CP40/562: Trinity term 1401

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/562, rot. 102

Term: Trinity 1401
County: London
Writ type: Debt (account)
Damages claimed: £10
Case type: Contract (service/employment); Reckoning of account

Pleading: Isolda U. claims that William B. owes her 60s arrears, as per an accounting which was held in London, concerning one full year (Michaelmas 1399 to Michaelmas 1400) when WB was IU's bailiff for one messuage in Kingston upon Hull called 'Cranehous'. Damages claimed at £10.

Pleading: WB says that he was never the 'bailiff' of the messuage of IU, and that there was not an accounting before TS and WS, and puts himself on the country. IH puts herself likewise. Order to the sheriff to make a jury come etc.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/562, rot. 149

Term: Trinity 1401
County: London
Writ type: Debt (loan); Debt (other)
Damages claimed: 10m
Case type: Contract (service/employment); Loan

Pleading: Thomas Y. claims that Robert F. owes him £8 3s by way of a £3 loan, and £5 3s which RF owes him for his labours in travelling with him from London to Rome. Damages are claimed at 10m.

Pleading: RF says that he does not owe TY any moneys and offers to make his law (of 12 hands) in Michaelmas term. Two pledges are named for him, JD and WL.

Postea text: To Michaelmas term come pledges WL, RP, MR, and RM. They pledge to have RF here to make his law at the aforementioned day.

Postea text: TY does not come versus RF and therefore TY and his pledges of the prosecution (un-named) are in mercy, and RF is without day.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/562, rot. 213

Term: Trinity 1401
County: London
Writ type: Debt (other)
Case type: Debt; Real action / rents / damage to real estate

Pleading: John Seggenaux claims that Philip T. owes him 6m. John Seggenaux claims he discharged to PT one messuage with appurtenances in London for one year in exchange for 6m, paying 3m at the Nativity of St. John the Baptist and 3m at Michaelmas.

Pleading: PT denies that he owes any money to John Seggenaux and puts himself upon the country, and John Seggenaux puts himself likewise. Order to the sheriff etc. Pledges are named.

Postea text: 8 posteas - all say the sheriff did not send the writ, forwarding the case as far as Trinity term 1403.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/562, rot. 213d

Term: Trinity 1401
County: London
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Damages claimed: £10
Case type: Bond

Pleading: Walter Paford claims that Thomas Chapeleyn owes him £6 13s 4d per a bond. Damages claimed at £10. Bond is shown in the court.

Pleading: TC says that he owes WP nothing, because after the time of the making of the original bond WC made a certain release acquitting TC of the said debt. TC offers this writing in the court.

Pleading: WP says that his action of debt should continue because the release shown by TC is not of his making and places himself on the country, and TC places himself likewise. Order to the sheriff etc. Pledges named. The release is to remain in the safe keeping of William P., chief clerk.

Postea text: Continuance to Hilary term at St Martin the Grand to be heard before William Rikhull, one of the justices of the bench (at assize).

Postea text: Judgment at St. Martin the Grand, and WR sends record of the judgement via his associate TS. Outcome is that WP failed to come and so he and his pledges are in mercy, and TC is without day.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/562, rot. 213d

Term: Trinity 1401
County: London
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Damages claimed: 20m
Case type: Bond

Pleading: Thomas C. states that on 1 August 1399, Robert B. made a bond with him in £13 6s 8d, payable at All Saints then next, but has not paid, to his damage of 20m. Bond shown to the court. Bond does not say where it was made, but TC states that it was made in London, in the parish of All Hallows Honey Lane, Cheap ward.

Pleading: RB asks that the bond be read and endorsement be read in court. The condition of the bond is such that if the said £13 6s 8d is paid to TS at Braunton in Devon, then the bond shall have no force. RB says that he paid TS the said money, at Braunton in Devon as required.

Pleading: TS says RB never paid him this money. Enquiry by country, sheriff of Devon to have jury here at quindene of Michaelmas.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/562, rot. 226d

Term: Trinity 1401
County: London
Writ type: Account
Damages claimed: 10m
Case type: Contract (service/employment); Reckoning of account

Pleading: Robert P. makes a plea that Thomas B. (should) render to him reasonable account concerning the time which he was receiver of the moneys of the said RP. RP says that TB was receiver for him at London for one whole year, and for the same time he received £7 by the hands of RP himself towards the trade and profit of RP. RP often requested reasonable account for this etc., but TB paid him nothing. Damages are claimed at 10m.

Pleading: TB says he was never receiver for RP and offers to make his law at Michaelmas term 1401. Pledges of law are named.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/562, rot. 266

Term: Trinity 1401
County: London
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Damages claimed: 20m
Case type: Bond

Pleading: William F. claims that Nicholas B. owes him £20 per a bond. Damages are claimed at 20m. The bond does not say where it was made, but WF claims it was made at [omitted]. Bond shown in court.

Pleading: NB comes by attorney and defends. [entry incomplete].

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/562, rot. 303d

Term: Trinity 1401
County: London
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Damages claimed: £20
Case type: Bond; Imprisonment

Pleading: William F. claims that John R. owes him £40 per a bond. Damages are claimed at £20. Bond shown in court.

Pleading: JR says that he was imprisoned at Norwich by WF and others at the time of the making of the bond, and that it was made under duress. This he is prepared to verify this.

