid lane, 22 feet in length and 15 feet in width, with one blind loft ('ceco loft' - probably meaning hidden or enclosed). Another room ought to have been attached/joined (annexa) to this first room in length against the west side, with one kitchen at the end of the same, which certain room and kitchen were to have been 17½ feet in length (meaning width, i.e. length dictated by first room ). And, below that second room and the end of the first room, there ought to have been one stable 30 feet in length and 12 feet wide. And, the third room ought to have stood against the highway to the south, being 20 feet in length and 15 feet in width. And, the fourth room ought to have been above the entrance to the inn, against the same highway, containing 13 feet in length and 9 feet in width. And, for this work CT ought to find at his own cost, timber, boards, nails, work called 'slittyng work' and everything else apart from the manual work of the carpenter himself. All this, JN was to complete between 24/10/1404 and 02/02/1404, and all the timber etc. provided in this time so as not to cause delay. In payment JN was to have 24m and six silver spoons weighing 20d each, and one tunic to the use of JN. JN was to receive 5m on the day of the making of the indenture (24/10/1404), 5m on 22/11/1404, 5m on 25/12/1404, 5m when the house is (rooms are) first erected, and the final 4m, silver spoons, and tunic when the construction is fully completed. Further, Christopher and John obligated themselves to each other in £20 should the terms of this agreement be infringed upon. However, JN did not make six enclosing partitions (inclusa de punchons), six doors, twelve windows, and four shelves (grados), for which infringement CT claims that JN now owes him the said £20. Damages are claimed at £40. The indenture is shown to the court. Noted that CT says that the indenture was made in the parish of St Mary le Strand, Middlesex.

Pleading: JN says that CT did not pay him the said 24m nor the said silver spoons and tunic. JN also says that according to the agreement CT was to provide the timber etc. necessary prior to 02/02/1405, which CT did not provide for the said partitions, doors, windows, and shelves.

Pleading: CT says that he did provide sufficient building materials for these things prior to 02/02/1405 and seeks inquiry upon the country, and JN seeks likewise. Order to the sheriff of Middlesex etc.

Postea text: postea 1 - the case is respited as far as Hilary term 1407.

Postea text: postea 2 - a jury comes and say upon oath that CT did indeed provide adequate building materials prior to 02/02/1405, and so CT is to recover the said £20 plus 2m damages. JN is in mercy.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/582, rot. 132

Term: Trinity 1406
County: Surrey
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Damages claimed: £300
Case type: Bond

Pleading: John W., lately marshal of the king's bench, claims that William K. owes him £200 on a bond. Damages are claimed at £300. Noted that the bond does not say where it was made , but JW says it was made at [omitted].

Pleading: Wk asks that the bond and its endorsements be read to the court. It says that if WK and others within written have Robert B. in the marshalsea of the king's bench at the octave of Easter 1401 then the bond shall be null and void. And upon this day is given between the parties in Michaelmas term 1406. Pledges named for the defendant.

Postea text: 4 posteas, adjourning case to octave of Hilary 1408.

Case notes: This plea also relates to five further abbreviated entries on the dorse of this same rotulet (CP 40/582, rot 132d). All have identical posteas forwarding the case to Hilary term 1408.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/582, rot. 132d

Term: Trinity 1406
County: Surrey
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Case type: Bond

Pleading: John W., lately marshal of the king's bench, claims that John H. owes him £200 per a bond. Upon this day is given between the parties in Michaelmas term 1406. Pledges are named for the defendant.

Postea text: 4 posteas - all say that upon this day is given between the parties reserving the case in its present form, forwarding the case as far as Hilary term 1408.

Case notes: Related to five other cases brought on the same bond, all on CP40/582 rot.132 and 132d. See CP40/582 rot.132 for details of bond.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/582, rot. 132d

Term: Trinity 1406
County: Surrey
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Case type: Bond

Pleading: John W., lately marshal of the king's bench, claims that Stephen B. owes him £200 per a bond. Upon this day is given between the parties in Michaelmas term 1406. Pledges are named for the defendant.

