54 Henry III - 57 Henry III (nos 207–237)
Pleas of the crown 54 Henry III [1269–70]
207. In the same year, Hugh son of Otto being chamberlain and the same
being sheriffs; Laurence son of Humphrey Duket killed Master William le
Fremund in the ward of John Adrian [? Walbrook ward]. (fn. 2) He comes and
proffers a charter of King Henry in these words: 'Henry by the grace of
God; at the instance of John de Valence, our grandson, we have pardoned
Laurence Duket of London his suit for breach of the peace arising from the
death of Master William le Fremund, of which he is accused, and we grant
him firm peace on condition that he stand to right in our court if anyone
wishes to implead him; letters patent at Westminster, 4 June 56 Henry III
[1272]'. And there is no one who wishes to prosecute him, so he is granted
firm peace. All the neighbours have died.
Nota 71. Pax per cartam regis [cf. 524 no. 71].
208. Alan le Somoter, John and Robert, men of Giles de Arraz, with others
of his household came out of Giles' house and waylaid William de Edelmeton in the parish of [St.] Mildred assaulting and wounding him so that
he died forthwith. (fn. 3) Alan and the others at once returned to Giles' house and
stayed there until they and about seven other members of the household
were [arrested] for the death and taken to Newgate. It is not known how
they escaped from prison, so to judgment on [the sheriffs] for the escape.
Alan, John and Robert do not come and are suspected, so let them be
exacted and outlawed according to the custom of the City. No chattels nor
frankpledge, but they were in the mainpast of Giles. So he is in *mercy. The
mayor and aldermen are told to enquire the names of the others who were
arrested. All the neighbours come and are not suspected. Afterwards the
king notified the justices by writ that King Henry at the instance of his son
Edmund pardoned Alan, John and Robert their suit for breach of the peace
arising from this death; he understands by inspection of the rolls of
chancery that Alan, John and Robert were delivered from Neugate prison
where they were detained on account of this death; consequently the
sheriffs are not to be prosecuted for the delivery. Therefore nothing for the
escape of Alan, John and Robert. Afterwards on Monday on the quindene
of Trinity [8 June 1276] the king ordered the justices by writ, as appears
among the 'brevia de precepto' of this eyre, to hold an enquiry by good and
lawful men of the City by whom the truth may better be known and who
are in no way suspected by the sheriffs and aldermen of the City; according
to their findings they are to proceed further in this matter as by law and by
the custom of the City they see should be done. The mayor and aldermen
and the good men of the City say [blank]. (fn. 4)
209. Bartholomew de Durham, nephew of Jollan de Durham, appealed
Cecily, widow of Jollan, that in 48 Henry III [1263–4] she gave a poisoned
drink to her husband so that he died. Because he does not come or prosecute his appeal let him be arrested and his pledges to prosecute are in
mercy, viz. John Duraunt; the other pledge has died. Cecily comes and,
asked how she wishes to clear herself of the death, freely says that she denies
the death and everything and puts herself upon the verdict of the aldermen
and neighbourhood that she is not guilty thereof. The mayor and citizens
are asked whether the verdict of the aldermen and neighbourhood is sufficient for her release or condemnation and say it is not because she is of the
liberty of the City and that she must purge herself by the great law according
to the custom of the City. Therefore it is adjudged that she should wage law
in the hand of the justices and purge herself thirty-six-handed, with eighteen
men from one side of the Walebrok and eighteen from the other; they are
to be chosen before the mayor and aldermen, the chamberlain and sheriffs
being absent, in the folkmoot in the churchyard of St. Paul's London with
the parties present; the election is to be on the first Sunday in Lent [22 Feb.
