The Stonor letters and papers, 1290-1483; ed. for the Royal historical society, from the origial documents in the Public record office, by Charles Lethbridge Kingsford.

THE STONOR LETTERS AND PAPERS

1290-1483

EDITED, FOR THE ROYAL HISTORICAL SOCIETY, FROM THE ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS IN THE PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE
BY

CHARLES LETHBRIDGE KINGSFORD

M.A., F.S.A.

VOL. I.
CAMDEN THIRD SERIES VOL. XXIX.

LONDON
OFFICES OF THE SOCIETY
22 RUSSELL SQUARE, W.C. I
1919

1. CHARTER OF RICHARD I. DE STONOR [c. 1290]

This is given as the oldest document in the Stonor Papers. It is a grant by Richard de Stonor to his son Richard and the latter's wife Cicely; Richard and Cicely were the parents of John de Stonor, the judge. From Ancient Deeds, C. 221. The seal is lost.

Sciant presentes et futuri quod ego Ricardus de Stonor dedi, con|cessi, et hac presenti carta mea confirmavi Ricardo, filio meo, et heredi, et Cecilie ejus uxori, dimidiam virgatam terre in Buksebraund, [I.e. Bixbrand, one of the manors of Bix in Oxfordshire.] quam quidem terram Gilbertus Herberd et Ricardus Le Has aliquando tenuerunt in eadem villa, cum boscis, pasturis, et aliis ad eandem terram pertinentibus: habendam et tenendam dictam terram cum omnibus qualitercunque ad eandem pertinentibus de me et heredibus meis sibi et heredibus suis de se procreatis libere, quiete, bene et in pace jure hereditario imperpetuum. Ita tamen quod si dicti Ricardus et Cecilia heredes non habeant de corpore suo progenitos, quod post decessum eorum, videlicet Ricardi et Cecilie, ipsa eadem terra ad me sive ad heredes meos legitimos, qui pro tempore fuerint, integre, plene, et sine diminucione redditura. Reddendo inde annuatim mihi et heredibus meis . . . assignatis unam clovam gariofili ad Pascham pro omni servicio, exaccione, et demanda, et faciendo domino feodi servicia debita et consueta: pro hac autem donacione, concessione, et presentis carte mee confirmacione dederunt mihi dicti Ricardus et Cecilia decem libras sterlingorum pre manibus. Et ego Ricardus et heredes mei, ut predictum est, dictam terram dictis Ricardo et Cecilie et eorum he|redibus contra omnes contradicentes imperpetuum acquietabimus, warantizabimus, et defendemus, et ut hec mea donacio, concessio, et presentis carte mee confirmacio firma et stabilis imperpetuum perma|neat, huic scripto sigillum meum apposui: hiis testibus, Domino Henrico

Tyeis, Elya de Wyrefeld, Roberto de Copeford, Willelmo de la Ho, Hugone le Bret, Willelmo de Hattecumbe, Ricardo de Laucnorr, et aliis.

2. JOHN DE STONOR TO [AN OFFICIAL IN ENGLAND] [11 APRIL, 1325]

On 6 Feb., 1325, Sir John de Stonor, knight, Arnold Gulielmi de Byarn William de Weston, and Peter de Galiciano were appointed proctors to treat for the espousal of Eleanor daughter of Edward II with Alfonso, King of Spain—Castile (Cal. Pat. Rolls, Edw. II, v, 103; Foedera, iv, 122-6). This letter was no doubt written during the mission, perhaps to Hugh le Despenser. From A.C., xlvi, 1.

PAR MONS. JOHAN DE STONORE

Sire, pleise vostre seignurie qe a la fesaunce de ceste lettre ne avyoms fait nul esploit des busoignes dount vous nous chargastez a faire en Espaigne; qar, sire, le Roy feust greve de maladie a nostre venue, qe nous ne purrioms mie de oyt jours parler ove lui: et auxint, sire, par encheson de la noun venue de les grauntz seignurs de la terre et de ses tutours qe ne furont adonqes venuz, ne de lieur venue, Sire, en certayn ne poioms mie saver. Sire, qaunt le Roy feust allegge de sa maladie et nous venyms devant lui, il se porta sagement et nous fist bien semblant, et a ceo, sire, qe les plus privez qe sont devers le Roy nous disoynt, a lui plust bien nostre venue. Sire, covenable chose y ad il de tutes partez, a ceo qil me semble de ceo qe nous avoms a parler dieu nous doint bon esploit faire. Sire, Dieu vous doint bone vie et longe pur sa mercy. Escrit a Valedolit, le Joedy en la semaigne de Paskes.

No endorsement.

There is a second letter (A.C., xlvi, 2) of the same date in nearly identical terms:—

Tres cher Sire, vuillez saver qe a la fesaunce de ceste lettre, &c. but ending, Sire, de ceo qe novels nous deussont venir des parties, dount vous bien savez, rien ny est venus, de quai, Sire, il nous mer|veille mout. Sire, Dieu vous doint, &c.

3. ELEANOR LE DESPENSER TO JOHN DE STONOR [c. 1326]

Eleanor, daughter of Gilbert, Earl of Gloucester and wife of Hugh le Des|penser the younger. Since she writes from Berkley, the date is probably not later than 1326, for in September of that year the Despensers were compelled to restore the Castle to its rightful owner. From A.C., xlvi, 4.

Ellianor le Despensier a nostre trescher et bien ame monsyr Johan de Stonor, Justice du Banke nostre seignur le Roi, salut et honour. Nous vous prions tant come nous poons qe la requeste que nostre treschere dame la Roine vous fait par ses lettres pour nostre chapelen, nome Johan de Sadyngton, veuillez avoir a cuer e accomplir en si graciouse maniere comme vous savrez et pourrez pour lamour de nous [et] en [tiele] maniere quil sen puisse loer a nous et que nous vous en doiens mercier et tres bon gre savoir. Car par raison ce avoms de mes bien ames a qui il appartient, nous avons ses besoignes mout a cuer. Nostre syr vous garde. Escript a Berklee le vij jour de Fevrier.

No endorsement.

4. EDWARD, PRINCE OF WALES, TO SIR JOHN DE STONOR [before 1351]

ABSTRACT. A fragment of a formal letter addressed to "Johan de Stonor et ses compaignons du Comun Banc" with reference to a suit "parentre le Priour de Merton et les povres tenauntes del auncien demaigne du manoir de Merton," begging them to be "auxi favorables et cedauntes en dit ple come vous purrez par voie de resoun," and not to allow the tenants to be vexed by clerks, serjeants, or other people of the Court. "Don souz nostre prive seal a nostre manoir de Kennyngton le xj jour d'Averil."

Another even more fragmentary letter in the same behalf is from Henry, Earl of Lancaster. Dated "a nostre manoire de Savoye a Londres le ix jour d'Averil, par le Counte de Lancastre". Addressed: "A mon chers amys monsyr Jo[han] de Stonore et monsyr Ric. Wyloughby, justices nostre Seignur le Roy en le comun Banc". From A.C., xlvi, 3 and 5.

5. THE MANOR OF BIERTON [c. 1360?]

Richard Fitzjohn, who died in 1297, left the manor of Aylesbury and hamlet of Bierton to his wife Emma. His heirs were his four sisters, Maud, wife of William de Beauchamp, Earl of Warwick, Isabel, wife of Robert de Vipont (whose daughters were Isabel, wife of Roger Clifford, and Idonea, wife of Roger Leyburne), Avelina, wife of Walter de Burgh, Earl of Ulster, and Joan, wife of Theobald le Botiller (d. 1285), great-grandfather of James le Botiller, 1st Earl of Ormonde (Calend. Genealogicum, ii, 540-1, 563; Cal. Inq., iii, p. 283; Cal. Close Rolls, Ed. III, ii, 429). The genealogy of the following document is therefore hopelessly wrong. John de Stonor, the chief justice, held Bierton by knight-service of the Earl of Ormonde (Feudal Aids). From A.C., xlvi, 6.

Domina Emmota le Mohaute, domina de Beerton, habuit quatuor filias, quarum Dux Lancastrie unam duxit, alteram dominus de March duxit, terciam dominus Warre duxit, quartam Beket, dominus de Or|mond, duxit; et sic quatripartum fuit illud dominium de Beerton. Unde dicit dictus Johannes Dalby, senior, quod omnia terra et tene|menta que fuere domini Johannis Stonor deveniebant a domino de March pro antecessore dicti domini de Stonor perquisita, et excepta una prepostura jacente inter le Beerton Grene, aliter terre nec prata, neque pasture tenementa de Beket, dominus de Ormond, per redditus et ser|vicia nec racione alicujus tenoris alterius.

6. INDENTURE BETWEEN SIR THOMAS TIREL, STEWARD OF ISABEL, COUN|TESS OF BEDFORD, AND EDMUND DE STONOR 4 OCTOBER, 1363

From Ancient Deeds, C. 2529. The seal is lost.

Hec indentura testatur quod Thomas Tirel, miles, generalis Senes|callus domine Isabelle, filie Regis, concessit et dimisit Edmundo de Stonore, nomine dicte domine, maneria de Stonore, Watecombe, Sotte|well,

Harnhull, Burton et Penyton, existencia in manu dicte domine racione minoris etatis dicti Edmundi ex concessione dicti domini Regis: habenda et tenenda usque ad plenam etatem ejusdem Edmundi: red|dendo inde annuatim dicte domine et assignatis suis ad receptam suam London. quadraginta et quinque libras argenti ad festa Nativitatis Domini, Annunciacionis beate Marie, Nativitatis sancti Johannis Bap|tiste, et sancti Michaelis per equales porciones. Et si contingat quod predictus redditus in parte vel in toto per quindenam post aliquem terminum prenominatum aretro fore, quod tunc bene liceat pre[dicte domine] et assignatis suis in omnibus predictis maneriis ingredere et penes se retinere cum omnibus bonis et catallis . . . eisdem inventis sine contradiccione alicujus. In cujus rei testimonium [huic scripto sigilla] sua alternatim apposuerunt. Data London. quarto die Octobris anno regni Regis Edwardi tercii post conquestum tricesimo septimo.

7. RECEIPT TO EDMUND DE STONOR 5 DECEMBER, 1364

From Ancient Deeds, C. 1357. The seal is lost.

Hec indentura testatur quod Willelmus Hulle, generalis receptor domine Isabelle, filie Regis, recepit de Edmundo Stonore, firmario maneriorum de Stonore, Watlynton, Penyton et Harnhull, octo libras bone et legalis monete de festo sancti Michaelis ultimo preterito: de qua quidem summa ipsum acquietat per presentes sigillo [suo] signatas. Data London. v^to die Decembris anno regni Regis Edwardi tercii post conquestum tricesimo octavo.

8. NICHOLAS COWLEY TO EDMUND DE STONOR c. 1365

This may relate to some payment due to Stonor, for the time when he was a ward of the Countess of Bedford: see Nos. 6 and 7 above. From A.C., xlvi, 13.

A mon treshonore et tresreverent syr, je moy recomanke a vous de tout mon cuer, tresentierment endesirant doier bones novelles de vous,

come je sui grauntement tenuz. Outre ceo, monsyr, voillez savoier qe vostre argent, qest dues a vous, est cy prest a Dorchestre en la garde del Abbe et serra delivere a les Auditours de ma treshonore dame la Coun|tasse a lour proschein venu a Newenham sur bone acquitaunce. Car je suppose qils serount cy a Newenham cest Symaygne. Et sera dilivere par le mayn dun Johan Warein de Bredicote. Autre chose quant a present, monsyr, ne sai escrire, mais je pri a la Trinite qe vous doigne bone vie et sauntee de corps a long durre. Escript a Dorchestre cest Lundy en graunt hast.

Le Vostre, si vous plest, Nicholas Couelie.

A mon treshonore et tresreverent Syr, Monsyr Edmond de Stonore.

9. WRIT TO THE BAILIFF ERRANT FOR THE COUNTY OF OXFORD OCTOBER, 1377

Amongst the Stonor MSS. in Ch. Misc., 37, i, there are 21 Writs, Man|dates, and Precepts relating to Edmund de Stonor's term of office as sheriff. Many of them are badly damaged, five of the most perfect are printed here (see Nos. 13, 15, 20, 21) as examples of an interesting and uncommon class of documents. From Ch. Misc., 37, i, 15.

Edmundus de Stonore, vic. Oxon., dilecto suo Johanni Pentere, ballivo hundredi de Dorchestre, hac vice ballivo itineranti in comitatu predicto, salutem. Ex parte domini Regis tibi mando quod non omittas propter aliquam libertatem in comitatu predicto, quin capias Johannem Barayte de Bradhinton commorantem apud Brydecote in parochia de Dorchestre, ubicunque inventus fuerit in comitatu predicto, et eum usque Castrum Oxon. duci facias: ita quod habere possim corpus ejus coram Gilberto Wace et sociis suis, justiciariis domini Regis de pace in comitatu predicto, apud Watlyngton die Lune proximo post festum Sancti Luce Evangeliste ad respondendum tam domino Regi quam Willelmo Gryme de Dorchestre de placito transgressionis contra formam statuti.

10. JOHN DE WELTON TO EDMUND DE STONOR 14 NOVEMBER, [1377]

The dates of this and Nos. 11, 12, 14, 16, 17, 22, and 23 can be fixed by the fact that they are addressed to Edmund de Stonor as Sheriff of Oxford and Berks. A.C., xlvi, 19, which is too fragmentary for reproduction, is a letter from the executors of John de Foxle to Edmund de Stonor. From A.C., xlvi, 31.

Trescher Syre, porceque vooz ministres ount pris une destresse de mon meistre, monsyr John de Foxle, pur certeinez summes de deniers chargeez sur lui en lescheqer, vous pri tres cherement depar mon dit meistre et depar moi, come un desconu devers vous vous purra pri er, qil vous plaise comander as ditz vooz ministres de faire deliverance du dite destresse, et plus avant surseere de destresse prendre du dit mon meistre par la cause susdite tanque un resonable jour, quel vous plerra assigner, a quel jour le dit mon meistre ou autres pur luy serront prestez de vous faire covenable surete de vous descharger en lescheqer sur vostre accompt. Trescher syre, ceste requeste vous pleise accomplier a cause du dit mon meistre, qi maintenant est deschayte de grevouse maladie, et par encheson de cestes mes prieres, qi a tout temps serra prest de vous faire plesance a mon poair. Trescher Syre, nostre Syre dieu vous voille ottrere honurz et bone sancte a treslong durre. Escrit a Merlawe le xiiij^me jour de Novembre.

Vostre Johan de Welton.

A mon reverent homme et sage Esmond de Stonore.

11. JOHN DE BEVERLE TO EDMUND DE STONOR 1 JANUARY, [1378]

From A.C., xlvi, 11.

Trescher amy et ffiable compaignon. Pur ce qe je maffie entierment de voz, sieurement espoirant de vostre eide avoir et sage discrescion en

ce qa vous attint dameiste, et bonement faire purrez, a cause de conus|ance auncien, vous pri affectuousement et de cuer qe vous vieullez a moi faire certefier des choses a moi tochantz south vostre ordenance, en voz disposicion et sourveiaunce estoiantz, combien la copie de bref tochant le manoir de Buckenhull a moi envoier, si ascun y soit, et qanque a voz y deviendra, ou ascun autre chose le dit manoir au moi tochant, com suisdit pur lamor de moy. Outre queux amys ma compaigne soventz foithz et de cuer vous salue tres volonters faire vorroiantz ce qe turnereit a voz honur et profit selonc nostre petit poair. Le senet espirit vous eiez en sa tressentisme gard. Escrit a Loundres le primer jour de Januer.

par Johan de Beverle.

A mon trescher amy et ffiable compaignon, Esmond Stonore, Vis|count Doxenfort et Berk.

12. WILLIAM OF WYKEHAM, BISHOP OF WINCHESTER, TO EDMUND DE STONOR 11 JANUARY, [1378]

There are remains of the bishop's seal. The next letter in the Collection (A.C., xlvi, 33) is also addressed by Wykeham to "E. Stonor, viscount de Berkes," but is too fragmentary for reproduction. From A.C., xlvi, 32.

Trescher et tresffiable amy, Nous vous prions trescherement de coer qe es busoignes, qe nostre cher amy, Johan Beverleye, ad affaire en voz parties touchans vostre office en le Counte doxenford, lui veuilletz estre entier amy eidant et consellant par touz les bones et resonables voies qe vous purriez. Issint qe le dit Johan puisse effectuelement sentir qe ceste ma priere lui purra valoir. Pur la quelle chose, trescher amy, nous vous volons tresbon gree savoir et especialement estre tenuz. Et, trescher amy, le seint esprit vous veulle tous jours garder. Escrit a nostre Manoir de Suthwerk, le xj jour de Januer.

levesque de Wyncestre.

A nostre trescher, et tresffiable amy, Esmond Stonore, Visconte Doxenfort.

13. PRECEPT TO THE BAILIFF OF CHAD|LINGTON JANUARY, 1378.

This may have reference to the same matter as the letter from Sir John de Nouwers, No. 14. From Ch. Misc., 37, i, 4, 5.

Edmundus de Stonore, vic. Oxon., ballivo hundredi de Chadlyngton salutem. Summone per bonos summonitores xxiiij [legales] homines de balliva tua de visneto de Keyngham, quod sint coram justiciariis domini Regis ad assisas in comitatu Oxon. [capiendas] assignatis apud Oxon., die Jovis proximo ante festum Convercionis Sancti Pauli, ad re|cognoscendum super sacramentum suum si Willelmus d[e Wynd]esore, chivaler, et Alicia, uxor ejus, Johannes Nouwer, chivaler, Willelmus Hervy, Edmundus Te[ttes]worth, Johannes Davy de London, Robertus ..., Willelmus Hankyn, Johannes Mylyn, et Willelmus Carter de Keyngham, injuste et sine judicio disseisiverunt Johannem atte Halle de Sib ... de libero tenemento suo in Keyngham post primam, &c. Et interim habeant visum, et nomina juratorum imbreviari facias. Et pone per vadium et salvos plegios predictos Willelmum, Aliciam, Johannem Nowers, Willelmum, Johannem Davy, Robertum, Willelm|um, Johannem Mylyn et Willelmum, vel ballivos suos si ipsi inventi non fuerint, quod tunc sint ibi audituri illam recognicionem. Et habeas ibi summonitores, nomina plegiorum, et hoc preceptum.

Endorsed are the names of the Sureties of John de Nouwers and Hervy, and of Hankyn and Carter. "De omnibus aliis non habeo plegios, quia nil habent in balliva mea."

Attached is a parchment slip headed Hundryde Chadlynton, with the names of the 24 jurors.

14. JOHAN DE NOUWERS TO EDMUND DE STONOR [JANUARY], 1378

Sir John de Nowers of Churchill, Oxfordshire (Visitations of Oxfordshire, 114). See the Precept in this matter No. 13. From A.C., xlvi, 24.

Trescher sire et ffyable amy, moi mervoile grauntment de ceo qe vous ne mandez hors nule precept a bayliff pur mon nisi prius: et Sire,

vous pry cherement qe vous voilez server le dit nisi prius: et sire, aleyde de Deux jeo le deserverai enci devers vous qe vous agrerez ceste chose: voilez, Sire, ffeare cum jeo maffy enterement en vous. La re|sponse de cest moy voilez remander par vostre lettre et par le portour de cest. Trescher sire, deux vous meyntaigne touz jours en joye et sancte.

Johan de Nouwers.

A Esmond de Stonore, Vic. de ... Oxinfford.

15. WRIT CONCERNING THE ALIEN PRIORY OF STEVENTON 20 JANUARY, 1378

Steventon Priory was a cell of Bec Abbey. It was granted by Richard II to Westminster Abbey in 1399 (Monasticon, vi, 1044). From Ch. Misc., 37, i, 6.

Ricardus, dei gratia Rex Anglie et Francie et dominus Hibernie, Vic. Oxon. et Berks. salutem. Precipimus tibi quod in execucione brevis nostri nuper tibi directi de capiendo sufficientem securitatem pro qua respondere volueris a quolibet Priore, et procuratore possessiones virorum religiosorum alienigenarum extra regnum Anglie commorancium occupante, in balliva tua, quod ipsi nulla bona seu catalla in Prioratibus et possessionibus predictis existencia seu eisdem qualitercunque spec|tancia aliqualiter elongabunt, set quod ea integraliter conservabunt et custodient absque subtraccione seu diminucione aliquali inde facienda, supersedeas omnino quoad Priorem de Styventon, et districcionem si quam eidem Priori feceris, vel si que bona et catalla ejusdem in manum nostram ceperis occasione predicta, sine dilacione relaxes et restituas eidem, ipsum ea de causa non molestando aliqualiter seu gravando. T. venerabile patre T. Exon. episcopo, Thesaurario nostro, apud Westm. xx^o die Januar. anno regni nostri primo, per ipsum Thes. Hanleye.

16. THOMAS DRU TO EDMUND DE STONOR 11 MARCH, [1378]

Thomas Dru was on the commission of peace for Wiltshire, 1377-81. From A.C., xlvi, 16.

Treshonore Sire, voillets savoir qa nostre Session de la pees tenuz a Malmesbury Willelmus Courden de Tettebury et aultres, qore ount perduz et lez vie liverez a la presone levesque, furount endites en la fourme southescript. Juratores dicunt quod Willelmus Courden de Tettebury cum aliis, die mercurii in festo sancti Hillarii anno Regis Ricardi post conquestum primo, in Kyngesthernes in parochia de Sherston obviaverunt Johanni Sparghe de Tettebury et Johanni Somerel, famulo suo, et eis insultum fecerunt et ipsos felonice depredaverunt de x. li. auri et argenti ac eciam de tribus equis cum cellis eorum et ap|paratu precii xl. s., et prefatos Johannem et Johannem ibidem felonice interfecerunt. Par quei, Sire voillets sauvement garder le dit William tanque vous eyet bref et commaundement de le court de lui mander es Bank le Roy ou altrement devaunt les justices de la deliverauncez el counte de Wilts. Sire si ren voilletz de moy qe faire puisse ceo serrez prest. Et sire, le seint esprit vous eit en sa saint garde. Escript le xj^me jour de March.

Le vostre Thomas Dru.

A le Viscounte Doxenfort ou son lieu tenaunt.

17. WARYN DEL ISLE TO EDMUND DE STONOR 12 APRIL, [1378]

Waryn del Isle was on the commission of peace for Berkshire in 1377-8 (Cal. Pat. Rolls, Richd. II, i. 39, 47, 48, 306). His sister was married to Edmund de Stonor. From A.C., xlvi, 23.

Trescher et tresame frere, pur ceo qe William Frensche de Cheping|lambourne, qe demouret ovesqes moi en ceste presente viage, le quel

nadguerez fust bailly de Shryvenham, si est alever en son baillie cert|eyne summe dargent, come apiert par ses estretez, sur quei vous plese qe vostre baillif arraunt du Counte de Berkes les puisse lever soloin ceo qe reson soit et purport de sez estretes tanqe verraiez puissent estre trovez, a fyn qil ne soit pas endamagez en ma service par cele cause, si verraie soit. Trescher et tresame frere, vous plese saluer ma tresame soer, vostre compaigne, et voz enfaunz, qe jeo prie dieu qe vous otroie bone vie et longe durre. Escript dedeisoy mon Neif juxte Hamele in the Rys, [Hamelrise or Hamble on Southampton Water.] le xij jour d'April.

Waryn del Isle, Seignur Teeys.

A mon trescher ffrere Esmond Stonore, Viscounte Doxenford.

18. INDENTURE OF THE DELIVERY OF VARIOUS ARTICLES AND BOOKS BE|LONGING TO QUEEN'S COLLEGE, OX|FORD 13 MAY, 1378

On 6 April, 1378, a commission was issued by letters patent to Sir Thomas de la Mare, Knight, Edmund de Stonore, and Reynold de Sheffield directing them to command Richard de Thorpe, clerk, William Frank, and William Middelworth, clerk, to restore to Master Thomas de Carlol, provost of the college called Quenehalle, the college seal, writings, muniments, keys, books, and goods, which they had carried away, and detained, in spite of a mandate to bring them into Chancery; in default they were to be arrested and brought before the Council at Westminster (Cal. Pat. Rolls, Richd. II, i, 204). With the possible exception of Queen's College MS. 348 (sec. xii), "Ques|tiones in librum Genesin auctore Albino," none of the manuscripts are now at Queen's College. The "Polucranica Cestrenc." is a copy of the Poly|chronicon of Ranulph Higden. William Durant was Warden of Merton College. From Ancient Deeds, C. 1782.

Hec indentura facta apud Oxon. die Jovis proximo ante festum sancti Dunstani, anno regni Regis Ricardi secundi post conquestum Anglie primo, in presencia Edmundi de Stonore, vicecomitis Comitatus Oxon., inter Magistrum Willelmum Fraunke, capellanum, ex parte una, et

Magistrum Thomam Carlel ex parte altera, testatur quod prefatus Magister Thomas recepit in presencia predicti vicecomitis de predicto Magistro Willelmo per manus Magistri Roberti Hudershale sigillum commune aule Regine Oxon. sub tribus clavibus, cum septem inden|turis de eleccione librorum collegii predicti de anno domini mil|lesimo CCC^mo lxxij^do. Item, unam calicem argenti deaurati cum patena, cum causula pro eadem: unam peciam argenti cum coopertorio et casula pro eisdem; unam mazeram cum coopertorio argenti ligato, cum casula pro eisdem. Unum librum Catholicum, secundo fo., unde cela. Sextum decretall. cum omnibus doctoribus, secundo fo., fervore caritatis. Item, unam bibliam, secundo fo., celi Orocheli. Item, moralia beati Gregorii super Joob, ij^o fo., quo ordine. Item, Doc|torem subtilem, ij^o fo., Figure. Item, concordancia, ij^o fo., Abra. Item Crisostomum super Matheum ij^o fo., . . . spiritus. Item, Augus|tinum de civitate dei, ij^o fo., eorum (?). Item, Doctorem de Lira in parte super proverbia Salamonis, ij^o fo., in comparacione. Item, Liram super salterium, ij^o fo., dominum sedentem. Item Polucranica Cestrenc'., ij^o fo., navigabilis. Item, Manipulum Florum, ij^o fo., quisque. Item, librum super Genesim a diversis tractatoribus, ij^o fo., set bona facere. Item Originalia Augustini, ij^o fo., ac . . . eleccione predicti Willelmi Frank. Item, par decretorum, ij^o fo., aliter agentes. Item, Thomam super quartum sentenciarum, ij^o fo., set sol'. effectus. Item, Adamen|tem, ij^o fo., fau. . . Item . . . sentenciarum, ij^o fo., . . . Item, Ricardum de sancto Victore de Trinitate, ij^o fo., aliter. Item, tabulam philosophie et theologie, ij^o fo., asina. Item, Sentencias Augustini de libro retractation[um], ij^o fo., . . . Item, sanctum Thomam super primum sentenciarum, ij^o fo., Ipso facto. Item, repertorium Magistri Willelmi Durant, ij^o fo., ȝ j. iii. 4. Item, parvum librum ru[beum] . . . [This is quite illegible: probably it should be "ij^o fo".] proposissiavit [ver]sus Mooat.

19. HOUSEHOLD ACCOUNT OF EDMUND DE STONOR 20 JUNE-29 AUGUST, 1378

On a single skin, Ch. Misc., 37, i, 25—probably part of a larger roll. The account relates to the year in which Edmund Stonor was sheriff. Most of the entries are formal and uninteresting, e.g.

"Die Mercurii xxx die Junii in pane, ob., cervis. [de stauro], in carne, iiij d. Die Jovis primo die Julii in pane ob., cervis. de stauro, in carne ij d. Die Veneris xxx die Julii totum de stauro."

The weekly totals are given (1) 5s. 0½d., (2) 2s. 3d., (3) 7s. 3d., (4) 2s. 10½d., (5) 21s. 11d., (6) 10s. 1d., (7) £4 14s. 8½d., (8) 19½d., (9) 4s., (10) 9d.

The entries explain the larger sums for the 5th to the 7th weeks—18 July to 7 August—as visitors and officials were present.

"Die Mercurii xxj die Julii presentibus dominis Roberto Tresilian, Gilberto Sotesbrok, Edmundo Fraunceys et aliis cum familia sua, in pane ix. d., cervisia de stauro, in carne gross. ij. s. vij. d. ob., in ij auc. vj. d., in quinque capon. xx d., in ix pull. xj. d. ob., in quatuor lagenis vini, xl. d., in pane equino empto j. d., in j. lecto conducto pro garcione, j. d., in pipere, croco, et zingibe, v. d." . . . "Die Jovis quinto die Augusti, quo die deliberacio facta fuit coram Roberto Tresilian, Gilberto Wace et Johanne Kentwode justic., panis de stauro, in j quarteria bone cervisie ij. s. in carnibus bovinis mutulinis et porc., v. s. j. d., in viij capon. iij. s. j. d. ob., in quatuor ancis. xv. d., in iiij porcellis, ij. s. vij. d. Item in j. p. [Perhaps for "pondere".] salis iiij. d., in pane equino vj. d. Item in diversis speciebus emptis x. s. vj. d. ob. Item in xxiij lagenis et j quart. de vino empto xv. s. xv. d. ob. Item solutum est pro custagiis Johannis de Kentwode xij. s. vj. d. Item solutum est barbitonsori vj. d. Item solutum est hominibus Prioris Sancte Frideswide et Edmundi Gifford portand. signos v. s. iiij. d. In lacte pro furmente iij. d. In pull. et columbariis emptis, xviij d." . . . "Die Sabbati septimo die Augusti presentibus vicecomite, Adam Hertyngton, Ricardo Filongle et aliis, in pane viij d., in cervisia empta pro dominis v. d. ob., in diversis piscibus emptis pro prandio eorundem xij. s., in j. quart. vineg. et sanap. iij d., in allio et sepibus ij. d., in farina j d., in prebend. equorum domini iij. d. ob., in lectis conductis pro garcionibus, iiij d., in j carcata bosci empta ij. s. j d., in j quarterio carbonum xiiij. d. Item solutum est Johanni Tutte pro labore ejus xij. d. Item solutum est lotrici pro labore ejus per di. anni ij. s. Item ij li. candel iiij. d. Item in pane equino iij. d. Item solutum est pro j quarto de verceuse ij. d. Item pro ciphis emptis ix d. Item in suis empt. vj. d.

20. MANDATE TO THE BAILIFF OF DORCHESTER JULY, 1378

See No. 9. From Ch. Misc., 37, i, 7.

Edmundus de Stonore, vic. Oxon., ballivo libertatis hundredi de Dorchestre salutem. Mandatum domini Regis in hec verba [recepi: Ricardus], dei gratia Rex Anglie et Francie et dominus Hibernie, vic. Oxon. salutem. Precepimus tibi quod distringas Hugonem Chastillom et Matilldim, uxorem ejus, per omnes terras et tenementa in balliva tua. Et quod de exitibus eorundem nobis respondeas. Et quod habeas corpora eorum coram justiciariis nostris apud Westm. in Octabis sancti Michaelis ad respondendum Thome Camoys et Elizabethe, uxori sue, de placito vasti de tenemento in Cheselhampton cum pertinenciis &c. Et ad audiendum judicium suum de pluribus defaltis. Et habeas ibi hoc breve. T. R. Bealknapp apud Westm. x^o die Julii anno regni nostri secundo. Quare tibi mando quod mandatum istud diligenter executaris, et de execucione michi respondeas in Castro Oxon. inde &c [?] cum hoc mandato.

21. WRIT TO THE BAILIFFS OF THE TOWN OF OXFORD JULY, 1378

From Ch. Misc., 37, i. 8.

Edmundus de Stonore, vic. Oxon., ballivis libertatis ville Oxon. salutem. Mandatum domini Regis in hec verba recepi: Ricardus, dei gratia Rex Anglie, et Francie, et dominus Hibernie, Vicecomiti Oxon. salutem. Pone per vadium et salvos plegios Robertum Wattlyngton, carnificem Oxon., quod sit coram Justiciariis apud Westm. in Octabis sancti Michaelis ad respondendum Priori sancte Frideswide Oxon. de placito, quod t[ene]at ei convencionem inter eos factam de toto prato australi ipsius Prioris de Bunseye cum le Hok eidem annexo, eidem Roberto per prefatum Priorem ad terminum annorum dimisso ad eundem

terminum tenendo. Et ad ostendendum quare non fuit coram Justiciariis nostris apud Westm. a die sancti Johannis Baptiste in xv dies, sicut summonitus fuit. Et habeas ibi nomina plegiorum, et hoc breve. T. R. Bealknapp apud Westm. xij^o die Julii anno regni nostri secundo &c.

Endorsed: Nos Thomas Somerset, et Johannes Shaw, ballivi de la ville Oxon., vobis sic significamus.

Plegii Johannis Watlyngton, carnificis Oxon.: Ricardus Burgh, Johannes le Noble.

22. GILBERT TALBOT TO EDMUND DE STONOR 1 SEPTEMBER, [1378]

Gilbert Talbot of Goodrich, third baron Talbot, died in 1387. He was grandfather of John Talbot, Earl of Shrewsbury. From A.C., xlvi, 30.

Trescher et tresame cosyn, molt vous merciouns de ceo qe vous avetz ease noz tenauntz de Aston par cause de nostre preyer, queux furent pris et areynez, pur quele chose molt sumes tenus a vous. Et tresame cosyn, tochant ceux qe ne sunt pas pris, vous priouns chere|ment qils puissent trover maynprise destre devaunt monsyr Robert Treselyane, Justice, le luyndy proschain apres la seynt Michel, issint qils puissent avoir deliveraunce de les bienz queux Thomas Galyan ad arestuz deins le dit Aston, et cariez hors de lours tenementz demesne. Ceste chose, tresame cosyn, voillet faire a nostre requeste; et sur ceo envoiouns deverz vous nostre bien ame Thomas atte More pur vous certefier plus a plain, a quil vous plese doner foy et credence de ce qil vous certefiera tochaunt noz dites tenauntes. Et si rien soit devers nous qe feare puissouns fiablement, nous voillet euci certefier et nous le ferrouns de lee coer. Enpriaunt a dieu qe vous ait en sa garde. Es|crit a nostre Chastiell de Godrich le primer jour de Sept.

Gilbert Talbot.

A nostre trescher et tresame Cosyn Esmond Stonore, Viscounte Doxenfort.

23. SIR NICHOLAS SARNESFELD TO [EDMUND DE STONOR] 1377-8

Sir Nicholas Sarnesfeld occurs as the King's knight and standard-bearer on 5 March, 1377 (Cal. Pat. Rolls, Richd. II, i, 136). From A.C., xlvi, 26.

Trescher syr, Je vous salue enterement, et vous pry cherment qe vous croies le portour de cestes, Esmond Gifford, de la matere tochant une prestre, qe a nom syr William Drayton, qe demert ou mon trescher frere, mon syr Richard Alberbury, et ou ma dame sa femme, qe fause|ment est emprisone: et vous pry cherment qe vous ly fases le ben qe vous poes pur lamour de moy et de mon syr Richard. Le sente espirte (sic) vous encrese en honours.

De par mon syr Nicol Sarnesfeld, chevaler.

A le vicomte d'Oxenford.

24. THE ABBOT OF ABINGDON TO EDMUND DE STONOR 15 JUNE [? 1379]

This may possibly relate to the Poll-tax of 1379. From A.C., xlvi, 9.

Trescher amy voilletz saver que nostre seignur le Roi nous ad maunde certeyns commissions a vous et autres directes pur taxer et assesser totes maneres de gentz en le counte d'Oxenfort, ovesque un brief de prendre le serment de vous et vos compaignons ove tote le haste que purra estre fait. Pur quei nous prions et chargeons de par mon seignur le Roi que vous soietz a nous a Abyndon sur ceste dymaynge proscheyn avenir apres la date de cestes a prendre vostre serment et vostres commissions saunz ascunes delay ou excusacion: issi quee nostre defaute notre syre le Roi ne soit disseu tarye ne ni delaye de ceo qest a vous graunte. Tres|cher amy la seint esprit vous eit en sa garde.

Escrit a Abyndon le xv^me jour de Juyn.

l'abbe d'Abyndon.

A notre trescher amy Esmond de Stonor.

25. PHELIPPOT BOOT AND WALTER ESTHAM TO EDMUND DE STONOR [c. 1380]

It is impossible to fix the date of this and the thirteen following letters; they are therefore placed in the order in which they appear in the Ancient Correspondence. The dates probably range from 1370 to 1382. From A.C., xlvi, 10.

Treshonore et tres ffiable amy, voyles savoir qe Sir Aloen, vostre chapeleyn, veint a Phelippot Boot ycee samedi et a moy a Dorcestre ove vostre lettre de credence, et nous ayt dit qe vous ne purres per|formeir le jour qe vous aveies assingne ycee lunde par diversces ocu|pacion qe vous avoystes de deverces boyseyunes a feare: pourquoy Monsyr mat grauntement blame et auxi Phelippot avant nome; pour quoi fiablement vous pry, si vous y voyles feare et performir, qe vous maundes par vostre lettre jour et lu de performir totes nostres parlaux|ace: car monsyr par cause de performeir est venu a Bamton ove tote maner evidence tochauxs la dite matir, et nous ayt graunt blame de coostes, car en certayn il purra meylour bargain feare si nous navor un Secrete cum nous avouns. A dieux, treshonore sire, qe vous doingne ben encres. Escript a Bamton le jour de seint Agnes.

Par de vostres Phelippot Boot et Water Estham.

A mon treshonore Esmond Stonor.

26. GREGORY, PARSON OF BOURTON TO EDMUND DE STONOR c. 1380

Stonor had estates at Condicote and Bourton on the Water, in Gloucester|shire; see vol. ii, pp. 180-2 below. Gregory, rector of Bourton, was one of Edmund de Stonor's feoffees for Harnhull and Condicote, and for Penyton Meysy (Ch. Inq. p.m., Richard II, File 21). From A.C., xlvi, 12.

Trescher et treshonore seignour, vous plese a savoir de la covenante qe John Condicote fait a Dodecote de vers vous de venier a Stonore

oveske Richard Galewayn a vostre rezvenowe de Hantechyre null per|formeit ne fuit par eng fait tanke a ore. Et pur ceo, treshonore seignour, jeo fai a Condicote le jour de Synt Andrew lapostel de en|parleer de le dit covenaunt, et dunke ils moi promys certeyment [de] estre a vous a Stonore en le jour de C[once]pcione nostre Dame pour pleynment acorder oveske vous; mes apres en le veyle de syn Nicholas vent John Cundicote a Cundicote et dit au dit Richard, qe il ne puet aver license de soun seygnour labbe de Haye au dit temps vener; par quey, treshonore seignour, le dit Richard et Marjorye sa femme vous prie enterement, si il soit a vostre voluntee qe le jour puet estre pro|longe tanke a le Chandelure, pur cause qe il ne at mye seme tot soun semaile de furment, et auxi pur ceste temps est pluviouse et bret jours. A deu, Trescher et Treshonore seignour, le seynt esprit soit garde de vous.

le vostre Chapelayn Gregori, parsone de Bourton.

A mon treshonore seignour Esmond de Stonor.

27. [TO EDMUND DE STONOR?] [c. 1380]

From A.C., xlvi, 14.

Trescher Sire, si vos plese a savoir qe jeo serra a Measton le Marsdy proschein devaunt le feste de Seint Luce; pourquoi, si vos plese, voilez mander a le baillif illeqes de sumoner le Court de Merston a Puttenham encountre le mesme jour.

28. HENRY DOUNHAM TO EDMUND DE STONOR c. 1380

Henry Dounham occurs as yeoman of the wardrobe to Ingelram de Coucy, Earl of Bedford, in 1378, and as a squire of the Countess Isabella in 1381 (Cal. Pat. Rolls, Richd II, i, 184, 601). He was one of Edmund de Stonor's feoffees for Harnhull and Condicote, and for Penyton Meysy (Ch. Inq. p.m., Richard II, File 21). From A.C., xlvi, 15.

Treshonore Sire et Meistre, jeo me recomanke a vous si avaunt come soit ou plus puisse: vous enmerciant ovesqe tres tout mon coer dez grauntes bien faitz et naturesses quex vous mauez endurrez devaunt ces hures, dount voz treschers merciez, desirant tout dys affectuelment bones novelles de vous oier et de vostre estate et de ma treshonore amie vostre compaigne et dez toutes vostres enfantz, le quele jeo pri le dieu tout puissaunt qil voille maintenir en croissaunce et multepliaunce dez toutes honurs. Et si de mon estat vous plese assavoir, al departier du cestes jestoie en sancte du corps, le mercie dieu, tout appareillez ovesqe tout mon corps et biens de feire ceo qe vous plesest a voz com|andementz. Treshonore Sire et Mestre, le filz nostre Seignur Jhesu Crist vous eit tout dys en sa gard. Escript a Brustwyk en Holdernesse le xxj jour davarell.

Trestout de vostre Henry Dounham.

Et vous pri, treshonore Sire, qe vous plese envoier novelles devers moi du celle chose qe nous parlames a nostre darreyn entreparlaunce.

A mon treshonore maistre Esmond Stonhore.

29. BROTHER EDMUND TO EDMUND DE STONOR c. 1380

From A.C., xlvi, 17.

In Christo domino salutem et sanitatem sempiternam. Domine reverende, gratias, si placet, quod toto tempore nundinarum Oxonie non inveni vel percepi aliquem interveniente Bokyngham et Oxon.; postea ivi Bokyngham et vidi pannos vestros inde dimissos satis salvos et servatos, quos vobis duxi detulisse Oxon. si pot[uissem]; et consideravi quod erant ibi plures pannos quam credidi, et multe particule de diversis generibus dijudicavi; consultum est mihi, quod non assumerem tantum pretium ad curam meam et tot diversa ante mihi ignota, nisi vos [mihi] mandaretis expressius quam fecistis. Si quidem aliquis eorum, qui pannos detulerunt illuc, veniret ad veraciter recipiendum eorum numeros et videret valorem, ne forte aliquis et aliquis posset mihi impingere et taliter imponere . . .; cui nescirem respondere sicud custodes pannorum. Tum pro rogatu domine Margerie mecum . . . portavi, et modo igitur

misi clamidem, camisiam, et caligas. Item inquisivi de numeris sacer|dotum et de facto et modo eorum; et sic feci illis singillatim et ordinate, quod sunt omnes bene contenti, et, ut dicunt, vobis obligati; et credo quod vobis placebit quod feci, cum venero et computem vobis predicta. Isti sunt parati: eligatis vos de judicio vestro an malletis [un]um de vestris mittere, vel quod ego in nomine vestro faciam pannos deferri Oxon. et sic ad vos dem[itte]re. Infra natalem domini intendo per vos venire et perficere facienda. Valeat vestra caritas in domino, et anime prosperitas in deo salutari nostro. Amen. Per vestrum fratrem Edmundum.

Venerabili viro Edmundo de Stonor.

30. BROTHER EDMUND TO EDMUND DE STONOR c. 1380

From A.C., xlvi, 18.

Domine et deo devote, noveritis, si placet, me vidisse filium vestrum Edmundum, et statum suum per duas noctes et diem considerasse: cujus infirmitas decrescit de die in diem, nec jacet in lecto; set, cum calor accesserit, quiescit modicum distemperatus non per duas horas, post quas surgit, et, sicud exigit tempus, intrat scolas, et comedit et spaciatur sanus et jocundus, ita quod nullum periculum in eo videtur. Et ipse motu proprio seipsum vobis recomendavit, et domine sue; et alios aliasque salutavit. Et incipit Donatum adiscere lente et modeste, sicud adhuc oportet. Et habet illum Donatum, quem timui fuisse per|ditum. Et vero nunquam vidi puerum talem custodiam habere, sicud ipse infirmitate durante. Magister et ejus uxor vellent aliquos de pannis suis esse domi, quia nimis multi sunt et pauciores sufficiunt, et leviter possunt, illis invitis, demoliri et deturpari. Item vobis transmitto nomina et modos librorum in uno volumine contentorum, quem librum non vult pro minori vendere possessor quam pro xij. solidis, sicud et valet judicio meo et aliorum; et si vendat, habere solucionem cito re|quirit. Et ideo faciatis, si placet, mihi responsum per puerum istum de voluntate vestra circa predicta. Valete in Christi virtute et meritis virginis et matricis Marie, per vestrum ad votum Fratrem Edmundum.

Venerabili viro Edmundo de Stonore.

31. JOHN HALONTON TO EDMUND DE STONOR c. 1380

From A.C., xlvi, 20.

Reverencias cumulatas et honores, graciarumque laudabilium repetitas acciones cum mei interioris hominis affectu animose fulminatas. Cum humane nature racio interius dinoscatur exigere angustatum quemlibet suis amicis secularibus, a quibus sui tedii vel gravaminis medela queat fiducialiter impertiri, querimoniam debere sue angustie intimare: hinc est quod, in vestra dominacioni honorabili specialem et precipuam pre ceteris hujus patrie hominibus habentes confidenciam, vestre benignitati confidendo, mei instantis gravaminis querelam, de ejus minime diffidendo relevamine, duximus liquilenter declarandam. Vestra igitur benivolencia scire minime dedignetur, quod in villa Oxonie magna debiti mole existo presencialiter pregravatus; eo quod a Johanne Baret de mei prioris disposicione x. libras pro mea in universitate Oxonie exhibicione pre|teritis temporibus infallibiliter recepissem, de quibus quidem x. libris, xx. solidis duntaxat exceptis, a prefato Johanne nunquam mihi extiterat denarius numeratus: igitur vestram dominacionem deprecor et exoro, in qua fiduciam immensam omnibus aliis pretermissis habeo, quatinus meam necessitatem pio animo considerantes x. marcas cum dimidia, in quibus predicto Johanni Baret in festo Invencionis sancte Crucis proximo solvendis existis per indenturas obligatus, per latorem presenciarum mihi mittere dignaremini, quia si predictam summam vero sive incommode ad presens nullatenus solvere valeatis, saltim centum solidos de pecunia predicta vestram benignitatem mihi exorarem destinare; omnemque securitatem, quam pro mutua predicta discrecio desideraverit postulare, tempore per vos quocunque limitato ad domum vestram, si vestre dominacioni placuerit, accedendo fiducialiter faciam et exponam: si vero x. marcas cum dimidia prelibatas in presenti solvere vestre placeret benivolencie, predictas indenturas obligatorias vobis per latorem pre|senciarum transmittavi arbitrio vestro disponendas. De beneficiis vero ecclesie de Perton necnon v[ic]ario ejusdem et persone me multipliciter ex parte vestra impensis regratiare vestre dominacioni non sufficio, set Deum, ut vestram benignitatem [perf]iciat, ut vester devotus orator cotidie deprecor et exoro.

Per vestrum Capellanum Johannem Halonton, Canonicum de Norton.

Reverendo magistro suo Edmundo de Stonore domino.

32. EDMUND DE LA POLE TO EDMUND DE STONOR [c. 1380]

Edmund de la Pole (1337-1419) was son of Sir William de la Pole, and brother of the first Earl of Suffolk. He owned the manor of Borstall, Bucks, in right of his first wife, Elizabeth, daughter of Richard de Handlo (Napier, Swyncombe and Ewelme, pp. 291-2). From A.C., xlvi, 21.

Trescher sire et amy, endroit de ce qe mavez envoie qe vous vod|roiez savoir jour et lieu a ou nous puissoms estre ensemble pur faire fyn de le Manoir de Pottenham des diverses choses entre nous parlez touch|ant le dit Manoir, dounte vous plaise savoir qe si vous plaise estre a Borstall ice mescredy prochein avenir, je froy John Bracy et le persone de Pottenham vous encountrer illoqes. Et en cas qe vous ne plaise illoqes venir, veuillez menvoier ou qe vous veuillez qe je vienge a vous, et a qil jour et lieu: issint qil soit devaunt le xvij^o jour de ceste pre|sente mois de Marche: et je serroi prest de venir en ayse de vous. Et trescher sire, de cestes vous plaise menvoier respounce par le portour de cestes. Qe nostre seignur tres puissaunt vous encresse en honur a treslong durre. Escrites de ma maneys mayne a Borstall le ix^me jour de Marche.

Vostre Esmon de la Pole.

A mon trescher et tres . . . Monsyr Esmond de Stonor.

33. RICHARD LE SCROPE TO EDMUND DE STONOR c. 1380

The writer is presumably Richard, first lord Scrope of Bolton (d. 1403); his cousin Henry will then be Henry, first lord Scrope of Masham (d. 1391). In that case the hostel which Henry had purchased may be Scropes Inn in Thames Street, which belonged to Stephen, second lord Scrope of Masham, in 1406 (C il. Inq. p.m., iii, 307; Stow, Survey, ii, 13, 359). On 11 March, 1395, a writ for livery of dower to Joan, widow of Sir Ralph de Stonor, was issued to the Mayor and escheator of London in respect of a messuage in the City valued at 100s. (Chanc. Misc., 37, i, 31). This latter is no doubt the tene|ment

in St. Peter by Paul's Wharf, which Sir John de Stonor held in 1354, and is probably the one which Scrope wished to hire. From A.C., xlvi, 22.

Trescher et tresames, voillez savoir que mon tres honore cousyn, Monsyr Henri Lescrop, ad purchace une hostell a Londres, pur sa demeure illoeqes, mais il ne poet avoir le dit hostell a luy delivere a son ease tancqes une certeyne temps: et pur ceo vous prie cherement qe vous voillez lesser a mon dit tres honore Cousyn vostre hostell a Londres, en quele Syr William Mulso nadgairs feust demeurant, tantqes il poet avoir son propre hostell a luy delivere: entendant certeynement, Sire, qil vous ferra pur vostre dit hostell pur mesme le temps ceo qe reson demande, et qe vous vous tendrez bien content. Et trescher Sire, cestes choses voillez faire par cause de ceste ma request, et charger un de voz proch. entervenant de luy deliverer vostre dit hostell. Et luy toutpuissant vous eit touz jours en sa garde. Escrit a Londres le xiiij jour de Januer.

Richard Lescrop.

A trescher et tresames Esmond de Stonore.

34. WALTER ROUS TO EDMUND DE STONOR c. 1380

From A.C., xlvi, 25.

Honoures et totes maneres de reverence. Trescher sire, vous pleise entendre qe Ricard Hoghes de Dudecote ad fait fyn pur xl. s. pur ses tenementz illoesqes, et qe vous averez la vache de heriet Johan son piere: et Cristine Beiteres, vostre neife, femme Johan Toughe, chapelayn, si ad graunte de fyn pur ses terres et tenementz reaver xl. s., et pur ij acres de furment iij acres dorge et ij acres de puls vij marcs dargent: et Rauf Kyng, le graunt seignur, si ad graunte vij marcs pur le detenue de Michel, vostre bercher, pur deux jours; dount nous sumez acordez, si vous le volez assentir par bones [p]legges a moi troves; mes ils de|maundent longe jour de paiement, de quele chose nous ne sumez acorde saunz vostre assignement. Et Henr. Pighurde, vostre provost, et moi ne poomps acorder par nule voie de sa fyn unqore, et je luy ai graunte

destre descharge de son office par treys ans proscheyn avenir pur xl. s., au quele demande il ne voet assentir: pur quei, trescher Sire, vous plese envoier par vostres lettres a moi par le porteur de cestes tote vostre volonte des choses avauntdites, auxi bien des jours de paiement des fyns, com del fyn vostre provost illoesque, sil serra ataunt ou nennye cest assavoir xl. s. Trescher sire, luy trespuissaunt vous encresse en honours et bountees, et vous doigne bone vie et longe a tous jours. Et graunt a la meme del garsoun voillez entendre qe son piere luy de . . . et encountre resoun, et dist qils sount . . .: de . . ., mes mest dist de verite qils serrount troves vos . . . vostre Wauter Rous.

