CP40/571: Michaelmas term 1403

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/571, rot. 082

Term: Michaelmas 1403
County: London
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Damages claimed: £40
Damages awarded: £6
Case type: Bond

Pleading: Peter W. and Robert B. claim that Thomas O. owes them £40 on two bonds of £20, each made on 21/02/1402 and payable 24/06/1402. Damages claimed at £40. Bonds shown in court. Noted that the bonds do not say where they were made, but PW and RB claim they were made at London [parish and ward omitted].

Pleading: TO comes and says that he cannot deny the validity of the bonds, nor that they should have been paid on the dates named etc. Hence PW and RB are to recover the said £40, and £6 damages. TO is committed to the Fleet prison.

Postea text: PW and RB come to the court on 23/05/1405 and acknowledge that TO has made satisfaction to them concerning his debt and damages. TO is to be freed from the Fleet and the warden is quit of him.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/571, rot. 086

Term: Michaelmas 1403
County: London
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Damages claimed: £40
Case type: Arbitration; Bond

Pleading: Simon F. claims that Simon H., brother of John H., owes him £40 on a bond. Damages claimed at £40. Bond shown in court. Noted that the bond does not say where it was made, but SF says it was made at London etc.

Pleading: SH asks that the bond and its endorsements be read aloud, and it says that if his brother JH should hold to the conditions and ordinances of arbiter William B. concerning all quarrels between JH and SF prior to the making of the bond, then the bond shall be null and void. SH says that his brother JH is holding to the arbitration, and thus the bond should have no effect.

Pleading: SF says that his action ought not be excluded because WB subsequently ('alias'), namely on 26/04/1401 at London, ordained and arbitrated that JH should pay to SF £40 to settle all disputes between them. SF says that JH has not paid him this money and so has not held to the arbitration.

Pleading: SH says that no such arbitration by WB was had between JH and SF concerning the actions and quarrels aforesaid, and seeks judgement.

Pleading: SF says that such arbitration as he describes was had between himself and JH etc. and seeks inquiry upon the country, and SH seeks likewise. Order to the sheriff of London to make a jury come in the quindene of Martinmas 1403. Pledges named for the defendant.

Postea text: Continuance between the parties to the octave of Michaelmas term 1404, unless first heard at the assize at St Martin le Grand before justice John M. on 04/07/1404.

Postea text: Record is sent that the case was heard at the assize of St Martin le Grand on 04/07/1404 before justice JM and associate justice Peter C. The jury found that there was no such arbitration between JH and SF, and so SF is to have nothing for his writ, and is amerced for false claim. SH is without day.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/571, rot. 086d

Term: Michaelmas 1403
County: London
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Damages claimed: £20
Damages awarded: 40s
Case type: Bond

Pleading: Peter B. and Robert B. claim that Thomas O. owes them £20 on a bond. Damages are claimed at £20. Noted that the bond does not say where it was made but the plaintiffs claim it was made at London [parish and ward omitted].

Pleading: TO comes to the bar in the custody of the warden of the Fleet prison, and he says that he cannot deny the validity of the bond etc. Therefore, the decision is that PB and RB are to recover the said £20 plus 40s damages. TO is remanded to the Fleet.

Postea text: PB and RB acknowledge, on 23/05/1405, that TO has made satisfaction of the debt and damages. TO is to be released from the Fleet and the warden is quit of him.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/571, rot. 089

Term: Michaelmas 1403
County: Northamptonshire
Writ type: Trespass (force and arms)
Damages claimed: £50
Case type: Assault; Housebreaking; Taking of goods

Pleading: Nicholas B. claims that Drew B., John H., John S., Henry D., Thomas H., John K., Henry T., Thomas M., and John U. broke his close and house at Fawsley, Northamptonshire. He claims that they assaulted him and his men and servants, namely John B. and his wife Denise B., and Robert B.; and carried off four oxen, eight bullocks and seven cows worth a total of 24m. NB says that as a result of the assault he was without the service of his men and servants from the day of the trespass as far as the day of the making of his writ. Damages claimed at £50.

Pleading: The defendants come and defend etc. Day given at the octave of Hilary 1404.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/571, rot. 090d

Term: Michaelmas 1403
County: London
Writ type: Debt (account)
Damages claimed: £10
Damages awarded: 40s
Case type: Arbitration; Contract (service/employment); Reckoning of account

Pleading: John S. claims that William S. owes him 5m 6s 8d arrears as determined by a reckoning of account made between them before auditors Thomas G. and William F. JS says that WS was receiver of his monies from Easter 1395 to Easter 1397, during which time he received on behalf of JS 100s by the hands of Thomas J. And JS says a reckoning of the account between them was held on 06/01/1398 and WS was found to be 5m 6s 8d in arrears. Damages claimed at £10.

Pleading: WS says that the action against him ought not continue because he and JS underwent arbitration at Aveley, Essex, before arbiters William C. on the part of JS and John G. on the part of WS on 29/09/1398. This arbitration was to settle actions between WS and JS prior to that time, as well as all actions between WS and a certain Thomas C. WS says that the arbitrators decided that he ought to pay JS on that day of arbitration 6s 8d, and also ['ac etiam'] 5m 6s 8d money, namely 6s 8d at Easter 1399, another 6s 8d at Michaelmas 1399, and then further annual payments of 6s 8d at each of these feasts until he should satisfy JS concerning the said 5m 6s 8d. This payment should take place under the condition that TC should work as WS's cook for the six years next following, and should TC die or withdraw from WS's service without reasonable cause, then WS should be exonerated from paying the said 5m 6s 8d. Hence, WS says that as a result of the said arbitration (29/09/1398) he paid JS the said 6s 8d on the day of the arbitration and took TC into his service, but that before the following Christmas (25/12/1398) the said TC withdrew from WS's service without good licence (exonerating WS of the said payments).

Pleading: JS says that his action is founded on the aforesaid accounting at which WS was found to be in arrears and that WS's claims do not constitute a sufficient plea in law to exclude his action. JS says that according to the law of the land he does not have to respond to WS's counterplea, and due to default of response (on the part of WS) he seeks judgment and the aforesaid debt with damages.

Pleading: WS says that as JS did not deny that they placed themselves in this arbitration, or that the arbiters made this judgment, as he is prepared to verify, he seeks judgment. Upon this the record was heard, and it was ordered that JS recover the debt of 5m 6s 8d, and damages of 40s. WS to be arrested.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/571, rot. 103

Term: Michaelmas 1403
County: London
Writ type: Trespass (against statute)
Damages claimed: £200
Case type: Breach of Statute; Imprisonment; Maintenance; Taking of goods

Pleading: William D. claims that John W. has breached the statute against maintenance, by maintaining a writ of trespass through William W. WD claims that on 16/06/1402 he was arrested on a certain suit of WW, before the then sheriffs of London William V. and John F. WD says that on 20/06/1402, WW came to the kings court before one of the sheriffs of London and claimed that on 01/05/1402 at West Smithfield, WD had seized and abducted a certain Edith as well as various goods, namely 26 pewter jars worth 40s, 48 'pieces of pewter vessel' worth 26s 8d, one iron-bound chest with gold rings and necklaces, beads of coral and pearl valued at £10 7m 28s [including the value of the chest itself], 8 pairs of sheets worth 56s, 14 blankets worth 42s, 7 coverlets and 7 testers worth 7m, 18 silver spoons worth 40s, and 4 brass jars worth 13s 4d, four basins and one laver of latten worth 20s, 5 tablecloths and 10 towels worth 40s, 50 ells of linen cloth worth 33s 4d, broken silver and gold worth £4 5s 6d, 7 candlesticks of latten worth 2s, 2 roasting irons worth 5s, 2 andirons worth 5s, and £25 in gold and silver money which belonged to WW. A continuance was then given between WW and WD in this suit to 20/07/1402 whence WW was awarded £50 damages to be recovered from WD; to the force of which judgement WD says that he was committed to the prison of JW for the whole time aforesaid ['virtute cuius judicii predictus Will' Damyot ibidem commitebatur prisone predictus Johannes Wylby placitum predictum per totum tempus predictum in...'], at London, for which JW received from WW £40 of the aforesaid damages as by an agreement between them.

