Chapter M: Paston (1)

My modyr grette yow wel, and sendyth yow Goddys blyssyng and hers; and sche prayeth yow, and I pray yow also, that ye be wel dyetyd of mete and drynke, for that is the grettest helpe that ye may have now to your helthe ward. Your sone[57.1] faryth wel, blyssyd be God.

[Footnote 55.1: [From Fenn, iii. 20.] This letter was written
after the birth of John Paston’s eldest son, who was born in
1442, and cannot be later than 1443, as William Paston, who is
mentioned, died in August of the year following.]

[Footnote 55.2: St. Leonard’s Priory, Norwich.]

[Footnote 56.1: William Paston.]

[Footnote 56.2: Perhaps her godfather. The family of Garneys
were Lords of Gelderstone, the place called by Margaret Paston
Gerlyston, a few lines above.]

[Footnote 57.1: Almost certainly his eldest son, John,
afterwards Sir John Paston.]

[[yf wryhyn be non dysesse to yow
_text unchanged: error for “wrytyn”?_]]

48

ABSTRACT[57.2]

LAND IN PASTON.

[Sidenote: 1443 / OCT. 17]

Warrant to Sir Roger Frenles, Knight, Chief Steward of the Duchy lands in Norfolk and other counties, and Sir Thomas Tudenham, particular Steward of the lordship and manor of Gymyngham, to demise (_dimittere et tradere_) to the undertenants (_bassis tenentibus_) specified in an act of Parliament, certain charterhold land in Paston and Edithorp granted to the King by William Paston, Robert Clere, and Edmund Clere in exchange for certain parcels of copyhold land, in accordance with an act of the last Parliament holden at Westminster. The copyhold land granted to them consisted of 36½ acres 9 perches 1½ qr. of a perch and 1 pekke of land, pasture, heath, and marsh, with two houses built on certain parcels thereof, with ¼ of a rood of waste land [not belonging to the Duchy?] in Paston; and it was given in recompense for 36½ acres 26½ perches and half a quarter of a perch, half a ‘pekke’ and one ‘naylle’ of land, pasture, and heath, called ‘Chartrehold,’ with two houses built on certain parcels thereof, in Paston and Edithorp, which are to be annexed to the Duchy. These parcels are specified in an inquisition dated 18 May 18 Hen. VI., remaining in the treasury of the Duchy, which was taken by virtue of letters of the Cardinal to Lord Bardolf and others.

17 Oct. 22 Hen. VI.

[Footnote 57.2: [From the Chancery Roll of the Duchy of
Lancaster, 22 Hen. VI., Y. 2 c., No. 79.]]

49

WILLIAM PASTON AND WILLIAM JOYE[58.1]

[Sidenote: 1444]

Hec sunt hostilmenta et vutensilia domus, bona et catalla, que Willelmus Paston, in indentura presentibus annexa nominatus, tradidit et dimisit Willelmo Joye in eadem indentura nominato, secundum formam ejusdem indenture, ex communi assensu eorundem Willelmi et Willelmi, per Robertum Gynne, Johannem Albon de Paston et alios appreciata, assignata et specificata, modo subsequenti, videlicet: tres equi precii quinque marcarum; quatuor vacce, quelibet precii vij_s._ vj_d._; una juvenca brendyt precii v_s._; unus tauriculus, precii iiij_s._; una juvencula dowet precii iij_s._; due sues, quelibet precii iij_s._ iiij_d._; tres porculi, quilibet precii xvj_d._; tres porcelli, quilibet precii xij_d._; quatuor alii porcelli, quilibet precii viij_d._; una carecta, precii vj_s._ viij_d._; apparatus carette, videlicet una sella, unum par des stroppys; duo paria dez trayses, precii ij_s._; due caruce cum les hokys et stappilles; unum par rotarum; due herpice, precii v_s._; quatuor paria dez trayses ad aratrum, precii viij_d._; due furse fimose, precii vj_d._; una vanga, precii iij_d._; unus tribulus, precii iij_d._

Hec sunt blada et alia hostilmenta et utensilia domus, bona et catalla, per predictum Willelmum Paston predicto Willelmo Joye secundum formam dicte indenture similiter dimissa et non appreciata, videlicet: sex quarteria frumenti; xxv. quarteria ordei; viij. quarteria avenarum; quidam tassus pisarum in fine australi antique grangie messuagii predicti, qui est altitudinis iij. virgarum et iij. quarteriorum unius virge, et quidam alius tassus vescarum in boriali fine ejusdem grangie, altitudinis iij. virgarum et j. quarterii unius virge; qui quidem duo tassi fuerunt vesture xij. acrarum et dimidii, et dimidii rode terre; iij. vasa vocata Kelerys; j. Gilyngsat; iiij. stondes pro servitio; j. stonde in coquina; ij. patelle cum ligaminibus ferreis; j. parva patella cum ligamine ferreo; j. magna olla ennea [_ænea_]; alia olla ennea minor; j. parva olla ennea; j. tabula; j. par des trostelles; j. longum hostium jacens in boteria; j. par des trestelles, j. trow, ij. bolles, j. morter, j. thede, j. temse, j. mashsterell, j. tankard cum ligamine ferreo; j. bultyngpoke, j. magna trow pro farina, cista pro farina, j. fleshoke, j. tripes ferreum, j. veru ferreum; j. aunderun, j. par de tongys, j. lach’gres ennua, j. seturis, j. magnum lavacrum pendens, j. kynderkyn, ij. soos leeke, j. par de belwes, j. magnum planke super mensam coquine hargour; iij. perapsides; iij. disci; iij. sauserys de pewter; iij. perapsides; iij. disci; j. magnus discus, vj. sissorn, iij. ciphi de ligno, j. chayer; duo longa scanna, j. scannum mediocre longitudinis; ij. scanna vocata buffet stoles; ij. bankar; j. gladius, ij. ferra vocata aplates; j. chirne; j. chyrnyng staf; j. curta falx; j. candelabrum ferreum; j. parvum salerium; j. beryngsceppes, unum par dez pepyrquens, ij. uteri, j. cadus cum vergous; j. parva cista in boteria; j. selura supra servisiam; j. metesetell; j. pykforke; iij. longa bordclothis; j. towayll, j. san . . . et j. walet pro autumpno; j. lucerna; ij. vomeri et ij. cultri que ponderant xvij. li. et dim.; j. carectula, Anglice, a carre; j. sunvectorium (?); ij. novi rowintrees et j. curtum lignum in le carthows; ij. veteres bige; j. par rotarum ferratarum; ij. kemell cum hopys ferreis; j. frena, j. pelvis; viij. sacci; iiij. longa ligna fraxinora in pistrina; j. fetyrlok.