A mon treshonore Sire et Maistre Esmond Stonor.

35. MICHAEL SKYLLYNG TO EDMUND DE STONOR c. 1380

Michael de Skyllyng was appointed King's Attorney in the Common Bench on 20 November, 1377, and was on the commission of peace for Wilts. and Hants. (Cal. Pat. Rolls, Richd. II, i, 47, 50, 72). From A.C., xlvi, 27.

Trescher sire, jeo vous requeor si tendrement de coer come jeo puyse, qil vous pleise remembryer coment jeo parlay a vous dun Nich. Pallyng, qest neyf a mon treshonore seignur, monsyr Mich. de la Pole, come de son Manoire de Ramerygge, vostre veisyn en Suthampton, qest de|meurant deyns vostre seignurie de Stonor ou pres a ycele: et purceo, trescher sire, qe le dit Nich. adz este futyf et absent hors de son nye: sure qel jay charge les tenauntz mon dit seignur affaire venir le dit Nich. en la seignurie mon dit seignur oue ses biens meobles et nyent meobles et sequeles. Mes, treshonore seignur, purceoqe les ditz tenauntz sont symples et de petit pouerwe affaire ceo qe atyent par la loy, si vous pry entierement de coer sur la graunde affiance qe jay en vous et en vostre bone seignurie, qe les ditz tenauntz mon dit seignur portures de cestes puyssent estre en vostre protexcion et defens affaire execucion de ceste ma lettre en salvacon de droit mon dit seignur, et qe les ditz tenauntz mon dit seignur ne soient grevees par la cause del execuscion susdite, mes par vostre bone mediacion soient de peril et de damage en touz poyntz gardees par reson de vostre bone seignurie. Et

si rienz soit, sire, qe faire puysse je vous purra plesure ou vailer en sem|blable cas ou en aultre, fiablement le fray solonc mon powere. A dieux, treshonore sire, soietz, qe vous deynge grace de bienz faire

le vostre Mich. Skyllyng.

A mon trescher Sire Esmond Stonor.

36. JOHN STOKE TO EDMUND DE STONOR c. 1380

The following letter in the Collection (A.C., xlvi, 29) is also addressed by John Stoke to Edmund Stonor, but is too mutilated for transcription. From A.C., xlvi, 28.

Treshonoree sire, et trescher cosyn, moult vous merci de touz voz grauntez bountez et naturesses, queux de jour en aultre mauez fait saunz nulle desert. Entendaunt, treshonoree sire, qe jai receu voz lettres a moi directez, merci, touchant la bargayn des terres et tenementiz de Johan Babby en Clayore, les queux lettres jai pleinement entenduz. Pur quei, treshonoree, vous requeor, si pleiser vous soit, si vous semble qe la bargaigne serroit pur nostre proffit, qe faire voillez la dite bargaigne, et jeo vous envoiera xx. li. deinz la feste de seint Hiller prochein avenir. Et les aultres xx. li. serront paiez a quell heoure qe nous sumus sure dez ditiz terrez. Endroit, sire, del lautre bargaigne, de quelle nous entreparlamus a nostre derrein entreparler, vous requer qe vous moi plese certifier vostre voluntee en escript a pluis toust qe vous bonement purre. Et si rienz voillez devers moi, tout temps prest moi trouverez comme le vostre. Lui seint esprit vous eit en sa gard, et voz honurs encresce en bon sauntee et long dure. Escript a Bristuyt le xv jour de Decembre.

Vostre Johan Stoke de Bristuyt.

A son treshonore syr et cosyn Esmond Stonore.

37. [EDMUND DE STONOR TO?] c. 1380

The absence of any signature, and the corrections and alterations indicate that this is only a draft of a letter. From A.C., xlvi, 35.

Trescher et ffiable amy, jay bien entendu vostre lettre de ceo qe vous moy avez envoye de [aver] [[ ] these words have been struck through.] mettre ultre le jour, le quele fust mys entre vous et moy de estre a Stonor en la comte de Oxon [en . . . Oxon, interlineated.] en la veye de seynt Mathieu procheyn avener, a perfourmer les covenauntes [des] [[ ] these words have been struck through.] queux vous et moy ffuroms entrefiez a Merston en la countee de Hertford, tanque a le Dismeigne procheyn apres la feste de seynt Michel adenqe procheyn ensuiaunt. [Pur quoi] [[ ] these words have been struck through.] voilletz saver qe jeo su prest de performer iceo jour de seynt Mathieu tous les covenauntes qe furount acorde entre vous et moy a Merston, et ultre jeo a vostre requeste voil attendre tanque a la dit Dismeigne appres le feste de seynt Michel, esteaunt come ils furount faites a Merston. Issynt qe totes les covenauntes entre vous et moy soient pleynement accomples a iceo dis|meigne, come [acorde fust parentre vous et moy] [[ ] these words have been struck through.] ils dussount aver este a le dit fest de seynt Mathieu a devaunt.

A Stonore [en] le dit Conte de Oxon.

38. MARGARET, COUNTESS OF DEVON TO EDMUND DE STONOR [c. 1380]

The Countess must be Margaret, widow of Hugh Courtney, second Earl of Devon, who died in 1377. She survived till 1391. Ermyngton was held of the Earl of Devon as of the Castle of Plympton. From A.C., li, 57.

Salut et bon amour. Voillez savoir qe come nous avions entenduz yl ya une brief le Roi purchassez devers vous touchant le Manoir de Ermyngton: mes nous ne savions pur qi ne a quel noun: pur qei soiez vous bien avisez et garniz, et nous tenetz pur excusez de nostre

promesse du temps passez touchant ceo qe nous vous promettames de vous garnir en cas qe nous purroioms oier dascun tielle briefe. A dieu, qe vous garde. Escript a Exmere le xiij jour de Januere.

La Contesse; de Devans; la Mere.

A nostre Cher et bien ame Esmond Sto[nor].

39. BILL FOR CLOTH SUPPLIED TO EDMUND DE STONOR [c. 1380]

From Ch. Misc., 37, i, 26. Somewhat damaged.

Parcell en[tre] Edmund de Stonore et Raulyn de Swanton . . . le xiiij [jour de] Novembre dilevere a Tomes son valet.

Primis. pur [ij anes] et j quart. de Sanguyn m . . ., pris lane iiij. s. viij. d, x. s. vj. d. It., pur ij anes et di. de . . . bruskynmell, pris lane iiij. s. viij. d. [xj. s. vj. d.]. It., pur iij anes et di. de Ray bron chaump, pris lane, ij. s. vj. d., summa, viij. s. ix. d. It., pur iij anes de tane aparter o le Ray, pris lane iij. s. iiij. d., summa x. s. It., pur j. ane et di. de Ray, pur j. Garson, pris lane xxij. d. [summa ij. s. ix. d.] It., pur j. ane de tane aparter o le Ray. ij. s ij. d. Summa, xlv. s. viij. d.

It., pur j peire chans de Skarlet a countre Nowel, pris [vj?] s. viij. d.

40. WRIT TO THE SHERIFF OF BUCKS ON BEHALF OF EDMUND DE STONOR 25 MARCH, 1381

From Ch. Misc., 37, i, 27.

Ricardus, dei gratia Rex Anglie et Francie, et dominus Hibernie, vicecomiti Buks. Salutem. Questus est nobis Edmundus de Stonore quod Simon Gardener, Ricardus Sadelere, Johannes Clyfton, brasiere, injuste et sine judicio disseisiverunt eum de libero tenemento suo in

Aylesbury post primam transfretacionem H. Regis, filii Regis Johannis, in Vascon. Et ideo tibi precipimus quod si predictus Edmundus fecerit te securum de clameo suo predicto, tunc facias tenementum illud reseisiri de catallis que in ipso capta fuerunt, et ipsum [sic] tenementum cum catallis esse in pace usque ad certum diem quem dilecti et fideles nostri Johannes de Cavyndissh et Johannes de Holte tibi scire faciant: et interim facias xij liberos et legales homines de visneto illo videre tenementum illud, et nomina eorum imbreviari: et summoneas eos per bonos summonitores quod tunc sint coram prefatis Johanne et Johanne, et hiis quos sibi associabunt, ad certum locum quem iidem Johannes et Johannes tibi scire faciant, parati inde facere recognitionem. Et pone per vadium et salvos plegios predictos Simonem, Ricardum et Johannem, vel ballivos suos si ipsi non inventi fuerint, quod tunc sint ibi audituri illam recognitionem. Et habeas ibi summonitores, nomina plegiorum, et hoc breve. T. me ipso apud Westm. xxv^o die Marcii anno regni nostri quarto.

41. ACCOUNT OF JOHN WAREFELD, RECEIVER FOR THOMAS STONOR 1416-17

This account is of sufficient interest to justify a fairly full summary. It is for the year from Michaelmas, 1416, to Michaelmas, 1417, and is written on five skins of parchment. Attached is a small supplementary account of pay|ments, and a well-preserved wooden tally from the bailiff of Wattecombe. The document is now in Ministers Accounts, 1120/15; but, as the office stamp "Chancery" shows, originally formed part of the Stonor Papers.

Compotus Johannis Warefeld, Receptoris Thome de Stonore a festo sancti Michaelis &c.

Stonor. Arrears of Dodecote, £20. 2. 2. Bailiff of Dodecote, £25. 2. 2. Bailiff of Sottewell, £10. Farmer of Bensheves, £12. Farmer of Penyton, £12. Bailiff of Aillesbury, £5. Farmer of Condycote, £3. 6. 8. Bailiff of Bourton, £1. 6. 8. Bailiff of Harnhull, 6s. 8d. Farmer of Hembury, £13. Bailiff of Watlyngton, £12. 6. 9. Robert Charyngworth, farmer of Westminster, 6s. 8d. From the collector of the fifteenth "pro denariis per dominum Regi prestitis," £12. 6. 8. "Rec. de domino pro Willelmo Lyncoln," 13s. 4d. "De

domino ad solvendum lez Flemynges pro opere de Stonore," £13. 13. 4. Total receipts, £141. 11. 1.

Allowances: to Michael Warwick in full payment for making 200,000 "de Brykes," £40; "ac pro operacione ejusdem materii" £5. 3. 4; for carriage of the "brikes" from Crokkernende to Stonore, £15; to Thomas Tiler "pro antiqua barg. sua," £1. 3. 4; to Thomas Carpenter "pro factura columbarii" 6s. 8d.; to John Penne "pro iiij serris manual. et pro j carect. pro lez Flemyngges 10s.; to Roger Ormesley "pro stipendio suo primi termini," 6s. 8d.; to Drue Wiker for reaping, £1; to Thomas Plomer of Oxford, "pro bargennia facta arte sua super turrim, in parte solucionis xj marc," £4. 13. 4. Total of Allowances, £77. 12. 4½.

Emptiones:—"pro una tabula cum uno pari trestell, pro domino, London," 4s. 6d.; "pro equo griseo domini," £3; "pro ij ciphis argenteis pro domino," £2. 11. 8—total, £10. 13. 2.

Expenses of Receiver:—holding Courts &c, £3. 10. 0; fine for reversion of manor of Borewescote, 12s.; expenses of lord and lady in London, 14s. 9d.; paid to the lord there, 20d.;—total, £5. 19. 5.

Fees, £6. 19. 0.

Other payments: part of debt to Richard Wyot, £40; debt to Edmund Hampden, £20—total, £72. 6. 8.

Livery money to the lord—at London on 8th Oct., £8—total, £58. 8. 4.

Total of allowances, expenses, and liveries, £233. 18. 11½.

A supplementary account shewed: £11 received and outgoings £10. 13. 4.—"pro cariagio domini a Henle usque London" 6s. 8d.—Clear excess £92 1. 2½.

The other four skins are: (2) Reeves accounts: for Cundycote (John Cook), Bourton (Richard Henry), Harnhull (John Ryver), and Hembury (Thomas Saundres). (3) Account of John Kent, collector of rents at Wattecombe, Hoo, Thame and Standelve. (4) Reeves accounts: for Dodecote (Richard Howes), Sottewell (Thomas West), Bensheffes, (Reginald Sheffeld) and Penyton Meysy (John Paty). (5) Account of John Kent, collector of rents at Stonore.

42. JOHN DYMMOK TO [?] 1420

This letter, which is much injured, and very difficult to decipher, is written by a bailiff at Ermington, and is apparently addressed to an officer (probably John Warefeld) of Thomas Stonor in London; Stonor himself was perhaps absent in France. Accompanying it is the "bille of expenses and alowans"; the latter is too much injured to reproduce in full, but it is not as a whole of great interest, though important as supplying Dymmok's name, and the date; it is headed:—

Ermyngton

Expense et allocaciones Johannis Dymmok, a^o Regis Henrici quinti viij^o.

In primis petit allocacionem de xlv. s. pro operibus liberorum [tenen|cium]. It., pet. all. de xxviij. s. j. d. pro piscaria voc. Madyngstad.

Other items are:—

iiij. d. pro j twest pro hostio panterie; viij. s. iiij. d. pro v. mill. lapid. tegul.; vj. s. viij. d. de expensis Willi. Mayne eundo et redeundo versus London.; iij. li. quos Willelmus Mayne solvit domino apud Stonor.

There are also legal expenses incurred by William Penbrygge, with his expenses on going to London; and expenses for John Hals in London. The total of receipts with expenses and allowances was £41 18s. 3d.; and Dymmok had apparently £21 8s. 0d. in hand.

The Account is probably for the year ended at Michaelmas, 1420 (8 Henry V); so this letter was presumably written late in 1420. In an Account rendered by John Warefeld, Stonor's receiver, for that year appears the receipt of £15 from John Dymmok, farmer of Ermyngton, and the pay|ments include:—

expense facte London. in Curia Admirallis pro wrecco maris apud Erm. in mari provecto, viz. primo die Augusti xxvij. s., et in aliis custubus in eadem Curia mense Novembr., ut pro fine xx. s., et senescallo Curie vj. s. viij. d., et pro feodis Clerici Curie pro ij procurationibus vij. s. iiij. d., et in feodis budell dicte curie iiij. d. (Ministers Accounts, 750/17).

An Account by John Dymmok for 1419-21 mentions William Mayne and John Hals (id., 822/35, see vol. ii, p. 179 below). Dymmok appears on a commission in Devonshire in Feb. 1419 (Cal. Pat. Rolls, Henry V, ii, 274). John Fortescue was father of Richard Fortescue of Ermington (see No. 45); he was a justice of the peace for Devon from 1418 to 1422. John Hals,

who was on the commission of peace for Devonshire from 1420 to 1431, was a lawyer of some prominence. The paper on which the letter is written is so mutilated at the foot that it is impossible to obtain anything of its meaning; a continuation on the other side is equally hopeless (Ch. Misc., 37, i, 32, 33).

Ermyngton.

Syr, as touchant þe ffynes þat ȝe sende to me, syr (?), I knowe ham noȝht what þay be, what is I-payd ne what is to payng, but I have aspyd among ham yn presence of Thomas, your messynger, [who] can enfourme you: and þay wil noȝtt paye . . . with oute hure dedis enselyd and . . . frynd is . . . and his wif hath ȝulde up hure e . . . d. Symon Lode doþ no fors f[or he] is febel and yold, Paulisfot, Ray, John at Wille, this persons [The reading is doubtful.] use makyth ham fulfulle alle [þis]. John Hals welle haþ en|formyd me of ham, and therfore Thomas can enfourme [you] of all hit: but ȝut I shal enquere among ham better, yf y may eny þyng gete yn hast: and þerfor sendith [unto me a] bille of hur namys and what is to pay and touchant R. H[a]lle &c. Thomas can enfourme you by mouthe fully of J. Fortescu, Raff Hatt and Woder, god frendis, of the whiche spareth noȝtt to speke boþ for youre worchip and profet: and touchant my payment I sende by Thomas, your ȝeman, to my maister and Cosyn Hals a letter and a bond to delyvere you, excepte divers expenses and alowans, of þe whiche I send to you a bille. And as touchant myn endentur, reson wolde that þay were had aredy, for drede of changyng of þe world þat is bretell, as sone as hy[t] myth be mad and enselyd ef|fectually, savant my maysteris profit and worchip: for truly ȝe knowe wel, and knowe also þat I am a profitabel Reve for hym and have a gret charge and labor. Saunz rien apprendre. For why comyth, so moche as the clothyng þat was spoke (?) þer of is by hynde, but ȝut I chalynge hit noȝth but after [my] maysteris oune governanse at þis tyme: for me þynkyth h[it] bote a febel reward, for wel I wot he haþ no servant [yn] Engelond þat servyth hym yn suche a labor and travayl [as] I do, payng more to hym þanne þe value ȝerly amontath, takyng ryth noȝth for my travayl, þe which as ȝut I faith wel safe yn hope of amende|ment aftir his discrecion and . . . . . And touchant my maysteris beyng at London, and . . . ns . . . at mois michel; [Or perhaps "mes Michel," for Michaelmas.] I wot wel ȝe most nedes be þer, [for] ȝe shalle save my maysteris enheritance, his profit and his worship, for to answer to þe false sugestion þat is mad [yn] þe admyral is Court: for every man here know[eth] wel þat þe wreke is

parcel of þe enheritance of Ermyngton and is fre . . . amend, noþer pledeþ to a Countre is payment for me . . . my Styward and yours; and þer for John Fortescu is worth and tenementes (?) . . . . . and leeches yn þis be . . . . . never yn my lyf, for. . . . .

43. LEASE OF THE MANOR OF PENYTON MEYSY 1ST MAY, 1423

From Ancient Deeds, C. 3536. A small octagonal seal, ½ inch across, with a device, is attached; it is presumably that of William Whythygge.

Hec indentura facta inter Thomam de Stonore, armigerum, et Thomam Chaucere et alios cum eodem Thoma Chaucere per pre|dictum Thomam de Stonore feoffatos in et de manerio de Penyton Meysy ex parte una, et Willelmum Whythygge de Enam ex parte altera, testatur quod predicti Thomas de Stonore et feoffati sui predicti tra|diderunt, concessere, et ad firmam dimiserunt predicto Willelmo manerium suum de Penyton Meysy cum omnibus terris, redditibus, et serviciis, pratis, pascuis et pasturis cum suis pertinenciis, boscis ibidem et advocatione ecclesie ejusdem ville omnino exceptis et predictis Thome de Stonore et feoffatis suis semper reservatis. Habenda et tenenda omnia predicta Manerium, terras, redditus, servicia, prata, pascua et pasturas, cum suis pertinenciis, exceptis preexceptis, predicto Willelmo a die sancti Michaelis Archangeli proxime futuro usque ad terminum septem annorum proxime sequentium et plenarie completorum. Reddendo inde annuatim predictis Thome et feoffatis suis predictis, heredibus et assignatis eorum, durante termino predicto, viginti duas libras bone et legalis monete ad festa Annunciacionis beate Marie virginis et Sancti Michaelis Archangeli per equales porciones. Et si contingat predictus redditus viginti et duarum librarum in parte vel in toto aretro fore non solutus post aliquod festum festorum predictorum per duodecim septimanas, quod tunc bene licebit predictis Thome de Stonore et feoffatis predictis in omnia predicta manerium, cum terris, red|ditibus, serviciis, pratis, pascuis et pasturis cum suis pertinenciis reintrare, et ea in suo pristino statu habere hiis indenturis non obstantibus. Et predictus Willelmus omnes domos manerii predicti durante termino

predicto manutenebit, reparabit et sustentabit quociens et quando necesse fuerit; aula cum cameris suis dicte aule annexis, coquina, et pistrina, et alia domu vocata le Knyghtchambre, jam ruinosis, exceptis: quas predicti Thomas et feoffati sui predicti reparari facient infra primum annum. Et predicti Thomas et feoffati sui predicti dictum Willelmum durante termino predicto exonerabunt de omnibus redditibus et serviciis forinsecis ultra viginti et duas libras predictas. Et predictus Willelmus Senescallum et Receptorem predictorum Thome et feoffatorum suorum ibidem bis per annum recipiet et eos honeste inveniet in omnibus expensis suis pro Curia et recepta ibidem faciente durante termino supradicto. Et predictus Willelmus in predicto manerio, domibus, gardinis, boscis et gravis ejusdem manerii non vastum nec dampnum faciet durante termino predicto, nisi habendo rationabiliter lignum focalem et meremium pro housbote et housbondria sua sustentanda, et hoc per deliberacionem et assignacionem Senescalli vel Receptoris dicti Thome et feoffatorum suorum predictorum. Et dictus Willelmus predictum Thomam et feoffatos suos predictos et heredes et assignatos eorum erga dominum Regem de quintadecima concessa vel concedenda durante termino predicto exonerabit et acquietabit. Et predictus Willelmus in firma predicta in propria persona sua, si vixerit, cum familia sua inhabitabit, et statum suum non dimittet sine assensu et voluntate predicti Thome et feoffatorum suorum predictorum. In cujus rei testimonium partes predicte sigilla sua alternatim apposuere, hiis testibus Thoma Sakevyle, milite, Willelmo Doyly, Petro Feteplace, Willelmo Wyot, Johanne Warefeld, et aliis. Datum apud Stonore primo die Maii anno regni Regis Henrici sexti post conquestum primo.

44. J. HURLEGH TO THOMAS STONOR 28 SEPTEMBER [1424 or earlier]

The writer, who was clearly connected with Salisbury, is probably the John Hurlegh, who was prebendary of Ramsbury in 1414, Warden of the Hospital of St. Nicholas, Salisbury, from 1418-20, and rector of Kingston Deverell; he died in 1425 (Wordsworth, Cartulary of St. Nicholas Hospital, p. 211; for another reference to him see Cal. Pat. Rolls, Henry VI, i, 234). Golafre, Warfield and Hurlegh were three of Stonor's feoffees of Ermington (see p. 36 below). Warfield was also Stonor's receiver (see No. 41). A Nicholas Cassy of Gloucester occurs in 1427-29, and a John Cassy of Gloucester in 1434 (Cal. Pat. Rolls, Henry VI, i, 376, 515; ii, 372). William Alisaundre of

Wilts. occurs in 1423-34 (ibid., i, 571; ii, 219, 343). This letter may possibly have some connexion with the presentation of one John Hurle to Bourton in Hemmersh, diocese of Worcester, in 1421 (ibid., Henry V, ii, 399). From A.C., xlvi, 44.

Wurshipfull Sire and maistre, I recommande me to ȝow; and do ȝow to wite þat I am enfourmed þat Osebarn and Cassy have pursued a new writ of quare impedit aȝeyns J. Golafre, J. Warfeld, and þe incumbent, and þoghten, as I suppose, to have hade a pryve recovere: for as Gyles, our attorne of þe chapitre, told me, þat þe processe is at distresse now retournable at þe oeptes or þe quinzisme, I [? know]not qwether. I seend syr John to Gloucestre to þe under-shirreve to have hade a copie: and he said to hym, "kame none write": and so and I suppose þe retourne be pryvele made at London: here is koynt craft. William Alisandre semes most bost and wurship, for all syde þat þai be onsward at þis terme. And if I may ride for þe crikke, I shall kome to ȝow, praing with all myn hert þat ȝe wold be þer &c. Also I send ȝow a copie of þe letters of Institucion and Induccion at þe kynges presentacion &c., praing hertely þat ȝe will vouchesave to konnen with ȝore counseill: for I suppose þai be now at more laiser þen at London &c. Also, Wurschipfull Syr, Cassy hase disabeied þe Juggement of Wilcotes: I send ȝow a copie þerof, and of þe endenture made, þe obligacions be in mennes hondes þ . . . . . [There is a hole in the MS.] dar not delyver ham for hym: I seend ȝow a copie of ham. And truly I wold full fayn þat he were chawfed. Man of lawe say here þat þe parson, my cosyn, and ȝore bedeman, has his accion as for his reparacions, and þe payne of þe obligacion shuld I have: for truly þat was þe entent, þat if my cosyn hat disabeied þe juggement I had forfaited myn obligacion. And me semes þat he shuld be in þe same caas to me. He settes noȝght be noman. And þerfore truly, syr, I wold the poure parson hade resonable reparacion after þe juggement, and þe avantage of þe obligacion stonde in gover|nance of ȝow and ȝore frendes &c. I pray ȝow lette all be seen with gode avys, as my holly trust is in ȝow. Also, syr, I send John to Mr. Gilbert for þe sale of þe land, and he sais Lang, the corser, has been with hym, and if hit shuld be soold be parcelles he wold undertake of vj C. markes and moore &c. And he sais my lord of Duresme has write to hym for a cosyn of his, Mr. J. Fytan. And I shall be at London now at þis terme for finale sale þerof, I suppose. And Mr. G. says, if he may for his foote, he will also. And see ȝe what is best

for ȝore entent, and I shall help faithfully as mycull as in me is. And I beseche ȝow seend me som wurd be þe brynger of ȝore will and avys. Also I have be sore diseised in my bakke, and elles I shuld have spoke with ȝow er þis: for certeyn þer was never matier þat I þoght so mycull apon &c. T. Halling told me he wold speke with ȝow. And I pray Gode kepe ȝowe in hele of body and sowle with encresce of wur|ship. Writen at Sarum apon þe seynt Michell even,

ȝore prest, J. Hurlegh.

Venerabili viro Thome Stonore, armigero, domino suo speciali.

45. THE INDENTURE FOR RICHARD AND AGNES FORTESCU 29 SEPTEMBER, 1424

This is a draft, on paper, of the deed which Thomas Stonor enclosed in the following letter. The original (Ancient Deeds, C. 3015) has some altera|tions which it was not worth showing. The last three lines are added in another hand. The deed has a certain interest as having been drafted by the famous Sir John Fortescue, then quite a young lawyer: it is perhaps too much to assume that any part of the draft is in his handwriting. Richard Fortescue was the third son of Sir John Fortescue, the father of the Chief Justice; he was killed at St. Albans in 1455 (Stow, Annales, p. 399); the deed shows that it was he who married Agnes, daughter of Richard Holcombe, and not his son as commonly stated (Works of Sir J. Fortescue, ii, 151-2, ed. Lord Clermont).

This Indenture was possibly the sequel of an earlier dispute, as to which there was a Petition in Chancery by Thomas Chaucer, John Golafre, John Hurlegh, "chapeleyn," John Warefeld, and Thomas Berdelegh, showing that they were seised of the manor and hundred of Ermington, till one Richard Fortescu of great malice and forethought made a forcible entry and broke down hedges and ditches. The Petition mentions "John Fortescu, pier a dit Richard, et John Bosan, son frier en ley" (Early Chancery Proceedings, 69/24 P.R.O.).

Hec Indentura facta apud Ermyngton in Comitatu Devon. in festo sancti Michaelis Archangeli, anno regni Henrici sexti post conquestum Anglie tercio, inter Thomam Chaucer, Johannem Golafre, Hamonem Belknap, dominos Manerii de Ermyngton predicto, ex parte una, et

Ricardum Fortescu et Agnetem uxorem ejus ex parte altera: testatur quod cum iidem Ricardus et Agnes, ut in jure ipsius Agnetis, clama|verunt communam pasturam in grosso ad omnia animalia sua temporibus apertis depascenda per totum dominium Manerii predicti in parte occidentali cujusdam fossati, quod vocatur la Yalthadych, quod vero fossatum jacet per divisa de aqua de Ermyn versus terram de Prutaston inter dominium de Ermyngton et sanctuarium ejusdem luci, [Probably an error for "loci".] et ultra linaliter a capite ejusdem fossati versus ad terram de Prutaston, ex con|cessione cujusdam Johannis Peverell, nuper domini Manerii predicti, facta cuidam Ricardo de Holecombe antecessori predicte Agnetis, cujus heres ipsa est, prout in eodem scripto inde confecto plenius continetur, ubi predictus Ricardus de Holecombe nec aliquis heredum vel assigna|torum suorum unquam aliquam communam pasturam in Manerio pre|dicto habuerunt seu de jure habere debuerunt, prout ex parte predictorum Thome Chaucer, Johannis Golafre, et Hamonis Belknap asseritur. Et pro eo quod iidem Ricardus Fortescu et Agnes renunciaverunt omne id quod eis pertinet seu quovismodo pertinere poterit in futurum in pre|dicta communa pastura virtute concessionis perdicte, et eciam remiserunt et relaxaverunt pro se et heredibus suis per presentes predictis Thome Chaucer, Johanni Golafre et Hamoni Belknap totum jus suum et clameum quod habent seu quovismodo in futurum habere poterint in Manerio predicto: ita quod nec predicti Ricardus Fortescu et Agnes, nec eorum heredes aut assignati aliquam communam pasturam in Manerio predicto aut in aliqua parcella inde de cetero habere vel clamare poterint, set inde per presentes in perpetuum sint exclusi: iidem Thomas Chaucer, Johannes Golafre, et Hamo Belknap tradiderunt et concesserunt et hac presente carta indentata confirmaverunt predictis Ricardo et Agneti duodecim acras et unam rod terre arabilis per perticam mensuratas, qualibet pertica continens sexdecim pedes et dimidiam, simul jacentes in longitudine inter viam legalem que ducit in Ermyn in parte boriali et abbuttant in longitudine in terram predicti Ricardi et Agnetis ex parte australi, et jacentes in latitudine inter Holecombeslad ex parte occidentali et viam regiam que ducit a Saneford usque Prutastoneslond ex parte orientali: habendas et tenendas predictas duodecim acras et rodam terre cum pertinenciis predictis Ricardo et Agneti et heredibus de corporibus eorum procreatis sub forma, condicionibus, et declaracione sub|sequentibus: reddendo inde annuatim predictis Thome Chaucer, Johanni, et Hamoni, heredibus et assignatis suis sex denarios ad festa sancti Thome Apostoli, annunciacionis beate Marie Virginis, nativitatis sancti

Johannis Baptiste, et sancti Michaelis Archangeli, equis porcionibus. Et si predicti Ricardus et Agnes, aut heredes sui predicti, aut eorum aliquis in aliqua Curia domini Regis, heredum aut successorum suorum, de recordo in futuro clamaverint aliquam communam pasturam in Manerio predicto vel in aliqua parcella inde vel aliqua pastura ibidem usi fuerint, vel predictas duodecim acras et rodam terre vel aliquam parcellam inde per judicium Curie Regis perdiderint, aut alicui alien|averint: quod tunc bene licebit predictis Thome Chaucer, Johanni Golafre, et Hamoni Belknap, heredibus et assignatis suis in predictas duo|decim acras et rodam terre cum pertinenciis reintrare et in pristino statu suo retinere, presentibus indenturis et sesina inde habita non obstantibus. In cujus rei testimonium uni parti hujus scripti indentati penes predictis Thoma Chaucer, Johanne et Hamone remanenti predicti Ricardus et Agnes sigilla sua apposuerunt: alteri vero parti hujus scripti indentati penes predictis Ricardo et Agnete remanenti predicti Thomas Chaucer, Johannes, et Hamo sigilla sua apposuerunt. Data loco et festo et anno supradictis.

Noverint &c nos Johannes Speke de Bramford in Com. Devon., Henricus Fortescu de Wodelegh in eodem Com., et Johannes Fortescu de Helewille in eodem Com. gentilmen.

46. THOMAS STONOR TO [SIR JOHN FORTESCUE] [30 OCTOBER, 1424]

The reference to "my uncle Belknap" shows that the writer of this letter was Thomas Stonor (d. 1431), whose mother was a daughter of Sir Robert Belknap. The previous document (which is clearly "your son Richard's" in|denture) gives the date 1424, and shows that the letter was addressed to Sir John Fortescue, the father of the Chief Justice: the Chief Justice first appears as "gubernator" at Lincoln's Inn in 1425, so that this letter is perhaps the earliest extant reference to him in his legal career. Richard Fortescue, the judge's younger brother, is noticed on p. 36 above. Wytbury is probably the John Wydbury of Cornwall, who occurs in conjunction with John Crokker of Lyneham, near Ermington, in February, 1422 (Cal. Pat. Rolls, Henry V, ii, 423); he may be the same as the John Wydbury of Southampton, squire, who died before February, 1423 (ibid., Henry VI, i, 48). The letter like the foregoing deed seems to be a draft kept by Stonor for reference; this explains the absence of any endorsement. From A.C., xlvi, 37.

Ryth welle belovyd syr, I grete yow well, doyng yow to undurstonde þath yowre son Jon and I beth fully acorded as towchyng to the ferme of the Maner off Ermyngton, as hys endenturys þerof beth enseylyd. And ye shall have þe lawe Court of Mychellmasse last passed. Furþur|more I send yow be the berer of þys letter endenturys betwene yowre sone Rychard and my feffeys, þe wyche ben made be avyse and asent of yowre son Jon: prayinge yow that ye delyver nat the party of þe same endenturys enselyd be my feffeys into the tyme that yowre sone Rychard have enselyd hys party of the same endenturys: and thanne hys party soo enselyd that ye delyver sesyng unto the same Rychard and hys wyff aftyr the fourme of the endenturys: to wyche endenturys lak|keth þe selyng of my uncle Belknap, wyche shall ensele þem whanne he com fro beyonde see. And seeth that yowre forseyde son Rychard duly ensele þe same endenture, for yowre son Jonys honestie hanketh theron. And as towchyng the warde of Wytburyes heyr, and of þe londys, the wyche longen to me, I pray yow that ye soo see þerto that my ryth be saved, that I and my frendus schull have yow thonke therfore. And yf ye see that hyt may lawfully be sesyd þath ye sesed [hyt] ["hyt" afterwards erased.] as my trust ys in yow. Nomore y wryte unto yow at thys tyme, but the holy gost have yow in hys kepyng. I-wrytte at London the Monday nexte be|fore alle-halwenday.

By Thomas Stonore.

No endorsement.

47. EXPENSES OF A FUNERAL [before 1425]

Since this funeral clearly took place at Rippinghale in Lincolnshire, the date must be earlier than 1425, in which year Thomas Stonor sold all his estates in that county (Ancient Deeds, C. 1223). It may therefore be safely assumed to refer to Thomas Stonor's own mother, Joan daughter of Sir Robert Bealknap. As to the possible earlier date of her death see p. xix above. Presumably Rippinghale formed part of her dower. The original is on a sheet of paper folded lengthwise to make four pages. It is printed here in full, except for the omission of "Itm." before the various particulars. From Ch. Misc., 37, i, 35.

Payd to the smythe of Rypyngall. Item primis: for ij fyches, —. Payd the smythe of Ripynghall for deverce thynges, xj. d. Payd to Rad. Foole, ij. d. Payd for halfe a beeffe, v. s. iiij. d. Payd for breede, viij. s. Payd for waxe, after vij. d. þe li., x. li. v. s. x. d.; and the resedue of the waxe here anone. Payd for iij torches, viij. s. For fysche at Burie, xiij. d. For fysche at Stamforde, —. For wyne, xxij. d. For clarett wyne, ij gallantes, xvj. d. For a vele, iij. s. iiij. d. For a brawne, iij. s. iiij. d. For ij geece, x. d. For iij pygges, xij. d. ob. For plovers, vij. d. For blake couton for the herse clothe, vij yardes, ij. s. xj. d. For an elne of lynen clothe, v. d.

The vij^th day.

Md. delyvered to Wyllm. Wayrd to be dalt in almes for my moders soule. First to the towne of Morton, iiij. s. To Hacomby, ij. s. viij. d. To Douysby, delyvered to Thomas Barwyke of Rypyngall this some, ij. s. Delyvered Tourner for Aslaby, ij. s. Delyvered to Moris for þe towne of Sempryngham and Poynton, ij. s. viij. d.; to Kyrby, xviij. d.; Douysby, ij. s.; to the towne of Loughton, xx d.; to Greyby, viij d.; to Myllinethorpp, vij d. Delyvered to the preestes of the vij^th day, vj. s. viij. d. To clarkes and chylldren and pore peple the same day, x. s. For ix dozen of breede the berying day, ix. s. For a vele the vij^th day, ij. s. viij. d. For ij swannes, iij geece, iij capones, iij pygges, halffe a hox & vj cople of cones —.

The xxx^th day dalte in Almes.

Delyvered to William Warde for Mourton, this some, iiij. s; for Hacomby, ij. s. viij. d.; Douysby, ij. s. Delyvered to John Torner: for Aslaby, ij. s; Kyrbye, xviij. d.; Loughton and Loughton, xij d.; for [Gr]ayby, viij d. Delivered to Thomas Barwyke for Ryppyngall, ij. s.; for Sempryngham, ij. s. viij. d.; Douysby, ij. s.

Vetalls þe same day.

Halfe a oxe, iiij. s. Halfe a porke, xij. d. Also croppe of beeffe and the surloyne, x. d. A swane, iiij geese, ij pygges, iij capons, v cople of cones, xvj plovers, a moton (no prices).

The berying day.

Receavyd of my mothers mony in golde and sylver thys som ffoloyng. In Kyng Hary pence this som xxx. s. xij. d. In golde v. li. In grotes and pence ij^te, xiij. s. iiij. d. Summa totalis vij. li. iiij. s. iiij. d.

Payd to the sheryff servand for sheryff tenthe, ij. s. vj. d. Payd for ij boxes of conserves, tryacle, and souger candy, x. d.

Delyvered for wages to the herdsmen and other.

To the nettherde for his quarter wage, xx. d. To Rich. Clay vij. d. Payd to John Hosbourne for a quarter wages. Payd for coloryng of xxij^ti yardes of clothe, v. s. x. d. Payd to the ffuller for fferyng of the same stuffe, —.

Endorsed on p. 4. In grotes, xv. s. In pence and pence of ij, iiij. li. vij. s. vj. d. Payd of my mony this some folowyng the berying day and þe vij^th day; Summa iij. li. xiiij. s. vj. d.

48. TO THOMAS STONOR [c. 1425]

This is a fragment of a letter, which from the mention of "master Chaucer" (Thomas Chaucer, who died in 1434) must have been addressed to the first Thomas Stonor. The reference to "Dymmok" indicates that the letter had to do with Ermington. "Wonard" may possibly be William Wynnard, grandfather of Agnes Stonor (see No. 261). John Cottesmore, who was afterwards (1429-1439) a judge of the Common Pleas and chief justice in 1439, was on the commission of peace for Devonshire from 1424 to 1427; he had lands in Berks and Oxfordshire, and his grandson married a grand|daughter of Thomas Stonor (see No. 107). From A.C., xlvi, 87.

. . . so Wonard sende me yn a letter that he koude not speke wyth Dymmok att noe leyser sethen my last beyng at home; boot att the assisis, yf he koude entrete hym to an ende resonable, he and I wuld make an ende alle so wel after oure day as afore: which assis begynnyth a goode while after the decollacion above said: boot I may not be there: wherefore my conceile ys fully that ye yn alle hast doe sende thether letters, or froe my maister Chauceire, or froe my lord of Wyn|chester, or rather than to faile froe your selve, by good avice concevid, and that my maister Cotysmore, that is there justeice &c., may do your erant by mouthe unto Wonard, and so I wote. . . . .

A mon treshonore et tres reverent Sire et Maister Thomas Stonor.

49. JOHN HAMME TO [THOMAS STONOR] [c. 1425]

There is no indication of date in this letter, nor is the name of the person to whom it was written given. But the writer is probably the John Hampne who was bailiff at Horton in 1419-20 (Ministers Accounts, 1250/2, see vol. ii, p. 179). It must therefore have been addressed to the first Thomas Stonor. With this the reference to John Martyn agrees, for there was a John Martyn on the commission of peace for Kent from 1413-36. In any case it would have been difficult to assign the letter to the time of the second Thomas Stonor; for Alice Drayton owned Horton till her death in October, 1468, and John Forth was bailiff in October, 1469 (see No. 101). The letter is now separated from the Stonor papers, to which it no doubt belongs, and is in A.C., li, 63.

To my Worshipful lord. I recomaunde me to ȝow with alle my herte. I beseche ȝow þat ȝe wille þenke on my lord of Caunterbery, for me feryþ sore of hym. Als I beseche ȝow, ȝif ȝe mow naȝt tary, þat ȝe wolde speke with John Martyn þat he myȝt be mene betwene my lord of Caunterbery and ȝow þat it myȝt be concevyd forþ in þe best maner for ȝour profyt and worshyp. Also I beseche ȝow þat ȝe willyn speke to John Martyn as towchyng þe mater of Chertone þat he wolde take non distresse, and þat it myth be conceyved in leyser unto þe tyme þat ȝe and John Martyn mowe speke to-kedyr ate ȝour bothe esement. Also I wold fayn wete what ȝe wyllyn do with Mannemede, for it must be ordeynyd for for ȝour owne profyt. Also I beseche ȝow with alle my herte þat ȝe willen leve word atte ȝour ynne of alle þese materys I wrete in a scrowe: and I sshal sende þedir a Saterday next comyng. I beseche ȝow þat ȝe wil tary þe lenger for þese maters aforeseyd, and I sshal helpe to bere sum of þe costes. Almythy God have ȝow ever in his kepyng body and soule.

Be John Hamme ȝoure pouer servaunt.

No endorsement.

50. INVENTORY OF FURNITURE, ETC., AT HORTON [c. 1425]

John Hamme was farmer at Horton in 1419-20; see last letter. From Ch. Misc., 37, i, 34.

Memorandum quod ista billa indentata facit mensionem de certis parcellis subscriptis post egressum Johannis Hamme, nuper firmarii de Hortone, remanentibus Thome Stonore, Armigero, ac domino ibidem.

In primis in le Parlour j longa tabula cum j pari trestell. It., alia parva tabula cum j pari de trestell. It., ij formill. It., j plate de ferro pro candel. It., j dosere cum j banker, semble de colore rubeo et nigro. It., in pantria j giste pertinens pro cervisia. It., j hangyngbord. It., ij alii bordis. It., j pype kokyr pro panetria. It., in boteria j gyste pertinens pro cervisia. Itm., in principali Camera j lectum de colore albo et nigro cum j seler, j coverlyt, iij curtynys, j canevas, j materas, ij blankettes, j pare linthiam., j linthiam. pro capite. Itm., j longa tabula cum j pare de trestell, iiij plate de ferro. It., j scala in camera predicta. It., j plate de ferro in alia camera. It., j candelebrum de ferro. It., vij lecti i-bordyd in diversis cameris. It., j scala pro pullayle. It., j longa tabula de beche, cum j long formill in le tresauns juxta coquinam. It., j longa tabula cum j pare trestell in le chesehous. It., in le Bakhous j buntyntunne, ij knedyng trowes, j muldyngbord cum covertore ad idem, j plumbum, j cacabus in le wallys. It., ij ȝeeltonnys, ij mashfattes, iij kemelyns, ij tubbys, v barell pro cervisia, j heryngbarel, ij verjuis barell. Itm., j tonne pro dreye malt. Itm., in le larderhous, j saltyngtrowe, j magna cista pro carne. It., alie ij magne ciste. Itm., in coquina ij dressyngbord, j gret morter cum j pestel. It., j magna olla de eneo continens viij lagenas. It., alia olla continens ij lagenas et di. It., alia olla enea continens ij lagenas. It., ij pannys de eneo feble. It., j broad basyn. It., in le chesehous, j plumbum in le wallys, ij stoppys platys. It., ij plates de plumbo. It., in diversis stabulis v mangeris cum iiij rackys. It., iij rynggebordes pro le Molle Whel. It., vij bordys de Elme in le Schepens.

51. EXPENSES AT HORTON 1425-6

These accounts are contained on three slips of paper. The first and third are given in full. From Ch. Misc., 37, i, 36-8.

(a) Horton. Expense forinsece. In primis lib. Willelmo Olyver equitando ad Stonore ad certificandum dominum de meremio molendini cariato ad Horton, xvj. d. It., in domibus nuper Galfridi Kyrkeby tectandis, vj. s. It., in expensis domini existentis apud Horton ad xv^m Pasche A^o iiij^to regis Henrici vj^ti, iiij. s. iij. d. It., in expensis ejus|dem ibidem, xx. d. It., in falcacione ix acrarum prati ad usum domini, vj. s., pro acra viij. d.

(b) Horton. Expenses of building the Mill between Michaelmas, 1425 and Michaelmas, 1426. To R. Palmere carpenter, for repair "per convencionem in gross," £4. 13. 4. Carriage of timber from Hadloo, 16s. For 150 large nails, 4s. 6d. For 150 nails, 6d. For 100 "leadnaill" 3d. For 100 nails 3d. "In ij Curtenis ad cariandum ffimum et compestum per duos dies ad obstupandum stagnum Molen|dini ad retornendum cursum aque per aliam viam ad dictum opus pro|ficiendum, iiij. s., qualis capiens per diem cum custagiis, xij d." Two men hired to fill the carts, 16d. "In fodicione luti ad idem opus, xij d. In iij carectis ad cariandum dictum lutum ad dictum opus per j diem, iiij s. In calce fodiendo, iiij d." Carriage, 2d. Nicholas Walshmom, for labour, 17 days, 8s. 6d. Stephen Attewelle, 8 days, 3s. 4d. Two labourers, 4 days, 1s. 8d. Three men, 4 days, 4s. Three men, 1 day, 1s. Summa, vij li. vij s.

(c) Horton. Custus tegulacionis domus de la Seyer. In primis in M'M' de latt. quercinis emptis ad idem, xj. s. iiij. d. Item in cariagio eorundem de Fyelston, xij d. Item in x^m de prigis emptis ad idem, x. s. Item in iiij quarteriis calcis adhust. emptis ad idem, v. s. iiij. d., per quarterium, xvj. d. Item, in cariagio ejusdem calcis, viij. d. Item in sabulo fodiendo et cariagio ejusdem, viij. d. Item, in xiiij^m' de tegulis emptis ad idem xlvj. s. viij. d. Item, in cariagio earundem ix. s. iiij d., per M'. viij. d. Item, in tegulatori et servienti suo con|ductis per j diem ad emendendos alios defectus super tectum ejusdem domus x. d. Summa, iiij. li. xix. s. x. d.

Md. quod in festo purificacionis beate Marie Virginis anni infrascripti Andreas Howe liberavit domino de Horton pro Maneriis suis ibidem

de termino Nativitatis domini, a^o regis Henrici sexti apud London in ffriday strete apud signum Ursi viij. li. vj. s. viij. d. Item, lib. Willelmo Olyver servienti suo, xvj. d. Item. lib. domino ad signum Ursi predicti in xv^a Pasch. tunc prox. seq. Cvj. s. viij. d. de termino Pasch. tunc preced. pro firma Manerii predicti. Item., lib. eidem per manus Thome Beardeslee ad festum Sancte Margarete pro firma pre|dicta lxvj. s. viij. d. Item, die Lune prox. post festum omnium Sanctorum tunc prox. seq. lib. eidem per manus ejusdem Thome lxvj. s. viij. d. Summa, xx. li. viij. s.

52. ACCOUNT OF JOHN COVENTRE, UNDER-SHERIFF FOR OXFORD AND BERKS 1427-8

Thomas Stonor was sheriff in 1423-4 and 1427-8. He and Thomas Chaucer sat for the county of Oxford in the Parliament of Sept. 1427. Con|sequently this account must belong to his second term of office as sheriff. The original is on a single sheet of paper. From Ch. Misc., 37, i, 39.

Inter Thomam Stonore, Vicecomitem, et Johannem Coventre.

Idem Johannes recepit de firma hundr. Belle Crucis et Kentebery, vij. li. vj. s. viij. d.

Et de firma hundr. de Okke cum amerciamentis com. Berks. ac amerciamentis turni vic. ibidem ix. li. vj. s. viij. d.

Et de firma hundr. de Mortan cum blad. et turno Vic. ibidem vj. li. xiij. s. iiij. d.

Et de firma hundred. de Pough cum finibus et amerciamentis com. Oxon. xij. li.

Summa xxxv. li. vj. s. viij. d.

Item r. de xxxiiij s. de hidagio libertatis de Redyng: Et de xlix. s. de hid. hundr. de Compton: Et de C. s. de hid. hundr. de Wantyng: Et de lxiiij. s. de hid. hundr. de Shrivenham: Et de vj. li. de hid. hundr. Belle Crucis: Et de lxxv. s. x. d. de cremento ibidem: Et de xl. s. de hid. hundr. de Kentebery: Et de xxiij. s. viij. d. de cremento ibidem: Et de ij. s. de visu de Shefford: Et de xij. d. de cremento de Baletston: Et de iiij. s. ij. d. de hid. hundr. de Lambourne: Et de xix. s. de hid. honoris Leic. in Fifhide et Kyngeston: Et de xx. s.

de Vic. de Stevynton: Et de lxxvij. s. de hid. hundr. de Wotton: Et de Cx. s. ij. d. ob. de hid. hundr. de Chad.: Et de iiij. li. iiij. s. iiij. d. de cremento hid. et palfr. in hundr. de Bloxham: Et de xxx. s. de hid. honoris sancti Walven in hundr. de Bolynden &c.: Et de C. s. de hid. hundr. de Okke: Et de lvj. s. vij. d. ob. de cremento ibidem.

Summa —— [Blank in original.] .

Et de turno Vic. hundr. de Pough nihil hoc anno quia ballivi habent in firma sua. Et de turno Vic. hundr. de Bloxham cum vic. de Bere|ford ij. s. ij d. Et de turno vic. hundr. de Chadlyngton nihil hoc anno quia nulla amerciamenta fiebant. Et de turno vic. hundr. de Want. et Shryvenham xvj. s. viij. d. Et sic vend. Rogero Merlawe et Johanni Coursey. Et de turno vic. hundr. de Okke nihil hoc anno quia ballivus habet in firma sua. Et de turno vic. hundr. de Morton nihil hoc anno quia ballivus habet in firma sua. Et de turno hundr. Belle Crucis ——.

Et de turno vic. hundr. de Kentebery, xiij. s. iiij d. Et sic. vend. Johanni Goolde. Summa ——.

Et de blad. Vic. videlicet xix quarteriis frumenti in hundr. de Okke prec. bȝ. viij. d.—Cj. s. iiij d. Et de x. quarteriis siliginis prec. bȝ. v. d. —xxxiij. s. iiij. d. Et de gall. vend. hoc anno, xx. s. Summa ——.

Et de xlvij. li. xij s. de expensis Militum Com. Oxon. pro Thoma Chaucer et Thoma Stonore. Summa xlvij. li. xij. s.

Et de denariis manucaptionibus diversorum hominum prout patet per unam cedulam. xvj. li. xiiij. s. vj. d. Summa ——.

Summa totalis clix. li. x. s. x. d.

[In dorso.] E quibus sol. in Scaccario domini Regis, iiij^xx iiij. li. xvj. s. x. d. Et Priori Sancte Frideswide Oxon. vj. li. xiij. s. iiij. d.

