CP40/663: Michaelmas term 1426

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/663, rot. 102

Term: Michaelmas 1426
County: London
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Damages claimed: 40m
Damages awarded: 40s
Case type: Bond

Pleading: John J. and Richard C. claim that John A. owes them £20 per a bond. Damages are claimed at 40m. Bond shown in court. And upon this JJ and RC say that the bond was made at London etc.

Pleading: JA says that he is not able to deny this debt per the bond aforesaid.

Postea text: the decision is that JJ and RC are to recover the aforesaid £20 plus damages of 40s. JA is in mercy. And upon this JJ and RC relax the aforesaid damages.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/663, rot. 103d

Term: Michaelmas 1426
County: Surrey
Writ type: Debt (sale of goods)
Damages claimed: £20
Case type: Sale of goods

Pleading: Henry P. claims that John T. owes him £12 arising from the sale of 35 pounds of pepper, 4 pounds of saffron, 6 pounds of ginger, 27 gallons of oil, 6 sorts of figs. Damages are claimed at £20.

Pleading: JT says that he does not owe HP the aforesaid £12 nor any other monies and offers his law, to be made in Hilary term 1427. Pledges of law are named.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/663, rot. 106

Term: Michaelmas 1426
County: Kent
Writ type: Trespass (force and arms)
Damages claimed: £40
Case type: Assault; Housebreaking; Taking of goods

Pleading: William D. claims that on 21/05/1425 John M. and Joan D. who was the wife of Ludwyke D. used force and arms to break his close and houses at Ryarsh, Kent, where they felled and carried off wood and underwood to the value of £10, and threatened the life and limbs of his tenants so that the same tenants withdrew their rents and servants from the day of the trespass as far as the day of the making of his original writ (day left blank, year 4 Henry VI). The trees and underwood taken were: 10 oak trees, 10 ash trees, 10 pear trees, and underwood (amount not specified), to the value aforesaid. The tenants threatened were namely, Thomas M. and William A. TM, after being threatened, withdrew himself concerning two acres of pasture in Ryash, which he held for fealty and 2s rent due at the nativity of St John the Baptist and the purification of St Mary. WA, after being threatened, withdrew himself concerning three acres of pasture in Ryash, which he held for fealty and 4s rent due at the same feasts aforesaid. Damages are claimed at £40.

Pleading: JM and JD defend and seeks licence to imparl as far as Hilary term 1427. Pledges are named for the defendants.

Postea text: 3 posteas - all further licences to imparl, forwarding the case as far as Hilary term 1428.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/663, rot. 106d

Term: Michaelmas 1426
County: Middlesex
Writ type: Trespass (other)
Damages claimed: £20
Case type: Trespass (chattels)

Pleading: John Curetys is in mercy for many defaults. William N. claims that according to the custom of the realm a person is responsible for adequately tending his own fire day and night so that no damage comes to the rest of the king's people, but that on 12/04/1425, do to the poor fire-keeping of John Curteys and Joan Curteys, his house at Westminster was burnet (burned down), to WN's damage of £20.

Pleading: John Curteys and Joan Curteys defend and seek licence to imparl as far as Hilary term 1427. Pledges of future appearance are named for Joan Curteys, namely the aforesaid John Curteys, John O., John W., and John M.

Postea text: 4 posteas - all further licences to imparl, forwarding the case as far as Hilary term 1428.

Postea text: postea 5 - John Curteys does not come and is in default. However, it is the will of the justices that the sheriff of Middlesex ought to make inquiry by good and honest men as to what damages WN actually sustained on the occasion in question, and report to this court in Michaelmas term 1428.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/663, rot. 114d

Term: Michaelmas 1426
County: London
Writ type: Debt (sale of goods)
Damages claimed: £20
Case type: Sale of goods

Pleading: William G. claims that Mary G., widow of Thomas G., owes him £12 14s arising from the sale of 1,000 white herrings, 1,000 red herrings, 20 'warpes' of salt fish, and other victuals which MG bought but did not pay for. Damages are claimed at £20. MG defends and seeks licence to imparl as far as Hilary term 1427.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/663, rot. 114d

Term: Michaelmas 1426
County: London
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Damages claimed: £40
Case type: Bond

Pleading: William O. claims that Richard K. owes him £35 as the unpaid reside of two bonds totalling £45, of which £45 WO acknowledges satisfaction concerning £10, leaving the aforesaid unpaid residue of £35. Both bonds were made on 17/02/1425; one bond was in £25 payable in Michaelmas 1425 (29/09/1425), and the other bond was in £20 payable in Easter 1426 (31/03/1426). Damages are claimed at £40. Bonds shown to the court. And upon this WO says that the bonds were made in London etc.