1276] and she is to come with her law on the following Wednesday. Because
she did not find pledges of law she is to be committed to the sheriffs. Afterwards on the appointed day the thirty-six men were elected at the folkmoot
in the prescribed form; on the east of the Walebrok, viz. Peter de Micheam,
William de Keleweden, Henry de. . ., Maurice de Waltham, John le
Fethermonger, Hugh le Wolf, Peter le Hoder, Henry le Buriler, John
Wy . . ., Osbert le Puleter, Roger le Braeler, John le Batour, John Skip,
Ralph le Cotiler, Henry de Faversham, Thomas de Capeneshors, Thomas
de Suffolk 'peleter'; (fn. 7) on the west, viz. Godfrey le Coffrer, Henry le Coffrer,
Roger de Euere, Richard le Poter, Roger le Lorimer, Geoffrey Monquey,
John Wake, Robert Ha . . ., Ellis of Honilane, Thomas Heyron, Roger de
Cleve, Robert Curteys, Roger Fucedame, Nicholas [? Le . . . ], Faukes le
Taverner, Hugh de Wyndesoures, Alan le Huyrer, Thomas de Hereford.
Afterwards on the appointed day Cecily comes with her law and wages it
before the justices swearing in these words: viz. that she never gave any
poisonous drink to her husband Alan (fn. 8) or did anything by which he was
nearer to death and further from life, so help her God and these holy things
(hec sauncta); afterwards six men swore that according to their conscience
her oath was a true one; after the six had sworn, Cecily repeated her former
oath and after her another six swore and thus Cecily swore six times and
waged her law. Therefore it is adjudged that Cecily be quit of the death in
perpetuity. The mayor and aldermen testify that Cecily was previously
arrested at the suit of Bartholomew and that because she was of the liberty
of the City she was handed over to twelve pledges according to the custom
of the City, viz. Roger Norman 'orlatour', (fn. 9) Geoffrey de Rothyng, Henry le
Burger, William Wynterington tailor, Peter de Micheham 'peterer', Robert
de Essex 'borleor', Adam de Eye dyer, Mahekin de Folesham 'pessoner',
Auncelin le Tronur, Robert de Lynton, Philip Frowyk, Fulk de St. Edmunds
'burler', who mainperned to have her here on the first day [and did not] have
her. So they are all in *mercy. [cf. 657]
Nota 72. Quod manucapti pro morte hominis usque ad iter justiciariorum non possunt se
acquietare per veredictum maioris et aldermannorum et visneti, sed per magnam legem.
Et quia non invenit plegios, ideo amerciatur vicecomes. Qualiter magna lex debet fieri.
Quod omnes manucapti usque ad iter justiciariorum veniant primo die. [cf. 524 no. 72]. 14th cent, at foot of membrane: Die Jovis apud Turrim.
210. [m. 11] Michael son of Warin was scalded to death in a brass pot in the
house of William le Chaloner. Value of the pot 20d. (deodandum) for which
the sheriffs are to answer. All the neighbours have died. William le Chaloner
was attached for the death, but does not come and is not suspected. He was
attached by Ranulf le Chaloner and Gilbert le Chaloner. So they are in
mercy. Because it is testified that there were others in the house when the
accident happened and the sheriffs did not attach them, to judgment on
them. No one is suspected. Judgment: misadventure, [cf. 658]
211. An unknown man was found drowned in the ward of Henry de
Frowyk [Cripplegate ward]. Thereupon the mayor and aldermen testify that
he lay for about five weeks before he was seen by the chamberlain and
sheriffs, so to judgment on the alderman and his ward. All the neighbours
have died. No one else is suspected. Judgment: misadventure.
212. Isabel daughter of Richard la [sic] Paternostrer was scalded to death
in a leaden vessel full of hot water in her father's house. Value of the vessel
2s. (deodandum) for which the sheriffs are to answer. Edmund the Goldsmith and John le Heyward, neighbours, do not come and are not suspected.
Edmund was attached by Richard Pecche and Hugh le Plumer, John by
Richard le Paternostrer and Robert Stroby. So they are in *mercy. Emma
de Len was attached for the death because she was in the house, but she does
not come. She was attached by Alan Godard and Hugh de Rokyngham. So
they are in *mercy. Because the wards of Anketin le Mercer, William de
Durham and Bartholomew de Castello [Farringdon, Bread Street and ?
