ROLL A 20
Membr. 1
Roll of Pleas and Memoranda of the time of William
Waleworthe, Mayor, A
o 48 Edw. III [1374-5]
8 Nov. 1374
Jacob van Melstede, who had been arrested for selling false
girdles, was sworn not to sell anymore within the kingdom of
England, or to sell or introduce for sale any other spurious
merchandise, and further to warn his partners and others
against so doing.
20 Nov. 1374
Monday the Feast of St Edmund King [20 Nov.] William
Strokelady and Robert Lucas were accepted as sureties for
the appearance of John Baude, rector of St Nicholas Coldabbey, Thomas Neuport and William Frere to defend their
title to certain rents which has been sequestrated in an action
by Agnes, widow of John Hacchesham, son of John Adam,
apothecary, as being the rents of John Triple.
29 Nov. 1374
Richard Lynne, Roger Chaumberleyn of Fordham, John
Bernard and John Salle were committed to prison on Wednesday 29 Nov. 1374 for payment of £200 damages awarded
against them for a trespass against Katherine Breouse (fn. 1) , of
which they were found guilty by a jury. Afterwards on 15
March 1375 they were set free at the instance of the said
Katherine.
2 Dec. 1374
Roger Chambre and Andrew Pykeman brought into
court a bond made by the said Roger to the said Andrew,
John Wroth and Robert Gurdeler, as security that he and his
wife Agnes, widow of William Glendale, would confirm the
title of the rector and parishioners of St Botolph's, Billingsgate, to a chantry founded by the will of Henry Sterre (fn. 2) .
Membr. 1 b
4 Dec. 1374
Peter Radulphi of Bardes, merchant of the Society of the
Bardi (fn. 3) , came before the Mayor arid brought in two writs,
open and close, dated 18 Nov., to the effect that whereas the
said Peter was indebted to the King in a large sum of money
and was being pressed by other creditors, the King claimed
priority of payment and took the said Peter under his protection.
12 Dec. 1374
Writ to the Mayor that he warn John Colshull and John
Paule, servants of Richard Lyouns, John Horn, fishmonger,
John Michell, Roger Stanle, Hugh Sidingborne, Robert
Cavendissh, Thomas Langeton, John More of Hithe and
John Donyngton, pelter, to appear before the King and his
Council on Friday next. Dated 12 Dec. Ao 48 Edw. III
[1374].
Return by the Mayor to the effect that certain of the parties
named had been warned by John Chaumberleyn and Robert
Baketon, but that John Colshull, Hugh Sidingborne, Robert
Cavendissh and John More had nothing in his bailiwick by
which they could be warned, nor could they be found, and
that Thomas Langeton was dead.
Membr. 2
29 Nov. 1374
William Burden brought a bill setting forth that, whereas
he and Henry Frowyk, mercer, were possessed of a tenement
at the corner of St Lawrence Lane in the parish of St Mary
le Bow, which needed repair throughout, such repair being
impossible for one portion alone, there was no means of compelling the said Henry, who had fled the City for debt, to
perform his share. He prays a remedy in accordance with the
custom and usage of the City (fn. 4) . [French]
The Court decreed that the complainant should make all
the necessary repairs and repay himself out of the rents of
the tenement due to the said Henry, unless the latter should
otherwise satisfy him in the meantime.
18 Dec. 1374
Pleas in the Chamber of the Guildhall on Monday after
the Feast of S
t
Lucia [13 Dec.] A
o 48 Edw. III [1374]
John Loryng, William Neweman, Richard Bereford,
William Stratford and Robert Buckston were indicted with
others, not taken, for having been present with arms to give
assistance to a certain John Spencer and others, who had
gone with swords and bucklers and cuirasses, called "jakkes,"
under their outer garments to the inn of John Godard,
hostiller, in the parish of St Peter's Cornhill, where they
broke into a chamber occupied by Katherine de Brewes and
carried her out, dragging her along the floor by her arms and
clothes, naked upwards to the waist and with her hair
hanging over her bosom, until the neighbours, aroused by
the cries of her servants and herself, came and rescued her.
The accused denied the charge and put themselves on the
country. They were found not guilty and acquitted.
20 Dec. 1374
William Hockele brought into court a writ of protection in
favour of Nicholas Poule, Lombard, who was then about to
cross the sea in the company of Edmund de Mortuo Mary,
Earl of March. Dated 3 Nov. 1374.
Membr. 2 b
The same day a body of 40 Spanish sailors brought a bill
of complaint setting forth that a certain Messer Pascal had
received the wages for all the sailors on board one of the
King's galleys and had paid the Genoese, but refused to pay
the Spanish sailors. They had complained to the King, who
sent them to his Treasurer. The latter told them in the
presence of Messer Pascal that he had paid out money for
them as well as for the Genoese and that he could do nothing
further in the matter. The petitioners pray the Mayor to
help them, because they were in danger of being imprisoned
for debt in the City, on account of what they owed for lodging.
[French]
Next day a writ was received from the King, ordering the
Mayor and Sheriffs to summon the said "Pascasius" of
Genoa, who was in-charge of certain men-at-arms for service
in the King's Galley, and to do justice in the matter. Thereupon the parties were summoned, and the Spaniards again
demanded their wages. The said Pascal admitted that he had
received the money for them and had not paid it. Judgment
was given for the sailors, and Pascal was committed to prison
till he satisfied them. Afterwards on Tuesday, 6 Feb. 1375,
the sailors appeared before the Mayor and Aldermen and
consented to his liberation.