Pleading: JW comes in his own person and defends, and seeks licence to imparl.

Postea text: JW returns later this term, but WD does not, and so WD and his pledges are in mercy, and JW is without day.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/571, rot. 103d

Term: Michaelmas 1403
County: London
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Damages claimed: £20
Case type: Bond

Pleading: William E. claims that Hugh T., son and heir of Richard T., owes him £10 on a bond made between WE and RT during his lifetime. This bond was payable in St Paul's Cathedral. Bond shown in court. Damages claimed at £20.

Pleading: HT comes and defends. And, upon this day is given at the octave of Hilary 1404. Pledges named for the defendant.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/571, rot. 104

Term: Michaelmas 1403
County: Norfolk
Writ type: Debt (loan)
Damages claimed: 100s
Case type: Loan

Pleading: Robert B. and Nicholas F. claim that Henry W. owes them 100s on a loan. Damages are claimed at 100s.

Pleading: HW comes and says that he is not able to deny that he is held to RB and NF in 4m 5s of the aforesaid 100s. However, HW claims that he does not owe the other 40s 20d of the said 100s, for which he offers his law. Upon which it is the decision of the court that HW find pledges of law, but though HW has often requested some pledges he does not find any. Hence, the decision is that RB and NF are to recover their 100s debt against HW, and damages assessed by the justices at [omitted]. HW is in mercy, and is committed to the Fleet prison.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/571, rot. 114

Term: Michaelmas 1403
County: London
Writ type: Account
Damages claimed: £40
Case type: Contract (service/employment); Reckoning of account; Sale of goods

Pleading: William S. claims that John W. should have rendered reasonable account regarding the time when he was WS's bailiff and receiver of monies in a messuage in the parish of All Hallows the Great, Dowgate ward, London, between 1/11/1400 and 28/04/1402. During this period JF was administrator of various wines in the same messuage, namely 18 tuns of red wine, 13 pipes of red wine, 21 tuns of white wine, one aam (German measure of 37-41 gallons) and two 'ferthyng' casks of Rhenish wine, one cask of wine of 'Osey', and butt of Rumney. During this same time JW also received 'per the hands' of WS £8 6s 8d to the trade and profit of the same WS. Damages are claimed at £40.

Pleading: JW says that WS is a vintner, and was a vintner for the time in question, and states that WS retained separately, as his servants during this time, JW himself, Simon L., William T. and William C. These men were employed to draw wine in the aforesaid messuage, an inn, and to sell it to whoever wanted to buy it, both in bulk and retail. For each day, they were to account with WS for the wine sold, and pay the money to him as required. JW states that he and the other people all accounted with WS, and paid the money as required. And concerning the £8 6s 8d which he supposedly received 'per the hands' of WS, he states that he was never receiver of SW's monies, and concerning this he offers his law, to be made at the octave of Hilary 1404; pledges of law named.

Pleading: WS, not acknowledging anything said by JW, states that JW alone was his bailiff for the said messuage and its contents, for which he alone was to render account. The others were retained to draw the wine, but were to deliver the money to JW, who was to account with WS for his own money and that received by the others. WS did not retain all these men to account, as JW has claimed.

Pleading: JW says that SL, WT, and WC were retained to reckon account with WS along with him regarding the said wine, and puts himself on the country, and WS puts himself likewise. Jury to be here at the same term.

Postea text: JW make essoin to the octave of the Purification 1404.

Postea text: JW makes his law concerning the supposed debt of £8 6s 8d, and so is quit, and WS is in mercy for false claim.

Postea text: Process continued, jury in respite to octave of Trinity 1404, unless the case is first heard at the assize at St Martin le Grand before justice William B. on 10/05/1404. On that day, before justice WB and associate justice Richard H., a jury said that SL, WT and WC held a reckoning of account with WS concerning the incomes from the sale of the said wine, and so WS is to have nothing for his writ and is in mercy for false claim. JW is without day.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/571, rot. 117

Term: Michaelmas 1403
County: Surrey
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Damages claimed: £300
Case type: Bond

Pleading: Henry T., abbot of Bermondsey, amerced for many defaults. Simon B. and John S., executors of the will of William M., together with Robert C., and his wife Elizabeth C., herself the widow and a co-executor of the will of WM., claim that abbot HT owes them £300 on a bond made between abbot HT and WM during his lifetime in £300, as a loan to the use of the said monastery. Damages claimed at £300. Bond shown in court, as well as proof that plaintiffs SB, JS, and EC are the executors.

Pleading: Abbot HT comes by Henry T., his attorney, and defends the force and tort etc. Day given between the parties in Hilary term 1404.

Postea text: Further day given between the parties in the quindene of Easter term 1404.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/571, rot. 152

Term: Michaelmas 1403
County: London
Writ type: Trespass (force and arms)
Damages claimed: £300
Case type: Imprisonment; Taking of goods

Pleading: Robert L. and his wife Agnes L. claim that Geoffrey A. used force and arms to abduct them on 05/12/1402 and imprison them for ten weeks. Damages claimed at £300.

Pleading: GA denies force and arms, and puts himself upon the country, and RL with AL put themselves likewise. Concerning the charge of imprisoning RL and AL, GA says that before the time of the supposed imprisonment AL was a lodger in London at an inn called 'Le Angel on the Hope'. He claims that at various times she seized and carried off GA's goods to the value of £300, namely: one garment of black worsted bound with blue buckram; one pair of coral 'paternosters'; twelve gold rings, namely two with two stones called sapphires and ten other rings; one girdle decorated with silver; six veils of Paris-thread; six plights of lawn called coverchiefs; three veils of cloth of 'Reines'; and 13s 4d in cash. GA says that he diligently inquired of the names of the same certain Robert and Agnes, and found that this was the same Robert Louthe who had also been called 'John Louthe', and that they were strangers and not residents of the city, and before and after the said date RA had been overseas. GA, in the company of then sheriff of London Richard M., affirmed a writ of trespass against RL and AL by the names 'John Louthe' and AL. Afterwards, at a continuance of the case on 05/12/1402 it was ordered that a certain John R., one of the servants of the then sheriff RM, should arrest the same RL (by the name John Louthe) and AL. GA is prepared to verify that it was not he who imprisoned RL and AL.

Pleading: RL and AL state that RL is named Robert Louthe, and is married to AL, and they are known as this in the city of London, where they hold rents of 40m. This he is prepared to verify and seeks judgement and damages etc.

Pleading: GA says that RL and AL have not denied the claim and seeks judgement. Justices wish to be advised, so day given at the octave of Hilary 1404.

