CP40/675: Michaelmas term 1429

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/675, rot. 105

Term: Michaelmas 1429
County: London
Writ type: Debt (sale of goods)
Damages claimed: 10m
Case type: Sale of goods

Pleading: John L. claims that William K. owes him 5m arising from the sale of one horse which WK bought but did not pay for. Damages are claimed at 10m.

Pleading: WK defends and seeks licence to imparl as far as Hilary term 1430.

Postea text: postea 1 - further licence to imparl as far as Easter term 1430.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/675, rot. 105

Term: Michaelmas 1429
County: London
Writ type: Debt (account)
Damages claimed: £10
Case type: Reckoning of account

Pleading: John L. claims that Thomas B. owes him 8m as determined by a reckoning of the account between them before auditors William B. and John C., concerning the time which TB acted as JL's receiver. Damages are claimed at £10.

Pleading: TB defends and seeks licence to imparl as far as Hilary term 1430.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/675, rot. 106

Term: Michaelmas 1429
County: London
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Damages claimed: 40m
Case type: Bond

Pleading: William H. and Richard H. claim that Thomas B., Richard B., and John C., administrators of the goods and chattels of John S., owe them £40 as the unpaid residue of two £20 5s bonds which were made between WH and RH on the one part, and the late JS on the other part. WH and RH claim that they made these two bonds with the late JS on 29/07/1423, one of which was to be paid in the Pentecost then next following (11/06/1424) and the other was to be paid on 01/08/1424. WH and RH say that they have been satisfied concerning 10s of the original £40 10s, leaving the £40 debt which they now seek. WH and RH say that they were not paid the remaining £40 by the late JS in his lifetime, nor have they been paid by defendants TB, RB, and JC since the same defendants were given administration of the goods and chattels of the late JS by master John M., commissary of the archbishop of Canterbury, at London in the parish of St Bothop Aldgate (ms. 'St Bothop in the East') in Tower Street Ward. Damages are claimed at 40m. Bonds shown in court. And upon this WH and RH say that the bond were made at London [parish and ward left blank].

Pleading: TB, RB, and JC defend and seek licence to imparl as far as Hilary term 1430.

Postea text: 4 posteas - all further licences to imparl, forwarding the case as far as Hilary term 1431.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/675, rot. 110d

Term: Michaelmas 1429
County: London
Writ type: Debt (other)
Case type: Debt

Pleading: Richard Knyght was summoned to respond to Richard Bures concerning a plea that RK ought to render to RB 60s which RK owes and unjustly detains etc. And in this manner the aforesaid RB as much as RK come in their own persons. And upon this day is given at the quindene of Michaelmas 1429 without essoin.

Case notes: DAY

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/675, rot. 121

Term: Michaelmas 1429
County: London
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Damages claimed: £20
Case type: Bond

Pleading: John K. and Matilda N. claim that Thomas S. and Agnes (S.) the widow of John S., administrators of the goods and chattels of John S., owe them £28 on a bond which was made between JK and MN on the one part, and the late JS on the other part. JK and MN say that they were not paid this money by the late JS nor have they been paid by TS and AS since they the same TS and AS were named as JS's administrators by the bishop of London by following the death of JS at London in the parish of St Martin Vintry, Vintry ward. Damages are claimed at £20. Bond shown in court.

Pleading: TS and AS, protesting that full administration of all the goods and chattels which were of the late JS at the time of his death was granted to themselves, together with a certain William G., say that though the same WG administered goods of the late JS at Slindon, Sussex, WG is not named in the plaintiffs' writ. Therefore, TS and AS seek judgement on the writ.

Pleading: JK and MN say that the aforesaid WG did not administer any of the goods or chattels which were of the late JS and seeks inquiry upon the country, and the defendants, TS and AS, seek likewise. Order to the sheriff of Sussex to make a jury on the morrow of All Souls 1429 (late in Michaelmas 1429). Pledges are named for the defendant.

Postea text: postea 1 - the sheriff of Sussex did not send the writ and so the case is forwarded as far as Hilary term 1429.

Postea text: postea 2 - continuance as far as Michaelmas term 1432.

Postea text: postea 3 - to this day come plaintiffs JK and MN, but defendants AS and TS do not come. Therefore, a jury is to be taken against AS and TS per default. And upon this a jury comes and says of oath that WG administered goods and chattels of the late JS, just as defendants TS and AS pleaded. Therefore the decision is that JK and MN are to have nothing by their writ and are in mercy for false claim. TS and AS are without day.

Case notes: photo: 0248

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/675, rot. 124d

Term: Michaelmas 1429
County: Surrey
Writ type: Detinue
Damages claimed: £100
Case type: Detention of goods; Safe keeping

Pleading: Robert M. claims that Nicholas J. unjustly detains a certain chest containing charters, writings, and other muniments. RM says that on 11/04/1417 at Southwark, Surrey, a certain Thomas B. delivered this this chest to NJ for safe keeping, but that NJ now refuses to return it RM. RM says that this chest contained, when given to NJ, a charter by which a certain John M. gave and granted to Nicholas M., Margaret C., and the aforesaid TB 13 messuages with appurtenances in Southwark, as well as containing other charters, writings, and muniments. Damages are claimed at £100.

Pleading: NJ defends and seeks licence to imparl as far as Hilary term 1430.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/675, rot. 125

Term: Michaelmas 1429
County: Buckinghamshire
Writ type: Trespass (force and arms)
Damages claimed: £20
Case type: Abduction

Pleading: Thomas S. claims that on 20/10/1428 at Denham, Buckinghamshire, William W. used force and arms to abduct his servant John W., so that he was without JW's service from the day of the trespass as far as the day of the making of his original writ on [date left blank]. Damages are claimed at £20.

Pleading: WW says that he is innocent and puts himself upon the country, and TS puts himself likewise. Order to the sheriff of Buckinghamshire to make a jury come in [term left blank].

Case notes: photo: 0255

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/675, rot. 132

Term: Michaelmas 1429
County: London
Writ type: Detinue
Damages claimed: £10
Case type: Detention of goods; Safe keeping

Pleading: John E. claims that on 30/04/1428 he delivered a gold ring worth £10 to Stephen H., by the hands of a certain John P. JE says that although he has often requested the return of this ring SH has refused to return it. Damages are claimed at £10. SH says that he does not detain the aforesaid ring and offers his law.

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

Case notes: Photo: 0270

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/675, rot. 188

Term: Michaelmas 1429
County: London
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Damages claimed: 100s
Case type: Bond; Imprisonment

Pleading: Isabel (B.) who was the wife of Thomas Broun Sen., Wiilliam Shypton, and Thomas Broun Jr., executors of the will of Thomas Broun Sen., claim that Roger atte Hille owes them £9 per a bond made between RA and the late Thomas Broun Sen. Damages are claimed at 100s. The bond is shown to the court, and well as letters testamentary. And upon this the plaintiffs say that the bond was made at London etc.

Pleading: RH says that the force of the bond ought not hold because at the time of its making he was imprisoned by the late Thomas Broun Sen. and others of his coven at Witherley, Leicestershire.

Pleading: Executors IB, WS, and Thomas Broun Jr. say that RA was a free man at the time of the bond's making and seek inquiry upon the country, and RA seeks likewise. Order to the sheriff of Leicestershire to make a jury come in Hillary term 1430.

Case notes: photo: 0389

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/675, rot. 188d

Term: Michaelmas 1429
County: Middlesex
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Damages claimed: 4m
Damages awarded: 26s 8d
Case type: Bond

Pleading: William S. claims that John N. owes him £40 per a bond. Bond shown in court. Damages are claimed at 4m. And upon this WS says that the bond was made in the parish of St Andrew Holborn outside the bar of old temple London, in the county of Middlesex.

Pleading: JN says that the force of the bond ought not hold because at the time of its making he was imprisoned by WS and others of his coven in the parish of St Andrew Holborn, Middlesex.

Pleading: WS says that JN was a free man at the time of the bond's making and seeks inquiry upon the country, and JN seeks likewise. Order to the sheriff of Middlesex to make a jury come in Hilary term 1430.

Postea text: postea 1 - continuance between the parties as far as Easter term 1430.