Cripplegate wards] falsely valued the deodand before the chamberlain and
sheriffs, *to judgment on them. No one else is suspected. Judgment: misadventure, [cf. 656, 660]
213. Alexander Esprigonel hanged himself in the house of Katherine de
Westminster. Chattels *17s. 4d. for which the sheriffs are to answer.
Katherine was attached for the death, comes and is not suspected, so she is
quit. All the neighbours come and are not suspected, except Gilbert de
Northbrok. He was attached by Richard de Northbrok and Laurence le
Mercer. So they are in *mercy. No one else is suspected. Judgment: suicide.
[cf. 661]
214. Thomas servant of Master Geoffrey, cook of sir Robert Walrant, with
others from Robert's household went to Queenhithe (Ripam Regine) and
there encountered Robert son of Hamo de Pystewell; urged on by Henry le
Petit and his wife Margery they at once attacked and wounded Robert and
Thomas struck him to the heart with a sword so that he died forthwith.
Thomas immediately fled and is suspected, so let him be exacted and outlawed according to the custom of the City. Nothing is known of chattels or
frankpledge because he was not of the household of Robert Walrant, who
has died. Henry fled at the time and has now returned to the City and been
arrested and imprisoned at Neugate. Because Margery is still living in the
City, the sheriffs are ordered to arrest her. Richard le Armurer and Peter
le Furbur, two neighbours, do not come and are not suspected. Richard was
attached by John May and Solomon le Cotiler, Peter by Thomas Payn
cobbler and John de Borham 'correur'. So they are all in *mercy. Afterwards Henry and Margery come and deny the death and everything and
put themselves upon the verdict of the aldermen and neighbourhood that
they are not guilty thereof. The mayor and citizens are asked whether the
verdict of the aldermen and neighbourhood is sufficient, and they say it is
not, but as they are strangers the verdict of forty-two men from the three
aldermanries nearest to the place where the incident occurred will suffice;
so that from each ward fourteen men are to be chosen on whose oath the
truth is to be ascertained; and upon their verdict they freely put themselves
for good or ill. They are to be elected immediately and swear before the
justices to tell the truth; they say on their oath that they are not guilty of
the death, so they are quit. Because it is testified that Henry previously
absconded for the death, his chattels are to be confiscated for the flight.
Chattels *4s. for which the sheriffs are to answer, [cf. 541, 655, 662]
Nota 73. Quod non oportet quod extraneus sit in franco plegio. Nichil de catallis pro fuga.
Nota 74. Qualiter extraneus se debet purgare per sacramentum xlii hominum de tribus
wardis. 14th cent.: Scribatur [cf. 524 nos. 73–4].
215. Guillot le Paternoster and his wife Lucy quarrelled with Robert le
Heaumer in the house of Simon le Heaumer and Guillot struck Robert with
a staff so that he died on the third day after. Guillot and Lucy at once fled
and are suspected, so let Guillot be exacted and outlawed and Lucy be
exacted and waived according to the custom of the City. Chattels *2s. for
which the sheriffs are to answer. Because the sheriffs and chamberlain held
no enquiry concerning chattels, *to judgment on them. Guillot and Lucy
were harboured in the ward of Anketin le Mercer [Farringdon ward] outside
frankpledge, so the ward is in mercy (pro franco plegio). It is testified in the
rolls of the chamberlain and sheriffs that Thomas de Caxton was present
at the fight, but he does not come and is not suspected; the sheriffs did not
attach him, so to judgment on them. All the neighbours come and are not
suspected. Afterwards the sheriffs testify that Thomas le Peleter was
attached for the death and he comes and is not suspected, so he is quit [cf.
542]
216. Robert le Waleys, who had the falling sickness, fell upon a chair and
died. Value of the chair 3d. which are given for God. Stephen le Salter and
Geoffrey le Salter, two neighbours, do not come and are not suspected.
Stephen was attached by Walter de Gloucestre tawyer and Lovekin the
Cook, Geoffrey by Reginald de Fridaistrete and John de Boketon. So they
are in mercy. William le Waleys, in whose house the accident occurred, was
attached for the death; he comes and is not suspected, so he is quit. No one
is suspected. Judgment: misadventure. Afterwards Stephen le Salter comes,
so nothing from him or his pledges.