9 Jan. 1375
Thomas de Same, tailor, was committed to prison for
£52 3s arrears of account due to John, son of Bartholomew
Chastiloun (fn. 5) . Afterwards on Friday before the Feast of St
Hilary [13 Jan.] he paid the amount in court and was set free.
The same Thomas was attached to answer Arnald Busshe
and Alice his wife, daughter of Bartholomew Castiloun, for
detinue of certain chattels entrusted to him by Silvester
Nicholas five years before on condition that he should deliver them to the said Alice on her marriage, viz. 2 silver
cups weighing 6 marks 9s 7d; a biker with a silver covercle
weighing 3 marks 2s 2½d; one silver bolle with a silver
covercle which did not fit it, weighing 23s 2d; 6 plain pieces
of silver weighing 7 marks 2s 9d; 2 nuces
(fn. 6) with silver covercles
weighing 24s; 12 silver spoons weighing 20s; one mazer with
a foot and covercle of mazer and 2 small mazers, value 20s;
one chapelet of pearls, value 40s; 2 salt-cellars of silver
weighing 2 marks 5s 2¼d; sum total, 28 marks, 13s 11¼d.
The defendant came and said that he was willing to give
up the articles. Judgment was thereupon given for the
plaintiffs and delivery was made.
Membr. 3
9 Jan. 1375
The same day, the following vintners were sworn to make
a scrutiny of corrupt and unhealthy wines in taverns and
cellars, and to pour out in the street those which they con
demned: Thomas Cornwaleys, Roger Long, William Stokesby,
Gilbert Bonet, William Sharpyng and John Ponder, for the
east side (of Walbrook); John Rothing, John Clivele, John
Edrop, John Clopton, John Wylyngham and Richard Sprot,
for the west.
11 Jan. 1375
William Daubeneye, skinner, mainprised John Chestre to
inform John Balsham, skinner, before Easter as to the whereabouts of certain goods and chattels which had been taken
from his house about the Feast of St Hilary last past—under
penalty of £40.
13 Jan. 1375
George Clementyn of Candie (fn. 7) appeared in court and, by
deed, constituted Senobius Martyn his attorney to recover
debts etc.
18 Jan. 1375
Thomas Cook and Richard Matheu, cornmeters at Queenhithe, were attached to answer the King and the Commonalty
of the City in a plea of trespass and deceit, wherein Ralph
Strode, the Common Serjeant, who prosecuted, charged them
with having during the last three years measured corn by
false quarter measures, each quarter being deficient by half
a peck or more. In defence, they pleaded that the measures
were delivered to them by the bailiffs of Queenhithe for
executing their office, and that they were not aware that they
were defective. Both parties claimed a jury. In the meantime
the defendants were mainprised by John Somerton.
Membr. 3 b
17 Jan. 1375
John Mylton, cordwainer, was summoned to answer
Robert Herwardstoke, tailor, in a plea of covenant, wherein
the latter alleged that as the result of disputes between them,
the said John had agreed in the presence of their neighbours
to surrender the unexpired portion of a lease of part of a
garden which he held from the plaintiff in Fleet Street. The
defendant denied that any such agreement was made. Both
parties put themselves on the verdict of a jury, which found
for the defendant.
20 Jan. 1375
Richard Cartere, late servant of Hugh Welbourne, carter
to the Princess, was attached to answer the King and the
Commonalty of the City in a plea of contempt and trespass,
wherein Ralph Strode, Common Serjeant, alleged that he had
pretended to be a purveyor of coal and oats to the Prince and
had arrested and detained goods until the owners bought
him off by fines, and that he had practised extortion of this
kind on several previous occasions. The defendant admitted
the offence and put himself on the mercy of the Mayor and
Aldermen, who committed him to prison pending judgment.
Afterwards on 9 Feb. he was liberated on taking an oath for
his good behaviour and not to practise this deception again.
Owan Hicche, freinshbaker, ovenman of Margaret Stoke,
dwelling in Lombard Street, was bound over to perform his
work honestly and well, under pain of receiving the judgment
ordained (fn. 8) for bakers if any defect were found in future in
bread baked by him.
Membr. 4
23 Jan. 1375
John, Bishop of Macedonia, paid in court to Stephen atte
Wode, spicer and pepperer, a debt of 23½ marks, whereupon
the latter brought in a Statute Staple of £16 made by Richard
Penhaldyn of co. Cornwall and a bond of 24 marks made by
the same Richard and John Meldre, to be kept in court until
the said Richard should have delivered 4000 lbs of tin, for
which the said Stephen had stood surety for the said Richard,
to Walter le Peautrer before Whitsuntide, if meanwhile there
was a coinage (cunagium) (fn. 9) of tin in the neighbourhood. Afterwards on 5 July, the said Stephen came and acknowledged that
the whole of the tin had" been delivered by John Trenans of
the parish of St Austol in Cornwall. Thereupon he cancelled
the Statute Staple and bond and gave them to John Trenans
to deliver to Richard Penhalwyn (sic) and John Meldre.