Postea text: 4 posteas - all say that upon this day is given between the parties reserving the case in its present form, forwarding the case as far as Hilary term 1408.

Case notes: Related to five other cases brought on the same bond, all on CP40/582 rot.132 and 132d. See CP40/582 rot.132 for details of bond.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/582, rot. 132d

Term: Trinity 1406
County: Surrey
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Case type: Bond

Pleading: John W., lately marshal of the king's bench, claims that Nicholas C. owes him £200 per a bond. Upon this day is given between the parties in Michaelmas term 1406. Pledges are named for the defendant.

Postea text: 4 posteas - all say that upon this day is given between the parties reserving the case in its present form, forwarding the case as far as Hilary term 1408.

Case notes: Related to five other cases brought on the same bond, all on CP40/582 rot.132 and 132d. See CP40/582 rot.132 for details of bond.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/582, rot. 132d

Term: Trinity 1406
County: Surrey
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Case type: Bond

Pleading: John W., lately marshal of the king's bench, claims that Simon E. owes him £200 per a bond. Upon this day is given between the parties in Michaelmas term 1406. Pledges are named for the defendant.

Postea text: 4 posteas - all say that upon this day is given between the parties reserving the case in its present form, forwarding the case as far as Hilary term 1408.

Case notes: Related to five other cases brought on the same bond, all on CP40/582 rot.132 and 132d. See CP40/582 rot.132 for details of bond.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/582, rot. 132d

Term: Trinity 1406
County: Surrey
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Case type: Bond

Pleading: John W., lately marshal of the king's bench, claims that William A. owes him £200 per a bond. Upon this day is given between the parties in Michaelmas term 1406. Pledges are named for the defendant.

Postea text: 4 posteas - all say that upon this day is given between the parties reserving the case in its present form, forwarding the case as far as Hilary term 1408.

Case notes: Related to five other cases brought on the same bond, all on CP40/582 rot.132 and 132d. See CP40/582 rot.132 for details of bond.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/582, rot. 203

Term: Trinity 1406
County: Kent
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Damages claimed: £20
Case type: Bond

Pleading: Richard S. claims that chaplain William G. owes him £20 per a bond made at Little Chart, Kent, and payable at London. Damages are claimed at £20. Bond shown to the court.

Pleading: WG says that the action against him ought not continue because since the making of the said bond RS issued him a release from all actions real and personal.

Pleading: RS says that the release is not of his making and seeks inquiry upon the country, and WG seeks likewise. Order to the sheriff of Kent etc. The release is put into the safe keeping of clerk William P.

Postea text: 1 postea - the sheriff of Kent did not send the writ, and so the case is forwarded as far as Hilary term 1407.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/582, rot. 216

Term: Trinity 1406
County: Middlesex
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Damages claimed: £100
Case type: Assault; Bond

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

Pleading: JL says that the force of the bond ought not hold because he made it under duress. He claims that the bond was made under duress, because at the time of its making JB was threatening him, life and limb, at Canterbury, Kent.

Pleading: JB says that JL make the bond of his own free will and seeks inquiry upon the country, and JL seeks likewise. Order to the sheriff of Kent etc. Pledges are named for the defendant.

Postea text: postea 1 - JL does not come and so is in default. A jury is to be taken against him later in Michaelmas term etc.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/582, rot. 216d

Term: Trinity 1406
County: Essex
Writ type: Debt (account)
Damages claimed: £20
Case type: Reckoning of account

Pleading: Robert P. claims that James P. owes him £12 10s as determined by a reckoning of the account between them before RP himself, concerning diverse monies and receipts received per the hands of RP's servant John P. These receipts were namely ' two cloths of blanket gold and silver' (duobus pannis auro et argento) prior to the time of the accounting. Damages are claimed at £20.