217. Isabel daughter of William Scrul, wanting to draw water from the
Thames, fell into the water and was drowned. No one else is suspected.
Judgment: misadventure. Roger de Chesewyke and Adam le Botare, two
neighbours, do not come and are not suspected. Roger was attached by
William le Plastrer and Simon le Plastrer, Adam by William de Wautham
and John le Deveneys, so they are in mercy. [cf. 543]
218. John Russel killed Lucy widow of Adam the Woodmonger (de
Wysdarii) in Estchepe. John comes and proffers a royal charter (fn. 13) testifying
that King Henry pardoned him his suit for breach of the peace arising from
this death of which he is accused and also outlawry, if it should have been
promulgated against him for this death, and granted him firm peace; on
condition that he stand to right in the king's court if anyone wishes to
implead him. Publicly and solemnly it is proclaimed. And there is no one,
so he is granted firm peace, but because he previously absconded for the
death for about a year, his chattels are to be confiscated. Chattels *20s. for
which the sheriffs are to answer. All the neighbours come [except] Robert de
Lavenham and he is not suspected. He was attached by Matthew le
Chaundeler and John le Barbour. So they are in *mercy. [cf. 544]
219. [m. 11d] Symonet Spinelli, Agnes his mistress (amica ipsius) and
Geoffrey Bereman were together in Geoffrey's house when a quarrel broke
out among them; Symonet left the house and returned later the same day
with Richard Russel his servant to the house of Godfrey le Gorger, where
he found Geoffrey; a quarrel arose and Richard and Symonet killed
Geoffrey. They immediately went to the house near Grescherche where they
lived with Hugh Mace and Reyner Durant and then Richard at once fled
and is suspected, so let him be exacted and outlawed. No chattels, but he was
harboured in the ward of John de Norhampton [Aldgate ward] outside
frankpledge, so the ward is in *mercy. Symonet, Hugh Mace and Reyner
Durant were arrested and taken to Newgate, where they were imprisoned.
Afterwards Hugh and Reyner on the order of the king were released publicly
to Reyner Albertis merchant of Florence and James Anguillaunt of Pistoia,
who do not answer for them now. So they are in *mercy. Symonet was
delivered to Hugh son of Otto then constable of the Tower of London by
royal writ addressed to the keeper of Neugate gaol; Hugh does not answer
for him now, so to judgment on him (evasio). Symonet does not come and is
suspected, so let him be exacted and outlawed according, to the custom of the
City. After outlawry has been promulgated against Richard, let proceedings
be taken for the outlawry of Simon [sic], because it is testified that he is not
guilty except of incitement and the king has lately ordained that no one
accused of incitement (fn. 15) should answer or incur any penalty before the principal has been convicted. (*Inquiratur.) Afterwards the king reported by writ
that his father had pardoned Hugh Mace. (fn. 16) [cf. 545]
Nota 75. Quod utlagaria primo promulgetur super indictatum de facto et postea super
ipsum qui indictatur de auxilio. Et quod rettatus deprecepto non portabit penam antequam
principalis actor sit convictus [cf. 524 no. 75].
220. In the same year, Walter Hervy being chamberlain and Philip le
Tayllur and Walter le Poter being sheriffs; Walter son of Gerard le Estrays,
William le Batiler of Grenewiz, Maud le Estreys, Herman le Estrays and
Alice de Grenewich were on the Thames in a boat overloaded with faggots.