Pleading: RK defends and seeks licence to imparl as far as Hilary term 1427.

Postea text: 3 posteas - all further licences to imparl, forwarding the case as far as Michaelmas term 1427.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/663, rot. 115d

Term: Michaelmas 1426
County: Middlesex
Writ type: Trespass (force and arms)
Damages claimed: £40
Case type: Housebreaking; Taking of goods

Pleading: Thomas H. claims that on 01/10/1423 John M. used force and arms to break his close at Westminster, whereupon JM seized and carried off TH's goods and chattels to the value of £20. The goods taken were namely, 10 bed covers (coopertoria lectorum), 6 pair of blankets, 6 pair of sheets, and other household utensils. Damages are claimed at £40.

Pleading: JM defends and seeks licence to imparl as far as Hilary term 1427. Pledges are named for the defendant.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/663, rot. 121

Term: Michaelmas 1426
County: Herefordshire
Writ type: Trespass (force and arms)
Damages claimed: £200
Case type: Assault; Housebreaking; Taking of goods

Pleading: John W., John S., Thomas R., and William E. claim that on 16/11/1423 Simon S. and Reginald Strete, together with Henry S. and William S., used force and arms to break their close at Northchurch, Northamptonshire, seize and carried off their goods and chattels to the value of £40, and assault the men and servants of JW, JS, TR, and WE so that the plaintiffs were without the service of those same men and servants for 14 days following the trespass. The goods and chattels taken were namely 6 silver cups, 6 silver bound and gilded mazers (sex murras argento ligatur), 3 dozen silver spoons, three pair of sheets of (cloth of) Raines, and one saddle with bridle/harness (cum freno). The men and servants assaulted were namely, John G. and Ludwyke T. Damages are claimed at £200.

Pleading: SS and RS defend and seek licence to imparl as far as Hilary term 1427, which they have with the assent of JW, JS, TR, and WE.

Postea text: 3 posteas - all further licences to imparl, granted with the assent of the plaintiffs, forwarding the case as far as Michaelmas term 1427.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/663, rot. 121d

Term: Michaelmas 1426
County: London
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Damages claimed: £40
Case type: Bond

Pleading: Alice T., executor and former wife of Adam T., claims that Thomas H. (Jr.) the son and heir of Thomas H. (Sen.) owes her £29 17s 9d as the unpaid residue of a £29 17s 9½d bond made between the late Thomas H. (Sen.) on the one part and the late Adam T. on the other part. Alice T. acknowledges that the late Thomas H. (Sen.) made satisfaction to the late Adam T. concerning ½ d of the original debt. The bond, presented to the court by Alice T. was made on 08/07/1418, and due in payments of: £7 9s in All Saints 1418 (01/11/1418); £7 9s in the purification of St Mary 1419 (02/02/1419); £7 9s in the annunciation of St Mary 1419 (25/03/1419), and £7 10s 9½ in the Pentecost 1419 (04/06/1419. Damages are claimed at £40. Alice T. shows letters testamentary to the court.

Pleading: Thomas H. (Jr.) days that as son and heir of Thomas H. (Sen.) ought not be held to the aforesaid debt because he has not inherited anything from his father Thomas H. (Sen.) in fee simple, nor had he on the day of the making of Alice T.'s original writ, nor has he at any time thereafter.

Pleading: Alice T. says that on the day of the making of her original writ, namely (say and year left blank), Thomas H. (Jr.) had diverse lands and tenements which descended to him from Thomas H. (Sen.), namely at Hoo, Bedfordshire. Alice T. says that these lands were more than sufficient to cover the aforesaid debt and seeks inquiry upon the country, and Thomas H. (Jr.) seeks likewise. Order to the sheriff of Bedfordshire to make a jury come in Hilary term 1427. Pledges are named for the defendant.

