Crown Pleas: 13 Henry III - 15 Henry III (nos 53-76)

13 Henry III - 15 Henry III (nos 53–76)

De anno terciodecimo.

53. Eodem anno Gervasio (fn. 1) le Cordwaner existente camerario et Roberto filio Johannis et Waltero de Wintonia vicecomitibus existentibus accidit quod quedam femina ignota et mendicans subito inventa fuit mortua in vico de Byllinggesgate et visa fuit a camerario et vicecomitibus et nichil invenerunt nisi infortunium. Et maior et cives dicunt quod neminem male credunt de morte illa. ludicium infortunium. Et omnes vicini attachiati pro morte illa mortui sunt preter Andream Edriche qui venit et non malecreditur. Requisitus si fuit presens quando obiit dicit quod non fuit in villa tunc. Et quia camerarius et vicecomites eum attachiaverunt qui absens fuit, ideo ad iudicium de eis. Judicium ponitur in respectu. Postea testatum est per maiorem et cives quod predictus Andreas presens fuit et attachiatus. Ideo consideratum est quod sit in misericordia per plegium vicecomitum et camerarius et vicecomites sint inde quieti. (fn. 2)

Of the thirteenth year [Mich. 1229–Mich. 1230].

In the same year, Gervase le Cordwaner being chamberlain, and Robert fitz John and Walter of Winchester, sheriffs, an unknown beggar-woman was found in Billingsgate Street, having died suddenly. She was viewed by the chamberlain and sheriffs, and no cause of death was found save misadventure. The mayor and citizens say that they suspect no one of the death. Judgment: misadventure. All the neighbours attached for the death have died except Andrew Edriche, who comes and is not suspected. Asked whether he was present when the woman died, he says that he was not then in town. Therefore to judgment with the chamberlain and sheriffs for attaching him in his absence. Judgment respited. Afterwards the mayor and citizens testify that Andrew was present and was attached. It is adjudged that he be in mercy, with the sheriffs as his sureties. The chamberlain and sheriffs are quit.

54. Eodem anno eisdem camerario et vicecomitibus existentibus accidit quod quidam garcio Adam de Norffolchia nomine cecidit de quodam equo in Thamisiam per tractum cuiusdam alterius equi quern habuit in manu sua ad aquandum et submersus est. Nullus inde male creditur. Judicium infortunium. Precium equorum iiij marce unde vicecomites respondeant, qui postea responderunt. (fn. 3)

In the same year, the same being chamberlain and sheriffs, a groom named Adam of Norfolk fell from a horse, and, dragged down by another horse he was leading to water, was drowned in the Thames. No one is suspected. Judgment: misadventure. Value of the horses 4 marks, for which the sheriffs are to answer. And afterwards they answered.

55. Eodem anno eisdem etc. accidit quod quidam serviens Ciel de Staunforde qui vocabatur Augustinus subito cecidit mortuus in Venella Corta et visus factus fuit per camerarium etc. et nullus male creditur. Judicium infortunium. Et omnes vicini attachiati pro morte illa mortui sunt. Ideo nichil.

In the same year, etc., a servant of Ciel of Stamford, called Austin, fell suddenly dead in [? Short Lane]. He was viewed by the chamberlain, etc. and no one is suspected. Judgment: misadventure. And all the neighbours attached for the death have died. Therefore nothing.

[m. 2] De anno quartodecimo.

56. Eodem anno eodem camerario existente et Johanne de Woubourne et Ricardo filio Waited vicecomitibus existentibus, accidit die Martis post festum Sancti Michaelis, quod Edina la Wimplere laborans de febre acuta cecidit in quodam fossato et submersa est. Et Arnardus Faber attachiatus pro morte illa venit et non male creditur et nec aliquis alius. Judicium infortunium. Et omnes vicini attachiati pro morte illa, mortui sunt. Ideo nichil. (fn. 4)

Of the fourteenth year [Mich. 1230–Mich. 1231].

In the same year, the same being chamberlain, and John of Woburn and Richard fitz Walter sheriffs, on Tuesday after Michaelmas [1 Oct. 1230] Edwina la Wimplere, who was suffering from an acute fever, fell into a ditch and was drowned. Arnard the Smith, attached for the death, comes and is not suspected, nor is anyone else. Judgment: misadventure, and all the neighbours attached for the death have died. Therefore nothing.