The boat sank because of the excessive weight of the faggots and Walter,
Maud and William were drowned, but the others escaped alive. Value of the
boat and faggots *6s. (deodandum) for which the sheriffs are to answer. The
two neighbours have died. The chamberlain and sheriffs did nothing concerning Herman and Alice at the inquest, so *to judgment on them. The
wards of Arnald Tedmar and William de Hadstok [Billingsgate and Tower
wards] falsely valued the deodand before the chamberlain, so they are in
*mercy. No one is suspected. Judgment: misadventure. [cf. 546]
Pleas of the crown 55 Henry III [1270–1]
221. In the same year, Walter Hervy being chamberlain and Gregory de
Roquesle and Henry le Galeys being sheriffs; on Wednesday before the
feast of the Purification [28 Jan. 1271] John de Gynges, Alexander de
Asshewell and Maud de Haliwell, Maud their niece, Margery de Haverhulle,
Philip Tilly, William de Harwes, Clemence widow of Robert de Penkerk,
Agnes de Huntyngfeud, John le Poleter, Alice de Bynere, Andrew de
Suthwerk, Andrea widow of John de Alorinton were crushed by the belltower of the church of St. Mary le Bow (de Arcubus), London, (fn. 18) which fell
upon them. Value of the bell-tower 20 marks for which the sheriffs are to
answer. All the neighbours come except Stephen de Cornhill. He was
attached by Anketin de Bentull and Robert de Camaile. So they are in
mercy, and he is not suspected. No one is suspected. Judgment: misadventure. Thereupon the sheriffs come and proffer a royal writ (fn. 19) in these
words: 'Henry [III] to the sheriffs of London; because of the unfortunate
accident in which men and women were crushed to death in Westchepe by
the ruin of the bell-tower of the church of St. Mary le Bow and of a house
belonging to the prior and convent of Christchurch Canterbury, the stone,
timber, lead and everything else pertaining to the house were taken into our
hand as deodand; wishing to give thanks to the prior and convent, we have
granted them the stone, timber, lead etc. taken into our hand on that
occasion; we order you to restore to the prior and convent, as our gift, the
stone, timber and lead etc.; at Westminster, 12 March 55 Henry III [1271]'.
[cf. 547]
Nota 76. De oppressione virorum et mulierum per casum campanarii ecclesie de Arcubus.
[With a sketch of the bell-tower. Cf. 524 no. 76].
222. William Sorel appealed in the husting Robert de Hakeney that he beat
his wife Alice so that she gave birth to a still-born boy. He does not come or
prosecute his appeal, so let him be arrested and his pledges to prosecute are
in *mercy, viz. John Hog and Thomas the Carpenter. Thereupon it is found
in the rolls of the coroner that William did proceed against him and he was
attached by Ralph le Paumer, Solomon le Cotiler, John de Mimmis, John
le Marbrer, Nicholas May 'coreyer', Adam le Chaundeler, Stephen le Ferun,
Guillot le Rous 'cordewaner', William Bonefaunt 'seler', John May 'poter',
Gladwin le Forbour and Edward the Mercer (Mercenarium) to have him
here on the first day of the eyre and they did not have him. So they are in
*mercy. Robert comes and, asked how he wishes to clear himself of the
death, says that for good or ill he puts himself upon the verdict of the mayor
and citizens. Because the suspicion is slight, although he is of the liberty of
the City, it is allowed by grace of the justices. The jury say on their oath that
he is not guilty of the death and the parties have not agreed, so he is quit. [cf.
548]
[Nota unnumbered. 14th cent.]. Appellatur in hustengo.
223. Peter de la Mote and Dunnyng Petrus were fighting together in the
ward of William de Durham [Bread Street ward] and Peter killed Dunnyng
and at once fled and took sanctuary in the church of St. Paul's London;
afterwards he escaped from the church and has now absconded and is
suspected, so let him be exacted and outlawed according, to the custom of the
City. Chattels 2s. for which the sheriffs are to answer. The wards of William
de Durham, Henry le Waleys and Simon de Hadstok [Bread Street, Cordwainer and Queenhithe wards] falsely valued the chattels before the
chamberlain and sheriffs, so they are in *mercy, Hugh de Fridaystrete and
Henry de Suffolk, two neighbours, do not come and are not suspected.
Hugh was attached by John le Paumer and Richard le Chaundeler, Henry
by Gregory le Pruter and Robert de Prato. So they are in *mercy. [cf. 549]
224. Richard de Taddesworthe and Beatrice maid-servant of Roger de
Merton were carrying between them a tub full of water when the tub fell
upon Richard and killed him. Value of the tub *6d. (deodondum) for which
the sheriffs are to answer. All the neighbours have died, and so has Beatrice,
so nothing from them. No one is suspected. Judgment: misadventure.