Postea text: postea 1 - the sheriff of Bedfordshire did not send the writ and so the case is forwarded as far as Easter term 1427.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/663, rot. 123

Term: Michaelmas 1426
County: Cambridgeshire
Writ type: Trespass (force and arms)
Damages claimed: £100
Case type: Assault; Housebreaking; Taking of goods

Pleading: William S. claims that on 20/09/1422 John R. and his wife Alice R., John H., and Thomas H. used force and arms to break his close and houses at Hinton, seize and carry off 10m of his cash money, and assault his men and servants so that he was without the service of the same men and servants for eight days next following the trespass. The servants assaulted were namely, Robert G., Richard W., and Thomas P. damages are claimed at £100.

Pleading: JH, TH, JR, and AR defend and seeks licence to imparl as far as Hilary term 1427.

Postea text: postea 1 - further licence to imparl as far as Easter term 1427.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/663, rot. 134d

Term: Michaelmas 1426
County: London
Writ type: Debt (other)
Damages claimed: -
Case type: Debt

Pleading: John Cassons was summoned to answer Reginald Kentwode, Roger Horwell, John Dalberd, John Weston, John Godyn, John Walyngford and William Pyry, executors of the will of Walter Medford, former dean of Wells, and William Hales and his wife Matilda, their co-executor, on a plea that he renders £20 to them which he unjustly detains. Plaintiffs come by attorney, JC in person, day given at octave of Hilary.

Case notes: For mesne process relating to these executors, see rot 226.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/663, rot. 138

Term: Michaelmas 1426
County: London
Writ type: Detinue
Damages claimed: £200
Case type: Detention of goods

Pleading: Richard ap Harry, Robert Chalouns and his wife Blanche Chalons claim that John Leventhorp and William Britby, executors of the will of Hugh Waterton, unjustly detain a certain chest containing charters, writings, and other muniments. Richard ap Harry, Robert Chalouns, and Blanch Chalouns say that the late Hugh Waterton was seised of the manor of Eaton Tregoz, Herefordshire (mistakenly given as Hertfordshire) in his demesne and as of fee, and died do seised of this manor and the aforesaid chest containing charters etc. relating to the said manor. After the death of HW, the chest with charters etc., at London on 05/11/1408, as right of aforesaid manor, ought to have passed from the late Hugh Waterton to Richard ap Harry and Blanch Chalouns by the hands of the executors John Leventhorp and William Britby, because Blanch Chalouns is daughter and one heir of Hugh Waterton, whilst Richard ap Harry is the other heir of Hugh Waterton; Richard ap Harry himself being the son of Elizabeth the other daughter of Hugh Waterton. Robert Chalouns, Blanch Chalouns, and Richard ap Harry have often requested the aforesaid chest with charters etc. but executors John Leventhorp and William Britby will not give it to them, and so damages are claimed at £200.

Pleading: John Leventhorp and William Britby say that at the time of the death of Hugh Waterton, and always thereafter, they were prepared to deliver the said chest with charters etc. to Robert Chalouns, Blanch Chalouns, and Richard ap Harry and present it to the court. And upon this Robert Chalouns, Blanch Chalouns, and Richard ap Harry seek that the chest be opened, and with the assent of John Leventhorp and William Britby it is opened. In the chest are 57 sealed charters and writings, and a certain court roll held of John Bromwich, John de Eyneford, and John Oldecastell, lately of the two manors (i.e.. Eaton and Tregoz), on 07/04/1376; by the view of which certain charters etc. the same Robert Chalouns, Blanch Chalouns, and Richard ap Harry say that the chest and charters etc. presented to them in this court is the same chest containing the same charters pertaining to Eaton Tregoz which they sought etc. Therefore the decision is that Robert Chalouns, Blanch Chalouns, and Richard ap Harry are to recover the aforesaid chest with charters etc. And upon this John Levenham and William Britby seek that the chest with charters etc be delivered to the plaintiffs' attorney, John Wydeslade, and that special mention be made of a certain release of (the aforesaid) John Bromwich., and a certain other release of William Monteacuto, contained within the chest. Of the aforesaid releases, one says: given 05/11/1379, John Bromwich quitclaims to Countess Philippa M., John Deverose, William Cherleton, Philip Holgot, Richard Nasshe, Matthew de Harsefeld, and Hugh de Harsefeld all right and claim to all his lands in the earldoms of Hereford and Gloucester, and in Tynedale ('Tyndale'), warranting them against all men etc., before 'witnesses John de Eyleford, Walter Bromwich, Edmund de Brugge, Richard de Brunssope, John de Walewayn, and others'. The second release says: given 23/11/1383, Earl William Monteacuto quitclaims to John Bromwych, John Deveros, Matthew Haresfeld, Philip Holkot, Richard Ayssch, Geoffrey Bluwet, and Hugh Haresfeld, all his claim in the manor of Eaton Tregoz, warranting this land against all men etc., before 'witnesses Nicholas de Andeley, Gilbert Talbot, John Chaundos, John de Burlee, John Clannowe, John Eynford, Thomas Barre, Andrew Herle, Walter Bromwych, Kynard de la Bere, Walter Deveros, Leonard Hakebyt, John Groft, Thomas Oldcastel, Hugh Chabbenore, Hugh de Monyton, and others'.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/663, rot. 140d