57. Eodem anno eisdem camerario et vicecomitibus existentibus, accidit in octabis Epiphanie (fn. 5) quod Robertus de Kingestone serviens Andree Bukerel, percussit Adam filium Alicie cum quadam hacchia in capite, ita quod obiit in crastino. Et predicta Alicia superveniens ubi predictus Robertus percussit predictum Adam, et cepit ipsum et cum (fn. 6) vicinis suis adduxit eum ad domum Johannis tunc bedelli de warda illa, ut ipsum custodiret usque in crastinum et tradidit eum predicto bedello, qui eum recepit, et postea permisit ipsum abire. Et quia istud factum fuit de die, et clamor et hutesium levatum fuit, ita quod vicinis et omnibus de warda Jocei filii Petri (fn. 7) tunc aldermanni satis constabat de facto isto et predictum malefactorem postquam captus fuit non retinuerit, ideo ad iudicium de eis. (fn. 8) Et predictus bedellus qui venit committitur vicecomitibus. Et predictus Robertus fuit in franco plegio in parochia Sancti Pancracii in comitatu Middlesexie. Ideo dictum est vicecomiti Middelsexie (fn. 9) quod inquirat de franco plegio suo et de catallis suis et faciat ipsum exigi et utlagari in comitatu. Et quia testatum est per maiorem et cives quod predictus Robertus captus fuit et ductus ad domum Johannis bedelli Johanne absente, ideo Johannes inde quietus. Nulla habuit catalla. Camerarius et vicecomites nichil inde sciverunt neque aldermannus, nec fuit in franco plegio nec in warda quia extraneus. Ideo nichil. De Andrea Bukerel de cuius manupastu fuit nichil quia obiit.

In the same year, the same being chamberlain and sheriffs, on the octave of Epiphany [13 Jan. 1231], Robert of Kingston, servant of Andrew Bukerel, struck Adam, son of Alice, on the head with an axe, so that he died next day. Alice, coming to the place where Robert struck Adam, seized him, and with her neighbours brought him to the house of John, then beadle of the ward, so that he might keep him in custody until next day. She handed him over to the beadle, who received him, but afterwards let him go. And because this was done by day, and the hue and cry was raised, so that the neighbours and all those belonging to the ward of Joce fitz Peter, then alderman, were well informed concerning the deed, and the malefactor was not detained after his capture, to judgment with them. The beadle, who comes, is committed to the custody of the sheriffs. Robert was in frankplege in the parish of St. Pancras in the county of Middlesex. Therefore the sheriff of Middlesex is ordered to enquire concerning his frankpledge and his chattels, and to cause him to be put in exigent and outlawed in the county court. And because the mayor and citizens testify that John the beadle was absent when Robert was captured and brought to his house, he is quit. He (Robert) had no chattels. Neither the chamberlain nor the sheriffs nor the alderman knew anything of the matter, and he was not in frankpledge nor in the ward, because he is a stranger. Nothing from Andrew Bukerel, in whose household he was, because he has died.

58. Eodem anno et eisdem etc. accidit in vigilla Sancte Brigide, quod quidam Johannes capellanus et Radulphus le Cover bedellus archidiaconi venerunt de nocte ad domum Reginaldi de Norhamptone et ipsum Reginaldum occiderunt et fugerunt ad domum archidiaconi Londoniensis et postea convicti fuerunt de eodem facto coram episcopo Londoniense. Ita quod degradati fuerunt. Nulla habuerunt catalla. Nullus alius male creditur de morte illa. Et quia predicti fuerunt degradati et subierunt iudicium, ideo nichil.

In the same year, the same etc., on the vigil of St. Bridget [31 Jan. 1231] John chaplain and Ralph le Cover, beadle of the archdeacon, went by night to the house of Reginald of Northampton and killed him, and fled to the house of the archdeacon of London, and were afterwards convicted of the deed before the bishop of London and degraded. They had no chattels. No one else is suspected of the death. And because the abovenamed were degraded and suffered judgment therefore nothing.

59. Eodem anno eisdem etc. accidit die Dominica in Septuagesima, quod quedam mulier Alicia nomine subito obiit in domo Radulfi le Vouche. Nullus inde male creditur. Judicium infortunium. Ideo nichil. Et omnes vicini attachiati pro morte obierunt. Ideo nichil.

In the same year etc., on Septuagesima Sunday [19 Jan. 1231], a woman named Alice died suddenly in the house of Ralph le Vouche. No one is suspected. Judgment: misadventure. Therefore nothing. And all the neighbours attached for the death have died. Therefore nothing.

