CP40/636: Hilary term 1420

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/636, rot. 034

Term: Hilary 1420
County: London
Writ type: Trespass (against statute)
Damages claimed: 10m
Case type: Breach of Statute; Contract (service/employment)

Pleading: John P. claims that on 25/12/1418 he retained Peter L. to work for him as a mason for one whole year then next following. However, PL left his service prematurely, on 06/02/1419, in breach of the statute of labourers. Damages are claimed at 10m.

Pleading: PL says that he was not retained by JP to work for the time and in the office supposed, and puts himself upon the country. JP puts himself likewise. Order to the sheriff to make a jury come later in Hilary term 1420. Pledges are named for the defendant.

Postea text: postea 1 - the sheriff did not send the writ, and so the case is forwarded as far as Easter term 1420.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/636, rot. 034

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

Pleading: Matilda D. claims that Thomas P. owes her 40s per a loan. Damages are claimed at 40s.

Pleading: TP says that he does not owe Matilda the aforesaid 40s nor any other monies and offers his law, to be made in Easter term 1420. Pledges of law are named. It is decided that TP's attorney, Thomas C., is to have his master here to make his law in the term aforesaid.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/636, rot. 034d

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

Pleading: John N. claims that John C. used force and arms to seize and carry off his goods, at London, to the value of 100s. The goods taken were namely, 3 bed covers (coportoria lectilia), one pair of sheets, one tablecloth (mappam), one towel, 3 copper/brass dishes, one copper/brass cruet, one oil lamp, one iron pan called a 'frying pan', one trussing coffer, 4 shirts (camisias), one long bench, one copper/brass candelabra, one set of amber rosary beads, 4 gold rings, one silver necklace, one silver bell, and other household utensils. Damages are claimed at £20.

Pleading: JC says that he is innocent and puts himself upon the country, and JN pus himself likewise. Order to the sheriff to make a jury come in Easter term 1420

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/636, rot. 105

Term: Hilary 1420
County: London
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Damages claimed: 100m
Case type: Bond; Real action / rents / damage to real estate

Pleading: John C. claims that John D. owes him 100m per a bond. Damages are claimed at 100m. Bond shown in court. Noted that the bond does not say where it was made, but JC says it was made at London etc.

Pleading: JD asks that the bond and its endorsements be read out in the court. The bond says that JD ought to give, around the feast of the Pentecost 1410, sufficient and legitimate security concerning a certain annual rent of 26s 8d, to have been received by JC for the term of his life, concerning the lands and tenements of JD in the county of Suffolk, which amount to a true value of 40s per annum beyond reprise. JD says that the bond ought not have any effect, because he did provide surety to JC for the aforesaid annual rent concerning the his (JD's) lands and tenements in the county of Sussex, which amount to a true value of 40s per annum beyond reprise, namely at Ringmer, Sussex.

Pleading: JC says that JD did not make sufficient surety concerning the aforesaid annual rent and seeks inquiry upon the country, and JD seeks likewise. Order to the sheriff of Sussex to make a jury come in Easter term 1420.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/636, rot. 108

Term: Hilary 1420
County: Hertfordshire
Writ type: Trespass (force and arms)
Damages claimed: £40
Case type: Assault; Housebreaking; Trespass (chattels)

Pleading: Richard C., bishop of London, claims that at Michaelmas 1418, and at various times between then and 10 November 1418, William S. forcibly broke his close at Much Hadham, Hertfordshire, and allowed his beasts to trample and consume his crops and hay to the value of £10. The bishop also claims that on the said 10 November 1418 WS also assaulted his servant, Richard D., as a result of which he was without RD's service for [omitted] weeks. Damages claimed at £40.

Pleading: WS, by attorney Thomas C., granted licence to imparl to quindene of Easter.