The same day John Patyn, fleccher
(fn. 10) , came before the Mayor
and Aldermen in the Husting and confessed that he had
delivered to John his servant a parcel of bow-staves to make
into bows at a certain house in Southwark and to sell them on
his behalf, contrary to the ordinance between the Bowyers and
Fletchers, as set out in Letter Book G, fo. 267 (fn. 11) . Judgment
was given that he pay to the Commonalty the sum of 40s
for his offence.
The same day John Chestre was attached to answer John
Porter of Clerkenwell in a plea of trespass, wherein the latter
complained that the defendant had made a covenant with
him, for the sum of 9s 2d, to invoke (fn. 12) and inform him of the
person or persons who had stolen certain goods of his at
Clerkenwell. The defendant had afterwards turned a loaf
with knives (fn. 13) , but had failed to give him any information.
The defendant came and acknowledged the covenant, and
admitted that he often exercised that art, as for instance when
he restored a mazer to a man at the "bell othe hoppe," and
on another occasion at Garlickhithe, when he had recovered
for another man the sum of £15 stolen from him. The Court
gave judgment for the return of the 9s 2d, on the ground that
the defendant did not claim to have given the plaintiff the
desired information, and committed the defendant to prison
till he paid. Afterwards on Monday, 29 Jan., the parties appeared in court, and the plaintiff announced that they had
come to an agreement and he was willing that the defendant
should be released. Thereupon, because the defendant's art
was held to be a deception of the public, he was sworn not to
exercise it in future under penalty etc.
26 Jan. 1375
Release and quitclaim by William Tyller of Calais to Adam
de Bury (fn. 14) , citizen and Alderman, of all actions arising out of
any covenants between them, and also to the same Adam,
John de Burley, Captain of Calais, and John Romesey,
Treasurer of Calais, of all claim which he might have against
them for wages due for garrisoning of the castle of Balingham.
Witnesses: John Sely, Elys de Thorpe, Nicholas Holbourne,
Reynald Aleyn and others. Dated at London, 26 Jan. Ao 49
Edw. III [1375].
20 Jan. 1375
Writ to the Mayor and Sheriffs ordering them to admit to
probate the will of John Burgays, draper, as regards what
concerned his free tenement in the City. Dated at Westminster, 20 Jan. Ao 48 Edw. III [1375].
Return to the above, to the effect that according to the
custom of the City no will could be admitted to probate,
which did not bear the testator's seal.
Membr. 4 b
29 Jan. 1375
Pleas held on Monday after the Feast of the Conversion
of S
t
Paul [25 Jan.] A
o 49 Edw. III [1375]
John Hert, Richard Matheu, Thomas Cook, Thomas
Wylton and William Sharpe, cornmeters, were attached to
answer the King and the Commonalty of London, on the
prosecution of Ralph Strode, who alleged that in their capacity
as chief meters at Queenhithe (fn. 15) they had measured corn by
false and defective quarters (fn. 16) , to wit, measures which were
lower at the top in one part than the rest; and also with having
given fuller measure for corn bought at the granaries than for
corn bought by the common people elsewhere, and that they
had done so for three years past.
The defendants pleaded not guilty and put themselves on
the country. A jury found that they were not aware that their
measures were defective, but they had given fuller measures
at the granaries of the merchants than they allowed to the
common people buying corn. After several adjournments to
consider their judgment, on 3 Feb. the Court sentenced the
accused persons to forty days' imprisonment and a fine. Four
days later they were released by order of the Mayor with the
consent of the Aldermen. John Hert and Thomas Wylton
were then dismissed from their offices and forbidden to engage in them again.
Membr. 5
6 Feb. 1375
Robert Waleys, tawyer, was committed to prison on being
found guilty of charges made against him by the masters of
the mistery of Skinners.
7 Feb. 1375
John Thomesson, "Scot," was committed to prison for
having thrown dirty water upon William Spaldyng contrary
to the ordinance.
24 Jan. 1375
Writ to the Mayor and Chamberlain ordering them to
search the rolls and memoranda in the Chamber of London and
report whether Ralph Smith, alias Faber, deceased, was sworn
into the freedom of the City in the time of King Henry III.
Dated at Westminster, 24 Jan. Ao 48 Edw. III [1375].
Return by the Mayor and William Eynesham, Chamberlain, to the effect that a scrutiny of the rolls and memoranda
had failed to show that Ralph Smyth had been admitted or
sworn to the freedom.
The Mayor committed Thomas Pountfreyt, skinner, to
prison, evidence having been given that the latter was a
common maintainer of false plaints.
Senobius Martin was also committed to prison by order
of the Mayor.
10 Feb. 1375
Robert Ryder, brasier, deposited in court a deed of release
executed by Thomas Walrond of co. Cambridge to John Poul,
concerning certain houses in the street of St Mary Axe in the
parish of St Andrew Cornhill, which deed he had received
from John Hoke, executor of Master Joyce Evote.
The same day, John Leget, who had been arrested for
pledging a small buckle of counterfeit metal, was set free on
his taking an oath that he had believed it to be of genuine
silver.