225. Walter le Ferur, a man of the Earl Warenne with twelve other men
from the earl's household went to the house of the abbot of Walden to
claim hospitality (ad capiendum hospicium); there he found Henry de
Rothyng within the gate of the house and he would not allow Walter to
enter, so Walter and the others assaulted Henry and Walter killed him with
a sword. Walter at once returned to the earl's house. He has now absconded
and is suspected, so let him be exacted and outlawed according to the
custom of the City. Nothing is known of chattels because the chamberlain
and sheriffs held no enquiry concerning them or who the men were who
went with Walter or what has become of them, so *to judgment on the
chamberlain and sheriffs. Walter was in the mainpast of the earl. So he is in
mercy.
226. [m. 12] William, servant of Master Bonett, (fn. 21) king's clerk, killed John de
Nastok in the ward of John Horn [Bridge ward]. He at once fled to Bonett's
house in the City who on the following day sent him overseas. He does not
come and is suspected, so let him be exacted and outlawed according to the
custom of the City. No chattels, but he was in the mainpast of Bonett. So he
is in *mercy. All the neighbours come and are not suspected, [cf. 550]
227. John de Wastmel of Lambourn was riding an unbroken (indomitum)
horse to water when he met Robert son of Peter de Stebenhuthe driving a
horse and cart. John's horse jumped upon the cart and crushed him to
death. Value of the horses and cart *14s. 8d. (deodandum) for which the
sheriffs are to answer. Robert comes and is [not] suspected, so he is quit; he
was released publicly by William Godewyn carter to his brother William
Speleman, John Spendellum, (fn. 22) Reginald Edwyne, Ralph Swetyng, John
Strip, John Wytstone, William Bagel, Hugh le Poel and John de Hede,
Walter de Clive, Hugh de Cruce and Henry de Fige to have him here on the
first day and they did not have him. So they are all in *mercy. No one is
suspected. Judgment: misadventure, [cf. 552]
Pleas of the crown 56 Henry III [1271–2]
228. In the same year, the same being chamberlain and John de Buddle and
Richard de Paris, who answers now for himself and John, being sheriffs;
Adam de Ware killed Reginald Tropinel tailor. He was at once arrested and
taken to Neugate and afterwards by the liberty of the City he was released
on bail (traditus fuit in ballium) to Gilbert Cusyn 'taverner', Thomas le
Mareschal 'taveraer', William de Mannahole, Robert le Escot 'taveraer',
Roger le Rous 'braeler', John le Lung 'pessoner', Richard de Ware 'macegref', John de Salle 'mercer', Robert de Hakeneye 'cuteler', Roger de
Stoppes, Roger le Mareschal 'vineter' of the Conduit (fn. 24) to have him here on
the first day and they did not have him. So they are all in *mercy. Afterwards because it is testified that Adam has died, nothing for the mainprise
or outlawry; but because he absconded and is suspected, let him be exacted
and outlawed according to the custom of the City. Chattels ½ mark for which
the sheriffs are to answer. The chamberlain and sheriffs made no enquiry
concerning the chattels, so they are in mercy. Richard Pel, Philip de
Grascherche, John Hatche and Adam de Gandos were attached for the
death because they were present and come; the mayor and aldermen say in
the faith in which they are bound to the king that they are not guilty of the
death, so they are quit. Richard de Walden, a neighbour, does not come and
is not suspected. He was attached by Richard le Cuper and Geoffrey le
Furbur. So they are in *mercy. [cf. 553]
Nota 77. De quodam tradito in ballium per libertatem Civitatis [cf. 524 no. 77].
229. Hervey de Scardesborgh fell from a boat at Byllinggate into the
Thames and was drowned. Value of the boat *6s. (deodandum) for which the
sheriffs are to answer. All the neighbours come except William le Wyte and
he is not suspected. He was attached by John the Clerk and Roger le
Marischall. So they are in *mercy. No one is suspected. Judgment: misadventure.