Pleading: James P. says that he does not owe RP the said £12 10s nor any other monies and offers his law. Pledges of law are named. It is decided that JP's attorney, Thomas C., is to have his master to this court to make his law in Michaelmas term 1406.

Postea text: postea 1 - James P. comes to make his law, but RP does not come, and so RP and his pledges of the prosecution are in mercy. James P. is without day.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/582, rot. 219

Term: Trinity 1406
County: London
Writ type: Trespass (force and arms)
Damages claimed: £40
Case type: Loan; Taking of goods

Pleading: John N. claims that Robert B. and Alice W., lately the wife of John W., used force and arms to seize and carry off his goods from London, to the value of £10. The goods taken were namely: one silver jar, one book called 'Pratum Florum' (P'atum Florum), one book of nature (' de fisico'), one book of statutes, one book called 'Natura Brevium', rolls and memorandum of the court. Damages are claimed at £40.

Pleading: RB and AW say that they are innocent of the use of force and arms and put themselves upon the country, and JN puts himself likewise. Concerning the said jar and books, RB and AW do not acknowledge that they were of such value as JN claims. They also say that the said jar and books were goods were the chattels of AW's late husband JW, and that JW placed then in surety (vadium, as collateral) to a certain Lambert B. for 23s 4d which the same JW borrowed from LB. They that in this manner the late JW sent his wife AW to JN and RB, who were both been the servants of the late JW at that time, with the said 23s 4d. AW, RB, and JN then paid the said 23s 4d to LB, so that they might retrieve the aforesaid jar and books. Hence, JN has no possession in the said jar and books unless for their conveyance to the late JW.

Pleading: JN says that his action ought not be precluded because at the time of the trespass narrated in his writ the goods in question were his own possessions and seeks inquiry upon the country, and AW with RB seek likewise. Order to the sheriff of London etc.

Postea text: 1 postea - the sheriff did not send the writ and so the case is forwarded as far as Hilary term 1407.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/582, rot. 220d

Term: Trinity 1406
County: London
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Damages claimed: £40
Damages awarded: 6m
Case type: Bond

Pleading: John H. and John S., executors of the late Bishop of Killala (Ireland) Thomas H., claim that Henry G. owes them 35m per a bond made between the late bishop TH and HG, payments were to be made: £10 in Easter 1399 (30/03/1399), 66s 8d in the feast of St Peter ad Vincula 1399 (01/08/1399), and 66s 8d in Michaelmas 1399 (29/09/1399), 66s 8d in Christmas 1399 (25/12/1399), and 66s 8d in Easter 1400 (18/04/1400). Damages are claimed at £40. Bond shown in court, as well as proof of executry.

Pleading: HG says that after the making of the said bond bishop TH issued him a release, made at Worcester on 14/06/1399. Release shown to the court.

Pleading: JH and JS say that the release is not of the making of the late TH and seek inquiry upon the country, and HG seeks likewise. Order to the sheriff of Worcestershire. Pledges are named for the defendant. The release is put into the safe keeping of clerk William P.

Postea text: postea 1 - HG does not come and so is in default. The plaintiffs are to recover the said debt plus 6m damages. HG is in mercy. And upon this the executors seek a writ of 'Elegit sibi liberari' in accordance with the statute, concerning the said debt and damages. This writ ahs been granted, returnable in Hilary term 1407.

Postea text: postea 2 - the sheriff returns that the writ (of elegit) reached him too late. A new writ is issued, returnable in Trinity term 1407.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/582, rot. 275

Term: Trinity 1406
County: London
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Damages claimed: £10
Case type: Bond

Pleading: Clement M. and Thomas G., executors of the will of John R., claim that Agnes H. and Gerard H. owe them 100s. CM and TG say that AH, whilst a woman alone, made a 4m bond with the late JR, under the condition that she would pay him 6s 8d annually at in the feast of the annunciation of St Mary (25 March) , starting in the year 1401, until the 4m debt had been paid. And, it was agreed that if she fell all or partially in arrears concerning any 6s 8d payment, that AH would then be obliged to the late JR in £5 payable in the feast of Michaelmas then next following. CM and TG say that AH failed to make the 6s 8d payment of 1401, and so is obliged in the said £5. Damages are claimed at £10. Bond shown in court. Noted that the bond does not say where it was made, but CM and TG say it was made at London etc.