Postea text: postea 2 - plaintiff WS comes but defendant JN does not come. Therefore a jury is to be taken against JN per default. And a jury says on oath that JN was a free man at the time of the bond's making, and made it of his own free will etc. WS is to recover the aforesaid debt plus damages assessed by the jury at 20s. In addition, the justices award WS a further 6s 8d in damages. Therefore, WS is to recover the aforesaid debt plus a total of 26s 8d in damages. JN is in mercy.

Postea text: postea 3 - 24/11/1430 WS comes before the court and acknowledges that he has been satisfied concerning the aforesaid debt and damages. Therefore JN is quit.

Case notes: photo: 0382

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/675, rot. 240

Term: Michaelmas 1429
County: London
Writ type: Debt (loan)
Damages claimed: 100s
Case type: Loan

Pleading: William H. claims that William F. owes him £4 per a loan. Damages are claimed at 100s.

Pleading: WF. says that he does not owe WH the aforesaid £4 nor any other monies and offers his law, to be made in Hilary term 1430. Pledges of law are named. WF's attorney, John D., is ordered to have his master to this court in the aforesaid term to make his law.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/675, rot. 287d

Term: Michaelmas 1429
County: Hertfordshire
Writ type: Trespass (force and arms)
Damages claimed: 10m
Case type: Housebreaking; Taking of goods

Pleading: Robert W. is in mercy for many defaults. Thomas C. claims that RB, John B., William D., John R., John D., and Eustace M. used force and arms to break his close at Aldbury, Hertfordshire, where they felled and removed his trees and underwood lately growing there to the value of £20. The timber taken was, namely: 20 oak trees; 12 ash trees; 12 beech trees; and 20 cart-loads of underwood. Damages are claimed at 10m.

Pleading: RW, JB, WD, JR, JD, and EM say that they are completely innocent and put themselves upon the country, and TC puts himself likewise. Order to the sheriff of Hertfordshire to make a jury come in Hilary term 1430.

Postea text: 2 posteas - both say that the sheriff of Hertfordshire did not send the writ, forwarding the case as far as Trinity term 1430.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/675, rot. 302d

Term: Michaelmas 1429
County: Essex
Writ type: Debt (other)
Damages claimed: 10m
Case type: Arbitration; Debt

Pleading: Walter S. claims that Emma C. owes him 110s. WS says that whereas there were disputes between himself and EC concerning diverse suits and disputes as much concerning trespasses as other diverse contracts made between them, WS himself and EC submitted to the arbitration, ordination, and judgment of arbitrators William T. and John C. on the part of WS, and arbitrators John W. and John S. on the part of EC, on 03/03/1428 at West Thurrock, Essex. WS says that at West Thurrock on the aforesaid 03/03/1428 these arbiters ordained and adjudged that EC ought to pay WS 110s to make amends for all her trespasses against him. WS says that EC has never paid him these monies and thus the present suit. Damages are claimed at 10m.

Pleading: EC says that she does not owe WS the aforesaid 110s nor any other monies in the form narrated by WS. EC says that she is prepared to verify this against WS and his suit by way of her law, to be made presently, at whichever court is decided etc.

Pleading: WS says that EC has not denied the material put forth in his action, which he is prepared to verity, and against which material, in accordance with the law of the land, EC ought not be permitted to make her law.

Pleading: EC says that she ought not have to defend against WS on the grounds aforesaid, saying that she denied WS's claim and offered her law; which law WS totally refused to admit. Upon this the record is heard and understood by the full court, and the decision is that WS is to have nothing per his writ. WS is in mercy for false claim, and EC is without day.

Case notes: photo: 0613; related to CP40/675 rot. 249d.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/675, rot. 304

Term: Michaelmas 1429
County: London
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Damages claimed: £20
Case type: Bond; Imprisonment

Pleading: John A. claims that John B. owes him £26 on two bonds of £13 each, one of which was due at the feast of St Peter ad Vincula 1425 (01/08/1425), and the other of which was due at All Saints 1425 (01/11/1425). Damages are clamed at £20. Bonds shown in court. And upon this JA says that the bonds were made at London etc.

Pleading: JB says that the force of the bonds ought not hold because at the time of their making he was imprisoned by JA and his associates at Southam, Warwickshire.

Pleading: JA says that JB was a free man at the time of the bond's making and seeks inquiry upon the country, and JB seeks likewise. Order to the sheriff of Warwickshire to make a jury come in the octave of Martinmas 1429 (late in Michaelmas term 1429).

Case notes: photo: 0625

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/675, rot. 305

Term: Michaelmas 1429
County: Middlesex
Writ type: Detinue
Damages claimed: 100s
Case type: Detention of goods; Safe keeping

Pleading: Abbot of Westminster Richard H. claims that Michael S. unjustly detains his goods and chattels to the value of 10m, namely 'one miraculous cloth of St Edward, portrayed and coloured (protractum et steiniatum) and linen cloth. Abbot RH says hat he delivered these goods to MS for safe keeping at Westminster on 29/10/1428, but MS has refused to return them. Damages are claimed at 100s.

Pleading: MS says that he does not detain the aforesaid goods, nor anything else, and offers his law (to be made same term as pleading).

Postea text: MS makes his law and so is without day. Abbot RH is in mercy for false claim.

Case notes: photo: 0628

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/675, rot. 306d

Term: Michaelmas 1429
County: Kent
Writ type: Debt (loan)
Damages claimed: £10
Case type: Loan

Pleading: Stephen C. and his wife Joan C. claim that while JC was a single woman on 10/09/1427 at Maidstone, Kent, she loaned RF 40s which sum was to be repaid on 20/09/1427. But, RF never repaid these monies to JC while she was a single woman, nor has he repaid them to SC and JC since their marriage. Damages are claimed at £10.

Pleading: RF says that he does not owe SC and JC the aforesaid 40s nor any other monies and puts himself upon the country, and the plaintiffs, JC and SC, put themselves likewise. Order to the sheriff of Kent to make a jury come in Hilary term 1430.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/675, rot. 315d

Term: Michaelmas 1429
County: London
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Damages claimed: £40
Case type: Bond; Contract (general)

Pleading: Lord William of Clynton and Say claims that Peter R. owes him 40m per a bond. Damages are claimed at £40. Bond shown in court. And upon this WC says that the bond was made at London etc.

Pleading: PR, in the custody of the warden of the Fleet prison, comes to the bar in his own person and says that the force of the bond ought not hold. PR says that concerning and upon the making of the bond it was to have a condition that if PR himself, by certain sureties taken from the same WC (per certis vadiis ab eodem Willelmo praeceptis), ought to remain with WC in French parts as his soldier for one quarter of a year, then the said bond ought to be null and void. And, RP says that he fulfilled this condition. PR says that at the time of the bond's making he was not literate and that the bond was explained to him in English to contain this condition, and because the same bond (presented here) does not contain this condition it is not of his making. Concerning this PR puts himself upon the country, and WC puts himself likewise. Order to the sheriff of London to make a jury come in Hilary term 1430. The bond is given to clerk Robert D. for safe keeping. Pledges are named for the defendant.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/675, rot. 316

Term: Michaelmas 1429
County: London
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Damages claimed: 20
Case type: Bond; Imprisonment

Pleading: William Andrew and his wife Margery Andrew, also called Margery Carpenter of London lately servant of William Andrew, claim that John Barbour, also called John Stergrave, barbour and surgeon, owes them £20 on a bond made between John and Margery, whilst Margery she was a single woman. Damages are claimed at 20m. Bond shown in court. And upon this William and Margery say that the bond was made at London etc.

Pleading: JB says that the force of the bond ought not hold because at the time of its making he was imprisoned by Margery and William, prior to the time of their marriage, as well as others of their coven, at Southwark, Surrey.

Pleading: Margery and William say that JB was a free man at the time of the bond's making and seek inquiry upon the country, and JB seeks likewise. Order to the sheriff of Surrey to make a jury come in Hilary term 1430.

Postea text: 3 posteas - all say that the sheriff of Surrey did not send the writ, forwarding the case as far as Michaelmas tem 1430.