Pleading: WF says that he did not imprison JR, and that at the time of the making of the said bond JR was a free man etc. WF seeks inquiry on the country concerning this, and JR seeks likewise. Order to the sheriff of Norfolk etc.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/562, rot. 307

Term: Trinity 1401
County: Essex
Writ type: Debt (other)
Damages claimed: £100
Case type: Debt; Real action / rents / damage to real estate

Pleading: John, prior of Little Leighs, was summoned to answer the Dean and Chapter of St Paul's on their plea that he render to them £20, the arrears of an annual rent of £10 owed to them. The Dean and Chapter state that on 28 December 1276, Simon, then prior of Leighs, acknowledged his house to be bound to pay in perpetuity an annual rent of £10 to the Dean and Chapter of St Paul's, payable at the feast of St Faith (6 October) each year, for the soul of Hervey de Borham, then Dean of St Paul's, payable in the following manner: 100s to the greater canons, 18s to the 12 lesser canons, 30s to the 30 vicars, 20s to the other chaplains, the secondaries and the master of the scholars, 10s for the dead of the city, 5s for the 5 servants of the church, 5s for the boys of the almshouses, 8s 4d should be distributed to the 100 paupers, and the canons of the priory bringing the payment shall take 3s 8d. And if the Prior and convent default on payment, the Dean and Chapter may distrain goods from the lands held by the priory of the gift of HB, in Boreham, Baddow, Terling, Springfield and Little Waltham, except in the late time of war, when the prior and convent do not have possession of their goods. By virtue of this gift, HB and the chapter of St Paul's, and their successors, were seised of this rent until 2 years before the date of their original writ, namely 20 May 1401, when Prior John withdrew the rent and refused to pay. This is to their damage of £100. They show in court the original grant, sealed with the common seal of the former prior and convent.

Pleading: The Prior states that the Dean and Chapter ought not maintain their case, as the Dean and Chapter have already levied this £20 by distraint of goods from the priory's lands in Boreham, Baddow, Terling, Springfield and Little Waltham, which they had of the gift of HB, and nothing was in arrears on the date of the original writ.

Pleading: The Dean and Chapter state that the rent was in arrears for two years on the date of the original writ, as they stated. Enquiry on the country. Sheriff to have jury of Boreham, Baddow, Terling, Springfield and Little Waltham here at octave of Michaelmas.

Case notes: See also CP 40/563, rot 555 for another case involving these parties. The entry at CP 40/564 rot 110d appears to be a continuation of this case under a new writ.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/562, rot. 308d

Term: Trinity 1401
County: London
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Damages claimed: £10
Case type: Bond; Contract (general); Reckoning of account

Pleading: William F. claims that Thomas L. owes him £10 per a bond. Damages claimed at £10. Bond shown in court.

Pleading: TL asks for the bond and its endorsements to be read out in court. The condition was that TL and a certain John C. were to have a certain John A. before the Barons of the Exchequer at Westminster by the morrow of the close of Easter 1399 to answer the king concerning a plea of reckoning of account. And if he should do that, then the bond would be null and void. TL claims that he did deliver the said John A. to the barons etc. and so should not owe the said £10. He is prepared to verify this.

Pleading: WF says that TL and JC did not have JA before the Barons and seek inquiry on the country, and TL seeks likewise. Order to the sheriff of Middlesex etc.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/562, rot. 309d

Term: Trinity 1401
County: London
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Damages claimed: £20
Case type: Bond; Imprisonment

Pleading: William F. claims that Thomas R. owes him £40 per a bond. Damages are claimed at £20. Bond shown in court.

Pleading: TR says that the bond ought not hold because he was imprisoned in Norwich by WF and others at the time of its making, and hence made the bond under duress. TR says he is prepared to verify this and seeks judgement.

Pleading: WF says that he did not imprison TR, and that TR made the bond of his own free will etc. WF seeks inquiry on the country concerning this, and TR seeks likewise. Order to the sheriff of Norfolk etc.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/562, rot. 310

Term: Trinity 1401
County: Essex
Writ type: Debt (other)
Damages claimed: £100
Case type: Debt; Real action / rents / damage to real estate

Pleading: The Prior of Little Leighs, was summoned to answer the Dean and Chapter of St Paul's on their plea that he render to them £36 15s, the arrears of an annual rent of £21 owed to them. The Dean and Chapter state that on 17 June 1276, the former prior of Leighs, by a document which, reciting in it that Hervey de Borham, Dean of St Paul's and the Chapter of the same, were granted all fruits and incomes of the church of Halstead by John, bishop of London, by reason of which the former prior and convent were to pay an annual rent of £21 to HB and the chapter, in four payments per year, starting at Martinmas 1276, they granted that if they default on this payment, then the Dean and Chapter may enter the church and its appurtenances, and take any goods belonging to the Prior and convent, and distrain them to cover the arrears. By virtue of this, the Deans and Chapters have been seised of this rent at these four annual terms, namely Martinmas, Shrove Tuesday, Ascension and St Peter ad Vincula, until 1¾ years before the date of their original writ, namely 20 May 1401, when the present Prior withdrew the rent and refused to pay. This is to their damage of £100. They show in court the original grant, sealed with the common seal of the former prior and convent.

Pleading: Prior came by attorney. Day given at octave of Michaelmas.

Postea text: Dean and Chapter came by attorney, Prior did not come, Sheriff to distrain him by all his lands and have him here at morrow of Martinmas.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/562, rot. 311

Term: Trinity 1401
County: Essex
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Damages claimed: £40
Case type: Bond

Pleading: The prior of Little Leighs is amerced for many defaults. The Dean and Chapter of St Paul's, London, state that on 13 September 1396, at Little Leighs, the prior and convent of Little Leighs made a bond with them in £108, payable to them or their chamberlain in London at Easter then next. They state that they have been satisfied of £68 of this sum, but the prior and convent have not paid the remaining £40, to their damage of £40. They show the bond in court, sealed by the prior and convent.