_In dorso_--

Summa catall’ infrascriptorum et appreciat’, v_li._ 19_s._ 8_d._
Summa granorum infrascriptorum ultra persas (?) et vesias,
iiij_li._ xviij_s._ iiij_d._
Quarterium frumenti ad iiij_s._, quarterium ordei ij_s._
iiij_d._, et querterium avenarum ad ij_s._
Item, vestura xij. acrarum et di., et di. rod. pisarum et vescar’.
Item, dicta vestura piseii et vescar. ad l_s._, lacr’ ad iiij_s._
de xij. acr’ et di. rod. non lax.

Summa totalis, xiiij_li._ viij_s._

[Footnote 58.1: [From Douce Charters in Bibl. Bodl., No. 18.]]

50

OXNEAD AND FRIAR HAWTEYN[60.1]

[Sidenote: 1443-9]

This day at x. of the clok Edmund Paston and the parson of Oxened went owth of the Manor doun to Wantown Gapp, for thei herd tydynges that the freyr[60.2] was comyng; and with the seyd frier came John Cates and on Whalter Herman of Wheytte, and Wylliam Yemmys of Burgh, the frieres man. And Edmund Paston seyd to John Cates Welcome, and he askyd hem what here[60.3] cause was in commyng. The Frier seyd he cam for to speke with the gode lady, and Edmund seyd that he shuld speke with her. At this tyme sche was so ocupied he myth not speke with her. And he seyd that he shuld assay; and he cam redyng fro Wantown Gappe to the grete Cate; and there he lyted and knokkyd on the gate; and we folwyd as yarn as we myth; and ther was with in John Jaallere and John Edmundes, and asked the friere what he wold; and he seyd that he wuld comyn inne for to speke with the gode ladi of the hows. And thei seyd nay, he shuld not come in. And than cam on Edmund Paston and the parson, and asked hym what was cause of his comyng at this tyme. And he seyd for to entre in the maner of Oxened, the which his fader was possessid of and his auncestres from kyng Edward the thred on to Colbys tyme, and that he had fownd a tayll ther of in the kynges bokes. And than Edmund Paston answeryd hym and seyd that it wher best declaryng of his evydence in Westminster hall. And he seyd a geyn, so he shuld whan he myth. And he seyd to hem that come with hym, ‘Serys, I chargge yow ber record how that I am kept owth with stronge hand, and may not take poscession.’ And evyn forth with he presyd to the gate ward to a leyd hand on the gate. And than the seyd Edmund put hym fro the gate and seyd, ‘Ne wer for reverence of thy lord and myn, and thow leyst any hand on the gate I xall sey thye hert blod or thow myn.’ And than the seyd frier seyd scornfully that he myth thanke his mayster. And than the seyd Edmund seyd that he myth sey his lord ryght wele; and than he stowpyd doun and toke up herd and delivered to his man, seying to hem that come with hym, ‘I charge yow all of the kynges behalffe ye bere record that I take here poscession of myn inheritance.’ And Edmund seyd that this takyng of poscession skylled nowgt. And than the friere seyd that sen he myth not have it nowe, he shuld come a geyn a nothir tyme. Edmund is rede forth to Heydon. It was told us this afternon that ther wer iij. men come fro Skeyton and mette with the frier in the feld and spoke with hym a gode while, and than redyn the same wey that they come.

[Footnote 60.1: [Add. MS. 34,888, f. 19.] This paper, like No.
63, which also refers to Friar Hauteyn’s claim to Oxnead, can be
assigned to no definite year; but its date must be before the
death of Edmund Paston in 1449. It is indorsed in a later hand:
‘A Frier came to take possession of the mannor of Oxned.’]

[Footnote 60.2: John Hauteyn.]

[Footnote 60.3: _here_ (or _her_) for _their_.]

[[fro Wantown Gappe to the grete Cate
_text unchanged: error for “Gate”?_]]

51

JAMES GRESHAM TO WILLIAM PASTON[61.1]

_To my right worthy and worshepfull Lord, William Paston, Justice, in hast._

[Sidenote: 1444 / JAN. 29]

Please it your good Lordship to wete that the Chief Justice of the Kynggs Benche[61.2] recomaundeth hym to yow, and is right sory of the matier that is cause of your noun comyng hedir, but he wole do al that he can or may for yow. He hath hadde a cyetica [sciatica] that hath letted hym a gret while to ride, and dar not yet come on non horses bak, and ther for he hath spoke to the Lordes of the Conseill, and enformed hem of your sekenesse and his also, that he may not ride at these next assizes to Estgrynsted; and though thoe assizes discontynue _puer noun venue dez Justicez_, he hopeth to be excused and ye also. And as for the remenant of the assizes, he shall purvey to be ther by water. And Almyghty Jesu make yow heyle and strong.

Wretyn right simply the Wednesseday next to fore ye Fest of the Purificacion of Our Lady at London.

By your most symple servaunt,

JAMYS GRESHAM.

[Footnote 61.1: [From Fenn, iii. 26.] ‘From a memorandum,’ says
Fenn, ‘on the back of this letter, dated in April 1444, it is
probable that it was written on the 30th of January 1443.’ Did
Fenn mean the 30th of January 1443-4? In the side-note
immediately below the letter, he dates it in his usual exact
manner, ‘Wednesday, 30th of January 1443, 22 H. vi.’ But
unfortunately there is an error here. January in the 22d year of
Henry VI., means January 1444 according to the modern
computation, or 1443 in the style formerly in use, by which the
year was reckoned from the 25th of March. But the 30th of
January was a Wednesday in 1443, only according to the modern
computation of the year,--that is to say, it was a Wednesday in
the year 1442-3, not in 1443-4. I imagine, however, that the
‘30th of January’ should have been ‘29th of January,’ and that
Fenn really meant 1443-4, corresponding with the 22nd year of
Henry VI.; for the memorandum to which he refers is a draft
agreement, dated on Passion Sunday, 22 Hen. VI., A.D. 1444.]

[Footnote 61.2: The celebrated Sir John Fortescue.]

52

JOHN GYNEY TO WILLIAM PASTON[62.1]

_To the worthy and worshipfull Sir and good Lord and Maister, William Paston, on of the Justices of oure Sovereign Lord, of his Commone Benche at Westminster._

[Sidenote: Not later than 1444]

Right worthy and worshipfull Sir, and my good Lord and Maister, I recomaund me to yow. And where as ye, by your lettre direct to my Lady, your wyf, wold that my seid Lady shuld have Robert Tebald and me to geder, as sone as she myght, and the evidences which the seid Robert receyved of yow at your last beyng at Norwich, and that I shuld amende the defautes therinne, and that that doon there shuld of Baxteres Place of Honyng be taken estate to yow and to other, as your seid lettre requireth: Prey and beseche yow to witte that, on the Friday next after your departyng fro Paston, Thomas Walysh and William Burgh, in his owen persone, and the seid Thomas by William Inges and William Walsyngham, his attornies, by his lettre under his seal, where [_were_] at Honyng, and delyvred to my Lady Scarlet seson [_seisin_] in the seid place, and Colbyes and Donnynges in Walsham. And the seid Thomas Walyssh, as the seid Tebald told me, wold not enseale the seid lettre of attornie til the parson of Ingeworth come to hym therfore, and required hym to don it. Wychyngham in his owen persone in the nyght next beforn the seid Friday, as the seid Tebald infourmeth me, come to the same Tebaldes hows, and desired hym to enseale acquytaunce, as he seid, and the same Robert refused to don it.