Case notes: photo: 0652; The location of the bond’s making is given as 'St Martin in Thames Street Ward'. This parish and ward combination is geographically incompatible, and has been interpreted as referring to the parish of St Martin Orgar in Candlewick Street Ward.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/675, rot. 319

Term: Michaelmas 1429
County: London
Writ type: Debt (sale of goods)
Damages claimed: 100s
Case type: Sale of goods

Pleading: Saier A. claims that Robert D. owes him £4 8s 4d arising from the sale of 2 butts and 26 gallons of sweet Rumney wine which RD bought but did not pay for. Damages are claimed at 100s.

Pleading: RD says that he does not owe SA the aforesaid £4 8s 4d nor any other monies and offers his law, to be made in Hilary term 1430. Pledges of law are named. It is ordered that RD's attorney, Thomas B., is to have his master to this court to make his law in the aforesaid term.

Case notes: photo: 659

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/675, rot. 319

Term: Michaelmas 1429
County: London
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Damages claimed: 20m
Case type: Bond

Pleading: Robert R. claims that Thomas B. owes him £14 15s 4d per a bond. Damages are claimed at 20m. Bond shown in court. And upon this RR says that the bond was made at London [parish and ward left blank].

Pleading: TB, citing the 1413 statute of additions whereby the original writ must state the location where the defendant is residing on the day of the writ's making, says that whereas RR's original writ claims that he is of Coberley, Gloucestershire, he was in fact residing at Gloucester on the day of the writ's making.

Pleading: RR says that his action ought to continue because on the day of his original writ's making, namely [date left blank, 'reign of the now king'] TB was residing in the vill of Coberley, just as his writ supposes. Concerning this, RR puts himself upon the country, and TB puts himself likewise. Order to the sheriff of Gloucestershire to make a jury come in Hilary term 1430.

Case notes: photo: 658

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/675, rot. 319d

Term: Michaelmas 1429
County: London
Writ type: Debt (sale of goods)
Damages claimed: 40m
Case type: Sale of goods

Pleading: Thomas S. claims that John W. owes him £31 arising from the sale of 21 bales of woad ('gaide') which JW bought but did not pay for. Damages are claimed at 40m.

Pleading: JW defends and seeks licence to imparl as far as Hilary term 1430. pledges are named for the defendant.

Postea text: postea 1 - further licence to imparl, forwarding the case as far as Easter term 1430.

Case notes: photo: 0650

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/675, rot. 323d

Term: Michaelmas 1429
County: London
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Damages claimed: £20
Case type: Bond

Pleading: Thomas B. claims that William T. owes him 100s per a bond. TB presents this bond to the court and says that it was made at London on Friday 18/06/1406 in 100s, which sum WT was to pay to TB in payments of 6s 8d on the Friday then next following (25/06/1406), 6s 8d on the Friday then next following that (02/07/1406), and 6s 8d on each following Friday until the full 100s should be paid. TB says that he was never paid this 100s and thus the present suit. Damages are claimed at £20.

Pleading: WT says that the force off the bond ought not hold because it is not of his making and puts himself upon the country, and TB puts himself likewise. Order to the sheriff of London to make a jury come in Hilary term 1430. And upon this WT puts in his place attorney Edward F. against TB in this case. The bond is given to clerk Robert D. for safe keeping.

Case notes: photo: 0661

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/675, rot. 334d

Term: Michaelmas 1429
County: Middlesex
Writ type: Debt (other)
Damages claimed: £20
Case type: Contract (general)

Pleading: John V., master of the ship called Le Thomas, of London, claims that on 07/11/1427 he was employed by Robert B. to sail his ship to RB, from King's Lynn, Norfolk, as far as Kirkley Road, Suffolk (conduxisset de ipso Johanne praedictam navem ipsius Johannis ad praefatum Robertum a Lynn in Norfolk usque Kirkley Road ['Kirkelerode'] in Suffolk per aquam ducendum) and in that same place, with 60 lasts (lastis) of red herrings loaded on board by the same RB, sail to Bayonne or Bordeaux, France, where he was to unload this cargo within ten weeks of arriving safely in port, and take on board 120 tuns or weight of the same (centum et viginti doliis seu pondere eorumdem recarcandum) and sail as far as London, England, where within twenty-one days of arriving he was to unload this cargo, being paid 23s 4d by RB for each tun or weight he sailed to London and unloaded. JV says that his ship was retained by RB in the manner aforesaid, that with it he safely sailed a weight of 120 tuns from Lynn as far as Bayonne, and in that place reloaded with a weight of 120 tuns which he sailed to London and unloaded, for which service he should have received the aforesaid 23s 4d a tun, or a total of £280. However, RB has only paid him £272, leaving an unpaid residue of the aforesaid £8. Damages are claimed at £20.

Pleading: RB says that he does not owe JV the aforesaid £8 nor any other monies and offers his law, to be made in Hilary term 1430. Pledges of law are named.

Case notes: photo: 0684

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/675, rot. 338

Term: Michaelmas 1429
County: Cornwall
Writ type: Trespass (force and arms)
Damages claimed: £1000
Case type: Assault

Pleading: John Trelowyth claims that on 26 August 1426, John Hatherle, ironmonger of London, forcibly broke his houses and closes at Trevenell, Trethewell, Venton Gassic, Tregear Vean, Trewollack, 'Mencrom', ‘Pollat', ‘Wyke' and ‘Boskennen' [these final four place names have not been modernized], Cornwall, threatening his tenants so greatly that they withdrew their services from the day of the trespass until the making of his original writ on [omitted]. The tenants threatened are named as Otto Trewyk of Trevenell, who held 40 acres of land in Trevenell for 40s in rents; John Martyn who held 30 acres of land in Trevenell for 26s 8d in rents; Richard Jagowe of Trevenell who held 20 acres of land in Trevenell for 15s in rents; John Fentengasek who held 40 acres of Land in Venton Gassic for 20s in rents; John Hikkedas of Venton Gassic who held 40 acres of land in Venton Gassic for 20s in rents; John Renandyn who held 40 acres of land in Trethewell for 40s in rents; John Thomas Hikedas of Trethewell who held 20 acres of land in Trethewell for 10s in rents; Thomas Vyan of Trethewell who held 20 acres of land in Trethewell for 12s in rents; Simon Renavdyn who held 40 acres of land in Tregear Vean for 30s in rents; John Tomyngowe who held 15 acres of land in Trewollack for 12s in rents; Robert Heed of Trewollack who held 15 acres of land in Trewollack for 13s 4d in rents; Richard Mencrom who held 40 acres of land in ‘Mencrom' for 15s in rents; John William of ‘Pollat' who held 40 acres of land in ‘Pollat' for 40s in rents; Laurence Wyke who held 30 acres of land in ‘Wyke' for 18s in rents; Edward Sker who held 40 acres of land in ‘Wyke' for 26s 8d in rents; Peter Wylme who held 30 acres of land in ‘Boskennen' for 26s 8d in rents; John Elys who held 44 acres of land in ‘Boskennen' for 20s in rents; all of whose rents were payable annually at the terms of Christmas, Easter, the nativity of St John the Baptist, and Michaelmas in equal portions. Damages are claimed at £1000.

Pleading: John Hatherle says that is not an ironmonger, but instead is a fishmonger, and seeks judgment on the writ.

Pleading: John Trelowyth says that John Hatherle is an ironmonger, as claimed in his original writ. Enquiry on country, sheriff of London to have jury here at octave of Hilary.

Case notes: photos: 0700, 0701

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/675, rot. 397d

Term: Michaelmas 1429
County: London
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Damages claimed: £10
Case type: Bond; Imprisonment

Pleading: John C. claims that John S. owes him 16m on two bonds of 8m each. JC says that both of these bonds were made on 26/02/1428, one being due in Easter 1428 (04/04/1428) and the other being due in the Pentecost 1428 (23/05/1428). Damages are claimed at £10. And upon this JC says that these bonds were made at London etc.

Pleading: JS says that the force of the bonds ought not hold because at the time of their making he was imprisoned by JC and others of his coven at London.

Pleading: JC says that JS was a free man at the time of the bonds' making and seeks inquiry upon the country, and JS seeks likewise. Order to the sheriff of London to make a jury come in Hilary term 1430. Pledges are named for the defendant.

Postea text: postea 1 - continuance between the parties as far as the quindene of St John the Baptist 1430 (late in trinity term 1430) unless the case is first heard before chief justice William B. at the assize of St Martin le Grand on 05/071430.