Pleading: The prior of Little Leighs asks to hear the bond and the endorsement, and these are read in court. The endorsement states that the condition of this bond is such that if the prior and convent pay to the dean and chapter of St Paul's or their chamberlain £54 as follows, namely 108s at the said feast of Easter (1397), 108s at Michaelmas 1397, and so on from year to year until the sum of £54 is paid, then the bond shall have no effect. Otherwise it shall remain in force. Having heard this, the prior states that the dean and chapter ought not maintain their action, since the dean and chapter have been paid all the money contained in the endorsement, at the dates specified, according to the form and effect of the endorsement, namely at Little Leighs.

Pleading: The dean and chapter, protesting that they are unaware that the prior has paid any of the money specified in the endorsement at any of the specified terms, state that they should not be precluded from their action, as the prior did not pay them the 108s due at Michaelmas 1400, as specified in the endorsement. Enquiry on country, jury here at octave of Michaelmas.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/562, rot. 313d

Term: Trinity 1401
County: London
Writ type: Detinue
Damages claimed: £20
Case type: Detention of goods; Real action / rents / damage to real estate; Safe keeping

Pleading: William Reynwell and Christine his wife, and John Coroner and Joan his wife, state that on 30 November 1348 Richard atte Spense, uncle of Christine R and Joan C, the brother of their mother Joan, in St Mary Axe, Aldgate ward, London, delivered to Aubrey de Veer, earl of Oxford, a document for safe keeping, to be returned to RS or his heirs on request. The document, dated at Westminster on 6 November 1348, recorded that a certain Roger de Cretyng granted to RS and Agnes, his wife, an annual rent of £10 from his lands in Colne Engaine, Pebmarsh and Sudbury, payable at Easter and Michaelmas, and if the rent is ever in arrears, he may distrain goods from the lands until the arrears is paid. The earl did not return it during his lifetime, and nor has William Tasseburgh, the defendant and administrator of the earl's goods, after his death, to their damage of £20.

Pleading: William Tasseburgh states that RS did deliver the document to the earl as claimed by the plaintiffs, and that it did come into his hands after the earl's death. He also states that he has always been prepared to deliver this document to the plaintiffs, and is still prepared to do so. Order that the plaintiffs recover the document fro WT . Nothing against WT, as he came on the first day. Document delivered in court to plaintiffs. WT quit.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/562, rot. 313d

Term: Trinity 1401
County: London
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Damages claimed: £40
Case type: Bond; Imprisonment

Pleading: William F. claims that Geoffrey B. owes him £40 per a bond. Damages are claimed at £20. Bond shown in court.

Pleading: GB says that the bond ought not hold because at the time of its making he was imprisoned by WF and others at Norwich. Hence the bond was made under duress. GB offers to verify this, and seeks judgement etc.

Pleading: WF says that he did not imprison GB, and that GB made the bond of his own free will. WF seeks inquiry on the country concerning this, and GB seeks likewise. Order to the sheriff of Norfolk etc.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/562, rot. 317d

Term: Trinity 1401
County: London
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Damages claimed: £20
Case type: Bond; Imprisonment

Pleading: William C. claims that John H. owes him £27 as the unpaid residue of a £65 bond which was made at London on 16/10/1398 and to be paid in payments of £13 in Christmas 1398 (25/12/1398), £13 in the nativity of St John 1399 (24/06/1399) and £13 at each of the feasts aforesaid each year thereafter until the said £65 should be paid in full. WC says that he has often requested the unpaid £27 of this same £65 bond, but JH has refused to pay it. Damages are claimed at £20. Bond shown in court.

Pleading: JH says that the force of the bond ought not hold because at the time of its making he was imprisoned by WC and others of WC's coven at Great Linford, Buckinghamshire.

Pleading: WC says that JH was a free man at the time of the bond's making and seeks inquiry upon the country, and JH seeks likewise. Order to the sheriff of Buckinghamshire to make a jury come in Michaelmas term 1401.

Postea text: Continuance between the parties as far as the octave of Hilary term 1402 unless the case should first be heard at the assize of Newport Pagnell, Bucks., on 13/12/1401.

Postea text: To this day (Hilary term 1402) comes JH, and the justices of assize insert record of the decision at assize of Newport Pagnell. This record says that the case was heard before justices John C. and John M. on the date aforesaid, to which assize came plaintiff WC and defendant JH, as well as a jury. This jury said on oath that defendant JH was imprisoned at the time of the bond's making, and therefore JH is quit concerning the supposed debt etc. WC is to have nothing per his writ and is in mercy for false claim.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/562, rot. 319

Term: Trinity 1401
County: London
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Damages claimed: £20
Case type: Bond

Pleading: John M. claims that William G. owes him £20 per a bond, made at London on 15/03/1398 and due at the feast of St John the Baptist 1398 (24/06/1398). Damages are claimed at £20. Bond shown in court.

Pleading: WG defends and seeks that the bond and its endorsements be read to him. The condition on the bond is that if WG should pay JM £10 on the day within-written, then the bond should be null and void. Upon hearing this WG says that he paid JM £10 in the feast of St John the Baptist 1398 (24/06/1398), in accordance with the condition on the bond, namely at Barnstaple, Devon.

Pleading: JM says that WG did not pay him £10 at Barnstaple on 24/06/1398 in accordance with the bond's condition and seeks inquiry upon the country, and WG seeks likewise. Order to the sheriff of Devon to make a jury come in Michaelmas term 1401. Pledges are named for the defendant.