Pleading: GH and AH say that after the making of the said bond JR issued AH a release, made at Norwich in the Cathedral of St. Peter during the year 3 Henry IV (Sept. 1401 - Sept. 1402).

Pleading: CM and TG say that the release is not of the making of the late JR and seeks inquiry upon the country, and GH with AH seek likewise. Order to the sheriff of Norwich etc. Pledges are named for the defendants. The release is put in the safe keeping of clerk William P.

Postea text: 5 posteas - all say that the sheriff of the city of Norwich did not send the writ, forwarding the case on to Hilary term 1408.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/582, rot. 275d

Term: Trinity 1406
County: London
Writ type: Trespass (against statute)
Damages claimed: 100s
Case type: Breach of Statute; Contract (service/employment)

Pleading: John Sewalder claims that in Michaelmas 1405 (29/09/1405) he hired John Stapelton to work for him as a butcher for one whole year then next following, but that John Stapelton left his service prematurely on Christmas 1405 (25/12/1405), breaching the statute of labourers. Damages are claimed at 100s.

Pleading: John Stapelton says that he was indeed well and truly retained by John Sewalder, but under the condition that he would work for John Sewalder from Michaelmas 1405 until Christmas 1405; and that if he should be pleased with the manner and conditions of (his work for) John Sewalder between Michaelmas 1405 and Christmas 1405 then he ought to notify John Sewalder one week before Christmas 1405 if he should wish to continue in service as far as Michaelmas 1406. However, John Stapelton says that he did not like the conditions of working for John Sewalder, and that on diverse occasions John Sewalder threatened to beat him and mutilate his limbs. Hence, on 08/12/1405 John Stapelton warned John Sewalder that he did not wish to continue in his service beyond Christmas 1405.

Pleading: John Sewalder says that he was not warned in on 08/12/1405 that John Stapelton did not wish to continue in his service and seeks inquiry upon the country, and John Sapelton seeks likewise. Order tot the sheriff etc. Pledges are named for the defendant.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/582, rot. 277

Term: Trinity 1406
County: London
Writ type: Debt (sale of goods)
Damages claimed: 40s
Case type: Sale of goods

Pleading: William W. claims that Richard T. owes him 40s for two cow carcasses (carcosia bovina) which he bought but did not pay for. Damages claimed at 40s.

Pleading: RT says that he does not owe WW the said 40s nor any other monies and offers his law. Pledges of law are named.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/582, rot. 277

Term: Trinity 1406
County: Middlesex
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Damages claimed: 10m
Case type: Bond; Imprisonment

Pleading: John S. claims that John C. owes him 10m per a bond. Damages are claimed at 10m. Bond shown in court. Noted that the bond does not say where it was made but JS says it was made at Westminster, Middlesex.

Pleading: JC says that the force of the bond ought not hold because at the time of its making he was imprisoned by JS and others of his coven at London, parish of St Mary le Bow, Cheap Ward.

Pleading: JS says that JC was a free man at the time of the making of the said bond and seeks inquiry upon the country, and JC seeks likewise. Order to the sheriff of Lonson etc. Pledges are named for the defendant.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/582, rot. 293

Term: Trinity 1406
County: London
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Damages claimed: 20m
Case type: Bond

Pleading: John S. claims that John G., lately parson of Checkendon (Oxfordshire), owes him 40m per a bond. Damages are claimed at 20m. Bond shown in court. Noted that the bond does not say where it was made but JS says it was made at London etc.

Pleading: JG says that the case against him ought not continue because after the making of the said bond JS issued him a release at Northampton (Northamptonshire) on 11/11/1399.