Postea text: postea 2 - to this day (the quindene of St John the Baptist 1430) comes plaintiff JC, and chief justice WB sends record of the case as heard before WB himself and associate justice William C at the assize of St Martin le Grand on 05/07/1430. To that assize came plaintiff JC and defendant JS, as well as a jury of the country. This jury said on oath that JS was a free man at the time of the bond's making, just as plaintiff JC has said. Therefore, it was decided that JC should recover the aforesaid debt 'plus 13s 4d damages, and beyond those same 13s 4d damages an additional 20s for his costs, which is in total exactly 43s 8d'. (Note. There is an apparent scribal error here somewhere!) JS is in mercy.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/675, rot. 429d

Term: Michaelmas 1429
County: Essex
Writ type: Debt (other)
Damages claimed: 10m
Case type: Arbitration

Pleading: Walter S. claims that John M. and his wife Emma M. who was the wife of John C. owe him 106s 8d. WS says that while EM was a single woman he and EM submitted to the arbitration, ordination, and judgment of arbitrators William T. and John C. on the part of WS, and arbitrators John W. and John S. on the part of EM, concerning all trespasses, debts and quarrels between them, on 03/03/1428 at East Tilbury, Essex. WS says that these arbiters ordained and adjudged that EM ought to pay WS 106s 8d to make amends for all their disputes etc. However, WS says that he was never paid this this 106s 8d while EM was a single woman, nor has he been paid this 106s 8d since the marriage of JM and EM, and thus the present suit. Damages are claimed at 10m.

Pleading: JM and EM say that they do not owe WS the aforesaid 106s 8d nor any other monies and offer their law, to be made in Hilary term 1480. Pledges of law are named.

Case notes: photo: 0876; related to CP40/675 rot.302d.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/675, rot. 439

Term: Michaelmas 1429
County: London
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Damages claimed: 20m
Damages awarded: 10s
Case type: Bond; Imprisonment

Pleading: John H. claims that John B. owes him £10 on a bond which was made on 1 May 1428 and due in instalments of 100s at Michaelmas 1428 and 100s at Christmas 1428. Damages are claimed at 20m. Bond shown in court. And upon this JH says that the bond was made at London etc.

Pleading: JB says that the force of the bond ought not hold because he was imprisoned at the time of its making at Willesborough, Kent, by JH and his associates.

Pleading: JH says that JB was a free man a the time of the bond's making and seeks inquiry upon the country, and JB seeks likewise. Order to the sheriff of Kent to make a jury come in Hilary term 1430. and upon this JB puts in his place (attorney) John M. versus JH in this case.

Postea text: postea 1 - continuance between the parties as far as Michaelmas term 1430.

Postea text: postea 2 - both parties come, as well as a jury, which says upon oath that JB was a free man at the time of the bond's making. Therefore, JH is to recover the aforesaid debt plus damages of 10s. JB is in mercy.

Case notes: photo: 0905

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/675, rot. 525

Term: Michaelmas 1429
County: London
Writ type: Debt (sale of goods)
Damages claimed: 40s
Case type: Sale of goods

Pleading: William B. claims that Richard H. owes him 40s arising from the sale of 10 barrels of beer which RH bought but did not pay for. Damages are claimed at 40s.

Pleading: RH says that he does not owe WB the aforesaid 40s nor any other monies and puts himself upon the country, and WB puts himself likewise. Order to the sheriff of London to make a jury come in Hilary term 1430.

Postea text: postea 1 - the sheriff of London does not send the writ and so the case s forwarded as far as Easter term 1430.

Case notes: photo: 1081

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/675, rot. 525d

Term: Michaelmas 1429
County: London
Writ type: Debt (loan)
Damages claimed: 40s
Case type: Loan

Pleading: Walter Broune claims that John Bonde owes him 40s per a loan, made at London on 21/06/1417 and due in Christmas 1417 (25/12/1417). Damages are claimed at 40s.

Pleading: John Bonde says that he does not owe Walter Broune the aforesaid 40s nor any other monies and offers his law, to be made in Hilary term 1430. Pledges of law are named. It is decided that John Bonde's attorney, William Bounde, is to have his master to this court to make his law in the term aforesaid.

Case notes: Photo: 1070

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/675, rot. 548

Term: Michaelmas 1429
County: London
Writ type: Debt (other)
Damages claimed: 5m
Case type: Contract (service/employment)

Pleading: John P. claims that John V. owes him 5m 6s 8d in unpaid wages. JP says that he was retained by JV on 02/05/1428 to serve JV as a labourer for one year and thirty-six weeks then next following, receiving a salary of 10d per week in wages. JP says that JV has not paid this salary and thus the present suit. Damages are claimed at 5m. (Note: the final week of JP's service should have ended on Monday 9 January 1430, a date which is AFTER the pleading of this case.)

Pleading: JV says that he does not owe JP the aforesaid 5m 6s 8d nor any other monies and puts himself upon the country, and JP puts himself likewise. Order to the sheriff of London to make a Jury come in Hilary term 1430.

Postea text: postea 1 - the sheriff of London does not send the writ and so the case is forwarded as far as Easter term 1430.

Case notes: photo: 1130

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/675, rot. 548d

Term: Michaelmas 1429
County: London
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Damages claimed: 20m
Case type: Bond

Pleading: Benedict, bishop of St David's, states that Robert Beynham owes him £20 on a bond. Damages claimed at 20m. The bishop states that the bond was made in London, in the parish of St Mildred the Virgin in the ward of Farringdon Without [sic].

Pleading: RB granted licence to imparl to the octave of Hilary.

Case notes: photo: 1120

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/675, rot. 548d

Term: Michaelmas 1429
County: London
Writ type: Trespass (force and arms)
Damages claimed: £10
Case type: Taking of goods

Pleading: John S. claims that on 05/09/1429, at London, John W. used force and arms to come upon, seize and carry off 55s 8d of his cash money. Damages are claimed at £10.

Pleading: JW says that he is completely innocent and puts himself upon the country, and JS puts himself likewise. Order to the sheriff of London to make a jury come in Hilary term 1430.

Case notes: photo: 1119

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/675, rot. 552d

Term: Michaelmas 1429
County: Middlesex
Writ type: Account
Damages claimed: 20m
Case type: Contract (service/employment); Reckoning of account

Pleading: Thomas H. claims that John D. has not rendered reasonable account concerning the time which the same JD acted as his receiver of monies at London, namely from 20 November 1425 to 2 February 1426. TH says that during this period JD received on TH's behalf at London in the parish of St Martin Orgar, Candlewick Street ward, 35s 7d by the hands of John F., 13s 5d by the hands of John V., 17s 2d by the hands of John L., and 2s 8d by the hands of Remigius W. Damages are claimed at 20m.

Pleading: JD says that he never acted as TH's receiver for this money from JF, JL, and RW for this time as claimed. Parties on country, jury here at octave of Hilary.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/675, rot. 555d

Term: Michaelmas 1429
County: Middlesex
Writ type: Disseisin
Case type: Real action / rents / damage to real estate

Pleading: John P. comes in his own person and offers himself on the fourth day against Ivo T. concerning a plea for 2 messuages and 52 acres of land with appurtenances in Kingsbury, Middlesex, which JP has claimed in this court as his right against the aforesaid IT and IT's wife Margaret by writ of cessavit. And the aforesaid IT does not come, and as much IT himself as the aforesaid MT also made default at the octave of Trinity 1429, so that at that time the sheriff of Middlesex was ordered to take the aforesaid 2 messuages and 52 acres into the hands of the king and summon IT and MT to be at this court on this present day, namely the morrow of All Souls 1429, in order to respond to JP. And upon this JP seeks seisin of the messuages and land by way of the default of IT etc.

Pleading: Upon this comes MT, in this court in her own person, and she says that those messuages and lands are her right, and that she has come prior to judgement and is prepared to defend her right and respond to JP. MT seeks that she ought to be admitted to defend her right despite her husband's default. And she is admitted.