Postea text: JM comes but WG does not. Therefore a jury is to be taken against WG per default. The jury is placed in respite as far as Hilary term 1402 because they did not come.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/562, rot. 319d

Term: Trinity 1401
County: London
Writ type: Debt (account)
Damages claimed: £20
Case type: Real action / rents / damage to real estate; Reckoning of account

Pleading: William S. claims that Thomas Smyth owes him £40 as determined by a reckoning of the account between them before auditors Thomas N. and John H. concerning diverse monies of WS received by Thomas Sysel prior to that time. Damages are claimed at £20.

Pleading: Thomas Smyth defends and says that TN and JH were never auditors to an accounting of Thomas Smyth concerning any monies of WS etc. and puts himself upon the country, and WS puts himself likewise. Order to the sheriff of London to make a jury come in Michaelmas term 1401. Pledges are named for the defendant.

Postea text: Plaintiff WS comes, but defendant Thomas Smyth does not come. Therefore the jury is to be taken against Thomas Smyth per default. However, the jury did not come and so the case is placed in respite as far as the morrow of All Souls 1401 (late in Michaelmas term 1401). The sheriff of London is to place supply jurors (decem tales) etc.

Postea text: At which day (the morrow of All Souls 1401), the jury is placed in respite as far as the quindene of Martinmas 1401 (later in Michaelmas 1401) unless the case should be heard before justice William R. at the assize of St Martin le Grand on 15/11/1401.

Postea text: To which day (the quindene of Martinmas 1401) comes plaintiff WS, and justice WR inserts this record of the proceedings at assize. The case was heard at the assize of St Martin le Grand on 15/11/1401 before justice WR and associate justice Thomas Stotevyle. At this assize a jury said on oath that Thomas Smyth did have an accounting before auditors TN and JH, and was found to owe WS the aforesaid £40. Therefore Thomas Smyth is to recover the aforesaid debt plus £10 damages. And further, when the jury came before the aforesaid justice WR to give their verdict, the same jury delivered in court to justice WR those same evidences with that record which the same justice WR had delivered to the jurors in the same court. And among those aforesaid evidences and record the aforesaid jurors handed over to justice WR a certain schedule, which same schedule was not delivered to the same jurors by justice WR in the same court., which certain schedule and copy of account whence was within mentioned (say) as patent in these words: '(original in French here) Thomas Smyth of Colne was to pay WS in rent, for the manor of Engaine Colne (Sussex) £20 per annum for a year and a half without an indenture, totalling £30. Thomas Smyth then held the aforesaid manor for 5 years by way of an indenture, for a rent of 26m per annum, totalling £86 13s 4d. A sum total of rent for the entire 6½ years was then £116 13s 4d of which he has received £42 2s 1d, leaving a sum of £74 11s 3d.' And the same jury were asked how they came to have this schedule, and said upon oath that Richard C., one of the jurors of the aforesaid jury, demonstrated it to his fellow jurors and put it among them. And further, the same RC was asked how that schedule came into his hands. To this RC replied on oath that the aforesaid (plaintiff) WS, by a long time prior to RC being placed on the jury, WS gave the aforesaid schedule to him outside of court for evidence of his plea. And further, the aforesaid jury says that they did not accept any other evidence from (i.e. except) the aforesaid schedule for giving their verdict. Therefore the decision is that WS is to recover, from Thomas Smyth, his damages to the value of £10

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/562, rot. 320

Term: Trinity 1401
County: London
Writ type: Debt (other)
Damages claimed: £20
Case type: Arbitration

Pleading: Thomas M. claims that Henry W. and William W. owe him 9m. TM says that on 18/11/1397 in St Paul's Cathedral, London, he placed himself in arbitration with HW and WW before arbiters John C. and John S. concerning all debts, trespasses, and quarrels between them prior to that time. These arbitrators ordained that HW and WW ought to pay TM 9m by Christmas 1397 in resolution of all disputes between them. TM says that this 9m, though often requested, was never paid, and thus the present suit. Damages are claimed at £20.

Pleading: HW and WW say that they do not owe TM the aforesaid 9m nor any other monies and offer their law, to be made in Michaelmas term 1401. Pledges of law are named, as well as pledges of future appearance.

Postea text: Defendants HW and WW come but plaintiff TM does not come. Therefore HW and WW are without day. TM and his pledges of the prosecution are in mercy.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/562, rot. 336

Term: Trinity 1401
County: London
Writ type: Account
Damages claimed: £20
Case type: Contract (service/employment); Reckoning of account

Pleading: Thomas W. claims that William L. has not rendered reasonable account concerning the time when WL acted as his receiver of monies. TW says that during this period, namely from Michaelmas 1398 (29/09/1398) to Easter 1400 (14/04/1400) WL received on his behalf, at London, £40 per the hands of a certain John H. Damages are claimed at £20.

Pleading: WL says that the action against him ought not continue because he rendered full account concerning the time aforesaid at Yeovil, Somerset, on 07/06/1400, before auditors John P. and John W.

Pleading: TW says that WL never rendered account with him concerning the time aforesaid before the above named auditors and seeks inquiry upon the country, and WL seeks likewise. Order to the sheriff of Somerset to make a jury come in Michaelmas term 1401.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/562, rot. 340

Term: Trinity 1401
County: Middlesex
Writ type: Trespass (force and arms)
Damages claimed: 100s
Case type: Assault; Housebreaking; Imprisonment; Taking of goods

Pleading: John Pounde claims that on 31 December 1400 John Eccleston and John Prentys forcibly broke his close and house in the parish of St Mary le Strand, Middlesex, assaulted him and imprisoned him for one day and one night, and took and carried off his goods and chattels to the value of 40s, namely 2 swords, 2 keys ('claves') and 12 silver spoons. Damages are claimed at 100s.