Nertheless, whether it were acquytaunce or were not, the same Robert kan not seye, for he myght noo sight have there of. And the seid Wychyngham the same nyght rood to John Willyot, and desired of hym the same, and refused also to don it. What is the best to be don in this matier my seid Lady, your wyf, kan not thynke with owt your advis and counseile. Wherfore as touchyng the takyng of th’estate to yow and other, as in your seid lettre is conteigned, is yet right nought doon.

The Holy Trinite have yow in his blissed kepyng. Wretyn at North Walsham, the Thursday next after the Purificacion of oure Lady.

My seid Lady, your wyf, preyeth yow to be remembred of here grene gynger of almondes for Lente, and of the leche of Orwelde, for here seknes encreseth dayly upon here, whereof she is sore a ferd.

By youre servunt,

JOHN GYNEY.

[Footnote 62.1: [From Fenn, iii. 28.] There is nothing to be
said of the date of this letter, except that it is not later
than 1444, when William Paston died.]

53

ABSTRACT[63.1]

[Sidenote: 1444 / MARCH 15]

Indenture between the Prior and Convent of the Monastery of St. Andrew, Bromholme, impropriators of the Church of St. Margaret, Paston, and John Partrik, vicar of the said church, of the first part, William Paston of Paston, of the second part, and Edmund Palmer of Wytton, of the third part, relative to lands in Baketon and Wytton, and containing amongst other things a grant by the Prior and Convent to the said John Partrik, at the instance of the said William Paston, in consideration of which masses, called _certeynes_, are to be performed every Friday for the souls of William Paston and Agnes his wife, and the obit of Clement Paston, William’s father, is to kept yearly on St. Botolph’s day (17th June). Dated 15th March 22 Henry VI. Confirmed by Walter, Bishop of Norwich, and John, the Prior of the Cathedral of Norwich, and the chapter of that church, 11th and 21st March 1446[-7].

[Footnote 63.1: [Add. Charter 14,571, B.M. (D. Turner’s Coll.)]]

[[Confirmed by Walter _text has “Comfirmed”_]]

54

ABSTRACT[64.1]

JOHN MARYOT TO WILLIAM PASTON, Justice.

[Sidenote: Before 1444]

Is ready to fulfil the indentures of Becham made by W. P. with his late mother, if W. P. will send ‘the indenture of our part,’ that Maryot may know the terms and his own title. Will make no bargain else.--Crowmer, Monday after Our Lady’s Nativity.

[Footnote 64.1: [From Paston MSS., B.M.] This and the following
letter are quite uncertain in point of date, except that they
were of course written before the death of William Paston, to
whom they were addressed.]

55

ABSTRACT[64.2]

WILLIAM WOTTON DE PAGRAVE TO JUSTICE PASTON.

Sends his wife to him to explain some business about lands in Lytyl Pagrave, of which a woman of Sporle has already spoken to him; also touching some land at Castleacre.--_On parchment._

[Footnote 64.2: [From Paston MSS., B.M.]]

56

---- ---- TO JOHN PASTON[64.3]

[Sidenote: 1444]

Righte reverent and my most worshipful maister, I recomaund me to yow. Please it yow to wite that I sende yow a copie of a verdite take before my maister Roberd Clere by vertu of a writ _diem clausit extremum_,[64.4] whiche writ I sende yow also with this, of whiche verdite the wordis arn as it folwith:--

_Inquisicio capta apud Wynterton, secundo die Novembris anno regni Regis Henrici vj^ti post conquestum vicesimo tertio, coram Roberto Clere escaetore domini Regis in com. Norfolk et Suffolk, virtute brevis domini Regis sibi directi et presenti Inquisitioni consuti, per sacramentum Johannis Berkyng, Nicholai Pikeryng, Johannis Chapell, Johannis Jekkys, Willelmi Stiwardson, Roberti Hosele, Johannis Topy, Johannis Wacy, Johannis Rychers, Thomæ Broun, Walteri Heylok, Willelmi Stotevyle, Thomæ Mason, Roberti Marche, Johannis Kechon, legalium et proborum hominum in hac parte pro domino Rege juratorum: Qui dicunt super sacramentum suum quod Willelmus Paston nominatus in dicto brevi nulla terras et tenementa tenuit de domino Rege in capite die quo obiit in comitatu predicto. Et quod obiit quarto decimo die mensis Augusti, anno regni domini Regis predicti xxij. Et quod Johannes Paston filius ipsius Willelmi est hæres ejus propinquior, et ætatis xxiij. annorum._

Ther is founde more of other thyngges be the same verdite touchyng other matieris, whiche he will not certifie yet. And for as moche as my maister Clere wetyth well that the seid verdite touchyng my maister your fader, hoes soule God assoyle, must have other maner of makyng thanne he kan make, he recomaundith hym to my maistres your moder, and yow also; and prey yow that ye will do it make as effectuel and availeabill for the wel of my maister your fader and yow as ye kan, and sele it with your seall, or what seall ellys ye will, in his name, and sealle it also with as many of other seales as ther be jerores, and delyvere it to William Bondes, his depute, to delyvere into the Chauncelre. And if William Bondes be fro London or this may be redy, thanne purveye ye for the speed of this matier in youre best wise; and what so ever ye do, or sey, or write, or seale, or avouche in this matier in my maister Cleris name, he shall avowe it, and [_i.e._ if] it shulde coste hym gret parte of his good.

Sir, ther is noon enquerre take in Suffolk, for as moche as my maister your fader helde no londe ther but be my maistres your moder; but if ye will that he shall inquere ther as sone as he may wete it, it shall be doo; and if this forseide verdite may serve for bothe, he is right glad therof. He tolde me that he seide to the jurores, whiche have sealed her verdite: ‘Seris, I wot well this verdite after my makyng is not effectuel in lawe, and therfore may happe it shall be makid newe at London, and ellys peraventure I shulde be amercied in the Kyngges Courte; and therfore I truste yow, and [_i.e._ if] it be newe mad and newe sealed, ye will avowe it.’ And thei seide with a good herte ya; these wordes wern seide _in secreta confessione_ to v. or vj. of the reuleris of the seide jurre whiche he kan truste righte well. He preyith yow to holde hym excused that he writyth not to yow for this matier, for he is ocupied in other wise. He badde me write in this fourme to yow, which he supposith ye will beleve, and he knoweth alle this writyng, and is well concented and agreed therto. Sir, ther arn xv. jurores abowe to certifie ye, as many as ye will: but lete these men that be tottid be certified, for thei be the rewleris and t . . . . he spk (?) &c. Sir, atte reverence of God, if I shall make ony purvyaunce in this cuntre for my maistres comyng hom, lete me have reson[able] warnyng, and so God me helpe, and I shall do my dever. I here no tydyngges of Thom’ yet. My maistres Garneys, your moder, . . . . . .[66.1] Berney, and my maisteris your sonys and my maister your brother arn heyle and mery, and recommend hem to yow. And I beseche your [mastership][66.1] that this sympil skrowe may recomaund me to my reverant and worshipful maistres, your moder. And I prey our Lord of his . . . . . .[66.1] bothe moche worship and wilfare, and graunte me to do and labour that is to your bothenerys pleaser.[66.2]

Writen the Saterday next. . . . . . .[66.3]

This letter appears to have been used as a wrapper for others. It is
endorsed, ‘Literæ diversorum directæ J. Paston receptæ apud London
per diversos annos ante festum Michaelis anno xxxiiij Hen. VI.
Literæ Fastolff pro Costid (?). Literæ W. Wayt pro tempore suæ
tribulationis. Literæ Windham.’