Pleading: And upon this JP seeks from MT the aforesaid messuage and lands which IT and MT ought to hold of him for certain services, and which ought to have reverted to JP according to the form of the statute of the common council of the lord king (statute of 6 Edward I) which provides that IT and MT, in ceasing to make the aforesaid services for two years (have made thereby the property liable for reversion to JP). JP says that IT and MT held the aforesaid property, by right of MT, of JP's manor of Kingsbury, Middlesex, for homage, fealty, and rents of service at 9s 1½d payable annually to JP at Easter and Michaelmas in equal portions; as well as suit of court at JP's court of Kingsbury, held twice annually at Kingsbury, namely in the feast of Inventionis Scante Cruces (3 May) and in the feast of the apostles Simon and Jude (28 Oct.). JP says that William P., lately lord of the manor of Kingsbury, to whom JP is kinsman (consanguinens) and heir, was seised of the aforesaid homage, fealty, and suit as of fee and right, and (seised) of the aforesaid rents in his demesne and as of fee by the hands of a certain John C., then tenant of the aforesaid messuages and lands, as per the hands of WP's true tenant, during the reign of Henry IV. Of which same JC, the same IT and MT have estate in the said property, as right of MT. And the aforesaid WP later died without heirs of his body, and after his death the manor of Kingsbury and aforesaid services passed to a certain Ellen (‘Elene') as aunt and heir of the same WP, namely as sister to Thomas Page the father of WP. From this same Ellen, the said manor and services descended to Ellen's daughter and heir Margaret (P.). And, from this same Margaret, the said manor and services descended to her son and heir Thomas (Penne). And, from this same Thomas (Penne), the said manor and services descended to his son and heir JP, the plaintiff in this present suit. And the defendants, IT and MT, have for the two years immediately preceding the making of JP's writ on day [day left blank] of the year 7 Henry VI ceased from rendering the aforesaid rents and services etc. And thus the aforesaid suit.

Pleading: MT defends and that that the aforesaid JP ought not have his action . MT says that the aforesaid messuage and lands are, and on the day of the making of JP's writ were, open to the distraint of JP. And this MT is prepared to verify etc.

Pleading: JP says that his action against IT and MT ought not be excluded, because on the day of the making of his original writ the aforesaid messuages and lands were not open to his distraint, as MT claims. Concerning this JP seeks inquiry upon the country, and MT seeks likewise. Order to the sheriff of Middlesex to make a jury come in Hilary term 1430.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/675, rot. 557

Term: Michaelmas 1429
County: Middlesex
Writ type: Trespass (force and arms)
Damages claimed: £10
Case type: Assault

Pleading: Prior William H. claims that on 18/12/1427 at Islington, Middlesex, William R. and John D. assaulted his servant Walter B. with force arms, so that as a result prior WH was without WR's service from the day of the assault until Michaelmas 1428 (29/09/1428). Damages are claimed at £10.

Pleading: WR says that he is completely innocent of the trespass and puts himself upon the country, and prior WH puts himself likewise. JD says that he is innocent of the use of force and arms and puts himself upon the country, and prior WH puts himself likewise. JD also says, concerning the remainder of the supposed trespass, that on the day and in the place aforesaid it was in fact WB who assaulted him, and that he only defended himself, intending no other injury.

Pleading: Prior WH reiterates his claim that JD assaulted his servant WB with force and arms. Prior WH seeks inquiry upon the country, and JD seeks likewise. Order to the sheriff of Middlesex to make a jury come in Hilary term 1430.

Case notes: photo: 1149: relater to CP40/675 rot.557d.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/675, rot. 557d

Term: Michaelmas 1429
County: Middlesex
Writ type: Trespass (force and arms)
Damages claimed: £20
Case type: Assault

Pleading: Walter B. claims that on 18 December 1427, William R. and John D. forcibly assaulted him in Islington, Middlesex. Damages are claimed at £20.

Pleading: WR says that he is completely innocent of the trespass as claimed. Parties on country. JD denies force and arms; parties on country. Concerning the remainder of the supposed trespass, JD says that at the time and in the place aforesaid plaintiff WB assaulted him, and he simply defended himself. JD says that he is prepared to verify this etc.

Pleading: WB reiterates his claim that JD assaulted him, and seeks inquiry upon the country. JD seeks likewise. Order to the sheriff of Middlesex to make a jury come in Hilary term 1430.

Case notes: photo: 1137; related to CP40/675 rot.557.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/675, rot. 559d

Term: Michaelmas 1429
County: London
Writ type: Debt (account)
Damages claimed: £20
Case type: Reckoning of account

Pleading: Thomas S. claims that Ralph B. and his wife Eleanor B., herself the executor of the will of John C., together with co-executor John O., owe him £13 18s 2d as determined by a reckoning of the account between TS and the late JC. TS says that he and the late JB held an accounting at London, on 16/06/1415, before auditors Nicholas B. and John S. TS says that this accounting found the late JC to be in arrears to him by the aforesaid £13 18s 2d. TS says that the late JC did not pay him this money while still living, nor did the aforesaid executors pay him while EB was a single woman, nor has he been paid since EB's marriage to RB. Damages are claimed at £20.

Pleading: RB and EB say that they should not be held to this debt because they had already made full administration of the goods and chattels of the late JC by the day of making of TS's original writ.

Pleading: TS says that on the day of the making of his original writ, namely [day left blank] year 7 Henry VI, defendant EB and co-executor JO still had diverse un-administered goods and chattels which were of the late JC at the time of his death sufficient to cover the aforesaid debt, namely at London in the parish of St Antholin, Cordwainer Street Ward. Concerning this, TS seeks inquiry upon the country, and the defendants, RB and EB, seek likewise. Order to the sheriff of London to make a jury come in Hilary term 1430.

Postea text: postea 1 - the sheriff of London did not send the writ and so the case is forwarded as far as Easter term 1430.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/675, rot. 560

Term: Michaelmas 1429
County: London
Writ type: Trespass (force and arms)
Damages claimed: £20
Case type: Housebreaking; Real action / rents / damage to real estate; Taking of goods

Pleading: Alice Wright claims that on 24 March 1429, in the parish of St Giles without Cripplegate, Cripplegate ward, London, Richard Benton forcibly broke her close and houses, and took and carried away 100s in cash, against the peace and to her damage of £20.

Pleading: RB denies force and arms and acting against the peace, and taking 40s of the 100s claimed. Parties on country. Concerning the rest, RB states that AW ought not have her action, as it has anciently been the custom in the city of London that all lands and tenements in the city, both acquired by inheritance and by purchase, may be left at will by their holders. Before the time of the alleged trespass, a certain Gilbert Prynce was seised of a messuage and garden with appurtenances in London, in his demesne as of fee, of which the place of the alleged trespass was a parcel, and by his will he left this property to his wife, Elizabeth, for the term of her life, with reversion to his sons, Robert and John, and his daughter Joan, and the heirs of their bodies; and if any of the three children should die without heirs of their body, then their part should revert to their surviving siblings and the heirs of their bodies. GP later died, and the property passed to his wife Elizabeth, who was seised in her demesne as of free tenement, and at her death the same property passed to GP's three children, who entered and were seised as of fee tail. Robert P died without heirs of his body, and thus John and Joan solely seised of the same property. John P. then married a certain Agnes (now the wife of defendant RB), and had a son, also John, who is alive and under the age of 14. Joan P. had a daughter, named Elizabeth, and died, and John P also died. Since the mayor, aldermen and chamberlains of London are, according to the custom of the city of London, accustomed to have custody and tutelage of all orphans under 14 years of age, and custody of their lands, they thus took custody of John, son of John, and his moiety of this property, and granted custody of him and his lands to the defendant RB and Agnes until he should reach 14 years of age. By virtue of this RB and Agnes entered this moiety of the property, but Alice Wright, the plaintiff, claiming the moiety by virtue of a charter of enfeoffment granted to her and her heirs by the late Robert, John and Joan, when none of this property should have passed by virtue of that charter, entered this moiety, after which, at the time of the alleged trespass, RB simply re-entered upon AW's possession, and took away the said 60s, which was arrears of rent owed to him and Agnes, deposited by the tenants and taken by AW.

Pleading: Alice W, not acknowledging the aforesaid legacy, states that Robert, John and Joan Prynce, long before the said trespass, were seised of the aforesaid messuage and garden, and thus seised, by their charter which she presents in court, dated 2 September 1413, willingly granted this property to her former husband, Thomas Wryght, to hold to him and his heirs, by virtue of which Thomas W was seised. Alice now has this seisin, and had this at the time of the trespass. And at the time of the trespass John, son of John, and Elizabeth, daughter of Joan, were still alive, and since RB has acknowledged the breaking of the close and the taking of the money, she seeks judgment and damages.