Pleading: [Continued at Trinity 1420, rot 304] WS denies force and arms, acting against the peace, and breaking the close. Parties on country. Concerning the rest, WS, protesting that the crops were not of such great a value as claimed by the bishop, states that the bishop ought not have his action, as the bishop is lord of the manor of Much Hadham where the supposed trespass took place, as of the right of his church of St Paul's, and holds a court there every three weeks before the steward of the manor. WS says that he attended the court before the bishop's steward, Roger Penchepole, on 24 October 1418, where he was amerced 8d for his trespass in the bishop's corn and 4d for his trespass in bishop's hay. WS states that he later paid this 12d to William North, then bailiff and receiver of the bishop in that manor, who was responsible for collecting all the bishops rents and the manor court's amercements. WS therefore states that he has already satisfied bishop RC concerning all trespasses in RC's corn and hay prior to that date, and seeks judgement. Concerning any supposed trespasses in bishop RC's corn and hay after that date, says denies the claim; parties on country. Finally, concerning WS's supposed assault on RD, WS says that RD in fact assaulted him at Much Hadham on 10 October 1418, and he simply acted in self defence, and meant no injury.

Pleading: Concerning the assault of RD, the bishop repeats that WS attacked RD without cause, such that RD was out of the bishop's service. Enquiry on country, jury here at octave of Michaelmas 1420. The bishop also states that WS was not amerced for the earlier trespasses on his orders as claimed, and seeks judgment

Pleading: WS says that since the bishop did not deny that he was amerced, nor that he paid the amercements to the bailiff and receiver as claimed, he therefore seeks judgment, and that the bishop be precluded from his action. Since the court wishes to take advice, day is given at the same term (octave of Michaelmas 1420).

Postea text: Further day given at octave of Hilary 1421.

Case notes: Continued on CP 40/638, rot 304. For a related case, see CP 40/636, rot 108d.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/636, rot. 108d

Term: Hilary 1420
County: Hertfordshire
Writ type: Trespass (force and arms)
Damages claimed: 40m
Damages awarded: 40s
Case type: Trespass (chattels)

Pleading: Bishop Richard C. claims that WS's animals were doing damage to his land at Much Hadham, Hertfordshire, and so WS's animals ought to have been seized and imparked by the bishop's servant, Richard D, in accordance with the law and custom of the land. However, WS used force and arms to rescue the said animals, against the peace. The land in question was namely: 70 acres sown with wheat, barley, peas, and oats; and 20 acres of meadow. The animals rescued were namely: 8 oxen; 16 cows; and 40 pigs. Bishop RC claims damages of 40m.

Pleading: WS denies the trespass as claimed. Parties on country, jury here at quindene of Easter 1420.

Postea text: Process continued, jury in respite to octave of Trinity 1420. On this day, parties came by attorneys, jury says on oath that WS is responsible for the trespass as claimed. Damages assigned at 40s. WS to be taken.

Case notes: For a related case, see CP 40/636, rot 108.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/636, rot. 110d

Term: Hilary 1420
County: London
Writ type: Trespass (force and arms)
Damages claimed: £60
Case type: Taking of goods

Pleading: John M., and Henry M., claim that Richard G. used force and arms to seize and carry off 40 pieces of kersey cloth, at London, to the value of £40. Damages are claimed at £60.

Pleading: RG seeks licence to imparl as far as Easter term 1420.

Postea text: 2 posteas - both licences to imparl, as far as Michaelmas term 1420.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/636, rot. 121

Term: Hilary 1420
County: Middlesex
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Damages claimed: £50
Case type: Bond

Pleading: The abbot of St Mary Graces next to the Tower of London claims that Thomas E. owes him £40 on a bond, made between TE and former abbot Roger. Damages are claimed at £50.

Pleading: TE granted licence to imparl to the quindene of Easter.

Postea text: Further licence to imparl, to octave of Michaelmas 1420.

Case notes: Probably related to following case CP 40/636 rot.121.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/636, rot. 121

Term: Hilary 1420
County: Middlesex
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Damages claimed: £50
Case type: Bond

Pleading: The abbot of St Mary Graces next to the Tower of London claims that William W. owes him £40 on a bond, made between WW and Roger, the former abbot of St Mary Graces. Damages are claimed at £50.

Pleading: WW granted licence to imparl to quindene of Easter 1420.

Postea text: Further licence to imparl to octave of Michaelmas 1420

Case notes: Probably related to preceding case CP40/636 rot.121.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/636, rot. 123

Term: Hilary 1420
County: Hertfordshire
Writ type: Debt (bond); Debt (loan)
Damages claimed: 100s
Case type: Bond; Imprisonment; Loan

Pleading: Thomas D. claims that John G. owes him 40s arising from a 23s bond and 17s loan. Damages are claimed at 100s. Bond for the aforesaid 23s shown in court.