Postea text: Plaintiffs come, but the defendant does not come. Record is heard and understood, and so it is ordered that RL and AL recover their damages. GA to be arrested.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/571, rot. 159

Term: Michaelmas 1403
County: London
Writ type: Trespass (force and arms)
Damages claimed: £20
Case type: Assault

Pleading: William B. claims that John L. assaulted him with force and arms. Damages claimed at £20.

Pleading: JL says that on the day and in the place aforesaid that it was in fact WB who came and assaulted him, and that if he did WB any harm it was only in self-defence.

Pleading: WB says that JS committed the said trespass against him as claimed, and seeks inquiry upon the country, and JS seeks likewise. Order to the sheriff of London to make a jury come at the morrow of All Souls 1403. Pledges are named for the defendant.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/571, rot. 159d

Term: Michaelmas 1403
County: London
Writ type: Trespass (against statute)
Damages claimed: 10m
Case type: Breach of Statute; Contract (service/employment)

Pleading: William atte Wode claims that he hired Adam B. to work as a brewer from Pentecost 1403 as far as Michaelmas 1403, but that on 25/06/1403 AB left his service without reasonable cause and licence. Damages claimed at 10m.

Pleading: AB says that he was never retained by WW and places himself upon the country, and WW places himself likewise. Order to the sheriff to the sheriff of London to make a jury come [term omitted].

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/571, rot. 188

Term: Michaelmas 1403
County: London
Writ type: Debt (account)
Damages claimed: £100
Case type: Reckoning of account

Pleading: Prior Richard C. amerced for many defaults. John S., goldsmith, claims that prior RC owes him £40 arrears as determined by a reckoning of account held between them before auditors William P. and Andrew G. Plaintiff John S., goldsmith, claims that this arrears concerns various receipts of monies the prior received by the hands of a certain John S., monk of the same priory, and John C. Damages claimed at £100.

Pleading: And the aforesaid prior RC comes per his attorney Richard W. etc. And he denies the force and tort etc. [No further pleading]

Case notes: Heading erased, and marked 'vacat'.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/571, rot. 197d

Term: Michaelmas 1403
County: London
Writ type: Detinue
Damages claimed: £10
Case type: Detention of goods

Pleading: Robert Brayton claims that, with a certain 'John Wauterservant Whitby', he delivered to Geoffrey Aghton chattels to the value of 40s, namely one basinet, together with a vumbard and an aventail. However, GA will not now return these, to his damage of £10.

Pleading: GA says that he does not detain these chattels and offers his law, to be made at the octave of Hilary 1404. Pledges of law named.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/571, rot. 216

Term: Michaelmas 1403
County: Sussex
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Damages claimed: £40
Case type: Bond

Pleading: Robert B. claims that Stephen P. owes him £15 19s 6d on a bond. Damages claimed at £40. Bond shown in court.

Pleading: SP says that the bond is not of his making and places himself upon the country, and RB places himself likewise. Order to the sheriff of Sussex to make a jury come in the quindene of Hilary term 1404. The bond is put into the safe keeping of chief clerk William P.

Postea text: Two posteas, both say the sheriff received the writ too late, forwarding the case as far as Easter term 1404.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/571, rot. 262d

Term: Michaelmas 1403
County: London
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Damages claimed: 100m
Case type: Bond

Pleading: Richard W., John Huntyngton, John Henege and Edmund O., executors of the will of John la Warre, claim that Ralph R. owes them 100m on a bond made between RR and JW during his lifetime. Damages are claimed at 100m. Bond shown in court, as well as proof that they are the executors.

Pleading: RR comes and asks that the bond and its endorsements be read out in the court. The condition of this bond is such that if the within-written RR, John R., Richard, Richard, and Elias [surnames not given] should pay JW or his attorney £16 13s 4d at Grimsthorp at the feast of St Peter ad Vincula 1391, £8 6s 8d at St Peter ad Vincula 1392 and £8 6s 8d at St Peter ad Vincula 1393, then the bond shall be null and void. RR says that these payments were made in the prescribed form at Manchester, Lancashire, and so the bond should not hold.

Pleading: The plaintiffs, not acknowledging that RR paid any money to JW as claimed, state that RR did not pay JW the sum due at St Peter ad Vincula 1393. Enquiry on country, day given at octave of Hilary 1404.

Postea text: Further day given between the parties in Easter term 1404.

Postea text: Parties come, and since it seems to the court that the case should be tried by a jury of Manchester, which is within the palatinate of Lancaster, the chancellor of the duchy or his lieutenant is ordered to try the case before the court of the palatinate before a jury of Manchester, with the parties present if they so wish, and to make the details known here at the quindene of Easter, so that judgment can be rendered.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/571, rot. 263

Term: Michaelmas 1403
County: London
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Damages claimed: £200
Damages awarded: £20
Costs: 20m
Case type: Bond

Pleading: Roger W. claims that John G. owes him 500m on a bond, payable at Lambeth. Damages claimed at £200. Bond shown in court.

Pleading: JG says that the force of the bond ought not hold because at the time of its making RW and his brother John had made such great threats against him at Croydon that he made the bond out of fear and under duress.

Pleading: RW says that JG was a free man at the time of the making of the bond and made the bond freely and not under duress. Enquiry on country, sheriff of Surrey to have jury of Croydon here at the octave of Martinmas 1404. Pledges named for the defendant.

Postea text: Jury does not come, in respite to octave of Hilary 1404.

Postea text: Parties come, jury says upon oath that JG was a free man at the time of the making of the bond. RW to recover the said 500m debt, plus £20 damages as assessed by the jury. RW asks that the damages be increased, and the justice rules that RW is to receive the said £20 damages as assessed by the jury plus 20m for costs.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/571, rot. 265d

Term: Michaelmas 1403
County: London
Writ type: Disseisin
Damages claimed: -
Case type: Dower; Real action / rents / damage to real estate

Pleading: The mayor of London sends the record of a plea held in the court of Hustings, in these words. Common pleas held in the London Hustings on 16/07/1403. Matilda, formerly wife of Robert Aleyn, by her attorney Thomas Stalle, sought from John L. a third part of six shops with the solars built above and pertaining to them in London, as her dower from her late husband Robert A., which she does not have. JL came in person and sought view, which was granted, and day given at the next Hustings of Common Pleas.

Pleading: Common Pleas held in the Hustings on 30/07/1403, JL makes view against MA in plea of dower by attorney RR. Common Pleas held in the Hustings on 05/11/1403, MA, by her attorney Thomas Staple, seeks the same third part of six shops with their solars against JL, etc., as her dower. JL, coming by attorney Henry Hanslapp, says that the tenements are only 5 shops with their solars, and calls to warrant John C., who should be summoned by the king's court from the counties of Norfolk and Suffolk. MA concedes that this be done. Day given before the Common Bench at Westminster at the octave of Martinmas next, according to the articles of the Statute of Gloucester.

Pleading: MA and JL thus come before the Common Pleas at Westminster at the said octave of Martinmas, MA in person and JL by Henry Oundell, and seek writ to the sheriffs of Norfolk and Suffolk to summon JC to be here, and this is granted, returnable at the morrow of the Purification. Day given to parties.

Pleading: [continued at Hilary 1405, rot 262d] MA seeks the said property from JC, worth £4 6s 8d per year. JL called JC to warrant, and day was given at the octave of Martinmas 1403. MA came by attorney JK, JL by HO, and secured a writ of summons to the sheriffs of Norfolk and Suffolk, to have JC here at Easter one month 1404. Process continued to the morrow of the Purification, parties came, JC also came by attorney Robert Norwych, and warrants JL. This court cannot proceed in this plea, so day given before the mayor and sheriffs of London at the next Hustings of Common Pleas in the city, and JC also to be there to answer the main plea of MA.