[Footnote 64.3: [From Paston MSS., B.M.] This letter is without
a signature or address, and who the writer was does not appear.
It was evidently written soon after the taking of the
inquisition on the death of William Paston, the Judge, the date
of which is given in the extract as 2nd November 23 Henry VI.,
_i.e._ 1444.]

[Footnote 64.4: _See_ p. 16, Note 1.]

[Footnote 66.1: Mutilated.]

[Footnote 66.2: _I.e._, that which is to the pleasure of you
both (?).]

[Footnote 66.3: A little mutilated at bottom.]

[[quarto decimo die mensis Augusti _printed “dccimo”_]]

[[In the following letter, interlineations (Footnotes 67-2, 68-1) are shown in brackets [ ] immediately after the original word.]]

57

WILL OF EDMUND NORMAN[67.1]

[Sidenote: 1444 / DEC. 6]

In Dei nomine, amen. Ego Edmundus Norman de Fylby, compos mentis, die Dominica in festo sancti Nicholai Episcopi, anno domini M^lmo iiij^c xl. iiij.^to, condo testamentum meum in hunc mundum (_sic_). In primis do et lego animam meam Deo Patri, &c., corpusque meum sepeliendum in ecclesia sancti Petri de Crowmere. Item, summo altari ecclesiæ prædictæ xl_d._ [vjs. viijd.[67.2]] Item, emendacioni ejusdem ecclesiæ xl_d._ [vjs. viijd.[67.2]] Item, summo altari ecclesiæ de Fylby xl_d._ Item, emendationi ecclesiæ de Fylby prædictæ vel fenestræ de novo faciendæ et intrando in parte boriali ecclesiæ prædictæ in fine occidentali, x. marcas. Item, Edmondo, capellano sancti Johannis Baptistæ in eadem ecclesia, xl_d._ Item, volo quod omnes feoffati in terris et tenementis remittant jus suum Edmundo Clere armigero, magistro meo, ut ipse vendat et disponat cum aliis executoribus meis pro salute animæ meæ, et patris, matris, et omnium quibuscumque teneor. Item, cuilibet ordini fratrum de Jernemoth, vj_s._ viii_d._ Item, fratribus ordinis Minorum de Walsyngham vj_s._ viii_d._ Item, lego Willelmo Bondis omnia bona mea existentia in hospicio meo London’, [de Clifforde] videlicet lectum et indumenta mea. Item, lego Roberto Baketon et uxori ejus, firmario meo in Fylby, omnia utencilia mea infra mansionem meam ibidem præter lectum plumale postea legatum. Item, Edmundo filio dicti Roberti, filiolo meo, xl_s._ Item, filiabus ejusdem Roberti, Elizabethæ et Margaretæ, cuilibet xx_s._ Item, Edmundo filio Roberti Norman de Ormesby, vj_s._ viii_d._ Item, Ricardo Kemp, xxvj_s._ viij_d._ Item, Johanni Grave, sonam meam deargent’.[67.3] Item, Nicholao Pekeryng de Fylby, meum optimum lectum plumale infra mansionem meam apud Fylby. Item, Johanni Spencer de Crowmere, xx_s._ Item, uxori Johannis Couche, pro labore et diligentia suis circa me dum infirmabar, vj_s._ viij_d._ Item, Edmundo Bataly capellano vj_s._ viii_d._ [xxs. [68.1]] Item, lego Thomæ Stalham et uxori ejus meum lectum plumale apud Norwicum. Item, die obitus mei ad exequias, cuilibet capellano iiij_d._ et clerico, j_d._ Item, ad distribuendum inter pauperes die sepulturæ, xl_d._ Residuum vero bonorum meorum non legatorum do et lego executoribus meis, quos ordino et constituto Edmundum Clere, armigerum, Magistrum meum Robertum Clere, Willelmum Bondes, Nicholaum Pekeryng, Magistrum Johannem Semecrofte et Ricardum Kemp, ut ipsi disponant pro salute animæ meæ.

[68.2]Et lego dicto Edmundo Clere pro labore suo x_li._ si vult. Et Roberto Clere C_s._, et similiter cuilibet aliorum executorum xl_s._

Item, lego Pers. de Crowmere iij_s._ iiij_d._

Item, volo quod in fenestra ecclesiæ de Fylby tres[68.3] ymagines, videlicet, una ymago sancti Edmundi, alter[a] Sancti Johannis Baptistæ, alia Sanctæ Mariæ, et ibidem fiat scriptio:--_Orate pro animabus Johannis Norman seniori, Margaretæ uxoris ejus, et Edmundi filii prædicti_ et tale armo (_sic_). [_Here follows a sketch of a shield, the upper part marked as silver and the lower black, with the word _‘Katerwole’_ (?) upon it._]

[Footnote 67.1: [Add. MS. 34,888, f. 10.]]

[Footnote 67.2: Interlineations by another hand.]

[Footnote 67.3: Here occurs an illegible interlineation, in
which only ‘xs.’ is visible.]

[Footnote 68.1: Interlineations by another hand.]

[Footnote 68.2: What follows is in a different hand, apparently
the same as that of the interlineations noticed above.]

[Footnote 68.3: Corrected from ‘quatuor.’]

58

THE DUKE OF NORFOLK TO JOHN PASTON[68.4]

_To our right trusti and welbelovid John Paston, Squier. The Duc of Norff._

[Sidenote: Before 1444 (?)]

Trusti and right welbelovid, we grete you weel, lating you witte that for the trust that as weel we, as the heires of Edmund Swathyng, have unto you, we have appointed you to be one of the makeres up indifferently of the evydences betwix us and the seide heires. Wherfor we pray you hertily, that ye wil yeve attendaunce at such day and place as ye and our right trusti and welbelovid frende William Yelverton, with oure welbelovid servaunt Jenney, shal mow attende to the making up of the seide evidencez; and we shal send summe of our servauntz to awayte upon you for your reward and costis, that ye shal be pleasid with by the grace of God, who have you ever in his keping.