Term: Michaelmas 1426
County: London
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Damages claimed: £500
Case type: Bond

Pleading: Henry S. claims that John H., John C., and Elizabeth V. the widow of William V., executors of the will of WV, owe him £200 by way of 3 bonds made between the late WV on the one part, and HS on the other part. Damages are claimed at £500. Bonds shown to the court.

Pleading: John H., John C., and Elizabeth V. defend and seek licence to imparl as far as Hilary term 1427.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/663, rot. 232

Term: Michaelmas 1426
County: London
Writ type: Detinue
Damages claimed: 100m
Case type: Detention of goods; Safe keeping

Pleading: David M. claims that on 02/02/1426 he gave a certain chest containing charters, writings, and other muniments to John F. for safe keeping, but that JF now refuses to return this chest etc. Damages are claimed at 100m.

Pleading: JF presents the aforesaid chest with charters etc. to the court and says that he is ready to deliver it with the court's decision. However, JF says that the chest etc. was given to him with the mutual assent of DM and a certain parson Thomas B., only to be returned to DM or parson TB under certain conditions. JF says that he is ignorant, on the part of TB, as to whether those conditions have been met. Therefore, the sheriff of London is ordered to make it known to parson TB, by good and honest men, that he is to come before the justices at Westminster in Hilary term 1427 if he wishes to object to DM having livery of the chest etc. Day is given between the parties in the term aforesaid.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/663, rot. 232d

Term: Michaelmas 1426
County: London
Writ type: Account
Damages claimed: £100
Case type: Contract (service/employment); Reckoning of account

Pleading: John S. claims that John Coteller has not rendered reasonable account concerning the period which John Coteller acted as his receiver or monies. JS says that John Coteller acted as his receiver from Christmas 1425 (25/12/1425) as far as the purification of St Mary 1426 (02/02/1426), during which time John Coteller received on JS's behalf: £60 per the hands of John Coventre in the parish of St Mary le Bow, Cheap ward; £12 per the hands of William G. in the parish of St Dunstan in the East, ward of (left blank); and £10 per the hands of John the servant of William H. in the same parish of St Dunstan in the East (no mention of ward). Damages are claimed at £100.

Pleading: John Coteller says that he was never JS's receiver for the time aforesaid and puts himself upon the country, and John Coteller puts himself likewise. Order to the sheriff of London to make a jury come in Hilary term 1427. Pledges named for the defendant.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/663, rot. 233d

Term: Michaelmas 1426
County: Middlesex
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Damages claimed: 20m
Case type: Bond

Pleading: Geoffrey S. master of the hospital of Burton Lazars (Leicestershire) and warden of the hospital of St Giles in the Fields, Holborn (Middlesex) claims that John L. owes him £20 per a bond. Damages are claimed at 20m. Bond shown in court. And upon this GS says that the bond was made in the parish of St Giles (in the Fields), Middlesex.