Case notes: No county heading given on CP 40/571; marginalised 'mayor'. Further pleadings taken from CP 40/576, rot 262d, where case , marginalised 'London'.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/571, rot. 271

Term: Michaelmas 1403
County: London
Writ type: Debt (other)
Damages claimed: £40
Damages awarded: 20s
Case type: Debt; Real action / rents / damage to real estate

Pleading: Prior John E. says that he was lately seised, as of the right of his church of St Bartholomew Smithfield, of an annual rent of 8s from the hands of a certain William B., lately parson of the church of St. Martin Pomary and predecessor of the current parson (the defendant John H.). Prior JE says that this 8s was to be paid to him by parson JH in equal portions at Easter and Michaelmas, just as it was paid to prior JE's predecessors by parson JH's predecessors as of the right of the church of St Bartholomew Smithfield from time immemorial. Prior JE says that this rent is now in arrears by 48s, and claims damages of £40.

Pleading: JH says that he found his church discharged of the said rent, and is not able to burden or exonerate his church of this rent without the permission of the patron, the prior of St Bartholomew, and Robert, bishop of London, ordinary of the church. Therefore, the patron and ordinary of the church are summoned to be here on the morrow of Martinmas.

Postea text: Prior JE comes, as does parson JH, by their attorneys. However the patron and ordinary of St Martin Pomary do not come. It is decided that parson JH will have to defend without their aid, and so JH says that he cannot deny the said debt. Order that prior JE recover the said rent and arrears, from before and after the date of the original writ, which now stands at 52s. Damages assessed at 20s, JH amerced. JE releases the said arrears and damages.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/571, rot. 275d

Term: Michaelmas 1403
County: London
Writ type: Trespass (force and arms)
Damages claimed: £100
Case type: Abduction

Pleading: John O. claims that William F. forcibly abducted his apprentice Roger O. to his damage of £20 [sic.], contrary to the peace of the late king Richard II. Damages claimed at £100 [sic.].

Pleading: WF says that he is completely innocent and places himself upon the country, and JO places himself likewise. Order to the sheriff of London to make a jury come in the octave of Hilary 1404. Pledges named for the defendant.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/571, rot. 277

Term: Michaelmas 1403
County: London
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Damages claimed: £10
Case type: Bond

Pleading: Thomas W. claims that Anabel T., widow and administrator of the goods of James T., owes him £9 15s 11d by a bond made between TW and JT during his lifetime. Damages are claimed at £10. Bond shown in court.

Pleading: AT says that whereas TW stated in his original writ that she was the administrator of the goods and chattels of JT, she was in fact never appointed administrator of JT's goods and chattels, and this she is prepared to verify.

Pleading: TW cannot deny AT's claim that she was never appointed administrator of the goods and chattels of JT, and so he is to have nothing for his writ. TW amerced for false claim and AT sent without day.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/571, rot. 279

Term: Michaelmas 1403
County: Cambridgeshire
Writ type: Trespass (force and arms)
Damages claimed: 100m
Case type: Real action / rents / damage to real estate; Taking of goods

Pleading: John G. and his wife Margaret G. claim that John C. and John M., together with Andrew G., used force and arms at Landwade, Cambridgeshire, to seize and carry off MG's goods and chattels to the value of £40, namely 52 quarters of wheat and 52 quarters of barley. Damages claimed at 100m.

Pleading: JC and JM deny force and arms, and the entire trespass except the taking of 5 quarters of wheat and 5 quarters of barley; parties on country. Concerning the taking of the remaining 10 quarters of grain, JC says that this grain was planted, grown, and reaped in his own sole and free tenement in the vill of Landwade, but says that MG reaped the said ten quarters of wheat and barley, and carried it to a certain granary in Landwade where it was threshed, upon which JC intervened and took the said 10 quarters of wheat and barley as his own, as was right. JC says he did not intend any other injury. JM says that he was a servant of JC, and only acted on the orders of JC, and only took and removed the grain which was grown on the land of JC.

Pleading: JG and MG say that their plea on these 10 quarters of grain should continue, since a certain Joan F., long before the supposed trespass, was seised of a certain manor and one carucate of land with appurtenance in Fordham, next to Landwade, in her demesne as of fee, and demised it to a certain Walter S. for a term of ten years from Michaelmas 1387. Within this term of ten years WS planted all these lands, the demesne land of the manor and carucate, with various crops, which were then taken to the grange at Landwade. Afterwards, WS granted all his goods and chattels, inclusive of his grain, to AG, who then in turn granted them in perpetuity to MG whilst she was a single woman. MG and JG say that five quarters of the said 10 quarters of wheat and barley were planted and grown on the free tenement of JF, not that of JC. Concerning the other five quarters, JG and MG say that the prior of Fordham is the parson, and demised the rectory of that church, together with the glebe, to the same Walter S, to hold for a term of ten years from Michaelmas 1387. WS sowed these lands with various crops, and then granted them to AG in perpetuity, who in turn granted them to MG, when she was a single woman. The remaining 5 quarters of grain were thus growing on the glebe land, and not on the land of JC as claimed.

Pleading: JC and JM repeat that the said ten quarters of wheat and barley were grown solely on JC's free tenement. Parties on country, jury here at quindene of Hilary 1404.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/571, rot. 296

Term: Michaelmas 1403
County: London
Writ type: Detinue
Damages claimed: £40
Case type: Detention of goods; Safe keeping

Pleading: Martin S. amerced for many defaults. JG claims that MS detains a bond put into his safe keeping showing that a certain William B. is bound to JG in £33 6s 8d. Damages claimed at £40.

Pleading: MS comes and presents this bond, ready to deliver it with the court's decision. However, he says that the bond was given to him jointly by JG and WB, under the condition that it be delivered to JG only under certain circumstances. MS says that he does not know whether the conditions warrant its delivery etc., and so seeks that WB be forewarned. Order to the sheriff to forewarn WB by good and honest men to come before the court at the octave of Hilary 1404 etc. The other parties are to come to that same day.

Postea text: Parties come by attorneys, William Baylle also came. Sheriff returned that he informed WB to be here, by John Bally and Thomas Aleyn. And upon this day is given between the parties at quindene of Easter 1404.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/571, rot. 312

Term: Michaelmas 1403
County: Kent
Writ type: Trespass (force and arms)
Damages claimed: £40
Case type: Taking of goods

Pleading: John W. claims that Thomas S. used force and arms to seize and carry off his goods and chattels at Ruckinge, Kent, to the value of £20. The goods taken were namely: wool and linen cloth, tablecloths, towels, gold and silver rings, copper, brass and wooden vessels, and a certain instrument called an 'ovelotirne' (?frying pan for eggs). Damages claimed at £40.

Pleading: TS comes and says that he is completely innocent and puts himself upon the country, and JW puts himself likewise. Order to the sheriff of Kent to make a jury come in the octave of Hilary term 1404.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/571, rot. 371

Term: Michaelmas 1403
County: Middlesex
Writ type: Disseisin
Damages claimed: -
Case type: Real action / rents / damage to real estate

Pleading: Prioress Emma S. seeks from Roger W. and William F. 16 acres of land in Tottenham, which she claims as of the right of her church of St John the Baptist, Kilburn, and in which RW and WF do not have entry except by the unjust disseisin made by John M. against the former prioress Agnes.