14 Feb. 1375
John de St Albans acknowledged receipt from William de
Walworth, Mayor, of a silver-gilt mace, which Robert de
Langeton, the King's serjeant-at-arms, had pledged to the
Mayor for £10, and had now redeemed.
17 Feb. 1375
William Sharp and Thomas Cook were chosen and sworn
cornmeters at Queenhithe. On 19 Feb. Richard Matheu was
likewise chosen and sworn.
Membr. 5 b
2 March 1375
Henry Myttebek, Ducheman, was committed to prison for
taking the King's pay to go to the war, and failing to go.
8 March 1375
Henry Cornysh, Philip Samwell, John Leg and Matthew
Strengere, cornmeters at Billingsgate, were sworn for the due
discharge of their office.
The same day, John Sutton, servant of Sir Alan de Buxhull,
appeared against Stephen de Wyndesore, herald, called
"king-of-arms," in a plea of debt. The plea was respited, as
the defendant produced a writ of protection, dated 3 March,
which stated that he was then about to go abroad in the company of Edmund, Earl of Cambridge (fn. 17) , and John, Duke of
Brittany (fn. 18) .
John Raulyn of Barnet was charged with having taken
malt to Gracechurch for sale, instead of to the pavement
within Newgate near the Friars Minors, as he ought to have
done according to the ordinance thereon made (fn. 19) . He pleaded
guilty and the malt was forfeited, but six quarters out of the
seven were returned to him. The remaining quarter was
given to the Carmelite Friars in Fleet Street for love of God
and by way of charity.
John Heed of Barnet pleaded guilty to a similar offence,
and two quarters out of twelve were given to the Friars
Preachers and the Augustinians.
The same day Thomas Adam, girdler, pleaded guilty to
having offered 16d and 17d the bushel for corn in Henley
market, when the real price was 14d, in order to create a
scarcity of corn. He was mainprised to come up for judgment.
Membr. 6
William Gysburgh was attached to answer a charge brought
by Robert Payn, fustour, of having unlawfully removed
certain goods from a house in the parish of St Alban, Wood
Street, which John Bekyr, tailor, had hired from the plaintiff
and for which he had failed to pay the rent due.
Feb. 1375
The defendant pleaded that the plaintiff had of his own
accord given him a chest full of goods, which together with
other articles had been seized for debt at the suit of Robert
Baas, fuller, in the Sheriffs' Court, and that he, the defendant,
had successfully proved that these goods did not belong to
William Byker (sic) but to himself, but when the Sheriffs'
officer went to effect delivery of them to the defendant, the
plaintiff wanted to arrest the goods himself on the plea that
his tenant was in debt for arrears of rent, which arrest the
defendant prevented. To this the plaintiff answered that he
had already arrested the goods before the Sheriffs' officer
arrived. After an adjournment for consultation, the Court,
on 1 Feb. 1375, gave judgment for the plaintiff with 13s 4d
damages.
William Gysbourne (sic) was attached to answer Robert
Baas, fuller, who complained that he had brought an action
for debt in the Sheriffs' Court against William Byker, and
that certain goods of William Byker had been arrested, and
that thereupon William Gysbourne, who was in league with
the debtor, came into court and falsely proved that certain
goods so arrested belonged to him, and on that proof seized
the whole of the goods in order to exclude him from recovering his debt.
The defendant pleaded that he had proved in the Sheriffs'
Court that the goods had never belonged to the debtor,
William Byker, but to himself, and he produced a copy of the
court proceedings, which set forth that he had proved that a
locked chest containing one silk jak de defense
(fn. 20) , 10 tunics of
divers colours, a bed of blew worstede, 2 blankets, a black
tester, two pairs of sheets, a sword, three pieces of canvas,
a red hood, 2 pairs of red hose, 2 red caps, 2 formes and other
goods were his own property and that no one else had any
interest in them to the value of 4d.
The plaintiff answered that the defendant had taken away
other goods beyond those above mentioned, viz. a bascinet
with aventail, a breastplate, one pair of vantbrace
(fn. 21) and
rerbrace
(fn. 22) , a pair of gloves of plate, a pair of legherneys
(fn. 23) , a
steinydhalle
(fn. 24) , a blak jak, a cheker jak
(fn. 25) and a jak de defense.
8 Feb. 1375
The defendant denied taking anything more than he had
proved in court, and on this issue the parties went to a jury.
The jury brought in a verdict that the defendant took other
goods than those in the chest, namely, the articles mentioned
by the plaintiff, which were hanging on a perch in a room, and
which had been arrested in the plaintiff's action. Judgment
was given on 8 Feb. 1375 that the plaintiff recover damages
taxed at 40s and that the defendant be committed to prison
till he pay both the damages and a fine to the King.
Membr. 6 b
John Thurkyld sued Nicholas Kylby, saddler, for a debt
of 32s 4d. The defendant, who had been attached by foreign
attachment, made four defaults. Thereupon the plaintiff
asked that the goods attached might be appraised and
delivered to him according to custom. The goods were
appraised by Richard Brok, William Norton, Robert Yonge
and Robert Somerby as follows: 4 saddles with panels (fn. 26) but
without harness, 16s; 3 wooden saddles without panels and
harness, 5s; a red. saddle for a woman without panel, but with
croper, peuterel
(fn. 27) and capital
(fn. 28) , 8s; one entire black harness,
2s 6d; one black harness without reynis, 2s; one croper and
a red peiterell, 18d; one other peiterell with croper, 12d; one
peiterell and one red chevesell
(fn. 29) , 14d; two chevesells, 12d; other
peiterells, halters and reynis, 10d; total 39s; other goods,
comprising brass plates and pots, were valued at us 10d;
total, 50s 10d.