Pleading: JL defends and seeks licence to imparl as far as Hilary term 1427. Pledges are named for the defendant.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/663, rot. 233d

Term: Michaelmas 1426
County: London
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Damages claimed: 100s
Case type: Bond

Pleading: Bartholomew B. claims that Henry B. owes him £10 per a bond. Damages are claimed at 100s. Bond shown in court. And upon this BB says that the bond was made at London in the parish pf St Vedast, ward of [left blank].

Pleading: HB defends and seeks licence to imparl as far as Hilary term 1427. Pledges are named for the defendant.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/663, rot. 245d

Term: Michaelmas 1426
County: Warwickshire
Writ type: Debt (sale of goods)
Damages claimed: 20m
Case type: Sale of goods

Pleading: Thomas C. claims that Alexander K. owes him £9 arising from the sale of various spices which AK bought but did not pay for. The spices were namely: 20 pounds of pepper worth 40s; 20 pounds of ginger worth 40s; 2 pounds of saffron worth 30s; 4 pounds of mace worth 30s; and 8 pounds of cinnamon worth 40s. Damages are claimed at 20m.

Pleading: AK says that he does not owe TC the aforesaid £9 nor any other monies and puts himself upon the country, and TC puts himself likewise. Order to the sheriff of Warwickshire to make a jury come in Hilary term 1427.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/663, rot. 248

Term: Michaelmas 1426
County: London
Writ type: Debt (other)
Damages claimed: £10
Case type: Contract (general)

Pleading: John M. claims that on 13/08/1422 he paid John N. 3s 4d to safely and securely transport diverse goods and chattels, taken up at London, as far as Elstow, Bedfordshire (ms. Ellestowe, no county given), within the 15 days ('infra quindene') next following. However, JN never carried (minime cariavit) the said goods. Damages are claimed at £10. The goods to be transported were, namely: 2 coverlets; 2 blankets; one quilt; one mattress; 2 pair of sheets; one green outer-garment with a white lamb-skin lining (unam togam virid cum albis agnell penulat'); one russet outer-garment with a white lamb-skin lining; one 'freud' with white lanb-skin lining; one tunic with miniver lining; one forcew with diverse jewly, namely 2 girdles bound with silver, 6 gold rings, and eight silver rings.

Pleading: JN defends and seeks licence to imparl as far as Hilary term 1427.

Postea text: 3 posteas - all further licences to imparl, forwarding the case as far as Hilary term 1428.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/663, rot. 251

Term: Michaelmas 1426
County: London
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Case type: Bond; Imprisonment

Pleading: Thomas E. claims that Roger R. owes him £6 6s 8d per a bond made on 12/04/1418 and payable' in the church of St Magnus the Martyr next to London bridge in the feast of St John the Baptist then next following (26/06/1418) without delay'. Damages are claimed at £20. Bond shown in court. 'And upon the aforesaid Roger' (Roger here is a clear scribal error for plaintiff TE!) says that the bond was made at London etc.

Pleading: RR says that the force of the bond ought not hold because at the time of its making he was imprisoned by TE and others of his coven at Sutton at Hone, Kent.

Pleading: TE says that RR was a free man at the time of the bond's making and seeks enquiry upon the country, and RR seeks likewise. Order to the sheriff of Kent to make a jury come in Hilary term 1427

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/663, rot. 318

Term: Michaelmas 1426
County: London
Writ type: Debt (loan)
Damages claimed: 100s
Case type: Loan

Pleading: Roger S. claims that John G. owes him £10 per a loan. Damages are claimed at 100s.

Pleading: JG defends and seeks licence to imparl as far as Hilary term 1427. Pledges are named for the defendant.

Pleading: [further information drawn from CP40/664 rot.462d. - Hilary 1427] JG sats that he does not owe RS the aforesaid £10 nor any other monies and offers his law, to be made in Easter term 1427. Pledges of law are named.

Case notes: further information drawn from CP40/664 rot.462d.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/663, rot. 318

Term: Michaelmas 1426
County: London
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Damages claimed: 20m
Damages awarded: 6s 8d
Costs: 13s 4d
Case type: Bond

Pleading: Henry van Andernake and Gerard Buschelman claim that Thomas W. owes them £16 17s 6d on two bonds each of £8 8s 9d. Both bonds were made on 27/07/1425, one being due at the feast of the Annunciation 1426 (25/03/1426) and the other being due at Easter 1426 (31/03/1426). Bonds shown in court. Damages are claimed at 20m.