Pleading: RW and WF come and call to warrant John W., who is to be summoned to be here at the octave of the Purification 1404.

Pleading: [continued on CP 40/578, rot 105d] RW and WF offer themselves versus JW, who ought to have been in this court at the octave of St John the Baptist 1404 to warrant them concerning 16 acres of land in Tottenham, Middlesex, which prioress ES has claimed as right of her church of St John the Baptist, Kilburn. RW and WF say that JW did not come on the day aforesaid and so JW was then to come to warrant them in Michaelmas term, on which day RW came by his attorney Thomas O., but JW did not come on this day, and the sheriff did not return the writ. Hence, the same JW was summoned to be in this court at the octave of the Purification 1406.

Case notes: Further information drawn from CP 40/578, rot 105d.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/571, rot. 372d

Term: Michaelmas 1403
County: London
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Damages claimed: £20
Case type: Bond

Pleading: John W. and John S. claim that William G. owes them £16 on a bond, payable at London. Damages claimed at £20. Bond shown in court.

Pleading: WG says that the action against him ought not continue because after the making of the said bond JW and JS gave him a release at Haslemere, Surrey, for all outstanding actions, personal and real.

Pleading: JW and JS say that the release is not of their making and seek inquiry upon the country. Order to the sheriff of Surrey to make a jury come in the octave of Hilary term 1404. The release is given to clerk William P. for safe-keeping.

Postea text: 12/05/1404, WP delivers the release to John H., and is quit.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/571, rot. 374d

Term: Michaelmas 1403
County: Middlesex
Writ type: Other
Damages claimed: -
Case type: Real action / rents / damage to real estate

Pleading: Richard F. seeks from John B. one messuage and one toft with appurtenances in Brentford, which JB held of him for certain services, and which ought to revert to him according to the terms of the statute of common council after JB withheld those services for two years. RF says that JB held the property from him by fealty and services of 7s each year, payable at Easter and Michaelmas in equal portions, the making of six enclosures (parcarias) each autumn, a heriot of his best beast upon death, and suit of court at Brentford every three weeks. However, JB withdrew these rents and services two years prior to the making of his original writ on 04/061403.

Pleading: JB, not acknowledging that he held the property for the services claimed, states that RF ought not maintain his action, as the property was outside the jurisdiction of RF at the time of his original writ, and were on the day of his original writ.

Pleading: RF says that the tenement and toft in question were not free of his jurisdiction at the time of the making of the writ. Enquiry on country, jury here at Easter five weeks 1404.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/571, rot. 375

Term: Michaelmas 1403
County: London
Writ type: Detinue
Damages claimed: 1000m
Damages awarded: 10m
Case type: Arbitration; Detention of goods; Safe keeping

Pleading: Edward B. complains that John W. unjustly detains from him two bonds, one of which records that Sybil, once wife of Hugh le Despencer, was held to the same EB in 500m payable at specified terms, and the other recording that EB was held to SD in 500m at certain terms. EB says that on 14/04/1402, in London, he delivered the said bonds into the safe keeping of the late Henry P., to be returned to ED on request, but neither HP nor JW, into whose hands the bonds came after the death of HP, have delivered the bonds to EB, to his damage of 1000m.

Pleading: The same JW was summoned to respond to SD on a plea that he detains the same bonds from her. SD says that on 14/04/1402 the said bonds were put into the safe keeping of the said late Henry P., to be returned to her on request, but neither HP nor JW have delivered the said bonds to SD, to her damage of 1000m.

Pleading: JW comes to defend both suits, and says that he was lately the mayor of London, during which time he was escheator of the lord king. He says that a writ of the king was directed to him, stating that all goods and chattels of the said HP were to be taken into the hands of the king, and so the said bonds came into his possession. JW presents the bonds here in court, and says that he is willing to deliver them upon the court's decision.

Pleading: EB says that the bond ought to be delivered to him and not to SD, as there had previously been various disputes between him and his wife Anne and SD concerning the manors of Collyweston (Northants), Solihull (Warks), Sheldon (Warks) and Hotham (Yorks), together with the advowsons of the churches of those manors, the advowson of the free chapel of St Alphage and a third part of the manor of Bonby (Lincs), which they claim by right of Anne as sister and heir of HD, and which SD claims for term of life. These disputes were settled by the mediation of their friends, and the said bonds were entered into and delivered to Henry Percy, son of Henry Percy, earl of Northumberland, on 14/04/1402, in London, under certain conditions, namely that if EB, AB and SD stand in the arbitration of Thomas Pykworth, John Curson and Roger Horton, arbiters for EB and AB, and John Cheyne, Peter de Melbourne and Thomas Fryseby, arbiters for SD, or others chosen to replace them, and hold to their decision, then the bonds shall be returned to the people obliged; otherwise, they should be delivered to the party holding to the agreement. Afterwards, in the house of the Friars Preacher in St Martin Ludgate, Pykworth and Curson came, together with a certain Robert Tyrwhit in place of Horton for EB and AB, and Melbourne and Friseby, together with Arnold Savage in place of Cheyne for SD, and they ordained that SD should hold the manors of Solihull, Sheldon and Hothum, with the advowsons of their churches, and the advowson of the chapel of St Alphage, for the term of her life, with reversion on her death to EB and AB and the heirs of AB. And they also ordained that EB and AB should have the manor of Collyweston, except the crops sowed there by SD, and the third part of Bonby. They also ordain that EB and AB should have an annual rent of 100s from SD from the manors of Solihull and Sheldon for the term of SD's life, and SD should immediately deliver all charters relating to those manors to EB and AB. For the implementation of this, Percy, with the advice of William Gascoigne, CJKB, ordained that EB and AB should grant by a fine in the king's court the manors of Collyweston, Solihull, Sheldon and Hotham, the third part of Bonby, with the advowsons of the churches and the chapel of St Alphage, to SD for term of her life, and SD should grant to EB and AB an annual rent of 100s, payable at Easter and Michaelmas, during her life, from Solihull and Sheldon, on the condition that if SD is impleaded by EB and AB, or any of the heirs of AB, regarding the manors of Solihull, Sheldon and Hotham, or any part thereof, or be removed from them by the or their heirs, then the rent shall cease. HP also ordered that SD should grant all her interests in the said manors etc to HP, earl of Northumberland, Thomas Percy, earl of Worcester, HP, son of the earl, Gascoigne, William Thirnyng, Tyrwhit, Horton, Friseby, and John Launde for the life of SD, under condition that if they were impleaded of the manors of Solihull, Sheldon and Hotham, or of the advowsons of the churches and chapel, during the life of SD by EB and AB or their heirs, or are removed from the property, then SD may enter the manor of Collyweston and the third part of the manor of Bonby, and hold for the term of her life. Afterwards, the earls, etc should grant to SD the manors and advowsons of Solihull, etc, for a term of 60 years, without waste, sale, etc, on condition that if SD should die within 60 years, then the term shall end. Further, the earls, etc, should grant the manor of Collyweston and the third of Bonby to EB and AB for the same 60 year period under the same terms. Arrangements should also be made regarding the manors of Solihull and Sheldon, currently in the king's hands as HD held them in chief. However, ED and AD have asked SD to make the necessary fines and grants to implement the judgment and decisions of HP, make the grant of 100s and deliver the documents, but she has refused. They therefore seek delivery of the documents.