230. Hugh cook of sir Thomas de Clare, John de Montfort and Richard
Brid went to the house of a certain Richolda in Bredstrete, where they found
a number of women with whom they amused themselves. Philip le Orbatour,
Robert de Hadstok clerk, John Porteioye and Osbert de Kent arrived and,
a quarrel arising among them, they left the house arguing. Philip seized a
knife from Richard Brid and struck Hugh the Cook in the stomach so that
he died. Philip at once fled and is suspected, so let him be exacted and outlawed according to the custom of the City. No chattels nor frankpledge, but
he was harboured in the ward of William de Durham [Bread Street ward]
outside frankpledge, so the ward is in *mercy (pro franco plegio). Robert
and John Porteioye, Osbert, Richolda and also Maud la Wyte, Juliana de
Wynton' and Alice Blereheye, who were with Richolda in the house, were
arrested for the death and taken to Neugate. It is not known how they were
delivered from prison, so let there be a discussion. John de Montefort and
Richard Brid were not found at the time. It is testified that they afterwards
returned to the City with Thomas de Clare and the sheriffs did not attach
them, so to judgment on the sheriffs. The mayor and aldermen say in the
faith in which they are bound to the king that they do not suspect John and
Richard of the death, so nothing from them. All the neighbours come and
are not suspected, so they are quit. Afterwards Osbert de Kent, Richolda
and Alice Blereheye, who were arrested for the death, come and, asked how
they wish to clear themselves, say that they were previously delivered as quit
thereof before Laurence de Brok, justice of gaol delivery at Neugate; this is
confirmed by the neighbourhood, so they are quit. Nothing for their escape,
[cf. 555]
231. Geoffrey le Mareschal and his servant Bernard Angolam, Giles
Chasteloyne clerk of Lorianico, William le Messager, Gilbert de Hokyng,
Philip de Hokyng, Theobald and Nicholas, Giles' packmen (sometarii),
were lodging in the house of Christine widow of Robert the Cook of Flete.
One night Geoffrey le Mareschall and Giles went to the stable in the courtyard, where Geoffrey's servant Bernard Angulame was, and, during a
quarrel, Geoffrey strangled Bernard in Giles' presence. He at once fled and
is suspected, so let him be exacted and outlawed according to the custom of
the City. Chattels 20s. (deodandum [sic]) for which the sheriffs are to answer.
He was not in frankpledge because he was a stranger. All the others, together
with Christine's servant Robert and her maid-servant Estrilda, were
arrested and imprisoned at Newgate. Afterwards Giles was delivered with
his chattels on the king's command by a royal writ of pardon which the
sheriffs now proffer testifying to this. It is not known how the others were
delivered, so to judgment on the sheriffs. Christine who was attached for the
death, comes and is not suspected, so she is quit. [cf. 554]
Nota [unnumbered]. Perdonacio secte regis.
232. In the same year, the same being chamberlain and John Horn and
Walter le Poter being sheriffs; Eustace de Laufare fell from a pear tree in
the garden of Jollan de Durham and died. Value of the pear tree *18d.
(deodandum) for which the sheriffs are to answer. Lambert le Flemyng,
Good Neighbour Romayn, two neighbours, come and are not suspected.
Lambert was attached by William de Enefeld and Thomas son of Jordan,
Good Neighbour by Richard le Carpentare and Austin de Graschirch. So
they are all in mercy. James Bonacurs and Rembertinus [son] of James were
attached for the death, but do not come and are not suspected. James was
attached by Thomas le Pourte and Nicholas le Taverner, Rembertus [sic] by
Adam de Giseburn and Richard le Paumer 'le fevere'. So they are in * mercy.
No one else is suspected. Judgment: misadventure, [cf. 556]
Nota 78. Defugientibus attachiandis cum proximo venerint ad Civitatem [cf. 524 no. 78],
233. Margery la Huppehaldestere was found killed outside Alegate and
Nicholas son of Ralph Attediche was accused of the death and comes now.