16 March 1375
Afterwards on 16 March 1375 the debtor appeared and
with his consent the goods were delivered to the Mayor, who
took them over at the valuation, adding a further 12d. Out
of the money thus available, 20s was paid to Robert Berden,
rent-collector for Thomas Farndon, for arrears of rent due
from the debtor, and the balance of 31s 10d was paid to the
creditor's attorney, John Strecche.
29 March 1375
Robert Wormwell, apprentice of John Scot, armourer,
brought a petition to the Mayor and Recorder, setting forth
that a week ago they had granted that he might take service
with any armourer, until his master returned, but no armourer
would give him employment because the return of his master
was pleadable (fn. 30) , wherefore he prayed that he might be released from the remaining two years of his apprenticeship and
allowed to purchase his freedom. [French]
John Chamberlain, serjeant, was accordingly ordered to
summon the master to appear next day. He reported that
the said master had nothing in the City whereby he could be
summoned, and that he had no dwelling in the City, but was
living in Westminster. Judgment was given that the apprentice be exonerated.
28 March 1375
John, son of John Lucas (fn. 31) , late citizen and Common Clerk
of the City, who had been apprenticed by John de Cauntebrig,
fishmonger, to Simon atte Wode, goldsmith, for fourteen
years, petitioned that he might be transferred to another
master, because the said Simon had left the kingdom a long
time ago, in consequence of which he was learning nothing.
[French]
The wife of the said Simon appeared in court and gave
evidence that her husband had no shop in the City, and had
not assigned anyone to teach the apprentice, and that she did
not know whether he was alive or dead. She asked that the
boy might be transferred to Robert Fraunceys, goldsmith,
who was present in court and agreed to take him for the remainder of his apprenticeship, if necessary. This arrangement was approved by the Mayor and Aldermen.
Membr. 7
14 March 1375
Edmund Jernemuth acknowledged as his deed a quitclaim
to Clarice de Buckingham, and a bond in £20 to the same for
the payment to her every year during their joint lives of a
tunic at Easter and 21s by quarterly payments.
15 March 1375
John Ledrede, fishmonger, produced two letters of attorney,
viz. one from Robert Fleteby, and the other from Richard de
Reymerston, attorney of John de Stalham, burgess of Great
Yarmouth, to recover two sums of £100 and £85 from Giles
Onyng, son of Sir seger Onyng of Bruges. He also acknowledged satisfaction from the above Giles, who had been
put in prison for the above debts on 23 March the preceding
year, and was now released.
22 March 1375
Robert Wormwell (fn. 32) , apprentice of John Scot, armourer,
brought a petition to the effect that he had served six of his
eight years and that his master had now left the City, and that
no other master would employ him because he was still an
apprentice. [French]
The Mayor and Aldermen gave him permission to serve
any other master until his own master should return.
Membr. 8
26 March 1375
John Fynch, chaplain, was brought before the Mayor and
Aldermen on a charge that, having corn to sell at Gracechurch and the price of the day being 18d the bushel, he had
offered other vendors of corn 20d the bushel, in order that he
might sell his own corn dearer, in deceit of the people. He
admitted the offence and was committed to prison, being
released on mainprise on the next Wednesday.
Note that a cart, shod with squared iron nails (fn. 33) , belonging
to Guy de Stratford, which had been seized by order of the
Mayor, was given up at the request of John Aubrey, Alderman. The carter was warned not to drive any cart so shod in
the City of London.
Membr. 8 b
6 April 1375
William Asshewell, beadle of Cornhill, was committed to
prison for having beaten a carter on Cornhill, and for having
told Edmund de Clare that he and other jurors had falsely
caused Richard de Croydon to lose £20 worth of land to the
King—this abuse being in reply to the said Edmund, who
had blamed him for beating the carter instead of arresting
him to stand his trial, if he had done anything wrong.
The same day John Gale, brewer, was committed to prison
for refusing, in the presence of the Mayor and Aldermen, to
serve John Shirwode, armourer, with whom he was living,
till Easter and thenceforward by the quarter or half-year,
according to the custom of the City. Afterwards on 26 April
he was released on his taking an oath that he would serve his
master for a year from Easter.
17 April 1375
John Chivaler, baker, who had recently been committed
to prison for a trespass against a girl, was released.
Membr. 9
22 May 1375
John Pasforde, recently married to Joan Asshford, whom
John Cook, late burgess of Rochelle, had authorized, by a
letter of attorney under the seal of Sir Philip de Courteneye,
the King's Admiral for Southampton and the West, to receive from Roger Bernard a bond drawn in his favour by
Giles Ony of Bruges, gave an acquittance to the said Roger
for the receipt of the bond.