Pleading: Concerning the supposed 17s loan, JG says that he does not owe TD this nor any other monies and puts himself upon the country, and TD puts himself likewise. Concerning the 23s bond, JG says that the force of the bond ought not hold because at the time of its making he was imprisoned by TD and his associates at Datchworth, Hertfordshire.

Pleading: TD says that JG was a free man at the time of he bond's making and seeks inquiry upon the country, and JG seeks likewise. Order to the sheriff of Hertfordshire to make a jury come in Easter term 1420. Upon this JG, with the assent of TD, puts in his place a certain Thomas C.

Postea text: postea 1 - The sheriff returns that the writ reached him late etc. Same order to the sheriff of Hertfordshire, notwithstanding the liberty of Westminster Abbey. The case is forwarded to later in Easter term 1420.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/636, rot. 137

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

Pleading: John B. claims that John L. owes him 4m per a bond which was made between JB with the late Marion P. on one part and JL on the other part. Damages are claimed at 100s. Bond shown in court.

Pleading: JL says that the force of the bond ought not hold because at the time of its making he was imprisoned by and others of his coven at Wissington ('Wyston'), Suffolk.

Pleading: JB sys that JL was a free man at the time of the bond's making and seeks inquiry upon the land, and JL seeks likewise. Order to the sheriff of Suffolk to make a jury come in Easter term 1420. 'And upon this Thomas Hervy (bottom of page, not continued on back. Presumably TH was made attorney for the defendant.)

Postea text: 2 posteas - both say that the sheriff of Suffolk did not send the writ, forwarding the case as far as Michaelmas term 1420.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/636, rot. 155

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

Pleading: Richard E. claims that Richard F. detains two bonds which he was given for safe keeping but will not return. One bond shows that Thomas O. is held to RE in 20m. The other bond shows that RE is held to TO in 20m. Damages are claimed at £40.

Pleading: RF presents the bonds to the court and says that he is ready to deliver them with the court's decision. However, RF says that the bonds were given to him with the mutual assent of RE and TO, to be returned ether RE or TO under certain conditions. RF says that he is ignorant as to whether these conditions have been met and seeks that TO be brought to the court etc. Therefore the decision is that the sheriff of London should make TO come to this court in the octave of the Purification 1420 to say if the aforesaid bond should be delivered to RE etc. Day given between the parties in the same term.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/636, rot. 232

Term: Hilary 1420
County: London
Writ type: Debt (sale of goods)
Damages claimed: £4
Case type: Sale of goods

Pleading: William W. claims that Simon B. owes him £4 as the unpaid residue of £16 10s debt arising from the sale of one cask (dolum) of woad. Damages are claimed at £4.

Pleading: SB says that he does not owe WW the aforesaid £4 nor any other monies and offers his law, to be made in Easter term 1421. Pledges of law are named. And upon this it is decided that SB's attorney, John H., ought to have his master here to make his law in the aforesaid term.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/636, rot. 232

Term: Hilary 1420
County: London
Writ type: Trespass (force and arms)
Damages claimed: £20
Case type: Assault

Pleading: John T. claims that John P. (Sen.) assaulted him with force and arms. Damages are claimed at £20.

Pleading: Concerning the use of force and arms JP (Sen.) says that he is innocent and puts himself upon the country, and JT puts himself likewise. Concerning the supposed assault, JP (Sen.) says that on the day and in the place specified it was in fact JT who assaulted him, and that he merely acted in self defence.

Pleading: JT says that reiterates his claim that JP (Sen.) assaulted him and seeks inquiry upon the country, and JP seeks likewise. Order to the sheriff to make a jury come in Easter term 1420. Pledges are named for the defendant.

Postea text: 4 posteas - all say that the sheriff did not send the writ, forwarding the case as far as Easter term 1421.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/636, rot. 232d

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

Pleading: Roger S. claims that Richard F., together with Richard B. and John R., used force and arms to break his house at London and carry off goods and chattels to the value of £20. The goods taken were namely, one fother of lead, 450 pounds of lead (quadringentas libras et dimid' plimbi), one piece of tin (stanni), 540 pounds of lead in sheets, 4 copper/brass jars, 4 copper/brass plates, one silver bound and gilded mazer, 'and other goods and chattels'. Damages are claimed at £20.