Pleading: TW says that he ought not be held to the bonds aforesaid. TW says that he is a layman and not literate, and that the bonds were read to him in English as containing in them the condition that if a certain Thomas E. should make one 'obligation' concerning the sum within-written to TW himself within-written, and deliver that bond to TW in the morrow of the date within-written, that thereafter the present bond would be null and void. However the present simple bonds do not have this condition in them, as he had been led to believe, and hence they are not of his making.

Pleading: The plaintiffs say that the bonds were read to TW and their content was made known to him in plain English. They seek inquiry upon the country, and TW seeks likewise. Order to the sheriff of London to make a jury come in Hilary term 1427. Pledges are named for the defendant. The bonds are put into the custody of chief clerk Robert D. for safe keeping.

Postea text: postea 1 - continuance between the parties as far as Trinity term 1427

Postea text: postea 2 - TW does not come and so a jury is to be taken against him in default. Case respited for lack of a jury, as far as Michaelmas term 1427, unless first heard before chief justice William B. at the assize at St Martin le Grand on 11/07/1427

Postea text: postea 3 - 09/07/1427 the bonds are given to chief justice WB for consideration by a jury, so chief clerk RD is quit of them.

Postea text: postea 4 - 10/10/1427 chief justice WB returns the bonds to the safe keeping of chief clerk RD. WB is quit of them.

Postea text: postea 5 - on the octave of Michaelmas 1427 Plaintiffs come before the court and chief justice WB sends a record to be inserted. This record says that the case was heard at the assize of St Martin le Grand on 11/07/1427 before chief justice WB and associate justice John D. A jury comes and says on oath that the conditions of the bond were indeed read to TW and explained to him in plain English. Therefore, the plaintiffs are to recover the aforesaid debt plus 6s 8d damages and 13s 4d for costs. TW is to be arrested.

Postea text: postea 6 - 23/01/1428 the aforesaid record and process with all related material relating etc. summoned before the king by virtue of a writ of error dated at Westminster on 11/10/1427 addressed to chief justice WB.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/663, rot. 318d

Term: Michaelmas 1426
County: London
Writ type: Trespass (force and arms)
Damages claimed: 20m
Case type: Assault

Pleading: John A. claims that Geoffrey B. and wife Agnes B. assaulted him with force and arms at London etc. Damages are claimed at 20m.

Pleading: GB and AB say that they are innocent and put themselves upon the country, and JA puts himself likewise. Order to the sheriff of London to make a jury come in Hilary term 1427. Pledges are named for the defendant.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/663, rot. 344

Term: Michaelmas 1426
County: Bedfordshire
Writ type: Trespass (force and arms)
Damages claimed: £200
Damages awarded: 100m
Case type: Taking of goods

Pleading: Prior John R. claims that Robert S. and William Brigges used force and arms to seize and abduct 6 oxen (boves), 12 cows (vaccas), and 200 sheep at Ruxox, Bedfordshire, which belonged to the prior, worth a total of £20. Damages are claimed at £200.

Pleading: Concerning the use of force and arms RS and William Brigges say that they are innocent and put themselves upon the country, and prior JR puts himself likewise. Concerning the remainder of the trespass, RS and William Brigges, protesting that the animals involved were not of the value claimed by prior JR, says that at the time of the supposed trespass prior JR was a villein of John Holland earl of Huntingdon with respect to earl JH's manor of Stevington, Bedfordshire, as had prior JR's ancestors from time immemorial. RS and William Brigges say that prior JR was a rebel and is not permitted the justice of his lord the earl, and they as servants of the earl, took the aforesaid livestock as they had good licence to do.

Pleading: Prior JR says that he is, and was at the time of the trespass, a free man of free condition, and not a villein of earl JH as has been claimed. Prior JR seeks inquiry upon the country, and defendants RS and William Brigges seek likewise. And upon this RS and William Brigges seek the aid of Earl JH in verifying their claims. The decision is that the sheriff (of Bedfordshire) is to summon earl JH to verify RS and William Brigges in Hilary term 1427.

Postea text: postea 1 - all parties come, including earl JH by attorney William C. (also attorney for the defendants), and earl JH joins William Brigges and RC in verification of their claims etc. Therefore the sheriff of Bedfordshire is to make a jury come in the octave of the Purification 1427.