Item in feodis et donis in Scaccario cum jantaculo Vic. ut patet per cedulam, xij. li. ij. s. ij. d. Et in feodis comp. ex convencione facta, vj. li. xij. s. iiij. d.

Et de denariis solutis Ricardo Calday ut de expensis Militis per pre|ceptum Magistri, xiij. li. vj. s. viij. d. Et de ballivo honoris Walyngford iiij^or hundr. et di. viz. W. Borde, xj. li. xviij. s. Et de Johanne Jaket, ballivo hundr. de Thame ut de expensis Militis, lxxvj. s. viij. d. Et de ballivo hundr. de Dorchestr. de expensis predictis, lx. s.

Et in perdicione assartorum in foresta de Wyndesore, iiij. li. xvij. s. Et de munit. firmis que requir. super Vic. in Berkes. v. s. Et in per|dicione redditus in Clyware, v. s. iiij. d. Et in perdicione redditus super terris nuper Henrici Deye, xx. d. Et in perdicione firme vij hundr. liij. s. iiij. d. Et in perdicione redditus in Hanney, xv. s.

Summa omnium solucionum et expensarum cli. li. iiij. s. v. d. Et sic debet viij. li. xvj. s. iiij. d.

53. ALYS, LADY SUDELEY TO THOMAS STONOR before 1431

The writer is Alys, daughter of Sir John Beauchamp of Powyk, who married (1) Thomas Boteler of Sudeley (d. 1398) and (2) Sir John Dalyngrygge of Bodiham, Sussex; she held Sudeley in dower, and died in 1442-3. The letter must therefore have been addressed to the first Thomas Stonor and be earlier in date than 1431. From A.C., xlvi, 39.

Right trusty and entierly welbeloved frend y commaund me unto you: and, where as y of singler trust in you have before this enfeffed you with other in my Maners, londes and tenements withyn dyvers shires, wole and hertely prey you, for gret consideracions and causes touching my worship and gret profyt, that ye seale the deedes, made yn youre name and other, of the seid Maners to suche persons as be named in the same, wheche seid deedes the berer of this shall shewe unto you, as my full trust ys and hathe be unto you, like as the berer hereof shall enfourme you: to whom y prey you geve credence. And, sir, yf ther be anything that y may do for you in any mater in tyme comyng, y wole do yt with all myn hert, and that knoweth God, who have you in his blessed kepyng. Wreten at Sudely the iiij day of Avrell.

Alys, lady Sudeley.

To the worshipfull and my trusty frend Thomas Stoner.

54. THE WILL OF THOMAS STONOR 1431

Ch. Misc., 37, ix, 8-9, contains an abstract—in Latin—of Thomas Stonor's will, with a valuation, on four pages, the last being blank. Though reproducing no doubt the whole substance and often the exact words it does not appear to be a complete copy. It will be sufficient to give its purport.

"Voluntas T. de S. scilicet quod"—Alice his wife to have in dower the Manor of Ermington, the Manor of Harnhull with the advowson, the Manor of Beerton juxta Ailesbury, and the Manor of la Mote in West|minster, their value being £402. 13. 4. His wife is to have for life all lands and tenements acquired in Clyve, Westbere, Chestelet, Hopelond, Stureye, and Horton in Kent, and the Manor of Penyton Meysy with the advowson, for the sustinence and finding in food, clothes and education (in victu, vestitu et doctrina) of his daughters. Thomas Chaucer, whilst alive, is to have the governance and supervi|sion of his son and heir Thomas, with the issues and profits of the Manor of Hembury for his sustinence till the age of twenty-one. The marriage of his said son is to be sold by Chaucer, his wife Alice, his brother John Hampden, and John Warfeld. The proceeds are to be applied for the marriages of his daughters, Elizabeth, Maud, Philippa, Joan, and Anne, together with the issues and profits of the Manors of Dodecote, Sottewell, and Bensheves, Berks, and Stonor, Watlyngton and Cleyore in Oxfordshire. His daughters are during their minority to be in the governance of his widow, Chaucer, Hampden and Warfeld. Each daughter is to have 200 marks at least for her marriage. They are to be married in order of age. If one or more should die unmarried (quod absit), her portion is to be divided equally amongst the survivors. If through the death of his said sons ["Predicti filii mei;" but only Thomas has so far been named.] under age without legitimate issue, his daughters inherit his lands, the payments of the said 200 marks are to lapse. His wife, Chaucer, Hampden and Warfeld are then to dispose of the profits of the marriages of his male heirs and of the said Manors during the minority of his heirs in discharge of his conscience, according to the will and ordinance of his parents and ancestors as in their last wills more fully appears. In the event of his wife's death his son John is to have the reversion of the Manor of Burewardescote on condition that he release to his brother Thomas his right in gavelkind to all lands in Kent, as well those which Thomas Stonor held in right of his wife as those newly acquired.

On the second page is a valuation:—

Debita que debentur Thome de Stonore per estimacionem Johannis Warfeld.

De finibus de Hembury, xxx. li. De reddit. de Hembury, xxx. s. ultra terminum. De reddit. de Harnhull, x. li. De reddit. de Bourton, x. marc. De reddit. de Condycote, v. marc. De finibus ibidem xl. s.

De finibus de Dodecote, xvj. li. De reddit. ibidem, xxj. li. De reddit. de Sottewell, ix. s. De finibus ibidem, xxx. s. De Watlyngton cum finibus, viij. li. De finibus de Thame, xx. marc. De finibus de Stonore, x. marc. De redd. de Stonore, C. s. De Rypyngale, iiij. li. De Er|myngton, xx. marc. De Aillesbury cum Stoke, C. s. De Penyton, C. s. De Horton, xij. marc. De Will. Clyfforde, xxxv. marc. Summa —.

Further particulars of the estate are given on the third page:—

Glouc.: Harnhull cum Doughton, Hembury in Saltmarsshe, xxix. li. Berks.: Dodecote, Sottewelle, Bensheves cum membris, C. marc. Nove perquisite: reversio manerii de Burewardescote in com. Berks. Suth: Penyton Meysy, Shipton, xxij. li. Devon: Ermyngton cum membris, iiij^xx marc. Oxon.: Stonore cum membris, Watlyngton cum membris, Cleyore; nove perquisite, Harlyngrugge, Adameslond, lvj. marc. Bucks: Beerton, Ailesbury, Walton, Stoke, xx. li. [The last three have been struck out and viij. li. xiij. s. iiij. d. substituted.] Lincoln: Rypyngale cum membris, xiij. li. [These have been struck out.] Midd: La Moot in Westm. x. marc. London: hospicium in Peter Lane, viij. marc. [These have been struck out.] Nove perquisite: [I.e. in Kent.] Clyve, Molendinum de Darentt, nove perquisite in Horton voc. Kyrkebyes|place, Westbere, Chestelet, Sturye, et Hopelond, xxvij. marc. Summa CC. xlij. li. xiij. s. iiij. d.

55. ACCOUNT BOOK OF ALICE STONOR 1432-3

A paper book of 29 leaves, Ch. Misc., 37, ii. The earlier leaves are much damaged. Thirteen leaves only are written on and most are filled with ordinary household accounts of Alice Stonor. The last entry is:—

Die jovis proximo post festum sancti David in vij wytynges frescese, ix. d. Itm., in iij rogettes and in j gournarde, xviij. d. Itm., die cene domini in xij podryd wytyng viij d. Itm., in vj makrel recent. viij d. Itm., in vj rogettes recent., xiiij. d. Itm., in iij botell of wynyger, xv. d. Itm., in vj. bz: avenarum ij. s. Itm., soope iiij. d.

Summa totalis—xix. s. j. d. facta apud Stonor die lune proximo ante festum Sancti Alphegi et soluta eodem die.

On two other leaves there are accounts for corn and brewing.

56. AGREEMENT FOR THE MAINTENANCE AND EDUCATION OF ISABEL, DAUGH|TER OF THOMAS STONOR 1ST DEC., 1432

This deed is in pursuance of Thomas Stonor's Will—see No. 54. The original is Ancient Deeds, C. 1229. Only the tags for two seals remain.

Omnibus Christi fidelibus ad quos presens scriptum indentatum per|venerit, Ricardus Drayton, armiger, et Alicia uxor ejus, que fuit uxor Thome Stonore, nuper de Comitatu Oxon. armigeri, salutem in domino. Sciatis nos prefatos Ricardum et Aliciam concessisse Johanni Hampden de Hampden, Edmundo Hampden, Ricardo Restwold, Petro Feteplace, et Thome Ramsey quendam annuum redditum octo marcarum perci|piendum et levandum de et in Maneriis nostris de Penyton Meysy in Comitatu Suth., Beerton juxta Aillesbury in comitatu Buk., ac in omnibus terris et tenementis que habemus in villa Westm., et alibi ubicunque in Comitatu Midd. Habendum prefatis Johanni, Edmundo, Ricardo Restwold, Petro, et Thome, et assignatis suis a festo sancti Gregorii pape proxime futuro usque finem trium decem annorum ex tunc proxime sequentium, ad festa Pasche, Nativitatis sancti Johannis Baptiste, sancti Michaelis archangeli, et Nativitatis Domini equis porcionibus annuatim. Et si contingat predictus redditus ad aliquod festorum predictorum in parte vel in toto aretro fore in futuro durante termino supradicto, extunc bene licebit prefatis Johanni, Edmundo, Ricardo Restwolde, Petro, et Thome, et assignatis suis in omnibus pre|dictis Maneriis, terris, et tenementis per omnia bona et catalla in eisdem maneriis distringere, et districciones sic captas asportare, abducere, et effugare, ac penes se retinere, quousque eis de omnibus arreragiis predicti redditus plenarie fuerit satisfactum. Proviso semper quod quamdiu durante termino predicto nos prefati Ricardus Drayton, et Alicia sufficienter et honeste invenerimus et sustentaverimus Isabellam Stonore, filiam predicti Thome Stonore et Alicie in victu et vestitu ac doctrina etati et gradui suis convenientibus eidem Isabelle sufficienter adminis|trari fecerimus, tamdiu nos prefati Ricardus et Alicia et assignati nostri de predicto annuo redditu ac solucione simus, et dicte Maneria, terre, et tenementa sint, exonerati et quieti. Proviso eciam quod si predicta Isabella infra terminum predictum maritata fuerit vel obierit, aut Thomas Stonore et Johannes Stonore, fratres predicte Isabelle, infra terminum

predictum obierint, quod tunc presens scriptum pro nullo habeatur. Proviso eciam quod si prefata Alicia obierit vivente me prefato Ricardo Drayton, quod extunc presens indentura omni suo careat robore et vigore et pro nullo habeatur. In cujus rei testimonium hiis scriptis in|dentatis partes predicte alternatim sigilla sua apposuerunt. Datum apud Stonore in Comitatu Oxon. primo die Decembris anno regni Regis Henrici Sexti post conquestum undecimo.

57. THOMAS PORCHET TO THOMAS(?) STONOR [before 1450?]

To judge from the writing this letter is probably not later than 1450. The Latin superscription rather favours an early date. From A.C., xlvi, 248.

Ryght worschypfull Mayster y recommaunde me evermore hertely unto your Maysterschyp: doyng you to understande þat y have done þe message þat ye sent to me for: that ys to sey y have bowght for you xx^ti hogges, and the pris of ix^e ys xvj. d. a pease, and the pris iij hogges xiiij. d. a pease, and the pris of vij xij. d. a pease, and j Borepegge pris viij. d. No more to you, but Jhesu have you in his kepynge, Amen. Wretyn atte Wodefforde, the Thors daye next after Seynt Luke daye

Be your syr[vant] Thomas Porchet.

All so, Mayster, y certefye you for very trowght þat þe xx^ti of hogges are worsse now than they were whanne y bowght hem be iij. s. iiij. d.

Tradatur ista litera magistro Stoner.

58. THOMAS WHITBORNE TO THOMAS STONOR c. 1450

There is no positive evidence for the date, other than that it cannot be later than 1473. But the Latin superscription suggests an early date, and the character of the writing is consistent therewith. Cuxham is close to Watling|ton. From A.C., xlvi, 220.

Rygth reverent and wurschypfull Mayster, I recommende me unto ȝow: besekyng ȝow to have worde whan I schall enter into ȝour myll at Cuxham: for my syster wyll nat lete me to goo to halfe parte of ȝoure myll at Watlyngton no lengger: wherefore y pray ȝow to have worde, and that I myȝth enter at Cristemasse nexte comyng: and ell I wyll provyde me for a noder, and that were me loyth, and yt plesyd ȝoure good maysterschyppe &c. Also ȝyffe sche wyll nat ocupy ȝour myll at Watlyngton, y wyll provyde for ȝow a good tenaunt, to more ȝour profyyt and avayll for ever. Sennys I was with ȝow I have be ryȝth seke, bote nowe, blessyd be God, off amendment. No more at thys tyme, bote all myȝththy God have ȝow in hys kepyng.

By youre Servaunt Thomas Whitborne.

Venerabili et magne discrecionis viro, magistro Thome Stonore, militi, magistro suo speciali tradatur hec littera.

59. THE BATTLE OF ST. ALBANS 21-22 MAY, 1455

Amongst the Ch. Misc., 37, iii, 4-11, there is an English narrative of the Battle of St. Albans, which seems to have been written and circulated in the interest of the Yorkist party. It was communicated to Archæologia (vol. xx, pp. 519-22) in 1822 by John Bayley, keeper of the Records in the Tower, who attributed it to Sir William Stonor, misled as it would seem by the fact that Sir William Stonor was 24 years afterwards steward of St. Albans Abbey at Wallingford (see No. 244). The presence of the document amongst the Stonor MSS. seems to be accidental. Dr. Gairdner reprinted the text from Archæologia in the Paston Letters, No. 283. There is thus no need to re|print it here, though it seems right to record the source whence it was derived. Apart from some slight variations in spelling the printed text is accurate, ex|cept at two points. The name of the place in St. Peter's Street, where the King's banner was pitched, should be "Goslawe" not "Boslawe". In the list of Lords who were hurt there should be inserted between Buckingham and Stafford: "the lord of Dudle with an arowe in the vysage". The original is on a large sheet of paper folded to make 16 pages; the narrative is written on the first 6½ pages.

60. JOHN ELMES TO THOMAS STONOR 6th FEB. [? 1457]

The 6th of February fell on a Sunday in 1452, 1457, 1463, and 1474. If the writer may be identified with John Elmys, the merchant of Henley, who occurs in 1443 (Cal. Pat. Rolls, Henry VI, iv, 169), the most likely date is 1457. "My lady your sister" is clearly Isabel, wife of Thomas Sackville of Falley or Fawley, which is halfway between Stonor and Henley. Thomas Sackville died in 1466, and if this letter is read as implying that Isabel Sack|ville was a widow, the date must be 1474. From A.C., xlvi, 43.

Right wurshipfull syr, and my good Maister, y Recommaunde me to yow: and please hyt your Maistershyppe to wete that the Sonday next after my departynge fro yow I come to Hendeley at vij of the clocke in the mornynge, and whan I had herde masse John Mathew come to me fro my lady youre syster, and told me that there had be certain persones at my place at Falley and have take a distresse thre horses of my ten|auntes, whiles that he was at the Chyrche at matyns and have caried hem away: and they have seled up the halle dore with a wrytynge ther apon, what the wrytynge is I wot not as yet: and thys was don wythoute any knowliche or wetynge of my lady, or of any oficer of hereys: where|fore my lady, your syster, wuld that I shuld wryte to yow of this mater, for she feryth that here fraunchese shuld be hurt or broken, becawse of this doyng &c. And syr, I beseke yow to be my goode Maister: for be my trouth I nevir dede any thynge in the mater syne I was with Maister Fowler, and suche promys as I have made on to yow and to Maister Fowler y shall trewly kepe hyt. Also syr, my tennant, Robert Cockes, is a hevy man becawse his hors be take away. I can nor wyll not gefe hym no comfort, onto that I have wurd fro yowr Maistership, that wote Almyght Jhesu, who have yow, Right worshipfull syr, evyr in his blessed kepyng, Amen. Writen at Hendeley in hast the same Son|day that the dede was don, the vj day of Feverer.

By your servaunt John Elmes.

To Right worshipfull syr, and my goode Maister Thomas Stonar, this be delivered.

61. AN AGREEMENT FOR HIRE OF SHEEP 27 DEC., 1460

From Ancient Deeds, C. 8834.

Thys yndentur made at Stonore the xxvij^th day of December the ere of Kyng Herre the Sexte xxxix^th: wytnysseth þat Thomas Stonore, Esquier, hath delyveryd to Symon Cooke yn the pariche of Newnam yn Counte of Oxford iiij^xx Ewe Schepe, price the polle xij. d., for the terme of iiij ere next folowyng, peyyng erly to the sayde Thomas Stonore, esquier, at the translacyon of Synt Thomas the martyr yn Julii next folowyng after the date of thys present wrytyng xiij. s. iiij. d. st., at fest of Sent Mychell next folowyng xiij. s. iiij. d.; and after the terme of iiij ere the sayde Thomas Stonore, Esquyer, to chese whether he wol have for the sayde schepe ende of the terme the pris above rehersyd for the poll or the scheppe.

62. JOHN GOODMAN TO [THOMAS] STONOR [? before 1461]

The reference to the Duke of York makes it likely that the date is not later than 1460. It is possible, however, that the letter may have reference to the intended sale of Bierton to Sir Ralph Verney which took place in 1469. From A.C., xlvi, 245.

Ryȝth worchypfull maystyr, y hertyly recomaund me unto youre maistyrchyp, desyryng to here of your wele fare and prosperite, the wych God encrese. The ca[use of] my wrytyng unto your maystyrchyp at thys tyme ys thys: I have enqueryd of certen men yn Beerton and Aylesbury of all the poyntes that ȝe toke unto me on by . . . of, and of old Balky of Aylesbury y have enqueryd: and he seyth that xx yere hys fadyr held yt, os ȝe wot what y mene: and he then aftyr held xxx yere and more and never was callyd upon nodyr for sewte ne servyse, nodyr hys lord at that tyme beyng, nodyr amercyd but only in the Duke of York court, and so seyth payd never rent for the same to hym (that ȝe know of) savyng xviij. d. for an preposture, lyying in the Grene of the seyd towne that ȝe know of ayens youre close. And yn rental yn Gooldes

tyme, and before yn Abraham tyme, and yn Balky tyme the yongge, beynge Bayllys of Aylesbury, there was none payd savyng the seyd xviij. d., nodyr yet savyng the clayme that ȝe know of. Moreover, I have be at Bysschopyston with Wyllyam Gourney and he seyth that ȝe have yn Bysschopyston the iij part of a close callyd Bondmannys Wyke, and yn on othere callyd Hanketes Wyke, and yn on othere callyd the Merch Close, and in vj score acre of lond and mede: and the mede ys yn all ix acre savynge on yerd. And yf ȝe wole wyte yt, yn case yt schuld be departyd, how many acre the closys conteyn, y schall yn wrytyng send unto Yngram, and he schall convey yt unto you. Moreover Ingram hath a rentalle of me, that was made yn Abraham tyme. And yf ȝe kowde have yt of hym, ȝe schuld know all: ffor yn hys fadyr tyme, that ȝe know of, the seyd Abraham was Bayly and yn the yong dayys of the seyd man that ȝe know of. And y schall enquere more there of. No more unto youre maystyrchyp at thys tyme, but Jhesu kepe you, be your man and servaunt,

John Goodman.

To maystir Stonor be thys byll dylyveryd.

63. JOHN FRENDE TO THOMAS STONOR [? APRIL, 1462]

This seems to be the earliest letter relating to the dispute between Thomas Stonor and Richard Fortescue. We know that Stonor was at Ermington on 10 May, 1462. In this letter Frende seems to desire his master's presence, and it is possible that the date was soon after Easter (18 April) in that year. It seems to be earlier than Nos. 64 and 71. The Richard Fortescue of this letter was the eldest son of the Richard Fortescue of No. 45, and was there|fore a nephew of the Chief-Justice. Stonor's mother, who was married to Richard Drayton, had rights of dower at Ermington—see p. 48 above. For the further history of the dispute see Nos. 64, 71, 72, 79-82 and 91. From A.C., xlvi, 49.

Right worshipfull maister, I comaunde me unto yov: praying yov to sende me word by your letter where ye wil come in to Devenshire to abide other no & c: and what I shall do with the corne, syder, and wyne: yf ye come nought, hit were best, me semeth, that hit were sold betyme &c. Also tenentes of Modbury, that is to sey John Torryng

and other, have made an ende with Ric. Fortescu in your defaute, under|stondyng to them that ye wold have come, and kepe not your promise at no tyme &c. Item, waen Ric. Fortescu was there in lente nov last past he sende to Modbury by John Saunder seyng, that he hadde re|coveryd of Thomas Stonore a C. li: and wel a wist they schuld be cast in suche daunger as they schuld never abere: and for fere of suche langage the seid Torryng and other have made there ende under this condicion, what they schall paie, though &c hit passe ayenst them. Item, the mede I kepe in your honde unto tyme ye sende me word what I schall do. Item, I do yov to wete that my maister Drayton hath sende me word that I schulde fylle a grete parte of the Southwode: I pray yov sende me word where hit be your will or noo.

By John Frende of Ermyngton, Boucher.

To my worshipful maister Tho. Stonor in hast.

Endorsed is a list: Inter Stonor et Fortescu.

Will. Courtenay. Johannes Courtenay. Willelmus Halewell. Henr. Pomeray. Walterus Reynell. Ote Gylberd. Johannes Gybbes. Gilbertus Yarde. Nicholaus Kyrkeham. Reginaldus Werthe. Johannes Hache. Oliverus Hache. Thomas Gylle, jun. Willelmus Corun. Robertus Roklegh. Robertus Pyperell. Johannes Halewell. Hugo Champernoun. Willelmus Wollecomb. Willelmus Mileton Johannes Bolte. Johannes Hinychurche. Hugo Forde. Johannes Smale. Johannes Holdeche. Willelmus Fountayn. Thomas Prendyrgyst. Willelmus Calman. Robertus Shyner. Johannes Brusshford.

64. JOHN FRENDE TO THOMAS STONOR [c. 1462]

This seems to be later than the previous letter, and probably earlier than No. 71. From A.C., xlvi, 50.

Right worshipfull maister, I recomaunde me unto yov: letyng yov wete that Thomas Baron, John Peperell, the son of Robert Peperell, mauneseth me dayly, and put me in suche fere of my lyffe, that with other the servauntes of Ric. Fortescu, that I dere not go to cherche ne

to chepyng. Also now late the seid Baron and Peperell have sklaunder me that I schuld sende divers men to the hous of the seid Thomas; and ther and at that tyme the seid persons, that is to wete John Gune, John Cleveff and other, schuld take theefly xxvj. s. viij. d. of the godis of the seid John Peperell, vj spones of silver of the godis of Thomas Barons, and a girdell with silver harnes of his susters, and divers polen, and brynge althis to the hous of John Frende of Ermyngton: and there and at that tyme then schuld recette: uppon the whiche sklaunder and un|true noyse the seid John Frende hath made his purge with meny wor|shippfull gentilmen and gode yoman. Wherefore I pray yov that ye see a meane that I may be in ese: for hit is worse than ever hit was: for ye have seid many tymes that ye wold come thether, and dwelle ther: and that thay putteth in uterance daily that we schalbe undowe, for ye nel never come to helpe us. Also I pray yov that my maister Drayton may se this letter, and be enformyd thereof. And also I pray yov to take hede above, and make gode wacche for Thomas Baron. And Thomas Horne bethe come uppe to London a fote, for make labour ayenst me. Also but ye come and defende me, I wille do the service no lengher, for I may not ne dernot. And for the sege for my maisteres is made after your device.

By your servaunt John Frende of Ermyngton.

To Thomas Stonor, squyer, in hast.

65. THOMAS HAMPTON TO THOMAS STONOR [1462]

The history of Mistress Swete's case is too complicated for treatment here and has therefore been given at length in an Appendix to the Introduction—see pp. xlviii-lvi above. This and No. 67 were clearly written whilst the litiga|tion was pending,.and since No. 67 is dated 31st August both letters must be ascribed to 1462; after July, 1463, Mistress Swete's friends could no longer have believed that Thomas Romesey was son of Sir Walter and his first wife Joan. The writer was Hampton of Kimble—see Nos. 68 and 76. It is diffi|cult to tell why he calls Mistress Swete his sister, unless Hampton's wife was a sister of Thomas Swete. Stapulham (now Staplefarm) was a vill or tithing in the Hundred of South Damerham, Wilts. I have not discovered what place is meant by Sylverton. From A.C., xlvi, 54.

Rytht wurschypfull and my tender welbelovyd Cosyn, I recommaunde me to yow: letyng yow wyte þat my Suster Swete recommaundyth her to yow, and hertyly thankyth yow for her chylderyn, and so do I as well for owr venyson. Syr, sche prayth yow specyally to make your effectuell labor un[to] the parson of Sylverton þat he wull in weye of Crystes charyte loke up all suche evydens as in eny wyse may make eny proffe Thomas to be þe son of Syr Water and Jahne his ffurst wyff. Of Margete and Isabell: Margete was weddyd un[to] John Hunteley: Isabell was weddyd unto John Popham. That þese persons, all or some of þeyse wer þe chyldryn of þe seyde syr Water and Jahne: lete hym schewe hit in the wey of good and of concyens. Þe parson, þe Kynges Chapeleyn, when he was with hym sye a full fayre Dede and Sealle of Armys: and when þe parson of Sylverton sende his ffolke to London, þey wulde in nowyse schew þat dede. And þyff my Suster Swete mochte hafe had mony at here wyll, the parson schulde haf com over to yow; hit wulde nat be. Moreover, syr, we haf a ffyn reryd unto Syr Water and Jahne terme of þer lyvys, þe rem. þerof unto Thomas, þe son of Jahne, and thit [sic] he was þe son of þem boþe, of Domerz and Morton: [I.e. Domerham and Merton, now Damerham and Marten.] but Wykes wuld haf þe ffyn servyd in Stapulham, because hit ys in þe same parische, surmyttyng þat Jahne schulde furst hafe ben weddyd unto Amaryke Northlode, and he to be ffader to þe sayde Thomas. And for certeyne Stapulham came nevyr by þe ffyn, þe wyche was reryd A^o xxiiij Regis E. iij: but by a latter tytull. Lete hym geder all þe dedys of Stapulham to geder, þat hit may be provyd þat hit ys no parcell of þe ffyn: and lete þem be schewyd, and by here trouth to haf all þe dedes þat consernyth here enherytaunse þat he hath in his kepyng: sche wull þat he haf Stapulham as sure &c., as we all can make it.

Moreover, Syr, I wryte aparte þat hit may be kette away, þyff ye lust to schew þis above unto þe parson of Sylverton. The case was soo when my Suster Swete man schulde go sche kowth haf no money as for þe ffyndyng of þe Offyces, unneth to make hym bryng yow þis my sympyl byll. Nevyrthelese here we praye yow that ye make some redy apoyntement with the Eschetor, þat he wull not fayle yow, but be redy at suche tyme as ye and we schall sende unto hym both to haf hit fond yn þe Com. of Suth. as well as in Wylschere: and what he wull haf to ffynde hit in on, and what in the toþer Schyre: for per case þe on schall suffyse. Anoþer poynte, þat ys we kepte not sende þe Dede aboute

into þe tyme hit were enrowlyd, for drede of losyng &c., Syr, we haf ffonde a gentylmanly thynge, a copy of þe Kynges Recordes þat Thomas, ffader to Syr Th., was seysyd and dyde seasyd A^o regis H. iiij^ti ij^o, the wyche schall make owr ffyn gode. And so thys fondyn, he most breff Margete, Suster to Th., bastard, wych was ffader to Syr Th. Nomore to yow at þis tyme: but almythty Godd haf yow in kepyng. Amen.

By your owne Thomas Hampton.

To my ryght wurschypfull Thomas Stonor, be þis delyvered.

66. H —— TO [THOMAS] STONOR 22 JULY [? 1462]

Since this relates to Attebare it probably has reference to the affairs of Mistress Swete—see Note on No. 65, and p. liii above. The date is there|fore probably 22 July, 1462. The writer can hardly be Hampton, for the writing differs from that of Nos. 65 and 67; nor is Hampton likely to have addressed Stonor as "syr". The right side of the letter has been torn away. From A.C., xlvi, 250.

Riht worshepfull Syr, after all du recommendacion had unto you and to my mastres your [wife, letyng you wete] that as for Attebare, I am in pocescion þerin wiche takyn pesybely, as . . . more playnly can en|fourme you, to whom that yt wooll please you to g[ive credens in what] he woll schowe unto you for þe exspedicion and wele of þis matyer. A[lmyghty Jhesu] ever preserve you. Wryt at Attebare uppon Mary Mawdelyne Day.

H.

To Mayster Stonor be þis delylyvered.

67. THOMAS HAMPTON TO THOMAS STONOR 31 AUG. [1462]

This seems to be later in date than No. 65. For the reasons stated in the Note on that letter the year must have been 1462. As to Sir John Beynton, see p. lvi above. From A.C., xlvi, 56.

Rythe wurschypf[ull Co]syn, I recommaunde me to yow, letyng yow understande þat my Suster Swete ffulherteyly dayly praying Godd for yourre gode. S[yr, sche recomaunds] her to yow, s[pec]yally prayng yow to do your tender dyligens as unto the parson of Sylverton for þe hafyng of p[rofe . . .]. Syr, ye were no rather gon fro my house but þe parsons man came unto us and lete my Suster understande þat his mayster had ff[ound] fayre evydens under seale to profe Thomas to be sone of syr Water Romsey and Jahne, his ffurst wyff, and with þat sche wuld ordeyne a suffycyaunte persone to be bounde with here in maner and forme, as we ben boundyn and as ye must nedys see: ffor þe sayde Obligacion moste nedys be delyveryd by your hands or by þe hand of Phylyp Pymme acordyng to an endenture made betwene þe parson man and [. . . Mo]reover, Syr, in eny wyse þat we may haf notyse of þe parson what maner tytull Wykes made ffor Stapulham ayenst hym and ayenste Syr J. Beynton, Knyth, and thyf hit were by d[er]ayng, [Hampton wrote "dayng" with an otiose abbreviation mark at the end (as also appears in "ffyndyng" and "Kyng" lower down); he probably meant "derayne".] þat in eny wyse þat we may haf a copye of hit; and thyf hit be by wey of ple, þat we may haf þe Record and what yere hit was, and what terme: and þat þe parson wull stere theym þat were of Beyntons Counsell and his to be of owr Counsell for owr mony. And also, Syr, I lete yow wyte þer schall no more be don to þe offyse ffyndyng in no wyse. Hyth wat ye may þat ye were wyth uns, ye schall understande a beter meane &c. on. Remembre . . . my lord of Suthfolke wull be in the mater and he be made on of þe ffeffes, as ye wull desyr hym ye or naye, or m . . . ch on as ye dar truste: the mater ys beter þen we understode, a grete dell, þankyd be Godd. No more to yow at þis tyme, but he þat made both yow and me preserve us in perpetuyte, Amen.

Wrytyn at London in Our Palys of the Flete, þe laste daye of August.

By your owne Thomas Hampton.

Gode syr, I pray yow remembre Mowne in your comyng homward þat he woll be my gode Cosyn, þer ys non oþer mene, but þe Kyng wull haf mony me semyth by Fowler.

Unto my ryght Wurshypfull Cosyn, Thomas Stonor, be thys de|lyveryd in hast.

68. H. UNTON TO THOMAS STONOR [? 1462]

The mention of Wykes and Hampton or Hampden of Kimble suggests that this letter may have to do with Mistress Swete's affairs—see Note on No. 65. If so it may be assigned to 1462 or 1463. Unton was a lawyer, see No. 313. "Maister Mylle" is presumably Stonor's brother-in-law Thomas Mull—see No. 69—who was also a lawyer. "Maister Fouler" is perhaps Richard Fowler—see No. 150. From A.C., xlvi, 81.

Right worshipfull Maister, I recommaunde me unto you &c. And thanket be God that my Maistres is amendet. Letyng you wete, Syr, that Maister Mylle and I have ben dayly with Maister Fouler and Maister Danvers, and as yet Nassh is not comyn. And syr, as for Wykes, he is not here, nor on Kene nayther. And so Hampden of Kymbell movet us that ye shuld have had all Wykes landez in your hand, and have assignet old Wykes a certeynte to lyf apon; but I sup|poset ye wold not so, and I durst take opon to chaunge your opynyon. Mayster Mylle wold ye shuld have take an annuite of xl. s. yerly of old Wykes and his wif, and yong Wykes and his wyf, and of all the feffez: bot I supposet ye wold not so, for by cause of the penalte of the pay|ment of the xl. s. yerly. And I told Hampden, withoute we dro to an end that ye wold execute your exigent ayeynest yong Wykes: and so I trowe we shall draw to an end. And all myghty God have you in kepyng.

Your owne servaunt H. Unton.

To my right worshipfull Maister, Thomas Stonore.

69. THOMAS MULL TO THOMAS STONOR [MAY, 1463]

The date is fixed by the reference to the "Award of Devonshir," which from No. 72 seems to have been made on or soon after 12th May, 1463; see also No. 79. The Swete lawsuit, in which Thomas Hampden or Hampton of Kimble was interested, was at this time in a critical position—see p. liii above. Unlike most of Mull's letters it is not autograph; this circumstance, combined with the rather formal tone of the letter, suggests that relations were somewhat strained. From A.C., xlvi, 61.

Ryght worshipfull Brother, I comaund me unto you. And thogh it so be that, as me thynkyth, ye do not remembre me in suche thynges as is me dewe, my sylver not payd me as yet of oold, a new payment nowe ron bothe: to long burthyn makyth wery bonys &c: Yet to remembre you of thynges which shold concerne you, I wold not that ye, nor noon of your welwyllers, took non thynges but such as myght be to your worship &c. Sir, I avise you that in al hast possible ye dispose you to London, bryngyng with you Thomas Hampdene, your Cosyn, as ye woll his welfar and moo &c. Sir, I knowe him not, and thogh I did, yet it must have wytty gydyng, which in no wyse I woll medyll of withoute it be so that ye or sum other sadd man mo then he be heer: the mater requyreth haste, for such that ye woll not ymagen, and thynges that I woll to no man utter but to you or such as I knowe &c. Sapienti pauca. As for your owne maters, when ye cume ye shal understond al as requyryth: it hath noon hast, but when ye woll, com yourself: the Award of Devonshir is not such as I wold it wer. God preserve you &c. Ye know your seson, kepe it and ye woll &c.

T. M^ll.

To my worshipfull Brother, Thomas Stonor.

70. JANE STONOR TO THOMAS STONOR [2ND AUGUST, 1463]

The endorsement is illegible, but the letter was clearly written by Jane Stonor to her husband. The most probable date is 1463, when the Scots had recovered Alnwick and Edward IV went north to Northampton, where he remained till 28 July, which was the Thursday after Langforth came to Stonor. Langforth was probably the son of Edward Langford, the writer of No. 119. From A.C., xlvi, 73.

Syr, I recommende me to ȝow. Plesyth ȝow to wete þat upon Wednes|day last passyd my cousin Langforth ys sone browthe ȝow a privy sele, and to all þe jentylmen off þe schyre. So I resseyved sore akenyn my wyll. Y þesyryd of hym to have kept ytt stylle, for ȝe were not at home: butt he wold nott so doo, but counsellyd me to sendyd ȝow in all hast. And he promysys me þat he wold informe þe kyng þat ȝe were not at home, and he told me þat upon þe Thursday folwyng þe kyng remevyth northward, and purposyth into Schottland, ef þen he com akeyn. For

þat oþer party hathe bysechyd þe castell þat was late rescuyd, and þer ys of þam moo þen V. m., as þe Kynge hath word. Other tydynges y can none send: but y beseke þe holy gost be ȝour gyde. I-wrytyn at Stonor þe Tuesday after seint Annis day.

Yowr owyn J. S.

71. JOHN FRENDE TO THOMAS STONOR [? 1463]

This would seem to be later than Nos. 63 and 64, and probably of nearly the same date as No. 72. Ugborough is 3 miles N.E. of Ermington, Mod|bury 2 miles S.E. Aveton Giffard and Churchstow are between Modbury and Kingsbridge. Dodbroke is close to Kingsbridge. Holbeton is about 2 miles S.W. of Ermington. The names are written in three columns; the top of the paper above the third column has been cut away, but there is nothing to indicate that any names are missing. From A.C., xlvi, 51.

Willelmus Champernound de Modbury, armiger. Willelmus June, ar|miger. Johannes Shynner, nuper de Modbury, clerk. Willelmus Franke de Modbury, yoman. Willelmus Wyllyng de Ugburgh, yoman. Willel|mus Luysh de Ugburgh, yoman. Thomas Robyn, nuper de Dodbroke, yoman. Rogerus Wyot, nuper de Dodbroke, yoman. Walterus Mathue de Kyngysbrygge, yoman. Johannes Torrynge de Modbury, marchant. Radulphus Gybbe de Modbury, yoman. Robertus Shynner de Modbury, marchant. Henricus Hyne de Modbury, carpenter. Edwardus Pound de Modbury, mercer. Thomas Stenlake de Modbury, yoman. Henricus Lyveger de Modbury, draper. Petrus Carsewyll de Modbury, mercer. Willelmus Kevelyn de Modbury, weever. Henricus Pyers de Modbury, mason. Willelmus Lyveger de Modbury, shyrman. Ricardus Croppyng de Modbury, weever. Ricardus Sperte de Modbury, cordeweener. Adam Lovetorre de Modbury, marchaunt. Johannes Lede de Modbury, mar|chaunt. Johannes Bastard de Modbury, baker. Johannes Crewbere de Modbury, marchaunt. Thomas Hervy de Modbury, tayllour. Johannes Cryspyn de Modbury, fysher. Walterus Lovecrofte de Modbury, weever. Johannes Rouwell de Modbury, cordewayner. Johannes Apeldorn de Modbury, bocher. Johannes Dyver de Modbury, cordewayner. Johannes Rugge de Modbury, wever. Henricus Ryche de Modbury, glover. Thomas Ryche de Modbury, glover. Willelmus Cokke de Modbury,

cordewayner. Johannes Rouss de Modbury, ffrankelyn. Matillda Legh de Modbury, vidua. Willelmus Adam de Modbury, yoman. Ricardus Leghe de Leghe, bocher. Thomas Veyse de Leghe, bocher. Willelmus Spycer de Aveton Gyffard, yoman. Ricardus Frende, senior, de Ermyng|ton, drover. Johannes Frende de Erm., bocher. Robertus Frende de Erm., toker. Willelmus Forde, senior, de Holbeton, husbondman. Willelmus Forde, junior, de Holbeton, laborer. Henricus Denyell de Aveton Gyffard, taillour. Johannes Corset de Kyngsbrygge, cordewaner. Willelmus Mowne de Modbury, wever. Walterus Frende de Ermyngton, bocher. Willelmus Betyn, nuper de Sadlyngton, yoman. Johannes Rogger de Holbeton, milward. Johannes Huchyn de Erm., toker. [The first column ends here.] Johannes Sturne de Modbury, yoman. Johannes Coyte de Modbury, laborer. Johannes Sayer de Modbury, carpenter. Willelmus Rowe de Modbury, grome. Ricardus Marshall de Modbury, yoman. Willelmus Skowte de Modbury, laborer. Johannes Tybbe de Modbury, husbond|man. Johannes Wyse de Modbury, taillour. Willelmus Vygge de Mod|bury, laborer. Thomas Gow de Modbury, laborer. Henricus Skryche de Modbury, smythe. Johannes Hayman de Modbury, carpenter. Willelmus Maddok de Modbury, corveser. Johannes Hyrward de Mod|bury, corveser. Ricardus Cokke de Modbury, tanner. Michael Fawke de Modbury, carpenter. Johannes Cook de M., [From this point the original has only "M.," no doubt for Modbury.] steynour. Willelmus Manevon de M., mason. Rogerus Hayman de M., corveser. Johannes Frode de M., corveser. Johannes Argent de M., wever. Johannes Ryse de M., tanner. Johannes Terry de M., bocher. Willelmus Hempston de M., taillour. Hugo Ryse de M., laborer. Ricardus Rede de M., laborer. Ricardus Mewy de M., taillour. Johannes Smale de M., laborer. Johannes Whyte de M., jowter. Willelmus Cook de M., kerver. Ricardus Hylle de M., corveser. Johannes Roche de M., tayllour. Willelmus Coyte de M., corveser. Johannes Lovecrofte de M., clerke. Ricardus Iwayn de M., laborer. Johannes Skowte de M., corveser. Nicholaus Jay de M., tayllour. Thomas Broun de M., laborer. Wil|lelmus Crokker de M., yoman. Johannes Credon de M., toker. Robertus Covyn de M., laborer. Thomas Hylle de M., bocher. Willelmus Hylle de M., wever. Henricus Bray de M., smythe. Ricardus Bease de M., smythe. Johannes Mewy de M., tayllour. Thomas Leveger de M., yoman. Johannes Whyte de M., corveser. Johannes Pyers de M., cor|veser. Johannes Kevelyn de M., corveser. Willelmus Clerke de M., laborer. Robertus Kelowe de M., glover. Johannes Kelowe de M.,

glover. Johannes Berse, nuper de Plymstoke, yoman. Willelmus Ryder de Leghe, yoman. Henricus Peche de Aveton Gyffard, yoman. Walterus Wakeham de Aveton Gyffard, yoman. Johannes Redhode de Aveton Gyffard, laborer. Thomas Emery de Aveton Gyffard, laborer. [The second column ends here.] Stephanus ffelipp de Aveton Gyffard, bocher. David Tope de Aveton Gyffard, husbondman. Willelmus Sheccote, nuper de Ugburgh, yoman. Johannes Richard de Dodbroke, yoman. Jacobus Langmede de Dodbroke, hus|bondman. Johannes Kydeway de Dodbroke, laborer. Robertus Kente de Dodbroke, miller. Johannes Carsewill de Dodbroke, mercer. Johannes Strawe de Dodbroke, cordewaner. Johannes Wynsore de Dodbroke, wever. Ricardus Wynsore de Dodbroke, taillour. Thomas Parker de Dodbroke, crokker. Walterus Wynsore de Dodbroke, wever. Ricardus Tynner de Dodbroke, dyer. Willelmus Webber de Dodbroke, fisher. Ricardus Coshe de Dodbroke, mason. Willelmus Campe de Dodbroke, brewer. Robertus Broke de Southpole, carpenter. Johannes Tayllour de Dodbroke, seman. Willelmus Herward de Dodbroke, tayllour. Johannes Olyver de Dodbroke, laborer. Johannes Groby de Dodbroke, cordwayner. Willelmus Wynde de Staverton, yoman. Ricardus Wakeham de Kyngysbrygge, yoman. Andreas Costard de Kyngysbrygge, yoman. Johannes Corset, junior, de Kyngysbrygge, cordewayner. Johannes Lange, junior, de Kings., tayllour. Henricus Ayshlegh de Dodbroke, mercer. Robertus Dyer de Kyngysbrygge, cor|veser. Johannes Dever de Kyngysbr., bocher. Johannes Pralle de Kyngysbr., bocher. Johannes Mey de Kyngysbr., brewer. Ricardus Bakkelegh de Kyngysbr., smythe. Willelmus Yoman de Kyngysbr., smythe. Thomas Jowde (?) de Aveton Gyffard, seman. Henry Vygge de Aveton Gyffard, seman. Petrus He . . . e de Churstowe, husbond|man. Johannes She . . . e de Churstowe, yoman. Willelmus Davels de Churstowe, bocher. Johannes Milward de Ermyngton carpenter. Thomas Chapelman de Erm., carpenter. Johannes Davy de M., wever. Johannes Thryste de Modbury, laborer.

Right worshipfull and reverent syre, y recommaund me unto you, praying you hertely that ye will fochesafe to holde me escusyd of that y p[ro]mittyd you atte Ermyngton to be with you atte London thys terme: for y am seke, and ly style yn my bede; where y shall leve or day y wete noght, but y sende you yn thys paper the names of all ham that wyll desyre to have a quytans of Richard Fortescu for your mater. No

more to you atte thys tyme, but the holy Trinite have you yn hys kepynge.

Your servant Jon Frende.

Tradatur Thome Stonor ad signum vocatum Wolsak in Flete strete.

72. STONOR v. FORTESCUE: BILL OF NAMES 28TH AUGUST, 1463

This is the Bill of Names referred to in No. 79. It was consequent on the award to which reference is made in Nos. 61 and 79. From Ch. Misc., 37, ix, 11.

This bille endentyd witnesseth that Thomas Stonore, Esquier, hathe deliveryd to Richard Fortescu of Holecumbe, Squier, the Sunday afore the decollacion of Seynt John the Babtyst these names here undyrwrytyn in the thryd yere of Kyng Edward the iiij^th, the wych the forseyde Richard shall reles unto all accions of trespas done by fore the xij^the day of Maye last past: William Champernone of Modbury, Squier, William June of the same, Squier, John Shynnor, late of [Mod]bury, clerk, John Frank of Modbury, yeman, &c. (The rest of the names are the same as in No. 71 down to Richard Frende, who is described as of the pariche of Ermyngton, drover, with the substitution of Petyr Coleswell of Modbury, mercer, for Petrus Carsewyll, and the insertions of Petyr Caswell of Mod|bury, mercer (after Henry Pyers or Pers) and of Richard Frende, of the same pariche, the younger (added after the elder Richard Frende). There are a few varieties in the spelling of names: "Uxeborough" for "Ugburgh," "Veysy" for "Veyse," "Lussh" for "Luysh".)

73. PROCLAMATION OF A TRUCE BY SEA 24 APRIL, 1464

This Proclamation is given in a writ, dated at Westminster, 24th April, 1464, and addressed to the Sheriff of Oxon. and Berks., requiring him to publish it. The negotiations to which the Proclamation refers are given in Foedera, xi, 520-2. The original has endorsed on it a receipt by William.

Bekyngham, collector of the tenth, for a payment from the vill of Stanlake, dated 10 October, 1464. From Ch. Misc., 37, iii, 16.

"Forasmuch as betweixt the right trusty and right welbelovyd Cosyn to our soverayn lord the kyng, Richard, Erle of Warrewik and Sar., grete chamberleyn of England, and the right trusty and welbelovyd knyght, John Wenlok, Lord Wenlok, oure seid sovereyn lordez deputeez and commissarez on that oon partie, and the noble and worthy lord, the lord Lannoy, ambassiatour and Comyssarye of the excelent and myghty prynce Lowes of Fraunce, cosyn and adversarye to our seid soverayn lord, on that other partie, certeyn abstinence of Werre by the see, stremez and fresshwaters, for the partie and in the name of oure said soverayn lord and the partie and in the name of his seid cosyn of Fraunce, be appoynted, taken and concluded under certeyn maner and forme, as other trewes by land late were accepted, accorded, and concluded by the ambassiatours and Commissariez of bothe parties in the Toun of Hedyn: the seid trewes be see, stremez and fresshwaters to begynne the xx day of Maii next comming, and to endure to the sonne goyng down of the first day of Octobre than next suyng: the kyng oure seid soverayn lord strectly chargeth and commaundeth all his liegemen and subgectes and everye of theym wele and duely to observe and kepe the same abstinencez of Werre by see, stremez and ffresshwaters duryng the tyme abovesaid, ac|cordyng to theffect, tenure, and contenue of the seid appoyntement, nothyng doyng or attemptyng to the contrarie therof, as they woll aunswere at theyr parell and eschewe to be punysshed as brekers of the seid abstinences accordyng to the lawes of oure seid soverayn lord and statutes ordeyned and made in that behalve."

74. A PETITION OF THE PARISHIONERS OF DIDCOT TO THOMAS STONOR [c. 1465]

The only clue to the date is the reference to Dr. Bulkeley, i.e. Roger Bulkeley, D.D. of Oxford, who was Proctor in 1433, Principal of Hare Hall in 1450, and Commissary of the University in 1450, 1461, and 1464. He was Rector of Didcot in 1465-67 (Ministers Accounts, 1240/10, 11; see Vol. ii, p. 182); he may have held the rectory for some time previously. The original is badly damaged in the lower left-hand corner. From A.C., xlvi, 41.

Unto oure worshipfull and reverent Maister, Thomas Stonor, esquier, or to such as it plesith him in this behalf to assigne.

Besechethe lowly and mekely unto youre gracious Maistership youre pore bedemen and tenauntes off youre lordeship off Dudcote, wich beth gretly wronged and ungodely entreted by the parson off Dudcote fore|said: wich parson desired off the Township foresaid, that is to say off Thomas Frocwell, Richard Colleman, Williham Harries, and off other mo, to go to scole to Oxonford, and the said parson to fynde his depute and his attorney for alle sacramentes and necessaries in his absence there treuly to be observed and kept. Herapon this was graunted to the said parson, and then the parson yeed to Oxford, and the dyvyne service and other sacramentes wer not kept as thei aght to be, to gret unese to the parish. Ferthermore the chirchemen of Dudcote wer in bargenyng off a ryke off weete for the welfare and help off the chirch: the seid parson undirstode this, and unkyndly labored to Doctor Bulkley, that was awner off the reke, and prively bargened with and put the chirche|men aparte. And when the parson com home he declared in the polepitt openly, that it was the Doctor wille the parissh shuld by the straw off the reke, because thei had but litell stuff among hem this yere: God knoweth full evell penyworthes thei had and sharp. And but because off him the parish wer like to have more favor off the straw, the said parson toke to him Richard Colleman and Williham Harries to be parcenars with him after the price he bought itt, and fully agreed: and the next day after the parson denyed it, and wrongly to put hem from the bargeyne. Also the said parson yeed to Oxonford, and graunted to Williham Harries a dayes thress off straw off the same for ix. d. And he remembred him, and wold not let him have it after under xvj. d. a daies thress, and ever sold so and derrer: he myght have do better, for the straw was not his, and it was the Doctoures will that the parish shuld have penyworthes better then he shewid: ffor this unkyndnes the parish wer displesid, and thought greet unkyndness; for what that ever he wer to by straw, he must pay in honde or fynde surete as it wer a straunge man. And mo this langage and contenciones is betwix the said parson and his parishioners, with other maters moo, to greet heveness off the parish the parson to be so unkynde. Item, Robert Dobson, the parson's man, repreved and ungodely in the moost unhonest wise called diverse men knaves and harlettes and charles, and said thei wer so everychon. And the said parson mayntened him therin. Thei wer so bold that tweyne off the parson's men lay awayte apon John Pepwite in Bagley; and ther thei bete him, and, except

pepull of Abendon, likly to have kylled [him]: this man rekevered and come home. And apon a Sonday after evensong the moder of [this] same man, Bett, and the man also, made an oute cry apon the parson amonge all the parisshe . . . whiche were hevy to here off, iff it shuld be written. Item, Richard Browne com, and openly [declare]d afore the parson and the parisshe that Richard Colleman shuld have be beet, iff he had come . . . . . wey: the parson said he wold put on aventure the valure off his parsonage, but at the last . . . . . vjs. viijd., that Browne wold nat awow this: and Browne at all tymes will . . . [awo]w itt, and testifie it at alle tymes. The parisshones, for goode tranquillite, reest, and . . . [fe]ryng the greet hurt off the chirch ale at that tyme, beside alle other offences . . . . . and his preest to go in to the parsonage to kepe peas, and the parson redde a greet . . . bully, and called Maister Stonors men, and said stonde, wich we, Williham . . . . . and off this, and come to Dudcote and made peas unto the tyme Maister . . . . . at. Wherfore we wyll beseche youre maysterschip to have knowleche how and . . . . . en yet to make a new dyvysion ayen. Ther was a mason wroght on the . . . . . the parson wold have sett his horse on the chirchyerd in the night tyme, and . . . . . it in his horse, and desiryd him to put hym noon there by cause off the . . . off the scafoldys that were aboute hytt.