Pleading: RF says that he is innocent. Therefore, order to the sheriff to make a jury come in Easter term 1420. Pledges are named for the defendant. [Note, the phrase 'puts himself upon the country' is not present.]

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/636, rot. 290

Term: Hilary 1420
County: London
Writ type: Debt (sale of goods)
Damages claimed: £20
Case type: Sale of goods

Pleading: John A. claims that John W. owes him £22 8s as the unpaid residue of a £28 5s 11d debt arising from the sale of cloth. Damages are claimed at £20. The cloth was namely: one piece of worsted motley, 3 pieces of fustian, one dozen veils of Paris thread, 12 pieces of Paris thread veils, 2 pieces of wool, 18 pieces of napery, 18 pieces of towel, 6 pieces of linen cloth of Brabant, 6 pieces of linen cloth of Flanders, 2 pieces of linen spinal, and one piece of buckram.

Pleading: JW says that he does not owe JA the aforesaid £22 8s nor any other monies and offers his law, to be made in Easter term 1420. Pledges of law are named. And upon this it is decided that JW's attorney, Robert C. ought to have his master to this court to make is law in the aforesaid term.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/636, rot. 290

Term: Hilary 1420
County: London
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Damages claimed: £4
Case type: Bond; Imprisonment

Pleading: Ellis D. claims that Robert F. owes him £4 2s per two bonds of 41s each. Damages are claimed at £4. Noted that the bonds say nothing of where they were made, but ED says they were made at London etc.

Pleading: RF says that the force of the bond ought not hold because at the time of their making he was imprisoned by ED and others of his coven at Emneth, Norfolk.

Pleading: ED says that RF was a free man at the time of the bonds' making and seeks inquiry upon the country, and RF seeks likewise. Order to the sheriff of Norfolk to make a jury come in Easter term 1420.

Postea text: postea 1 - continuance between the parties as far as the morrow the nativity of St John the Baptist 1421 (Trinity term 1421).

Postea text: postea 2 - RF does not come and so a jury is to be taken against him for default. Case forwarded as far as Michaelmas term 1421 so that a jury may be placed etc.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/636, rot. 290d

Term: Hilary 1420
County: London
Writ type: Trespass (force and arms)
Damages claimed: £20
Case type: Abduction; Arbitration; Housebreaking

Pleading: John G. claims that John M., together with Walter B., John Y. and Alice Y, used force and arms to break his house at London and abduct his servant, Thomas T., so that JG was without TT's service from one-half year following the trespass. Damages are claimed at £20.

Pleading: JM says that JG ought not continue his action because after the time of the supposed trespass, namely on 19/09/1418, he and JG undertook arbitration at Rochester before arbitrators William L. and William C. JM says that the arbitrators decided that JM ought to pay JG 20d to settle all disputes between them, and that he paid JG this same 20d.

Pleading: JG says that he sis not have any such arbitration as JM alleges and seeks inquiry upon the country, and JM seeks likewise. Order to the sheriff of Kent to make a jury come in Easter term 1420. Pledges are named for the defendant.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/636, rot. 299

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

Pleading: Robert C. claims that John A. owes him 8m per a bond. Damages are claimed at £10. Noted that the bond says nothing of where it was made, but RC says it was made at Broadbusk, Nottinghamshire.

Pleading: JA says that the bond is not of his making and puts himself upon the country, and RC puts himself likewise. Order to the sheriff to make a jury come in Easter term 1420. The bond is given to clerk John H. for safe keeping. Upon this JA puts in his place versus RC, a certain William W. (attorney).

Postea text: postea 1 - the sheriff returns that the writ reached him too late, and so the case is forwarded as far as Trinity term 1420.

Postea text: postea 2 - the sheriff did not send the writ, and so the case is forwarded as far as Michaelmas term 1420.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/636, rot. 303d

Term: Hilary 1420
County: Oxfordshire
Writ type: Debt (other)
Damages claimed: £10
Case type: Real action / rents / damage to real estate

Pleading: John E. claims that Robert H. owes him £7 10s in unpaid rents. JE claims that on 12/09/1408 he demised to RH one tenement with appurtenances in Banbury, Oxfordshire, to be held year after year at the will of JE., for an annual rent of 13s 4d payable in equal instalments at Michaelmas and the annunciation of St Mary. JE says that although RH occupied and was demised of the aforesaid property from 12/09/1408 until 07/10/1419 RH failed to pay rents totalling £7 10s. Damages are claimed at £10.