5 June 1375
A writ of protection was brought into court on behalf of
Thomas Gisors. The writ declared that the above Thomas
was indebted to the King in £80, as testified by Richard
Lescrope, Treasurer. Nevertheless, on the petition of
William, Lord de Latymere, Adam Fraunceys, Richard
Lyouns and other creditors, the King consented to his remaining at liberty and travelling about the country, in order
that he might the more quickly find means of discharging his
debts. Dated at Westminster, 25 March Ao 49 Edw. III
[1375].
Membr. 9 b
18 June 1375
John, son of John Patryk of Aspreton (fn. 34) co. Devon, who had
been apprenticed to William Bertram, pepperer, for a term
of nine years, brought a petition praying to be exonerated
from his apprenticeship on the ground that his master had
left the City and was dwelling in Hull and other "foreign"
towns, and no longer had a shop or domicile in London, and
had ceased either to instruct or provide for him. [French]
The master having failed to appear on summons, the discharge was granted.
25 June 1375
A Congregation of Mayor and Aldermen in the Chamber
of the Guildhall on Monday the morrow of the Nativity
of S
t
John the Baptist [24 June] A
o 49 Edw. III [1375]
John de Stokyngbury, fishmonger, and Idonia his wife,
and John de Blockele and Joan his wife prayed an Assize of
Mort d'Ancestor
(fn. 35) against Emma, wife of Simon de Pistoye,
to determine whether William de Algate, potter, the father of
Idonia and Joan, died seised as of fee of a messuage and 24
shops in the parish of St Andrew Cornhill, whether he died
after the coronation of King Henry III, and whether the said
Idonia and Joan were his next heirs. Also they demand that
the aforesaid Emma, who holds the property, be summoned
etc.
Membr. 10
4 July 1375
Letter of Attorney from Bonanno Serpenti, merchant of
Lucca, to Francis Vyncheguerre, merchant of Lucca.
The same day John de Lyncoln, fishmonger, acknowledged
a deed whereby he sold, granted and confirmed to John
Cavendissh, fishmonger, all his goods and chattels, movable
or immovable, and all debts owed to him, in discharge of all
debts owed by the grantor to the said John. Dated 6 May.
10 July 1375
Letter of Attorney from Joceus Amelryk of Bruges to
Peter Bridport.
Membr. 10 b
21 June 1375
John Pyioun brought a bill complaining that Stephen
Godwyne had agreed to give him a nine years lease of a
tavern and shop in the parish of Wolchirche from the Feast
of the Nativity of St John the Baptist [24 June] 1374. The said
Stephen had previously leased the tavern for three years,
terminating at Michaelmas next [1375], to a certain Katherine
Cook, and now demurred to giving him possession on that
date. [French]
The defendant pleaded that the lease was granted on condition that if he could talk nicely (pulchre loqui) to the said
Katherine and induce her to surrender the tavern, the plaintiff
should have it at Michaelmas, but she had refused to do so,
and accordingly the agreement had come to nothing and he
had returned the God's penny to the plaintiff. The latter
denied that there had been any conditions at all.
On this issue, a jury found that the defendant had granted
the tavern to the plaintiff without any conditions, possession
to be given at Michaelmas. In answer to a question, the jury
said that if the plaintiff could not obtain his term, the damages
should be £10. Judgment was given that he should recover
his term.
20 July 1375
Mayoral precept ordering the Aldermen to see that in
front of every house in their Wards there should stand a large
kowve
(fn. 36) or other vessel full of water during the present intensely hot and dry season, that there should be ladders and
crooks and that the watches should be properly kept. Written
at Guildhall, 20 July. [French]
Membr. 11
24 July 1375
Deed of release from William de Foxley, son of Sir John
de Foxley, to Thomas de Haselden, Richard Bulter of Wakefeld, John Merchaunt, chaplain, of Ferybrigge, John Mille,
chaplain, of Wakefeld, and Richard Holand, falconer—of the
Manor of Gildenmorden (fn. 37) , granted to them in fee simple by
his father on 22 July. Witnesses: Sir John Avenell, Sir
Baldewyn St George, Sir John Dengayn, knights, William
de Norton, John, son of John Martyn of Lythyngton, John
Oldefeld and others. Dated 24 July Ao 49 Edw. III [1375].
17 Aug. 1375
Gilbert Daventre, brewer, servant of Nicholas Brichford,
was brought before the Mayor and Aldermen for having
spoken opprobrious words about John Chichestre, Alderman
arid late Mayor, to the scandal of the same John and of all
citizens, who are bound to honour, as far as possible, their
superiors and their Aldermen, especially those who have
been Mayors. The said Gilbert confessed his offence and
threw himself on the mercy of the court. He was committed
to prison pending judgment. Four days later he was released
at the request of John Chichestre.
25 Aug. 1375
Thomas, son of Robyn Massoun, brewer, who had been
sworn before the Mayor to serve his master William Louyn,
brewer, till Michaelmas at the rate of wages set up by City
ordinances, and who had run away next day and hidden himself, was captured by the supervisors of the journeymen
brewers and brought before the Mayor and Aldermen. He
confessed his offence. Thereupon William Wodehous, one
of the Sheriffs, was ordered to set him on the pillory for an
hour and to proclaim the reason for his punishment.