No endorsement.

75. THOMAS AND MARGERY HAMPDEN TO THOMAS STONOR [c. 1465]

Since Thomas Stonor, the elder, had not been dead (as it would seem) forty years, this letter cannot be later than 1470, whilst the reference to "your sons" makes it unlikely that it was earlier than 1465. Thomas Hampden's father, John Hampden, was half-brother of the first Thomas Stonor. The writer of the postscript is clearly his wife Margery, daughter of Sir Stephen Popham; when appointing her to be an executor of his will (P.C.C., 27 Logge), Hampden described her as "my wife whom of youth I have know wele con|scienshid, and to me a trew and lovyng wife". From A.C., xlvi, 53.

Ryght worchepefull cossyn, y recommand me unto yow: and y pray yow, asse y may do any theyng to yowr plessur, that ȝe wolle grant me

the nexte avoydanys that ffallethe yow of any benyffys off yowrys that ys off valew off xx. li., or ȝeffe hyt be better then xx. markes; and y werr be hold unto yow, ȝeffe hyt lyke yow to do sso moche ffor me, and allso ȝe bynde me to do ffor yow yn that that yn me ys: y wysse, Cossyn, y have a beneffysse that ther hathe benne prest ther yn at my unkyll your faderys dessyr and yowrys alle moste theys xl. wynter, and onne I putte yn at yowr dessir my selffe. Y wryte unto yow for a jantylmane, that I darr promysse yow schall do yow tru servysse and plesurr, and he ys a wor|chepeffull man and a well rulede, prayng yow to sende me a answerr by wrytyng. And allmyty God have yow yn ys kepyng, and all yowrys. Y beseche yow thys sympyll byll may recommand me unto my cossyn your wyffe. Y-wrytyn at Hampden onne Newyerys day.

Your cossyn T. Hampden off Hampden. (Postscript in another hand).

Cossyne, I recomaund me untoo yow, and I beche yow of yowre gode cossyne hode yn þe performyng off my husbondes dessyr &c. Cossyne, and ȝe had desyred me or myne soo ofte as I have desyred yow and my cossyns, yowr sones, I wold have sene yow offtener. I wesse, cossyne, het greveth me &c. Ther may no man hold þat woll awaye: and ther for I moste take het as weele as I can, and thenketh thes delyng under wissedome ne kyndnes all thyngys consederbred to be soo strange &c.

To my right worchepefull cossyn, T. Stonore.

76. THOMAS HAMPTON TO THOMAS STONOR [c. 1465]

The writer is Hampton of Kimble: see No. 65. The date is certainly later than 1460, but perhaps only a few years. John Hampton of Staffordshire occurs as a squire for the body from 1437 to 1459 (C.P.R., Henry VI, iii, 45, vi, 532); in the last year he was rewarded for his long service to Henry V and Henry VI. From A.C., xlvi, 55.

After almaner of due recommendaciouns, in my most tender wyse I recommaunde me to yow. S[yr . . . . .] haf knowlyche whether þe sute be takyn ayenst Will. Tystede ye or nay, and W . . . for as hit was law, tolde me he scholde sey he sette not þer by: What hit menyth

I can not sey. My moder, my wyf, and all my douchters, your pore kynnyswymmen, tenderly recommaundyn þem to yow, of whos prefer|ment I pray yow to haf rememberaunce, þyf eny fortune may grow in eny plase. Syr, I haf late been in the Counte of Stafford with my Cosyn John Hampton, sometyme Squier for þe body with Kynge H., and in my þer beyng he hath made estate of xl. markes of his lond, and takyn estate of me ayen ther of his lyff and of his wyffes, þe remaynder to me and to myn heyres, with all þe evydens acordyng, where of I haf the more parte at home, wyche þey schall enyoye with al oþer of my londes. Syr, when and what tyme we schall see yow and my cosyn W., I pray yow sende me worde. Syr, þat tyme I haf worde by my Cosyn Waller, brynger of þis my sympull byll, Gode Syr, whether Palmer be delynge ge ... ye, and how my Suster Swete doth. No more at þis tyme, but almythty godde have yn hys kepyng, Amen.

By your owne T. Hampton.

To my Rythe Wurshypfull Cosyn, T. Stonor, be Wylyam be þis delyveryd.

77. WARRANT FOR COLLECTION OF KING'S SILVER [c. 1465]

Thomas Stonor purchased Rotherfield Peppard from his step-father Richard Drayton in 1465, but agreed to reconvey it to Drayton and his wife for the term of their lives (Ancient Deeds, C. 6944, see Vol. ii, p. 174). The reconveyance was possibly effected by a fine, in which case this warrant may have reference thereto. The original is in Ch. Misc., 37, iii, 20.

Stephanus Coksettur, Thomas Stokfeld, et Robertus Mercer, collectors of the Kyngges sylver chosin in þe hundird of Benfeld &c. To John Wylkys, Constabull off Ritherfeld Pippard. In þe kyngges name We commaunde yow to levey of the persones underwrityn the summes uppon them sett in all the hast possibill.

Rotherfeld Pippard. De Thoma Stonor pro decima parte terrarum et tenementorum suorum ibidem, xxxviij. s. xj. d. De Willelmo Freme, j. d. De Alicia Rolf, x. d. ob. De herede Willelmi Bryne, vij. d. De Johanne Mathew, viij. d. De Roberto Clerk, j. d. De Willelmo

Lawrence, j. d. De predicto Th. Stonor pro manerio de Blountes, xiiij. s. x. d. De domino principe pro quieto redditu exeunte de Blountes, j. d. ob. Summa, lvj. s. iij. d.

78. PETITION BY THOMAS STONOR TO EDWARD IV 1465

The date of this is clearly just before Thomas Stonor was sheriff for the second time in 1465-66. Stonor obtained a grant of 100 marks from the issues of Oxon. and Berks. by Letters Patent on 20th Nov., 1465 (C.P.R., Edw. IV, i, 479; see also p. 92 below). From A.C., xlvi, 36.

Mekely sheweth unto youre highnes, youre feithfull and true liegeman Thomas Stonore, Squier, that where it hath pleased youre noble and gode grace to appoynte him to be Sherief of youre Countes of Oxon|ford and Berkshire for the yere next comyng to be had and occupied, it is so that the seid Thomas Stonore in his accompt, the whiche he is to yelde or shall yelde to you in youre Eschekere of that office, is like to be charged of many and grete summes of money aswell of Vicountellez as of othere fermez and dettez, ammountyng to the summe of Centum li., the whiche cannot be leved by the seid Thomas or of whom to be leved to the seid Thomas Stonore it is unknowen, whereby and by the grete chargez and costez, the whiche he shall bere and have in that office, is like to be gretely hurte withoute your grace especiall be shewed unto him on this behalf. Please it therefor youre moost noble and habundaunt grace to graunte unto him youre graciouse letters patentez in due fourme to be made after the tenoure folowyng. And he shall pray God for the conservacion of youre moost roiall Estate.

Edwardus Dei gracia &c., omnibus ad quos &c., salutem. Sciatis quod nos considerantes bona et gratuita servicia nobis per dilectum et fidelem nostrum Thomam Stonore, armigerum, ante hec tempora im|pensa, ac certis aliis magnis consideracionibus nos specialiter moventibus de gracia nostra speciali ac ex certa sciencia et mero motu nostris con|cedimus prefato Thome centum libras habendas et percipiendas sibi de firmis, exitibus, proficuis, et revencionibus de Comitatu Oxon. et Comitatu Berks. provenientibus per manus Vicecomitis Comitatuum

illorum pro tempore existentis. Volentes et concedentes quod tum ipse Thomas Stonore quam ipse Vicecomes pro tempore existens de eisdem Centum libris et qualibet inde parcella ad Scaccarium nostrum ex|onerentur, et acquietentur, et eorum quilibet exoneretur et acquietetur, aliquo statuto, actu, ordinacione, sive restrictione in contrarium inde facto, edito, seu promulgato non obstante.

79. STONOR v. FORTESCUE: ARTICLES [? 1466]

These Articles seem to be the draft of a Chancery Bill, but there is no corresponding document amongst the extant Early Chancery Proceedings. They are clearly later than the Bill of Names—No. 72. Perhaps they may be a draft of some contemplated proceedings in 1466, when the complaint of John Frende was presented in Chancery—see No. 80. More is possibly Sir John More, the father of Sir Thomas More. For Reyny, who was a Devon|shire lawyer, see No. 100. Exst is possibly the Thomas Hext of Nos. 263 and 284. From Ch. Misc., 37, iii, 15.

Memorandum of divers Artycles ayenst Richard Fortescu.

First, where that ther was award made by More, Reyny, and Huddysfild, and in that award among othyr thynggis to be done the seyde Richard shuld relese all manere of accion personall to suche per|sonys as shuld be deliveryd to the seyde Richard by byll by the hondys of Thomas Stonore: the seyde Thomas deliveryd to the seyde Rychard a bylle endentyd of certeyne namys, the wyche where never relest unto: and for defaute of suche reles many of the personys where sore amercyd and troubyld to the charge and coste of the seyde Thomas &c.

Also divers of my welwyllers have be causyd by Supplicavit and I-put to ther ffynabus, sum vj. s. viij. d., sum x. s., sum xiij. s. iiij. d., sum xl. d.

Also sithyn that award ther was award made by mouthe by Thomas Rogers of Greyysyn and Exst of the Tempyll, that I Sir Thomas Stonore shuld have had of the seyde Richard a Aquitauns of all maner of accions, the wyche is nott yet done and that altho personys þat the seyde Richard had wrongfully take mony of for cause of me þat he shuld a restoryd ayen to hem in Ermyngton chyrche; the wiche is not

yet don, and for lak of that doyng hyt is to my grete hurt and damage &c.

Also the seyde Sir Richard wrongfully occupyyth my severel grounde in occupyy[ng] of a wey thorowe the North park and in pasturyng of his bestis ther also. . .

Also where he fette dyvers fursis, feld and sold by myne officers, oute of Yarne Knolle to his use and there hurt, and woondyd John Ryt of Holbeton to my grete cost and charge &c.

Also where he suyth and avexyth divers pepill for love of me in Plympton Cort and ahs(?) Cort and Tremyngton Cort to my grete charge &c.

Also untruly by hym brougte up Frend by a suppena and the party not pryvy, and than withowte cause axyd Suryte of pees, the wyche was &c.

80. JOHN FRENDE v. RICHARD FORTESCUE [1466]

Though these documents do not form part of the Stonor Papers they are important for the history of the dispute at Ermington. The date is fixed by the proceedings in the King's Bench, where it appears that the date of the assault on Frende was in December, 1465. The appearance of Stonor and Thomas Mulle (who no doubt represented Richard Drayton) shows that "plegii de prosequendo" were in some cases at all events genuine persons, although it has been argued that the pledges were usually fictitious persons (like John Doe and Richard Roe); the Richard Gryme and William Lyme of p. 79 below may be such a fictitious instance. From Early Chancery Proceedings, 31/34-36.

To the right reverend ffader in God, tharchebusshop of Yorke and Chaunceller of Engelond.

Mekely besecheth and peteously complayneth your poor and con|tinuell Oratour, John Frende, graciously to concydre that Richard Fortescu of Ermynton in the Counte of Devonshir, squyer, with other riotus persones to hym assembled to the nombre of iiij^xx persones and moo, ryotously arrayed in fourme of warre, that is to sey with Jackys, Bowes, Arrowes, Swerdes, Gleyves, and other defencible wepyns, the xij day of Decembre laste passed ayenste the pees of our sovereign lord

the Kynge at Ermynton aforsaid ryotusly and ayenste the lawe come and tooke your seid Oratour oute of his hows as his prisoner, and hym ladd unto the hows of the seyd Richard Fortescue, and ther hym in pryson kepte by the space of iiij dayes unto the tyme your seid Oratour had payed for the delyveraunce and raunsom to the seid Richard Fortescue v. marc. And gracyous lord, your seid Oratour is in such poverte that he is not of power to sue for his remedy accordyng to the cours of the comone lawe of the londe, and so standyth as withowte remedy withowte your good grace be shewed to hym in this behalf. Wherfore, plese it your good lordeship gracyusly to concydre the pre|misses, and ther uppon to graunte a writte sub pena to be directed to the seid Richard Fortescue, commaundyng hym by the same to appere before the Kynge in Chauncerye at a certene day and under a certene peyne by you to be lymytyd ther to answer to the premisses, and to do and resceyve as concyence askyth and requyreth, and this for the love of god and in the wey of charyte.

Plegii de prosequendo; Thomas Stonour de London, armig.; Thomas Mulle de London, gent.

This is the answere of Richard Fortescue to the bill putt ageynst hym by John Frende.

Fyrst, the seid Richard seith bi protestacion that the mater conteyned in the seid bill is mater determinable by the comon lawe of the land and noght in this Courte: bott for his answer and pleyn declaracion of the same he seith that he longe tyme before the seid arrest had a Wryte of Supplicavit oute of this Courte ageynst the seid John, directed to the Shyrryf of Devonshyr, the which Shyrryf made a Warraunte uppon the same Wryte to John Hillyour, John Saundre, William Screch, and Thomas Horne, jointly and severally to tak and arrest the seid John accordyng to the content of the seid Wryte: bi vertue of which Warraunte the seid John, John, William and Thomas arrestyd þe seid John in pesible wyse at Ermyngton, beyng oute of his hows, and hym from thens had toward the Kynges comon Jale by the howse of the seid Richard, and thair taried with hym bi the space of half an houre: and the same John so beyng in the howse of the seid Richard, the same Richard fortunyd to come home fyndyng the seid John in his howse undre arrest as is afforseid, withoute that the seid Richard in riotous wyse or in such fourme tok and imprisonyd the seid John in

maner and fourme as he hath allegyd, and withoute that þe seid Richard tok or made to be takyn the seid John or hym kepyd in prison in house langer or in eny othere maner and fourme than the seid Richard hath before rehersyd &c. Moreover, the seid Richard seith that the seid John hath an accion of faux imprisonment hangyng ageynst þe seid Richard in the Comon place, [

The record of this action appears in Hilary Term 1466, in Placita de Banco, Roll, 818, m. 251: Devon. Johannes Frende per attornatum suum optulit se iiij^to die versus Ricardum Fortescu de Ermyngton in comitatu predicto, gentilman, Thomam Horne de Ermyngton in comitatu predicto, husbondman, Willelmum Screche nuper de Ermyngton in comitatu predicto, grome, et Johannem Saunder de Ermyngton in comitatu predicto, souter, de placito quare vi et armis in ipsum Johannem Frende apud Ermyngton insultum fecerunt et ipsum verberaverunt, vulneraverunt, imprisonaverunt et male tractaverunt, et ipsum ibidem sic in prisona contra legem et consuetudinem regni Regis Anglie diu detinuerunt, et alia enormia &c., ad grave dampnum &c, et contra pacem Regis &c. Et ipsi non venerunt, et preceptum fuit Vicecomiti quod attachiet eos &c. Et de prefato Ricardo mandat Vicecomes'quod attachiatus est per plegia Johannis Lok et Ricardi Cok. Ideo ipsi in manu &c. Et distringatur quod sit hic a die Pasche in xv dies &c. Et de prefatis Thoma, Willelmo, et Johanne Saunder mandat Vicecomes quod nichil habent &c. Ideo capiantur quod sint hic ad prefatum terminum &c. Ad quem diem Vicecomes non misit breve. Ideo tam predictus Ricardus sicut prius dis|tringatur, quam predicti alii defendentes capiantur quod sint hic in crastino Sancti Johannis Baptiste.

There appears to be no entry in the Roll for Trinity Term, and the proceedings in the Common Pleas were presumably dropped.

] bi reason the seid arrest, which is ageynst all consciens he to be vexed here and in the Comon place and all for on thyng. All which maters the seid Richard is redy to profe as this Courte will reule hym, and prayeth þat he may be dismissed out of this Courte with his costes and damages for his wrongfull vexacion.

This is the Replicacion of John Frende unto the aunswere of Richard Fortescu.

The seid John Frende by protestacion nat knowyng ony writte of Supplicavit had ageyn hym nor ony warant made be the seid Shyryve to John Saundre and other to arreste the seid John Frende in maner and fourme as ys supposed by the seid aunswere: but for aunswere the said John Frende seith in dede that he was arested and taken in riotous wise by the said Richard Fortescu and other, and lad to the hous of the same Richard and as a prisoner kept in maner and fourme specified in the seid bill: and over that he seith that he was atte that tyme ther putte in dures in to Stokkes and gretly manassed and thretenyd and put in fere of bodily harme: and many tymes sithen the seid em|prisonement

the seid Richard Fortescu hath thretened the seid John Frend and putte hym in greate feere boith of his persone and losse of his goodis, so that he thurst nat attend his husbondrye, to his import|able losse, hurte, and greff, havyng in his hand as moche land in ferme as he paiethe therfor xl. li.; withoute that atte the tyme of the seid takyng, arestynge or imprisonement of the seid John Frend ony warant from the seid Shirive to him was shewed: which mater the seid John Frend is redy to prove like as the Courte will award: and prayeth that the seid Richard for the seid riote may be commytted to ward, and that he may be compellid to yeld to the seid John Frend reson|able damages for his seid grete hurtys and wrongefulle vexacion, and also the costys of his suyte.

81. JOHN YEME TO THOMAS STONOR 11 JUNE [? 1466]

Since Frende was still bailiff in Dec., 1465—see p. 79 below—the year is probably 1466. From the reference to Plympton and Trematon Courts it would seem likely to be of about the same date as the Articles—No. 79. Thomas Stonor was apparently in London in May, 1466—see pp. 79, 80; but the date may possibly be 1467. For Yeme as bailiff, see further No. 126. For Thomas Horne, see Nos. 64 and 82; and for Menwynnek, see No. 126. From A.C., xlvi, 86.

Rygth Reverent Mayster, y recomand me unto yowe, desyryng to here of yower wellefare and prosperyte of body and sawle, besekyng Almyȝthy Jhesu preservy hit unto his plesure and to yower worly wor|schyppe and herte ys desyre. Furdermore, as for the accion of sewryte of pese, the wycche Thomas Horne hathe ayenst me, y have aperyd therto and have y-putte yn iij seuryteys, John Kyrton ys on, John Frende of Seynte Jely's parysche ys the secunde, and a cosyn of myn ys the thirde. And y hadde myche labur to gete me a weye. Fuder|more, Walter Frende recomandes hym to yower good maisterchyppe, and he wolle pray yowe to sende hym worde wher to Mylle of Ermyngton schall be y-koweryn with stone or strawe, and wher he schall ordeyne any haye ayenst yower comyng. Y wold have come home to your maisterchyppe, but y have y-taryd vij dayys yn London apon you: for the osteler tellyd me that ye wolde have y-be ther atte the

begynnyng of the terme. All so y have y-bofte me a hors atte London, for y loste my hors ful falsly and untreuly apon the waye, as I tryste to Godde to enforme yower maysterchyppe and ever y may speke with yowe. And y have y-spende mycche mony to gete me awaye fro the Marschall ys warde: for y was comyttyd ynto his warde, but yette y thanke Godde and ffrende men for. All so Ric. Fortescu ffaryth ffowle with Walter Frende and me, and layyth his men yn awayte to murder me when y was laste atte Ermyngton atte Corte: and all ys for by cawse y wolde notte suffry hym to have his yntente at Plympton Corte: but y tryste he schal never have non yntente ayenste them that he sewyth ther. And as for the Corte of Tremeton, y have mycche laburr ther; but yette y have notte geffe no ple ther, for he ys asoynyd ij tymys a rewe yn his oune pleynte. And that sawe y never yn no place but ther: but that ys Menwynnycke, a felow of Corte of his, ys doyng, the whycche ys Steward ther. No more to yowe atte thys tyme. And Jhesu preservy yow yn his blessyd kepyng, Amen. Y-wrytyn atte Lon|don on Seynte Barnebe y Evyn yn all haste.

By yower pore servant John Yeme.

To my Reverent Mayster Thomas Stonor, Esquyer, thys letter be y-dylyveryd in all haste.

82. PROCEEDINGS IN THE SUIT OF STONOR VERSUS FORTESCUE 1466-68

The Stonor Manuscripts in Chancery Miscellanea, 37, iii, 44, include a copy, of the pleadings in the King's Bench in Trinity Term, 1467, reciting the pro|ceedings in Chancery of the previous year. To complete the history of the case extracts are given from the Coram Rege Rolls down to Michaelmas, 1468, at which time Thomas Stonor's letter—No. 91—shows that Richard Fortescue was finally dismissed. The reason for the description of Thomas Stonor as a servant of the Archbishop of York is obscure—but see No. 97; he may have been steward of one of the archbishop's manors.

Placita apud Westm. coram domino Rege de termino sancte Trinitatis Anno Regni Regis Edwardi quarti post conquestum Anglie septimo.

Memorandum quod venerabilis in Christo pater G. archiepiscopus

Ebor., cancellarius domini Regis Anglie, per manus suas proprias liber|avit hic in Curia tercio die Junii, isto eodem termino, recordum coram eo in cancelaria habitum in hec verba:

Placita coram domino Rege in cancelaria sua apud Westm. a die Pasche in unum mensem anno regni Regis Edwardi quarti post con|questum sexto.

Devon. Ricardus Fortescu de Ermyngton in comitatu predicto, armiger, attachiatus fuit per corpus suum de respondendo Thome Stonore, armigero, uni servientium venerabilis patris Georgii, Archie|piscopi Ebor., cancellarii domini Regis, de quadam transgressione eidem Thome per prefatum Ricardum illata, ut dicitur. Et unde idem Thomas per Christoforum Hamton, attornatum suum, queritur quod predictus Ricardus, aggregatis sibi quampluribus malefactoribus eidem Thome ignotis ad numerum quadraginta personarum, modo guerrino, scilicet deploidibus [diplois, a doublet or jack.] defensivis, salettis, glavis, et billis arraiatis, vi et armis, videlicet gladiis, arcubus, et sagittis, decimo die Maii, Anno regni domini Regis nunc secundo, in ipsum Thomam Stonore apud Ermyng|ton predictam insultum fecit, et ipsum verberavit, vulneravit et male|tractavit, et vicesimo die Decembris, anno regni dicti domini Regis nunc quinto, in Johannem Frende, servientem ejusdem Thome Stonore, apud Ermyngton predictam insultum fecit, et ipsum Johannem tunc ibidem cepit, et imprisonavit, et in prisona detinuit contra legem et consuetud|inem regni Regis Anglie, et eidem servienti tales et tantas minas de vita sua et mutilacione membrorum suorum tunc ibidem affecit, quod idem serviens circa servicium et negocia ipsius Thome, videlicet custo|diam supervisionis messuagii sui ac averiorum, bonorum, et catallorum suorum ibidem faciende, occasione imprisoniamenti predicti, et ob metum mortis, per magnum tempus, videlicet a predicto vicesimo die per octo dies tunc proxime sequentes, palam incedere non audebat, sicque negocia predicta per magnum tempus infecta remanserunt. Et idem Thomas servicium servientis sui predicti amisit per idem tempus. Et alia enormia ei intulit ad grave dampnum ipsius Thome et contra pacem domini Regis nunc &c. Unde idem Thomas dicit quod deter|ioratus est, et dampnum habet ad valenciam quadraginta librarum. Et inde producit sectam &c. Plegii de prosequendo Ricardus [Radulphus, Coram Rege.] Gryme et Willelmus Lyme.

Et super hoc sexto decimo die Maii, dicto anno sexto, Willelmus Eliot de Assheperton, in comitatu Devon., Gentilman, et Henricus Brende de Lundon, Gentilman, coram domino Rege in cancelaria sua personaliter

constituti manuceperunt, videlicet uterque eorum sub pena viginti lib|rarum, pro predicto Ricardo Fortescu, ac idem Ricardus tunc ibidem assumpsit pro seipso sub pena quadraginta librarum, quod ipse person|aliter compareret coram dicto domino Rege in cancelaria sua predicta die Sabati tunc proximo futuro ubicunque tunc foret, et sic de die in diem usque in finem placiti, quam quidem summam viginti librarum [uterque manucaptorum predictorum, ac dictus Ricardus dictam sum|mam quadraginta librarum] [The words in brackets, which are missing in Chancery Misc., are supplied from the Roll.] pro se concesserunt de terris et catallis ad opus dicti domini Regis levari, si predictus Ricardus ad diem predictum in forma predicta minime comparuerit. Super quod [Subsequenter, Chancery Misc. But the scribe seems to have been doubtful.] predictus Ricardus Fortescu in propria persona sua venit et defendit vim et injuriam quando &c. Et quoad venire vi et armis, seu quicquid quod est contra pacem domini Regis, necnon totam transgressionem predictam preter dictum in|sultum, capcionem, et imprisonacionem predicti Johannis Frende ac in prisona detencionem ejusdem Johannis per spacium unius dimidie hore, dicit quod ipse in nulla est inde culpabilis, et ponit se super patriam, et predictus Thomas Stonore similiter. Et quoad insultum, capcionem, et imprisonacionem, et in prisona detencionem, illos idem Ricardus dicit quod predictus Thomas Stonore accionem suam predictam inde versus eum manutenere non debet. Quia dicit quod diu ante predictum tempus quo supponitur transgressionem predictam fieri, scilicet sextodecimo die Octobris, anno regni domini Regis nunc quinto, idem Ricardus Fortescu prosecutus fuit quoddam breve domini Regis de supplicavit extra curiam cancellarie domini Regis Vicecomiti Devon. directum Christoforo Wurs|ley, armigero, nunc et tunc vicecomiti comitatus predicti existenti, ad capiendum predictum Johannem Frende, ac quosdam Willelmum Lusshe, Willelmum Willyng, Robertum Frende, et Thomam Martyn, necnon eos ad proximam gaolam domini Regis in comitatu predicto ducendos, quousque ipsi invenissent, et eorum quilibet invenisset eidem domino Regi sufficientem securitatem de pace gerenda erga dominum Regem et cunctum populum suum, et precipue erga ipsum Ricardum Fortescu. Quod quidem breve idem Ricardus Fortescu postea, scilicet octavo die Decembris, anno regni domini Regis nunc quinto, apud Exon. in comi|tatu predicto eidem Vicecomiti deliberavit. Pretextu cujus brevis idem nunc Vicecomes fecit quoddam warantum sigillo officii sui signatum, ballivo Hundr. de Ermyngton, ac quibusdam Hugoni Helier, Thome Horne, Johanni Helier, Johanni Holbeton, Johanni Sandre, et Willelmo

Screche nuper directum et eorum cuilibet, et deliberatum apud Exon. prefato Thome Horne ad tunc infra warantum predictum in forma predicta nominatum nono [octavo, Coram Rege Roll. The scribe of Chancery Misc. first wrote "oc" and then erased it.] die Decembris tunc proximo sequente, ad capiendos prefatos Johannem Frende, Willelmum Luhsshe, Willelmum Willing, Robertum Frende, et Thomam Martyn, ac eos ad gaolam pre|dictam ducendos quousque ipsi invenissent et eorum quilibet invenisset eidem domino Regi sufficientem securitatem de pace gerenda erga dominum Regem et cunctum populum suum, et precipue erga ipsum Ricardum Fortescu. Postmodumque, scilicet predicto tempore quo supponitur transgressionem predictam fieri, apud Ermyngton predictam idem Ricardus Fortescu venit cum eisdem Hugone Helier, Johanne Sandre, Thoma Horne, Johanne Helier, Johanne Holbeton, et Willelmo Screche ad monstrandum et ostendendum eis personam predicti Johannis Frende, et eundem Johannem Frende eisdem Hugoni, Johanni Sandre, Thome Horne, Johanni Helier, et Willelmo ad tunc et ibidem monstravit, eis requirendo ad ipsum Johannem Frende pretextu waranti predicti capi|endum et proxime gaole domini Regis in comitatu predicto occasione premissa ducendum: pretextu quorum waranti et requisicionis idem Hugo, Johannes Sandre, Thomas Horne, Johannes Helier et Willelmus prefatum Johannem Frende, tempore quo supponitur transgressio pre|dicta fieri, ceperunt et imprisonaverunt, et ipsum Johannem in custodia sua per spacium dicte dimidie unius hore ad eundem Johannem Frende ad gaolam domini Regis virtute waranti predicti ducendum ad tunc et ibidem custodierunt et detinuerunt; que quidem capcio, imprisonacio, et in prisona detencio ejusdem Johannis Frende sunt idem insultus, capcio, et imprisonacio, et in prisona detencio predicti Johannis Frende per predictam unam dimidiam horam, unde predictus Thomas Stonor se modo queritur: et hic paratus est verificare prout Curia &c.; unde petit judicium si idem Thomas accionem suam predictam in hoc casu versus eum habere seu manutenere debeat &c.

Et predictus Thomas Stonor quoad predictos insultum, capcionem, imprisonacionem dicti Johannis Frende, et ejusdem Johannis in prisona detencionem per predictum spacium unius dimidie hore, non cogno|scendo aliqua per dictum Ricardum Fortescu in placito suo predicto allegata fore vera, pro placito dicit quod ipse per aliqua preallegata ab accione sua predicta inde habenda precludi non debet, quia dicit quod predictus Ricardus Fortescu, tempore transgressionis predicte facte, vi et armis, et de injuria sua propria in predictum Johannem Frende

insultum fecit, et eundem Johannem cepit et imprisonavit, et ipsum in prisona detinuit, prout idem Thomas Stonore in narracione sua superius declaravit, et non ex causa per predictum Ricardum Fortescu superius placitando allegata. Et hoc idem Thomas petit quod inquiratur per patriam, et predictus Ricardus similiter &c.

Ideo dies datus est eis coram domino Rege in Octabas sancte Trinitatis ubicunque tunc fuerit in Anglia ad faciendum et recipiendum quod justum fuerit in premissis. Et ideo preceptum est Vicecomiti Devon. quod venire faciat coram eodem domino Rege ubicunque tunc fuerit in Anglia ad diem illum xxiiij^or [This seems to be an error for "xij".] tam milites quam alios probos et legales homines de visneto de Ermyngton, qui nec prefatum Thomam Stonore nec prefatum Ricardum Fortescu aliqua affinitate attingant, ad recognoscendum per eorum sacramentum super premissis plenius veritatem.

[The Coram Rege Roll, 825, m. 23, then continues thus.]

Ad quas quidem Octabas sancte Trinitatis coram domino Rege apud Westm. venerunt partes predicte in propriis personis suis, et Vicecomes retornavit nomina xxiiij^or [This seems to be an error for "xij".] Juratorum, quorum nullus &c. Ideo pre|ceptum est Vicecomiti quod distringat eosdem juratores per omnes terras &c. Et quod de exit. &c. Et quod habeat corpora eorum coram domino Rege a die Sancti Michaelis in xv dies ubicunque &c., nisi Justiciarii domini Regis ad assisas in comitatu predicto capiendas assignati primo die Lune proximo post festum Sancti Jacobi apostoli apud Exon. per formam statuti &c. venerunt ad recognoscendum in forma predicta &c. Idem dies datus est partibus predictis &c., videlicet Ricardo Fortescu, qui manucepit quam prius &c. Ad quam quidem quindenam Sancti Michaelis coram domino Rege apud Westm. venit predictus Thomas Stonore per attornatum suum contra predictum Ricardum Fortescu in propria persona sua. Et prefati justiciarii coram quibus &c., miserunt hic recordum suum in hec verba:—

Postea die et loco infracontentato coram Waltero Moyle, milite, et Thoma Yonge, Justiciariis domini Regis ad assisas in comitatu Devon. capiendas assignatis per formam statuti &c., venit tam infranominatus Thomas Stonore quam infranominatus Ricardus Fortescu in propriis personis suis, et Juratores impanellati exacti similiter venerunt, qui ad veritatem de infracontentatis dicendam electi, triati et jurati dicunt super sacramentum suum quod predictus Ricardus Fortescu in nullo est culpabilis de infraspecificata verberacione et vulneracione predicti

Thome Stonore, necnon de imposicione infraspecificata minarum de vita et mutilacione membrorum infranominati Johannis Frende, prout idem Ricardus placitando allegavit. Et ulterius iidem juratores dicunt super sacramentum suum quod idem Ricardus culpabilis est de infra|specificato insultu in ipsum Thomam Stonore facto, prout idem Thomas per narracionem suam infraspecificatam versus eum queritur. Et assident dampna ipsius Thome occasione insultus illius ad viginti et quinque libras. Et ulterius iidem juratores dicunt super sacramentum suum quod predictus Ricardus Fortescu vi et armis et de injuria sua propria et non ex causa per eundem Ricardum interius placitando allegata. Et assident dampna ipsius Thome occasione transgressionis illius ad centum solidos. Et preterea iidem juratores assident dampna ipsius Thome pro misis et custagiis suis per ipsum circa sectam suam de et super omnibus et singulis premissis appositis ad quadraginta solidos. Ideo consideratum est quod predictus Thomas Stonore recuperet versus prefatum Ricardum Fortescu dampna predicta per juratores predictos in forma predicta assessa, que quidem dampna in toto se attingunt ad triginta et duas libras. Et predictus Ricardus Fortescu capiatur &c. Et predictus Thomas Stonore in misericordia pro falso clamore suo versus predictum Ricardum Fortescu de transgressione predicta, unde idem Ricardus superius acquietatus existit, et super hoc predictus Thomas Stonore, presens hic in Curia in propria persona sua gratis remisit prefato Ricardo Fortescu duodecim libras de dampnis predictis &c. Ideo idem Ricardus de duodecim libris illis sit quietus &c. Postea Ricardus Fortescu in propria persona sua venit et protulit hic in Curia predictas viginti libras prefato Thome Stonore in plenam satis|faccionem dampnorum predictorum deliberari &c., que quidem viginti libre in plenam satisfaccionem dampnorum predictorum prefato Thome deliberantur &c. Ideo consideratum est quod predictus Ricardus quoad eadem dampna est quietus &c.

[A precept was issued to the Sheriff of Devon to produce Richard Fortescue to answer for his trespass. The Sheriff returned that he was not to be found, and was thereupon, on 21 Nov., 1467, ordered to pro|duce him within one month of Easter—Coram Rege Roll, 826, m. 175. In Easter Term, 1468, the sheriff again returned that Richard Fortescue was not to be found, and a writ of exigi facias was accordingly issued on 11 May for the appearance of Fortescue, Hugh Helier, William Saunder, John Robard and William Scryche on the octaves of St. Martin—" quod breve xxx^o die Maii deliberatum Johanni Gogh, vice|comitis deputato" —Coram Rege Roll, 828, mm. 72, 87. Nevertheless

further proceedings occurred in Easter Term, 1468, as recorded in Roll, 828, m. 94, as follows:—]

Jurata xxiiij^or militum de visneto de Ermyngton ad convincendos xij juratores cujusdam prime inquisicionis venit recognoscendum si jura|tores, per quos quedam inquisicio nuper summonita coram domino Rege capta fuerit coram dilectis et fidelibus domini Regis Waltero Moille, militi, et Thoma Yonge, Justiciariis domini Regis ad assisas in comitatu predicto capiendas assignatis per breve domini Regis de Nisi prius apud Exon. inter Ricardum Fortescu de Ermyngton in comitatu predicto, armigerum, querentem, et Thomam Stonore, armigerum, unum servientium venerabilis patris Georgii, Archiepiscopi Ebor., nuper can|cellarii domini Regis, de quadam transgressione eidem Thome Stonore per prefatum Ricardum Fortescu illata, ut dicebatur, falsum fecerunt sacramentum, sicut idem Ricardus domino Regi graviter conquerendo monstravit, necne. Et modo coram domino Rege apud Westm. ad hunc diem, scilicet a die Pasche in xv dies, venerunt tam predictus Ricardus Fortescu per Robertum Dene, attornatum suum, quam pre|dictus Thomas Stonore per Johannem Snape, attornatum suum, et Hugo Champernoun, Robertus Hyllyng, et Willelmus Strecchelegh. tres juratores prime inquisicionis predicte in propriis personis suis similiter venerunt, et Willelmus Yeo, armiger, Johannes Speccote, Johannes Barnhouse, Willelmus Mileton, Robertus Wyllesford, Nicholaus Pyne, Rogerus Worthe, Ricardus Fokeray, et Ricardus Wyke de Wyke, novem juratores prime inquisicionis predicte residui, iiij^to die placiti solempniter exacti non venerunt. Et preceptum fuit Vicecomiti quod distringat eos &c. [The sheriff thereon reports distress.] Ideo jurata xxiiij^or militum predicta capiatur versus eos per defaltam &c. Et super hoc tam predictus Thomas Stonore quam predicti tres jura|tores prime inquisicionis predicte modo hic comparentes petunt auditum predicti brevis de attinctu. Et eis legitur &c. Petunt eciam auditum recordi, unde idem breve emanuit. Et eis legitur in hec verba:— [The Record then follows down to "duodecim libris sit quietus" on p. 83 above].

Quibus lectis et auditis, tam predictus Thomas Stonore quam pre|dicti Hugo Champernoune, Robertus Hillyng, et Willelmus Strecchelegh, tres juratores prime inquisicionis predicte, modo hic comparentes petunt quod predictus Ricardus Fortescu assignet Curie hic suum sacramentum si quod &c. Et predictus Ricardus Fortescu dicit quod predicti tres juratores prime inquisicionis modo hic comparentes et predicti novem jnratores ejusdem prime inquisicionis residui modo non comparentes

falsum fecerunt sacramentum in hoc quod dixerunt quod idem Ricardus Fortescu est culpabilis de predicto insultu in predictum Thomam facto, prout idem Thomas per narracionem suam predictam querebatur, quia idem Ricardus Fortescu dicit quod ipse in nullo est culpabilis de insultu illo in forma que idem Ricardus prius placitando allegavit. Item falsum fecere sacramentum in hoc quod assiderunt dampna ipsius Thome Stonore occasione insultus illius ad viginti et quinque libras, quia idem Ricardus Fortescu dicit quod predictus Thomas Stonore nulla sustinuit dampna occasione insultus illius eo quod idem Ricardus de insultu illo in nullo est culpabilis. Et ulterius idem Ricardus Fortescu dicit quod si per predictam juratam xxiiij^or militum comperiri poterit quod idem Ricardus culpabilis sit de insultu illo, tunc idem Ricardus Fortescu dicit quod predicti tres juratores prime inquisicionis predicte modo hic comparentes et predicti novem juratores ejusdem prime inquisicionis residui falsum fecere sacramentum in hoc quod assidere dampna pre|dicti Thome Stonore ad viginti et quinque libras pro insultu predicto ubi idem Thomas Stonore non sustinuit dampna occasione illius ultra tres solidos et quattuor denarios. Item falsum fecere sacramentum in hoc quod dixere quod idem Ricardus Fortescu, vi et armis de injuria sua propria et non ex causa per ipsum Ricardum prius placitando allegata, in predictum Johannem Frende insultum fecit et eundem Johannem cepit, et imprisonavit, et ipsum Johannem in prisona contra legem et consuetudinem Regni Regis Anglie detinuit, prout predictus Thomas Stonore placitando allegavit, quia idem Ricardus Fortescu, ut prius, dicit quod durante predicto tempore quo supponitur transgres|sionem predictam fieri, scilicet predicto sexto decimo die Octobris, anno Regni dicti domini Regis nunc quinto, supradicto, prosecutus fuerit predictum breve dicti domini Regis de supplicavit extra dictam Curiam Cancellarii dicti domini Regis Vicecomiti dicti comitatus Devon. direc|tum, Christoforo Worseley, armigero, tunc Vicecomiti comitatus predicti existenti, ad capiendum predictum Johannem Frende, et predictos Willelmum Lusse, Willelmum Willyng, Robertum Frende, et Thomam Martyn, necnon eos ad proximam gaolam dicti domini Regis in comitatu predicto ducendos, quousque ipsi invenissent et quilibet eorum &c. [as on pp. 80-81 above to ad tunc et ibidem custodierunt et detinuerunt] in forma qua idem Ricardus prius placitando allegavit. Et hoc paratus est verificare per predictam juratam xxiiij^or militum. Et tam predictus Thomas Stonore quam predicti tres juratores prime inquisicionis pre|dicte modo hic comparentes dicunt quod iidem tres juratores ac predicti novem juratores ejusdem prime inquisicionis residui bonum et legale

fecere sacramentum in omnibus que dixerunt. Et de hoc ponunt &c. super predictam juratam xxiiij^or militum. Et predictus Ricardus Fortescu similiter. Ideo jurata xxiiij^or militum illa inde eos capiatur, set jurata illa remanet capienda coram domino Rege usque in Octabas Sancte Trinitatis ubicunque &c., pro defectu juratorum ejusdem jurate xxiiij^or militum quia nullus &c. Ideo Vicecomes habeat corpora jura|torum ejusdem jurate xxiiij^or militum. Idem dies datus est tam partibus predictis quam predictis tribus juratoribus prime inquisicionis predicte modo hic comparentibus &c. [The original entry on the Roll ended here.] Et super hoc breve domini Regis inde vicesimo sexto die Maii isto eodem termino liberatur hic in Curia Johanni Gogh deputato Vicecomitis comitatus predicti in forma juris exequendum periculo incumbente &c. Ad quas quidem Octabas Sancte Trinitatis coram domino Rege apud Westm. venerunt tam pre|dictus Ricardus Fortescu quam predictus Thomas Stonore per attornatos suos, ac Hugo Champernoun, Robertus Hillyng, et Willelmus Strec|chelegh, tres juratores prime inquisicionis predicte in propriis personis suis similiter venerunt. Et Vicecomes retornavit quod quilibet jurator predicte jurate xxiiij^or militum districtus est, unde exitus cujuslibet eorum xl. s., et manucaptus &c.; qui quidem juratores exacti, quidam eorum venerunt, et quidam non venerunt prout patet in panell. &c. Quorum quidem juratorum modo non comparentium exitus et amercia|menta patent in rotulis de finibus et extractis de termino Sancte Trini|tatis de anno regni domini Regis nunc octavo. Et super hoc predicta jurata xxiiij^or militum &c. remanet capienda pro defectu juratorum coram domino Rege usque in Octabas Sancti Michaelis ubicunque &c. Et preceptum est Vicecomiti sicut alias quod distringat predictos jura|tores predicte Jurate xxiiij^or militum &c. per omnes terras &c. Et quod exitus &c. Et ideo habeat corpora eorum coram domino Rege ad easdem Octabas Sancti Michaelis &c. ad recognoscendum in forma predicta &c. Idem dies datus est tam partibus predictis quam juratoribus predictis tribus jurate prime inquisicionis predicte modo bic comparentibus &c. Et sciendum est quod breve domini Regis inde x die Julii, anno regni domini Regis nunc octavo, coram domino Rege apud Westm. de|liberatum Johanni Gogh, deputato Vicecomitis comitatus predicti forma juris exequendum periculo incumbente &c.

[The Coram Rege Roll, 830, m. 20, for Michaelmas Term, 1468, ends the suit.]

Ricardus Fortescu de Ermyngton in comitatu predicto, qui tulit breve domini Regis de attinctu versus Thomam Stonore, armigerum, unum

servientium venerabilis patris Georgii, Archiepiscopi Ebor., nuper can|cellarii domini Regis Anglie, de placito jurate xxiiij^or militum ad con|vincendos xij juratores in placito transgressionis, breve illud non est presentatus. Ideo idem Ricardus capiatur, et plegii sui de prosequendo sint in misericordia.

83. R[OBERT] MEDFORD TO THOMAS STONOR 1466

Clearly written in the year that Stonor was sheriff of Oxford and Berks, i.e. in 1465-66. Medford was presumably under-sheriff; he occurs in that capacity between 1467 and 1472 (Early Chancery Proceedings, 46/307). See also the reference to Robert Medford under date 1467 in vol. ii, p. 167. From A.C., xlvi, 59.

After due recommendacion unto your maistershipp be hadde: like yow to wete þat y have be with my maisterys Langford and Roger as for þe quenys gold. Langford hathe promysed me to pay yow at London þis same weke: and as for Roger, y sende yow v. marcs for his parte: yff so be þat Langford make defaute þe ye most gete lenger day of his parte, and þer for y sende yow þe writte white backed &c. Also y sende yowe a noþer writte endosed ayenst my maister Restwold: ye most sende unto hym for þe seid C. s. Also y sende yowe a noþer writte ayenst Dalamar. As for þe vendicioni exponas, ye seye þat ye have paid þe money: þer for y sende yowe the writte white, and sende ye most sende Combes word. Syr, y sende yow a capias þat Langford delyvered me, as y rode homeward, which y coude nat serve for lac of tyme, praying yowe to put hym yn to þe bondell amonges Berk. writtes. Syr, y wold have come to Walyngford as to morowe: but þer shalle be a privy Session at Charlehamstre by Hungeford, and þer will be Dalamar, and þer y may be suere to speke with hym for suche writtes as byn ayenst hym &c. On Sunday Dalamar was at Lytelcoote, and þer was cominicasion as for þe child: but y hire seye they were for a part. To morowe at Hungeford at þe said Sessions I shalle knowe more: for þer wilbe Syr George Darell, and Syr Ric. Darell bothe. Besekyng yowe to send forthe þes writtes to London, þat they may be in court on Wennesday erly, and þat ye sende summe man to

Walyngford to awayte þer &c. Wreten at Shaldebourne in hast þis same mornynge.

Your owne servaunt, R. Medford.

To my reverent Maister Thomas Stonor.

84. WRIT TO THOMAS STONOR AS SHERIFF 6 JULY, 1466

This is the only fifteenth-century example preserved amongst the Stonor Papers of the class of documents of which the shrievalty of Edmund de Stonor in 1377-78 supplied so many instances. See p. 165. From Ch. Misc., 37, iii, 17.

Edwardus, dei gratia Rex Anglie et Francie et Dominus Hibernie, vice|comiti Oxon. et Berkes. salutem. Precipimus tibi quod non omittas prop|ter aliquam libertatem quin eam ingredias et de bonis et catallis, terris et tenementis Cancellarii Universitatis Oxon., et Majoris ejusdem ville, qui pro tempore sint, in balliva tua fieri facias C. s., quos nobis debent de quadam firma C. s. per annum de custodia assise panis et cervisie in eadem villa et suburbiis ejusdem: Necnon de bonis et catallis, terris et tenementis Collegii Animarum Omnium Fidelium Defunctorum in Oxon. in dicta balliva tua fieri facias vij. s. vij. d. et ob., quos nobis debent tam de secunda medietate unius x^me nobis a clero anno regni nostri tercio concesse, pro temporalibus taxatis sub nomine Prioris de Suthampton in Gussich in decanatu de Pymperne in archidiaconatu Dors., quam de prima medietate ejusdem decime pro eisdem tempora|libus ibidem. Et de bonis et catallis, terris et tenementis Custodis et Collegii Animarum Omnium Fidelium Defunctorum in Oxon. in balliva tua fieri facias xv. d. q., quos nobis debent de prima medietate unius x^me nobis a clero anno regni nostri secundo concesse, pro temporalibus taxatis sub nomine Abbatis de Insula Dei in parochia de Upchirche in diocesi Cantuar. ac jurisdiccione Archiepiscopi Cantuar. immedietate [sic]: ac de bonis et catallis, terris et tenementis Custodis et Scolarium de Excetre College in Oxon. in dicta balliva tua fieri facias xliij. s. iiij. d., quos nobis debent in duabus particulis tam de prima medietate unius x^me nobis a clero anno secundo concesse, quam de prima medietate unius decime nobis a clero anno tercio concesse, pro sp iritualibus suis in archidiaconatu Berks, que quidem temporalia dicti Cu stos et Scolares tenent in proprios usus. Ita quod denarios illos

habeas ad Scaccarium nostrum apud Westm. in Crastino sancti Michaelis nobis tunc ibi solvendos. Et habeas ibi tunc hoc breve &c. T. R. Illingworth, milite, apud Westm. vj^o die Julii anno regni nostri sexto, per Magnum Rotulum de anno iiij^to Regis nunc in Oxon. Berks., ac per peticionem Johannis Barantyne, armigeri, nuper vicecomitis comitatuum predictorum, computantis a festo sancti Michaelis anno quarto Regis nunc usque festum Sancti Michaelis tunc proxime sequens. fforde.

Endorsed: Thome Stonore, armigero, Vic.

85. PETITION FOR ALLOWANCES AS SHERIFF BY THOMAS STONOR 1466

For some references to Stonor's accounts as Sheriff, see L.T.R., Memoranda Rolls, 239—m. 1, Hilary Term, 1467, as to absence of accounts from Bishop of Salisbury, and Abbot of Westminster and other matters; and 240—Re|corda, Trinity Term, 1467, m. 2, re John Love of Hungerford, and m. 5, re Sir Richard Harcourt and John Croston, executors of Sir John Lovell of Lovell. From Ch. Misc., 37, iii, 22.

Oxon et Berks.

Peticiones Thome Stonore, armigeri, nuper vicecomitis de anno vj^to Regis E. iiij^to.

In primis petit exonerari de x. li. de firma de Godyngton in ij particulis &c.

Item de xiij. s. iiij. d. pro Roberto Broke de firma picagii &c. in novo mercato infra villam de Bircestr. de hoc anno vj^to et ejus arreragiis.

Item de xxvj. s. viij. d. pro custodia du|centarum acrarum bosci cum pertinenciis in Hurst in comitatu Wiltes et hundredo de Asherugge in eodem comitatu &c.

Respectuatur pro recog|nicione facienda pro [hoc anno].: Item de xx. marcis de custodia duarum parcium dominii sive manerii de Swalowfeld.

Respectuatur pro computo videndo et certificando.: Item de cxxvij li. xvj. s. vj. d. pro custodia maneriorum Regis de Wodestoke &c.

Item de xxv. li. de custodia assise panis et cervisie in villa Oxon. &c. per quinque annos.

Resp. vij. li. xij. s. j. d. pro vad. Sturmy pro acquietando de ser., et resp. residuum pro recognicione facienda.: Item de xxj. li. de custodia manerii sive dominii de Hampsted Marshall &c.

Item de xj. li. xiij. s. iiij. d. pro custodia manerii de Denham Lovell cum pertinenciis.

Item de cxxxiij. li. vj. s. viij. d. pro custodia maneriorum Regis de Cokeham et Bray.