Postea text: postea 2 - continuance between the parties as far as Easter term 1427, unless the case is first heard at Bedford assize before chief justice William Babyngton on 27/02/1427.

Postea text: postea 3 - the case is heard at Bedford assize before chief justice William Babyngton and associate justice William Westbury on 27/02/1427. A jury comes and says on oath that prior JR is, and was at the time of the trespass, a free man and not a villein etc. Therefore, prior JR is awarded 100m damages. RS and WB are to be arrested.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/663, rot. 349

Term: Michaelmas 1426
County: London
Writ type: Debt (other)
Damages claimed: £40
Case type: Contract (service/employment)

Pleading: John C. claims that Thomas S. owes him £30. John C. claims that on 20/09/1422 Thomas S. retained him to prosecute in chancery, before the exchequer, and whichever bench (Common pleas or King's bench) of the lord king, all of TS's writs and business for the three years next following. In exchange JC was to receive from TS, 100s annually plus reimbursement of all costs incurred on TS's business. JC says that he faithfully did these things on behalf of TS for the full term of three years, during which time he incurred expenses of £15 12d on behalf of TS arising from writs and copies of records etc. Hence JC says that he is owed £15 unpaid wages for the same three years, plus £15 12 for costs etc. Damages are claimed at £40.

Pleading: TS defends and seeks licence to imparl as far as Hilary term 1427, which he has with the assent of JC.

Postea text: 3 posteas - all further licences to imparl, with the assent of JC, forwarding the case as far as Michaelmas 1427.

Case notes: note, amount sought in initial summary is £30, but in detailed pleading is £30 12d

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/663, rot. 350

Term: Michaelmas 1426
County: London
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Damages claimed: £40
Case type: Bond; Real action / rents / damage to real estate

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

Pleading: WW granted licence to imparl to octave of Hilary 1427, with assent of JH.

Pleading: [further information drawn from CP 40/667, rot 333 - Michaelmas 1427] WW says that JH ought not maintain his action, as he and his wife Joan, on the advice and information of JH, arraigned an assize of novel disseisin against Robert A., Roger T. and his wife Joan, John M. and Joan C. concerning his free tenement in Wandsworth, Surrey. This case was heard before justices William H. and John W. at the assize at Guildford on 27/04/1394, where WW and his wife Joan complained, with the council and help of JH, that they had been disseised of one messuage, one toft, six acres of land and half acre of meadow in Wandsworth. Pending this assize, WW, by his bond, granted himself to be held to JH in £20. However, WW also says that, after the making of this bond, he also made an indenture with JH in London on the same day (parish of St Leonard, Bridge ward), one part of which he presents to the court with JH's seal, by which it was agreed that if WW and his wife JW pay all JH's costs in prosecuting the assize to its end and recovering WW and JW's property, and should Joan Welles and WW, after recovering possession, surrender all rights in the property to JH, then the bond shall be null and void. WS also says that after making the aforesaid bond, on 12/12/1396, at Southwark, Surrey, he delivered to JH for safe keeping and the prosecution of the case a certain chest containing various writs and charters pertaining to the aforesaid tenement, as well as a certain release made by Joan Waltham, mother of Joan Welles, to JH concerning the said tenement, and a copy of the record and panel of an assize of novel disseisin by which a certain Thomas W. had recovered the aforesaid tenement from a certain John Taillour. This was to be returned to them after the assize. WW states that the assize of novel disseisin carried on until 26/06/1413 when it was heard at Southwark before justices WH and Robert H. At this day WW and his wife Joan Welles were present, and JH came as a certain recognitor in the assize. However at the point when WW and Joan Welles sought view of their evidence of title to the Wandsworth property in question, JH, who was holding the chest with charters etc. pertaining to the property, bore the chest away leaving WW and Joan Welles without their evidence of title and causing them to lose the case by default of evidence before the justices.

Pleading: JH says that on 26/06/1413 he was in Southwark for the whole day and prepared to do everything that he was required to do by the terms of the indenture, until WW and Joan Welles abandoned their case by default. JH says that he does not, by the law of the land, have to respond to the other matters alleged by WW.