Pleading: JE and John Prentys deny force and arms, and the taking of any of the goods except one sword; parties on country. Concerning the breaking of the house and close, the imprisonment and the taking of the sword, JE and John Prentys state that Pounde ought not continue his action, since at the time of the supposed trespass certain rumours had reached London that an enemy of the king, arrayed for war, was making an insurrection against the king, upon which a certain John Wetewang and William Flaxman came to the house of JE and warned him that a certain John Gerard, Gilbert Haywode, Henry Stanyherst and other esquires of the king were gathering together in response, and since JE was the bailiff and minister of the duchy of Lancaster liberty of the Savoy, they required him to provide them speedily with horses to ride to resist the king's enemies. Therefore, JE sent Prentys and a certain Adam Neusam, servant of John Gerard, to hire horses within the liberty for this purpose. However, when they went to do this, Pounde, out of malice, together with his servant John and others unknown numbering around twelve, assaulted Prentys and AN in the said parish, maimed Prentys and beat AN so greatly that he died within a year. When Eccleston learnt of this, he, together with the other esquires, came to St Mary le Strand to rescue their servants and arrest the perpetrators. Pounde did not allow them to enter and closed the door, forcibly resisting the arrest, and so JE broke down the door and arrested Pounde for the earlier attack, took his sword from him and put him in prison, as seemed right. Prentys states that he is a servant of JE, and he came with JE on his orders to assist him with the arrest, and did not intend any injury.

Pleading: JP states that he ought not be excluded from his action, since he says that JE and John Prentys forcibly injured him without cause, and broke his close and house, imprisoned him and took his sword as claimed. Enquiry by country, jury here at [omitted].

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/562, rot. 346

Term: Trinity 1401
County: Kent
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Damages claimed: £100
Case type: Bond

Pleading: Robert Kelme states that Geoffrey Waryn made bond with him in 100m on 29 December 1394, but did not pay, to his damage of £100. He shows bond in court, which records that Stephen London, John Wallere, John Aleyn and GW were bound to RK in this 100m.

Pleading: GW presents to the court a release from all personal actions made by RK on 21 September 1397, and addressed to co-debtor SL. GW says that this release was made at Stratford Langthorne, Essex.

Pleading: RK says that this release is not of his making. Both seek enquiry on country. Sheriff of Essex to bring jury of Stratford Langthorne to this court (term left blank). Bond to remain in custody of William Pountfreyt, king's clerk.

Case notes: See similar case on CP40/560 rot.460.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/562, rot. 364

Term: Trinity 1401
County: Hertfordshire
Writ type: Debt (loan)
Damages claimed: £40
Case type: Loan

Pleading: Hugh G. claims that Nicholas L. owes him £10 per a loan. Damages are claimed at £40

Pleading: NL says that he does not owe HG the aforesaid £10 nor any other monies and offers his law, to be made in Michaelmas term 1401. Pledges of law are named.

Postea text: Defendant NA comes, but plaintiff HG does not. Therefore NA is without day, whilst HG and his pledges of prosecution are in mercy.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/562, rot. 404

Term: Trinity 1401
County: London
Writ type: Trespass (force and arms)
Damages claimed: £60
Damages awarded: £30
Case type: Sale of goods; Taking of goods

Pleading: Drew B. claims that William Matys, along with John S. and John T., came with force and arms, and demanded a certain horse from him, which DB says to be worth £27. Damages are claimed at £40.

Pleading: Defendant William Matys appears by attorney and defends etc. And upon this day is given between the parties in Michaelmas term 1401.

Pleading: JS defends by his attorney, William Mekesburgh, and says he is not familiar with the claim that he demanded (fuisseposcii) the horse (by force and arms), and says that concerning the use of force and arms he is innocent. JS places himself upon the country, and DB places himself likewise. And concerning the seizure and abduction of the horse in question, JS says that JT and a certain John P. were selling horses and that only after such time as DB had released the said horse to JT and JP in London (parish of St. Katherine, ward of Aldgate), for JT and JP to sell, did JS buy this horse of bad and perverse condition from them in London (parish of St Michael Cornhill, Cornhill ward). And thereafter, he took and removed the horse as he had good licence to do. Hence he did not intend other injury etc.

Pleading: DB says he has no knowledge of the things JS claims, and should not stop his action against JS. And where JS alleged above that DB was to deliver the said horse to JT only to sell it, he says that this (agreement to do so) was made in London (parish of St John Zachary) under the condition that JT pay to DB within a writ later discharged (infra bre' post liberacionem) that JT or sufficient persons that he will wish to find, would pay him £20 for that horse, or return the horse to him. However neither JT nor sufficient persons paid DB the £20 per this bond, and thus JT returned that horse to DB in the parish of St. John Zachary, after which time JS and similar (i.e. co-defendant WM) seized and removed the horse. And DB is prepared to verify this.

Pleading: JS says that DB delivered the horse to JT simply to sell, and not under the condition that JT or sufficient persons were to pay were to pay DB £20 or return the horse to DB. He is prepared to verify this and seeks judgement. (Implying that he simply received the horse in the parish of St John Zachary, Aldersgate ward)

Pleading: BD reiterates his claim that JT or sufficient persons were to pay him £20 or return the horse etc. DB seeks inquiry on the country, and JS likewise. Order to the sheriff of London etc. View to be made in the parish of St. John Zachary.

Postea text: Continuance, and jury is placed in respite. The case is to be moved to St. Martin the Grand, to be heard at assize in Easter term 1402 before chief justice William Thirnyng.