Resp. et fiat corpus cum causa vic. London, postea exoneretur.: Item de xx. li. pro Johanne Love de Hungerford in comitatu Berks, skynner.

Exoneretur xix. li. xvj. s. iiij. d. et stet onus de residuo.: Item de xx. li. pro Johanne Sawyer de Abyndon in eodem comitatu, yoman.

Exoneretur vicecomes et debeatur.: Item de xxxj. s. x. d. in ij particulis pro Roberto Harcourte, milite, de expensis suis forinsecis.

Exoneretur vicecomes et debeatur.: Item de xxx. s. iiij. d. pro dicto Roberto in xvj. particulis de expensis suis forinsecis.

Exoneretur lxv. li. xiij. s. iiij. d. et stet onus de residuo.: Item de lxvj. li. pro Johanne Lidyard de Glympton.

Exoneretur xj. li. xiij. s. iiij. d. et stet onus de residuo.: Item de xij. li. pro Willelmo Wykeham, nuper vicecomite, de pluribus debitis suis de anno xxviij. H. vj^ti.

Item de xliij. s. ob. pro custode et canonicis de Wyndesore de x^mis.

Exoneretur vic. et de|beatur.: Item de xxxiiij. li. pro Willelmo Brocas, armigero, nuper vicecomite, de pluribus debitis suis.

Resp. et fiat breve Epis|copo ad certificandum citra octabas animarum A^o vij^o.: Item de xxxiij. s. iiij. d. pro collegio Regine in Oxon. pro ecclesia de Spar|sholt.

Resp. pro tall. dimidii.: Item de vij. s. xj. d. ob. pro abbate de Redyng de pluribus debitis suis.

Exoneretur et per sequent. (?) rotulum fieri facias ibidem.: Item de vj. li. xiiij. s. vij. d. pro collegio voc. the Quenes college in Oxon. &c.

Exoneretur vic. et de|beatur.: Item de xx. li. pro Thoma Burgh' et aliis de firma manerii de Shiplake de anno iij^o Regis hujus &c.

Item de xxxix. s. iiij. d. pro Decano et canonicis capelle Regis de Wyndesore &c.

Item de xxiij. d. pro custode et scolaribus collegii voc. Seynt Mary college of Wynton.

Johannes dux Suff., ut filius et heres Willelmi, nuper ducis Suff., et Alicia ducissa Suff. ut administratrix bo orum &c. Placitorum te mino pasche a^o secundo, R^o.v ij. et lviij.: Item de xxj. s. viij. d. pro Willelmo, Marchione Suff. de expensis suis forin|secis.

Item de lxix. s. vij. d. ob. pro Wynchestr. college in Oxon. de x^mis &c.

Item de lxix. s. vij. d. ob. pro Wynchestr. college in Oxon. de x^mis &c.

Item de l. s. et viij. d. in ij particulis pro Decano et canonicis capelle Regis de Wyn|desore.

Item de C. marcis pro Johanne Colyn|grygge de custodia manerii de Padworth &c.

Item de ix. li. x. s. iiij. d. pro custode et canonicis capelle Regis de Wyndesore &c.

Item de xxxiij. s. iiij. d. pro eisdem Decano et canonicis &c.

Item de xxiij. d. pro custode et scolaribus collegii voc. seynt Mary college of Wynch.

Resp. et fiat breve Epis|copo ad certificandum citra octabas animarum A^o vij^o.: Item de xl. s. pro collegio voc. Bailly College in Oxon. de x^mis &c.

Item de lvij. s. vj. d. in ij particulis pro collegio et scolaribus Animarum Omnium Fidelium defunctorum in Oxon. &c.

Item de viij. li. x. s. ob. pro custode et scolaribus collegii voc. Seynt Mary college of Wynchester in Oxon.

Item de xl. s. pro collegio Animarum Omnium Fidelium defunctorum in Oxon. &c., pro Lewkenor.

Item de iiij. li. xiij. s. iiij. d. in ij particulis pro magistro et scolaribus collegii voc. Seint Marie College of Wynchestre in Oxon.

Item de vj. li. iiij. s. vj. d. ob. in iiij parti|culis pro custode et canonicis capelle Regis de Wyndesore.

Item de xxiij. s. j. d. ob. pro custode et collegio Animarum Omnium Fidelium de|functorum in Oxon.

Item de xvij. s. viij. d. pro Ricardo episcopo Sar. de clameo suo de exitibus, finibus et amerciamentis diversis integri tenementi sui.

Item de xv. s. pro computo forinseco de Bloxham. Littera Patens irrotulata Trin. Rec. a^o iiij^to R^o tercio Thes.

Item de xiij. s. de exitibus ij. solar., unius selde, unius vac. placee, et ij. acr. prati in villa Oxon. per Originalia de a^o v^to R^o xv^mo pro Staveley et aliis.

Item de c. marcis per ipsum solutis Thome Stonore.

Item de lij. s. iiij. d. pro Waltero Devereux, milite, &c.

Item de xxiij. s. pro Johanne, comite Oxon.

[Item de xx. s. pro Johanne Chalers, nuper de Lyterum in comitatu Berks, milite &c.] [Entry erased.]

Summa peticionum predictarum. [Left blank.]

86. ACCOUNT OF WILLIAM COVENTRE [? 1466]

Written on a sheet of paper—Chancery Misc., 37, iii, 21—in two columns, ending near the top of the second. There are 26 items in all. The most in|teresting are given below. The mention of Sackville indicates a date not later than 1466. William Coventre was collector of rents at Watlyngton in that year (Ministers Accounts, 1122/21).

Expense facte per Willelmum Coventre &c.

In primis spende at Illysley when ye rode yn to Deveneshyre, ij. d. Itm., at Ermyngton for wosshyng of yowyr shertys and M. Wyllyams, iij. d. Itm., at Bedwyn, iij. d. Itm., when y rode to seke M. Sakvyle, spende at Abyndon, iij. d. Itm., yn makyng of M. Wyllyams gowne, vij. d. Itm., a lase for M. Wyll., j. d. ob. Itm., for ij chekons both at Wodestok for yowre hawkys, ij. d. Itm., yn yowre drynkyng when ye wente a hawkyng at Wodestoke, ij. d. Itm., when y rode yn yowre erand to areste Edmond Dyer at ij tymys for my expenses on my horse

and me, vj. d. Itm., for a payre hosyn for M. Mary, ij. d. Itm., a payre hosyn for M. Isabell, j. d. ob. Itm., a cappe for M. Isabell, ij. d. ob. Summa, xxx. s. iiij. d. ob.

87. HUMPHREY FORSTER TO THOMAS STONOR 21 OCTOBER [1466]

This seems to have reference to the death of Thomas Sackvile of Falley or Fawley in 1466—see Nos. 88 and 89. Sackvile's wife Isabel was a sister of Thomas Stonor and of Forster's wife. Rokes was Sackvile's nephew and heir (see note on No. 89). In Ch. Misc., 37, ix, 38-39, there is the rough draft of a contract of marriage between Thomas, eldest son and heir-apparent of Thomas Rokes, and a daughter (unnamed) of Stonor. If the said daughter died "before flesshly knowleche had" another daughter, if unmarried and of convenient age, was to take her place. Rokes bargained to make a grant of the reversion of the lands which Isabel, late wife of Thomas Sakevyle, held for life, to the value of 20 marks a year, and of other lands to the value of 10 marks. If Rokes' son at the age of fourteen and Stonor's daughter at the age of thirteen disagree the contract was to be void. The marriage does not seem to have ever taken effect though it was still being discussed in 1477—see No. 179. The marriage contract was probably drafted about the date of this letter. From A.C., xlvi, 47.

Ryght worshypfull and my goode kynde brother, in my most feythe|full wyse I recommaunde me to yowe: and liketh yow to be remembrid to commune with the Eschetour of Bokyngham shire for the wrytte of diem clausit extremum of my brother Saquevile, whom God assoyle: and þat ye like to wryte unto me as ye fynde hym disposed: for I ensure yowe I have communed with your worshipfull and weldisposed Suster Saquevile as for suche estate as shulde be made unto your doughter and Rokes' sone, wherin I fynde her as well disposed as ye wold desire your self, so þat her husbondes wille be not broken ne she hurte duryng her lyff. Brother, I dowte not ye shall have worship of her grete sadnesse and þe vertuous disposicion þat she is of &c.: hit were to grete pite to put hir to trowble or charge to cause her to change from þe disposision þat she is fully astablisshed to. My goode brother, yef it please yowe ferthermore to remembre of þe letter my lord wrote unto yowe, Mar|myon

and me, as for þe matter betwene Fowler and Heynes, whiche Heynes hath be with me and is bounde in an Obligacion of ij. c. li. to abide þe rewle of alle þe matter betwene Fowler and hym of yow, Ric. Quatermaynez, William Marmyon and me. And Fowler to appoynte suche season as ye and other may atende; and þe souner þe lever to Haynes. I have wryten to Fowler in semblable wyse in this matter: whether my lettre be come to hym or no, I wete ner. I pray you to put hym in knowlache, and to understonde of hym whether my wrytyng be come to hym or no, and to move hym by your wysdom after my lordes wryting, as ye understonde hym. And so I pray yow to sende me worde in wrytyng, for I have sent diverse tymes to Fowler place, and he hath at alle tymes be owte &c. My goode brother remembre of þe woman ye wote of &c. And God preserve yow. Wreten þe xxj day of Octobre.

Your trewe brother Humfrey Forster.

To my ryght worshipful Brother Thomas Stonore þis be delivered.

88. INDENTURE BY THOMAS ROKES 22 JUNE, 1467

From Ancient Deeds, C. 1288. There is only a trace of the seal.

Be hyt remembred that Thomas Stonore, squyer, hathe resceyved of Thomas Rokes, squyer, yn the name of Isabell, late the wyfe of Thomas Sakevyle, squyer, executrice of the testament of the same Thomas Sakevyle, ffoureskore pound yn money yn full payment of all soche sommes of money as the seyd Thomas Rokes shuld content and pay by the last wulle of the seyd Thomas Sakevyle to his executors for havyng of the revercyon of hys maners, landes and tenements after the discese of the seyd Isabell as hit apperith by the seyd laste wulle. In wytnes wherof the seyd Thomas Stonore and the seyd Thomas Rokes to these presentes enterchaungeably have put ther seell the xxij day of June the seventh yere of the reign of Kynge Edward the ffourthe.

(Signed) Thomas Rokes.

89. THOMAS ROKES TO THOMAS STONOR [1 OCTOBER, 1467]

Sir Thomas Sakeville of Falley or Fawley, Bucks, had a son Thomas, and a daughter Maud who married N. Kentwood. The second Thomas Sakeville had a son Thomas and a daughter Margery. The third Thomas is probably the husband of Isabel, sister of Thomas Stonor (d. 1474). Margery married Thomas Rokes, no doubt the Thomas Rokes the elder of Ascot and Wing who died in 1457, and mentions in his will Margery his wife, and his sons John Rokes and Robert Rufford. [For a lawsuit by his executors see Placita de Banco, 818, m. 41.] He was presumably the father of Thomas Rokes the writer of this letter, who calls Isabel Sackville his aunt, for in an inquisition held in 1487 it was found that Thomas Rokes son of Margery Sakeville inherited property granted to N. Kentwood as heir of Sir Thomas Sakeville. Thomas Rokes the younger calls Thomas Stonor his brother, and must therefore have been married to his sister or half-sister; from No. 182 it appears that his wife's name was Alice, and since Alice daughter of the elder Thomas Stonor was married to Humphrey Forster, it is probable that Alice Rokes was a daughter of Alice and Richard Drayton (Wrottesley, Pedigrees from the Plea Rolls, pp. 438, 441, 458; Cal. Inq., Henry VII, i, 317; P.C.C., 12 Stokton, will of T. Rokes, 1457; Sede Vacante Wills, Kent Records, will of T. Rokes, 1500). A pedigree in Harley MS., 1139, f. 45, makes the second Thomas Rokes of Falley marry a daughter of Fowler of Ricote, and his son, a third Thomas, marry a daughter of Sir William Stonor; the last statement is certainly incorrect. See p. 93 above. From A.C., xlvi, 70.

Rygth worshypfull Syr, and my rygth Good Brodyr, aftyr all dew recommendasyon had, I recomawnd me unto yow, to my Mastres, my dowter, and to all my young Cosyngs, the weche I pray God to preserve and kepe for his mersy: and I ame sory that my horse servyd yow no better: and yf he mowghth have plesyd yow for a yoman to have redyn on, I wold have holdyn me rygth well content and ye had kepyd hyme styll: but I trust in God I schall purvey yow of a lytyll hors, soche as ye schall com and thanke for. And I send yow yowr hors by the brynger of thys letter, yowr servant: he wyll not be in pleyte as I wold have hyme, but he ys both herty and hoole: God save hyme. And hyt lyke yow, ye send me word how my Nawnte is dys|posyd, now the dettes be payd, to performe my Nonkilles wyll, hoys sowle God pardon. I beseche you as for my Nowntes surte and myn, that ye wyll comyn hyt with sum leryd body for the surte of us both

acordyng to his wyll. And I schall old me rygth well content: for I trust yow as myche as I do eny man alyve: and I schall do to plese you as mych, yf that I cane. I wold pray yow, yf ye come in to the Contre, that ye woll se my pore howse for yowr logyng; and ye schall be as welcome to me as eny man alyve. I have a lytyll besynes yet in my hervyst: as sone as I cane ryd that, I schall se both yow and my Nawnt with Godes Grase, whome evyr preserve yow and yowrs for his mersy. Wretyn at Ascot on Satyrday next aftyr Mykaellmes day

By yowr Brodyr Thomas Rokes.

To my Rygth Worschypfull Syr, and Rygth good Brodyr, Thomas Stonor.

90. ACCOUNT OF T. SAY WITH THOMAS MULL ON BEHALF OF RICHARD DRAYTON 1468

The account runs from 21 July, 1466, to 12 July, 1468. Mull was executor for Drayton. From Ch. Misc., 37, iii, 23.

Soluciones facte per T. Say ex mandato Thome Mull pro Ricardo Drayton xxj die Julii A^o vj^to E. iiij^ti et deinceps.

In primis paid to John of Devenshire proctor of the fraternite of Seynt Elen in Abendon for makyng of the seid Richard brother there, xl. d. Item, paid to William Atkyn for v^c lxxv fote stone at ij. d. the fote, iiij. li. xv. s. x. d. Item, paid for carriage of vj^c fote stone, xxx. s. Item, paid to Richard Fylpott for makyng of vj^c and xx^ti fote of Creste stone at ij. d. the fote, Summa, v. li. iij. s. iiij. d. Item paid to the said Richard for xiiij [Apparently an error for "xviij".] dais werke and di., layng the seid Creste, viij. s. Item, paid to a laborer servyng hym the seid xviij dais and di., vj. s. ij. d. Item, paid for ij lodes lyme, xiiij. s. iiij. d. Item, paid for xiiij lodes sonde, xxij. d. Summa, xiij. li. ij. s. x. d. Inde recepi die et anno supradictis per manus dicti T. Mull xij. li. So rest due to the said T. Say, xxij. s. x. d. Item, the seid T. Mull borowed of the seid T. Say the xij. day of Julii a^o E. iiij.^ti viij^o, v. li. x. s. And the seid T. Mull bought of the seid T. Say iiij. yerdes Russet for iiij. s. the yerd. Summa, xvj. s. Item, ij yerdes and iij quarters Russet for v. s. þe yerde, Summa, xiij. s. ix. d. Summa totalis due to the seid T. Say by the seid T. Mull, viij. li. ij. s. vij. d.

91. THOMAS STONOR TO JANE STONOR 8 OCTOBER, 1468

This was clearly written by Thomas Stonor to his wife, on the occasion of the death of his mother and her second husband, Richard Drayton, in October, 1468; it shows that Alice died on 1st October and Richard on 3rd October. "My adversary of Devonshire" is of course Richard Fortescue (see No. 82), where it appears that the lawsuit finally ended in Michaelmas Term, 1468. The "xliij gentylmen" were presumably the panel for the jury of twenty-four who were summoned to appear on the octaves of Michaelmas. From A.C. xlvi, 243.

Myne oone good Jane, as hertely as I can I recumaunde me to yow. Like yow to wyt that my ffadyr is gone to God also: and the there was a sone wytyng: and my modyr on Saterday by the morne, and my ffadyr on Munday by [d]ayrove. And I pray yow that William is chyld may cum with hym, and a amblyng hors for me in hand led. I saw (?) yow a letter as this that was wrytyn yestyrday. And let them cum with William that I wroote ffor, and they shull have her clothe of blak to make hem gounys with. And where William hathe wrytyn a letter unto me for his parsonage, whan he comyth let hym tell me tale of trouthe and hit shall be remedyyd, with mercy of God. And myne owne Jane, I thanke God myne adversari of Devenshere hathe had no wurshyp: ffor ther aperyd xliij gentlymen as this day, and he is shamyd and nonsuyd in the cort to his great shame. And Lemman, charge Wykys to gete as myche money as eney be had: ffor I shull spende myche money. And goode swete Lemman, be ye myry and of goode comfort for to cumfort me when I cum. I can not cum to youe as sone as I wuld: ffor I most set sum direccion in Horton or I goo. Let William cum in all hast. And the blessyd Trinite kepe yow. I-wrytyn at Lundon the Saterday afore seynt Edward is day.

By your ovne Stonor.

To my Cosyn Jane Stonor, in hast.

92. JOHN CROOCKER TO THOMAS STONOR 18 OCTOBER, [1468]

In Michaelmas Term, 1467, a writ was issued to the Sheriff of Devon to bring up William Saunder, Hugh Helyer, John Roberd and William Skryche

of Ermyngton on the morrow of St. Andrew (1 Dec.) to show cause why they should not pay 10l. damages which Richard Drayton had lately recovered against them for trespass. They failed to appear, and were cited for Hilary Term, when it was ordered that Drayton should have execution. In Trinity Term, 1468, a writ of exigi facias was issued to the Sheriff against them. (Coram Rege Rolls, 826, m. 41, and 829, m. 105; see also p. 83 above.) Thus the date of this letter is 18 Oct., 1468, a fortnight after Drayton's death. Lyneham is in Yealmpton, not far from Ermington. The writer is no doubt the John Crocker who was knighted in 1471 and died in 1508-9, and is commemorated on a brass in Yealmpton Church. From A.C., xlvi, 40.

Ryght worshipful cosyn and frende, I commawnde me unto you. The cause that y write unto you at this tyme ys to pray you for to do for me in þat I woll desyre you as ever ye will that y shall do for you. Ther as on Hewgh Helyer is at exegent at your father Drayton ys sute with William Saunder, John Robard, and William Skryche, and as for John Robert ye have utterly promyseyd me that he shall not be hurt in no wise, and as for Scryche my broder Predyax telleth me that ye and he be agreyd for hym, but in especiall y pray you to save Hewgh Helyer that he be not hurt, for he came into my service now at Michel|masse and ys my plowghman, to thentent that y shulde make an ende betwyxt hym and you. And yf evere ye woll have my good will and service, favereth hym at this tyme. Be the same token that ye were with me the Fryday before that ye departeyd from Ermyngton, and that y promiseyd you to have be with you at Ermyngton the Sonday than next folowyng: the cause that I cam not yt ys nat unknowne to you: my will ys trewe unto you, as God knoweth. Also here y sende you halfe a ryall to token that at the next tyme that ye and y mete y shall make an ende for my servaunt Hewgh Helyer, as y am trewe gentyl|man &c. And God have you in his kepyng, Amen. I-wryten at Lynham on seynt Lukes day,

Be your owne John Croocker.

Unto my Ryȝt Tresty and wel beloveyd Cosyn Thomas Stoner, Squyer, this letter be delyvered.

93. ACCOUNTS BY NICHOLAS WENDOVER 1468-72

Wendover may possibly have been in the service of Thomas Stonor. The account is on a single sheet of paper folded bookwise, and contains entries

made at various dates. The first is the most interesting as a year's account with a servant. From Ch. Misc., 37, iii, 24.

Md. That Thomas Pratt hath made comenant to serve Nicholas Wendover fro Michaell masse the yere of the regne of Kyng Edward the iiijthe the viij yere by a whole yere, takyng for his labur xiij. s. iiij. d., and a goune cloth: and therof he hath receyved in price of half a bote lether vij. d., also of my wyff iiij. d.; also in price of a peyre hosyn, ix. d.; also for a peyre shon vj. d.; also in money, j. d.; also to pay for cloutyng of his shon j d.; for offering, j d.; to bie wyth a peyre shon, vj. d.; to bye wyth a bowe xij. d.; also payed to Welyam Onyat for a peyre hosen, ix. d.; also to Richard Taylour for makyng of his doubelett, vj. d.; Item for a peyre of shon at Weteringes opon seynt Laurence eve, vj. d.; Item, for an apron bought at Wycombe ij. d. ob.; payed in money wen he went to Nettelbed viij. d.; also to paye fore his hosyn at Rysburgh xvij. d.; Item to make his botes viij. d.; Item to John James for mend|yng of his doubelett j d. ob.; to bye wyth arowe hedes ij. d.; for drink|yng money geve by our parson, ij. d.; Item payed to hymself to bye wyth a peyre shon viij. d.; and payed for lether ij. d.; Item at his departyng ij. s. Et ultra nunc [The reading is doubtful, perhaps ultimo.] debetur T. Pratt xvj. d. et pro servicio suo a festo Michaelis usque festum.

Another account is with Johane Laurence who served for a year from St. Martin's Day, 1468, for 10s. and "a goune cloth". She had in money "for lynyng of her goune" 2s. 8d., and "to goe to Richard Tayler's weddyng iiij. d." with some other small sums.

Other memoranda are of sale of stock, the last being: Delyverd to John Ive at Astwyke the Monday nexte aftyr Seynte Barnabyes day the xij yere off the Reyne off Kyng Edward the iiij^th xlix olde shepe and xxij lambys.

94. RICHARD QUATERMAYNS TO THOMAS STONOR AND HUMPHREY FORSTER [? 1467 or 1468]

In the absence of any clue to the commission referred to, and of any certainty as to the feast intended by St. Thomas Day, it is difficult to fix the

date of this letter. But Richard Croft, Stonor and Forster were not on the commission of peace for Oxfordshire or the town of Oxford in the reign of Henry VI. Quatermayns, William Marmyon and Croft appear on a special commission in the county in 1463 (C. P. R., Edw. IV, i, 278), but I have not found any commission relating to the town. Since Stonor was not sheriff, 1465-66 is impossible. If St. Thomas Day means 7 July (Translation of St. Thomas the Martyr) the year is probably 1467, when 7 July was a Tuesday; if it means 21 Dec. (St. Thomas the Apostle) the year is probably 1468, when 21 Dec. was on a Wednesday. There were sessions of Parliament in June, 1467, and in May, 1468. The subsidy voted on the latter occasion was being collected in Nov.-Dec. following (Rot. Parl., vi, 233). From A.C., xlvi, 66.

Worshipfull Sirs, with all recommendacion due hadde, wille ye wete that it is so that I was at Oxonford as uppon Fryday next byfore seint Thomas day for diverse maters by the Kynges commaundement for the seid Towne of Oxonford: and at my commyng thethyr ther was the Shiriffe and also William Marmyon: and ther the Shireff shewyd ij com|yssions of this graunt as well of the lordes as of the comyns, with certeyn ynstruccions conteynyng ij papyr leves. And whan the seid Shiryff hadde shewyd the seid commissions and the ynstruccions to William Marmyon and to me, he wolde not resseyve them ayen, but willyd and desyred that William Marmyon and I shuld send and write on to yow on the Kynges behalf that all the commissioners yn the commissions expressid shuld assemble and mete togeders at Oxonford as uppon Monday next, for to take a dyrection what is to be done yn the pre|misses, at whiche day Richard Croft, Thomas Croft, William Marmyon to be ther the same Monday. And they prayd and desyred me to write unto yow to attende ther the same day, and I graunt them that I so wold doo: that moveth me to write to yow at this tyme, prayng you that ye write to me of youre commynge, yea or nay, that I may sende them worde &c. Writyn yn hast uppon Satirday next befor the seid seint Thomas day.

Your Cosyn and Unkle Rich. Quat'.

To my right trusty and well-beloved Cosyns, Thomas Stoner and Humfrey Forster, and to everych of them first seyng this letter, be this delivered in hast.

95. A WEAVER'S BILL FOR CLOTH TO MISTRESS STONOR 21 DEC., 1468

From Ch. Misc., 37, iii, 25.

Item to my Mastres Stonor xvj erdys of brode clothe, wyte, ij. d.

Item also vj erdys of fyne clothe, j. d. ob.

Item also xvj. erdys of roset of fyne brode, ij. d. ob.

Item also vij. erdys of kersey þat was made of þe same roset, j. d.

Item also xiiij erdys of cors roset brode, ij. d.

Item also xij. erdys of fyne . . . re blew, v. d.

Item also xij ellis of roset kersey, j. d.

Summe xvij. s. x. d. [The total does not agree with the particulars; possibly an item has been lost at the beginning.]

Althyng rekekynnyd betwene Willm. Demnyst wever of Watlyng|ton for wevyng of all maner clothe, [sa]vyng a white pece the wyche is at fuller. And this rekenygge unto Seynt Thomas nexte afore crystemas in the viiij yere of Kyng Edward the iiij^th payyd.

96. ACCOUNTS AT HORTON OCTOBER, 1468, to JULY, 1469

Household accounts, apparently kept by a son or son-in-law of Alice Drayton (cf. the reference to "my brother Mull"). The date is from Alice Drayton's death on 1 Oct., 1468, to Ascension Day, 1469-11 May, with a supplementary account to 5 July. Thomas Stonor was at Horton from 17 to 24 June. The account is on two sheets of paper stitched together. Ch. Misc., 37, iii, 26, 27.

(1) A long sliþ: items include: for the showyng of xij oxyne, v. s.; for a peyre of plowellys xiiij. d.; for a servys of Trenchers, iiij. d.; for ij salte, xiiij. d.; for ij dossyne of candelle, xv. d.; for fflessche (several entries, 18s. 7d. in all); for ij pygkys, viij. d. Total, iiij. li. ij. s. j. d.

(2) Items include: a shert for Richard, viij. d.; to peyre of shone,

xij. d.; for half a foote of cloutyng ledyr, iiij. d.; a playys, iij. d.; saltefyhs, and saltesamon, vij. d.; iij quart. of resyn, x. s.; for the shepherd v. s.; for a carpenteris wagis for makyng of a cort a plovis, for v dayys and a di., xxij. d.; to Raulyn Clerke for the eryng of xij akyrs londe in lityll Derrabut fyld, xij. s. iiij. d. Receyved of my Mayster at iij tymes, iij. li. xv. s.; at a nothyr tyme at London, ix. s.; Receyvyd of the korne mill for terme of the Annunciacion of oure lady xxxvj. s. viij. d.; of my Brother Mull, iij. li. vj. s. viij. d.; of Barrey, iij. li.; of the Couper, vj. s.; of marke silver, v. s. x. d. Summa of the Receyte viij. li. xiij. s. vj. d. [Apparently some item has been omitted.]

"This Rekenyng is from the dethe of my modyr unto the Assencion day next folovyng by this bylle and a nothyr of the clerkys hande in a longe bill. [Clearly the first slip attached hereto.] Summa x. li. xiij. s. vij. d.

In dorso. Expenses for five weeks "after Assencion day, in catis" (total 10s. 8d.); the vj^e weke while my mayster was there (total, 6s. 5d.); the vij^the weke (total 8s. 5d.); for midsummyr Candyll, iij. d.; for wedyng in the whete, iij. s. j. d.; unto Richard mason for crosen|pynnyng in the hey bern, xij. d.; with other items. Summa xlix. s. ij. d.

Hereof received. (Rents, etc., and payments from my mayster, the last being 20s. the Wednesday afore Seynt Thomas day.) Summa, iij. li. xv. s. vj. d.

97. THOMAS STONOR TO WILLIAM STONOR [1468 or 1469]

Since the Archbishop of York must be George Neville, who was in prison from April, 1472, till late in 1475, the date of this letter cannot be later than 1471. In 1471 St. Peter's Day was on a Saturday, and in 1470 on a Friday; therefore neither of those years are probable. As the letter is written to William Stonor the date is not likely to be earlier than 1468 or 1469. Thomas Stonor is styled "one of the servants of George, Archbishop of York" in No. 82. From A.C., xlvi, 123.

Willm. Stonore, I sende yow Goddes blessyng and myne. And I wulle that ye bespeke for a gentylman of my lord Archebyhsshopis of York a doseyn Brode arovys of Kyng, ffletcher: let them be wele fedyrd

with Styffew and short fedyr, and let the shaftys be no bygger than Edmond sletyth; let hem be longer. And let not hit be wete tymbyr in hond. I must have these redy in hast, and that hit be not ffaylyd as my trust is in yow. I can no more, but the blessyd trynite kepe yow. I-wrytyn at London the ffryday aftyr seint Petyr is day.

By your ffadyr Stonor.

To Willm. Stonor.

98. H— S— TO THOMAS STONOR [c. 1469]

The writer of this and the next letter was the husband of one of Thomas Stonor's sisters, and had property at Stockbridge, Hants; but I cannot dis|cover his name. The reference to William Bourchier, Lord Fitzwarren (d. 1471) and to his brother, the Earl of Essex, indicates that the date was between 1462 and 1470. This letter is at least eleven months earlier than No. 99; but the two letters are most conveniently put together. From A.C., xlvi, 71.

Right worshipfull brother, I recomaunde me to you: ffor as much as I understonde by my lorde ffitz Wareyn þat he hathe diverse thynges to doo with you for certein matiers touchyng bothe his worship and profite, wher in ye maye greatly please and also put you in suerte to have in tyme to come, if you neded, right good lordship as well of my lorde of Essex, to whom I am moste bounde, as of other my lordes his brethern: for trouth my lorde of Essex, and he also, specyally desired me to write to you, thynkyng þat ye shulde be þe better willed for my sake, the which I wyll veryly trust ye will doo. Also I understonde þat þe title of Jobury is by his owne Counsell wayved and taken for nought. My wife, your suster, recomandeth hir to you as to hire unkynde brother, for þat ye wer so longe in toune and wulde not see heer. No mor to you nowe, but Jhesu kepe you. Wreten at London þe xj day of Marche.

H. S.

To my worshipfull brother, Thomas Stonor, esquyer, be this letter delivered.

99. H—— S—— TO THOMAS STONOR [c. 1469]

As to the writer see note on the previous letter. Since Thomas Stonor's mother is dead, the date cannot be earlier than 1469. From A.C., xlvi, 72.

My Ryht worschypfull broþer, as hertely as I can I recomawnde me wnto ȝow. Brothyr, I conseyve by ȝowr wryttyng that my wyffe, ȝowr suster that wasse, hose sowle I beseche Jhesu have mersy apon, scholde have astate of the maner of Porterys in Stockbryg to ȝow. Brothyr, I wose nevyr prevy that sche havy sowche astate, yff so be that I had not gevyt nor sche hyt, withowte I hade done aȝenste my ffadyr ys wyll, the wyche I purpose with the myht of Gode nevyr to do. Brothyr, thow I do make my wyffe þe joyntur of my taylend I dyseryte nat my heyres: wer ffor yn my reson I offend nat. Brothyr, consideryng the seyd premyssys I woll hertely pray ȝow to onsele hyt; and yff so be that ȝowr conscyense do groge ther at, that ȝe wod do make astate wnto me, my brothyr Clopton, John Grene, and Tomas Hyhcham, gentylmen. Syr, I thynke nat dyseryt hym of one fote of land. ȝe be remembryd that I bound yn xx (?) markes to make ȝowr suster, my wyffe, soer of xl. li. joyntur after my dyscese, the wych oblygacyon I hade of ȝowr modyr, hosse sowle Gode have mersy, the wyche evyr have ȝow yn hys cepyng. I-wrytyn the vj day of Febyrer.

ȝour brothyr H. S.

To my most Worschypffull brothyr Tomas Stonor.

100. THOMAS MULL TO THOMAS STONOR [1469]

The reference to "my moder and your" shows that this was written to Thomas Stonor. Mull had presumably married a daughter of Alice Drayton by her second husband. The date is probably some time early in 1469, or at all events within a year of Alice Drayton's death; it is clearly earlier than that of No. 111. "Rayne of Devonshire" is perhaps the lawyer Reyny, who was an arbitrator in the suit of Stonor v. Fortescue, see No. 79. From A.C., xlvi, 106.

Right worshipfull Master and Brother, I recommaund me unto you: prayng you to conceyve that or Robert Barre come I had borowed iij. li. to content and paye Rayne of Devonshir for your offis upon the diem clausit extremum after the dethe of my good Mastres and Moder and your, whos sowle God assoyle, which I have payd hym. And syr, I conceyve by Robert ye wold I shold make up the offis accordyng to suche instruccion as ye sent by hym to my cosyn Willyam in a bille, which I dar not take uppon me, for I conceyve it not a right: wherefor I pray you to come your self and to bryng with you the cope of all thos dedes: or ell, and ye be not disposid to come here this terme, send us a pleyn cope of al your dedes made seth the dethe of your ffader with a more playne instruccion, and ye shall have my service: and I woll call to me sum good master or felowe: and I will geve him for his labor, and spede your mater as well as we can. And as for the mater of my lord of Caunterbury, thowgh ye come not this terme, I trust to God to kepe me from al hurtes in that behalf. And syr, as for this mone whiche ye have sente me, before God I have leyd oute for you therof, which I borowed, iij. li.: and so with me abydeth therof no more but xl. s.: and I shold have resceyvid of you at this tyme x. li. and v. nobles, which I must paye and dispose or Wennesday nexte cummyng, or ellys I must be untrewe to God and to them that be dede, and fals of my promys, which God defend me fro. Wherfor I praye and beseche you, as my servis may and shalbe redy to you at al tymes, that I may have my mone her uppon Tewesday nexte commyng: and I shal be redy to your plesyr with Goddes grace, which preserve you and yours.

T. M^ll (Mull).

To my master Stonor.

101. ACCOUNTS OF JOHN FORDE OR FORTHE, BAILIFF AT HORTON KIRBY 1469-71

There are eight papers of accounts rendered to Thomas Stonor between 20 October, 1469, and 19 October, 1471, besides two undated accounts. The greater part of the fourth account is given below, together with extracts from four other accounts. The three last accounts are for 14 April to 4 May,

15 August to 29 Sept., and 29 Sept. to 19 October, 1471. For later references to John Ford as farmer at Horton in 1472 and 1482, see Nos. 124 and 322. The originals are Ch. Misc., 37, iii, 28-33 and 37-43.

(a) In expensis et costis don be John Forthe, servaunt with my mayster Stoner fro the ffriday next after Sent Edward day, the ix^the ȝere of Kyng Edward the iiij^the.

First in flessh and ffissh bought the next weke folwyng, ij. s. ij. d. (Eleven other weeks.) Summa xxv. s. xj. d.

Item, paid for a peyre of plough wheles ij. s. iiij. d. Item, paid to my lord of Cauntterbury baly for quiet rent goyng oute of the maner of Horton, ij. s. Item, paid to the Castell of Eynesforth for Kyrkebys, ij. s. Item, paid to Baker, smyth, for iren work and shoyng, xx. s. Item, for shoyng of xj oxen, iiij. s. vij. d. Item, paid to a thetcher thetchyng on the berne be xiij dayes takyng a day iij. d., iij. s. iij. d. Item, for a man to serve hem vij daies, xiiij. d. Summa, xxxv. s. iiij. d.

Other payments: for men to plough, for candles (15d. the dozen), "a potell of tarre iiij. d., for fettyng of Aunsell horse fro London, viij d." &c. Total 39s. 9d.

Whereof receyved of John Lyndesey for ferme of the corne mylle for Mich. terme, xxxvj. s. viiij d. Item., rec. of the seid John fore Cristemas terme, xxxiij. s. iiij. d. Item., rec. of the fermour of the ffullyng mylle, iiij. s. iiij. d. Item of John Stonestrete, xj. d. ob. Item., of William Custamice, v. s. Item, of Thomas Wylshire, vij. s. Item., of John Miller of Pynden, ij. s. vj. d. Item, of William Alfold, ij. s. iiij. d. Summa, iiij. li. xij. s. ob.

(b) [1470. 13th Jan. to 2nd March.] A similar account. For flesh, fish "and other acatys," 20s. Various other items: "ij dogges of Iren for the corne mylle," 16d.; "for C and vj li. of Iren, iiij. s. v. d, for the wharfage, j. d., for bringyng of the seid stuffe to Derteford, vj. d."; "for ij bottys of Sak clothe," 11s. Total, £5. 2. 5. "Whereof I receyved of my Maister whan he was last at Horton, l. s. Item, re. of hym at London, xl. s. Item, re. for vj Stone of Wulle, x. s. Item., re. of William Lyndesey for rent of Gillez, xxiiij. s. iiij. d.". Further account of expenses for repairs and labour, total, £5. 8. 2½, with re|ceipts £6. 16. 0.

(c) [1470. 20th May to 9th June.] Similar account: payments, 16s. 11d. Other payments "to the sexteyne of the churche for Michel|mas quarter, iij d.; to the clerke for his wagis of Crystmas and Ester termys, ij. s."; "for sheryng of xij^xx ix shepe xxij. d. and of viij^xx lambis

and viij, vj d. ob." Total, 9s. 8d. Total receipts, 23s. 7d. "Re|membyrd on Wytsun Eve in the x^the yere of Kyng Edward the iiij^the, althyng rekynnyd as hit aperyth by viij billys bothe of the charge and receyte betwene Thomas Stonore and John Forde, the seyde Thomas ovyth to the seyde John xvij. s. iij. d. And the seyde Thomas payde to the seyde John forthewith the seyde xvij. s. iij. d. the seyde day and yer."

(d) [1470. 7th July to 14th Dec.] Similar account. Begins with expenses for seven weeks from 7th July (£5. 10. 5), and eight weeks from the "fest of Sent. Barth the x^th ȝere of Kyng Edward the iiij^the." The reckoning was made "the ffriday afore the Imbryng dayys afore Crystemas in the xlix^te yere of Kyng Harry the vj^te."

(e) [1470. 15th Dec. to 22nd Feb., 1471.] Similar account. "A peyre of shoyn for Maister Edmund, vj. d."

102. R. RESTWOLD TO THOMAS STONOR [1470 or earlier]

Richard Restwold of Lee and Sonning, Berks, who died in 1475 (Cal. Inq. p.m., iv, 369), had a long association with the Stonor family. The letter may perhaps imply that Stonor had been present in the Parliament; the second Thomas Stonor was M.P. for Oxfordshire in 1447 and 1449, but the reference to his wife makes the first of these years unlikely; it may, however, belong to 1449. There are, however, no Returns of Members of Parliament for 1455, 1461, 1463 and 1470, and Stonor may have sat in one of these Parliaments. But Richard Restwold was a party to the deed of 1 Dec., 1432—No. 56—and the letter may have been addressed to the first Thomas Stonor, who sat in the Parliaments of 1429 and 1431. From A.C., xlvi, 68.

Right worshipfull and reuerent Cosyn, I commaunde to you and I thank you hertyly for your writyng and your tythyngs and for the Actes of the Parlement. And yf ther be eny thyng I may do for you, hit schall be redy with all my hert. As for tythynges I have none, but I pray you to yef credence to K. the brynger of this: and God have you in blessid kepyng. Wretyn in hast at Lee. I pray you commaunde me to my Cosyn your wyffe &c.

R. Restwold, Esquier.

To my right worshipfull Cosyn, Thomas Stonore, Esquiere.

103. THOMAS PRATT TO THOMAS STONOR [c. 1470]

The date is uncertain. No. 105 is not later than 1473. It is convenient to place this and the next two documents together. The writer is probably the Thomas Prat of Henley mentioned in No. 272. From A.C., xlvi, 64.

Ryȝt reverent and wurchypfull master, I have ben with Richard Golborne and he may nat helpe me of xx. s., þat ye wrote to hym for, wherefor I beseche ȝow as my trust ys unto ȝowr gode maysterchep that ȝe wull sende me xx. s. be my sone, for and ye helpe me nat now I can nat ryde to þe feyr, and then I have loste vj. s. viij. d., þat I have leyde yn ernyste off a geldyng. Wherfore yf hyt plese ȝow that ȝe will ȝeve me leave, I wull make money off my oxyn to kepe with my promys. No mor to ȝow at þys tyme, but God have ȝow yn his kepyng, Amen. Be ȝowr awne bedeman and servant,

Thomas Pratt.

To my Ryȝt wurchipfull Master, Thomas Stonor, thys lre. be delyvered.

104. AN ACCOUNT FOR THOMAS STONOR [c. 1470]

For Golborne and Pratt see No. 103. From Ch. Misc., 37, iv, 5.

Be it remembyrde that Richerd Golborne delyverd to my master Stonor at Thomas Prattes in the presens of Richerd Balaam and Tho. Pratt, vj. s. viij. d. It., delyverd to John Bucher be the commandment off my seyde mayster ffor freche watyr ffysche for my lorde off Lyncolne, iij. s. viij. d. It., delyverd to my seyde master at Nettylbede in the presens off Sawnder Blakhall and other moo, iij. s. iiij. d. It., payed when my seyde master and mastresse went to Cawyrsame for drynkyng at watter syde, iij. d.

Summa istius bille xiij. s. xj. d.

105. THOMAS PRATT TO THOMAS STONOR [c. 1470]

Some indication of the date is given by the reference to William Marmyon, who probably died about the end of 1473, see No. 135. Pratt may possibly have been employed at Stonor and wrote this letter thence. But there is nothing to show what "town" or "court" he refers to. From A.C., xlvi, 65.

Jhesus.

Ryȝt reverent and moste wurchypffull Master, I recommend me unto ȝow, desyryng to here of ȝowr welfare. My Mastres, yowr wyffe, recom|mend her to ȝow, and sche ffaryth well and all ȝowr howsolde, blyssyd be God. Furthermore, I have spokyn with my Master Wyllyam Marmyun, and he hath spokyn with the Warden and with John Denyun, and as for the nexte corte they hathe founde a wey þat ther schull no thyng be do, yn so myche as ye be absent, and therffor ye schull nat dowt as for the nexte corte, and my master wyll enduse them whan that they come that they schull put all maner of maturs uppon xij wurchypfull men of the same towne. And my Mastres hath sent yow yowr iij botelles be the brynger of thys letter. No more to ȝow at thys tyme, but God have ȝow, body and sowle, yn hys kepyng, Amen.

Be ȝour servant and the Bedeman Thomas Pratt.

To my Ryȝht reverent Master, Thomas Stonor, thys lre. be delyvered yn hast.

106. JANE STONOR TO [THOMAS] STONOR [c. 1470]

In spite of the address this would seem to be written by Jane Stonor to her husband. Lord Morley was William Lovell (uncle of Francis, Viscount Lovell) who married Alianore Morley before 1466, and was summoned to Parliament in her right from 10 August, 1469, to 15 October, 1471. The reference to "the chelder" would suggest a rather earlier date than 1470, and William Lovell probably used the title from the time of his marriage; he is styled "Willelmus Lovell, dominus Morley" ap. Placita de Banco, Roll 820, m. 64, in Trinity Term, 1466. From A.C., xlvi, 249.

Syr, I recommande me unto yow as lowly as I cane: pleseyt yow to wyte I have ressevyde a byle frome yow wherby I undyrstonde My lorde Morlay dissyrres to sugiorne with yow: what answere þat ye have ȝevyn hym I cannot undyrstond be your bylle: I soposse your mynid was apon sum odyr materys when þat ye wrotyt, bot and ye have not granttyde, I beseke yow to aschusyt and to contend your litylle abyd|dynge at home, and allso þe joberde of yowr chelder and of all your howys at your hasty goyng in to Devenscheyr: for and your abyddyng at home be no nodyrwyse þan yt ys, þat wolle be [non]e profete unto yow and hertes ese unto me: raythere breke up housallde þan take sugiornantes, for servantes be not so delygent as þei were wonto bee. Now farewelle, goode syr, and Gode ȝeve yow goode nyghte and brynge yow welle home and in schorte tyme. Wrytyn at Stonor apon Sante Symon and Judes daye at eve.

Be your awne Jayn Stonor.

[In dorso] Ples yt yow to be remembyrde apon genciayn, ruberbe, bays, cappys, pouttys, cheverellaseys, a nounce of flayt selke, lasses, tryacyl.

To my brodyr Stonor in hast, at þe Swerde in Fletestrete.

107. OLIVER WITTONSTALL TO THOMAS STONOR [before 1470]

This is clearly a little earlier than the next letter. The draft Award—No. 109—shows that the matter in dispute related to the estate of Wittonstall's stepson, John Cottesmore, who was a ward of Thomas Stonor, and married one of his guardian's daughters, probably in 1470—see Nos. 110 and 137. The date of this and the next two documents may possibly be a few years earlier, but it is convenient to place them immediately before No. 110. From A.C., xlvi, 83.

Ryght worshypfull syr, y recomaunde me unto, thankyng you for the good scher that y hadd with you ever at suche tyme that y was with you. Please you to remembre the pointement by you and me, that ys to sey we scholde me to g[eder] at Henley the first Thorsday in clene lenton, or that y schold sende you worde. Y have comynet with my

wyfe, and sche sayes with good wel, so that her brother Barantyne be on of thame with Mayster Rede, and sche to be ther at the awarde whene it is yoven: and at Ester sche and y schull be with and not fayle in no wyse. Forthermore, take credens to the berer hereof: and God preserve you worship, whom [do he ha] [These three words are only faintly legible, and so are bracketed.] you in hys kepyng.

By your own Olyuer Wittonstall.

To the ryght worschipfull Thomas Stonor, be thys letter delyved.

108. OLIVER WITTONSTALL TO THOMAS STONOR [before 1470]

See the note on the previous letter. From A.C., xlvi, 84.

Ryght reverent and worshypful Syr, y recomaund me unto you: and for as [mych] as ye desire to know how y wilbe desposet as tochyng your land for titil thereof, for certen my wyf and y welbe with you uppon Ester to see yf ye and we cane agre within our self: and we, and yf we can not agre, desyre your frendes and oures to see a derec|cyon betwene you and us: yf thay can not fynde the menes theryn, thene ye and we in Pach. terme to take our evidens with us to London, and by the avyce of a juge take a lerned man or ij endyfferrently, and to abyde the rule of thaym in all suche thyngges as we schewe and de|clare. Yf yt please you it be soo, and thys y promyte you schalbe per|formet on oure behalfe; and affor any rent taken or to be taken; yf it be youre ryght ye schalbe truly content, for y halde it be necessare that we be wel avyset how we dele theryn. Wryten yn London the ij Monday of clene.

By your own Olyuer Wittonstall.

To the ryght reverent worshypful Thomas Stoner, be thys bill de|lyveret at Stoner in Oxforshyre.

109. STONOR v. WITTONSTALL [before 1470]

From Ch. Misc., 37, iii, 18. A draft only, without date.

ABSTRACT. Draft of the award made by Sir Edmond Rede on "dyvers contravercyes and variaunces . . . had and moved betwen Thomas Stonor of Stonor in the Counte of Oxon, esquyer, garden . . . of all the manors, landes, and tenementes of John Cotesmore, son and heyre of John Cotesmore, duryng the nounage of the seid John Cotes|more on the oon party, and Olyver Whitonstall and Margaret, his wyff, late the wyff of John Cotesmore, the fader of the seid John, on the other parte," touching the possession and profits of all the manors etc. of the said John Cotesmore in the Isle of Wight, and in the counties of Oxford, Berks, and Bucks. First: "the same Olyver and Margaret shall have and pesibely possede and resceyve all the issues, profites, and revenues of the Manor of Dourton in the Counte Buks" and 4l. yearly rent from Holcome, Oxon, during the nonage of John Cotesmore. Thomas Stonor is to let to farm to them all manors etc. in the Isle of Wight during the nonage of John Cotesmore; they paying to Stonor, or his executors, 38l. 13s. 4d. Stonor is to have the issues of all other lands, the Manor of Mylton, Oxfordshire, excepted.

110. SIR RICHARD HARCOURT TO THOMAS STONOR 1 FEB. [? 1470]

The chief subject of this letter was clearly the marriage of Thomas Stonor's ward, John Cottesmore, to one of his daughters—probably Joan—see Nos. 128 and 136. I cannot explain why Harcourt addresses Stonor as "my ffadyr". The letter would naturally imply that Harcourt was married to a daughter of Thomas Stonor, and that a son or daughter of his by a former wife was going to marry a daughter or son of Thomas Stonor. But Richard Harcourt is said to have married (1) Edith, daughter of Thomas Sencler or St. Clere, by whom he had a son Christopher and a daughter Anne; (2) Eleanor, daughter of Sir Roger Lewknor, by whom he had a son John, who married Margaret, daughter of William Bray; and (3) Katherine,

daughter of Sir Thomas de la Pole, and widow of Sir Miles Stapleton, by whom he had a son William. Christopher Harcourt married Joan, younger daughter of Sir Miles and Katherine Stapleton. Anne Harcourt married Henry Fiennes, Lord Say. In his will Harcourt mentions two other daughters, Isabell, and Alice, wife of William Besillys. He mentions his two wives, Edith and Katherine, but there is no reference to Eleanor nor to her alleged son John. (See Collins' Peerage, iv, 436-7, ed. Brydges; Harcourt Papers, i, 73-6; Blomefield, History of Norfolk, ix, 320-21; P.C.C., 27 Logge.) It would be a simple solution to the difficulty if we could suppose that the Richard Harcourt of this letter was a different person to the well-known knight. But the writer of No. 145 was certainly Sir Richard Harcourt, and the signatures of both letters are in the same hand, and have paraphs of identical design. Moreover, Sir Richard Harcourt and Thomas Stonor were co-feoffees for Katherine Arundel (see No. 125). The pretended relationship must therefore remain a mystery. In his letter to William Stonor (No. 145) Harcourt signs himself as "your loving cosyn," but in this letter refers to "my brother William Stonor". If there had been a child-marriage between children of Harcourt and Stonor it would explain "my daughter and yours"; but even of this there is no evidence, though if one of the parties had died young that would be not unnatural.

As to the date of the letter the reference to Harcourt's business about the King's matters would suggest 1467, when he was sheriff of Oxon and Berks. But since Sir Miles Stapleton only died in October, 1466, Harcourt is not very likely to have married his widow before 1 Feb., 1467. Moreover, the marriage of Cottesmore to Thomas Stonor's daughter was some time later than October, 1468—see No. 137. This letter is therefore probably not later than 1 Feb., 1470. Dame Katherine Harcourt was niece by marriage to Alice, Duchess of Suffolk, which makes the reference to "our own good lady" natural. This letter may just possibly be holograph; but probably is signed only, like No. 145. From A.C., xlvi, 57.