Pleading: JS says that the release is not of his making and seeks inquiry upon the country, and JG seeks likewise. Order to the sheriff of Northamptonshire etc. The release is put into the safe keeping of clerk William P.

Postea text: postea 1 - 08/07/1407 the release is delivered to justice William T. for consideration by a jury, and clerk WP is quit of it.

Postea text: postea 2 - 10/11/1408 the release is returned to clerk WP and justice WT is quit of it.

Postea text: postea 3 - continuance between the parties as far as the octave of Michaelmas term 1408 unless first heard before justices of the lord king at the assize of Northampton (Northamptonshire) on 17/07/1408.

Postea text: postea 4 - Case heard at the assize of Northampton before justices WT and Robert T. on 17/07/1408. The jury says on oath that the release is indeed of JS's making and so JS is to have nothing per his writ. JS should be arrested. (JG is acquitted.)

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/582, rot. 412

Term: Trinity 1406
County: London
Writ type: Trespass (force and arms)
Damages claimed: £40
Case type: Abduction; Loan; Taking of goods

Pleading: Joan S. claims that John C. and Hncy D. with his wife Elen D. used force and arms to carry off her goods and chattels to the value of £20, as well as abduct her servant Matilda B. so that she was without Matilda's service for three months. The goods taken were namely: 2 pieces of silver plate (pecias argenteas), 2 mazers bound with silver and gold, 5 pounds of wax, two table cloths (mappas), two towels, two girdles, 2 blankets, and 6 dishes of copper/bronze. Damages are claimed at £40.

Pleading: HD, ED, and JC say, concerning the use of force and arms, that they are innocent and put themselves upon the country, and JS puts herself likewise. Concerning the carrying off of one mazer, two girdles, and one table cloth they say they are innocent and put themselves upon the country, and JS puts herself likewise. Lastly, concerning the carrying off of one mazer, two girdles and one table cloth (note that the total number of items [i.e. girdles] does not match above), that before the Monday (08/02/1406) of the supposed trespass, namely on Sunday 31/051405, JS borrowed 30s from HD (same parish and ward as the supposed trespass) which was to be repaid on 24/06/1405. The defendants say that at the time of the supposed trespass JS in fact gave the aforesaid table cloth to HD and ED, and that by reason of the delivery of the aforesaid JS they took and carried off the aforesaid mazer, girdles, and table cloth, as they had good licence to do.

Pleading: JS reiterates her claim that that the defendants committed trespass against her. JS seeks inquiry upon the country and the defendants seek likewise. Order tot the sheriff etc. Pledges are named for the defendants.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/582, rot. 412d

Term: Trinity 1406
County: London
Writ type: Trespass (force and arms)
Damages claimed: £40
Case type: Assault

Pleading: John P. claims that Walter T. assaulted him with force and arms at London. Damages are claimed at £40.

Pleading: WT says that it was JP who assaulted him and that he only acted in self defence, and did not mean to cause JP any other injury.

Pleading: JP reiterates his claim that it was he who was attacked and seeks inquiry upon the country, and WT seeks likewise. Order to the sheriff etc.

Postea text: 5 posteas - all say that the sheriff did not send the writ forwarding the case as far as Trinity term 1408.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/582, rot. 421

Term: Trinity 1406
County: London
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Damages claimed: £40
Case type: Assault; Bond

Pleading: John S. with his wife Joan S., executors of the will of John H., claim that Katherine A., widow and executor of John A., owes them 10m per a bond made between the late JH (creditor) and the late JA (debtor). Damages are claimed at £40. The said 10m should have been paid to JH or his heirs/executors in payments of £3 6s 8d in All Saints' 1379 (01/11/1379), £3 6s 8d in Easter 1380 (25/03/1380), £3 6s 8d in Michaelmas 1380 (29/09/1380). Bond shown in court, along with proof of executry.

Pleading: KA says that the force of the bond ought not hold because at the time of its making the late JA was threatened with assault and the mutilation of his limbs by the late JH at Willesden, Middlesex.