Pleading: RH says that JE did not demise the aforesaid tenement to him and puts himself upon the country, and JE puts himself likewise. Order to the sheriff to make a jury come in Easter term 1420.

Postea text: postea 1 - case forwarded to trinity term 1420. [no reason given]

Postea text: postea 2 - the sheriff did not send the writ and so the case is forwarded as far as the octave of St John the Baptist 1420 (later in Trinity term 1420).

Postea text: postea 3 - The bailiff returns that he delivered the writ to Robert M., bailiff of the liberty of Banbury Hundred, but received nothing back. Therefore, the sheriff is again ordered to make a jury come in Michaelmas term 1420, and is not to omit the aforesaid liberty.

Postea text: postea 4 - The sheriff did not send the writ and so the case is forwarded as far as Michaelmas term in one month (later in Michaelmas term 1420).

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/636, rot. 308d

Term: Hilary 1420
County: Kent
Writ type: Trespass (force and arms)
Damages claimed: 100m
Case type: Housebreaking; Taking of goods

Pleading: John H., Thomas H., John S., and John C. claim that Richard W., Richard R., Thomas B., and Richard B., used force and arms to break their close at Rochester, steal 100 rabbits worth 40s, and take goods and chattels to the value of £20. The goods and chattels taken were namely 40 quarters of wheat, 20 quarters of barley, and 10 quarters of peas. Damages are claimed a100m.

Pleading: RW, RR, RB, and TB defend, and seek licence to imparl as par as Easter term 1420.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/636, rot. 311

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

Pleading: William O. claims that chaplain William B., executor of the will of parson Walter S, together with co-executors parson Thomas B., parson William M., and Henry R., owe him £30 per three bonds of £10 each, made between WO and the late parson WS. Damages are claimed at £40. Bond shown in court.

Pleading: Chaplain WB says that the bonds were not made by the late parson WS. Chaplain WB also says that the late parson WS, whilst near death, made a will which set forth chaplain WB and a certain William C. as executors. Chaplain WB says that this WC who made administration of the goods of the late parson WS at Benefield, Northamptonshire. Chaplin WB points out that executor WC is not named in the writ and seeks judgement.

Pleading: WO says that WC was never an executor of the goods and chattels of the late parson WS and seeks inquiry upon the country, and Chaplain WB seeks likewise. Order to the sheriff of Northamptonshire to make a jury come in Easter term 1420.

Postea text: postea 1 - 'The parties come and just as before the sheriff of Northamptonshire is ordered to make a jury come, to a day in Michaelmas term (1420)'.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/636, rot. 317

Term: Hilary 1420
County: Bedfordshire
Writ type: Debt (loan); Debt (other)
Damages claimed: £10
Case type: Arbitration; Contract (general); Loan; Real action / rents / damage to real estate

Pleading: Thomas D. claims that John V. owes him 117s arising from an arrears of rent concerning the farm of one messuage and 15 acres of land in Barford, Bedfordshire, which JV held at farm from TD for seven years, as well as other damages and grievances sustained during the term of the aforesaid farm. Firstly, TD says that after the completion of JV's holding of the aforesaid land at farm, he and JV undertook arbitration at Barford on 06/10/1413 before arbitrators John G. with John H. on the part of plaintiff TD, and John P. with Walter S. on the part of defendant JV. TD says that these arbitrators agreed that JV ought to pay TD £6 10s arrears of rents. However, JV only paid 100s of this sum, leaving an unpaid residue of 30s. Secondly, TD says that demised at farm to JV two oxen for a term of ten years commencing in Michaelmas 1407 (29/09/1407) in exchange for an annual rent of 5s. TD says that the total rent for these two oxen was 50s now in arrears, and that at the end of the term JV was to either return the two oxen or pay TD an additional 32s, whichever TD should prefer. Lastly, TD claims that on 06/05/1415 he loaned JV 5s, payable in the Pentecost next following (19/05/1415), which was not repaid. The total of monies owed to TD is thus 117s. Damages are claimed at £10.