My Ryght worshepfull fadyr, I recumaund me to ȝow as hertely as I can: and it leke ȝow to wete, acordyng to ȝowr wrytyng I send Cottys|more to London to have his aray made ther after ȝowr desyer, a long goune of cremesyn clothe and a nothyr long goune of blew clothe: and I prey ȝow þat my servaunt may know wher þe clothe schal be bowth for my dowter and yours, þat Cottysmore may have of the same clothe, and a frend of myn schal pay þerfor tyl þat I come to London, as for hys part. And as for þe day of mariage I wold ryght fayne a be ther in goode feythe, and I myght an had leysyr: ffor ye know wele þe besy|nesse þat I have aboute þe Kynges maters atte þis tyme. Never þe lesse, ffader, I prey ȝow that ȝe wyl atte þe day of mariage to ley downe upon þe boke xl. s. and I schal content ȝow ageyne. And þat is I-now

for a ȝong man, as me semeth &c. Morover, ffadyr, I prey yow þat ȝe wold be atte London, whan I am þer, for dyverse matters longyng to Cottysmore, and I prey ȝow þat þis wrytyng may recomaund me and my wyfe unto my modyr, ȝowr wyfe, and to my brothyr Wylleam Stonor &c. Forthermore, my wyfe send ȝow a ryng be my servaunt atte þis tyme for my dowter and ȝowrs to be weddyd þer with. And preyth God to graunt them bothe moche Joy togeder, and have ȝow and al ȝowris ever in hys most mercyful kepyng. Wretyn in hast un Candelmesse Evyn. And, fader, I prey ȝow to recomaund my wyfe and me to owr owne good lady, my lady of Suffold: and we be ful glad þat we her sey be ȝow servaunt þat my seyd lady is in good hele, blessid be God.

Your sone Ric. Havrecourt.

To my ryght worshepfull fader, Thos. Stonor, Esquyer.

111. THOMAS MULL TO THOMAS STONOR [1470?]

The date is probably early in 1470, since it was more than a year after the deaths of Richard and Alice Drayton, and Christmas was past. The goblets, etc., appear to have been valued at £6 16s. 8d., and were presumably family plate purchased by Stonor from Mull. From A.C., xlvi, 60.

Right worshipfull Master and Brother, I recommaund me unto you: and wher it lykid you to send me iij li. by Robert Barre, sendyng me by your letter word that yt was for no duete of my ffader, yf it lyke you to call to remembraunce, ther was by you due for my ffader ys dette, whos sowle God assoyle, at Alhalowyntyde x. li., of which I have re|sceyvid by the handes of Robert Barre, before thes iij li., vij li., and so nowe the full x. li. is content: and when ye wer in Kente and in my pore hows ye payed me x. li. for my wyfes duete, and ther lefte v nobles behynd &c of her duete unpayed. Also, and ye be not ther with displesid, when ye bought in London the goblettes and flat pees coverid, with spones &c, that sume drewe to viiij li. x. s, wherof at Cristmes ye sente me by my Cosen Willyam x marcs, and so ther restyth behynd unpayed therof v nobbles iij s. iiij d. And as for the summez in your letter, parte of the smethes sume, a xxxiij s., I under|stand well: for xij moneth passid I had a bill therof of Balam after the

moneth mynde of my ffader Drayton. As for the sum of the carpenter for the lok, I remembre well what sum of mone was by my mene assigned therto &c. I shall comyn with you, when I may mete nexte with you, which with Goddis [grace] [grace, om. MS.] shall not be long &c. And I trust to God that ye woll conceyve your self, that as for the carpenteris wages ther may by no reson be no mone due to hym therof, but yf it so wer that the mone to hym assigned wer not payed, for he had it in grete for that his labour, and a warrant made to Harre Dogett to pay yt. I wot well it woll come to your remembraunce &c. Notwithstandyng I ame as much behold to you for the iij li. nowe to me sente, as though ye had lente it or geve it me. For sumwhat I had endangerid me for the sowles past to God more than I had mone to. And as for shepe I bought of you at the xij month mynd vj shepe at the pris of xxij. d. a pes, which is in dute therfor to you xj. s. &c. Syr, I am yours as ferre as my pore power may strech: and as for your mater of inquisicion, I trust to God it be to your plesyr and profyte, but your Councell in no wyse wold not agre to have the said way found, after they conceyvid that it was over your ground for other mennes ease: for though of old ther wer a toll payable to you ther for, and long seth it was payed, yet and it wer found your Maner were charged for ever ther with: and as for your toll, never the nerrer for the fyndyng: and the right of your toll never the ferther fro you, though it be not founde &c. I sende by the berer herof the dede of lees to my Moder, and the cope of all your dedes, and the cope of the Inquisicion. And Jhesu preserve you to your plesyr.

Your Thomas Mull.

To my maister and Brother Stonor.

112. LETTERS OF PRIVY SEAL TO THOMAS STONOR 3 APRIL, 1470

From A.C., xlvi, 42. Printed in Archæologia, xvi, 1-2.

By the King.

Edw.

Trusty and welebeloved We grete you wele; Letting you wit þat our Traitours and Rebelles þe Duc of Clarence and Therl of Warrewik,

which daily labour þe weyes moyens at þeir power of our final destruc|cion, and þe subversion of this owre Realme and þe comon wele of þe same, been fledde westwardes: Whome we wol folowe and pursue with our Ooste with al diligence possible, and let and represse þeir fals and traiteroux purpose and entent with Goddes grace. Wherfore we wol and straitely charge you þat immediatly after þe sight of þies owre lettres ye arredie you, with such a fellasship on horssebak in defensible arraye as ye goodly can make, to come unto us wheresoever ye shal undrestande þat we þen shalbee, to aide and assiste us to thentent aforesaid, without failling as ye love and tendre the wele of us and of owre said Realme, and uppon the feith and liegeaunce that ye owe unto us. Yoven undre owre Signet at owre Citie of Coventre, þe iij^de day of Aprill.

To our trusty and welebeloved Thomas Stoner of Stoner.

113. WADEHILL TO THOMAS STONOR 17 JANUARY [1471?]

This letter from a servant of John de la Pole, Duke of Suffolk, was clearly written after the birth of the Duke's eldest son, John, who was probably born in 1464, and before the death of his mother, the Duchess Alice, in May, 1475. The only intervening years in which 17th January fell on a Thursday were 1465 and 1471. The former seems precluded by the mention of "the young ladies," since Suffolk's daughters were probably younger children; though the fact that an adjourned Parliament met in 1465 on 21st January would make this date otherwise suitable. The date 1471 is difficult, since it involves a reference to an otherwise unknown meeting of the Parliament of the Lancastrian Restoration. The Chancellor in both years was George Neville, Archbishop of York, with whom the Stonors had friendly relations. Suffolk, who was married to a sister of Edward IV., would naturally desire to keep away from Court in 1471. From A.C., xlvi, 85.

Worshipfull and my right good maister, I recommende me to youre good maistership: and like you wete þat my lord, and my lady his Moder also, have commaunded me to wryte unto you þat þey bothe hertily desire and prey you, yef ye may in eny wyse or your goyng to London, ye wole take þe laboure as to come hider to speke

with my seid lord and lady for diverse grete matters and causes þat þey wolde speke unto you of. And yef ye may not come hider, þan þat ye wole find þe meane to my lord Chaunceler as to excuse my lord of his comyng not to London at þis time, like as my seid lord was wreten unto by a pryve seall whiche was delivered to him on Munday last passed at vj of þe clokke withynne night at Ewelme, which as your maystership knoweth well was right shorte warnyng, remembring þat þe more parte of my lordes servauntes were sente into Suffolk to þe houshold þere ayens Crystemasse, and þe remenaunt of his servauntes, þat were here awayting, your maystership knoweth well been forthe with my lady, my lordes wyf, into Suffolk to bringe her þider: ffor God knoweth she thought full longe from þe yonge lorde and yonge ladies here childerne, þat been þere. And so my lord might not come at London himself at þis time to his worship, and his servauntes from him: ffor I dare sey he hath here at þis day awayting uppon his lordship not a dosen persones. Nethelese with Goddes grace my seid lord purposeth and woll be and attend at þe Parlement as oþer lordes shall, ffor by þat time his seid servauntes þat be nowe absent woll be with my seid lord ayen here. Wreten in haste þis Thursday xvij day of Januare.

Youre servaunt Wadehill.

To my right worshipfull master, Thomas Stonor.

114. LETTERS OF ATTORNEY BY THOMAS STONOR THE YOUNGER AND SIBILL BREKNOK 2 APRIL, 1471

ABSTRACT. Letters of Attorney by Thomas Stonor of Stonor, the younger, esquire, and Sibill Breknok, daughter of David Breknok, son of John Breknok, appointing Thomas Wode to receive in their name from John Breknok, seisin of all the lands, tenements, rents, reversions and services in Hadnam, Bucks, called Pennys, which John Breknok lately had by grant and feoffment from William Chapman, in accordance with a charter granted to them by John Breknok. "Datum secundo die mensis Aprilis, anno ab inchoatione regni Henrici sexti quadragesimo nono et readempcionis sue regie potestatis anno primo." From Ancient Deeds, C. 1106. The seals are gone. In C. 5014 there is the draft of a bond by Thomas Stonor of Stonor the younger and

Thomas Stonor the elder, to Richard Quatermayns and Richard Fowler in 40l., for the protection of Quatermayns under a release made by him, on 8 April, 1472, to Thomas Stonor the elder to the use of Thomas Stonor the younger relating to "Penis lond in Hadnam".

115. HUMPHREY FORSTER TO THOMAS STONOR [? 5 APRIL, 1471]

Sir William Norys had a pardon by word of mouth from the King on 8 April, 1471 (Cal. Pat. Rolls, Edward IV, ii, 241). This may possibly fix the date of the letter, as "this same Friday" will then be 5th April, which would suit well enough. Humphrey Forster of Harpsdon, Berks, married Alice, sister of Thomas Stonor. Pury is probably John Pury, squire, of Oxford and Berks, and Dalamar, Delamere of Aldermaston. From A.C., xlvi, 48.

My goode kynde brother, I recommaunde me to yowe in my most [In the original my most is repeated.] feythefull wyse: and lyketh yow to wete þat it pleased you to speke unto me for my ladies ferme of þe ho., þat Grey myght have it stille, yef he cowde entrete Fryghthe, þat I have made the graunt unto &c. My good brother, it is so þat þe seid Fryghthe hath be with me this same Friday and enformed me howe þat my nevewes Willm. Stonor and Emond came unto hym to his plowe and wold have entretid hym to have departe his graunte. And he seid he wold not. And þen my nevewe seid he shuld departe from it maugre his hede, and had unto þe pore man manasyng wordes, as he seythe. So þat þe pore man stode in grete fere. And my nevewe made hym ayenste his wille to take viij. s. My goode brother, this dealyng and demeanyng is not to my pore honestie; for, as I understond, Grey hath seid he wolle have it maugre my hede, which shall not be by my wille. My goode brother, in your wysdome reformeth this matter, trustyng to you þat Grey shalle not be supported to my rebuke &c. My goode brother, this same nyght passed Syr Willm. Norys laye at Walyngford to London ward to þe Kyng; and Dalamar and Pury ladde hym, and he shall have his grace. My goode brother, I sende yowe þe viij. s., þat my Nevewe made the pore man

take for fere. I prey you latt þe pore man no more be so entretid. Jhesu preserve you and alle yours.

Your trew brother Humfrey fforster.

To my goode kynde brother Thomas Stonore.

116. RICHARD QUATERMAYNS TO THOMAS STONOR [? 12 APRIL, 1471]

There is no clear indication of the date. Quatermayns had a lawsuit with John Barantyne as to the manors of Chalgrove and Haseley, of which he was feoffee under the will of Barantyne's father; this was between 1467 and 1472; during the same time John Parys was parson of Haseley (Early Chancery Proceedings, 31/440 and 39/246-8). Barantyne also had a dispute with Thomas Mylle or Mull as executor of Richard Drayton, with reference to a bond in surety for an annuity on the manor of Churchill; this was not earlier than 1469 (id. 45/98). This letter may belong to the same year as No. 118; if so it may probably be dated in 1471, when Good Friday was 12th April. From A.C., xlvi, 67.

My right worshipfull Cosyn, with all dewe recommendacion had, I wol ye wete that I have resseyvyd your letter send unto me by your servaunt, berer herof: and, Cosyn, all the contenus of your writynge I have wel understand, and where yn the seid contenu of your letter that such promys and speche as hath be betwene yow and me att dyverse tymes, that tho shuld be holdyn, Cosyn, I asserteyne yow that such speche as hath be betwene yow and me I shall in my parte vary, with the helpe of Jhesu, nether for cosyn Barentyne nether for parson Parys, for they both shall not make me ayenst yow, and that ye shall right wel knowe, for I truste to Jhesu that I have not be varyant of my promys in tyme passyd: and they shall not make me brake it. How|beit, cosyn, the seid parson Parys was with me at Ricoote appon our Lady evyn last past, and brought with hym grete writyng under the Seal of the deane of the Arches under my lord of Caunterbury, mak|ynge mension of Innybucions and other mucche maters, and of appar|aunce in the seid Arches at such days as in his Innybucions it is conteynyd. And, cosyn, when he had shewyd me this, he willyd to be aydyd by me. I aunsweryng hym that I wold not in no wise, but I

chargyd hym to kepe the peas, and seid hym that I had conspromytted, and that I wold not breke with the helpe of Jhesu, whom kepe yow. Wretyn in hast half crasyd appon goode Fryday.

Your cosyn, Ric. Quat'.

To my right worshipfull Cosyn, Thomas Stoner, be this letter deliveryd.

117. FEES OF THOMAS STONOR SEPT. 1471

From Ch. Misc., 37, iv, 6.

Th. Stonore, Ar., Michaelis Archangeli, A^o xlix^o Regis Henrici vj^ti. Rec. per H. Dogett de maneriis subscriptis.

Sotwell. De Johanne Pope, collectore et firmario ibidem, de parte officii sui, iiij. li. De quibus in expensis iij d. Et rem. lxxix s. ix. d. Summa, lxxix. s. ix. d.

Retherfeld. De ten. in Rethirfeld Pippard, ut patet per bullam huic sedule annexam, viij. li. xiij. s. x. d. De quibus in expensis, xxij. d. Et rem. viij. li. xij. s. Summa, viij. li. xij. s.

Penyton. De firmario et collectore de Penyton et Shipton (lxvj. s. viij. d.), [Written above the line; apparently the receipts for Shipton.] xij. li. x. s. viij. d. De quibus in expensis iiij. s. iiij. d. Et rem. xij. li. vj. s. iiij. d. Summa, xij. li. vj. s. iiij. d.

Hembury. De Johanne Bondy, collectore de Hembury, viij. li. viij. s. vj. d. De quibus in expensis, ij. s. v. d. Et rem. viij. li. vj. s. j. d. Summa, viij. li. vj. s. j. d.

Burton et Cundycote. De collectore et firmario de Burton et Cundycote, Cij. s. ob. De quibus in expensis unacum regard. col|lectoris, iij. s. vij. d. Et rem. iiij. li. xviij. s. v. d. ob. Summa, iiij. li. xviij. s. v. d ob.

Receptus forinsece. De feodo magistri Th. Stonore pro domina ducissa Suff., ultra vj. s. viij. d. de prima resolucione coll. redditus de Ewelme, ix. li. xiij. s. iiij. d. Summa ix. li. xiij. s. iiij. d.

Summa totalis, xlvij. li. xv. s. xj. d. ob. De quibus in denariis liberatis Roberto Oxslade pro frumento, vj. li. xiij. s. iiij. d. Et domine Isabell Saquevyle, x. li. Et magistro per manus Will. Thornhyll xxiij. li. Et in feodis &c. liij. s. iiij. d. Et rem. Cix. s. iij. d. ob.

118. WILLIAM STONOR TO THOMAS STONOR 24 OCT. [? 1471]

There is no sure indication of the date, though it cannot be later than 1473, and in view of William Stonor's age is not likely to be earlier than 1470. This letter may belong to the same year as No. 116, which is pro|bably not later than 1472. It cannot well belong to the same year as No. 106, at the date of which letter Thomas Stonor was himself in London; but the date of No. 106 is itself uncertain. The date is perhaps rather more likely to be 1471 than 1472. From A.C., xlvi, 77.

My ryght reverent and wurshypfull fadyr, I recomaund me unto yowur good fadyrhod, mekely besechyng of yowur dayly blessyng: plesyth yowur good fadyrhod to wytt that Barentyne complaynyd to my lord, and he hathe made many ontru surmysse, the wyche I kannot yt undyrstond them, but to morow I must be with my lord by vij a kloke at my answere: and Barentyne desyryd a wryte of ryat a pon te statud [Probably meaning a writ of "Testatum Capias" for execution by the sheriff.] ayen yowur ffadyrhod, and ayen me and the pryst: and my lord will do noyn delyver ayen yow, but only ayenste the pryst, the wyche wrytt ys owte all redy: where for I beseche yowur fadyrhode that the pryst may abbesente hym that he be not a-tachytt, and that sum odyr pryst may sey servys for a sesun. I am myche bounde to Molynerse, Nedam, Malyverer and many odyr jentelmen and be the tyme my lord hathe herde me I trust to good he wylle be my good lorde, ho have yow, my good modyr, and alle yowrs yn hys one fyfull kepeyng, Amen. I-writtyn yn Flete strete the xxiiij day of Octobur.

By yowur chyld Willm. Stonore.

To my ryght reverent and worshypful ffadyr, my fadyr Stonere, yn hast.

119. E[DWARD] LANGFORD TO THOMAS STONOR [? 1472]

The date must be not later than 1474. In 1474, 2nd February was on a Wednesday, and in 1473 on a Tuesday; so the year is probably not later than 1472. Edward Langford was on the Commission of Peace in Berkshire from 1471 to 1473 (Cal. Pat. Rolls, Edw. IV, ii, 608; cf. id. i, 492 and ii, 406). From A.C., xlvi, 82.

Ryght worshipfull syr, I recommende me unto you, praying you that by this writyng I may be recommendid to my Maistres, your wyf. Syr, it ys so that Robert Goldriche, a tenaunt and an old servaunt of myn, bought, at Michaelmas was iij yere, of Watkyn Bolter ix quarters of barley, of William Surman vj quarters barley, and of Willm. Bowyer iiij quarters of barley; which shuld have byn delyveryd to þe seide Robert Goldriche at Bradfeld at þe puryficacion of our lady þat tyme next folowyng: and as yet they have non delyverid of the corn afore rehersyd. Howe be it they be boundyn by obligacion unto my saide servaunt in þe sum of x. li., þe whiche summe is forfet. Syr, I under|stond þe iij personys afore rehersyd byn your tenauntes: wherefore my servaunt neythir woolle ne dare take accion agaynst them unto þe tyme that he have leve of you. Syr, I pray you that it may pleas you to write or send to your tenauntes afore rehersid in suche wise that they delyver my servaunt his corn, which he hath bought and payd for; and ellys þat yf they so do not, ye wolle yf [Sic: meaning "yefe" ( = give).] my servaunt leve to take his accion. And all myghty Jhesu have you and all yourys in his blessud kepyng. Written þe Thursday next afore þe purificacion of our lady.

Your old ffellawe E. Langfford.

To the Ryght Worshipfull Thomas Stonor, Squyer.

120. [JANE STONOR(?) TO HER DAUGHTER] c. 1472 (?)

It seems most likely that the writer of this letter is Jane Stonor, in which case the date is probably between 1470 and 1473, since her husband is alive:

the Queen is then Elizabeth Woodville, and possibly the daughter is with the Duchess of Suffolk (see No. 172). The end of the letter with the signature has been destroyed, and there is no endorsement. From A.C., xlvi, 244.

Welebylovyd doughter, I grete yow wele: and I understond ye wold have knowlech how ye shuld be demenyd. Doughter, ye wot wele ye ar there as it plesyd þe quene to put yow, and what tyme þat ye cam fyrst fro myn: albeit myn husbonde and I wold have had . . . wherwith þe quene was ryght gretly displisyd with us both: hall be it we knowe ryght wele it cam nat of her selfe. Also me thynk þay sshuld nat be so wery of yow, þat dyd so gret labour and diligence to have yow: and wher as ye thynk I sshuld be unkynde to yow, verrely þat am I nat, for and ye be as I left yow, as I trust verrely þat ye be, I am and wyll be to yow as a moder sshuld be, and if so be þay be wery of yow, ye sshall cum to me, and ye wille your selfe: so þat my housbond or I may have writyng fro þe quene with her awn hand, and ells he nor I neyther dar nor wyll take upon us to reseyve yow, seyng þe quenys displesyr afore: for myn housbond seyth he hath nat wyllyngly disobeyde her comaundment here afore, nor he wyll nat begynne nowe. Also I understond . . .

No endorsement.

121. THOMAS MULL TO THOMAS STONOR [MAY, 1472]

Margery, daughter of Sir Thomas Etchingham, married William, son of Walter Blount, Lord Mountjoy, who was killed at Barnet on 14 April, 1471. Margery subsequently married Sir John Elrington and died in 1481; she was buried at St. Leonard, Shoreditch (Stow, Survey, ii, 75). Cicely, widow of Sir Thomas Kyriel, died on 19 April, 1472 (Chancery Inq. p.m., Edward IV, file 42). Since Lady Kyriel was lately dead, and since this letter was probably not much earlier than the next, the date must have been quite early in May, 1472. Sir John Fogge was Treasurer of the Household to Edward IV. From A.C., xlvi, 62.

Right worshipfull Brother, I recommaund me unto you: lykith you to wete that my Cosen Willyam hath ben with a full goodly Gentil|woman, and comynde with her after love's lore: and for certein I knowe

that ych of them ys verely well content of other. Shee was late wyf unto the son of my lorde Montjoy: and for the certente what my cosen shall have with her, yf God provide for them that they shall go throwe in mariage, suer yt is that of her ffader's enheritaunce she hath in pos|session C. marks of lande, and after the deth of her ffader shee shall have over that the half of al the residue of al the lande of her ffader, and of my lorde Mountjoyes lande shee hath iiij^xx marcs of annuite fe by dede endentid, for wher the lande was in value C. marcs shee hath layn it ayen to my seid lord for yelding her yerly iiij_xx marcs. Thes certentees I have by my bedfelow Thomas Powtrell, which ys of councell with my seid lorde, and was of councell at the mariage makyng, when my seid mastres was maried to the son of my seid lord; and as I understond by my seid bedfelowe the hole value of syr Thomas Ichyng|ham is londe, as it was at the tyme of the seid mariage makyng shewyd in writyng, was betwen CCC. and CCCC. marcs, not fully CCCC. and better then CCC., but how much it ys oute of the remembraunce of my seid bedefelowe. And for certeine shee is well named, and of worship|full disposicion. I have ben with my Cosen Willyam there, and seyn my seid Mastres, and comynde with her. And I fele by them both that and ye woll, with mercy of our lorde the mater shall take gode ende. I know verely my Cosen woll in no wise in this cas doo but as your good ffaderhode woll he doo. Wherfor in the name of God beth in this cas and in al other good ffader to my Cosen in councelyng, helping, and preferring after your hertes plesyr: for and I sholde mary I wolde he sholde chese for me. I wot well ye woll lyke my Mastres right well when ye se her, and better when ye comyn with her. Nowe ys al in you; in which and in al other God be your guyde. Syr, as for the manor of Clyf, I have comynd with Webley, þat is of my lorde Cobham is councell: I hope the mater shall take goode ende by trete, of which I shall have worde þis halidayes. Notwithstanding þer is an attourne recordid for syr John Fog and his felowes, in hap that we accorde not. Jhesu preserve you and my gode Suster to your hertes plesyr. Sir, as it is seid, ther is of late fallyn to my Mastres ffader, syr Thomas Yching|ham, CCC. marcs more after the deth of my lady Kyriell.

T. Mull.

To my right worshipfull Brother, Thomas Stonor.

122. WILLIAM STONOR TO THOMAS STONOR [? 14 MAY, 1472]

This seems to relate to the projected marriage with Margery Blount, who we know from No. 123 to have spent some time with William Stonor in Lon|don. From the previous letter it seems likely that this was written in 1472, and so we get the day 14th May. Barrey is no doubt the Robert Barre of No. 111. From A.C., xlvi, 75.

My ryght reverent and wurshypfull good fadyr, I recomaund me unto youre good fadyrhod, mekely besechyng yow of yowre dayly blessyng, and my good modyr also: lykith yowre good fadyrhod to wytt that I truste weryly to alle myty Jhesu and to youre good fadyrhod that I shalle spede well of my mater, for I have comfortabul demenure of my mastresse, but as to the wery purpose, but yt I hope well: my good fadyr, Barrey shalle tel yow of the demenure, and what they be that laburyn to the jentylwoman. I beseche yow, fadyr, that Barrey may be with me here alle thys halydayys, for the jentyllwoman wyll not departe tyll the weke after Wytsuntyd, and ere that I trust to alle myty Jhesu to know more to my hertes ese than I do now, hom I beseche to preserve youre good fadyrhod and my good modyr, and have yow yn hys mersy|full kepyng, Amen. I-wrytyn I-Lundun, the Thursday next afore Whytsunday.

By yowre chyld Wyllm. Stonore.

Address undecipherable.

123. THOMAS MULL TO WILLIAM STONOR [1472]

This letter seems to be preliminary to No. 124, and as probably some little time later than Nos. 121 and 122 may be referred to the latter part of 1472. From A.C., xlvi, 105.

Cosen, I recommaunde me to you. And wher as I fele by your letter and wrytyng that my Mastres hath not that good wyll of you as sume tyme ye ought her, Syr, ye may owe her right good will, how be

yt that it be not in so herty wyse as ye dyde before. But and I under|stode þat she had seyd to you þes wordes: "Syr, I wold not have you, but yt so bee þat I may have C. li. or CC. marcs with you in joyntur": Syr, then it had ben a mater by which ye myght conceyve þat shee þen had loved your londe better þen your self. But I understond that ther wer no such wordes, but I conceyve the wordes wer þees: "Syr, I may have CCC. marcs in joyntur, and I to take þe lesse when I may have þe more, my ffrendes wold þenke me not wyse &c.: and howe be yt, your ffader wol not geve me, yet lette hym do well to you." In which wordes I understond noon utter nay. But and ye in your mynde con|ceyve þat shee hath yoven you an utter nay, then shall ye by myn åssent never speke more of the mater, but lette yt goo: but yf it be so þat ye your self brake the mater for þat shee seid, "I may have CCC. marcs in joyntur," þen shee hath geven no cause in her parte of an utter breche: for it ys not oon to sey, I may have wiþ a man CC. marcs, and þes wordes, I woll not have you but it so be I may have CC. marcs in joyntur wiþ you. But for al thys resonyng I wold knowe þis of you: and the case wer so þat shee wolde ben agreable to have you with xl. li. or iiij^xx marcs joyntur, wolde your herte þen love as ye have doon before þys seson? þis question wolde I knowe of you, for and I knowe your disposicion in this behalf, I trowe to God al þis love and mater of love wolde be revyvyd ayen in short seson: ffor and it so be þat ye brake þis mater for a lytyl hastynes of your self, þen wolde I not we left so: but and shee wer þe cause of brech, þen woll I not stere ne avise you after þis neþer to write nor sende to her. But oon thyng I dar safly sey in my conceyte, that shee on her parte sithe your departier hath ben vexed and trowbelyd with þe þrowes of love more fervently in her mynde þen ye have ben syth vexid wiþ her seyinges. And þis my cause so to sey and deme, I know oonys for certeyn shee loved you as a par|fyte lover, and þat right late never better þen þe last seson þat shee was in London. Trewe it ys love oones parfytide, þough þer hap sum daungerus speche or countenaunce, yet ys not þe hole ffyr of love quenchyd, but when þat þe person, þat was moste daungerus in speche or countenaunce, by her self allow: wher as shee may revolve at her lyberte wiþoute controllyng every þyng þat longeth to loves daunce, þough þe fflame of the ffyre of love may not breke oute so þat it may be seyn, yet the hete of love in yt self is never þe les, but rather hootter in yt self. Wherfor I sey þis for certayne, I dare depose for her þat the sharpe and unwar chaunges from thought to þought, and ofte remem|brance of the trowbely wawes of love have so possid her to and fro in

her owne mynde, þat shee desyreth as sore after relief, as fer as shee may for shame, as þe man in the water desyreth to be releved frome drownyng in þe perill of þe see: but daunger and shame woll not suffir her to speke yt with oute it be so þat þer be sume newe mocyon made to her &c.: the menes wherof I have compassid in my mynde, which by þe mercy of Gode I woll attempte yf it so be ye kan be plesid þat way, and þat in shorte tyme. Syr, if I may, I woll be with you on Saturday or Sonday &c. I wot well ye remembre what your ffader by his last letter assureþe you in joyntur: and syr, þat ys feyr: and as for oþer thynges touchyng your self, I shall enfourme you at our next metynge to your hertes plesyr, with the mercy of Jhesu, which preserve you.

Thomas Mull.

To William Stonor of Horton in Kent, be this letter delivered in haste.

124. THOMAS MULL TO THOMAS STONOR [1472]

As the negotiations for the match with Mistress Blounte are still going on this letter probably belongs to 1472: on the whole it seems to be later than No. 123, and to detail the "menes" which Mull had "compassid in his mynde". John Forde was farmer at Horton, see No. 101. From A.C., xlvi, 63.

Right worshipfull Brother, I recomaund me to you. And in as muche as that my Cosen Willyam cumeth home to you hymself, ther|fore I wrytt not to you of the demyng &c., ne of the communicacion betwen my seid Cosen and my Mastres Blounte: but this direccion have I taken in the mater, I have thorowly comyned with the preste þat I spoke to you of, and tolde hym my conceyte howe he shal be demened in brekynge with my seid Mastres: and that he shall not breke to much at oones to her, but ever when he spekyth in the mater to her and fele here, and certenly to marke her wordes unto the tyme that he be verily assured in hymself, as nygh as he kan, of her disposicion. And over þat I have appoynted with hym that withyn iiij dayes after þat he is come to my seide mastres I shal send hym a letter directe to her fro me

and in my name: and he hath promysid me that every letter þat I sende here shal be brekyn or he departe from her. And the man þat shal ber the letter shal be namede, Cosen, to þe said prest, so þat he shal abide þer in the howse. And, if it so be þe preste fele her veryly ap|plyable, þe messenger shall [speke] with her hymself. John Foorde shal do the message, and abide ther ij or iij dayes. Furste I was dis|posid to have sente to þe [Norce] to have felte my seid Mastres: but me thought after, þat it had not bene beste, for paraventur the Norce wolde feer to breke fer wiþe her, and also shee myght not contynue and abide uppon the communicacion. This preste may alwey have liberte and lesyr to speke with her. And I have lefte with him a remem|brance in writyng how I wol he shal do, wherein I am verily assured he wol do his parte &c. Syr, as for my Cosen Willyam, for God is sake callyth hym forth with you when he is at home with you, and let him walke with you, and gevyth wordes of good comforte, and beth good ffader unto hym, as I certenly knowe ye be, and so letyth hym veryly understond and know. For, Syr, he is disposid to be a musyr and a studyer, which remembreth and breketh that as much as ye may. And Syr, but if þis mater sum dele come of her own hert, she shal not other|wyse be labored to for certen. Also, yf it kan be, the preste promysith me that she shall sende me worde in writyng of her dysposicion, if her disposicion be to us warde: which letter I shall sende you and my seid Cosyn. And veryly, if she be appliable, it is to be remembred her of her joyntur of the lorde Montjoy, and also of her own ffader, for he taketh the profite of a grete parte: and also in what case lorde Montjoy is land standeth it is good to be remembred to her. And I beseche Jhesu spede and directe this mater to his plesyr, and to preserve you and yours &c.

Thomas Mull.

To my Right worshipfull Brother, Thomas Stonor.

125. DAME KATHERINE ARUNDELL TO THOMAS STONOR 27 JAN. [? 1473]

Katherine Arundell, daughter of Sir John Chiddiock, was wife of Sir John Arundell of Lanherne, Cornwall, and on his death married—after Feb., 1475

—Sir Roger Lewknor (d. 1478); she died on 9 April, 1479 (Chancery Inq. p.m., Edward IV, file 71). Sir Richard Harcourt, Edward Grymston, and Thomas Stonor were feoffees of Lanherne, "Wynyenton," Kenell and other manors, to the use of John and Katherine Arundell and their heirs. After Stonor's death, and the death of Sir John Arundell, Katherine filed a petition in Chancery showing that Harcourt had refused to make an estate to her; "William Menwynnek de Lostwythyell, gentilman," was then one of her sureties (Early Chancery Proceedings, 66/140, P.R.O.). "Wynyanton" or Winnington is in the parish of Gunwalloe, and Kennall in the parish of Stithians; for deeds relating thereto, see Ancient Deeds, A. 10303, A. 10409. In 1481 Sir James Tyrell and Anne his wife brought an action against Sir Richard Harcourt for the manors of Nansladron, Carmynowe, Kenell and Wynyanton; Harcourt in his reply stated that Kenell and Wynyanton were held by Richard Tomyowe; Edward Grymston was then dead (Placita de Banco, Roll 876, m. 458). The date of this letter is of course later than 1465, when Harcourt was knighted, and cannot be later than 1474. Possibly it may belong to the same year as No. 127, in which case the year will be 1473. From A.C., xlvi, 38.

Ryght trusty Cosyn, I comaunde me to you: and where as hit was agreed by you and my councell at your beyng at Dorchester byfore Crystmasse that Richard Tomyowe, consyderyng the gode service that he hath don for my husbonde and me in dayes passed and the charges that he must do for me here after, shulde be made sure of landes and tenementez to the yerely value of xx^ti marke. And he ys agreed to take too lytill Manours in Corunwall, one called Wynnyanton and the other called Kenell, of the value by the yere of xij. li.: of the whiche I pray you, Cosyn, to speke to my cosyn Syr Richard Harecourte and Edward Grymston that betweene you to sealle hym a dede that William Menwyn|nek other Richard Reynolds shall brynge you of the said Maners terme of his lyve: for he woll not procede no furder in my maters in to the tyme he be made sure of the same, whiche were to me a grete hurt, as ye understonde. And that this be done as my speciall trust is in you: and our lorde have you in his blessed kepyng. Wrytten at Excestre the xxvij^th day off Janyver.

By your Cosyn Dame Kateryne Arundell.

To my ryght worshipfull Cosyn, Thomas Stoner, Esquyer.

126. THOMAS MATHEW TO THOMAS STONOR [? 1473]

This seems to be somewhat earlier in date than the next letter, so may be placed early in 1473. Thomas Mathew was bailiff at Ermington; he cer|tainly held that position some time between 1474 and 1476 (see No. 174), and is referred to as a former bailiff in 1480 (see No. 270). John Yeme was bailiff about 1466 (see No. 81). Orchard and John Gybbes were servants of Selenger (see No. 183, which apparently has to do with the conclusion of this dispute). For John Rytte, see No. 174. From A.C., xlvi, 58.

My Ryght worschepful Mayster, y recomande me onto you: de|syryng to here of youre prosperyte and gode hele, the whech y pray almyȝty God longe to contynue you theryn. Furthermore youre water of Erme ys y-stoppyd at Flutedamerel by the offycers there that ther may no ffyssch com up: wherfore the gentelmen that holdyth the water may not paye ther rente, and as thay havyth y-warnyd Water Frende. Wherapon y went to Willyam Fowel, as ȝe commandyt me, to wete what aunswer he had of Johne Gybbes: and he sayde, yff ȝe cowde schew youre tytel gode of olde tyme, as ȝe sayde to hym that ȝe hadde, yf he myȝt have understondyng therof by you or by youre councell that hyt myȝt be schewyd to Syr Phylyp Courtenay and to Orchard, that he wolde doo hys goode wyll theryn to fulfylle youre intent. Also y was wyth Mayster Courtenay, and tolde hym of the sam mater: and he sayde, that my lady wolde that ye scholde have youre ryȝt, yf ȝe cowde schew that hyt were youre tytel of olde tyme. Also y mevyd John Huchyn for the ward of N . . . yayn: and he aunsweryd me, yf ȝe myȝt reken eny part of the londe, he wolde entrete youre Maysterschep therfor. And y spake to Willyam Fowel of the sam mater: and he sayde, yf the londys were y-ffeffyd to that yntente to dissayve you, that hyt was collucyon and ȝe myȝt reken by the lawe. Also the parson of Bykebure hath y-chargyd hys tenents that they schol noȝt pay no ale wytys to me: and Johne Yeme toke a dystresse, whane he was Baylee, and put hyt yn warde, and the parson delyveryd the dystresse ayen, by what delyvere y can noȝt understaunde: wherfor y pray you that ȝe wol sende worde to youre councel how hyt schalbe demenyd. And as for the comyssyon, the commyssyoners havyth y-made a rule to sytte in every hundryd, and y tryst yn God by the rule of youre councel ȝe schalbe savyd harmeles, y

tryst yn God. Also John Ryȝt promysyd me that he wolde bere thys letter: y pray you that ȝe sende wrytyng by hym after youre intent how al materys schalbe doo by youre avyce. No more, but the holy Trynyte have you yn hys blessyd kepyng.

T. Mathu.

Thys letter be delyveryd unto Mayster Thomas Stonore in hast.

127. WILLIAM STONOR TO THOMAS STONOR [? 20 APRIL, 1473]

The most probable year is 1473. In 1471 St. George's Day was on a Thursday, so that year is out of the question. In April-May, 1472, William Stonor seems to have been at Horton and in London (see Nos. 121 and 122); in this letter he proposes to come home by Henbury. The letter has to do with the dispute about the water of Erme, of which we hear first in the pre|vious letter, and get the conclusion in No. 184. Selenger is probably Thomas St. Leger, who was on the commission of peace for Devonshire. As to Lady Arundell, see No. 125. From A.C., xlvi, 74.

My ryght reverent and wurshypfull fadyr, I recomaund me unto your good fadyrhod in the most umbylle wyse that I kan or may, mekely besechyng your good fadyrhod of your dayly blessyng: lykyth your good fadyrhod to wytt that I have spokyn with master Selenger for your dute of your water sondage and sute of the Flete Damerell, and I am answeryd that I shuld be at Holbyntun at the corte, the wyche shalle be at holy rode tyde nexte comyng, and there to show evydens and recorde by mouth how hyt hath byn usyd yn tymys past: and as after Selenger seyyng in to my ladys counsell and hys that my lady wold not nother he but that your tytyll shuld be knowyn and no maner of fraude by them leyd to abatryt, and yff yt were tryyd with your fadyrhod so to be re|corded and you to yn-joyye: and I found Gybbys welle disposyd to your fadyrhod, but Orcherd and Columb made many resuns ayen the water and eke ayen the sondage, the wold ye shuld have a wey to your grounde, but they wold ye shuld nat cum and send that wey. And yt lyke your fadyrhod I spoke to master Selenger acordyng to your comaund|ment for my brother Tomas mater, and enfourmyd hym hov they had

resseyvyd the rent, and hov your fadyrhod had don acordyng to hys desyre, and they entend nat: and he hath wrytyn unto the party to de|lyver the mon[ey] ayen: the wyche letter I send unto your fadyrhod that ytt myte be delyveryd unto the seyde party. Master Selenger de|syryth your fadyrhod to forbere your sute ayen them thys terme, and that the trety go forth yff yt may be, or ellys your fadyrhod to take your a-wantage the nexte terme: but he ys dysplesyd sore with them for the reseyvyng of the money, and seyth they shall pay yt ayen. Also fadyr, master Selenger hath comaundyd alle my ladys counsell that non of my ladyse tenantes shuld fysche yn your water, and that the tenantes be so warnyd. Fadyr, and yt lyke yov, Umfrey Salman ys ded, and he hath a may chyd of x yere old to hys eyyr, the wyche ys ward unto your fadyrhod, and I trust to sesen yt unto the behofe of your fadyrhod, thov I tary a day or to the lengger. And also, fadyr, Frynd kannat yt delyver me, but he seyth unto me that your fadyrhod shalle be plesyd, and that I shalle have alle maner of dutys with me, both the old and eke the nev: corte day shalle be at Ermyngtun on a Sunday on senyte, and I caste me to departe on the morrov after, with the grace of Jhesu: for erst I kannat be delyveryd the lond of the ward wych [wych, om. MS.] dravyth to rent by yere xx marke: and I porpose fadyr to cum hom ward by Henbery, and so forth, as I dyd the laste tyme. No more to your good fadyrhod at thys tyme: but I mekely beseche your good fadyrhod that thys my bylle may recomaund me unto my good modyr yn my most umbyl vyse, mekely besechyng my good modyr of hir dayly blessyng &c., mekely besechyng your fadyrhod in lyke vyse, and I mekely besechyng alle myty Jhesu to preserve your good fadyrhod and your [wyf, my] modyrs good modyrhod, amen. I-wrytyn in Exeter the Thursday next afore seynt Jorgeys day. My lady Arundell prayyth your fadyrhod to be good cosyn unto her yn suche maters as her servant shall move your fadyrhod of.

By your chyld Wylliam Stonor.

To my ryght reverent and worshypfull fadyr, my fadyr Stonor.

128. WILLIAM STONOR TO THOMAS STONOR [? 1473]

The reference to the birth of "my suster Cotymore's" son shows that this is earlier, though probably not much earlier, than No. 136. John Cotys|more was a ward of Thomas Stonor and married one of his daughters, per|haps in 1470 (see No. 110). It would have been quite usual for him to have been thus married as a boy, so that the birth of his son might well be some years later. From A.C., xlvi, 76.

My ryght reverent and wurschypfull fadyr, I recomaund me unto your good fadyrhod yn the most umbyll wyse that I kan or may, mekely besechyng your fadyrhod of your dayly blessyng: lykyth your fadyrhod to wyt that my modyr ys in good hele, and alle my brethern and susters, blessyd be alle myty Jhesu: and I beseche your good fadyrhod not to be dysplesyd with me for Feyrmers mater, for I never medyld odyrs wise but told Sawnder, that that dede that he shewyd me shulde be to the womans tytyl after my conseytt: and by my trowth, fadyr, that that ys feld was don ere I knowyt: but fadyr, there is nothyng caryd, nether shalle nat be with the grace of alle myty Jhesu, hom I mekely beseche to preserve your good fadyrhod, Amen. I-wrytyn

By your chyld Wyllm. Stonor.

Also, fadyr, my Suster Cotymore ys delyveryd of a feyre sun, and both don welle, blessyd be Jhesu.

To my ryght reverent and wurschipful fadyr, my fadyr Stonore.

129. A BAILIFF AT BRIDPORT TO HIS MASTER, TOGETHER WITH AN AGREE|MENT BETWEEN CRISTINE AND ROB|ERT BATTESCOMB 8 DEC., 1473

Ancient Correspondence, xlvi, 88, is a sheet of paper containing copies of three documents which do not appear to belong properly to the Stonor Papers.

The first is a copy of the Latin Letters of Presentation addressed on 20 July, 1473, by William Olyver and John Hille, bailiffs of the town of Bridport, to Richard Beauchamp, Bishop of Salisbury, on behalf of John Wikes, chaplain, for his admission to the Chantry of St. Katherine in the parish church of Bridport, in their presentation and now vacant through the resignation of John Lugge. The second is a letter written apparently by a bailiff to his master, of which there are two drafts written on the back of the paper; the date of this is 8 Dec., 1473. The third document consists of Memoranda written on the same side as the Letters of Presentation; they are probably of about the same date as the other two. These latter documents seem to have sufficient interest of their own to justify their inclusion.

Right reverent and my most Worschipfull Master, I recommaunde me to you: letyng you to understonde þat y hafe dylyvered to Thomas Baylegh of Brydeport iiij. li. v. s. for the quarter rent at Mis[somer] last passed by vertu of your letter þat ye sent to me by hym.

Notwithstondyng ye send me long before a letter by Nicholas your servant, þat he scholbe your generall reseyvour fro þat y come yn to your prebende, and for fawte of payment to distrayne &c.: the same Nicholas reseyved of me your Missomer quarter rent þe moryw apon þe Nat. of seynt John Bapt. before þe Vicar of Nytherby and oþer, so y ow you no money afore Cristismasse. Y pray your gode masterschip þat y may be kept harmles ayenst þe same Nicholas þat he distrayne me nat for þis money þat y dylyvered: and þat y may hafe very knowlych fro you to whom y schall dylyver your money: and y to be discharged. Also ye send me word, and charged me by your letter þat y schold dylyver to Thomas Baylegh wode and tymber: y dar not do hit, nor not so moche to fille for to content J. Amylle is covenant, for þer be so many wayters and controllers; and y schold any thyng do, þey wold accuse you and me to þe Chapiter of Sarum; þer for y and wyff be right heve and sory and alwey schalbe unto tyme we mowe speke with you or som comfort fro you &c. Ye mos make rywhell for your Courtes to be holde. Scribeled &c. the day of Conception of our lady, a^o E. iiij^ti xiij^o.

The earlier draft which was erased concluded:—

Also I hafe do certayn reparacions apon þe were of þe mille and oþer longyng to your reparacion. Y wote well ye woll alowe me þerof. Also ye send to me your letter þat y schold dylyver to Thomas Baylegh wode and tymber: y dare nat do hit, neyther to fylle ne sille þat ye gafe me in commaundment as moche as come to xls. to serve John Amylle: for þer beth so many wayters, yf y schold any thyng fille þey wold accuse you and me to þe Dene and Chapiter Sarum, which myȝth

turne you and me to grete harme. Also ye send me in writyng that þer schuld no court be hold into your comyng oþer sendyng of your writyng to do hit, which is a grete greffe as well to you as to me: in lasse ye make another ordinaunce þerfor, your housyng of your tenentre wolbe lost.

On the other side are written the following Memoranda:—

Remembrance of covenants bytwyxt C. Battescomb and Rob. Battes|comb. First þat þe same Cristine hath graunted to þe same Robt. all her part of her lond in Veriswatton, excepte as hit folwys, terme of hys lyffe, beryng þerfor yerly to þe same C. xlvjs. viijd. quarterly to be payed, in fawte of payment by a moneth arearige &c.: excep' the grete chamber with fre goyng therto, and easement of þe Parllour, Kechyn, bakhouse, buntyng hous, and a lytell appell hous over þe ovene, and esyment of þe stabel yf any frend of myne come to me, with a chamber for þem, and the pantery &c. Item þe lytell orchard, reservyng hole to me with vj appell trees in þe grete orchard, with a lytell plat of hemp lond, and also suche ffuell as me nedeth: and he to repayre al maner tynges þat ought to be repayred as well in housyng as in clausure &c.: and also to nyw make a prevy to þe grete chamber for me, and also a lyte mywe to set in goos, capun, and chekyn and other &c.

In another hand:—

Y-spend for J. Danyell for wyne to þe Dene of Sarum xijd.

And y delyvered to Syr J. stockfisch xx, wherof he brouȝth me ayen and he for to wayte apon þe Dene of Sarum, and so he dyde vij dayes.

130. THOMAS GATE TO THOMAS STONOR [before 1474]

Thomas Gate of Brutewell (i.e. Britwell, between Farnham and Hitcham), Bucks, alias of Wycombe, was escheator of the counties of Beds and Bucks before 1467 (Cal. Pat. Rolls, Edw. IV, ii, 390; cf. Lists and Indexes, xi, 268, P.R.O.). A pedigree of Ramsey, ap. Harley MS., 1533, f. 57, gives the descent of Thomas Ramsey from Richard Nernute. According to this pedigree Nernute had a son Myles, whose daughter Isabel married Reginald Beauchamp; the Beauchamp line of descent was Myles, Myles, John, Richard, Myles of Hicham, and Robert; Robert's daughter Isabel married Thomas Ramsey, father of the Thomas Ramsey who married Isabel Hampden, half-sister of

the first Thomas Stonor. The early part of this pedigree seems to be un|trustworthy. Miles de Beauchamp held Hucham or Hitcham at his death in 1336 (Cal. Inq., viii, 149). He was probably the husband of the daughter of Richard Nernute (or Noirnute). His heir was his grandson Miles (son of his son Richard), who held Hucham in 1346 (Feudal Aids, i, 116). This Miles was probably the father of Robert de Beauchamp, who was great-grandfather of the Thomas Ramsey of 1474 and brother of Elizabeth, the ancestress of Thomas Gate. In 1382 Isabella (or Elizabeth) de Beauchamp held Hucham as heiress of Miles de Neirnut (Cal. Pat. Rolls, Richard II, ii, 193). Thomas Worley occurs as a servant of Edward IV in 1465 (Cal. Pat. Rolls, Edw. IV, i, 437). The date of this letter must be earlier than 1474 and later than 1460. From A.C., xlvi, 52.

Right wurshipfull and my especiall good master, y recomaunde me unto you: prayng you hertly to shue me your favour after my deservynge, and not without cause resonable to be of oþer disposicion, as my verry trust is in you most syngulerly of all your blode and my knowlege. Howe be it ye and oþer wurshipful haven lete be moved ayenst me by Thomas Ramsey, your kynnesman and y his, wherof to me-werd he makith gret straungenese: y merveile why: our faders, of whos sowlez God have mercy, dyd nat so, for their moders weren cosyns germaynez descended of Sir Milys Beauchamp, knyght, late lorde of the manor of Hucham, litill Merlowe, Crowelton and Illesley, entailled to hym and his wif and to ther heires generall, ["entailled . . . generall" has been inserted.] doughter to Sir Ric. Noirnute, knyght, donor of the seid entaile, which Milys had issu Robert Beau|champ, Bessayle of your kynnesman aforseid, and dame Elizabeth, my Bealaylez, maried to John du Brutewell, myn auncestor: the denyer of these premissez is oon of the causez of my writtyng to your mastership: blame me nat of this, for it is resonable a gentilman to know his pedegre and his possibilyte: seynt Poule foryete nat to write to the Romayns of what lynage he was descended, Ad Romanos xj^o. Also I merveile of this unkyndnes of your seid kynnesman to me warde and my frends in seying, writtyng and doyng, and hath in me found no cause nor occa|cion, but alwey to my power tru lovyng and kynde, unto nowe late he wrote to me a letter of unkyndnes, y trowe in hast, and so it was answerd, wherof me repented. Howe be it myn entent was y wold nat have the taile aforseid lost ne foryetten by hym, for y have seyn it in his handes and red it, as y can remember hym well: for what cause therfor our letterz of unkyndnes were made, and for that it pleassed hym to take partie with straungers as to his blode both ayenst me and my

allye Thomas Worley, a servant of the kynges, as for the right of my cosyn Kateryn his wif, havyng no resonable consideracion to my under|standyng. Natherthelesse y shall abyde such direccion for my partie as shall plese you to ordeyne or awise betwen us most convenyent to leve and love in peas to the confort of our neyghbors and lovers, to God and our selfes gret pleasure, which lorde preserve you and yours. Written at Brutewell, the v^th day of October in hast.

Your servaunt, Th. Gate.

To the right wurshipfull Thomas Stonor, Esquier, this be delivered in hast.

131. WILLIAM SWAN TO THOMAS STONOR [before 1474]

The year is not later than 1473, and probably not many years earlier. There was a dispute between Stonor and Lord Cobham as to the Manor of Cliffe in 1472—see No. 121. In 1473 SS. Simon and Jude's Day—28th Oct.—was on a Thursday; this perhaps suggests that 1471 or 1472 were more likely dates. From A.C., xlvi, 79.