Pleading: John S. and Joan S. say that JA made the aforesaid bond of his own free will and seek inquiry upon the country, and KA seeks likewise. Order to the sheriff of Middlesex etc.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/582, rot. 428d

Term: Trinity 1406
County: London
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Damages claimed: £40
Case type: Bond; Imprisonment

Pleading: Chaplain John M. claims that Thomas P. owes him £11 3s arising from a £8 3s bond and a £3 loan, both made on 23/09/1404 and 'payable to chaplain JM in Michaelmas then next following (29/09/1404)'. Damages are claimed at £40. Bond shown in court.

Pleading: TP says that the force of the aforesaid bond ought not hold because at the time of its making he was imprisoned by chaplain JM and others of his coven at Southwark, Surrey. Concerning the supposed £3 loan, JP says that he does not of JM this nor any other money and offers his law. Pledges of law are named.

Pleading: Chaplain JM says that TP was a free man at the time of the making of the said bond and seeks inquiry upon the country, and TP seeks likewise. Order to the sheriff of Surrey etc.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/582, rot. 448

Term: Trinity 1406
County: London
Writ type: Debt (sale of goods)
Damages claimed: £10
Case type: Sale of goods

Pleading: Thomas H. claims that Ralph H. owes him £13 7s 2½d arising from the sale of goods which AH bought but did not pay for. The goods were namely 20 pounds of pepper, 100 pounds of almonds, 100 pounds of sugar, 100 pounds of cinnamon, 20 pounds of mace, 20 pounds of cloves, 20 pounds of grains (of paradise), 20 pounds of galingale, 12 pounds of mace, and three bundles of pepper. Damages claimed at £10.

Pleading: RH says that he does not owe TH the said £13 7s 2½d nor any other monies and offers his law. Pledges of law are named as well as pledges for future appearance.

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

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/582, rot. 448

Term: Trinity 1406
County: London
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Damages claimed: £8
Case type: Bond

Pleading: William T. claims that John L. owes him £8 3s 4d per a bond. Damages claimed at £8. Noted that the bond does not say where it was made but WT says it was made at London etc.

Pleading: JL says the case against him ought not continue because the bond is not of his making and puts himself upon the country, and WT puts himself likewise. Pledges are named for the defendant. The bond is put in the safe keeping of clerk William P.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/582, rot. 492

Term: Trinity 1406
County: Norfolk
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Damages claimed: 100s
Case type: Bond

Pleading: John W. and Thomas W., two of the executors of the will of chaplain Paul W., are in mercy for many defaults. John K. claims that JW, TW, with co-executors (of the will of chaplain PW) John Stratfelde. and John J., owe him 67s per a bond made with the late PW, payable at Dickelburgh, Norfolk. Damages are claimed at 100s. Bond shown in court. Noted that the bond does not say where it was made but JK says it was made at Dichleburgh, Norfolk.

Pleading: JW, TW, John Steatfelde, and JJ say that a certain John Stradeshill was also a co-executor of the will of chaplain PW and seek judgement concerning the writ.

Pleading: JK says that he cannot deny that John Stradeshill was one of the administrators of the goods and chattels of the late chaplain PW, as one of PW's executors. Therefore, the decision is that JK is to have nothing per his writ and is in mercy for false claim.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/582, rot. 492

Term: Trinity 1406
County: London
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Damages claimed: 20m
Case type: Bond

Pleading: William P. and Simon A. claim that John W. owes them £20 on a bond. Damages are claimed at 20m. Bond shown in court.

Pleading: JW comes and defends, and upon this day is given between the parties in the octave of Michaelmas 1406. Pledges are named for the defendant.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/582, rot. 506

Term: Trinity 1406
County: London
Writ type: Debt (other)
Damages claimed: £40
Case type: Arbitration

Pleading: John M. claims that Peter B. owes him £40 as was determined by arbitration which took place between them in St Paul's Cathedral, London, before arbitrators Thomas T. with John B. on the part of PB, and Willaim W. with John F. on the part of JM. Damages are claimed at £40.