60. Eodem anno eisdem etc. accidit quod in crastino Pasche quedam mulier Editha nomine subito obiit in domo Danielis le Barbour. Et Daniel pro hoc attachiatus venit et requisitus qualiter ipsa obiit, dicit quod in descendendo de quodam gradu in domo sua, cecidit de gradu illo, ita quod fregit collum. Ideo ad iudicium (fn. 10) de camerario et vicecomitibus qui loquelam illam falso presentaverunt et banum concelaverunt. Predictus Daniel nec aliquis alius malecreditur de morte illa. Judicium infortunium. Precium gradus xviij d. unde vicecomes respondebit. (fn. 11) Et loquendum est cum rege super hoc quod nulla inquisicio recte facta est in Civitate Londoniarum. Et sciendum quod justiciarii profuerunt iudicium contra camerarium et cives contra vicecomites.

In the same year etc., on the morrow of Easter Day [24 March 1231], a woman named Edith died suddenly in the house of Daniel le Barbour. Attached for the death, he comes, and asked how she died, says that in descending a step in his house, she fell and broke her neck. Therefore to judgment with the chamberlain and sheriffs, who falsely presented the plaint and concealed the bane. Neither Daniel nor anyone else is suspected of the death. Judgment: misadventure. Value of the step 18d., for which the sheriff will answer. The king is to be consulted because no inquest has been correctly held in the City of London; and be it known that the justices preferred judgment against the chamberlain, and the citizens against the sheriffs.

61. Eodem anno eisdem camerario et vicecomitibus existentibus accidit die Dominica proxima post Ascencionem quod Johannes films Walteri Beaubelet, Willelmus et Rogerus fratres eius, et Alexander Ballard et Willelmus et Johannes filii Stephani le Clutere insultum fecerunt in quemdam Johannem Wyne hominem Galfridi de Costes et fecerunt ei quatuordecim plagas ita quod pro mortuo ipsum reliquerunt, et idem Johannes affidavit sequi versus eos si posset convalescere et postea convaluit et non est prosecutus appellum set dominus rex sequitur versus eos. (fn. 12) Et Walterus Beaublet et Alexander Ballard obierunt. Et Willelmus filius Stephani attachiatus, rectatus de plagis illis venit. Et Johannes Beaublet et Alexander Ballard obierunt. Et Willelmus filius Stephani defendit feloniam et quicquid est contra pacem domini regis et sponte ponit se super recordum camerarii et vicecomitum et aldermanni sui et warde sue. Et Willelmus filius Walteri, Rogerus et Johannes rectati de facto et Walterus de consensu et receptamento defendunt feloniam etc. et volunt defendere se secundum legem et consuetudinem Civitatis Londoniarum. Et quia predictus Johannes Wyne non est prosecutus suum appellum, ideo in misericordia et capiatur. Et quia lex Civitatis si vadiata fuerit et defectus fuerit in lege et vita et membrum pari passu ambulant, et in casu isto non iaceat periculum vite et membrorum ex quo idem Johannes vivit et non sequitur, consideratum est quod lex non iaceat. Set inquisicio fiat de facto per maiorem et cives. Qui dicunt super sacramentum suum quod fecerunt domino regi et in fide qua ei tenentur, quod omnes predicti sunt culpabiles de plagis illis et nullus alius. Et dicunt quod concordati sunt. Ideo committantur gayole; finem fecerunt, quia pauperes, per j m. (fn. 13) Plegii Willelmus le Moneour et Laurencius de Frowyk.

In the same year, the same being chamberlain and sheriffs, on Sunday after Ascension Day [4 May 1231], John, son of Walter Beaubelet, William and Roger his brothers, and Alexander Ballard and William and John, sons of Stephen le Clutere assaulted John Wyne servant of Geoffrey de Costes, inflicting on him fourteen wounds, and leaving him for dead. John swore to prosecute them should he recover. Later he recovered, but did not prosecute his appeal, and now the king proceeds against them. Walter Beaublet and Alexander Ballard have died. William, son of Stephen, who was attached, comes and is charged with the wounding. John Beaublet and Alexander Ballard have died. William, son of Stephen denies the felony and whatever is against the king's peace, and puts himself of his own accord upon the record of the chamberlain and sheriffs, and his alderman and ward. William, son of Walter, Roger and John, charged with the deed, and Walter with consenting thereto and harbouring them, deny the felony etc., and wish to defend themselves according to the law and custom of the City of London. And because John Wyne has not prosecuted his appeal, he is in mercy, and is to be taken into custody. But since, if the law of the City is waged, and the accused fails in the law, both life and limb are endangered, and in this case there is no danger to life and limb, seeing that John is alive, and is not prosecuting, it is held that the wager of law does not lie; but enquiry is to be made by the mayor and citizens concerning the deed. They say upon their oath to the king, and in the faith in which they are bound to him, that all the above-named are guilty of the wounding, and no other, and that they have made peace [with John]. Therefore they are to be committed to gaol. They made fine in 1 mark, because they are poor. Sureties: William le Moneour and Laurence de Frowyk.