The same day William Wodehous, Sheriff, brought before
the Mayor and Recorder in the Chamber of the Guildhall a
certain Robert Maydestan of co. Essex, who had been arrested
on a writ de minis
(fn. 38) at the suit of Robert Mareschal of the
Weald of Essex (fn. 39) , and kept in prison because the mainprise
required by the writ could not be found for him. As Robert
Mareschal had allowed him to remain in prison for a long
time without taking any further proceedings against him, and
as the prisoner was manifestly suffering from divers ailments
and weaknesses from which it would be difficult for him to
recover in prison, the Court allowed him to be set free on his
taking an oath that he would do no harm and procure no
harm to be done to the said Robert.
Membr. 11 b
22 Aug. 1375
Gilbert Chaumponeys acknowledged a deed, dated 20 Aug.,
whereby he granted to William de Halden, John Aubrey,
John Fourneux, John Ussher and William de Whetele, cordwainers, certain properties in the parish of Fulham, which
he, together with Henry de Burford and John de Barton,
deceased, had recently acquired from Robert de Norwich,
goldsmith, and Katherine his wife. Witnesses: John Saunford, John Fraunkeleyn, Thomas de Wauden, William Knot,
Maurice atte Grove, John Styler, senior, Ivo de Fulham and
others.
Power of attorney from the same to Ralph Whyte to deliver seisin.
10 Sept. 1375
A Congregation of Mayor and Aldermen in the Chamber
of the Guildhall on Monday after the Feast of the
Nativity B.M. [8 Sept.] A
o 49 Edw. III [1375]
Adam Lovekyn, grocer, and Katherine his wife prayed an
Assize of Mort d'Ancestor against William Acton and Thomas
Caysho, rector of the Church of St Michael Bassishaw, as to
two messuages and shops in the parishes of St Nicholas
Coldabbey and St Mary de Mountenhaut, and that enquiry
be made as to whether Robert de Ely, father of the said
Katherine, died seised of the aforesaid messuages as of fee,
whether he died after the coronation of King Henry III and
whether the said Katherine was his next heir; and that the
said William and Thomas, present tenants of the property,
should be summoned.
3 Nov. 1375
John Warde delivered up two rolls of Assize of Mort
d'Ancestor, together with a petition and a panel of the time
that he was Sheriff, viz. Ao 41 Edw. III (fn. 40) . One of the rolls
contained an Assize between Richard de Weston, goldsmith,
Roesia his wife and others and Thomas, son of Thomas de
Farndon, and the other roll an Assize between John Pope,
waxchandler, and Robert Beauchamp, plumber, another
Assize between Beatrice Bryd and Ralph Wynchestre, another between Thomas Perle and John Fitz Simond, and
another between Simon Setele and Felicia his wife and John
Cori, rector of All Hallows Staynyngcherche.
Membr. 12
Thomas Gisors, vintner, having lately brought a bill demanding from William Messebergh a true account of moneys,
goods and chattels to the value of £2011 8s 4d, received by
him between 1 Nov. 1371 and 25 March 1375 by the hands of
the plaintiff, and of Robert Ambeler, William Berard, John.
Stodeye, William Wodeford of Bristol, Paul Lodekynson,
John Somerwell, Walter Knot, John Pruet, Maurice Lannisty,
Thomas Crede, John Ledham, John Colshull, Robert Whitfeld, John Carre and John Andreu his attorneys—the said
William was summoned.
The defendant admitted receiving moneys and said he was
willing to render account, but disputed the amount claimed.
After further process, the parties put themselves on the
award of John Haddele, Alderman, John Clyvele and William
Tong, or, in case they disagreed, of an umpire to be chosen
by them. They further agreed to accept the award and to produce documents before the Feast of St Matthew the Apostle
and that documents produced afterwards should be excluded,
and they took an oath to give every assistance towards a
decision. If the defendant refused to accept the award, it was
agreed that the plaintiff might sue or cause him to be arrested
for the amount mentioned in the award, and the defendant
for his part swore that he would not eloign or absent himself
and that he would stand to their ruling.
16 Nov. 1375
John Bakton of co. Norfolk, apprentice of Henry Perle,
mercer, brought a bill to the effect that his master had no
shop and was intending to go abroad, taking the petitioner
with him, whereby he would be entirely prevented from
learning his trade. He prayed that enquiry might be made
into the matter. [French]
The master, who was summoned, admitted that he was
going abroad on business and was uncertain as to the time of
his return, and that he could not keep shop in the City. He
claimed, however, that the apprentice was his chattel (fn. 41) and
that he could dispose of him by gift or sale like any other
chattel. He asked that he might put him to a certain Roger
de Causton to serve the remainder of his term.
The apprentice prayed that, as his master could not
instruct him, and as he was not bound to serve any other
person against his will and did not wish to serve the said
Roger, the Court would exonerate him from his apprenticeship and allow him to choose another master of the same
mistery, namely, John Fyfhide, mercer.
After deliberation the Court granted his petition, on the
ground that he was not bound to serve any other person than
his original master against his will.
Membr. 12 b
20 Sept. 1375
William atte Style, servant of William Chaundeler, collector
of customs, was attached to answer Robert Corne, citizen
of London, on a charge of having attempted to extort custom
from the said Robert's servant when he was coming with a
horse and a fardel of wool through Fleet Street, though the
servant swore thrice that his master was a citizen of London
and so free of custom; further with having beaten this
servant and taken away from him a bow and arrows in lieu of
custom. He was also charged on the prosecution of Ralph
Strode, Common Serjeant, with having extorted a quarterly
payment from certain foreign merchants who were exempt
from custom, to the scandal of the City and to the damage of
foreign merchants visiting the same.