Wreten undir our signet in oure Castel of Framlyngham,

the xviij. day of ----.

{ JOHN[69.1] } NORFF.
{ MOWBRAY. }

[Footnote 68.4: [From Fenn, i. 10.] Fenn thinks this letter must
have been written before 1444, when Yelverton was made a judge.
This is, doubtless, most probable. There is, however, an Edmund
Swathing, Esq., mentioned by Blomefield (_Hist. of Norfolk_,
viii. 42) as alive in 1446, and if it be his executors who are
referred to, the date would appear to be later.]

[Footnote 69.1: The name ‘John Mowbray’ is represented by a
curious monogram, in which every letter both of the Christian
and the surname can be traced.]

59

JOHN PASTON’S PETITION[69.2]

_To the Kyng our Soverayn Lord._

[Sidenote: After 1444]

Ples your Hyghnes of your abundante grace, an consyderacion of the servys and plesure that your Hyghnes knowyth to yow don by William Paston, late one of your judgys, and old servaunt to that nobyll Prinse your fadyr, to graunte onto John Paston, Esquyer, sonn and heyir of the seyd Wylliam, your lettrys patents under the seel of yowr Duche of Lancastre, being in the keping of Thomas Chesham, aftyr affecte of note folowyng; and he schall pray to God for yow.

* * *

Rex, etc. Sciatis, quod de gracia nostra speciali et ex mero motu nostro, ac pro bono et laudabyli servicio quod dilectus et fidelis nobis Willelmus Paston, nuper unus Justiciariorum nostrorum, defunctus, nobis in vita sua inpendydit, consessimus et hac presenti carta nostra confirmavimus, in quantum in nobis est, Johanni Paston armigero, filio et heredi dicti Willelmi, viginti tria mesuagia, quingintas triginta et iiij. acras pasture, bruere et marissy in villis de Paston, Edythorp, et Bakton, in comitatu nostro Norff. quas diversi tenentes nostri ibidem de nobis separatim native tenent ad voluntatem nostram per virgam sive copiam et per serta redditus et servissia, nativa annualia inde nobis reddend., que ad valorem novem librarum annuatim exeunt vel infra. Concessimus eciam eidem Johanni curiam lete, seu visus franciplegii nostri, in villis de Paston et Edithorp predictis, que est annui valoris viij. solidorum per estimacionem; ad quatuor libratas, quatuor solidatas et octo denariatas redditus. Redditum octo boschellorum avenarum et trium caponum cum pertinentiis in villis predictis, ac in villis Wytton et Easewyk in comitatu predicto, percipiendum anuatim de omnibus et singulis liberys tenentibus nostris ibidem pro tenementis suis qui de nobis separatim tenent in eisdem villis, una cum fidelitatibus et aliis serviciis eorundem tenentium et eorum cujuslibet, de, seu pro, tenementis illis et eorum qualibet parcella nobis debitis sive pertinentibus. Concessimus etiam eidem Johanni et heredibus suis officium parcarie ac costidie[70.1] parci nostri de Grymygham in com. nostro predicto, una cum proficuo agistamenti bestiarum ejusdem parci pro vadiis suis pro officio predicto annuatim percipiend: salvis no . . et hodierna sufficienti pastura ferarum nostrarum ibidem ut tempore nostro prius usitatum fuit; quod quidem proficuum agistamenti ad valorem x. marcarum extendit per annum. Habenda, tenenda et percipienda predicta messuagia, terram, pasturam, brueram, mariscum, curiam lete, et visus franciplegii, redditus, et servissia, officium et agistament’ proficu’ cum pertinentiis, prefato Johanni et heredibus suis de nobis et heredibus nostris, per fidelitatem et redditum unius rose rubie ad Festum Nativitatis Sancti Johannis Baptiste annuatim nobis solvendum, si petatur, pro omnibus serviciis, exaccionibus et demandis. Eo quod messuagia, terra, pastura, bruera, mariscus, curia lete, redditus, servicia predicta, officium et agistament’ profic’, valorem supra specificatum excedant, vel valorem illum non attingant, aut aliquo actu, restriccione seu mandato facto, edito aut proviso non obstante. Volumus etiam et assignavimus quod omnes illi qui per nos seu ad usum nostrum, jus, titulum, seu statum in premissis, seu aliquo premissorum habuerunt seu habent, nobis antehac non relaxatum, jus, titulum et statum illa prefato Johanni et heredibus suis dimittent et relaxent. In cujus . . .

[Footnote 69.2: [From Tanner MS. 95, f. 82.] This is a draft in
the handwriting of William Worcester, very illegible from the
number of the corrections, and also from the ink being very much
faded. Of its date I cannot tell except that it was clearly
written in the reign of Henry VI. and after the death of Judge
Paston in 1444.]

[Footnote 70.1: _Sic_, _pro_ custodiæ.]

60

CATHERINE, DUCHESS OF NORFOLK, TO JOHN PASTON[71.1]

_To our right trusty and hertily welbeloved John Paston, Squier._

{_Kateryn, Duchesse_}
{_of Norff._ }

[Sidenote: After 1444 (?)]

Right trusty and entierly welbeloved, we grete you wel hertily as we kan. And for as moche as we purpose with grace of Jesu to be at London within bryff tyme, we pray you that your place ther may be redy for us, for we wole sende our stuff thedir to for [_tofore_, _i.e._ before] our comyng; and siche agrement as we toke with you for the same, we shall duely performe yt with the myght of Jesu, who haff you in his blissed keping.

Wretyn at Eppeworth, ij^de day of Octobre.

[Footnote 71.1: [From Fenn, iii. 16.] The writer of this letter
was the widow of John Mowbray, second Duke of Norfolk, who died
in 1432. After the Duke’s death, she married again no less than
three times; and Fenn thinks this letter, which is dated from
Epworth in Lincolnshire, a seat of the Duke of Norfolk’s, was
probably written during her first widowhood. It must be
remarked, however, that in 1432 John Paston was only twelve
years old at the utmost, so that this letter could hardly have
been written till at least ten years after. It is, besides,
hardly probable that John Paston would have been addressed as
the owner of a ‘place’ in London, before his father’s death in
1444. The exact year, however, is quite uncertain.]

61

ABSTRACT[72.1]

ROBERT, LORD WYLUGHBY [of Eresby], TO JOHN PASTON.

[Sidenote: Between 1444 and 1451]

Desires him to favour Reginald Balden who ‘hath ado with you for certain lyflode which was his father’s, wherein your father was enfeoffed.’ Boston, 16th December.

[The date of this letter is probably after the death of William
Paston in 1444, and cannot be later than 1451, as the writer died on
St. James’s day (25th July) 1452.]

[Footnote 72.1: [From Paston MSS., B.M.]]