62. Sciendum etiam quod maior et cives dicunt quod nullus potest esse in Civitate ut civis (fn. 14) et ut maneat in Civitate et legem Civitatis habeat ultra tres noctes nisi inveniat duos plegios et sic est in franco plegio ita quod si ultra unam noctem faciat moram in Civitate in forma predicta, feloniam vel aliquid aliud fecerit unde pax domini regis infringatur et non steterit inde recto, aldermannus in cuius warda fuit debet esse in misericordia eo quod receptavit ipsum in warda sua extra francum plegium. (fn. 15)

Be it known also, that the mayor and citizens say that no one may be in the City as a citizen, and stay there and enjoy the law of the City for more than three nights, unless he finds two pledges and thus is in frankpledge; and if he stays one night longer in the City in the manner aforesaid, and commits a felony or does anything in breach of the king's peace, and does not stand his trial, the alderman in whose ward he was, ought to be in mercy for harbouring him in his ward when he was not in frankpledge.

63. Eodem anno (fn. 16) eisdem camerario et vicecomitibus existentibus accidit die Lune proxima post festum Sancti Barnabe Apostoli quod quidam Edwardus de Bray teler verberavit Aliciam filiam Ricardi de Wiltone in campis versus Stebenhethe et ipsam male tractavit et brachium suum fregit in duobus locis, ita quod eadem Alicia, dum vixit, eum appellavit et in prosequendo suum appellum obiit de batura illa. Et post mortem suam quedam soror sua prosecuta fuit appellum et obiit in prosequendo. Et Edwardus fuit attachiatus per appellum suum et modo venit dominus rex, et sequitur versus eum et quesitum est ab eo qualiter vult defendere se de morte illa, dicit quod vult defendere se secundum legem et consuetudinem Civitatis Londoniarum, et committitur vicecomitibus, donec sciatur qualiter se purgare debeat. Post veniunt maior et cives et dicunt (fn. 17) quod ex quo nullus sequitur versus eum nisi dominus rex, ipse debet vadiare legem suam et defendere se septima manu sua, et non tricesima sexta. Ita quod si deficiat in purgacione sua, idem iudicium habeat ac si defecerit in lege cum xxxvj manu. Si autem faciat legem suam, quietus inde sit. Dicunt etiam quod ex quo aliquis defendat se per legem cum xxxvj vel septima manu, maior et cives, absentibus camerario et vicecomitibus, debent eligere super sacramentum suum et fidem qua tenentur domino regi purgatores per quos lex debet fieri de melioribus et fidelioribus Civitatis in presentia illius, qui purgare se debet per legem. Ita quod si aliquis sit eius inimicus vel essoniabilis, et iustam causam ostenderit, ipsum possit refutare. Et a die eleccionis purgatorum que est prefigenda ad voluntatem justiciariorum, prefigenda est ei dies a die illa in xv dies de iure, nisi justiciarii ei terminum ulteriorem velint prefigere. Contrarium autem invenietur postea, (fn. 18) ad quern diem si non venerit, pro convicto habebitur. Et committetur (fn. 19) per ballium per xij infra terminum predictum. Ita quod quilibet plegius sufficiens sit ad respondendum domino regi de c s. si ipsum ad terminum et diem non habuerint. Sciendum est etiam quod postquam aliquis fuerit appellatus et attachiatus pro morte hominis non potest exigere recognitionem antequam acquietaverit se de appello versus eum facto, et interim si non possit invenire plegios committatur prisone.