Pleading: RB repeats that Gilbert P was seised, and left it by will to his wife Elizabeth, with remainder to his children Robert, John and Joan as claimed. Robert died without issue, while John left a son John, and Joan left a daughter Elizabeth. RB and his wife Agnes were then granted custody of John, son of John, by the mayor, aldermen and chamberlains, and thus entered the property and took the money, as was right. Robert, John and Joan did not grant the property to Thomas W and his heirs, as Alice W has claimed.

Pleading: Alice W repeats that Robert, John and Joan granted the property to Thomas W and his heirs as claimed. She seeks enquiry by country, and by William Cromere, then mayor of London, John Nicoll and John Sutton, then sheriffs, and John Squyrye, Henry Hull, John Serle and William Valentyne, witnesses to the charter. Order that sheriff have the witnesses here at the octave of Hilary, to inform the jury whether Robert, John and Joan did grant this property to Thomas W by this charter, and also have a jury here to recognise, etc.

Case notes: photos: fronts 1155-7; dorses 1143-4.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/675, rot. 601

Term: Michaelmas 1429
County: London
Writ type: Trespass (against statute)
Damages claimed: £200
Case type: Breach of Statute; Real action / rents / damage to real estate

Pleading: Alexander A., John U., Thomas W., John H., and John P. claim that Robert S. breached the statute of 1 Henry V against the making of false muniments to disturb the lawful possession of property etc. AA, JU, TW, JH, and JP claim that on 08/07/1426 at London RS made diverse false muniments concerning lands and tenements, namely one messuage and 60 acres of land and 13 acres of meadow belonging to AA, JU, TW, JH, and JP in Ringmer, Sussex. The documents which RS falsified were, namely: (1.) one by which a certain Roger H. quitclaimed to William S. and his wife Isabel S. all his right and claim in the aforesaid messuage, land and meadow in Middleham, in the parish of Ringmer, Sussex, which certain tenement the aforesaid RH, John K., John E., and Gilbert B. lately had from the aforesaid WS and IS as is patent as recorded by a fine raised before the common pleas at Westminster. As a result (Ita quod) neither RH, nor his heir, nor his assigns, nor anyone else has been able to establish (vendicare) any right or claim in the aforesaid tenement, but instead have been excluded in perpetuity by way of the same false writing; and (2.) a second false document whereby it is supposed that the same RH, quitclaimed to defendant RS all right and claim to the aforesaid tenement in Ringmer. Thereby, RS disturbed the possession and title of AA, JU, TW, JH, and JP concerning the aforesaid lands and tenement, to their grievous vexation etc. Damages are claimed at £200.

Pleading: RS defends, and says that the aforesaid documents and good and true, not false. RS says that at the time of the supposed false making of the aforesaid documents had been made, were publicly announced, and read (lecta fuisse), showing that AA, JU, TW, JH, and JP had no claim to the aforesaid lands and tenement.

Pleading: AA, JU, TW, JH, and JP say that on the day aforesaid (08/07/1426) the above said writings were falsified. They seek inquiry upon the country, and RS seeks likewise. Order to the sheriff of Sussex to make a jury come in the octave of the purification of St Mary 1430 (late in Hilary term 1430). And upon this RS puts (attorney) Richard J. or (attorney) William F. in his place versus AA, JU, TW, JH, and JP.

Postea text: 2 posteas - both say that the sheriff of Sussex did not send the writ, forwarding the case as far as Easter term in five weeks 1430.

Case notes: Relater to CP40/663 rot.351d

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/675, rot. 605d

Term: Michaelmas 1429
County: Essex
Writ type: Trespass (force and arms)
Damages claimed: £40
Case type: Arbitration; Assault; Housebreaking; Trespass (chattels)

Pleading: Thomas Benbyssh esquire claims that on 25/06/1425 John Secheford used force and arms to break his close at Steeple Bumpstead, Essex; to allow beasts to trample and consume his grain and grass lately growing in that same place to the value of £20; and assault Thomas Bendyssh gentleman, servant of Thomas Bendyssh esquire, so that Thomas Bendyssh esquire was without the service of Thomas Bendyssh gentleman for one quarter of one year then next following the same trespass. The grain trampled and consumed was, namely, barley, beans, peas, and oats. The beasts which trampled and consumed the grass and grain were, namely, horses, oxen, cows, sheep, and pigs. Damages are claimed at £40.

Pleading: Concerning the use of force and arms, JS says that he is innocent and puts himself upon the country, and Thomas Bendyssh esquire puts himself likewise. Concerning the remainder of the supposed trespass, JS says that after the time aforesaid, namely on 09/10/1428, he and Thomas Bendyssh esquire submitted to arbitration at London before arbiters Hugh Sharp on the part of JS, and Richard Danyell on the part of Thomas Bendyssh esquire, concerning all trespasses between them prior to that time. JS says that these arbiters ordained and adjudged that JS and Thomas Bendyssh esquire each ought to give the other half of one gallon of wine in resolution of their disputes etc. JS says that he then gave Thomas Bendyssh esquire half of one gallon of wine, and that Thomas Bendyssh gave him half of one gallon of wine, in keeping with the arbiters' decision. All this JS is prepared to verify etc.

Pleading: Thomas Bendyssh esquire says that no such arbitration was ever had between them and seeks inquiry upon the country, and JS seeks likewise. Order to the sheriff of London to make a jury come in Hilary term 1430.

Postea text: 2 posteas - both say that the sheriff of London did not send the writ, forwarding the case as far as Michaelmas term 1430.

Case notes: photo: 1234

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/675, rot. 614d

Term: Michaelmas 1429
County: Suffolk
Writ type: Trespass (force and arms)
Damages claimed: £20
Case type: Abduction

Pleading: Robert C. claims that on 10/05/1428 William C. used force and arms to seize and abduct Henry H., the servant of RC, at Boxted, Suffolk, so that RC was without HH's service from the day of the abduction until Michaelmas 1428 (29/09/1428). RC claims damages of £20.

Pleading: WC defends and seeks licence to imparl as far as Hilary term 1430.

Postea text: 5 posteas - all further licences to imparl, forwarding the case as far as Easter term 1431.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/675, rot. 617

Term: Michaelmas 1429
County: London
Writ type: Trespass (force and arms)
Damages claimed: £40
Case type: Housebreaking

Pleading: John E. claims that on Easter day 1408 (15/04/1408) Walter R. and William K. used force and arms to break his close and houses at London, and continued to do so on various occasions until Michaelmas 14010 (29/09/1410). Damages are claimed at £40.

Pleading: WR and WK say that they are innocent and put themselves upon the country. Order to the sheriff of London to make a jury come in Hilary term 1430.

Case notes: photo: 1271

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/675, rot. 617

Term: Michaelmas 1429
County: London
Writ type: Debt (account)
Damages claimed: 100s
Case type: Reckoning of account

Pleading: Robert S. claims that Henry S. owes him 110s as determined by a reckoning of the account between them before auditors Robert W. and John C. concerning diverse sums of money and receipts of RS previously had by HS. Damages are claimed at 100s.

Pleading: HS says that he does not owe RS the aforesaid 110s nor any other moneys and puts himself upon the country, and RS puts himself likewise. Order to the sheriff of London to make a jury come in Hilary term 1430. Pledges are named for the defendant.

Case notes: photo: 1272

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/675, rot. 617d

Term: Michaelmas 1429
County: London
Writ type: Debt (loan)
Damages claimed: 40s
Case type: Loan

Pleading: William H. claims that Thomas G. owes him 41s 8d on a loan. Damages are claimed at 40s.

Pleading: TG says that he does not owe WH the aforesaid 40s 8d nor any other monies and offers his law, to be made in Hilary term 1430. Pledges of law are named. And upon this TG's attorney, John B., is ordered to have his master to this court to make his law in the term aforesaid.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/675, rot. 631

Term: Michaelmas 1429
County: London
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Damages claimed: 10m
Case type: Arbitration; Bond

Pleading: Richard S. claims that Simon M. owes him 100s per a bond. Damages are claimed at 10m. Bond shown in court. And upon this RS says that the bond was made at London etc.