Postea text: Before chief justice William Thirnyng, joined by associate John Cokayn chief baron of the exchequer of the lord king, a jury comes and is sworn in. They say on oath that DB delivered the horse to JT under the condition claimed, that JT pay him £20 per the aforementioned bond or return the horse. Hence, for the value of the trespass and associated bond DB is awarded £30. DB does not wish to prosecute WM or JT.

Postea text: DB comes with JS and says that JS has satisfied him for the £30 damages. JS seeks to make fine with the king, and is allowed to do so for 6s 8d. Pledges are named for JS concerning this money.

Case notes: Case repeated with judgment on CP 40/563 rot. 114; William Matys is named second among the list of defendants on this rotulet and not mentioned in the counter-pleading. Hence this later entry may represent a second, distinct writ brought against John Somer, jr.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/562, rot. 416d

Term: Trinity 1401
County: London
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Damages claimed: £10
Case type: Bond

Pleading: John P. claims John C. owes him £8 16s 4d per a bond (payable to JP himself, his heirs, or executors). Damages claimed at £10. The bond is shown in court. It is not stated on the bond where it was made, but JP claims it was made at London, parish of St Mary Abchurch, Candlewick ward.

Pleading: JC asks for the bond and its endorsements to be read out. The bond says that the said money was to be paid in payments of 5m at Michaelmas 1399, 56s 8d at the Annunciation 1400, 53s 3d. JC then says that he made these payments at Kinlet in Shropshire and says that he is prepared to verify this.

Pleading: JP says that JC did not pay him the said moneys at the times and in the amounts stated on the bond and seeks inquiry on the country. JC seeks the same. Order to the sheriff of Shropshire etc.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/562, rot. 418d

Term: Trinity 1401
County: London
Writ type: Trespass (force and arms)
Damages claimed: £40
Case type: Arbitration; Taking of goods

Pleading: William E. claims that John B. came by force and arms, and carried off his goods and chattels to the value of £20, namely: brass jars (ollas), brass plates, a brass candlestick, one mazer bound with silver and gilt, and a wash-basin. Damages are claimed at £40.

Pleading: JB says that the action against him should not continue because the parties have already undertaken arbitration at Salisbury concerning this and other trespasses between the parties, and the arbitrators decided that WE was to pay to JB £8 in compensation for the trespass and JB ought to give to the said WE one gallon of wine. JB says that he did this, and so no further action should be brought against him.

Pleading: WE says that there were other conditions to the arbitration, and so the action should continue. WE seeks inquest on the country, and JB seeks likewise. Order to the sheriff of Wiltshire etc. Pledges are named for the defendant.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/562, rot. 428d

Term: Trinity 1401
County: Hertfordshire
Writ type: Trespass (other)
Damages claimed: 100s
Case type: Trespass (chattels)

Pleading: Hugh de Gravele claims that a certain dog, devoured twenty sheep at Graveley, Hertfordshire, and that Nicholas atte Lee had knowledge of this. Damages claimed at 100s.

Pleading: NL says that he did not have any awareness of this, and places himself on the country. HG places himself likewise. Order to the sheriff etc.

Postea text: Sheriff did not send the writ, to octave of Hilary.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/562, rot. 435

Term: Trinity 1401
County: London
Writ type: Trespass (force and arms)
Damages claimed: £40
Case type: Assault; Imprisonment

Pleading: Thomas G. claims that John F., with Walter L., imprisoned and maltreated him. Damages are claimed at £40.

Pleading: JF comes and says he is not to blame concerning the assault by force and arms and places himself upon the country, and TG places himself likewise. Concerning the charge of imprisoning TG, JF says that the action of TG ought not continue. He says that at the time and place he is accused of imprisoning TG, that he was actually affirming a plea of debt upon TG for 100m in the court of the lord king before William Gnot, one of the sheriffs of London. The said TG was arrested (in this quarrel) by [omitted,] one of the servants of the sheriff of London. And to the reckoning of the said sheriff he was imprisoned in the parish of St. Thomas in Wode Street, far away from where TG was otherwise imprisoned by JF. This he is prepared to verify.

Pleading: TG denies JF's claims that he was in the sheriff's custody at the time etc. and seeks inquiry on the country, and JF seeks likewise. Order to the sheriff etc.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/562, rot. 435

Term: Trinity 1401
County: London
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Damages claimed: £20
Case type: Bond

Pleading: John S. claims that John P. owes him £21 6s 8d per a bond. The bond does not state where it was made, but JS says it was made at London, parish of St. John Walbrook, Walbrook ward. Damages are clamed at £20.

Pleading: [No further pleading]

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/562, rot. 458

Term: Trinity 1401
County: London
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Damages claimed: £20
Case type: Bond

Pleading: Nicholas W. claims that Robert S. owes him £15 per a bond that was made 04/10/1399 and due in the feast of St. Andrew from then next following (30/11/1399). Damages claimed at £20. The bond does not say where it was made, but NW claims it was made at London, parish of St Peter Westcheap, ward of Farringdon Within.

Pleading: RS asks for the bond and its endorsements to be read out. It says that there were to be payments made: 100s at the Purification of St. Mary 1400, 100s at Easter 1400, and 100s at [omitted] then next following etc. It says that if these payments are made in the right amounts at the specified times then the bond is null and void. And RS says that the bond should be void because he made these payments in Cricklade, Wiltshire.

Pleading: NW says that the bond is not fulfilled because RS never made the second payment of 100s, which was due at Easter 1400, as per the condition of the bond. He is prepared to verify.