Pleading: SD says that delivery of the documents pertains to her and not EB, as HP never made these orders as claimed. She states that HD was seised of these various manors and advowsons (except the third of the manor of Bonby), and enfeoffed them to Henry, bishop of Norwich, and others in fee simple, who re-enfeoffed them to HD, herself and the heirs of HD. HD then died, jointly seised with her of the said manors and advowsons, and solely seised of the third part of Bonby. Since Bonby was held in chief of the king, and it was shown before the Warwickshire escheator that HD died in his demesne as of fee of the manors of Solihull and Sheldon, these manors were taken into the king's hands. SD then came into Chancery to show a deed of joint enfeoffment, and was admitted to plead her case, pending which EB and AB claimed the manors of Solihull, Sheldon, Hotham and Collyweston and their advowsons in right of AB, supposing them to be entailed to AB and her issue. On this, SD, EB and AB placed themselves in the mediation of their friends, namely TP, JC and RH for EB and AB, and JC, PM and TF for SD, or others of equal status if necessary, and HP, son of the earl of Northumberland, chosen by all parties, was to intervene if the arbiters could not agree, and thus the bonds were delivered to HP on 14 April. On 15 April the arbiters [with replacements as above] met in the parish of St Albans Wood Street in London, and since the manors of Solihull, Sheldon and Hotham, with their advowsons, were granted by John Hothom to HD and his wife Alice, and the heirs of their bodies, and after their deaths they should descend to their daughter Anne, as EB and AB have claimed, they ordain that SD ought to have them for the term of her life, by virtue of the deed of enfeoffment by the said bishop and his fellows. EB and AB should find sufficient security for the term of SD's life for this property, and having found this SD should deliver the manor of Collyweston and its advowson to EB and AB. And EB and AB should have the third part of Bonby, which pertains to SD in dower. SD should grant to EB and AB an annual rent of 100s for the term of SD's life. HP was to supervise the implementation, not that security was to be found, as claimed by EB and AB. Further, SD states that, since the manors of Solihull, Sheldon and Hotham were entailed to EB and AB and their heirs as stated, and AB was in the coverture of EB, she asked EB and AB, in the parish of St Albans, to find sufficient security to her for the term of her life for those manors, namely to grant her equivalent lands in fee simple to the same value. However, EB and AB refused, and offered no such property.

Pleading: EB, not acknowledging anything alleged by Sybil, states that security was to found according to the determination of HP, as he claimed. Enquiry by country. And since it seems to the court that this issue ought to be determined by the men of the parishes of St Alban Wood Street and St Martin Ludgate, order that the sheriff of London have jury of those parishes here at octave of Hilary. Day given to parties.

Postea text: Process continued, jury in respite to octave of Hilary 1405. EB came by attorney, SD did not come. SD and pledges amerced. Order that EB recover the bonds against SD by default, and damages of 10m. EB remits the damages. Bonds delivered to Thomas Heuster, attorney of EB. JW quit.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/571, rot. 376

Term: Michaelmas 1403
County: Middlesex
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Damages claimed: £60
Case type: Bond; Real action / rents / damage to real estate

Pleading: Lawrence A. claims that Robert H. owes him 40m on a bond. Damages claimed at £60. Bond shown in court.

Pleading: RH comes and asks that the bond and its endorsements be read to the court. The endorsement says that if RH should pay LA certain monies at the times given in a certain indenture, then the bond shall be null and void. RH says that he held to this indenture, fulfilling his part at Kentish Town, Middlesex.

Pleading: LA says that the indenture says more, and offers one part of this document to the court, dated in London on 20/11/1400 [recited in full, in Latin]. It records that LA demised to RH, at farm, the rectory of the church of St Pancras in Kentish Town, Middlesex, from Michaelmas 1401 for five years. In return, RH was to render to LA 25m at certain terms: in the first year at Michaelmas; and in succeeding years at Lady Day and Michaelmas in equal portions. LA says that RH failed to make his payment of 12m 6s 8d at Lady Day 1402, and is prepared to verify this.

Pleading: RH says that he paid LA the required 12m 6s 8d at Lady Day 1402. Parties on country, jury here at octave of Hilary 1404. Pledges named for the defendant.

Case notes: related to CP40/571 rot. 379

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/571, rot. 379

Term: Michaelmas 1403
County: Middlesex
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Damages claimed: £60
Case type: Bond; Real action / rents / damage to real estate

Pleading: Lawrance A. claims that John C. owes him 40m on a bond. Damages are claimed at £60. Bond shown in court.

Pleading: JC comes and asks that the bond and its endorsements be read in the court. This document says that if a certain Robert H. should pay LA the specified monies for the farm of the rectory of the church of St Pancras in Kentish Town, Middlesex, then the bond shall be null and void. JC says that RH paid these monies according to the terms of the bond and so he owes LA nothing.

Pleading: LA says that the other part of the indenture says more, and offers this document to the court, dated in London on 20 November 1400 [recited in full, in Latin]. It says that LA demised to RH, at farm, the rectory of the church of St Pancras, Kentish Town, from Michaelmas 1401 for five years. In return, RH was to render to LA 25m at certain terms: in the first year at Michaelmas; and in succeeding years at Lady Day and Michaelmas in equal portions. LA says that RH failed to make his payment of 12m 6s 8d at Lady Day 1402, and he is prepared to verify this. Hence LA says that JC owes him the said 40m on the bond.

Pleading: JC says that RH did pay LA the said 12m 6s 8d at Lady Day 1402, as per the indenture. Parties on country, jury here at octave of Hilary. Pledges named for defendant.

Case notes: related to CP40/571 rot. 376

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/571, rot. 383d

Term: Michaelmas 1403
County: Suffolk
Writ type: Debt (sale of goods)
Damages claimed: 100s
Case type: Sale of goods

Pleading: John K. claims that John L. owes him £4 7s 8d arising from the sale of 3 quarters of woad which JL bought but did not paid for. These monies were to be payable on request, but although JK has often requested payment JL has not paid. Damages are claimed at 100s.

Pleading: JL says that he does not owe JK the said £4 7s 8d nor any other money and puts himself upon the country, and JK puts himself likewise. Order to the sheriff of Suffolk to have jury here at octave of Hilary 1404.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/571, rot. 393d

Term: Michaelmas 1403
County: London
Writ type: Debt (sale of goods)
Damages claimed: 40s
Case type: Sale of goods

Pleading: John C. claims that William H. owes him 40s arising from the sale of cloth which WH bought but did not pay for, namely one ell of scarlet cloth for 13s 4d, two yards of blanket for 13s 4d, one yard of black cloth for 5s 6d, four yards of blue falding each worth 16d a yard [i.e. 64d in total], and two and a half yards of blanket for 2s 6d. This 40s was to be payable on request, but though often requested by JC it was not paid by WH Damages claimed at 40s.

Pleading: WH says that he does not owe JC the said 40s nor any other monies and offers his law at the octave of Martinmas 1403. Pledges of law are named, as well as pledges for future appearance.

Postea text: WH comes, JC does not come to prosecute his suit, he and his pledges amerced. WH goes without day.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/571, rot. 393d

Term: Michaelmas 1403
County: London
Writ type: Debt (sale of goods)
Damages claimed: 5m
Case type: Sale of goods

Pleading: Richard K. claims that William H. owes him 5m arising from the sale of a horse which WH bought but did not pay for. Damages are claimed at 5m.