Pleading: SM comes and says that he is a lay person and not literate, and that the bond was explained to him in plain English to contain condition that if he should stand firm to the ordination and arbitration of William H., William C., Richard G., and Thomas S. concerning all actions and debts between himself and plaintiff RS ('William') then the bond should be null and void. And, because the aforesaid bond simply does not have this condition in it SM says that it is not of his making.

Pleading: RS ('William') says that his action ought not be precluded because the bond [as presented here] was read and explained in simple English, without this supposed condition. Therefore, RS ('William') says that the bond is of defendant SM's making and puts himself upon the country, and SM puts himself likewise. Order to the sheriff of London to make a jury come in Hilary term 1430. The bond is given to chief clerk Robert D. for safe keeping.

Case notes: photo: 1301; About half way through this case the scribe starts to refer to plaintiff 'Richard Spark' as 'William'

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/675, rot. 631

Term: Michaelmas 1429
County: London
Writ type: Debt (other)
Damages claimed: 40s
Case type: Arbitration

Pleading: Margaret Y. who was the wife of Richard Y. claims that William P. owes her 40s. MY says that because there were diverse suits, discords, and debts between herself and WP they agreed to undertake arbitration at London on 16/06/1427 before arbiters Richard H. and John W. MY says that these arbiters decreed that WP ought to pay her 40s to settle all suits, discords, and debts between them. MY says that although she has often requested this 40s from WP he had not paid it. MY claims damages of 40s.

Pleading: WP says that he does not owe MY the aforesaid 40s nor any other monies and puts himself upon the country, and MY puts herself likewise. Order to the sheriff of London to make a jury come in Hilary term 1430.

Case notes: photo: 1300

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/675, rot. 631d

Term: Michaelmas 1429
County: London
Writ type: Debt (sale of goods)
Damages claimed: 40s
Case type: Real action / rents / damage to real estate

Pleading: William H. claims that John B. owes him 40s. WH says that on 02/03/1405 at London he sold JB 6 acres of Land in Dunsley, Hertfordshire, for the aforesaid 40s, which money was to be paid to WH by 01/03/1406. WH says that he has never been paid, and claims damages of 40s.

Pleading: JB says that he does not owe WH the aforesaid 40s or any other monies and offers his law, to be made in Hilary term 1430. Pledges of law are named, as well as pledges of future appearance.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/675, rot. 631d

Term: Michaelmas 1429
County: London
Writ type: Account
Damages claimed: £200
Case type: Contract (service/employment)

Pleading: Thomas S. is in mercy for many defaults. Thomas R. claims that TS has not rendered reasonable account concerning the time which TS acted as his receiver of monies, namely 06/04/1417 to 13/06/1420, during which period TS received on TR's behalf, at London: £61 6d per the hands of Philip C.; £30 per the hands of Robert the servant of TS; £11 15s 10d per the hands of Thomas B. lately duke of Exeter; and £22 11s 4d by the hands of TR himself. Damages are claimed at £200.

Pleading: TS says that he was not TR's receiver for the time aforesaid and puts himself upon the country, and TR puts himself likewise. Order to the sheriff of London to make a jury come in Hilary term 1430.

Postea text: postea 1 - continuance between the parties as far as the quindene of the nativity of St John the Baptist 1430 (late in trinity term 1430) unless the case is first heard before chief justice William B. at the assize of St Martin le Grand on 05/07/1430.

Postea text: postea 2 - To this day (the quindene of St John the Baptist 1430) comes plaintiff TR, and chief justice WB sends record of the case as heard before WB himself and associate justice William C. at the assize of St Martin le Grand on 05/07/1430. To that assize came plaintiff TR, defendant TS, and a jury which said on oath that TS was TR's receiver of monies for the time aforesaid. Therefore, it is decided that TS ought to render account concerning the aforesaid monies, and TS is in mercy for not rendering account. TS is to be arrested.

Postea text: postea 3 - to the octave of St John the Baptist 1431 comes TR, as well as TS, in their own persons. And, the sheriff is ordered that he ought to make TS exigent...[damage]... ought to be to this day for rendering account to WR. And upon this William W. and Richard W., two of the clerks of the court of Common Pleas, are assigned as auditors of the account of TS. TS is committed to the Fleet prison until the accounting, and day is given to the parties before the auditors at the Fleet prison on the Thursday next following (05/07/1431).

Postea text: postea 4 - 09/07/1431, the aforesaid auditors, RW and WW, plaintiff TR and defendant TS come before the court and deliver the account of TS made in this case, which one with process thence beyond this court ...[damage]... The schedule of this account is included in this roll (following membranes).

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/675, rot. 633d

Term: Michaelmas 1429
County: Kent
Writ type: Debt (other)
Damages claimed: 10m
Case type: Real action / rents / damage to real estate

Pleading: William Bregges claims that William Bedford and John White, executors of the will of John White testator, owe them 8m. William Bregges says that 'in Michaelmas of the year 14 Henry IV' he demised at farm to the late John White testator one parcel of land in Ore next to Faversham, Kent, called 'Shelp' and Saltwose' containing 80 parts (continentem quattorviginti particas) from the same Michaelmas for one full year then next following, and at the will of William Bregges thereafter, at an annual rent of 6s 8d. William Bregges says that by force of this demise the late John White testator held and occupied this land for the sixteen years then next following, but did not pay the aforesaid annual rent for these same sixteen years, thus accruing the aforesaid 8m debt as arrears of rent. Damages are claimed at 10m.

Pleading: Executors William Bedford and John White say that they do not owe William Bregges the aforesaid 8m nor any other monies and put themselves upon the country, and William Bregges puts himself likewise. Order to the sheriff of Kent to make a jury come in Hilary term 1430.

Postea text: 2 posteas - both say that the sheriff of Kent did not send the writ, forwarding the case as far as Trinity term 1430.

Case notes: photo:1299

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/675, rot. 637d

Term: Michaelmas 1429
County: London
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Damages claimed: 40m
Case type: Bond

Pleading: Count Edmund B. and John C. claim that Matthew P. owes them £20 on a bond. Damages are claimed at 40m. Bond shown in court. And upon this EB and JC say that the bond was made at London etc.

Pleading: MP defends and seeks licence to imparl as far as Hilary term 1430.

Postea text: 2 posteas - both further licences to imparl, forwarding the case as far as Trinity term 1430.

Case notes: photo: 1310

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/675, rot. 637d

Term: Michaelmas 1429
County: London
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Damages claimed: 40m
Case type: Bond

Pleading: Count Edmund B. and John C. claim that William S. owes them £20 on a bond. Damages are claimed at 40m. Bond shown in court. And upon this EB and JC say that the bond was made at London etc.

Pleading: WS defends and seeks licence to imparl as far as Hilary term 1430

Postea text: 2 posteas - both further licences to imparl, forwarding the case as far as Michaelmas term 1430.

Case notes: photo: 1309; note that this suit has been brought before the stated due date of the bond

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/675, rot. 643

Term: Michaelmas 1429
County: Middlesex
Writ type: Trespass (force and arms)
Damages claimed: 20m
Case type: Housebreaking; Taking of goods

Pleading: Thomas N. claims that on 30/09/1429 Thomas C. used force and arms to break his close at Halliwick, Middlesex, and abduct his eight young oxen (boviculos) to the value of 20m. TN claims damages of 20m.

Pleading: Concerning the use of force and arms, TC says that he is innocent and puts himself upon the country, and TN puts himself likewise. Concerning the remainder of the supposed trespass, TC says that long before the aforesaid 30/09/1429 TN was seised of the aforesaid close with appurtenances in his demesne and as of fee. And so seised, long before the day of the supposed trespass, TN demised the same close with appurtenances to a certain William V. to have it from the assumption of St Mary 1429 (15/08/1429) until Michaelmas 1429 (29/09/1429) and for half of the same day of Michaelmas 1429. In exchange TV was to pay TN 20s. By the force of this demise WV was put in possession, and so possessed long before Michaelmas 1429, granted all estate he had in the same close to defendant TC. By the force of this latter grant TC was possessed of the same close in advance of Michaelmas 1429, entered the same close, and placed his beasts out to pasture there. And, [TC] later, prior to noon of Michaelmas day 1429, drove those same beasts out of that close because the beasts of TN were placed in the aforesaid close and the beasts of TC were unjustly pursued from that place (animalia ipsius Thome Cogger ipso injusto abinde fuerunt secuta). TC says that he did not break the close of TN and abduct his beasts on the morrow of Michaelmas 1429.