Pleading: RS says that he did pay the 100s Easter 1400 payment at Cricklade and seeks inquiry upon the country, and NW seeks likewise. Order to the sheriff etc. Pledges are named for the defendant.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/562, rot. 468

Term: Trinity 1401
County: London
Writ type: Debt (account)
Damages claimed: 10m
Case type: Contract (service/employment); Reckoning of account

Pleading: John Longe states that Reginald Andreu was his bailiff for selling wood in a certain wood at Northfleet in Kent, and for this wood he received various sums of money. For this, on 20 July 1399, he assigned auditors William atte Grove and Thomas Hardy to account for these sales, and after making account RA remained in arrears to him by £10. However, RA has not paid this, to his damage of 10m.

Pleading: RA states that he did not account before these auditors as claimed. Parties on country, jury here at quindene of Michaelmas. Pledges named for defendant.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/562, rot. 480d

Term: Trinity 1401
County: Sussex
Writ type: Debt (sale of goods)
Damages claimed: £10
Damages awarded: £1
Case type: Sale of goods

Pleading: John B. claims that Alexander A. purchased two tuns of wine for 100s and never paid for them. Damages claimed at £10.

Pleading: AA denies that he owes JB any money and offers his law at Michaelmas term. Sureties of law named as well as sureties for his future appearance in Michaelmas term.

Postea text: AA does not come to make his law and so is in default. Therefore JB is to recover his debt and damages. However JB relaxes £9 of the damages (leaving only £1 damages).

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/562, rot. 490d

Term: Trinity 1401
County: London
Writ type: Trespass (force and arms)
Damages claimed: £20
Case type: Assault

Pleading: John Brenton and his wife Joan state that on 15 June 1401, in London, William Bastard, together with John May and John Bruer, assaultedthe said Joan Brenton against the peace and to their damage of £20.

Pleading: WB denies force and arms and acting against the peace, and puts himself on the country; plaintiffs likewise. William Bastard also says that concerning the assault, on the day concerned (this being the assault of which the plaintiffs complain), Joan B and others unknown assaulted him, and he therefore defended himself. If anything bad came to Joan it was as a result of her own assault.

Pleading: John Brenton and Joan say that their action should continue, as WB and his associates assaulted Joan Brenton of their own will, and not for the reasons given by WB. They seek inquiry on the country, and WB. seeks likewise. Order to the sheriff etc.

Postea text: The sheriff did not send the writ.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/562, rot. 490d

Term: Trinity 1401
County: London
Writ type: Debt (other)
Damages claimed: 40s
Case type: Contract (service/employment); Debt

Pleading: Adam H. claims that Richard B. owes him 40s, because RB retained AH for a period of 20 weeks to work as a carpenter, at a wage of 2s a week paid in advance. However, AH worked to the said 20 weeks and was never paid. Damages are claimed at 40s.

Pleading: RB says that he owes AH nothing, and is prepared to verify this. RB offers to make his law. Pledges of law named, and pledges for future appearance.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/562, rot. 506

Term: Trinity 1401
County: Surrey
Writ type: Trespass (force and arms)
Damages claimed: 20m
Damages awarded: 10s
Costs: 40s
Case type: Housebreaking; Real action / rents / damage to real estate; Taking of goods

Pleading: Joan, who was the wife of Roger Stalkenden, and William Notfeld, amerced for many defaults. Geoffrey D. states that on 30 August 1400 Joan S. and William N. forcibly broke his close at Limpsfield, Surrey, and carried off goods and chattels to the value of £20, and with certain beasts destroyed his growing grass to the value of 100s. The goods taken were wooden vessel dishes, trestle tables and timber. Damages are claimed at 20m.

Pleading: JS and WN come by attorney. WN denies the trespass as claimed, and puts himself on the country; plaintiff likewise. JS denies force and arms, and the taking of the goods, and places herself on the country; plaintiff likewise. Concerning the rest, JS states that this close, and the place where GD claims the trespass took place, are the soil and free tenement of herself, and were at the time of the alleged trespass.

Pleading: GD states that the close and place in which the grass was growing were his own soil and free tenement, and were at the time of the supposed trespass, and not Joan's. Both parties place themselves on the country, order to the sheriff of Surrey etc.

Postea text: Writ not sent, so forwarded as far as Hilary term 1402.

Postea text: Writ reached the sheriff too late, so on to the feast of the Purification 1402.

Postea text: Respited as far as Easter term 1402.

Postea text: GD came, JS and WN did not come, in default. The jury come and say on oath that WN is not to blame for any part of the trespass. The jury also says that Joan is innocent of carrying off the goods of GD. However the jury says that, concerning the close breaking and the depasturing of the grass, the land in question was the soil and free tenement of GD at the time of the trespass, and not of JS. Damages assigned at 10s, costs at 30s. Order that GD recover this total of 40s, and a further 10s costs assigned by the justices. JS to be taken. GD amerced for false claim concerning the carrying off of the goods.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/562, rot. 520

Term: Trinity 1401
County: London
Writ type: Debt (other)
Damages claimed: £20
Case type: Contract (general)

Pleading: John C. claims that Thomas B granted to him £21 10s 10d for embroidering one coat of arms and other diverse designs etc. of the said TB. Damages are claimed at £20.

Pleading: TB claims that he does not owe JC the said £21 10s 10d or any other money, and places himself upon the country, and JC places himself likewise. Jury here at octave of Michaelmas.

Case notes: Date given as 15 June 23 Richard II, which did not exist. Presumably error for 22 Richard II.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/562, rot. 524

Term: Trinity 1401
County: London
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Damages claimed: 100s
Case type: Bond

Pleading: John B. claims that Thomas S. owes him £10 as the unpaid residue of a £40 bond that was made between JB himself on the one part, and TS with John C., Stephen Taillour, and John F. on the other part. Damages claimed at 100s. Bond shown in court.