Ryght reverent and worshypfull mayster, I recommande me unto your mastershyp, hertyly desyryng to here of your welfare and of all yourys, the whiche y beseche God to continue: fforþermore y sent my man to Clyve yestyrday on an erande of myn, and þer hit was told him hov þat my lady of Cobham on Satyrday last sent hir men, and havyn fette awey my susterys corn and catell and stuff, all þat that she left in þe plase, and havyn broke up every dore and locke, and set hem wyde opyn for every thyng to go in, and also have fett aweye a cowe of herys, þat was with novyn: of oþer thyngs he herd noon. As y here I shall sende word. Also all þe tenauntes havyn left up here land, and wyll no lenger ocupye: of the whyche y shall do my part to helpe remedie hit after my power. Y wryte no more &c.: but y praye God kepe you and all yourys. Wrytyn at Southflete, on seint Simon daye and Jude in hast.

By your servaunt W. Swan.

Unto my worshypfull mayster, Thomas Stonore, be this bylle de|lyveryd.

132. THOMAS TALYOUR TO THOMAS STONOR [before 1474]

From A.C., xlvi, 80.

Most Reverent Wurschypfull Mayster, I recummande me unto your Maysterschyp, desyryng your prosperyte and helth, wych all myghthy Jhesu preserve to his plesur and your hertes ese. Besekyng yow as I schall be your pore Bedman to have ȝevyn me lysens to have goyn hom to my cuntre to have spokyn with my ffader, sendyng for me under thys forme: yff y wolde have his blessyng or any thyng þat schulde be my forthurans þat I schulde speke with hym in all þe hast þat I kolde. Besekyng yow to have grantt me thys, and to have sende sum mone for my spendyng: and as long as I am from you I schall serve after my terme, iff hit be plesur to your Maysterchyp &c. Allmygthy Jhesu preserve yow.

Your pore Servaunt in that I kan or may Thomas Talyour.

Unto my most Reverent and Wurschypfull Mayster, Mayster Thomas Stonor, Esquier.

133. JEFFERAY DOYLY TO JOHN HANKOKE [before 1474]

A Geoffrey Doyle of Dover, gentleman alias esquire, had a pardon on 11 June, 1463 (Cal. Pat. Rolls, Edw. IV, i, 267). He may be the writer of this letter. The Doylys held at one time the Manor of Pishill Napp. The Stonors owned the manor of Pishill Venables from 1335 (see vol. i, p. xii). From A.C., xlvi, 258.

Rygthe welebelovede, y grete you well: letynge you wett that I have solde the maner of Pussull unto my Cossyen Thomas Stonar: werffor y pray you to be at the lyvery of the state þat chall be delyverede to hym by the vertwe of the letteres of attornaye that y sende to you, and att suche tymes as my sayde Cossyen woll call on you, and that ȝe ffayll notte, as my very tryste is in you &c.

Jefferay Doyly.

Wreten in London on Sayent Peters Day.

To John Hankoke thes be taken.

134. N. PALMER TO [THOMAS] HAMPTON [before 1474]

Though this is not strictly a Stonor letter, and is now detached from the Collection, it may probably have been sent to Master Stonor by Hampton, and so have formed part of the Stonor Papers. Hampton is Thomas Hampton of Kimble (cf. No. 236), and "master Stonner" is more likely to be Thomas than William. Thus the probable date is before 1474. The letter seems to have been written by a fellow-prisoner of Mistress Palmer. Mistress Palmer may be a relative of the Palmer referred to in No. 76, which was written by Hampton of Kimble. From A.C., lx, 2.

Worshypfull and reverent Syr, I recommawnd me unto ȝow with all myn hart: doyng ȝow to undyrstond that the manne, þat shuld ffeche all my evydens that þat þe ffrerre spake to ȝow off, hathe ben herre thys xiiij days and weytyþe every day after ȝow and master Stonner. And bott ȝe com now he woll go hens and byd no lengger. And þer ffor y pray how þat (ȝe) [Omitted in MS.] woll be her in all hast possybyll, ffor but ȝe com now y can not have my evydens at the begynnyng off the next terme, ffor master Skott ys my good master and bad þat y schuld send ffor ȝow in all hast, and affter master Stonner, for Wellys woll be here at the begynnyng off the nexte terme to ffynysshe all maner matterres. And I pray ȝow that ȝe send a letter to master Stonner that he com in all hast by þe berrer her off. Y-wrytt yn hast at þe fflett. And the wrytter her off comawnd hym on to ȝow and he trustyþe to God, how be hyt þat (he) [Omitted in MS.] ys in prisson to performe all Covenauntes þat he mad per n. p.

Per ȝowr Bedewoman N. Palmer.

To Master Hampton at Olde Stoke þys letter be delyvered.

135. WILLIAM HARLESTON TO THOMAS STONOR [1474 or earlier]

As to Harleston, see No. 260, and for his nephew Sulyard, No. 276. Harleston's wife was Stonor's sister. The date cannot be later than 28 Jan. 1474. Neither letter nor signature are autograph. From A.C., xlvi, 246.

My right trusty and well enprovyd Brothyr, y recommend me unto yow: desiryng to here of your well fare. The cause of my wrytyng unto yow at this tyme is for this cause, mervelyng me gretly þat ye send me nat my monay, for I have wretyn unto yow sondry tymys and I have nevyr non answer aȝeyn þerof; wherfor y besech yow, good brothyr, þat ye will delyver the seid mony unto my neve Sulyard now at this terme, and he xal endente with yow therfor. And, good Brothyr, fayle me nat now in my gret necessyte, for y had nevyr so mych nede therof in my lyve; for in good feyth, brothyr, I moste pay gret somme of mony now at this lenton tyme on our lady day: and þerfor I besech yow fayll me nat now, as ye wyll have eny good turne of me anothyr day. No more to yow at this tyme, but God have yow in his kepyng. Wretyn at Eye Abey the xxviij day of Janyver.

By your good enprovyd brothyr Wyllm. Harleston.

To my right reverent and Wyrchypfull my good Brothyr Stoner in hast.

136. WILLIAM STONOR TO THOMAS STONOR [? 6 FEBRUARY, 1474]

The most prominent Marmyon in Oxfordshire at this time is William, who was on the Commission of Peace from 1461 to Dec., 1473, but does not appear in the Commission of Feb., 1474 (Cal. Pat. Rolls, Edw. IV, i, 570; ii, 625). If, as is possible, William Marmyon is here referred to the date must be 1474. William Stonor's own age makes an earlier date than 1470 unlikely, and since in 1472, 2nd Feb. was on a Monday and in 1473 on a Tuesday, these years are less likely. From A.C., xlvi, 277.

My ryght reverent and wurshypfull fadyr, I recomaund me unto your good fadyrhod in the most umbull vyse that I kan or may, mekely besechyng your fadyrhod of your dayly blessyng: lykyth your fadyrhod to wyt that my modyr ys in good hele, blessyede be alle myty Jhesu, my brethern and my susters and my nevue Cottysmore. I beseche your good fadyrhod that yt wylle plese yov to speke with the Abbot of Dorchester that I may have suche fe as Marmyun had with hym with every thyng acordyng as he had: for I trust thorov your good fadyrhod that I may have hyt. And I beseche your fadyrhod to wryte for me to the pryor of Wychyswyde for such fe as he had there: and I trust

thorov your fadyrhode to spede with hym: for I have sente unto hym, and he hath answeryd that he wyll do to the pleasyre of your fadyrhod what he kan do: for he seyth he knovyth your fadyrhod, but he knovyth not me. And I mekely beseche your fadyrhod to wryte to the pryor of Byssam: and I trust to spede ther in lyke wyse thorov the helpe of your gode fadyrhod with the grace of Jhesu, hom I mekely beseche to spede yov yn alle your maters, and to preserve your fadyrhod yn alle maner of weyys, Amen. I- wrytyn þat Stonore the Sunday nexte after Kandelmas day.

By your chyld Wyllm. Stonor.

To my Ryght reverent and wurshipfull fadyr, my fadyr Stonor.

137. WILL OF THOMAS STONOR 1474

This is an imperfect draft or copy of the Will. The date must be later than 8 October, 1468, since Richard Drayton is dead. Apparently all Stonor's daughetrs were unmarried, so the date must be before the marriage of one of them to John Cottesmore (see Nos. 110 and 128). The date of that marriage was therefore probably not before 1470. The will may be compared with the Arbitrament between William Stonor and his mother, No. 157. See further vol. ii., p. 184. From Ch. Misc., 37, ix, 22.

. . . of Stonore. And also I wyll that the issues and profetes except wode . . . off my maneres of Henbury in Saltmerche with the ap|purtenauncis, Harnell, Dughton with the appurtenauncis, Burton and Cundecote with the appurtenauncis in the Counte of Glouc., Watt|combe with the appurtenauncis, with all other londes and tenementes with their appurtenauncis in the townes of Watlyngton, Cuxham, Standell, Clayer, Tame, Ricote and all other londes and tenementes I-called Tettesworthlond, Saddelereslond, and Lyncolneslond in the pariche of Watlyngton, and the ij partes of the maner of Bryghtwell sumtyme Parkes maner, with all there appurtenauncis in the Counte of Oxford, Penyton Meysey with the appurtenauncis in the Counte of Shuthhampton, londes and tenementes in Redyng, Tylehurst, Bene|sheves, Burughfeld, Erle, Whytle, Shenefeld in the Counte of Barkeshyre, be receyved by the handes of myne excecutours to the contentacion and payment of my dettes, and after my dettes payed the issues and profetes of

the seyd maneres to be receyved by the seyd excecutours for the mariage of my doghters that is to sey for Jane CC. mark, Mare CC. mark, and Elizabeth CC. mark, and yf eny of them dye, as God defend, afore her maryage than the payment of her that is dede to sese. Also hyf eny of my seyde doghters wulle be Relygius than I wull that she that so wull be have a C. markes and her habites accordyng. And aftyr this done I wulle that my ffeffees make astate to William my sunne and heyre, or els stonde ffeffees to his use in maner as I shalle declare, in my Maner of Stonor. And as for the advowsons that long to the maneres above seyde I wulle that William Stonore have the nomynacion of the chapileyn and he to be presentyd by the ffeffees. Also I wulle that the issues and profetes of my maneres of Rotherfeld Pipard and Bluntis with their appurtenauncis be receyvyd of myne excecutours for the con|tentacion and payment of the det that I ove to my ffadyr Drayton excecutours, that is to seye yn iij obligacions vj.^xx markes and every obligacion xl. markes, and ij obligacions of xl. li. eche of them in xx. li.: the Remenaunt of the seyde Maners over the payment to my ffadyr Drayton is excecutours be for the contentacion of my dettys: and aftyr my dettes payyd I wulle that my ffeffees of the seyd maner of Ritherfeld Pippard and Bluntes make astate of the seyd Ritherfeld Pippard and Bluntes with the avowson of the churche of Ritherfeld Pippard to Thomas my son and to his heyres of the masculine gender of his body lawfully begoten, and for defaute of suche issue remayne therof to William my son and his heyres and to the issu of hys body lawfully begoten, and for defaute of suche issue remayne ther to Edmond my son and to the issue of his body lawfully begoten, and for defaute of suche issue to the ryght heyres of me the seyd Thomas Stonore, with this that the seyd Thomas my son cleym not nor demaund as by the wey of mater of record eny lond in Cleve in the Counte of Kent. Also I wulle that my ffeffees of my maneres of Mychell Court and Paynell Court in Burwardescote make astate to Edmond Stonore my son by dede in|dented of the seid Maneres of Mychell Court and Paynell Court in Burwardescote with the afowson of the churche there to hym and to hys heyres of masculine gender lawfully begoten, and for defaute of suche issu the seid Maneres with the afowson to William my son and heyr and to the issu of hys body lawfully begoten, and for defaute of suche issu to Thomas my son and to the issu of hys body lawfully begoten, and for defaute of suche issu to myn heyres. Also I wyll that my ffeffees of my Maneres of Stonore with the appurtenauncis in the Counte of Oxon., Ermyngton in the Counte of Devonshyre with the afowson of the

churche ther, the hundered of Ermyngton with all the appurtenauncis within the seyd shyre, the Maner of Horton with the Chauntery with all the appurtenauncis longing ther to, Mortemer place with the ap|purtenauncis, londes in Cleve in the Counte of Kent, the Mote at Westm. with all the londes that longeth ther to with all other londes and tenementes, rentes, services, medowes, lesues, and pastures in Westm. and in the paryche of Seynt James and in the Counte of Midd. &c.

138. [THE FUNERAL OF THOMAS STONOR] [1474]

This Memorandum—Ch. Misc., 37, iv, 9—was most probably drawn up for the funeral of the second Thomas Stonor, though there is no positive indica|tion of the date. At this time Stonor was in Pyrton parish. In Ancient Correspondence, xlvi, 228, amongst several papers relating to the decease of Thomas Stonor there is a brief Memorandum of a similar kind:—

Md. to send for the cover with ornamentes of the Auter: and the herses to be hadde over. Itm. a blakke cloth for the house . . . and blakke. Itm. sug. cuppes . . . pottis.

From No. 157 we learn that the funeral of Thomas Stonor cost £74 2s. 5d.

In Pirton Churche.

First vj auters. Item, the hie autre with blakke ornamentes therto. Item, candelstikkes, sensers, basens, silver therto. Item, rectores chore seutes of vestmentes blakke and white &c. Item, ornamentes for the herse and for the beriell, blakke cloth to the ground with a white cloth of gold. Item, a crosse with a fote on the herse, silver and gilt. Item, iiij tapers aboute the herse. Item, ij tapers aboute the beriell. Item, blakke hangyng aboute the chauncell and chirche. Item, lightis for the hie auter and odir auters beside. Item, syngyng wyne, syngyng brede.

Mete for pouer men at deriges. Item, after deriges brede and chese for the seid pouer men. Item for [prestes?] and gentilmen, sew pur|tenaunces of lambis, and vele, rosted moton, ij chekyns in a dysch.

On the morow to brekkffastes. For prestes and odir honest men. Item calvis hedis and sode beeff.

At the dyner on the morow.

For pouer men: item, vmbils to potage, sode beeff, rosted wele in a dische to geder, and rosted porkke.

The ffirst course for prestes &c. First to potage, browes of capons or, [Originally "frumenty or" was written; "frumenty" was struck out and "browes of capons" inserted.] &c., capons, motons, ges, [Originally "sode beeff and moton, pigge and vele".] custard. The second course. The second potage. Jussell, capons, lambe, pigge, vele, peiouns rosted, baken rabettes, ffesauntis, venison, gelie &c. [Originally "venison, grene geesse &c."] Item, vovtys.

Item, Spisis. Furst a pound of Saunders, a unce of saferon, iij li. Pepir, half a pound Clowes, half a pound Masis, a loff Sugre, [Originally "iiij li."] iij li. resons corauns, iij li. datys, half a pound gynger, j pound Synamon. Item, in turnsole, iiij. d. Item, in greynys j li. Item, in Almondis, iiij li.

Item, treen vessell for pouer men. Item, sittyng plasis for the pouer men. Item, peuter vessell for gentilmen. Item, a rome for them acordyng. Item, sponys of silver, salt selers of silver for the most worshipfull men &c. Item, borde clothis for gentilmen and pouermen. Item, Salt &c. Item, a convenient rome for the ij botries for gentilmen and pouermen. Item, a convenient place for the Kechyn. Item, Cokis. Item, Botilers. Item, a man to overse the sadde purveiaunce of the chirche. Item, a porter. Item, Odir servauntes to serve &c. Item, vessell for ale. Item, cuppis and bollis and pottis. Item, spitis, caundrens, pottes, rakkis, and odir necessaries for Cokis. Item, wode and colis.

Written in dorso are some further memoranda, scarcely legible; amongst them are:—

It., chesis for pouer men and moer gees.

It., remembre milke, pulters, egges.

It., wyne for grene geese.

It., remembre pygges.

139. EXPENSES OF AN INQUISITION POST MORTEM [? 1474]

This most probably relates to the Inquisition for the second Thomas Stonor in 1474. The names of Twenyo (Twynho) and Sir John Butteler point to the reign of Edward IV. See Nos. 215 and 294 (note). Nos. 229-232 in Ancient Correspondence, xlvi, contain the oaths of the Jurors in the In|quisitions held on that occasion in Kent and Hampshire together with the names of the Jurors. The Inquisitions were held in October, 1474; it was found that Thomas Stonor held no land in either county, that he died on 23rd April last, and that William, his son and heir, was aged 24 and more. The nine documents numbered A.C., xlvi, 225 to 233, were found stitched together; for the others see Nos. 138, 143, 144, 152. From Ch. Misc., 37, iv, 10.

Of þe scher of Glowceter.

Item. yn primo receyvyd of þe fermer of Harnyll iiij. li. It., of þe fermer of Dowton, xxiij. s. iiij. d. It. of Henbery, vij li. Summa, xij. li. iij. s. iiij. d. Glowseter schere. It., for þe writte ix. s. ij. d. It. y hafe payt to þe escheter, xl. s. It., to Syr John Butteler, xxvij. s. It., to Twenyo, xiij. s. iiij. d. It., for þe rewarde to þe Jur., xxij. s. viij. d. It., yn expences for Bryan and John Yoman, vj. s. v. d. It., yn reward for eschetters clerke, v. s. It., for þe bayleys retourne, xx. d. Et re|maneth Summa vj. li. v. s. j. d.

Oxonford scher and Barkescher for þe ofyce.

It., for ij wryttes, xviij. s. iiij. d. It., to þe excheter, iij. li. x. s. It., to þe schreyve xxxiij. s. iiij. d. It., for þe questes and dyner, vj. s. viij. d. It., for hors mete, vij. d. ob. Summa, vj. li. viij. s. xj. d. ob.

140. HEIRLOOMS IN THE CHAPEL AND HOUSE AT STONOR [1474?]

The reference to Mistress Jane suggests that this document was drawn up after the death of Thomas Stonor in 1474. The mother of Thomas Stonor

(d. 1431) was also called Joan or Jane, but she had married again and died long before 1431, and is hardly likely to have been referred to as "Mastres Jane Stonor". On the alabaster tables, see English Mediæval Alabaster Work (Society of Antiquaries, 1913), p. 35, and Plates V and XIX; retables dealing with the Passion seem to have been characteristic of the period 1420 to 1460. The original is stained with dirt and in places difficult to decipher. From Ch. Misc., 37, iv, 11.

Thys be the stuffe of þe chapelle of Stonor þe wyche must be left fro Eyur unto Eyur wythyn þe maner of Stonor.

First the vestments of purpulle velvet lynud with grene sarsnet wyth awbe, stole, vanone, [I.e. fanon, a maniple.] and amyce þerto. Item [another vestment] of Bawdkyn lynud wyth tawney sarsenett, ij awbs of Raynus, and ij amyces þerto to þe [vestment of] purpull velvet. Item, . . . carpets for the sacrament wyth a canape of reede tartarne. Item ij copus of purpulle velvett lynud wyth tawney sarsenet. Item j fygure of þe trynite of ale|basture. Item j tabulle of alebasture þe storyus of þe passyon of owr lord, þe wych Tabulle Mastres Jane Stonor has yeft unto þe chapelle of Stonor wyth many oþer þynges þerto belongyng. Item, vj labells of purpulle velvet wyth crossus. Item j olde fruntelle of purpulle velvett losenchyd with gold. Item, j olde vestement of Blwe Bawdkyn, with awbe, stole, vanone, and amyce. Item j corperas of Rayns and þe case þerfor of whyte and blwe velvett y-browdred with j trayle of yvi, with j barr of reed velvett. Item, j crucifyxe of sylver y-gylt yn a tabelett of tree. Item, j chales of sylver with þe patent. Item, j peyr cruettes of sylver y-gylt. Item, j pelowe y-keverd wyth tartarne for þe sepulture. Item j seler and j testur of whyte lynone for þe sepulture. Item, j kerchew of umpull for þe sacurment. Item, ij narowe karchews of lawne for þe sepulture. Item iij cloþus for to kover þe ymagis yn lent. Item j steynud cloþe for þe rode wyth j crucyfixe and drops. Item, j hangyng for þe awter y-steynud with j crucyfixe, þe ymages of owre lady and seynt John. Item, ij curteyns and a noþer beneþe þe awter of þe same wrke wyth iij ymages. Item, j hangyng for þe chapelle of olde wurstyd. Item, ij awter cloþis for þe awter and j her. Item, j super|altare for þe awter. Item, j peyre canstyckes of laton for þe awter. Item, ij Masse Bokes, one of þem ys at Pyrton, ij portews, and j Grayle. Item, j halywhatur stocke of laten, wyth j spryngelle of þe same. Item, j sacryngbelle. Item j old fruntelle of purpulle sarsenett.

[In dorso.] Also þes byth þe standderdus of Stonore þat schalle abyde yn þe Manor of Stonore from Eyur unto Eyur.

Furst j stondyng Cuppe of sylver y-gylt wyth a keveryng and ij ymages yn þe bottume. Item, þe macch of þe same cuppe, y-gylt wyth owte a ffote. Item, a grete Bolle of sylver with þe armys of Stonore and Kyrkeby yn þe bottume.

Also þis is þe stuffe þat ys lefte wyth yn þe manor of Stonore þat schalle rest yn the seyd Manor ffro Eyur unto Eyur. Furst yn the halle a peyer of coburnes left þer for standderdes. Item þe seyd halle y-hangyd wyth blacke saye. Item, þe lyttulle chamburr ennyxid unto þe parlowre, þe hangyng þer of ys palud cloþ purpulle and grene. Item, iij chamburs byth hangyd wyth palud saye, reede and grene, wyth a Bedde of þe same. Item, þe chambur at neþer ȝend of þe halle ys hangud wyth grene worstyd, and þe hangy[ng] for a Bedde of whyte. Item, to þe Bedde yn þe parlour chambur ij peyer of blankettes, a peyre of þe schetes, and a rede coverlet wyth grene chapelettes. Item, a ffedur Bedde, þe wych þe seyd Jane Stonor lefyth þer yn lone to þe seyd chambur. Item, a grene coverlett wyth pottes and Estrych ffeþurs, yn þe same chambur; a peyr of schetes, j peyr of blankettes, and a matres for þe truckle bedde yn þe same chambur. Item a awnedyrone for þe same chambur, and a tynone bason. Item, j ffyer forke for þe halle. Item, a chaffur of laten. Item, ij playn cheynes. Item, j turnyd cheyne, ij cusschyuns y-keverd wyth grey skyns. Item, ij cuschyns y-keverd wyth redde worstyd. Item, ij cuschyns of tappestri wurke wyth nottes. Item, yn þe Botry ys left j bason and a ewer of laten. Item, j bason and ewer of tynne. Item, a chaffyng dysche of laten. Item, v canustyrs of laten. Item, ij borde cloþes of dyaper. Item, a long borde cloþe and a schorte. Item, a coberde cloþe wyth iij towellys, and j trencher knyfe, and iij leþer pottes, and ij saltes of tynne. Item, yn þe Kechyn ij grete pottes, j medulle potte, j possenet, ij hangyng rackes for pottes, ij coterellys, ij rackes for to reste [them] upon, ij grete greders, ij olde pans, ij ffrying pannys, j stone morter, j brode grate, j grete broche, j medulle broche, j byrde broche, ij dressyng knyfus, j fflesshe axe, j wode axe, j flesshehoke, j skymmer of laton, a scale of tree . . . . ., j garnysshe of pewter veselle. Item, yn þe Backehousse þer ys lefft j meshyng vatte, j ȝeel vatte, vij kevers, ix barells, j grete caudren, j trevett, ij bultyng pypes, j cabulle, j axe, j weegge of yron.

Item, v jackus, iij salettes, ij gleyfes, and a borespere.

141. W[ALTER] ELMES TO WILLIAM STONOR [? 1474]

The dispute may have arisen through some question as to Cottesmore's affairs after the death of Thomas Stonor. The month-mind at Pyrton Church was no doubt in commemoration of Thomas Stonor. Strictly speaking, therefore the date should be in May, 1474; but "month-mynd" may pos|sibly be used loosely for "twelvemonth-mind". "Katermayns" means Richard Quatermayns. From A.C., xlvi, 94.

Jhesus Christoforus.

My rygth wurshupfull Cosyn, I recommaund me unto yow with all my herte: plesyth hit yow to undyrstond that I have spokyn with my cosyn Cottismore, and aftyre the effect that ye and I comynyd, that is to sey that ye and he to stond and abyde the direction of eny ij wur|shupfull in your contre: to the wych he is agreable, so ye name soch as ye afore named, that is to sey Master Fowlere, M. Katermayns, M. Rede, and if hit plese yow to name M. Harcort: I suppose he wull be with yow at Pyrton. And the mene seson that no rent be levyd till such direction be had by such as ye afore rehersyd me of: which shall cawse grete amyte and the sonner the better: I suppose yf hit wulle be at the month mynd, at wych seson I suppose some of the afore rehersyd will be ther: and I suppose ye shall fynd hym a good and kynd brothyr. No mor to yow at this tyme, but Almyghty God preserve you fro all adversyte.

W. Elmes.

To my ryȝth wurshipful Cosyn, Wyllyam Stonor.

142. THOMAS STONOR TO HIS BROTHER, WILLIAM STONOR [1474]

This letter seems to be written before William Stonor's first marriage, pro|bably therefore in 1474; or if it refers to Elizabeth Ryche, Stonor's first wife, perhaps early in 1475. From A.C., xlvi, 125.

Broder Stonar, after all dewe forme of recomendacion hadde, plesse hyt yow to hunderstonde þat I never longed so sore to speke with you as I do now, marvellyng grettly þat ye be longe hense, remembryng how grettely in consette ye stonde in London with a gentylwoman, and the grette labore þat hys made for here agynes you: and grettely hyt hys nossed and hasse bene tolde me with many persons þat but ye be ware she shall be take from you. I here muche and sey no thyng: befor the laste tyme þat ye where abowte suche a mater my speche and presens with you hurte you, and awelde you not: wherfore orlt ye to me a sewrte. I wolle in thys mater honsware no man, and yette I am grettely question with for you of divers persons thynkyng þat I shulde ken muche of your delyng: for I wolde not for my horsse and harnes and all my oder goode þat in thys mater ye toke a rebuke: wherefore remembre you shortely for the pass[ion] of Gode, for syth I cam to London xx men haffe questioned with me in thys mater, iffe ye shall be at your comyng, wheche I beseche Jhesu be not longe, who have you ever in kepyng.

Your fethefull broder Th. S.

Thys letter be delyvered to my broder Willm. Stonar in hast.

143. HENRY DOGETT TO [? WILLIAM STONOR] [? 1474]

There is nothing to show the date, but since it was found stitched to A.C., xlvi, 227-33—see Nos. 138, 139, 144—it may probably be assigned to 1474. From A.C., xlvi, 225.

Ryght Worshepfull maister, I recomaund me to yow with all my service. Plesith yow to wete that I have herkened to understond off your Audite: I woll attende at suche tyme as shall please yow; and I pray yow that ye like to remembre the letter that my maister Courtnay sent to yow, that my maister Ric. Fowler may by yow undistond the tenor þerof, as my parfete trust is in yow. And I trust to your maister|shep that ye woll se þat I kept harmeles for the money that Ric. Pygot, my servaunt, delivered yow at Tacham &c. Syr, a bedde þat I pro[mysed] your maistershep shall be redy, and my servaunt, with Godes

mercy, who ever preserve yow, my good maister. Wreton at Aston in hast.

Your servaunt H. Dogett.

I am sumwhat crased, or elles I wold have seyn your maistershep. No endorsement.

144. THOMAS RAMSEY TO [WILLIAM STONOR] [12 NOVEMBER, 1474]

This was clearly written to William Stonor shortly before the next letter. It was presumably earlier than the bond of 9 May, 1475 (No. 150) and therefore we get 1474 for the year. Ramsey was first cousin to Thomas Stonor—see p. xix—and one of his executors. From A.C., xlvi, 227.

My worschipfull Cosyn, I recomaund me to yow: pleasith yow I have spoken with Harper like as ye willid me: and as for your mater, he seith hit is ferre in the law and wolbe sued to the utterest acordyng to your title: wherfor he desired that my Cosyn Hampden and Harry Doget may have knowlage that they do no thyng contrarie to your title. I have taken Hanyngton vij nobils, and to Syr Ric. Harcourt xx marcs: the seid Syr Ric. desyryng to know the weys and days how he shalbe content of his C. li., beyng verray hasty therafter. I seid to hym, whan he and ye mete ye wold appoynt with hym that shold please hym. Sith I cam to towne I have be bothe at phisikke and surgery: I thank God of amendement: my purs therby gretly appeyrid. I pray God be with yow in all your doynges. At Lundon, the Saturday after Seynt Martyn day.

Thomas Ramsey.

No endorsement.

145. SIR RICHARD HARCOURT TO WILLIAM STONOR [25 NOVEMBER, 1474]

Like the previous letter this must be earlier than No. 150. St. Clement's Day is 23rd Nov., so the date of this letter is 25th Nov. Richard Brodoke

was in the service of Alice, Duchess of Suffolk (Ancient Deeds, A. 10956). Since the letter was written after the death of Thomas Stonor, and during the life of the Duchess, 1474 is the only possible date. As to Katherine Arundell see No. 125. The signature alone is autograph. From A.C., xlvi, 99.

Cosyn Stonor, I recommaund me unto you: and for asmoch as ye have wreton unto me desiring me to yeve you ij dayes of payment for the C. li. which ye owne me, I marvell gretly that ye woll soe desire, con|sidering what grete costes and charges that I am ate by divers menys, and also as yet can have no payment of dame Kateryn Arundell, and now most yeve grete good to the Kyng: wherfore I pray you to make purveance of l. li. at this time, for I may no lenger forbere: and that it may be delivered to Syr Richard Brodoke, Tresorer of my lady's howse, without any delay: and as for the oder l. li., I woll that the payment therof be respitet at this time: nerthelesse ye myght have made full pay|ment to me of the seid C. li. of Estir and Michelmas rent of Cottismor is lyvelode, which hade be more reson that I hadde be content of them: it shuld a goo to the contentacion of my cosyn, your fader, dettes, on whos soule Jhesu have merci. And owr blessud lord have yow in his most mercifull keping. Wrete at London, on Fryday next after St. Clementes day,

Your lovyng Cosyn, R. Harcourt.

To the worshipful and right enterly welbeloved Cosyn, Willm. Stonor.

146. JOHN MATHEWE'S ACCOUNT DEC., 1474—MAY, 1475

These accounts are written in the same hand on three long slips of paper. The receipts, which begin the first slip, are given in full; of the expenses only such items as seemed to be of interest. From Ch. Misc., 37, iv, 12-14.

Md. þat y John Mathewe receyved of my mastur Wyllm. Stonore on Sunday nexst afore Seynt Thomas day in þe xiiij yere of þe reigne of Kyng E. þe iiij^th yn þe halle of Stonor v. s. Item, y receyvid of my mastur yn þe seyd yer on þe morne after seynt powles day, xl. s. It., y receyvid þe same tyme of þe parson of Thynchest [? Fingest, Bucks., near Stonor.] vj. s. viij. d. It.,

y receyvid of my master on goode freday in þ^e xv yere of þe reyngne of Kyng E. þ^e iiij^th xl. s. It., y receyvid of my mastur yn þe seyd yere on Wennsday nexst a fore st. Phylippus day and Jacobbe, v. li. Summa recept. ix. li. xj. s. viij. d.

Expenses include: On seynt Thomas yeve for rede heryng, iiij. d.; for þe stelyng of a axe for þe Kechynne, ij. d.; on Crystemas Eve y toke Mylis for þe makyng of tapurs for yowr Chapell, iij. d.; þe freday nexst afore seynt powles day yn eysturs, ij. d.; þe same tyme for syngyng brede, ob. Summa (to St. Paul's Day, 25 Jan., 1475) v. s. ix. d. ob.

On seynt powles day y payd to þe smyth of Assynden, xx. s.; þe same day for beefe, xvij. d.; þe same day to Harry Chowne for lath nayle and tyle pinnes for þe dofe howse (amount missing); on freday nexst afore Candelmas day for packenedull and threde, j. d.; þe same day for þe caryage of a barelle of heryng and a cade, xj. d.; to þe porters of Henley, ij. d.; for holy candulle, ij. d.; for ij lockes and ij nawgers, x. d.; to Crystmas for heggyng, ij. d.; to þe seyd Crystmas on seynt Mathewes for þe hegyng of þe rowde crofte, ij. d.; Summa (to Good Friday, 24 March) xlvj. s. iij. d.

Payde to Byrde on goode fryday for his wages, vj. s. viij. d.; to More, vj. s. x. d.; to Joye, iij. s. vj. d.; to Fryth, iij. s.; to Cocke, ij. s. vj. d.; to Thomas More, iij. s. iiij. d.; to Berde of Falley for makyng of harnes, ij. s.; for syngyng brede and wyne, iiij. d.; on freday nexst after Estur for eysturs and elys, iiij. d.; to a man of Netylbed for lyme, xij. d. Summa (to Hoke Tuesday, 4 April) xxxiij. s.

On Phylippes day and Jacobbe payed to Symmys for plowyng ij. s.; for ale at Redyng feyr, iij. s. iiij. d.; to Byrd for myssomer quarter wages, vj. s. viij. d.; for vannyng unto þe throssars at þer furst comyng for þer labur, ij. s.; on Wyttson yeve for egges, ij. d. Summa (to Whitsunday, 14 May) iij. li. x. s. Summa totalis, vij. li. xv. s. ob. Summa debit. xxxvj. s. viij. d.

147. EXPENSES FOR SERVANTS c. 1475

The reference to John Blakehall shows that the date cannot be later than 1475 or 1476. St. Leonard's Day is 6th Nov. From Ch. Misc., 37, iv, 16-17.

Jhesus.

(1) A remembrans made the morne after synt leonarde ys day, when þat my Master Stonor come to Master Marmyun for expensys off hys men þat ys to sey for Thomas a Wode, and Tayleboyse and Elysaundur Blakehall and othyr, vj. d., and for a chekyn for þe hawke, j. d.

It., for ij styltys for Roger, ij. d. It., for John Blakehall, xvj. s. viij. d.; for Roger ys borde and hys bedde, xxj wekes, xv. s. ix. d. Also ffor a bay geldyng, vj. s. viij. d. It., for a chert and a breche for Roger, xj. d. It., for a peyr schone, v. d. Summa, xlj. s. vj. d.

Also for þe barbur to make clene hys hed, xv. d. For a cappe, iij. d. For makyng off hys gowne and hys doblet, xvj. d. For lynyn cloth to hys doblet, iiij. d. Summa, ij. s. viij. d. Kyrstemes.

Also the saterday at nyȝt and þe sonday yn þe mornyng to ffor, for expenses off my mayster and hys horse, iij. s. And for byrdys home with hym, j. d.

Also for expensys of Harre Parsone and John Blakehall þe monday after þe twelffe day when þey comyn (?) to Harpeden togeder, ffor her dyner, ij. d. Also ffor horse met, j. d. when ȝe wer with Marmyun. Also for þe geldyng, j. d., when þat John dydde schoy hym.

(2) Md. that Will Bordeney delyvered for Richard . . . a payr close hosyn of russet karyssey, price, xvj. d. It., by the commaundement off yow the parson off Thyngest fett for Alson Dell, ij ȝerde off medley russett, price, ij. s. viij. d. It., a payre off hossen for D . . . off russet keryssey the price, ij. s. It., a payr off hosse for the chyld off the stabull off russet karyssey, price, xvj. d. It., a ȝerde off blake russet karyssey to make Richert Baron a dublet, price, xiiij. d. It., a ȝerde and a halfe off tawney to make the seyd Richert Baron a gowne, the price off a ȝerde xviij. d., summa, ij. s. iij. d. It., a ȝerde off russet to make More sone a cote, xvj. d. It., a ȝerde et d. quart. for Harry Bakhall off dorrey, the price off a ȝerde xx. d., ij. s. j. d. It., a payre off hose off russett karyssey for Will. Coke off Northende, ij. s. iiij. d. It., for a payre off hose for Richert Baron, off russett karyssey, the price, xvj. d. It., for a ȝerde off blankked delyvered to John Swayn, the price, v. d. It., to John Blakhall, the yonger, a payre off hosyn off russet karyssey, the price, xviij. d. It., for v. ȝerdes off kendall for master Doley, price off a ȝerde iiij. d., summa xx. d. It., for iij ȝerdes off kendall and an halfe for Morres Escowrte, xiiij. d. It., for v ȝerdes off kendall for Thomas off Wode, xxv. d. It., for Harry Parsone iiij ȝerdes off kendall, and halfe, price off a ȝerde v. d., summa xxij. d. It., to Thomas Mathew a ȝerde off dorrey, h. and quart., price off the ȝerde xx. d.,

Summa, ij. s. j. d. It., delyvered to Richert Baron a ȝerde and an halfe off brode russett, the price off a ȝerde xx. d., ij. s. vj. d. It., a cote clothe off Cottohames russet ij. ȝerdes off narrowe clothe, the pris, xij. d. It., a payre hosen off russet, the price, iij. d. It., a payre off hose for Chowne off russett karessey delyverd to John Sonte, xvj. d.

148. ALICE, DUCHESS OF SUFFOLK TO WILLIAM STONOR 5 MARCH, [? 1475]

Perhaps the year is 1475 since Alice de la Pole died in May, 1475, and Thomas Stonor is presumably dead; but No. 113 makes it possible that William Stonor might have been appealed to for help in his father's lifetime. Printed in Excerpta Historica, 354. From A.C., xlvi, 101.

Right trusty and entierly beloved ffrende we grete you well, desiryng and praying yow, all excuses layde apart, that incontinent this lettur seyne ye come to us to Ewelme for certayne grete causes concernyng our wele and pleasir, whiche at your comyng ye shall undrestond more pleynely: and theruppon ye to departe ayen at your pleasir, so that ye fayle not here ynne at this tyme as our parfait trust ys in you: and as in gretter case we woll be gladde to do for you, that knoweth our lorde, who have you ever yn gouvernaunce. Wreten at Ewelme the v day of Marche · ȝ ·

Alyce Suffolk.

To our Right trusty and entierly beloved ffrende Wyllyam Stoner.

149. TWELVE MONTH-MIND OF THOMAS STONOR [APRIL, 1475]

From Ch. Misc., 37, iv, 18.

It., delyveryd to my Cossyn Wyllyam Stonore for the Twelffe monythe ys mynd of my Cossyn, hys ffadyr, at Perton by Harry Kene.

Itm. in prymis j. large wrought Bordeclothe. It., ij schorte Wronge Towellys. It., ij longe Playne Towellys. It., iij Tabyll clothys of playn clothe that ys to say ij longe and j. shorte. It., a Blewe clothe of goold for the hersse. It., ij Salte Sealers of Sylver, parcell gylt, of the whyche j. ys coveryd.

150. BOND BY WILLIAM STONOR TO RICHARD FOWLER 9 MAY, 1475

Richard Fowler, besides being Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, was a prominent man in Oxfordshire. He was a nephew of Richard Quatermayns (see Nos. 93 and 116). Leland states that Quatermayns had "a servant caullid Thomas Fowler, his clerk, a toward felowe that after was Chauncelor of the duchy of Lancastre," and was godfather to his son and "namid hym Richard Quatermains Fowler"; the second Richard Fowler was Quatermayns' heir, but proved "a very onthrift and sold al his landes" (Itinerary, i, 115). The elder Richard Fowler was an arbitrator between William Stonor and his mother (see No. 156); he may be the "Master Fowler" of Nos. 71 and 174, and "Cousin Fowler" of Nos. 170 and 172. Quatermayns calls Thomas Stonor his cousin in No. 92. Fowler died in Nov., 1477 (Will, P.C.C., 32 Wattys). For this Bond, which has been cancelled by cutting, see Nos. 144 and 145. From Ch. Misc., 37, iv, 19.

Be it remembred that Willm. Stonore, squier, have borowed of Richard Fowler, Chaunceller of the Duchie of Lancastre, the day of making of thies presentes xxxiij. li. vj. s. viij. d. for contentacion and paiement of part of my ffaders debtes due to Syr Richard Harecourt, knight, the which xxxiij. li. vj. s. viij. d. I graunte and faithfully promitte to content and pay ayein to the said Richard Fowler the xxij day of þis present moneth of Maii. To the which paiement truely to be made I bynde me and myn heires by this present bill. And for the more seurtie of paiement of the said somme of xxxiij. li. vj. s. viij. d. I wol and require all personnes being seased in the Manoirs, landes, and tenementes that late were my said ffaders to his use and behove and nowe to my use after my said ffaders debtes paied, that thay doo content and paie to the said Richard Fowler, his execoutours, and assignes the said xxxiij. li. vj. s. viij. d. afore that thay make eny astate or feoffement

to me or my heires of þe said Manoirs, landes and tenementes, or eny part therof. In witnesse wherof to þis bill I have set my seall and sub|scribed the same with myn owne hand the ix^th day of Maii the xv^th yere of the Reign of King Edward the iiij^th. Wyllm. Stonore.

151. THOMAS STAUNTON OR STONOR TO WILLIAM STONOR [? 1475]

Though the signature to this and to No. 153 is certainly Staunton, it seems clear that the writer was William Stonor's own brother Thomas; in its language it closely resembles No. 142. Thomas seems to have been of a jocular turn, and there may be some private jest in the use of the name. No. 153 shows that the writer had lately been in trouble, and this letter may perhaps be a little earlier in date. In both letters "Katermanes" is quoted for a proverbial saying; possibly it may refer to Richard Quater|mayns—see Nos. 94 and 141. The letter was printed in Excerpta His|torica, 356. From A.C., xlvi, 124.

Rygth worchypfull broder and suster, after dew recomendacion plesse yt you to hunderstonde þat I have a grett mysse of you thys terme. And I lett you whitte I am grette with the Kyng: for I com hoppe be preve sell, and grette nede I hadde now of you and of your counsell for ther ys no more a counsell agynes me but all the juges and serjaunttes and no man dare be with me for displessyng of them: so I am in wars cause then a theffe, for a theff in appell shall have counsell. I purposse to se my suster or ye com out of Devysshirre, yf I may for the Flete, but sore I fere lest ye shall fynde me in the Flete when ye com out of Devysshyre. God send never wras tyryngys to Englonde. Fene I wolde here tell þat I shulde be sende fore to be your gossheppe, but yt hys tolde me ye stryke flatte. More over suster, remembre my pauntener and my pursse, and þat I have the teune of them sende me shortely, apon pene þat woll fall there on: wat ys þat, trow ye, lossyn my lordesshyppe &c.: quod Katermanes, for the indyngnacion of a prince ys dethe. No more to you at thys tyme, but Jhesu have you and yours ever in kepyng. More over I entende to kepe my gresse tyme in þat countre, where fore I woll þat no man huntte tyll I have bene there:

purve not for over many for my comyng, for I woll com but with Willm., my man, and my selfe: and se þat my wyne be kowged.

Your fethfull broder Th. Staunton.

To my well beloved broder Willm. Stonar thys letter be delyvered in hast.

152. EDMUND STONOR TO HIS MOTHER AND BROTHER 18 JULY, [1475]

Compare for the date No. 153. From A.C., xlvi, 233.

Ryght reverent and wurschypfull modyr, y recommaund me unto yow: desyryng to [here] of yowre welfare, the whyche almyȝty Gode contynu long to hys plesyr and yowr hertes desyre. Yef hyt plese yow to wytt at the makyng off thys letter I was in god hell, and all my men. No mor to yow at this tyme, but the trinyte have yow in hys kepynge. And I pray yow let me be recomaundyd to my [sister] yowr wyff. Wryttyn at Cales the xviij day of July, the day of the departyng of the Kyng and the duk of Burgayn, my lord and all the oste in to Fraunce|warde.

Yowr brothyr Edmund Stonor.

153. THOMAS STAUNTON OR STONOR TO WILLIAM STONOR 19 JULY, [1475]

Like the previous letter this is written from France during the expedition of 1475. For the curious signature see the note to No. 151. This letter shows that William Stonor must have married Elizabeth Ryche in the summer of 1475; her first husband died before 1st July of that year (perhaps in August, 1474, see No. 168 and p. xxvii above), though his will was not proved till 4 October, 1475. From A.C., xlvi, 113.

Ryght reverent and worchypfull broder, with as many hartely re|comaundacions as may be I recommande me to you, dirsiryng spessially

to here of your wellfare, and of my suster your wyffe also, to whom I pray you þat I may be recommendet to: and yf hyt woll like you to here of the wellfare of my broder Edmonde Stonor and of myne, at the makyng of this letter whe where in good helth and mery, thankyd be Jhesu, and to say þat Edmonde Stonor parte shall be my parte as and Willm. Stonor where here. I putte you out of dowte hyt shall: and more yettes no man of me in the worde: and I on certen you he shall whante no thyng þat I on eny forme may do for hym. My brother Edmonde tolde me þat my suster, your wyffe, sende a man to Cales, and þat at your command shulde have speken with me, and a delyvered me a token: certenly ther cam non suche to me, and þat I was rygth sory fore. Evermore, brother, I thankke you for the luffe þat ye sewde to my sole whan ye harde of my distres, as well as ye have sewde to my body afore tyme and at all tymes, whiche lise not ne may ... [The MS. is defective.] esyryng and quite, but God kennes þat, and my powre, where to my wylle I shulde as largely quite your kyndenes and gentilnes as ever dud eny gentlyman to armes: ye gette no thyng of me but my hole harte with all my powre. And syr, I thankke you for your good consell, and certenly I thynkke to do ther after: but ye may thankke my suster, your wyfe, þat ye be of so gode disposission to avertes and avyse me to leve all foly, for þat comys of the holy sacrament of wedlokke, wheche I pray Jhesu sende me sone to after I come home: for I fere me, þat, tyll þat tyme þat þat youkke of wedlokke ly in my nekke as hyt dose now in yours, þat youth shall rene in me as hyt has done in you afore tyme: I have dispysed þat order afore tyme, and þat repentes me, for God have ponyssed me sore there fore. The dewke of Burgon cam to Cales to the kyng the xiiij day of Julii and departed the xviij day, and the kyng also, in to France warde. I suppose the kyng wyll go the next way to Pares. The kyng wyll muster all hys host at Fauconbrygge [Fauquembergue.] xxx myle out of Cales the morne next after seynt Margarett day: [21st July.] and yf the frenchemen wyll do us þe day, hyt shall not be longe or whe mete. They be mony in nomber. They wryte on there speres: "yf I hytte the, sheryfe the, yf I mysse the, blysse the": thesse bene parles wordes. On of them þat so wrote was stryken to the harte with a narow at Abvyle: and he nede blyssed hym and yitte shrowffe hym. I trust mo of them shall be so sarvedde in hast. I thankke God I am strynger then ever I was, for all my coruppud blode hys gonne. And I have new he hys now out of preson þat stroke me, and hasse payde for all my costes and

charges syth I was hurte, and hys bonden to abyde my lordes rewle as for the offence þat he hasse done me: but I purposse to se England or I hende with hym. And, broder, ever as eny comys betwene, ye shall have worde. No more at thys tyme, but the holy gost have you yn kepyng. Wrytten at Genes [Guisnes.] the xix^th day of Julii. And fare well my none broder, for be that next letter ye shall here oder tyrynges, Jhesu be howr goode spede. And ever fare well my none broder &c., quod Katermane.

Your broder Th. Staunton.

Thys letter be delyvered to my brother Wyllm. Stonor in haste.

154. WILLIAM STRACCHELEGH TO [? WILLIAM STONOR] OCT., [?1475]

In the absence of any endorsement it is impossible to be certain whether this was addressed to Thomas or to William Stonor. But the reference to John Fortescue the younger (Sir John Fortescue of Punsborne, who was a son of the elder Richard Fortescue, and died in 1500) suggests a late date. Either 1475, when St. Luke's Day was on a Wednesday, or 1476, when it was on a Friday, are possible. These dates fit with the mention of Stracchelegh in No. 279. But the letter might be as early as 1469, in which case it would be addressed to Thomas Stonor. From A.C., xlvi, 266.

Ryt Worschupful and my speciall gode Master, y recomownde me unto yowre god masterchyppe: fyrdermore, yf hyt plese yowre master|chyppe, ye grontyd j tenement yn Keyaton wyt the purtenans to Willm. Mugge for duryng the tender age of John Ley: hyt ys so þat John Fortescu, the yownger, toke j close of the sayde tenement of the father of the sayde cylde for ij yere, the wyche ij yere byt past at Michelmas last was, and layd a downe hys mony affore wytyn pryse of the valu, and now he wyll hold hyt lengger agaynst the pore man ys wyll, þe wyche pore man com yn by the grawnte of yowre masterchyp, payyng to yow myche mony: and yowre masterchyp muste warent hym agaynst al men. Y-wryte at Ermyngton te Tuysday next afore the fest of Sci. Luke þe evangelyst.

Yowre servent Willm. Stracchelegh.

No endorsement.

155. EDMUND STONOR TO [WILLIAM STONOR] 28 OCTOBER, [c. 1475]

In the official Index it seems to be assumed that this and the next letter were written by Edmund Stonor (d. 1382). But they clearly date from the latter part of the fifteenth century, and the writing resembles that of No. 152. Both were no doubt written to William Stonor by his younger brother Edmund. The date of this letter cannot be fixed, but either 1474 or 1475 are suitable years. On 25 October, 1476, William Stonor was at Stonor (see No. 173); so that year is unlikely. From A.C., xlvi, 7.

Right reverent and wurshypfull Brothyr, I recomawnd me unto yowe, good Brothyrhod, desyryng to here of yowre wellfare, the whych Almygȝty God contynue long to hys plesyr and yowre hertys desyr: doyng yow to wyt y have spokyn with þe parson of Penyngton of the matyr þat I have spokyn to yow off, and the parson hath told me that hyt was Perkyns dowtter: and Perkyns seythe þat he cowd aweyll me in my lond x. mark a yer. But I undyrstond nat þat he wull depart fro hony lond with here, but with mony, and what þat ys the parson of Penyngton can not tell. But, syr, yff hyt wold plesse yow to speke with Perkyns and awys whethyr he wull geve hys dowttyr hys part of Snowys well at Borowyscot to her and to her eyrys, I wold with the glader wyll dele with hym: and in that that he seyth þat he cowd aveyll me in my lond so grett money by yer, I shall beseche yow to speke to hym in what maner of weys: and y beseche yow to be my good Brothyr in any weys, as I have fownd yow herafore tymes. No more to your good Brothyrhod at thys tyme but the Trinite have yow in hys kepyng. Wrettyn at Stonor on seynt Symon hys day and Jud. And I undyrstond Perkyns ys at London. [In this monogram the lower part of the S forms the o, and Stonor is read by beginning at the top and then to the right, the centre coming in after t and n.]

S

By your brothyr, Edmund rot.

n

To my ryght worschypfull Brothyr Stonor be thys delyveryd.

156. EDMUND STONOR TO [WILLIAM STONOR] [? 1475]

See the note prefixed to the last letter. This letter must be earlier than No. 181, since John Blakall is alive. It is not therefore likely to be much later than No. 155. The right-hand margin of the letter is defaced, and some words have been supplied conjecturally in brackets. Pishill is the next village to Stonor on the north-west. From A.C., xlvi, 8.

