Memorials: 1392

Punishment of the Pillory, for pretending to be an Officer of the Marshalsea.

15 Richard II. A.D. 1392. Letter-Book H. fol. cclxviii. (Latin.)

On the 8th day of March, in the 15th year etc., Roger Andrew was brought here, before the Mayor and Aldermen, for that he, on the Monday before, at the Church of St. Thomas of Acon, in London, pretended that he was an officer of the Marshalsea of our Lord the King, under John Peyto, a Knight of our Lord the Earl of Notyngham, (fn. 1) Marshal of England; for, bearing a wooden staff with horn at either end, called a "tippestaffe," in his hand, he then alleged and said to a certain Robert Alloxtone, Sheriffs' serjeant, that one John Norwich, brewere, was under his arrest, and asserted that he had power from the aforesaid John Peyto for the same.

Which Roger, being questioned thereon before the Mayor and Aldermen, asserted that he had the power aforesaid from the said John, as before stated. And hereupon, Hugh Battesford, Common Serjeant-at-arms, was sent by the Mayor and Aldermen to the said John Peyto, to ascertain the truth as to the matters aforesaid, and to certify the Mayor and Aldermen as to the same. Which same John Peyto, as well by Thomas Stokes, Esquire, as by Hugh aforesaid, certified the said Mayor and Aldermen that he had utterly expelled and removed the said Roger from such office a quarter of a year before, for various enormous offences of his. And seeing that the said Roger could in no way gainsay or deny this, and in order that others might beware of doing the like etc., it was adjudged that he should be put upon the pillory on Cornhulle, on the same day, there to remain for one hour of the day, he being made to hold the staff in public there. And precept was given to the Sheriffs, to have the reason for his punishment publicly proclaimed.