In the same year, the same being chamberlain and sheriffs, on Monday after the feast of St. Barnabas the Apostle [16 June 1231], one Edward of

Bray, 'teler', assaulted Alice, daughter of Richard of Wilton in the fields near Stepney, ill-treating her and breaking her arm in two places. Alice, while still living, appealed him, but while prosecuting her appeal she died as a result of that assault. After her death, a sister of hers prosecuted the appeal, but she too died while prosecuting it. Edward was attached by her appeal, and now conies the king to proceed against him. Asked how he wishes to defend himself concerning the death, he says that he wishes to do so according to the law and custom of the City of London. He is committed to the custody of the sheriffs until it is known how he ought to purge himself. Afterwards the mayor and citizens come and say that, since no one is proceeding against him except the king, he ought to wage his law and defend himself seven- and not thirty-six-handed [i.e. Third and Great Law]; it being understood that if he fails in his purgation he shall receive the same judgment as if he failed in the thirty-six-handed law, but if he wages his law successfully he shall be quit. They say further that when anyone defends himself by the law thirty-six- or seven-handed the mayor and citizens, the chamberlain and sheriffs being absent, ought, upon their oath and in the faith in which they are bound to the king, to choose the compurgators by whom the law is to be made from among the best and most trustworthy of the City, in the presence of him who has to purge himself by the law, so that he may reject anyone who is his enemy or essoinable, if he can show just cause; and a day ought by right to be given him a fortnight after the day of the choice of the compurgators, which is to be fixed by the justices, unless they wish to appoint a later date. (But the contrary may be found afterwards). On which day, if he does not come, he is to be regarded as convicted. And he is to be committed on the bail of twelve during the term aforesaid, provided that each pledge is able to answer to the king for 100s. if they fail to produce him at the term and day. Be it known, also, that after anyone has been appealed and attached for the death of a man, he cannot exact a recognisance until he has been acquitted of the appeal made against him; and, in the meantime, if he cannot find pledges he is to be committed to prison.

64. Eodem anno eisdem etc., accidit die Veneris proxima ante festum Sancti Botulphi quod quidam Henricus de Tuttebiria et Alanus Fullonus ceciderunt de quodam batello in ripam Tamisie et submersi sunt, nullus inde male creditur. Judicium infortunium; (fn. 20) precium batelli dimidium marce unde vicecomites respondeant; precium crete que fuit in batello illo xxviij d. unde vicecomites etc. postea responderunt.

In the same year the same etc., on Friday before the feast of St. Botulph [13 June 1231] Henry of Tutbury and Alan the Fuller fell from a boat into the Thames and were drowned. No one is suspected. Judgment: misadventure. Value of the boat ½ mark, for which the sheriffs are to answer. Value of the chalk which was in the boat 28d., for which the sheriffs etc. afterwards answered.

65. Eodem anno eisdem etc. accidit in vigilia Appstolorum Petri et Pauli, quod Petronilla que fuit uxor Petri de Pelham cecidit per infortunium in quodam cumelino pleno calido medo et [scaturizata] (fn. 21) est. Nullus malecreditur de morte illa. ludicium infortunium. Precium kemelini et medi ij s. unde vicecomites respondeant. Et Martinus filius Willelmi Bate, qui tunc fuit in domo illa, attachiatus pro morte illa per Robertum patrem suum et Henricum le Taillur non venit. Ideo in misericordia. Postea responderunt.

In the same year, the same, etc., on the vigil of the Apostles Peter and Paul [28 June 1231] Parnel relict of Peter of Pelham, fell by accident into a kimnel [i.e. a vat] full of hot mead and was scalded. No one is suspected of the death. Judgment: misadventure. Value of the kimnel and the mead 2s. for which the sheriffs are to answer. Martin son of William Bate, who was in the house at the time, was attached for the death by Robert, his father and Henry le Taillur, but he does not come. Therefore they are in mercy.

Afterwards they answered.

66. Eodem anno eisdem etc. accidit quod quidam Wydo de Elmedone cecidit de quodam equo in ripam Tamisie et submersus est. Nullus inde malecreditur. Judicium infortunium. Precium equi vij s. unde vicecomites respondeant.

In the same year, the same etc., Guy of Elmdon fell from a horse into the Thames and was drowned. No one is suspected. Judgment: misadventure. Value of the horse 7s., for which the sheriffs are to answer.

67. Eodem anno etc. accidit in Assumptione Beate Marie Virginis quod quedam puella inventa fuit submersa in Tamisia ante kayum Henrici Ruffy le taillur. Nullus inde male creditur. ludicium infortunium. Et vicini attachiati pro morte illa veniunt et non male [creduntur] (fn. 22) etc.

In the same year etc., on the feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin [15 Aug. 1231] a girl was found drowned in the Thames in front of the wharf of Henry Ruffy, the tailor. No one is suspected. Judgment: misadventure. The neighbours attached for the death come, but are not suspected.