Pleading: TS asks for the bond and endorsement to be read aloud in the court. The endorsement states that if those named in the bond should pay JB £10 at the said Michaelmas, and another £10 at the following Christmas, then the bond shall be cancelled, but if they default it shall remain in force. TS states that he made these payments at Aston Bampton in Oxfordshire, according to the terms of the endorsement, and is prepared to verify this.

Pleading: JB says that TS did not pay to him the £10 due at Christmas 1398, as specified by the endorsement. JB seeks inquiry on the country, and TS seeks likewise. Order to the sheriff of Oxfordshire etc.

Case notes: Same case against John Furneux on CP 40/562 rot. 524d.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/562, rot. 524d

Term: Trinity 1401
County: London
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Damages claimed: 100s
Case type: Bond

Pleading: John Beele states that on 18 June 1398, John Furneux, together with John Kapenore, Stephen Tailloure and Thomas Stevene, made a bond with him in £40, payable at Michaelmas then next, but have not paid, to his damage of 100s. He shows the bond in court.

Pleading: JF asks for the bond and endorsement to be read out in court, and this is done. The endorsement states that the condition of this bond is such that if those named in the bond should pay JB £10 at the said Michaelmas, and another £10 at the following Christmas, then the bond shall be cancelled, but if they default it shall remain in force. JF states that he implemented all the conditions of the bond on his part, namely at Aston Bampton in Oxfordshire, according to the terms of the endorsement, and is prepared to verify this.

Pleading: JB says that JF did not pay to him the £10 due at Christmas 1398, as specified by the endorsement. JB seeks enquiry on the country, and TS seeks likewise. Jury here at octave of Michaelmas.

Case notes: For same case against Stevene, see CP 40/562 rot 524.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/562, rot. 534

Term: Trinity 1401
County: Middlesex
Writ type: Trespass (against statute)
Damages claimed: £100
Case type: Assault; Contract (general); Housebreaking; Maintenance

Pleading: John Vygerous states that on 21 April 1399, at Shoreditch, Oliver Portesmouth conspired together with Nicholas Loseye, Robert Russell, Richard Russell and John Spicer to claim that on 14 March 1399 he (JV) led three unknown men of Cheshire into the sanctuary of Westminster Abbey and gave them 10s of minted money and a sword worth 4s to kill OP, and that these men and others came to OP's house in the sanctuary, assaulted him, chased him into his chamber, entered his chamber, attacking with swords, daggers and small spears. They claimed that OP was forced to climb onto a gutter leading from his chamber to the street, and forced to hide there for half a day and the following night, as they would have killed him if they had found him. They claimed that the three men and others then stayed in the sanctuary and outside for the following Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, lying in wait to kill OP, so that he dare not go about his business. As a result of their conspiracy, JV was taken and imprisoned in the Marshalsea on 6 November 1399 until he was subsequently acquitted on 12 February 1400. This was against the ordinance, and to the damage of JV of £100.

Pleading: The defendants separately deny responsibility for this trespass as claimed. Parties on country, jury here at octave of Michaelmas.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/562, rot. 534d

Term: Trinity 1401
County: London
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Damages claimed: £40
Case type: Bond

Pleading: Bishop Guy M., Adam M., John W., and Robert H., executors of the will of Archbishop William C., claim that Thomas atte Ligh owes them £40 as the unpaid residue of a £133 6s 8d bond made between the late Archbishop WC and TL. Damages are claimed at £40. Bond shown in court. The bond does not include the place of its making, but the executors say that it was made at London, parish of St Gregory, Castle Baynard ward. The executors also show letters testamentary of WC in court, showing that they are executors and administrators etc.

Pleading: TL asks that the bond and its endorsements be read aloud in the court. It says that TL, Thomas B. or John [surname not given] within obliged should pay to WC £33 6s 8d at Michaelmas 1393, £33 6s 8d at Easter 1394, £33 6s 8d at Michaelmas 1394, and £33 6s 8d at Easter 1395, then the bond shall be cancelled. TL says that the action against him ought not continue because he paid the aforesaid £40 at Tonbridge, Kent, at the times and in the amounts required by the bond. He is prepared to verify this.

Pleading: The executors say that TL did not make the Easter 1395 payment of £33 6s 8d and so their action should continue. They are prepared to verify this.

Pleading: TL says that he did make the Easter 1395 payment, and did so at Tonbridge, Kent. TL places himself upon the country, and executors place themselves likewise. Order to the sheriff of Kent etc. Pledges named for the defendant.

Postea text: Sheriff did not send the writ, so the case is moved as far as Hilary term 1402.

Postea text: Case moved as far as Easter term 1402 due to default of jury.

Court of Common Pleas, CP 40/562, rot. 535d

Term: Trinity 1401
County: London
Writ type: Debt (bond)
Damages claimed: £10
Case type: Bond

Pleading: William C. claims that John B. owes him £20 as the unpaid residue of £56 bond made on 20/7/1393, due at Michaelmas 1393 The bond is shown in court. The bond does not specify where it was made, but WC claims it was made at London, parish of St John Walbrook, Cordwainer Street ward. Damages are claimed at £10.

Pleading: JB asks for the bond and its endorsements to be read aloud in court. The bond says that the £56 was to be paid to WC in eight equal payments of 70s, due at the feasts of All Saints, the Purification, Ascension and the Translation of St Thomas over the next two years. JB says that the action against him ought not continue because he made these payments at the appropriate times, in the aforesaid parish and ward.

Pleading: WC says that his action should continue because JB missed a payment that was due at the feast of the Purification 1395. He is prepared to verify this.

Pleading: JB says that he did make this payment and places himself upon the country, and WC puts himself likewise. Order to the sheriff etc. Pledges are named for the defendant.