Pleading: PB says that he does not owe JM the said £40 nor any other monies and offers his law. Pledges of law are named.

Postea text: postea 1 - PB makes essoin and so the case is forwarded as far as Hilary term 1407.

Postea text: postea 2 - JM does not come and so he and his pledges of the prosecution are in mercy, and JM is in mercy. PB is without day.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/582, rot. 506

Term: Trinity 1406
County: London
Writ type: Trespass (against statute)
Damages claimed: £20
Case type: Breach of Statute; Contract (service/employment)

Pleading: William F. claims that on Friday 13/07/1404 he hired John S. to work as a warden of the prison in his keeping from the said Friday as far as Christmas 1404 (25/12/1404), in exchange for 2s a week. However, JS left his service prematurely on 30/12/1404 without reasonable cause and in breach of the statute of labourers. Damages are claimed at £20.

Pleading: JS says that he was indeed hired by WF, but that his term of service was only from Friday 13/07/1404 as far as the feast of Simon and Jude (28/10/1404), at which time he withdrew from WF's service with good licence.

Pleading: WF reiterates his claim that JS should have stayed in his service as far as Christmas 1404 and seeks inquiry upon the country, and JS seeks likewise. Order to the sheriff etc. Pledges are named for the defendant.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/582, rot. 506d

Term: Trinity 1406
County: London
Writ type: Trespass (force and arms)
Damages claimed: £20
Case type: Abduction

Pleading: James O. claims that John B. used force and arms to seize and carry off his apprentice, Thomas B., so that he was without his service for a long time, namely from 25/07/1402 until [omitted]. Damages are claimed at £20.

Pleading: JB says that he is innocent and puts himself upon the country, and JB puts himself likewise. Order to the sheriff etc. Pledges are named for the defendant.

Postea text: 1 postea - the sheriff did not send the writ, and so the case is forwarded as far as Hilary term 1407.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/582, rot. 509

Term: Trinity 1406
County: London
Writ type: Detinue
Damages claimed: £40
Case type: Detention of goods; Safe keeping

Pleading: John B. and Thomas P. claim that John T. detains from them a certain bond, showing that John G. is held to them for £45. They say that they gave this bond to JT for sake keeping, and that he now refuses to return it. Damages are claimed at £40.

Pleading: JT comes before the court with the said bond and says that he is prepared to deliver it with the court's decision. He says that the bond was given to him with the mutual assent of TP, JT, and JG, and that he was to return it only under certain conditions. However, JT says that he is ignorant, on the part of JG, as to whether those conditions have been met. Therefore, order to the sheriff of London that JG is to be here in Michaelmas term 1406 to say if JT and TP ought have delivery of the said bond. Also, day is given between the parties in Michaelmas term 1406.

Postea text: postea 1 - the sheriff of London returns that JG has nothing in his bailiwick and upon this JT seeks a writ of the sheriff of Cornwall concerning the said JG, and this is granted etc. Writ returnable later in Michaelmas term 1406.

Postea text: postea 2 - the sheriff of Cornwall does not return the writ and so the case is forwarded as far as Hilary term 1407.

Postea text: postea 3 - JG does not come, and the sheriff of Cornwall returns that he made it known to JG etc. Therefore the decision is that TP and JB are to recover (the writ) versus JT.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/582, rot. 514d

Term: Trinity 1406
County: Middlesex
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Damages claimed: 100s
Case type: Bond

Pleading: Arthur O. claims that Thomas D. owes him £6 15s on a bond. Damages claimed at 100s.

Pleading: TD says that the bond is not of his making and puts himself upon the country, and AO puts himself likewise. Order to the sheriff of Middlesex etc. The bond is put in the safe keeping of clerk William P.

Postea text: postea 1 - the sheriff of Middlesex did not send the writ and so the case is forwarded as far as Hilary term 1407.

Postea text: postea 2 - continuance between the parties as far as Easter term 1407.