Pleading: TN reiterates his claim that TC broke his close and abducted his beasts. Concerning this TN seeks inquiry upon the country, and TC seeks likewise. Order to the sheriff of Middlesex to make a jury come in Hilary term 1430.

Case notes: photo: 1334

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/675, rot. 649

Term: Michaelmas 1429
County: Middlesex
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Damages claimed: 40s
Damages awarded: 20s
Case type: Bond

Pleading: Richard J. claims that John K. owes him 60s per a bond. Damages are claimed at 40s. Bond shown in court. And upon this RJ says that the bond was made at London etc.

Pleading: JK defends and seeks licence to imparl as far as Hilary term 1430. Pledges are named for the defendant.

Postea text: 3 posteas - all further licences to imparl, forwarding the case as far as Michaelmas term 1430.

Postea text: postea 4 - to this day comes plaintiff RJ, but defendant JK does not come. Therefore, JK is in default and the court decides that RJ is to recover the aforesaid debt plus 20s damages. JK is in mercy.

Case notes: photo: 1346

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/675, rot. 649

Term: Michaelmas 1429
County: London
Writ type: Debt (loan); Debt (other)
Damages claimed: £4
Case type: Contract (general); Loan

Pleading: Elizabeth F., executor of the will of William H., claims that Richard W. owes her £4 18s 8d. EF claims that at London on 08/04/1425 an agreement was hade between RW and the late WH whereby WH was to make for RW, of new, a girdle bound with pure gold (unam zonam auro puro harneyziatem) in exchange for 44s. WH made this, of new, for RW, but was never paid. Additionally, same day and place, the late WH loaned RW 54s 8d, which RW has likewise never repaid. Together these two debts add up to the £4 18s 8d sought by EF. Damages are claimed at £4. And upon this EF presents letters testamentary to the court, showing that she is executor of the late WH.

Pleading: RW says that he does not owe EF the aforesaid £4 18s 8d not any other monies and offers his law, to be made in Hilary term 1430. Pledges of law are named. It is decided that RW's attorney, Robert Q., is to have his master to this court to make his law in the term aforesaid.

Case notes: photo: 1347

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/675, rot. 649d

Term: Michaelmas 1429
County: London
Writ type: Debt (loan)
Damages claimed: 40s
Case type: Loan

Pleading: Elizabeth F., executor of the will of William H., claims that Henry I. owes her 40s which the late WH loaned to HI, and which HI has not repaid. Damages are claimed at 40s. EF presents letters testamentary to the court, showing that she is the executor of the late WH.

Pleading: HI says that he does not owe EF the aforesaid 40s nor any other monies and puts himself upon the country, and EF puts herself likewise. Order to the sheriff of London to make a jury come in Hilary term 1430.

Case notes: photo: 1333

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/675, rot. 651

Term: Michaelmas 1429
County: London
Writ type: Debt (account)
Damages claimed: £100
Case type: Reckoning of account

Pleading: Margaret, prioress of St Helen's Bishopsgate, amerced for many defaults. John Elsi states that in London on 30 September 1426 he and prioress MS held a reckoning of account before auditors John Forster and John Lekford concerning the time which he was the provider of beer and wheat, and of carriage for lime and dung, both for the late Margaret B., former prioress of St Helen's Bishopsgate, and the current prioress MS, purchased both with the money of the prioresses as with his own. At this reckoning, he was found to be owed £111 9s, of which he had been paid £77 6s 8d, leaving a deficit of £34 2s 4d. JE has often requested this money but has not been paid, to his damage of £100.

Pleading: Prioress MS granted licence to imparl to octave of Hilary 1430, with the assent of JE.

Postea text: 3 further licences to imparl, to octave of Michaelmas 1431.

Case notes: photo: 1350

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/675, rot. 651d

Term: Michaelmas 1429
County: Devon
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Damages claimed: £40
Case type: Bond

Pleading: Robert Cary claims that Richard B., executor of the will of the late bishop of Norwich Richard Courtenay, owes him £40 as the unpaid residue of a 100m bond made between Robert Cary and the late bishop Richard Courtenay. Robert Cary acknowledges that the late bishop Richard Courtenay, in his lifetime, satisfied him concerning 40m of the aforesaid 100m, leaving the aforesaid unpaid residue of £40. Damages are claimed at £40.

Pleading: RB defends and seeks licence to imparl as far as Hilary term 1430, with the assent of Robert Cary. Pledges are named for the defendant.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/675, rot. 653

Term: Michaelmas 1429
County: London
Writ type: Trespass (force and arms)
Damages claimed: 100s
Case type: Detention of goods; Taking of goods

Pleading: John W. claims that on 10/05/1429 at London Thomas B. used force and arms to seize (arestavit) two horses belonging to JW, and then held the same horses for three days then next following, until JW made a fine of 60s 2d to have livery of the same horses which TB had detained. Damages are claimed at 100s.

Pleading: TB defends and seeks licence to imparl as far as Hilary term 1430.

Case notes: photo: 1355

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/675, rot. 657d

Term: Michaelmas 1429
County: London
Writ type: Debt (other)
Damages claimed: £20
Case type: Contract (general)

Pleading: Willaim D. claims that Simon M., on 20/02/1427, hired/borrowed (conduxisset) his horse worth 100s to ride form London to Kingston (Surrey) and from Kingston back to London, at which place and on which day the aforesaid SM rode the aforesaid horse so that it died (Simon equum illum praedictus die et anno…equitavit quod egus ille interivit). SM claims damages of £20.

Pleading: SM defends and seeks licence to imparl as far as Hilary term 1430.

Case notes: photos: 1351

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/675, rot. 659

Term: Michaelmas 1429
County: London
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Damages claimed: 100m
Case type: Bond

Pleading: Richard H. and Alexander C., administrators of the goods and chattels of John E. who died intestate, claim that Thomas C. and Katherine H. who was the wife of John H., executors of the will of JH, owe them £74 on a bond which was made between the late JE on the one part and the late JH on the other part. Administrators RH and AC claim that this bond was made on the seventh day of June in the reign of King Richard II (year not given) and due in the feast of Martinmas then next following. Administrators RH and AC present this bond to the court, as well as letters of administration, showing that they are administrators of the late JE, granted by commissary-general ('examinatorem generalem') John Lyndefeld of the prerogative court of Canterbury and (thus by) archbishop of Canterbury Henry Chichele. And upon this administrators RH and AC say that the bond was made at (location left blank).

Pleading: Executors KH and TC defend and seek licence to imparl as far as Hilary term 1430.

Postea text: 3 posteas - all are further licences to imparl, forwarding the case as far as Michaelmas term 1430.

Case notes: photo: 1368

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/675, rot. 659

Term: Michaelmas 1429
County: London
Writ type: Detinue
Damages claimed: 100m
Case type: Detention of goods

Pleading: William R. claims that Richard C. unjustly detains one bag (elsewhere in pleading called a small box, 'pixide') containing charters, writings, and other muniments relating to the right and inheritance of WR. WR says that on 11/09/1429 this bag descended to him [as inheritance] and although he has often requested it from RC, RC will not deliver it to him.

Pleading: RC says that he is not able to deny the action against him, nor that he has the same bag containing diverse writings etc. which relate to WR's inheritance etc. RC says that he has always been prepared to deliver this bag with charters etc. to WR and offers it to WR in this court.

Postea text: Therefore, the decision is that WR is to have livery of the same bag and its contents in this court. RC is not in mercy because he came when first called etc. And upon this RC delivers the bag and its contents to WR and so is quit of it.

Case notes: photo: 1369

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/675, rot. 659d

Term: Michaelmas 1429
County: Middlesex
Writ type: Trespass (force and arms)
Damages claimed: £20
Case type: Assault

Pleading: John B. claims that Michael S. assaulted him with force and arms at Westminster, Middlesex, on 03/03/1429. Damages are claimed at £20.

Pleading: MS defends and seeks licence to imparl as far as Hilary term 1430.