62

AGNES PASTON TO EDMUND PASTON[72.2]

_To Edmond Paston of Clyffordis Inn, in London, be this Lettre take._

[Sidenote: 1445 / FEB. 4]

To myn welbelovid sone, I grete yow wel, and avyse yow to thynkk onis of the daie of youre fadris counseyle to lerne the lawe, for he seyde manie tymis that ho so ever schuld dwelle at Paston, schulde have nede to conne defende hym selfe.

The Vikare[72.3] of Paston and yowre fadre,[72.4] in Lenttyn last was, wher [_were_] thorwe and acordidde, and doolis[72.5] sette howe broode the weye schulde ben,[72.6] and nowe he hath pullid uppe the doolis, and seithe he wolle makyn a dyche fro the corner of his walle, ryght over the weye to the newe diche of the grete cloose. And there is a man in Truntche, hyzht Palmer to, that hadde of yowre fadre certein londe in Truntche over vij. yere or viij. yere agoone for corn, and trewli hathe paide all the yers; and now he hathe suffrid the corne to ben with sette for viij_s._ of rentte to Gymmyngham, wich yowre fadre paide nevere. Geffreie axid Palmere why the rentte was notte axid in myn husbonddis tyme; and Palmere seyde, for he was a grete man, and a wyse man of the law, and that was the cawse men wolde not axe hym the rentte.

I sende yow the namis of the men that kaste down the pittis, that was Gynnis Close, wretyn in a bille closid in this lettre.

I sendde yow not this lettre to make yow wery of Paston; for I leve in hoope, and ye wolle lern that they schulle be made werye of her werke, for in good feyth I dar welseyne it was yowr fadris laste wille to have do ryzht wel to that plase, and that can I schewe of good profe, thowe men wolde seye naye. God make yow ryzht a good man, and sende Goddis blessyng and myn.

Wrettyn in haste, at Norwich, the Thorsdaie aftir Candelmasse daie.

Wetith of yowre brothere John now manie gystis [_joists_] wolle serve the parler and the chapelle at Paston, and what lenghthe they moste be, and what brede and thykknesse thei moste be; for yowre fadris wille was, as I weene veryli, that thei schuld be ix. enchis on wey, and vij. another weye. And porveythe therfor that thei mow be squarid there, and sentte hedre, for here can non soche be hadde in this conttre. And seye to yowre brothir John it weer wel don to thinkke on Stansted Chirche;[73.1] and I praye yow to sende me tydynggs[73.2] from be yond see, for here thei arn a ferde to telle soche as be reportid.

By yowr Modre,

AUGNEIS PASTON.

[Footnote 72.2: [From Fenn, iii. 32.] This letter must have been
written in February 1445, as it appears from the contents that
William Paston was dead, but had been alive in the preceding
Lent.]

[Footnote 72.3: John Partrick of Swathfield was Vicar of Paston,
from 1442 to 1447.--F.]

[Footnote 72.4: William Paston, the Judge.]

[Footnote 72.5: Landmarks. ‘Dolestones’ are still spoken of in
Norfolk in this sense. --_See_ Latham’s Edition of Johnson’s
_Dictionary_.]

[Footnote 72.6: On the 6th July 1443 a licence was granted to
William Paston to enclose a portion of the highway at Paston,
and another at Oxnead, on his making two other highways in place
thereof.--_Patent Roll_, 21 Henry VI. p. 1, m. 10.]

[Footnote 73.1: Stansted Church in Suffolk.--Dame Agnes had
possessions in that parish.--F.]

[Footnote 73.2: These tidings relate to our foreign
transactions, the giving up of Maine, Truces, &c. &c. on the
King’s marriage, which had taken place in November.--F.]

63

JOHN HAWTEYN TO THE ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY[74.1]

_To the most reverent Fader in God the Archebisshop of Caunterbury, Chanceler of Englond._

[Sidenote: 1444-9]

Besecheth mekely zour gracious Lordship, zour owne servant and oratour John Hauteyn, chapeleyn, that wher he hath dyvers seutees and accions in lawe to be sewed a zent A., that was the wife of W. Paston, of the maner of Oxenedes, in the countee of Northfolk; and for as meche as zour seid besecher can gete no counsell of men of court to be with hym in the seid matiers, by cause that the seid W. P. was one of the Kynges Justices, and John P., son and heir to the seid W. P., is al so a mon of court; that hit plese zour good Lordship to assigne, and most streytly to comaund John Heydon,[74.2] Thomas Lyttylton,[74.3] and John Oelston to be of counsell with zour seid besecher in the seid matiers, and oder that he hath to do azenst the seid Anneys and oder; and zour said besecher shal contente hem well for their labour. And that this be doo in the reverence of God, and wey of charite.

JOHN HAUTEYN, Chapeleyn.

[Footnote 74.1: [From Fenn, iii. 36.] This is a petition
addressed to John Stafford, Archbishop of Canterbury, as
Chancellor, after the death of William Paston in 1444. Stafford
was made Archbishop in 1443. His appointment as Chancellor was
even earlier, and he held the office till the 31st of January
1450.]

[Footnote 74.2: A lawyer and recorder of Norwich.--F.]

[Footnote 74.3: Afterwards the famous Judge Lyttelton.--F.]

64

SIR ROGER CHAMBERLAIN TO AGNES PASTON[75.1]

_To my right worchepfull Cosyn, Agnes Paston._

[Sidenote: After 1444]

Right worchepfull cosyn, I comand me to you. And as for the mater that ye sent to me fore, touchyng the maner callid Walshams, in Walsham, the trouth is, youre husbond soldyt to my moder upon condition that she shuld never sel it but to youre sones, John or William; and for the suerte of the seid condition, youre seid husbond, as I conseyve, ded the seid maner be charged with a gret annuyte upon the same condition, or the tyme that my seid moder toke estate, of the whech I suppose ye shall fynde sufficiant evydens, if ye serge youre evydences therfor. And I be seche almyty God kepe you.

Wretyn at Geddyng, the xv. day of September.

Your Cosyn,

SIR ROGER CHAMBERLEYN.

[Footnote 75.1: [From Fenn, iii. 38.] Nothing can be said as to
the date of this letter, except that it is evidently after the
death of William Paston.]

65

THE DUKE OF BUCKINGHAM TO THE VISCOUNT BEAUMONT[75.2]

_To the right worshipful, and with all myn herte right entirely belovid brother, the Viscounte Beaumont._

[Sidenote: Between 1442 and 1455]

Right worshipful, and with all myn herte right entierly beloved brother, I recomaunde me to you, thenking right hertili youre good brotherhode for your gode and gentill letters, the whiche it hath liked you to sende unto me nowe late; and like it you to knowe I perseeve by the tenor of the seid lettre, your gode desire of certein dubete that I owe unto you. In gode faith, brother, it is so with me at this tyme, I have but easy stuffe of money withinne me, for so meche as the seison of the yer is not yet growen, so that I may not plese youre seide gode brotherhode, as God knoweth my will and entent were to do, and I had it.