68. Eodem anno etc. accidit quod die Martis ante festum Sancti Mathei, quod quidam homo qui vocabatur Radulfus Baggard cecidit de quadam scala in ripam Tamisie et submersus est. Nullus inde male creditur. ludicium infortunium. Et quia vicecomites et camerarius non appreciaverunt scalam, ideo ad iudicium de eis et vicini attachiati pro morte illa veniunt et non male [creduntur] (fn. 23). Judicium. Sint in misericordia.

In the same year, etc., on Tuesday before the feast of St. Matthew [16 Sept. 1231], a man called Ralph Baggard fell from a ladder into the Thames and was drowned. No one is suspected. Judgment: misadventure.

But because the sheriffs and chamberlain did not value the ladder, to judgment with them. The neighbours attached for the death come but are not suspected. Judgment: they [the sheriffs and chamberlain] are to be in mercy.

De anno quinto decimo.

69. Eodem anno. Eodem camerario existente et Waltero le Bufle et Michaele de Sancta Elena vicecomitibus existentibus accidit die Sancte Brigide quod Johannes Pynnote ubi fodebat in curia Willelmi Joye oppressus fuit ad mortem per terram que cecidit super eum. Nullus inde male creditur. Judicium infortunium. Omnes vicini attachiati pro morte illa mortui sunt.

Ideo nichil.

Of the fifteenth year [Mich. 1231–Mich. 1232].

In the same year, the same being chamberlain, and Walter le Bufle and Michael of St. Helens sheriffs, on the feast of St. Bridget [1 Feb. 1232] John Pynnote, who was digging in the courtyard of William Joye, was crushed to death by the earth which fell upon him. No one is suspected. Judgment: misadventure. All the neighbours attached for the death have died. Therefore nothing.

70. Eodem anno eisdem camerario et vicecomitibus existentibus accidit nocte Jovis proxima post festum Sancte Lucie quod quidam homo nomine Radulfus Waynefuntaynes percussus fuit quodam knipulo a quodam ignoto in cimiterio Sancti Pauli Londoniarum, ita quod obiit in crastino. Quidam Galfridus Russel clericus fuit cum eo quando percussus fuit et fugit ad ecclesiam Sancti Petri Londoniarum et noluit venire ad pacem domini regis nec exire ab ecclesia set inde postea evasit et predicti vicecomites fecerunt custodire cimiterium et sub eorum custodia evasit. (fn. 24) Et quesitum est a maiore et civibus si vicecomites super hoc nullam penam debeant [portare] (fn. 25) quod permiserunt predictum Galfridum sic evadere; alibi respondetur ad hoc quia sepius contigit nec sunt certi adhuc super hoc. Requisitum si male credunt predictum Galfridum clericum de facto illo dicunt quod non. Et quia predictus malefactor omnino fuit ignotus, ideo nichil.

In the same year, the same being chamberlain and sheriffs, on the night of Thursday after the feast of St. Lucy [18 Dec. 1231], a man named Ralph Waynefuntaynes was stabbed with a knife in St. Paul's Churchyard by an unknown person, and died next day. One Geoffrey Russel, clerk, who was with him when he was stabbed, fled to the church of St. Peter in London and would not surrender to the king's peace or leave the church; but afterwards he escaped. The sheriffs caused a watch to be kept on the churchyard, but he eluded their watch. And the mayor and citizens are asked whether the sheriffs ought not to suffer some penalty for permitting Geoffrey to escape in this way. Answer is made elsewhere since this happened often and they are not yet fully informed on the matter. Asked if they suspect the aforesaid Geoffrey the clerk of the deed, they say that they do not. And because the malefactor was totally unknown, therefore nothing.

71. Eodem anno etc. quedam puella habens circiter octo annos inventa fuit mortua in cimiterio Sancte Marie de Somersete et fuit ut credunt proiecta ibidem ab aliqua meretrice. Nullus inde male creditur, quia inde inquirere [non] potuerunt. Judicium infortunium. Ideo nichil.

In the same year etc., a girl about eight years old was found dead in the churchyard of St. Mary Somerset. It was believed that she was thrown there by some prostitute. No one is suspected, because no enquiry could be held thereon. Judgment: misadventure. Therefore nothing.