The defendant denied the first charge and put himself on
the country. As regards the quarterage, he pleaded that he was
merely obeying his master's orders. The latter, who was
present in court, did not deny it, and put himself on the
mercy of the court. A jury was summoned and the master was
ordered to attend on Monday after the Feast of St Matthew.
On that day in the presence of an immense Commonalty
which had been summoned for the election of the Sheriffs, he
again put himself on the mercy of the court. Next day the
servant did the same as regards both charges. Thereupon the
prosecutor pardoned him for the assault. Judgment as
regards the quarterage was respited during the good behaviour of the defendants and both of them took an oath not
to make any further illegal exactions.
21 Sept. 1375
Richard, servant of John Smyth, came before the Mayor,
Recorder and Aldermen and told them that a certain Richard
Counfort, ostler of Alice atte March in Friday Street, went
to the house of Richard Waltham in Fleet Street and there,
in the presence of himself and William Duke, offered for sale
two horses. Thereupon Richard Waltham and William Duke
went to Alice's house, saw the horses and bought them. After
this the complainant arrived and the others asked him to ride
the grey horse, bought by William Duke, on trial. On his
answering that he had no spurs, the said Alice sent for some,
and he rode the horse as far as St Paul's Churchyard. William
Duke was satisfied and they went to the house of William
Avenell, customs-collector in Smithfield, to pay the toll, the
complainant riding the horse. There William Duke paid the
ostler the price of the horse. But the latter fled from his
mistress's house next day (with the money). And now the
said Alice had brought an action for trespass against the complainant in the Sheriffs' Court and was charging him with.
having come to her house with force and arms and carried
away the grey horse against the peace and to her damage £10.
Membr. 13
13 Sept. 1375
Be it remembered that quarrels having arisen between
Roger Friseby, parson of the Church of St Michael atte
Corne, and John Cornewall, John Strecche and other
parishioners, and between the same Roger and William
Tyngewyk, John Botesham, Robert Fraunceys, William
Fraunceys, Robert Welford and others of the mistery of
Goldsmiths, owing to disparaging words spoken by the
parson, whereby ill-feeling was created between them, the
said Roger appeared in the presence of the Mayor, Recorder
and Aldermen on 13 Sept. and entered into an agreement
with a penalty of £10 for his future good behaviour, it being
understood that if he offended again, this sum should be due
to the Chamberlain for the use of the City, and that the
Chamberlain should have the legal right to sue for payment.
13 Sept. 1375
Release and quitclaim from Margaret Mitford of London
to Thomas Usk, clerk, of all actions arising out of any claims
up to the present day. Dated in London on the eve of the
Exaltation of the Holy Cross [14 Sept.] Ao 49 Edw. III [1375].
6 Oct. 1375
Power of attorney from Peter Gracyan, merchant of Lucca,
to Nicholas Brembre and Thomas Albon, merchants of
London, to receive from John Marchaunt, fellmonger, the
sum of £55 due on an obligation.
20 Oct. 1375
Nicholas Popeholte, who had been committed to prison for
refusing to enter the service of a brewer except by the day,
was sworn to serve John Bademan till Michaelmas at the
wages customary in the City. John Colyn of co. Somerset
and John Leaf were ordered to be arrested if found serving
a brewer, evidence having been given that they knew nothing
of the business.
Membr. 13 b
4 Oct. 1375
Power of attorney by Guydo del Portico and Gilbert
Aymeryk, merchants of Lucca, to Thomas Albon, Thomas
Ally and Nicholas Glynd to receive 200 marks from William
Betelee and John Bosham, mercers and executors of John
Birlyngham, late mercer.
16 Oct. 1375
Power of attorney from Leonard Roulyn of Bruges in
favour of John Reynold, haberdasher, to receive 5½ marks
from John Coggeshale, citizen and leynerknittere
(fn. 42) .
22 Oct. 1375
Monday after the Feast of St Luke [18 Oct.] John Passer
of Tewkesbury co. Gloucester, apprentice of William
Champion, hurer
(fn. 43) , was committed to prison for refusing to
allow his indentures to be enrolled before the Chamberlain
of the Guildhall.
John Hauberger, against whom Marion Joynour had
brought an Assize in the Sheriffs' Court, came before the
Mayor and Aldermen and acknowledged that he was willing
to hand over the tenements claimed whenever she wished,
and he brought into court five deeds concerning her title.
21 Oct. 1375
Memorandum to the effect that when William Walworth,
the Mayor, was walking among the poulterers at St Nicholas
Shambles to see at what price poultry was being sold, he
came to John Andreu, a poulterer, and asked him the price
of a goose. The poulterer told him in reply 8d or 7d, and the
Mayor thereupon told him to charge no more than 6d, to
which he answered that he would not bring any geese to the
City for forty days. He was committed to prison. Three days
later he was brought before the Mayor and Aldermen and
made to swear that he would not buy, sell or bring any
poultry within the liberties of the City for the space of seven
weeks on pain of the pillory.