He denies the death and everything, and for good or ill puts himself upon
the verdict of forty-two men from the three aldermanries nearest to the
place where the incident occurred. Because he is not of the liberty of the
City, this is granted to him. Afterwards the forty-two men, sworn before the
justices to tell the truth, say on their oath that he is not guilty of the death,
so he is quit. It is testified that Walter le Brewer absconded for the death and
is suspected, so let him be exacted and outlawed. No chattels nor frankpledge because he was a stranger.
Nota 79. Acquietacio per xlii homines [cf. 524 no. 79].
234. 1 Edward I [1272–3]. (fn. 28) Hugh Caldelwell took sanctuary in the church
of St. Giles without Crepelgate in the ward of Henry de Frowyk [Cripplegate ward] and afterwards escaped from the church. Chattels *28s. (deodandum [sic]) for which John Horn and Walter le Poter sheriffs are to
answer. Hugh has now been arrested and is in prison at Newgate. Afterwards it is testified that Hugh was previously sought in the City in the
shrievalty of Nicholas de Wynton' and escaped. Goods to the value of 76s.
were found in the house of Denise de Lovecotes and were handed over to
the king's exchequer in full by John de Cobham justice of Neugate who is
present and testifies to this. Therefore nothing from the chattels. Afterwards
it is testified that he had other goods or armour to the value of ½ mark for
which John Horn is to answer, [cf. 557.]
Pleas of the crown 57 Henry III [1272]
235. [m. 12d] Roger servant of Ranulf de Waltham killed Reginald de
Waltham in the house of William le Tuk. He at once fled and is suspected,
so let him be exacted and outlawed. No chattels and he was not in frankpledge because he belonged to the household of Alan la Zuche, who has
died. William Tuk was arrested for the death and delivered before Laurence
de Brok at Neugate. Constance, William's wife, was attached for the death,
but does not come and is not suspected. She was attached by William
Foucher and Maurice de Sandwys. So they are all in *mercy. All the
neighbours come except John Bolace and he is not suspected. He was
attached by Roger de Keylaston and John Snod. So they are in *mercy. [cf.
558]
236. William le Wyte, John servant of John de Depe, and Ralph le Taverner
were drinking together with others in a tavern when a quarrel arose among
them and William and John killed Ralph. John at once fled and is suspected,
so let him be exacted and outlawed. No chattels nor frankpledge because he
was a stranger. William was immediately arrested and taken to Newgate,
but afterwards he was delivered to Walter de Merton chancellor with orders
to produce him at the king's command. William still remains with Walter,
so the sheriffis ordered to arrest him. Robert Torp, Thomas de Combe, John
de Depe and Henry Spirhard were attached for the death because they were
present in the tavern and they come now. The mayor and aldermen say in
the faith in which they are bound to the king that they do not suspect them,
so they are quit. Geoffrey Dyting was attached for the death, but does not
come and is not suspected. He was attached by Roger Shaylard, Walter
Shank, John Lock, Ralph de Berkhamstede, John de Malmesbur', Simon
de Donyngham, Geoffrey de Retherhete, John le Paumer, Henry le Fevere,
Simon le Clerk, William de Canwode, Richard Daniel, Geoffrey de St.
Salvator, William Wasem, Adam Spedel and Roger de Bedford. So they are
all in mercy. Afterwards it is testified that all the pledges have died, so
nothing from them.
237. William le Meystre killed John de Cranlegh in the ward of Henry de
Coventre [Vintry ward]. He at once fled and is suspected, so let him be
exacted and outlawed according to the custom of the City. No chattels, but
he was harboured in the ward outside frankpledge, so the alderman and the
whole ward are in mercy. All the neighbours come except William le Tele
and he is not suspected. He was attached by Robert de Mallyng 'barber' and
Thomas le Barber in Vintry. So they are in *mercy. Gilbert de Dynton,
Andrew de Pauely, Alan de Dunton and Edmund le Taverner were attached
for the death because they were present when the incident occurred and
they are not suspected, so they are quit. Likewise Ellis de Rotheley and
Thomas Baron, in whose house John was found dead, were attached, but
they do not come and are not suspected. Ellis was attached by Robert le
Escot and Matthew le Karon, Thomas by Richard le Skinnere and Adam
de Basyng. So they are all in *mercy. [cf. 559]