72. Eodem anno. (fn. 26) Eisdem etc. accidit quod quidam Henricus inventus fuit (fn. 27) submersus in ripa Tamisie qui cecidit de quodam batello in eandem ripam. Nullus inde male creditur. Judicium infortunium. Precium batelli dimidium marce unde vicecomites respondeant. Vicini (fn. 28) attachiati pro morte illa veniunt et non male creduntur. Ideo nichil. Postea responderunt de dampnis.

In the same year, the same etc., a certain Henry was found drowned in the Thames, having fallen from a boat into the river. No one is suspected. Judgment: misadventure. Value of the boat ½ mark for which [the sheriffs are to answer. The neighbours] attached for the death come and are not suspected. Therefore nothing. Afterwards they answered for the damages.

73. Loquendum est (fn. 29) cum domino rege super hoc quod Johannes de Coudres dixit manifeste coram justiciariis quod libertates Civitatis et vita et membra civium pari passu ambulent. Qui ob hoc per preceptum domini regis fuit arestatus apud Turrim Londoniarum. Et post ad peticionem civium tradidit eis dominus rex predictum Johannem per ballivam sub periculo omnium libertatum suarum quod habeant ipsum coram domino rege ad voluntatem suam eidem domino regi inde responsurum. Et sic liberatus est eis. (fn. 30)

The king is to be consulted because John de Coudres said openly before the justices that the liberties of the City and the life and limbs of the citizens should stand or fall together. As a result, he was arrested by the king's order at the Tower of London. Afterwards the king, on petition of the citizens, handed over the said John to them on bail, on condition that they should produce him before the king at his good pleasure, on pain of losing all their liberties, to answer for his words. And thus he was delivered to them.

74. Eodem anno etc. accidit die Dominica proxima post festum Sancti . . . de Stanmore nomine cecidit de quadam navi in ripam iuxta Douegate et submersus. Nullus inde male creditor. Judicium infortunium; precium navis xl s. unde vicecomites respondeant. (fn. 31) Omnes vicini attachiati pro morte illa obiemnt. Ideo nichil. (fn. 32)

In the same year etc. on Sunday after the feast of St. ... a man named ... of Stanmore fell from a ship into the river near Dowgate, and was drowned. No one is suspected. Judgment: misadventure. Value of the ship 40s. for which the sheriffs are to answer. All the neighbours attached for the death have died. Therefore nothing.

75. Eodem anno eisdem camerario et vicecomitibus existentibus accidit in crastino Decollations Sancti Johannis quod (fn. 33) quidam homo Osbertus nomine inventus (fn. 33) fuit male vulneratus in capite quodam baculo in vico Sancte Andree. Ita quod in crastino obiit de plaga (fn. 33) illa et Johannes le Syre de Kingestone et Willelmus (fn. 34) films eius arestati fuerunt tanquam suspecti de morte illa et incarcerati et postea liberati (fn. 33) fuerunt usque ad xl dies per preceptum Ricardi Renger tunc justiciarii de Banco et sine aliquo alio warento et ideo vicecomites fuerunt in misericordia. Et Johannes mortuus (fn. 33) est et Willelmus venit et Ricardus de la Windunberi et Wymarca uxor eius, Hamo et Thomas filii ipsius Ricardi in cuius domo (fn. 35) baculus inventus fuit, similiter veniunt et defendunt feloniam et quicquid est contra pacem domini regis et ponunt se super veredictum maioris et civium Londoniarum quod concessum est eis quia suspicio modica est. Et quia predicti Hamo et Thomas attachiati pro morte illa tunc fuerunt infantes et adhuc sunt infra etatem, (fn. 36) ideo nullum iudicium de eis set eant inde quieti et alii custodiantur. Postea maior et cives dicunt super sacramentum suum et in fide qua tenentur domino regi quod nec predicti nec aliquis alius culpabiles sunt de morte illa. Quia dicunt quod equitavit quemdam equum que fuit domini Willelmi de Stuteville et cecidit super pavimentum et fregit caput suum. Ita quod inde obiit. Et ideo consideratum est quod omnes sint quieti de morte illa. Judicium infortunium. Et quia camerarius et vicecomites non fecerunt sufficientem inquisicionem, ideo in misericordia.