Postea text: postea 3 - a jury comes and says that the bond is indeed of the making of TD, and so AO is to recover the said debt damages of 33s 4d. Upon this AO asks the justices to increase the damages, and they are increased by 6s 8d. Therefore AO is to recover the said £6 15s debt plus 40s damages. TD is in mercy.

Postea text: postea 4 - AO comes before the court on 08/05/1407 and acknowledges satisfaction concerning the said debt and damages. Upon this, TD makes fine with the lord king, of 3s 4d, and pledges are named.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/582, rot. 515d

Term: Trinity 1406
County: London
Writ type: Debt (account)
Damages claimed: 13m
Case type: Reckoning of account

Pleading: Robert Charryngworth claims that Agnes C., lately the wife of Robert Chastrefeld, owes him 13m as determined per an accounting which Robert Charryngworth and AC had together concerning diverse sums and costs surrounding the business of AC prior to that time. Damages are claimed at 13m.

Pleading: AC says that she does not owe Robert Charryngworth the said 13m nor any other monies and offers her law. Pledges of law are named as well as pledges for future appearance.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/582, rot. 516

Term: Trinity 1406
County: Hampshire
Writ type: Debt (sale of goods)
Damages claimed: 100s
Case type: Sale of goods

Pleading: Clarice P., executor of the will of her late husband John P., claims that William W. owes her 40s arising from the sale of 'saddle-plates' and [omitted] which WW bought from the late JP but did not pay for. Damages are claimed at 100s.

Pleading: WW says that he does not owe CP the said 40s nor any other monies and offers his law. Pledges of law are named. It is ordered that WW's attorney, Simon A., is to have his master here to make his law in Michaelmas term 1406.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/582, rot. 517d

Term: Trinity 1406
County: Kent
Writ type: Trespass (force and arms)
Damages claimed: 20m
Case type: Housebreaking; Taking of goods

Pleading: John E. claims that Thomas D. used force and arms to break his house and close at St Mary Cray, Kent, and to carry off his goods and chattels to the value of 40s. The goods taken were namely 4 quarters of wheat, 8 quarters of malt, and three quarters of oats. Damages are claimed at 20m.

Pleading: TD says that he is innocent and puts himself upon the country, and JE puts himself likewise. Order to the sheriff etc.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/582, rot. 527

Term: Trinity 1406
County: London
Writ type: Debt (bond); Debt (sale of goods)
Damages claimed: £40
Case type: Bond; Sale of goods

Pleading: Roger W. claims that John P. owes him £29 15s 4d arising from: the unpaid £3 19s 4d residue of a £11 19s 4d bond; a £9 16s bond, and the sale of cloth worth £16. The cloth was namely:8 yards of green cloth, 10¼ yards of black (cloth), 2½ yards of black cloth, 23 yards of green cloth, 7¼ yards of green cloth, and 5 yards of green cloth. Damages are claimed at £40. Bonds are shown to the court.

Pleading: JP asks that the bonds and their endorsements be read to the court. 'And they are read etc.' JP says that in either bond these bonds obligate not only himself but also a certain John W. JP also says that after the making of the said bonds RW, on 05/02/1403, issued a receipt/release acknowledging that he had received £7 in full payment from JW on behalf of both JW and JP, and he seeks judgement if RW continues his suit concerning the said bonds. Also, concerning the supposed £16 arising from the sale of cloth, JP says that he does not owe RW this money nor in any other money and offers his law. Sureties of law are named.

Pleading: RW says that the release is not of his making and seeks inquiry upon the country, and JP seeks likewise. Order to the sheriff etc. The release is put into the sake keeping of clerk William P.

Postea text: postea 1 - JP does not come and so is in default. Concerning the said £16 for the sale of cloth JP is in mercy and RW is to recover the said debt. Damages are to be assessed by a jury, which have not come. Hence, the case is respited as far as Hilary term 1407 so that a jury might be placed. JP ought be arrested.