Pleading: JV says that he does not owe TD the aforesaid 117s nor any other monies and puts himself upon the country, and TD puts himself likewise. Order to the sheriff of Bedfordshire to make a jury come in Easter term 1420. Pledges are named for the defendant.

Postea text: postea 1 - continuance between the parties as far as Michaelmas term 1420 so that a jury might be placed.

Postea text: postea 2 - JV does not come and so is in default. A jury is to be taken against him in Martinmas in 15 days (later in Michaelmas term 1420).

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/636, rot. 317d

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

Pleading: John K. claims that Edith H., widow and executor of John H., and co-executor John C. owe him £15 8s 8d per a certain £7 bill of remembrance ('billam memorandam') and a certain £8 8s 8d bill of remembrance ('billam memorandam'), both made between JK and the late JH. Damages are claimed at £20. These bills, sealed by the late JH, are presented to the court.

Pleading: EH and JC say that say that the aforesaid bills are not of JH's making and seek inquiry upon the country, and JK seeks likewise. EH and JC further say that they were never the executors of the will of the late JH, nor of his goods or chattels.

Pleading: JK says that EH and JC did make administration of the late JH's goods and chattels as executors, namely at Wotton-under-edge, Gloucestershire. JK seeks inquiry upon the country, and EH with JC seek likewise. Order to the sheriff of Gloucestershire to make a jury come in Easter term 1420.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/636, rot. 324d

Term: Hilary 1420
County: Hertfordshire
Writ type: Trespass (force and arms)
Damages claimed: £20
Case type: Assault; Housebreaking

Pleading: Robert Barry claims that William L. used force and arms to break his house and close at Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, and assault him. Damages are claimed at £20.

Pleading: Concerning the use of force and arms, WL says that he is innocent and puts himself upon the country, and Robert Barry puts himself likewise. Concerning the supposed assault, WL says that on the day and year aforesaid, in the vill of Berkhamsted (Hertfordshire), Robert Barry assaulted him and that he merely acted in self defence. WL says that he meant no other harm to Robert Barry.

Pleading: Robert Barry reiterated his claim that WL used force and arms to wilfully attack him and puts himself upon the country, and WL puts himself likewise. Order to the sheriff to make a jury come in Easter term 1420.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/636, rot. 330d

Term: Hilary 1420
County: Nottinghamshire
Writ type: Debt (account)
Damages claimed: £10
Case type: Reckoning of account

Pleading: William H. claims that Ivo J. owes him 100s, as determined per a reckoning of the account between them before auditors William S. and John C., concerning the time when IJ acted as receiver of monies for WH's. Damages are claimed at £10.

Pleading: IJ says that he does not owe WH the aforesaid 100s nor any other monies and offers his law, to be made in Easter term 1420. Pledges of law are named.

Postea text: postea 1 - IJ makes essoin and so the case is forwarded as far as Trinity term 1420.

Postea text: postea 2 - IJ makes his law, and so WH is to have nothing per his writ. WH is in mercy for false claim. IJ is without day.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/636, rot. 356

Term: Hilary 1420
County: Surrey
Writ type: Debt (account)
Damages claimed: £20
Case type: Arbitration; Reckoning of account

Pleading: John Hannay claims that John B. owes him £10 as determined per a reckoning of the account between them before auditors Richard A. and William B., concerning diverse sums of money and receipts of John Hannay earlier received (prius receptis) by JB. Damages are claimed at £20.

Pleading: JB says that the action against him ought not continue because after the aforesaid accounting, namely on 17/04/1419, he and John Hannay underwent arbitration at London, parish of St Olave Southwark in Bridge Ward. JB says that he and John Hanney submitted to the arbitration of Thomas B. on the part of John Hannay, and William H. on the part of JB. It was decided, per this arbitration, that JB ought to give John Hannay one quart of win to settle all disputes between them, which JB claims he gave to John Hannay.