Pleading: WW reiterates his claim that on 26/06/1413, at the assize at Southwark, JH left before WW and Joan Welles withdrew their case. Parties on country, sheriff of Surrey to have jury here at the quindene of Martinmas 1427.

Postea text: [on CP 40/663, rot 350] 3 further licences to imparl, with the assent of JH, to octave of Michaelmas 1427.

Postea text: postea 4 - continuance between the parties as far as trinity term 1428.

Postea text: [on CP 40/667, rot 333] Process continued, jury in respite to octave of St John the Baptist. On this day, JH and WW come, as do the jury. However, WW appeals the jury, claiming that it was empanelled by undersheriff of Surrey, John Wymeldon, at the nomination of JH. The triers confirm this is true, so the jury is removed. Order to the sheriff of Surrey to have a new jury here at the octave of Michaelmas 1428, provided that Wymeldon is not involved.

Case notes: Further information drawn from CP 40/667, rot 333.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/663, rot. 350

Term: Michaelmas 1426
County: London
Writ type: Debt (sale of goods)
Damages claimed: 100s
Case type: Sale of goods

Pleading: William O. claims that Thomas S. and wife Margaret S. owe him 52s arising from the sale of various wines called malmsey and rumney, which MS bought from WO whilst a single woman. MS did not pay WO this 52s whilst a single woman, nor has WO been paid since MS's marriage to TS. Damages are claimed at 100s.

Pleading: TS and MS say that they do not owe WO the aforesaid 52s nor any other monies and offer to make their law in Hilary term 1427. Pledges of law are named. And it is ordered that [un-named] attorney of TS and MS, is to have TS and MS to this court to make their law in the term aforesaid.

Case notes: Related to CP 40/666, rot 399.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/663, rot. 351d

Term: Michaelmas 1426
County: London
Writ type: Trespass (against statute)
Damages claimed: £200
Case type: Breach of Statute; Real action / rents / damage to real estate

Pleading: Gilbert B. claims that Robert S. and John C. breached the statute of 1 Henry V against the making of false documents to disturb the lawful possession of property. GB says that on 05/11/1425, at London, RS and JC conspired to make diverse false muniments in order to disturb GB's lawful possession of one messuage, 60 acres of land, and 10 acres of meadow at Ringmer, Sussex. Namely, they made two false documents: one by which a certain Roger H. quitclaimed to William S. and wife Isabel S. all his right and claim in the aforesaid tenement, by the name of 'that tenement called Middleham in the parish of Ringmer, Sussex.'; and a second false document whereby John H. the son of RH quitclaimed all his claim in the aforesaid tenements to the defendant RS. GB says that his possession of the aforesaid lands was disturbed by these false documents and claims damages of £200.

Pleading: RS and JC defend and seek licence to imparl as far as Hilary term 1427, with the assent of GB.

Postea text: postea 1 - further licence to imparl as far as Easter term 1427, with the assent pf GB.

Case notes: related to CP40/675 rot.601

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/663, rot. 351d

Term: Michaelmas 1426
County: Hertfordshire
Writ type: Other
Damages claimed: £20
Case type: Real action / rents / damage to real estate

Pleading: David V. and Robert B. were summoned to answer Thomas H. on a plea that while TH agreed with DV and RB for the enfeoffment of a certain messuage and three shops in St Albans, at a certain time, that DV and RB then refused to make the enfeoffment, to TH's damage of £20. TH comes in person, DV and RB by attorney, John Turvey. Day given at between the parties at the octave of Hilary 1427.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/663, rot. 355d

Term: Michaelmas 1426
County: Wiltshire
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Damages claimed: £20
Case type: Bond

Pleading: William L. claims that Thomas B. owes him £11 per a bond made on 04/08/1425 and due in payments of 110s at Christmas 1425 (25/12/1425) and 110s in the feast of the annunciation of St Mary 1426 (25/03/1426). Damages are claimed at £20. Bond shown in court. And upon this WL says that the bond was made at Salisbury, Wiltshire.

Pleading: TB defends and seeks licence to imparl as far as Hilary term 1427, with ('ex') the assent of WL.

Postea text: postea 1 - Further licence to imparl as far as Easter term 1427, with ('ex') the assent of WL.