Pleading: WH says that he does not owe RK the said 5m nor any other money and places himself upon the country, and RK places himself likewise. Order to the sheriff of London to have the parties here in the octave of Martinmas 1403. Pledges named for defendant.

Postea text: Process continued, jury in respite to octave of Michaelmas [1404]. RK comes, WH does not come, in default. Jury in respite to octave of Hilary 1405, as the jury did not come. The sheriff is to find replacement jurors ('octo tales') etc.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/571, rot. 426

Term: Michaelmas 1403
County: Kent
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Damages claimed: £40
Case type: Bond

Pleading: William P. claims that John K. and John L., executors of the will of Hugh B., owe him 20m on a bond made between WP and HB during his lifetime. The bond was payable at the church of Woolwich. Damaged claimed at £40. Noted that the bond does not say where it was made but WP says it was made at [omitted].

Pleading: JK and JL say that the force of the bond should not hold because they had already made full administration of HB's goods and chattels, prior to the making of the writ.

Pleading: WP says that on the day of his original writ, namely 12/10/1403, the executors had possession of various goods and chattels of HB at Eltham, Kent. WP seeks enquiry upon the country, and the executors seek likewise. Order to the sheriff of Kent to make a jury come in the quindene of Hilary term 1404.

Postea text: The sheriff did not send the writ and so the case is forwarded to the quindene of Easter 1404.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/571, rot. 452

Term: Michaelmas 1403
County: London
Writ type: Debt (loan)
Damages claimed: £10
Case type: Loan

Pleading: Robert R. claims that William P. owes him £14 on a loan. Damages claimed at £10.

Pleading: RR says that he does not owe WP the said £14 nor any other monies and offers his law, to be made at the octave of Martinmas 1403. Pledges of law are named, as well as pledges for future appearance.

Postea text: RR does not come, and so he and his pledges are amerced. WP goes without day.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/571, rot. 477

Term: Michaelmas 1403
County: London
Writ type: Debt (account)
Damages claimed: £10
Damages awarded: £10
Case type: Reckoning of account

Pleading: Roger W. claims that William W. owes him £7 arising from the sale of goods bought by WW but not paid for. The goods were namely two green medley-cloths of wool for £6, and six yards of green woollen cloth for 20s. This £7 was to be paid on request, but although often requested by RW this money was not paid WW. Damages are claimed at £10.

Pleading: WW says that he does not owe RW the said £7 nor any other monies and offers his law, to be made at the octave of Hilary 1404. Pledges of law are named.

Postea text: WW makes essoin, to the octave of the Purification 1404.

Postea text: WW does not come to make his law, and so RW is to recover the said debt with his aforesaid damages of £10. Upon this RW remits 10m of the said damages.

Postea text: At the quindene of Easter 1404, WW comes in person and is committed to the Fleet prison, and into the custody of the warden.

Postea text: On 09/10/1404, RW acknowledges satisfaction of the debt and damages. WW quit.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/571, rot. 477d

Term: Michaelmas 1403
County: London
Writ type: Debt (sale of goods)
Damages claimed: 100s
Case type: Sale of goods

Pleading: John L. claims that Thomas H. owes him 40s arising from the sale of 40 lambs bought by TH but not paid for. Damages are claimed at 100s.

Pleading: TH says that he does not owe JL 100s nor any other monies and offers his law, to be made at the octave of Hilary 1404. Pledges of law are named as well as pledges for future appearance.

Postea text: JL does not come and so he and his pledges are amerced. TH goes without day.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/571, rot. 479d

Term: Michaelmas 1403
County: London
Writ type: Trespass (against statute)
Damages claimed: £20
Case type: Breach of Statute; Contract (service/employment)

Pleading: Lawrence C., citing the terms of the Statute of Labourers, claims that on 17/07/1402 he hired John C. to work for him as a clerk and scribe for one year. However, on 23/07/1402 JC left his service without reasonable cause and entered the service of John B. Damages are claimed at £20.

Pleading: JB and JC come and defend, and JB says that he has no knowledge of JC having withdrawn from the service of LC. Moreover, JB says that he did not retain JC in his service and puts himself upon the country, and LC puts himself likewise. JC says that he was not retained by LC as is supposed and puts himself upon the country, and LC puts himself similarly. Order that a jury of London is to be here at octave of Hilary 1404.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/571, rot. 520

Term: Michaelmas 1403
County: Warwickshire
Writ type: Debt (account)
Damages claimed: £300
Case type: Reckoning of account

Pleading: Richard C., prior of St Mary's cathedral priory, Coventry, is in mercy for many defaults. 'John S., goldsmith', claims that prior RC owes him £40 arrears as determined by a reckoning of account made before auditors William P. and Andrew G. RC says that this accounting concerns diverse monies which prior RC received by the hands of 'John S., monk', and John C. Damages are claimed at £300.

Pleading: Prior RC says that John S., goldsmith, is his villein of the manor of Scraptoft, Leicestershire. Hence, prior RC says he has seisin of JS and all his chattels, and so John S. goldsmith ought not maintain his suit. Prior RC also says that he undertook no such accounting with John S., goldsmith, before the said auditors, as is claimed.

Pleading: John S., goldsmith, protests that he is of free condition, and not a villein. He also says that there was an accounting with prior RC, before the said auditors, and seeks inquiry upon the country, and prior RC seeks likewise. Order to the sheriff of London to make a jury come in the octave of Hilary term 1404.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/571, rot. 521d

Term: Michaelmas 1403
County: London
Writ type: Detinue
Damages claimed: 100m
Case type: Detention of goods; Safe keeping

Pleading: Denise D., who was the wife of Reginald D., claims that William M. detains from her two bonds, the first showing that William N. was bound to her in £40, and the other that she was bound to WN in the same £40. DD says that she gave these documents to WM for safe keeping, but he will not now return them, to her damages of 100m.

Pleading: WM presents the said bonds and says that he is willing to deliver them upon the court's decision. However he says that he was given the bonds with the mutual assent of DD and WN under the condition that they would be delivered to either DD or WN under certain circumstances. WM says that he is unaware whether the conditions for delivery have been met on the part of WN. Therefore, order that WN be summoned here at quindene of Hilary 1404, to show reason why the bonds should not be delivered to DD. Same day given to parties.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/571, rot. 526

Term: Michaelmas 1403
County: London
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Damages claimed: 100s
Case type: Bond

Pleading: Richard G. claims that William C. owes him 8m on a bond which was payable in St Paul's Cathedral. Damages are claimed at 100s. Bond shown in court. Noted that the bond does not say where it was made, but RB says it was made at London.

Pleading: WC says that the force of the bond ought not hold because RG has, since the making of the bond, granted WC a release from all real and personal actions. Noted that the release does not say where it was made, but WC says it was made at Windsor, Berkshire.

Pleading: RG says that the release is not of his making and seeks inquiry upon the country, and WC seeks likewise. Pledges are named for the defendant. The release is put into the safe keeping of clerk William P. Order to the sheriff of Berkshire to make a jury come in the octave of Hilary term 1404.

Postea text: The sheriff of Berkshire did not send the writ and so the case is forwarded as far as Easter term 1404.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/571, rot. 526d

Term: Michaelmas 1403
County: London
Writ type: Debt (account)
Damages claimed: £10
Case type: Reckoning of account

Pleading: Robert K. claims that Robert G. owes him £10 arrears as determined by a reckoning of account held between them before auditors John I. and John B., on money received from Robert S. Damages claimed at £10.