Nevertheless, and it like you, I sende you, bi my sonne Stafford,[76.1] an obligacion wherof, of late tyme, I have rescevid part of the dubete therinne comprisid; the residue of whiche I prai you to resceve bi the seid obligacion, and that I may have an acquitance therof, and to yeve credence unto my seid sonne in such thing as he shall say unto your gode brotherhode on my behalve.

Right worshipfull, and with all myn herte right entirely belovid brother, I beseche the blissed Trinite, preserve you in honor and prosperite.

Writen at my Castell of Makestok,[76.2] the xvij. day of Marche.

Yowre trew and fethfull broder,

H. BUKINGHAM.

[Footnote 75.2: [From Fenn, i. 16.] There appear to be no means
of ascertaining the exact year when this letter was written; but
as the writer was created Duke of Buckingham on the 14th
September 1441, and his son, the Earl of Stafford, was killed at
the battle of St. Albans on the 22nd May 1455, the date must lie
between these two limits.]

[Footnote 76.1: Humphrey, Earl of Stafford, the Duke’s eldest
son, who was slain at St. Albans in 1455.]

[Footnote 76.2: In Warwickshire.]

66

WILLIAM YELVERTON TO JOHN PASTON[76.3]

_To my ryght wurchepfull cosyn, John Paston, Esquier._

[Sidenote: Between 1444 and 1460]

Right worchepful cosyn, I recomaunde me to yow, thankyng yow as hertyly as I kan for my selff, &c., and specially for that ye do so moche for Oure Ladyes hous at Walsyngham, which I trust veryly ye do the rather for the grete love that ye deme I have therto; for trewly if I be drawe to any worchep or wellfare, and discharge of myn enmyes daunger, I ascryve it unto Our Lady.

Preyng yow therfore that ye woln ben as frendly to Our Ladyes hous as I wote well ye have alwey ben, and in especyall now, that I myght have of yow the report certeynly be your letter of that, that Naunton your cosyn informyd yow, and told yow be mouth of all maters towchyng Oure Ladyes hous of Walsyngham.

For me thynkyth be that I have herde be Oure Ladys prest of Walsyngham, if I understode weel that mater, that it shuld do moch to the gode spede of the mater; and dought yow not our Lady shall quyte it yow and here poer priour here aftyr, as he may, &c.

Preying yow also, cosyn, and avysyng for the ease of us both, and of our frendes, and of many other, that ye be at London be tymes this terme, and if we spede well now, all well all this yere aftir; for I knowe veryly ther was nevyr made gretter labour thanne shall be made now, and therfore I pray to Our Lady, help us, and her blissid Sone, which have you in His holy kepyng.

Wreten at your poer place of Bayfeld, on Sent Fraunces day,[77.1] in hast.

Your cosyn,

WILLIAM YELVERTON, Justis.

[Footnote 76.3: [From Fenn, i. 20.] The date of this letter is
not earlier than 1444, when William Yelverton was appointed a
Justice of the King’s Bench; and, as Fenn remarks, it is
probably not later than 1460, when he was made a Knight of the
Bath, otherwise he would have signed himself Knight as well as
Justice.]

[Footnote 77.1: St. Francis’ day is the 4th of October.]

67

ABSTRACT[77.2]

[Sidenote: 1446 / OCT. 30]

Indenture, dated 30 Oct. 25 Henry VI., by which Agnes Paston grants a lease to John Downing, miller, and others, of the mill called Woodmill, in Paston.

[Footnote 77.2: [Add. Charter 14,819, B.M. (D. Turner’s Coll.)]]

68

THE BAILIFF AND JURATS OF JERSEY TO VISCOUNT BEAUMONT[78.1]

_A nos treshonorés et nobles Signours Visconte Beaumont, Connestable d’Engleterre et Seigneur de Sudele, grant mestre de hostel de nostre Souverayn Seigneur le Roy d’Engleterre et France._

[Sidenote: 1447]

Treshonorablez et noblez seigneurs, nous nous recommandons tant que faire le povons a voz honnorablez seignouriez. Et vous plese savoir que le samedy xv^me jour du moys de Aprille nous avons receu unez lettrez patentes de nostre Souverain Seigneur le Roy d’Engleterre et de France, contenant comme il vous a donné la guarde dez islez de Jersey et Guernesey durant le non aage de l’er de mon Seigneur de Warwyk, et unez aultrez lettrez a nous directes de par vous, presentées de par voz servitours John Morin et Robert Haxby. Et pour cause que eulx n’avoyent point de procuracions, ou feisions difficultey, et non obstant a voz ditz servitours a estey delivrée et baillie la pocession de la dicte isle de Jersey, et ont juré et promis par lours serementz de guarder le loys et coustumez et anciens usagez de la dicte isle, et nous envoier lettrez soubz lez seaulx de voz armez, comme voz promettez tenir en fermete ce que eulx ont promis, et de ce nous ont bailly plege Sire John Bernard, cappitaine desdictez islez, quer aultrement nous ne lez eussons point receus, comme il apparest par le certificat a eulx par nous donné, quer tous lez seigneurs, guardes, cappitaines, juges, et aultrez officers de audevant de cez hourez ont estey juréz a nous lois, coustumez et anciens usagez, lez queilz ont estey guardéz et seront en tempz advenir avecquez l’aide de Dieu, qui vous ayt en sa sainte guarde.

Escript en Jersey le xvij^me jour du moys de Aprill.

De par lez vostrez le Bailiff [et]
Jurés de l’Isle de Gersy.

[Footnote 78.1: [From Paston MSS., B.M.] The custody of the
islands of Jersey and Guernsey, &c., during the minority of Ann,
daughter and heir of Henry de Beauchamp, Duke of Warwick, was
granted in 25 Henry VI. to John, Viscount Beaumont, and Sir
Ralph Butler, Lord Sudley. --_See_ Dugdale’s _Baronage_, ii. 54.]

[[nous nous recommandons
_printed “recommandous” (the doubled “nous” is not an error)_]]

69

EDMUND PASTON TO JOHN PASTON[79.1]

_Tradatur Johanni Paston, of the Inner In in the Temple, att London._

[Sidenote: 1447(?)]

Ryth worschipfull brothir, I recomaund me to yow, &c. I preye write to myn modre of your owne hed as for to consell her howh that sche kepe her prevye, and tell no body ryth nowth of her counsell; for sche woll tell persones many of her counsell this day, and to morwe sche woll sey be Goddis faste that the same men ben false. I have seen parte of the evydence, and the maner[79.2] hath be pourchasid be parcell, and certeyn feffement mad of the avowson, and certeyn pecis of lond enterlessant the maner; and I wote well ye have on collaterall rellesse wyth a warente of on of the wyffys of Hauteyn[79.3] of all the holl maner.