Pleading: John Hannay says that he did not have any such arbitration between himself and JB as is alleged and seeks inquiry upon the country, and JB seeks likewise. Order to the sheriff of London to make a jury come in Easter term 1420.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/636, rot. 411

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

Pleading: John C. claims that Thomas H. owes him £40 per a bond. Damages are claimed at 100m. Bond shown to the court. Noted that the bond says nothing of where it was made, but JC says it was made at [parish and ward left blank).

Pleading: TH defends, and seeks licence to imparl as far as Easter term 1420.

Postea text: 2 posteas - both are further licences to imparl as fat as Michaelmas tem 1420.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/636, rot. 462d

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

Pleading: Henry M. claims that William M., son and heir of Nicholas M., owes him £20 per a bond. Damages are claimed at 20m. Bond shown in court. Noted that the bond does not say where it was made, but HM says it was made at Lewes, Sussex.

Pleading: WM says that the force of the bond ought not hold because at the time of its making he was not yet of legal age.

Pleading: HM says that WM was of legal age at the time of the bond's making, namely 22 years old, and seeks inquiry upon the country, and WM seeks likewise. Order to the sheriff of Sussex to make a jury come in Easter term 1420.

Postea text: postea 1 - the sheriff returns that he delivered the writ to John C., bailiff of the liberty of the Archbishop of Canterbury, but that he receiver nothing in return. The sheriff is again ordered to make a jury come, in Trinity term 1420, and he is not to omit the aforesaid liberty.

Postea text: postea 2 - the sheriff did not send the writ and so the case is forwarded as far as Michaelmas term 1420. The sheriff is not to omit the liberty of the archbishop of Canterbury.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/636, rot. 472d

Term: Hilary 1420
County: Warwickshire
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Damages claimed: £50
Case type: Bond

Pleading: John R. claims that Isabel B., widow of John Benyngton lately of London, owes him £40 per a bond. Damages are claimed at £50. Bond shown in court. Noted that the bond says nothing of where it was made, but JR says it was made at Warwick, Warwickshire.

Pleading: IB comes and seeks licence to imparl as far as Easter term 1420.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/636, rot. 478d

Term: Hilary 1420
County: Cambridgeshire
Writ type: Debt (bond); Debt (loan)
Damages claimed: £10
Case type: Bond

Pleading: John S. claims that 'John West vicar of the church of Steeple Morden, Cambridgeshire, also knows as John West parson of Tewin, Hertfordshire', owes him £10 13s 8d per a bond of £10 13s 4d and a loan of 4d. Damages are claimed at £10. Bond shown in court. Noted that the bond does not say where it was made, but JS says it was made at [location left blank].

Pleading: And the aforesaid John West, per his attorney John West, comes and defends. John West says that at the time of the making of the original writ he was parson of Tewin, Hertfordshire, and not vicar of Steeple Morden as supposed by the writ. John West says he is prepared to verify this and seeks judgement.

Pleading: JS says that he cannot deny this (that John West was parson of Tewin when the original writ was made) and therefore the decision is that JS shall have nothing per his writ. JS is in mercy for false claim. The aforesaid John West, parson, is without day.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/636, rot. 478d

Term: Hilary 1420
County: Hertfordshire
Writ type: Trespass (force and arms)
Damages claimed: £10
Damages awarded: 40s
Case type: Housebreaking; Taking of goods

Pleading: Bishop of London Richard C. claims that William S. and John S., together with William C. and John M., used force and arms to enter his 'free warren' at Much Hadham, from which they drove out, seized, and carried off 20 hares, 200 rabbits, 20 pheasants, and 60 partridges. Damages are claimed at £10.

Pleading: WS and JS say that they are innocent and put themselves upon the country, and bishop RC puts himself likewise. Order to the sheriff to make a jury come in Easter term 1420. [Written below this case, 'The same bishop per his aforesaid attorney offers himself, fourth day, versus the forenamed WC and JM concerning the aforesaid plea etc, and himself does not come, and the sheriff has been ordered to arrest them etc. And the sheriff only returns that he had nothing etc. Therefore they ought be arrested so that that should be to the forenamed term etc.]

Postea text: postea 1 - continuance between the parties as far as Trinity term 1420 so that a jury may be placed etc.