In the same year, the same being chamberlain and sheriffs, on the morrow of the feast of the Decollation of St. John [the Baptist] [30 Aug. 1232] a man called Osbert was found badly wounded on the head by a staff in St. Andrew's Street. He died next day of the wound, and John le Syre of Kingston and William his son were arrested as suspect of the death and imprisoned. Afterwards they were set free for forty days by order of Richard Renger, then justice of the Bench, and without any other warrant. Therefore the sheriffs were in mercy. John is dead, but William comes and Richard de la Windunberi and Wymarca his wife, and Hamo and Thomas, Richard's sons, in whose house the staff was found, also come and deny the felony and whatever is against the king's peace and put themselves upon the verdict of the mayor and the citizens of London. This they are allowed because the suspicion is slight. And because Hamo and Thomas, attached for the death, were then infants and are still under age, they are not to be subjected to judgment, but are to be quit. The others are to be kept in custody. Afterwards the mayor and citizens say upon their oath and in the faith in which they are bound to the king, that neither the above-named nor anyone else is guilty of the death, for they say that [the deceased] was riding a mare belonging to sir William de Stuteville, and fell upon the pavement and broke his head, so that he died thereof. Therefore it is adjudged that all are quit of the death. Judgment: misadventure. And because the chamberlain and sheriffs did not make a satisfactory inquest they are in mercy.

76. Eodem anno eisdem etc. (fn. 37) accidit (fn. 38) die Dominica proxima post festum Sancti Jacobi Apostoli quod Juliana que fuit uxor Radulfi de Chielmeresford vinetarii venit coram camerario (fn. 39) et vicecomitibus et appellavit Robertum Hardel de morte predicti Radulfi viri sui quod idem Robertus nequiter et in felonia contra pacem domini (fn. 39) regis in crastino Sancti Jacobi vulneravit ipsum quodam knipulo in sinistra parte corporis. Ita quod ex plaga illa obiit [m. 2d] in crastino. (fn. 39) Et ipsa non (fn. 40) venit. Ideo ipsa et plegii sui de prosequendo in misericordia, scilicet Galfridus films Ricardi de Broham et Aylwinus de Chelmeresford de comitatu (fn. 39) Essexie. Et ipsa capiatur. Et Robertus venit et dicit quod alio anno regni regis Henrici filii regis Johannis xvj° coram domino Stephano de Segrave tunc (fn. 39) capitali justiciario et aliis justiciariis domini regis de Banco venerunt predicta Juliana et Alicia mater predicti Radulfi et appellaverunt eum de morte predicta (fn. 39). Ita quod secundum legem et libertatem Civitatis datus fuit eis terminus xla dierum ad appellum illud respondendum quia summonicio sua nimis (fn. 41) brevis fuit. Ad quern diem venit predictus Robertus et predicte mulieres coram eisdem justiciariis retraxerunt se et cognoverunt quod non fuit culpabilis de morte illa, nec voluerunt sequi versus eum, ita quod dominus rex perdonavit ei sectam suam. Et quod ita sit ponit se super rotulos predictorum justiciariorum. In quibus postea inventum est quod ita fuit. Et ideo consideratum est quod idem Robertus sit inde quietus imperpetuum. Et quia plegii predicte Juliane de prosequendo (fn. 42) coram predictis justiciariis tune fuerunt amerciati, quia ipsa retraxit se, ideo ad presens inchil de ipsa neque de plegiis suis.

In the same year, the same etc. on Sunday after the feast of St. James the Apostle [1 Aug. 1232], Juliana, relict of Ralph of Chelmsford, vintner, came before the chamberlain and sheriffs and appealed Robert Hardel of the death of Ralph, her husband, alleging that, on the morrow of St. James [26 July] he wickedly and feloniously, against the king's peace, wounded him in the left side of his body with a knife, so that he died next day of the wound. And now she does not come; therefore she and her pledges to prosecute, viz. Geoffrey, son of Richard de Broham and Aylwin of Chelmsford of the county of Essex, are in mercy, and she is to be taken into custody. Robert comes and says that in another year, viz. 16 Henry III [1232–3], Juliana and Alice, Ralph's mother, came and appealed him of the death aforesaid before Stephen of Seagrave, then chief justice, and others of the king's justices of the Bench; and, in accordance with the law and liberty of the City, he was granted a period of 40 days in which to answer the appeal, because his summons had been too peremptory. On the appointed day he appeared, and the above named women withdrew their appeal in the presence of the justices, and acknowledged that he was not guilty, nor did they wish to proceed against him so that the king pardoned him his suit. And that this was the case he puts himself upon the rolls of the aforesaid justices, in which it was afterwards found that it was as he said. Therefore it was adjudged that he be quit thereof in perpetuity. And because Juliana's pledges to prosecute were then amerced before the same justices on account of her withdrawal, therefore nothing now from her or her pledges.