Steward, the chiffe constable, told me he was enpanellyd up on the assise be twex yow and Frauncesse; he axyd me counsell what he myght do ther inne, for he told me it was take in Sir Thomas Tudham name. He wold fayne be chalengyd. I concellyd him swere the trewthe of the issue that he shall be swore to, and thanne he nedyd never to drede hym of noon atteynte. I yave him this counsell, and noon othir. He enqueryd me of the rewle of myn master Danyell[80.1] and myn Lord of Suffolke,[80.2] and askyd wheche I thowte schuld rewle in this schere; and I seyd bothe, as I trowh, and he that survyvyth to hold be the vertue of the survyvyr, and he to thanke his frendes, and to aquite his enmyys. So I fele by him he wold forsake his master, and gette him a newh yf he wyste he schuld rewle; and so wene I meche of all the contre is so disposyd. The holy Trenyte kepe yow.

Wrete at Norwiche, on the Wednysday after Seynt Peter[80.3] in hast.

Your Brother,

E. PASTON.

[Footnote 79.1: [From Paston MSS., B.M.] From the conversation
here reported touching the anticipated ascendancy of Daniel and
the Marquis, afterwards Duke, of Suffolk, this letter may be
referred to the year 1447. In April of the year following, the
influence of Suffolk was paramount, and Daniel was said to be
out of favour, as will be seen by Letter 75 following.]

[Footnote 79.2: The manor of Oxnead. --_See_ Blomefield, vi.
478.]

[Footnote 79.3: Probably Robert, father of John Hauteyn, the
friar.]

[Footnote 80.1: Thomas Daniel.]

[Footnote 80.2: William de la Pole, at this time Marquis,
afterwards Duke, of Suffolk.]

[Footnote 80.3: St. Peter’s day is the 29th June.]

[[att London _printed “Lonaon” (recurring error with italic “d”)_]]

70

ABSTRACT[80.4]

[Sidenote: 1447 / SEPT. 3]

Deed by which William Pope, perpetual Vicar of Paston, confirms to Agnes, widow of William Paston, and John Bakton, their estate in a piece of land, particularly described; and also binds himself to celebrate mass every Friday for the souls of said William and Agnes, &c. &c., exhort his parishioners to put up prayers for them every Sunday, called ‘certeynys,’ and celebrate William Paston’s obit on the 13th August.

Dated at Paston, 3rd September 26 Henry VI.

[Footnote 80.4: [Add. Charter 17,235, B.M. (Paston MSS.)]]

71

ABSTRACTS[80.5]

[Sidenote: 1447 / OCT. 21, 26]

21 Oct., at London.--Letter from Fastolf to Thomas Howys and John Grene, desiring them to procure information about one Robert Eccles, cousin and heir to John Eccles, whom the counsel for the prior of Hickling propose to call to give evidence about the rent of 25 marks.

1447, [26 Oct.] ‘Thursday byfore S. Symond and Jude,’ 26 Hen. VI. at Castre. Long letter from Thomas Howys in reply to the preceding, with the results of searches made in the Bishop’s registry for wills of the Eccles family, with particulars about various members of the family, etc.

[For these abstracts I am indebted to Mr. Macray, and also for those
immediately following, which are from the same source.]

[Footnote 80.5: [From MSS. Hickling, 130, 140, in Magd. Coll.,
Oxf.]]

72

ABSTRACTS[81.1]

THE PRIOR OF HICKLING.

_Hickling 71._

[14 . . ] At Westminster.

_Letter_ [on paper, in English] from two counsel, _William Wangeford_ and _William Jenney_, to Sir John Fastolf, giving their opinion on his claim against the prior of Hickling. Sir John cannot recover the £20 forfeit, because the condition of the obligation only extended to the heirs of Sir Hugh Clifford, and not to his assigns, and Sir John is only an assign; but the rent of 25 marks is sure to him, and he can recover it, if denied by the prior, by process of law; they will consult with justices and serjeants whether he can recover it by distraint.

_Hickling 74._

[14 . . ] Friday in the 2nd week after Easter at Lenne.

_Letter_, [in English, on paper] from _Henry Notyngham_ to Sir Henry Barton, Alderman of London. Has counselled with Paston, and finds him more friendly and ready to help in Barton’s matter than ever before; supposes that the cause is, that the prior that was obstinate is dead, and another appointed, who Paston trusts will be more easy to stir. Desires that Paston may be thanked. Sends a letter which he desires ‘a child of zours’ may carry to Mistress Jenkin Leventhorpe the younger; and ask at my lord’s inn of Doreham or of Ratclyff or some other which he may think best, if he (_i.e._ my Lord of Durham) shall be at this Parliament. Send to Thomelin Grys, spicer at Norwich, some ‘loder,’ as soon as he can goodly buy it, which comes each week to Rossamez Inn in St. Laurence’s Lane.

_Hickling 75._

[14 . . ] 14 Apr., at Norwich.

_Letter_, [in English, on paper] from _H[enry] Notyngham_ to Sir Henry Barton, alderman of London. Delivered Paston the copy of the deeds; shewed his letter to the prior and convent, but gained nothing; they said they would please Barton full fain, but all their counsel are full against their binding themselves by any such confirmation; they were bound to the former owner and his heirs, but not to his assigns. Advises him to get good counsel, and thinks nothing can be done unless he gets Paston’s assent and grant to help the matter.

_Hickling 89._

[1450 _or_ 1451?] 18 Aug. Norwich.

_Letter_ [in English, on paper] _from_ ‘_W. [Hart], Bisshope of Norwich_,’ to Sir John Fastolf. Has put himself greatly in his devoir to put an end to the controversy between Fastolf and the house of Hykelyng, and has been so importunate that Lord Scales has advised him not to meddle in the matter, because he is taken as a suspect person; if he could do him more profit, he would not spare labour or cost, on account of Fastolf’s towardness and gentleness to condescend unto right and reasonable mean, the which he conceives not in the other party. Had hoped his good and devout purpose towards the place of St. Bennett’s would have grown to some good conclusion; was there the Sunday before St. Laurence’s Day, and greatly rejoiced at such work and cost as he has done there. Heartily desires him to come here to the air of his natural birth, where he will find my Lord of Norfolk and such attendance as the Bishop and other gentles of the country may do, ready unto him at all times; his coming would be to his health and heart’s ease, and the cause of much peace in the country.

Small seal, fastened _on_ the letter; a stag; a straw round it.

_Hickling 104._

[ ]

_Letter_, [in English, on paper] from _Lord Scales_ to Sir John Fastolf, asking him to withdraw an outlawry which has been issued against John Dowebegyng, servant of the former, for a debt of £100 due to Fastolf by Thomas Danyell, Esq., for which Dowebegyng had become bound.

Signed by Lord Scales, who adds a postscript in his own hand that Fastolf has been as faithful and kind to him since he came into England as he was in France, and that there is no one of his estate for whom he would do so much.

Small seal, on the paper, with a straw round it.

[Footnote 81.1: [From MSS. in Magd. Coll., Oxf.]]

[[The empty brackets after “Hickling 104” are in the original.]]

73

ABSTRACT[82.1]

[Sidenote: 1447 / NOV. 29]