Postea text: postea 2 - a jury comes and says that WS and JS are guilty of the aforesaid trespass, and assess the bishop's damages, concerning the trespass, at 40s. Therefore, the decision is that WS and JS should be arrested. And upon this bishop RC testifies that he does not wish to further prosecute WC and JM. Bishop RC seeks execution of the aforesaid damages versus WS and JS.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/636, rot. 479

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

Pleading: Richard Havyr and Henry Fuller, executors of the will of William Havyr the late executor of Thomas Cowherde, claim that John Spere and John Purse, executors of the will of Walter Purse, together with co-executors (of WP) Thomas Gibbes, Richard Pride, and WP's widow Alice who is now the wife of John Spere, owe him £40 as the unpaid residue of a 70m bond made between the late Thomas Cowerde with and Richard Spenser (now deceased) on the one part and the late Walter Purse on the other part. Damages are claimed at £40. Bond shown in court as well as letters testamentary as much concerning the late William Havyr as the late Thomas Cowherde etc.. Noted that the bond does not say where it was made but Richard Havyr and Henry Fuller say it was made at London in the parish [parish and ward left blank].

Pleading: John Purse and John Spere come and say that 'Thomas Gybbes', one of the executors of Walter Purse named in the writ was dead long before the making of the original writ, and has been buried at 'Middelton', Oxfordshire.

Pleading: Richard Havyr and Henry Fuller say that their writ ought to continue because the Thomas Gibbes to which their writ refers is alive and well at London in the parish and ward aforesaid and seek inquiry upon the country, and John Purse with John Spere seek likewise. And because this justice has not yet been advised if the aforesaid issue ought be tried by a jury of the city of London or a jury of the county of Oxfordshire, day is given between the parties in Easter term 1420.

Postea text: 5 posteas - all say that day is given between the aforesaid parties in the following term etc. 'because the justice not yet (advised) etc.', forwarding the case as far as Trinity term 1421.

Postea text: postea 6 - the record is heard and understood and the sheriff of Oxfordshire is ordered to make a jury come later in Trinity term 1421.

Postea text: postea 7 - continuance between t he parties as far Michaelmas term 1421 unless first heard before William Babyngton, chief baron of the exchequer, at the assize of Oxford on 16/07/1421.

Postea text: postea 8 - The case is heard before William Babyngton, chief baron of the exchequer, and associate justice John Drayton, at the assize of Oxford on 16/07/1421. Richard H. and Henry F. do not come to prosecute their case, and so they and their pledges of the prosecution are in mercy. John Spere and John Purse are without day.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/636, rot. 479d

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

Pleading: Joan C. claims that the executors of Ralph S. (died intestate), namely Edmund T., Thomas S., and Elizabeth S. the widow of RS., owe him £26 6s 8d on a bond. Damages are claimed at £40. Bond shown in court. Noted that the bond does not say where it was made, but JC say it was made at London [parish and ward left blank].

Pleading: ES, ET, and TS say that there is no such vill, hamlet, or place as 'Staveley' in the county of Lancashire and seek judgement on the writ.

Pleading: JC says that there is a place called 'Staveley' in Lancashire and seeks inquiry upon the country, and the defendants seek likewise. And because the justice has not yet been advised whether the issue of the aforesaid plea ought be tried by a jury of London or a jury of Lancashire day is given between the parties in Easter term 1420.

Postea text: postea 1 - day is given between the parties in Trinity term 1420 because the justice has not yet been advised.

Postea text: postea 2 - the justices decide that a jury of the city of London is not able to decide whether or not 'Staveley, Lancashire' exists, and so the Chancellor of the lord king's county palatine of Lancashire is to hold inquiry as to whether there is such a place as 'Staveley' in the county of Lancashire, and then by the same oath decide what damages plaintiff JC may have sustained as a result of the detention of the aforesaid debt. And in which matter they are to come in Michaelmas term 1420.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/636, rot. 502

Term: Hilary 1420
County: London
Writ type: Trespass (force and arms)
Damages claimed: £60
Case type: Taking of goods

Pleading: John G. is in mercy for many defaults. William M., executor of the will of parson Stephen D, claims that JG used force and arms to seize and carry off his case money of the late parson SD to the value of 50m, at London [parish and ward left blank]. Damages are claimed a £60.

Pleading: JG says that he is innocent and puts himself upon the country, and WM puts himself likewise. Order to the sheriff to make a jury come in Easter term 1420.