Pleading: RG says that he never had any such accounting before the aforesaid auditors and puts himself upon the country, and RK puts himself likewise. Order to the sheriff of London to make a jury come in the octave of Hilary term 1404. Pledges are named for the defendant.

Postea text: 2 posteas, both say the sheriff did not send the writ, forwarding the case to the octave of Trinity1404.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/571, rot. 531

Term: Michaelmas 1403
County: Norfolk
Writ type: Trespass (force and arms)
Damages claimed: 100m
Damages awarded: £40
Case type: Assault; Imprisonment

Pleading: Roger B. claims that John C. assaulted, wounded and imprisoned him at Great Ellingham, Norfolk, so that he did not dare go about his business for half a year thereafter. RB claims damages of 100m.

Pleading: JC says that RB is his villein, from his manor of Ellingham, as were RB's ancestors from time immemorial and so RB should not have his suit against him. JC also says, concerning the supposed trespass, that he is innocent and puts himself upon the country, and RB puts himself likewise. Pledges are named for the defendant.

Postea text: 2 posteas - both say that the sheriff returns that the writ reached him too late, forwarding the case as far as Trinity term 1404.

Postea text: 3 further posteas - all say that the sheriff did not send the writ, forwarding the case as far as Easter term 1405.

Postea text: JC (the defendant) did not come at Easter term 1405 and so is in default. Also, the jury did not come, so the jury is placed in respite as far as Trinity term 1405.

Postea text: Continuance between the parties as far as Hilary 1406 because the jury did not come, unless first considered before the justices of assize at Thetford, Norfolk, on 03/12/1405.

Postea text: Record is sent that the case was considered before justices of assize John C. and Richard N. on 03/12/1405 at Thetford. It was decided that JC was in default (as of Easter term 1405), and the jury said on oath that he was liable concerning the assault of RB. It is decided that JC should pay to RB £40 in damages. JC is to be seized etc.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/571, rot. 531d

Term: Michaelmas 1403
County: London
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Damages claimed: £20
Case type: Bond; Contract (service/employment)

Pleading: Richard Wade, lately a soldier of Philip Courtenay, claims that on 23/11/1384 Philip Courtenay made a bond with him in £28 12s 1d, in consideration of wages due to RW and his fellows for the time when they were staying with PC in Ireland when PC was Richard II's lieutenant there. RW states that they agreed that when Richard II or any other person paid PC the sums due to him for his time as lieutenant, then PC would pay RW without delay. Richard II subsequently paid PC at Westminster, but PC has not paid RW the sums due, to his damage of £20.

Pleading: PC says that RW ought not maintain his suit, as Richard II did not pay him at Westminster for the time when he was Lieutenant of Ireland. Parties on country, sheriff of Middlesex to have a jury of Westminster here at the octave of Hilary 1404.

Postea text: The sheriff of Middlesex did not send the writ, case forwarded to Easter in five weeks 1404.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/571, rot. 550d

Term: Michaelmas 1403
County: London
Writ type: Debt (loan)
Damages claimed: 40m
Damages awarded: 10m
Case type: Loan

Pleading: John B., abbot of Furness, is in mercy for many defaults. Richard B. and Walter B., executors of the will of John F., claim that abbot JB owes them £20 on a loan made by the late JF to abbot JB. Damages are claimed at 40m. RB and WB show letters testamentary to the court.

Pleading: Abbot JB says that he does not owe RB and WB the said £20 or any other monies and puts himself upon the country, and the plaintiffs put themselves likewise. Order to the sheriff of London to make a jury come in the octave of Hilary 1404.

Postea text: Continuance between the parties as far as Easter term 1404 unless first heard at the assize at St Martin le Grand before justice John M. on 14/02/1404.

Postea text: Record is sent that the case was heard before justice JM and associate justice Thomas B. at the assize at St Martin le Grand on 14/02/1404. The jury found that abbot JB indeed detains the said £20 from the plaintiffs. Thus RB and WB are to recover the said debt plus damages of 10m. Upon this RB and JB seek a writ, according to the statute, ordering the sheriff of Yorkshire to levy goods and chattels to the value of the said debt and damages against abbot AB's goods and chattels of his free tenements in Yorkshire. This writ is returnable in Trinity term 1404.

Postea text: The sheriff of Yorkshire returns that he ordered William M., bailiff of the liberty of Staincliffe, Yorkshire, [to execute the writ] but that WM did nothing. Therefore order to the sheriff of Yorkshire, notwithstanding the liberty etc. Case forwarded as far as Michaelmas term 1404.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/571, rot. 564

Term: Michaelmas 1403
County: London
Writ type: Debt (loan)
Damages claimed: 5m
Damages awarded: 5m
Case type: Loan

Pleading: John M. claims that William N. owes him 5m on a loan. Damages are claimed at 5m.

Pleading: WM says that he does not owe JM 5m nor any other monies and offers his law, to be made at the octave of Hilary 1404. Pledges of law are named.

Postea text: WN makes essoin and so the case is forwarded as far as the octave of the Purification 1404.

Postea text: JM makes essoin and so the case is forwarded as far as the octave of the Nativity of St John the Baptist 1404.

Postea text: WN does not come and so he is in default. The decision is that JM is to recover the said 5m debt plus 5m damages. WM is in mercy. Upon this JM remits 40s of the said damages.

Postea text: JM comes before the court on 31/10/1404 and acknowledges that WN has made full satisfaction concerning the debt and damages.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/571, rot. 564

Term: Michaelmas 1403
County: London
Writ type: Debt (account)
Damages claimed: 40s
Damages awarded: 13s 4d
Case type: Reckoning of account

Pleading: Richard G. claims that William S. owes him 40s arrears as determined by WS's reckoning of account between them. Damages are claimed at 40s.

Pleading: WS says that he does not owe RG the said 40s nor any other monies and offers his law Pledges of law are [omitted]. Law to me made in the octave of Hilary term 1404.

Postea text: WS makes essoin, and so the case is forwarded as far as the octave of the Purification 1404.

Postea text: WS does not come and so he and his pledges of law are in mercy. RG is to recover the 40s debt plus damages of [ms. damaged, did read either 13s 4d or 3s 4d].

Postea text: On 30/10/1404 RG comes before the court and acknowledges full satisfaction of the debt and damages. WS quit.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/571, rot. 592d

Term: Michaelmas 1403
County: London
Writ type: Detinue
Damages claimed: 100m
Case type: Detention of goods; Safe keeping

Pleading: Richard C. is in mercy for many defaults. John L., John D., and John W., claim that they, together with a certain William G., were seised of the manor of Gobions [in Stapleford parish], Hertfordshire, and on [date damaged, 'feast of M… year 14 Richard II (June 1390-June 1390)'] at London they gave a certain chest containing charters, writings, and other documents, pertaining to the manor of Gobions into the hands of the late John C. of London for safe keeping. The plaintiffs say that though the said chest was often requested during JC's lifetime this chest was not returned. The plaintiffs claim that RC now possesses and detains this chest. Damages are claimed at 100m.

Pleading: RC brings the chest with charters etc. with him to the court and says that he is ready to deliver it with the court's decision. RC says that the said chest was delivered to the late JC by WG for safe keeping. RC says that after JC's death the same chest came into his possession, but he does not know whether the conditions under which JC was to return the said chest and charters have been met. Order that WG be summoned to be here at the octave of Hilary, to show any reason why the chest should not be returned to the plaintiffs. Same day given to the parties.