My rygth wurschypfull Brothyr, I recommaund me unto yow, desyryng to her off your wellfare, the qwyhych almyghty [Jhesu] contynw: doyng yow to wytt that John Blakall browtt to Stonor a dyker for to make yowr dykes in . . . . . feld betwen the hy way and the ew tre: and John Mathew and I wolde a mad a bargeyn with hym but we [cowd] nott styll there on, nedyr we wyst nott how ye wold have hytt, whedyr ye wold have hytt sengyll dydge or [dobyll] dydge, and therffor we mad no bargeyn with hym: but I askyd hym how he wold do a perdge of sempyll dydge, and for . . d. he wold a don hytt a dobyll, sett hym with whit thorn, and a mad the dydge a yerd deppe: and yff hytt wold plesse yow to [send] word to John or to me whedyr ye wold have hytt dobyll dydge or senkyll, and what ye wull geve for a perdge we [wull] send for hym, and yff we can acord off the prys he schall still awayt and begyne. And also brothyr, wher ye speke to B . . es carpenter so to make yowr myll hows, he sayeth he can nott mak hytt but he mak hytt new: but Wyllyam Ale . . swyk [sayeth] that [he] with thyn lytyll space wyll mak ye þat hows to stand ther xx yere, and okapy but lytyll new tymbyre: and we thy[nk] hyt wer þe lestt schardge to yow so, thane to mak a new hows. But I beseche yow brothyr latt not yowr carpenter know þat I send yow thys now. No more to yow brothyr at thys tyme, but the trinyte have yow in hys kepynge. And ye schuld have a Monday next comyng a xl plowys in Pyssyll felde.

Your brothyr Edmund Stonor.

No endorsement.

157. AN ARBITRATION BETWEEN WILLIAM STONOR AND HIS MOTHER 28 NOV., 1475

After the death of Thomas Stonor, his executors, Jane Stonor, Thomas Hampden and Thomas Ramsey, by deed indented granted to William Stonor "all thing which to tham shuld apperteigne as executours," and William Stonor took upon him the charge of performing the will "demandyng as well the rentes of diverse landes and tenementes, as diverse goodes, catalles and dueties, which perteigned to his said ffader". Controversies and variances having grown between Jane Stonor and her son, the matters in dispute were submitted to Richard Fowler, Humphrey Forster, and William Danvers, who gave their award on 28 NOV., 1475. The document is much mutilated, and a great part of the statement of claim by William Stonor is missing. After reciting the circumstances under which the dispute had arisen, and stating the claims made by the two parties, the arbitrators gave their award in the terms printed below. This contains all that is of real interest save for those points added in footnotes. From Ch. Misc., 37, vi.

Of all the which controversies variances and demaundes, and of all oþer matieres dependyng betwix the said parties, the same parties have compromitted tham self to abide the arbitrement of and upon þe premisses; the surmises and allegeances of both the said parties by longe and ripe deliberacion herde and understond by thassent and aggreement of bothe the same parties, [we] arbitre, ordeigne, and deme þerupon in maner and forme folowing: that is to wite that the said William shall satisfie to his said Moder of the somme underwritten, that is to sey of þe somme of lxxiiij. li. ij. s. v. d. by her expended for expences and costes had aboute the burieng and enterement of his said ffader: and of þe somme of xl. s. by her paied for þe probate of þe said testament: and of the somme of xxxiij. s. by her paied to Robert Fuller for þe debtes of his said ffader: and of the summe of v marcs by her paied for thexpenses of her said cooexecutours: and that also the said William shall suffre his said Moder to have þe ward and mariage of John Gatton above rehersed, [Jane Stonor claimed this wardship "wherof her said husband was possessed".] and all oþer landes in þe which the same Johane had jointe astate with her said husbande for terme of her liff, which astate the same William shall conferme to his said Moder for terme of her liff

oonly: [She also claimed: "to have for terme of her lyfe, by the wylle of her seyd husband, certain lande purchased by her said husbande in Horton to þe yerely value of xx. s., also to have seurtie of þe said William for þe full performyng of þe last wille of his said ffader". See Thomas Stonor's Will, No. 137.] and that also the said William shall fynde sufficient seurtie to his said Moder and her coexecutors to performe the last wille of his said ffader: and as to thembloyment above rehersed and expenses of þe said William and his servauntes and also for thexpenses and wages of servauntes and husbandrie aforesaid, and also all maner of debtes due to þe said Thomas claymed by the said Johane, We arbitre, ordeyne, and deme that for asmuche as after the decease of þe said Thomas the said Johane and her servauntes, and þe said William, his brethren, and servauntes, and the said servauntes in husbandrie have expended of þe greynes, catalles, and stuff of houshold of þe said Thomas Stonour to her not bequested nor yeven, therfore the said William shall have the said embloyment and debtes towardes the performyng of þe wille of his said ffader, and þe said William shall also bee discharged ayenst his said Moder of all þe said expenses: [Jane Stonor claimed: "to be satisfied for thexpenses of þe said William Stonore and of his servauntes at diverses tymes coming to þe said Johane, and for thexpenses and wages of servauntes of husbandrie at Stonor payd by her sethen the decesse of her seyd husband: also to have the embloyment of þe lande of her said husband sowen the tyme of his deceasse". William's claim included allowance "for greynes and catalles expended by þe said Johane after þe deceasse of her said husband".] and furthermore we arbitre, ordeigne, and deme that the said William of þe sommes above rehersed, awarded to bee paid to his said Moder, shall deducte in his own handes and þerof abate þe sommes underwriten, that is to wite the somme of xlvj. s. viij. d. of þe price of wolle of cxl. schepe by þe said Johane soo sold as afore ys seyde, [William Stonor claimed: "to be satisfied of xlvj. s. viij. d. of þe price of the wolle of cxl. shepe, late of þe said Thomas Stonor, his ffader, by þe said Johane sold: also of þe somme of . . . by þe said Johane received of thissues of þe . . . tenementes underwriten". The claim is very imperfect, and only the item "of þe Manoir of Ryderfeld Pyperd xj. li." now appears.] also the somme of vj. li. by her received of thissues of þe Maner of Ryderfeld Pypperd over C. s. of þe same issues by her receaved . . . Dorchestre: also the somme of iiij. li. x. s. v. d. by her received of þissues of þe Manor [of] Boroughescote: also of þe somme of iiij. li. x. s. by her received of þissues of Burt[on and] Condycote: also of þe somme of x. li. vj. s. viij. d. by her received of thissues of P[enyton] Meysy: all the which issues were due to her said husband and paiable at þe fest [of the] Annunciacion of our lady

last passed before his deceasse out of þe said Manors in þe which the said Johane had noo jointe astate: also the said William shall deducte in his owne handes the somme of x. marcs by þe said Johane received of arrerages due to her said husband at þe ffest of Michelmas last passed before his deceasse: and as to þe somme of xxxviij. li. iij. s. iiij. d. by þe said Johane received of thissues of oþer Manoirs paiable at þe same ffest of Annunciacion the said William shall noo thing therof deducte, but þe same Johane shall have and retaign to her owne use the said somme of xxxviij. li. iij. s. iiij. d. for asmuch as in þe said Manoirs of þe which the said somme was received the said Johane had jointe astate with her said husband: also the same Johane before the ffest of Cristmas next comyng shall delivere to þe said William the basen, ewer, and two pottes of silver above rehersed: [This part of William's claim is missing.] also the said Johane shall have thoccupacion of þe Sawter [William claimed: "a sawter now in þe kepyng of þe said Johane, perteignyng to þe Chapell of Stonore".] above rehersed during her liff, and after deceasse shall leve the same Sawter to þe said William Stonore to thuse of þe Chapell in þe Manoir of Stonore forevermore: also before the said ffest of Ester the said Johane shall deliver to þe said William the blak boke, ["A blak boke conteigning thaccomptes and debtes due to þe said Thomas Stonor."] and the obligacion of Makeney ["An obligacion of Makeney of þe somme of xl. li. made to the said Thomas, wherof xx. li. is yet due." As to this see note on No. 190.] above rehersed, and fynde sufficient seurtie to þe same William that the said Johane and her said coexecutours shall mainteigne all maner of accions to bee taken by thadvyse of þe said William for any matere touching the testament of þe said Thomas. [As claimed by William.] Also we arbitre, ordeigne and deme that eiþer of þe said parties be quite and discharged ayenst other of all oþer matieres dependyng betwene theym before the day of þis present arbitrement. In witnesse wherof as well the said parties as we þe said arbitrours to every part of þis writing endented have set oure seale the xxviij day of Novemb. the xv^th yere of the regne of Kyng Edward the iiij^th.

158. JANE STONOR TO WILLIAM STONOR [? 1475]

Probably written soon after William Stonor succeeded his father. As he is married, the date cannot be earlier than the summer of 1475. It may perhaps refer to Penton Mewsey (see Nos. 137 and 301). From A.C., xlvi, 122.

Sone, I send you Goddys blessyng and myne. I understonde by my tenantys and yourys that Maystyr Lewes John desyryth for to have a letter fro you for to undyrstonde your maystyrschype and youre favor towarde your seyde tenants and myne. Wherefore I pray you to do aftyr hys desyre yn supportyng your ryght, and I woll do to the power that God hath sende un to me my parte wyth the grace of God, whome I beseche to be youre gyde, and that thys sympyll byll may recommaunde me un to my worshupfull and goode dowchtyr your wyfe.

By your pore Moder Jane Stoner.

No endorsement.

ADDENDA

p. xi. Robert de Stonor was canon of Wells from 1343-44 till his death in 1381-82 (MSS. Dean and Chapter of Wells, ii, 9, 17, Royal Hist. MSS. Comm.).

p. 88. The Manor of Gusyche, Dorset, was part of the possessions of the Hospital of God's House at Southampton, which was in the patronage of Queen's College, Oxford—not of All Souls College as stated in the Writ (Monasticon, vi, 675).

159. SALE OF WOOL BY ROBERT WARNER OF WATLINGTON 24 JAN., 1475-76

This document is of interest for the illustration of the wool-trade (see No. 223). It may have come into the Stonor Papers through the administration of Warner's affairs by Sir William Stonor (see No. 295). From Ch. Misc., 37, ix. 23.

Md. that we Ric. Gardener, mercer and Alderman of London, and John Elys, cytizen and mercer of the same Cyttye, have ℞. xxiiij day of Janyver anno dni. xiiij^c lxxv of Robert Warner of Watlyngton ix sarplers of good woll and ij sarplers of mydell woll at ix markes the Sak. Item ij. sarplers of myddell woll at vj markes the Sak: and thes bene the number of them, lxxxvj, lxxxvij, lxxxviij, lxxxix, lxxxx, lxxxxj, lxxxxij, lxxxxiij, lxxxxiiij, lxxxxv, lxxxxvj, lxxxxvij, Ciij^o.

160. BONDS FOR WILL OF THOMAS STONOR 10 APRIL, 1476

ABSTRACTS.—(1) Bond of Thomas Ramsey of Hucham, esquire, to William Stonore, esquire, for the assignment to William of all debts due to his father Thomas Stonore, whose executor Thomas Ramsey is.

(2) Bond of William Stonore of Stonore, esquire, and Thomas Stonore of Rotherfeld Pippard, gentleman, to Thomas Ramsey, in 300l., in security for the discharge by William Stonore of all debts of Thomas Stonore the elder, his father, and of all gifts and legacies under his testament and will. From Ch. Misc., 37, iv, 22, 23.

161. THOMAS BETSON TO WILLIAM STONOR 12 APRIL, 1476

The first of the letters from Stonor's partner in the wool-trade, Thomas Betson, who subsequently married Stonor's step-daughter, Katherine Ryche. From A.C., xlvi, 89.

Jhesu An^o xvj^o.

Right worshipfful Syr I recom[aund] me unto your good mayster|shipe, and to my right worshypffulle maystresse your wiffe, and, yf it plese your maystershipe, to my maystresse Kateryn. And syr, þankyd be the good lord, I understond ffor certeyn þat oure wolle shipped be comen in [. . .] beste to Cales. I wold have kept the tydynges till I had comen my self, because it is good: but I durst not be so bold, ffor your maystershipe now ayenst this good tyme may be glade and joyffull off this tydynges, ffor in trouth I am glad and hartely þannke God off it. And syr, whene I come I shall tell your maystershipe many þinges moo by þe mercy off our Lord, who preserve your maystershipe ever. At London le xij jour de Apprill. Your servaunt to my power

Thomas Betson.

To my right worshipffull and synguler good mayster Willm. Stoner, Esquyer, soyt d.d.

162. THOMAS BETSON TO WILLIAM STONOR 22 APRIL, 1476

The next letter shows that Betson reached Calais on 30th April. Under the endorsement is the merchant's mark, which was used by Stonor's com|mercial associates; the design seems to be a sort of monogram for "W. Stonor". From A.C., xlvi, 90.

Jhesu M'iiij^c' lxxvj.

Right worshipffull and my right Synguler good mayster I recom|maund me to unto youre good maystershipe. And syr, ples it you to wete, this same day I depart to Cales wardes throw the myght off oure

Lord, Jhesu be my good spede. And syr with all my hart I þannke your maystershipe ever off your gentyll chere and ffeiȝthffull loffe, the whych allway ye bere and owe unto me, and off my behalff noþinge deservid: how be it God knowing my good hart and will, and my prayer shall ever be redy for your maystershipe and all your howsold. And syr, ffor a remembraunce I send yow be þe brynger heroff ffor deynte ij powdyrd lampres, to ete hem whan it ples yow, I wold þei wer better. Also syr, ye shall R[esseyve], by the grace off God in John Somers barge now comynge to Henley a pype rede wyne ffrom my broder: I trust it shall ples your maystershipe well, ffor so my broder tellith me. And Syr, as touchynge the ffelles of Robert Turbotes of Lamberton, it makez no matter as yit thowe no man see hem till I send you oþer word ffrom Cales: ffor I shall send you more clerer writinge ffrom Cales by the mercy off Jhesu, whom I besech ever to preserve your maystershipe in helth and vertu. At London the xxij day off Apprill. Be your

Servaunt T. Betson.

Syr, I besech your maystershipe þat this powre writynge may have me lowly recomended to my right worshipffull maystresse your wyffe, and in lyke wyse to my gentyll Cossen and kynde maystresse Kateryn Rich, to whom I besech your maystershipe ever to be ffavourable and loffynge. Syr, I send you a scantlyn off your wyne herin closed.

To my right worshipffull and Synguler good mayster Willm. Stonor Esquyer Soyt d.d.

163. THOMAS HENHAM TO WILLIAM STONOR 1 MAY, 1476

There is a merchant's mark similar to that on the last letter. The wool was housed by Easter Eve (13th April) Henham having reached Calais on "Sher Thursday" or Shrove Thursday, the same day that he left Sandwich. From A.C., xlvi, 100.

Jhesu. M. iiij^c lxxvj.

Ryght worchipffull my Ryght Syngguler good mayster, I recom|maund me unto your good maysterschipe ever more dessyring to here

of your wellffare, the wyche I beseche Jhesu mayntene and contenew to his plesur &c. Letyng your maysterschipe to wyt that I departyd ffrome Sandewych the xj day off Aprell, and so cam unto Calys apone sher thursday laste was with the wolle schipys; and so, blesside be Jhesu, I have resayvid your wollys in ssafte. Fordermore, Syr, yeff yt plesse your maystershipe for to understonde þis, I have ressayvid your wollys as ffayer and as hole as any mannys in the fflete. More hover, Syr, yeff yt plesse your maysterschipe ffor to understonde howne your wolle was howsid ever dele by Ester even. Fordermore, Syr, yeff yt plesse your maysterschipe ffor to understonde that the schepmen be content and payde off thayer ffraythe. Fordermore, Syr, yeff hyt plesse your maysterschipe ffor to understonde off your wollys howne maney I have resayvid: Summa xxx sarplers ffyne Cottes wolle, and of M. [Probably for "medell"; cf. "medell woll cottys wolde," ap. Cely Papers, p. 31.] Cottes x sarplers and off ffyne yonge Cottes wolle vij sarplers and of M. [Probably for "medell"; cf. "medell woll cottys wolde," ap. Cely Papers, p. 31.] yonge Cottes iij sarplers and a sarpler of Refuse, Summa lj sarplers. All so, Syr, yeff yt plese your maysterschipe ffor to understonde that I have ressayvid a barell with harnes of peny, the wyche your maysterschipe sapke [spake] unto me of at my departyng frome yow, and a nother barell with harnes of bylys, the wych I have schipped hem unto London in one of the wole schipys, the wyche ij barelys schulde be kep unto the tyme that I com unto London my selffe. Fordermore, syr, yeff yt plese your maysterschipe ffor to understonde that Thomas Betson cam unto Calys the laste day of Aprill: and so he departyd in good helthe unto Brugys mart the fyrst day of May. No more unto your maister at thys tyme: but allmythi Jhesu have you in hys kepyng. Wretyn at Calys the first day of May.

By your prentes Thomas Henham.

Unto my worschipffull and myne synguler master Willm. Stonor, Squyer, of Oxford schyre, thys letter be delyvered in haste. dd.

164. GODDARD OXBRYGE TO WILLIAM STONOR 9 MAY, 1476

Since 9th May was Thursday, the barge took four or five days to Henley. From A.C., xlvi, 107.

Jhesus. M. iiij C. lxxvj.

Right worshipfull and Reverent Sir, plesith hit you to understonde þat as these daye I have Res[seyved] fro Thomas Betson and fro Thomas Henham iij letterys, that is to saye ij to you and j to Thomas Howlake. And Sir, Thomas did write to me that I shuld shippe þe sarpler, the pooke, and the ij pokets woll, beyng at the Wollkey, now at this shippynge: And whan I have weyyde heme to reconne with þe custumerys clarkys and pay þem for you and for heme ij. s. iiij. d., and to the weyor ffor every sake j. d., and to þe chalker j. d., and to þe porors viij. d.: thys is Thomas Betson is wrytyng to me. And Sir, I have delivered to William Somer, bargemane, to care to Henly: ffirst vj burdenys of rusys: Item xij saltffish, of þe whiche saltffish iiij be lengys: and a fardell aynte (?) in canvase, in þe wheche fardell is a bage with spysys, and ij brassys, a payer of pauenys for my maistres, a gowne of annyse de Padawis, and a mustard querne: and as these day at none þe barge departyd fro London; and he saythe he will be at Henli a Mondaye, or a Tuysdaye at þe fardyst, with the grase of God, wo have you in hese kepynge. At London, the ix daye of Maye,

By your prentyse Goddard Oxbryge.

[To my] good maister, Willm. Stonor, esquier, at Stonor.

165. GODDARD OXBRYGE TO WILLIAM STONOR 12 MAY, 1476

The merchant's mark appears as in Nos. 162 and 163. Master Wrohnton is probably John Wroughton, an Oxfordshire squire, and cousin of William Stonor (see vol. i, p. xix). From A.C., xlvi, 108.

Jhesu. A^o. M. iiij^c lxxvj.

Right worschipffull Syr, please it you to wete that I send you wrytinge bi Howlake þat Edmond Jod your tenante will departe owte of your howse I cannat tell wo sone, but I had no aunswer fro you agene for kowenat what comnante is betwyne you and heme, and therfor I beseche your maisterchip to let me have kowelige what comnante ys betwne you and heme, for I can nothenge say to heme till I have an aunswer fro you or fro my mastres. And sir, I have

R[eceived] fro Calise ij letters to you, and I wulld a sent theme to you before thise time, but I cowd no none body to convey theme savyng I had delyverde theme to a woman of Henly, and assone as sche was on horsebake in the strete sche wase arestid, and that is þe cause that you had theme nat before these tyme. And sir, I ame callyd apon for þe ["for þe" repeated in MS.] monys, the wheche Davyd owyt, and in spesyall of the good man of þe marmayd, and of the polt'. And sir, I have inqueryd of maister Wrohntn is comemyng to London, and as yet he is nat come, but as sone as he ys come you schalle have understondyng with þe grase of God, who have your Right worschipffull and Reverent maister in his blessyd kepyng ever. At London the xij daye of Maye.

By your prentyse Goddard Oxbryge.

To my Right worshipffull and Reverent maister Willm. Stonore, squyer, be delivered.

166. THOMAS BETSON TO KATHERINE RYCHE 1 JUNE, 1476

Katherine Ryche, whom Betson married in 1478, was clearly at the time of this letter little more than a child. Katherine was the eldest daughter of Elizabeth Stonor by her first husband, Thomas Ryche or Riche. She was god-daughter of her mother's grandfather, William Gregory, who left her 20s. in his will dated 6 November, 1465 (Collections of a London Citizen, p. xlvi); Gregory does not mention any other of his great-grand-children; it may be conjectured that Katherine was born in 1463 or 1462. "Holake, your gentyll squyer," is probably Thomas Howlake (see Nos. 164 and 223). From A.C., xlvi, 255.

Jhesus. An^o. xvj^o.

My nowne hartely belovid Cossen Kateryn, I recomande me unto yow withe all the inwardnesse of myn hart. And now lately ye shall understond þat I resseyvid a token ffrom you, the which was and is to me right hartely welcom, and with glad will I resseyvid it; and over that I had a letter ffrom Holake, youre gentyll Sqwyer, by the which I understond right well þat ye be in good helth off body, and mery at

hart. And I pray God hartely to his plesour to contenew the same: ffor it is to me veray grete comfforth þat ye so be, so helpe me Jhesu. And yff ye wold be a good etter off your mete allwaye, that ye myght waxe and grow ffast to be a woman, ye shuld make me the gladdest man off the world, be my trouth: ffor whanne I remembre your ffavour and your sadde loffynge delynge to me wardes, ffor south ye make me evene veray glade and joyus in my hart: and on the toþersyde agayn whanne I remembre your yonge youthe. And seeth well that ye be none eteter off youre mete, the which shuld helpe you greately in waxynge; ffor south þan ye make me veray hevy agayn. And therffore I praye you, myn nown swete Cossen, evene as you loffe me to be mery and to eate your mete lyke a woman. And yff ye so will do ffor my loveff, looke what ye will desyre off me, whatsomever it be, and be my trouth I promesse you by the helpe of our Lord to perfforme it to my power. I can [no] ["No" omitted in MS.] more say now, but at my comyng home I will tell you mych more betwene you and me and God beffore. And where as ye, ffull womanly and lyke a loffer, remembre me with manyffolde re|comendacion in dyversse maners, remyttynge the same to my discresscion to depart them þer as I loveff best, ffor south, myn nown swete Cossen, ye shall understond þat with good hart and good will I resseyve and take to my self the one halff off them, and them will I kepe by me; and the toþer halff with hartely loveff and ffavour I send hem to you, myn nown swete Cossen, agayn, ffor to kepe by you: and over that I send you the blissynge þat our Lady gaveffe hir dere sonne, and ever well to ffare. I pray you grete well my horsse, and praye hym to gyffe yow iiij off his yeres to helpe you with all: and I will at my comynge home gyff hym iiij off my yeres and iiij horsse lofes till amendes. Tell hym þat I prayed hym so. And Cossen Kateryn I þannke you ffor hym, and my wiff shall þanke you ffor hym hereafter; ffor ye do grete cost apon hym as it is told me. Myn nown swete Cossen, it was told me but late þat ye were at Cales to seeke me, but ye cowde not se me nor ffynde me: ffor south ye myght have comen to my counter, and þer ye shuld bothe ffynde me and see me, and not have ffawtid off me: but ye sought me in a wronge Cales, and þat ye shuld well know yff ye were here and saw this Cales, as wold God ye were and som off them with you þat were with you at your gentill Cales. I praye you, gentill Cossen, comaunde me to the Cloke, and pray hym to amend his unthryffte maners: ffor he strykes ever in undew tyme, and he will be

ever affore, and that is a shrewde condiscion. Tell hym with owte he amend his condiscion that he will cause strangers to advoide and come no more there. I trust to you that he shall amend agaynest myn commynge, the which shalbe shortely with all hanndes and all ffeete with Godes grace. My veray ffeiȝtheffull Cossen, I trust to you þat thowe all I have not remembred my right worshipfull maystres your modyr affore in this letter þat ye will off your gentilnesse recomaunde me to her maystresshipe as many tymes as it shall ples you: and ye may say, yff it plese you, that in Wytson Weke [This letter was written on Whitsun Eve.] next I intend to þ^e marte ward. And I trust you will praye ffor me: ffor I shall praye ffor you, and, so it may be, none so well. And Almyghty Jhesu make you a good woman, and send you many good yeres and longe to lyveffe in helth and vertu to his plesour. At greate Cales on this syde on the see, the ffyrst day off June, whanne every man was gone to his Dener, and the Cloke smote noynne, and all oure howsold cryed after me and badde me come down; come down to dener at ones! and what answer I gaveffe hem ye know it off old.

Be your ffeiȝtheffull Cossen and loffer Thomas Betson.

I sent you this rynge ffor a token.

To my ffeiȝtheffull and hartely belovid Cossen Kateryn Ryche at Stonor this letter be delyvered in hast.

167. GODDARD OXBRYGGE TO MISTRESS STONOR 12 JULY, 1476

As to Davy Wrixham see No. 213. From A.C., xlvi, 109.

Jhesu. A^o. M. iiij^c lxxvj

Ryght worshipfull and Reverent Maistes, I recomend me unto you in the moste lowlyest wyse that I best can or maye: and, Maistes, pleasthe you to undirstond that I have R[eceived] a letter ffrome you by Davy Wrixham, the whech letter I undirstod wele, and schoche matter ase you he wreten to me ffor I wille aply hete as ney as I [may [There is a hole in the paper.] ]. And,

Maistes, ther as you wrote to ffor your fesche I have aplyd hete as ny as kowd, but as I cane I will send it to you as sone as I maye, and thate shalbe a Tuysdaye or a Weddensdaye [i.e. 17 or 18 July.] at the ffardest. And as for odir matterys that you wrote to me ffor, I have nat yete inqueryd off theme, ffor the tyme was sso shorte I cowd nat: the tyme wase sso shorte, sso I R[eceived] your letter a Tuysdaye betwyxte vj and vij a the kloke. And as ffor that yo wrote to me of Davy I wyll do acordyng to your wyll: and as ffor hyse gownys he had convyed theme, before you rod owte of London, into Whytebredys howse, and he had j off theme beffore he spake with me: and as for the remnante he shall nate have some wrytyng ffro you. And as ffor all oddir matterys I wyll ssend you word as ssone as I maye with the gras off owre lord, whoo have you, Right Worshipfull Maistres, I his blessyd kepynge, Amen. Be your prentyse

Goddard Oxbrygge, the xij day of Jull.

To my Right worshipfull Maistres Stonor, at sstonor. be thyse delyver. in hast.

168. ELIZABETH STONOR TO WILLIAM STONOR 18 AUGUST, 1476

"My brodyr Stocker" is Sir William Stocker, husband of Elizabeth Stonor's sister Margaret. "My brodyr Crooke" is probably her own brother John. If "my husbond's terement" refers to the anniversary of Thomas Ryche's death, he must have died nearly a year before his will was proved. Elizabeth Stonor seems to have spent all the latter part of 1476 in London. Unlike most of Elizabeth Stonor's letters this is holograph. Since 18 August, 1476, was on a Sunday, the time to Tuesday next seems short; but in the following letter there is expectation of an equally speedy reply. From A.C., xlvi, 114.

Jhesu. Ano. xvj

Right well belovid Cossen, I recomaund me unto you with all myn hart and I þannke you hartely, gentill Cossen, off youre expediscion

that ye have made in plesynge off my brodyr Stocker off his bucke: he is beholdyn unto you: at your comynge to London he will thannke you I dowt not as reason is; and I, as ffor my parte, þannke you ffor my venyson, the which I have R[eceived] by my brodyr Crooke. Also, gentill Cossen, I undyrstond þ^t my douȝther Kateryn is craysed and hath a desese on hir neke: I marvell what it shuld be: yff it wold lyke you, I praye you hartely to suffer hir to come to London to me to the intent she may be holpyn þeroff. I send syr William, Annes Dibdale, and Howlake for hir, and on Twesday next I trust to see you here at London, and whanne ye come ye shall be welcom with more. Jesu spede you ever, amen. At London le xviij jour d'aoust.

Elysabeth Stonor.

P.S. in dorso. Gentyll Cossen, I praye you to bryng with you the ij baysons and hewers off silver, the silver Candelstikes and the monstrans, and the letill silver bayson to set it in. I wold have it here ayenst myn husbonds terement, and it can not come better at no tyme þanne with you now because off strenght.

To my most worshipffull Cossen Willm. Stonor, Esquyer, this be delyvered. At Stonor.

169. ELIZABETH STONOR TO WILLIAM STONOR 12 SEPTEMBER, 1476.

This was written on a Thursday. It seems to show that the journey from London to Stonor would be made on horseback in a long day; the distance would be about forty miles. From A.C., xlvi, 115.

Right Reverent and Worshipfull and enteirly best belovyd Cosyn, I recommende me unto you in the most lowlyest wyse that I best can or may. And syr, as this day by your servaunt Thomas Mathew I recey|vyd a letter from you, by the which letter I understonde that ȝe be sumwhat amended and shall every day better and better þen other by þe grace of God. Also, gentyll Cosyn, I understonde that my brother and yowris is sore seke of the poxes: wherfore I am right hevy and sory of your beyng there, ffor the eyre of poxe is ffull contagious and namely to them than ben nye of blode. Wherfore I wolde praye you,

gentyll Cosyn, that ȝe wolde come hedyr, and yif hit wolde plese you so to doo, &c. And yif that hit lyke you not so to doo, Gentill Cosyn, lettith me have hedyr some horsis I pray you, and that I may come to you, ffor in good faith I can fynde hit in my herte to put my self in jubardy there as ye be, and shall do whilst my lyffe endureth to the plesure of God and yours. For in good faith I thought never so longe sith I see yow, ffor in trowth I hadde will hopid that your horsis shulde a ben here as þis night; and that I thoȝt verely, and so poyntid my self for to a be with you as þe morue at night with Godes mercy, which shulde have ben to me right a grete comfort; ffor in good faith I have not ben mery at myn hert þis sevynnight day ffor dyverse maters the whiche hath ben brokyn to me. Wherfore I wyst full hertly dyverse tymes þat ȝe hadde ben here: ffor I wot will that ye coulde an answeryd in certayne maters better þen I: ffor truly I had not so besy a weke sith I cam hedyr, exepte oone day, which sir William, and John Mathewe both can enfourme you parte þerof. And Syr, as towchyng my childeryn I hertly thanke you that hit lyke you so for to tend them: but ȝit, Gentyll Cosyn, yif hit plese you to sende hem up with such horsis as hit lykith you to send for me, I wolde hertly pray you, ffor the poxe ben past out of this Countre and Cyte as fer as I understonde, blessyd be God. Gentyll Cosyn, I pray you hertly that I may have a redy worde from you on Saterday at nyght at þe ferthest; for in trowth I can not be mery unto þe tyme that I know verely how that ȝe will I be demenyd hereyn. No more to you at this tyme, but almyghty Jhesu preserve you, and kepe you longe in good hele of body and longe to lyve in vertu to Godes plesure, and so to your moste hertes desire, amen. At London þe xij day of Septembr. A^o xvj.

And myn sonne Betson recommende hym unto you as hertely as he can or may, and bysowght to vouchsaffe to pray for hym &c.: and ye shall Rec. ij letters of hym by John Mathewe. And as this day viij of the Cloke in þe morning he toke his barge. I pray God sende hym good spede, amen.

By your ovne Elysabeth Stonore.

To my Right Worshipfull Cosyn, Willm. Stonor, squiere, this be delyvered.

170. ELIZABETH STONOR TO WILLIAM STONOR 9 OCTOBER, 1476

It is uncertain who is meant by "Cosyn Fowler": but he may possibly be Richard Fowler, chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, since from No. 172 he seems to have been influential at Court. Thomas Wode is a servant of Stonor, see Nos. 147 and 184. "Cosyn Helmys" is probably Walter Elmes. From A.C., xlvi, 116.

The fact that this letter was dictated may explain the curious use of "hyt thys" for "it is," and such spelling as "hondely" for "only".

Jhesu M. iiij^c lxxvj.

Right Interly and beste belovyde Cosyn, I recomaunde me unto you in moste lovyng wyse. Syr, I resayvyde ffrome you a letter by the wyche I consayvyde that ye canne not departe but it shulde be to your gret lose. Wherffor ye do ryght welle to set hyt in a suerte: ffore hyt thys no lytell monay that he howys you. And Syr, as ffore my Cosyn Fowler, he whas not come as thys nythe, but he wylle be to morow at his plase as hyt thys tollde me. And as ffore my son Betson I have no wrytyng syn you departe. I truste yt shall not be longe to or whe shalle have wrytyng ffrome hym. And Syr, ther as ye wrte unto me ther as þat Chetys and Hoderstone shulde be leffte ther stylle, truly so hyt thys: ffor I have put ffore no thyng save hondely for sarten plote. fforder more, Syr, ye schall under[stonde] þat Thomas a Wode hys very sore syke at the Sworde in Flete strete. Syr, the Kyng hys come to Westemester, and I understonde there schalle be a gret Counsell, where|ffore I wot never. My Cosyn Hellmys recomaunde hym unto you. And Syr, I thanke you hartely as I cane ffore your good tynchys: ffore truly thay whare very goode and swet as I het hany many a day. Whereffore I sent my ffader hone off them to hys soper. Whereffor he thanke you ryght hartely. No more unto you at thys tyme, Jhesu have you in his kepyng, Amen. At London the ix day of Octobur at ix a Cloke at nythe.

By your owne Elysabeth Stonor.

Allso Syr, ye schulle understonde that Thomas Wode hys [syke wi]th the pokys.

To my Ryght Reverent and Worshipffull hosbon Wyllm. Stonor, Sqyer, at Orton thys letter be delyverd. In hast. dd.

171. HENRY DOGETT TO [? WILLIAM STONOR] [20 OCT., 1476]

Assuming that this letter was written to William Stonor, the most likely year is 1476 when St. Luke's Day (18 Oct.) was on Friday, and All Soul's Day (2 Nov.) on Saturday. But Dogett was in the service of Thomas Stonor as early as 1444-45, and the reference to "Burghwardescote" or Buscot may point to the letter having been written to Thomas Stonor—see vol. i, p. xxv. From A.C., xlvi, 147.

Ryght worshepfull and my good and feithfull maister, I recomaund me to yow: pleasith yow to wete þat I have receyved the firme of Burghwardescote for Mychaelmas last passed, and for your mares there xiij. s. iiij. d., the wheche is redy at your commaundement. And for your Courtes, I woll kepe them a Asowlenday at Stonore, and the weke folowyng at Watlyngton, yef ye commaund me not the contrary, with Goddes leve, who ever preserve yow, my goode and feithefull maister. Wreten at Astun, the Sonday next after Seynt Lukes day.

Your old servant Henry Dogett.

No endorsement.

172. ELIZABETH STONOR TO WILLIAM STONOR 22 OCTOBER [1476]

From the allusions it is clear that this was written shortly before the next letter; so the year is fixed for 1476, and the day was a Tuesday. "My lady of Southfolke" is Elizabeth of York, wife of John de la Pole, the second Duke of Suffolk. "Cossyne Rokyse" is presumably Thomas Rokes (see No. 89). "My Cyster Barantyne" is William Stonor's sister Mary, whose hus|band John Barantyne was under age (see No. 294). Elizabeth Stonor, the third sister, was apparently unmarried. John Barantyne's mother Elizabeth had married as her second husband Sir John Boteler, who died on 14 June, 1477 (Chancery Inq. p.m., Edward IV, file 61, No. 25). As to Fowler see No. 169. The last clause of the letter is autograph. From A.C., xlvi, 121.

Right interly and best belovyd husbond, I recomaund me unto you in my most herty wyse, evermore thankyng you right hertely off all kyndeness to me schewed at all tymes, and nowe ffor your good Veny|sone and Coneys, the wheche you sent me be Heri Blakhall, the whech is gret deyntis to have here in London: wherfor I sent the halffe hawnche to my ffadyr and a cowpyll off coneys: and they recomaund them unto you and thanke you ryght hertely. And sur, you schall undyrstond that I have be with my Lady of Southfolke as on Thursday last was, and wayted uppon hyr to my lady the Kynges Modyr and hyrse, be hyr commaundment. And also on Satyrday last was I wayted uppon hyr thedyr ageyne, and allso ffro thens she wayted uppon my lady hyr Modyr, and browght hyr to Grenwyche to the Kyngis good grace and the quenyse: and ther I sawe the metyng betwyne the Kynge and my ladye his Modyr. And trewly me thowght it was a very good syght. And sire, I was with my lady of Southfolke at this day hopyng that I myght have hade hyre at sume leysyre that I myght a spokyn to hyr ffor the money, but trwly sche was very besy to make hyre redy, ffor sche is redyne to Cauntyrbery as this same day, and sche wyll be here ageyne as on Satyrday next comyng, ffor so sche told me hyr selff. Also Sire, I spake with my cosyn Fowler at my lady the Kyngis Modyr; and I thankyde hyme as hertely as I cowde for his gret kyndnese that he schewid to you and to me at all tymys, prayeng hyme of his good con|tynuans: and he askyde me when you wyld cum hydyr. And I tellyd hym that I supposyd that you wyld be her as this weke. And also I spake with my cosyne Rokysse: and he askyd me in leke wyse, and he seyth itt is not hys ffortune to mete with you here in London: and I spake to hyme ffor John Mathews mater, and prayed hym to be good master unto hym: and he awnswerd me ageyne, and seyde that he had lytyll cause, for he seyth that he have ben the most importune manne that myght be to hymewardes. And I awnswerd and seyde to hyme, that I coude never undyrstond hyt but that he owght hyme his servyse to his powre. And Sire, my lady of Southfolke is halfindell ["halfendele," the half-part.] dysplesyd because that my Cystere Barantyne is no better arayed, and leke wyse my Cyster Elysabeth. And sche seyth with owght they be otherwyse arayed, sche seyth, sche may not kep them: and sche seyth that my Moder and yours schuld saye that you have I-nowe to ffynd my Cyster Elysabeth with all. Also I undyrstond þat Sure John Buttelyr hath spokyn to my lady to have my Cyster Barantyne with hyme: what he menyth therin

we wot nere, with oute that he wold have the rewle of hyr husbandys lyvelode be that meane. Wherffore my Cyster wold speke with you ffore that mater to have your cownsell in what is best to do. And Sire, as ffor my sone Betsonne I herde no worde ffrome hyme sith you de|partyd: for ther commyth no passage this viij dayese. And Sire, I wold pray you whenne Davy Wrixame commyth to you owght off Cottys|wold, that ye wold send hyme hydder that he myght wryght to my sonne howe he have done in the contre. And good Sire, I pray you that my blewe gowne of damaske may be sent to me ageyne alhalowne day, and my cofferse and my dowter Caterynes, that I spake to you ffore. And sire, suche kercherse and smokkys and small japys that be in the chest that Cateryne my womanne had role of, whech chest stondyth in my sonne Betsonys Chaumbre. And Sire, I wold pray you that ȝee wold send this gere to me that I myght take rekenyg of hyre: ffor she skevisith hyr and sey that suche gere as I aske her is there. Sir, I pray you send me no more ryngis with stonys: ffore the ryng that you sent me be Hery Blakhall, the stone is ffallyn owght be the way and loste: wherffore I ame sory. Good sire, let it not be long or I may se you: for truly me thynke ryght long syth I se you. Your chylderne and myne ffare well, blessyd be God, and they be to me a gret cowmfort in your absens. No more to you at this tyme, but almyghti Jhesu preserve and kepe you in long helth and vertue to hys plesure. At London the xxij day of Octobre.

My owne Cosyne, I sende you a bladyr with powdyr to drynke when ȝe go to bede, ffor hit is holsome ffor you.

Be your ovne to my powre Elysabeth Stonore.

To my Ryght well-belovyd Cosyn Wyllm. Stonor, squyer, at Stonore, this be delyveryd.

173. ELIZABETH STONOR TO WILLIAM STONOR 25 OCTOBER, 1476

The left-hand corner has been destroyed; but most of the missing words can be easily restored. From A.C., xlvi, 117.

Jhesu M. iiij_c lxxvj.

Ryght Interly and beste belovyde Cosyne, I recomaunde me unto you as hartely as I cane. ffordermore, Cosyn, plesyth hyt you to under|stonde that I have resayvide a bore ffrom you: the wyche I thanke you ryght hartely ther ffor: the wyche bore hys very goode and well braunde. Allso Cosyn, my moder and yourys sent me monay to by her boge, and sche sent me a gobelet to amend: the wyche gobelet I have schuyde unto dyverys golldsmythys: and thay say hyt cane not be amendyd, but hyt be new made: and so I pray you to infforme my moder. And as ffor the boge my moder sent unto me ffor, I send hyt to her by Folyhet, the brynger heroff. And so, Syr, I pray you to in|fforme my moder, as hyt thys: and I will kepe the gobelet unto the tyme that I have answere ffrome her. Allso, Syr, I pray you to recomaunde me hartely unto here goode moderhode. Fordermore, Cosyn, I longe sore ffore you, to se you her in London, whanne you have done your besenes: but I understonde that you have hade gret besynys syn you de|partyd ffrome me. Syr, ye schalle understond that I had no wrytyng ffrome my son Betson: ffor as ny as I cane in-kewere, syn Howlake de|partyd ther came no passag ffrom Calys. Forder, syr, I pray you that ye wolde woche-saffe ffore to sen John Mathew unto Hendelay, ffor to breke the ffardell, and to wrythe schuche thyngys [as] is in hyt, and to make ij ffardellys ther off, that hyt mythe be sent downe by the caryar off [Hen|delay] ffor I cane not have hyt ayenst the tyme helse: ffore I most nedes have hyt, ffore the chylld [eryn have] ne chaung, ffor they go so schamely that I have pete off them. And goode Syr, as ffor my nawne [gowne that I] wrothe unto you off, I pray you that I mythe have hyt as sone as ye may. No more unto you [at thys tyme], but Jhesu have you in hys kepyng. Wretyn at London the xxv day off Octobur.

By your ovne Elysabeth Stonore.

Unto my Ryght hartely well-belovyde Cosyn Wyllm. Stonor, Squiere, thys be delyverd, in hast.

174. JOHN RYTTE AND JOHN CRICHE TO WILLIAM STONOR [? 2 NOV. 1476]

Since Stonor is a squire the year cannot be later than 1477; but if, as seems probable, "Master Fouler," means Richard Fowler, the date cannot be

later than 1476; the reference to Clarence also makes 1477 unlikely. John Rytte is mentioned in No. 126; but the commission referred to in that letter seems to be an earlier one. From A.C., xlvi, 112.

Worschipfull maister, I recomaunde me to your maistershipp &c. Where as we were appointed to sytte at Modbury, we myght not so dele, but ryde a bakwardes to Exceter and cary jurers with us to your cost and charge more þan we were advisid þat hit schuld have be. Never|thelesse your charge is resonable ese, be meanes of John Fortescu, Strecchle, and oþer your welwillers: and as for Thomas Mattheu paid to þis charge no peny nor no day will sette to paie: also ye most cause Maister Fouler to thanke þe sheriff of Devon for he shewid large good will for Foulers letter to you. Also I advise you to speke with my lorde of Clarence is feoder, I-callid Robert Holbenne of Greysyn, that he will not trouble your tenaunte; for seith pleinly he will distreyne for þe iij part of a knyghte-fe xxxiij. s. iiij. d. I-writ at Exceter on all Soules dai last past.

By your servauntes John Rytte and John Criche.

To Will. Stonore, esquier.

175. ELIZABETH STONOR TO WILLIAM STONOR 7 NOVEMBER, 1476

The original is somewhat badly injured, and the missing words can be only in part restored. The last clause is autograph. On the misunderstanding with Thomas Stonor, see No. 180. From A.C., xlvi, 118.

Jhesu. M. iiij^c lxxvj.

Ryht enterly and beste belovyd husbond I recomand me unto you in my most hartyest wyse that I beste can or may, sartyfyyng you that I have receyvyd your letter of John Stute and iij coppull of conyes and bald reybbys with the chyk, the whyche I thanke you for als hartyly as I can. Also I conseve by your wrytyng that you have had very meyche a do with holdyng of cortes and odir besynes, the [wyche], as I pray God son to send you a nend thereof, that I myght [see you] here. And Syr, as tocheyng the hogeyshed of salte that you wrote [to] me for,

truly Syr I wold a sente yt to you with alle my harte, but þe bargys wer departyd before your letter cam [unto] me. Also, Syr, I have reseyvyd sen you departyd ij letterys frome my [sun Bet]sun as on Monday last wase, on of them deectyd to you. . . . . The whyche letterys I have red and wele undirstond them [. . . I] conseve by hese wrytyng that he ys very lothe that Elmys woll . . . departe frome heme: never the less he thynkithe that xiij markes and a d[i . . .] pryse for to bye lx saks: after that pryce it wold draw myche m[oney] and lytell gettyng suld be therin. And yet I truste to . . . . . have yt, for as I undirstond yt ys yete unsold . . . . . that my sun Betsun sent to me by the brynger [herof . . .] I pray you grete wel my broder Thomas Ston[or from me desiring y]ou to seye to heme that I marvyll gretly what [. . . moveth] heme to saye schoyche langege by me as he dothe, for as . . . [that] I [wold] plok from your lyelod alle that I can to make a grete . . .: for þat I wote welle you can awnswere for me wele enowe. And so I . . . to defend me. No more to you at thys tyme, but I beseche all myg[hty Jhesu] have you, right ynterly and best belovyd husbond, in nys [blyssid kepyng ever] Amen. At London the vij day of Novembr.

My owne good [husb]ond I se well ye [re]membre þe puttyng at . . . out off þe bed whan you and I lay last togedyr.

By your ovne [to my] powre, Elysabeth Stonor.

To my Right worshipffull husbond [Wyllm.] Stonor, Sqyer, thys letter be delyverd in hast. d. d.

176. ELIZABETH STONOR TO WILLIAM STONOR 11 DECEMBER, 1476

Elizabeth Stonor's younger daughters must have been mere children. As 11 Dec. was a Wednesday, Betson must have arrived home on 9 Dec. The last clause is autograph. From A.C., xlvi, 119.

Jhesu

Ryght entirely and beste belovyd husbonde I recommende me unto you in the most lovyng wyse that I best can or may. Moreover, pleseth hit yow to understonde that I have receyvyd your letter, a byll closid in the said letter, which I have redd and ryght well understondyd: and as

for all such stuff as the said byll specefyth of, as yet I have not receyvyd. How be hit the barge is comyn with þe said stuff as þis nyght at vij of clocke: and Syr, soo hit will be the morne or I can receyvyd hit. Ferþermore, syr, plesith hit yow to wit that as on ffryday last past I dyende with my ffadir and my modir. And þer was at dyner with hym þe frendys of ȝe childe which was movid for oone of my doȝters at your last beyng heere. And so at after dyner þey hadde þere comunycation for þe said mateer, wherby I understode þer dispocitions how þat þey were disposid in the said mateer. And truly hit was nothyng as hit was spokyn of at þe begynnyng: wherfore I answeryd and said in þis wyse: that þoo shee were my childe, as she is, I coulde not answere that mateer without yow nor noght wolde doo. How be hit, I answeryd in your byhalf: that I wyst ryght well þat ȝe wolde be ryȝt kynd and lovyng ffadir, yif God ffortunyd that ye and they shulde dele. And Sir, there as ye wryte that þat þe bargemen ben loth to take and Rec. any stuff of ours I marveyle gretely: ffor truly to my knowlege I hadde never þing caryed by any of them but þat I paid them truly þerfore. And Sir, as for þe vj cowpull of haberndens, the which ye wryte ffore, they shall be bought and sente yow ryght shortly. And as ffor your gownys of chamlet and dublettes of sylke, I have bought hem: the which shall plese yow ryght well, I trust to God, at your comyng, &c. And Sir, my sonne Betson recommende hym unto yow, and he come home as on Monday last past, and he hath brought with hym, blessid be God, good tythynges, the which he and I shall enfourme yow at your comyng. And ther as ye wryte that ye will sende me of a wylde bore and other venson ayenst Sonday, truly I thanke yow as hertly as I can. But truly yet I wolde pray yow that ye wolde spede yow hedyr als sone as ye can: ffor I wolde trust to Godes mercy hit shoulde be to your profetes and avayle in tyme comyng by the grace of our Lord, who ever preserve and kepe yow to his plesur and your most herts comfort. Amen. At London the xj day of Decembre A° xvj.

And Cosen, heras ye wryte to me þat I had no leysyr: truly I have ben crised and besy, ellys I wyld have wryte to you or thys tyme.

By your ovne Elysabeth Stonore.

To my Ryght well belovyd Cosen, Willm. Stonere, esquyer at Stoner þis be delyverd.

177. THOMAS RAMSEY TO WILLIAM STONOR 20 DECEMBER, [1476]

The year is fixed by No. 179, in which Ramsey acknowledges payment of the £10 for his feeing. Thomas Ramsey of Hucham, or Hitcham, Bucks., near Taplow, was one of Thomas Stonor's executors—see No. 157. From A.C., xlvi, III.

My worschipfull and most reverent Cosyn, I recomaund me to yow as hertly as I can. I wold I had be at home whan ye had the labour to cum hedir: but I was at Hampden for my kynde Brother, Syr Adam, on whos soule God have mercy: we Ramseys go awey ffast: as God wol, so most hit be. Cosyn, I pray yow to send me the x. li. I spake to yow for: and here I send my writing, chearchyng myself as for that hit liked yow to speke to me at Stonor; yet I mervaile for I schall never do nor sey put hit shalbe my feeyng, and non odir. So God help me at my most nede, whom I beseche to kepe yow, my cosyn, your wyff, and all yours. At Hucham the xx day of Decembre.

Thomas Ramsey.

To my worshipfull Cosyn Stonor.

178. ACCOUNT OF A STEWARD OF WILLIAM STONOR 1476-77

In Ch. Misc., 37, iv, 24, is an account for expenses incurred by a servant of William Stonor from 1476-77. The reference to "when I rode into Devenshyre" may possibly point to Walter Elmes. The items inelude:—

To the vyker of Tyrfeld for wyne &c, xxxiij. s. iiij. d. To Coventre at Watlyngton, iiij. d. To London T. Wood and othyr to fett home my lady, xvij. d. To attourney for John Fenn, xiij. s. iiij. d. To my lady at London at ij tymes xv. li. vj. s. viij. d. To Moris Escort when I rode to Devenshyre, xiiij. li. Costis in to Devenshyre and homeward, A^o xvij^o, xvij. s. iij. d. For my fee A^o xvj^o and xvij^o, x. li. Summa hujus bille, cv. li. xiij. d. ob.

179. THOMAS RAMSEY TO WILLIAM STONOR 24 JANUARY 1477

As to the projected Rokes marriage, see note on No. 87, and for the trouble with Stonor's servants, compare No. 182. "Christofre" is probably Christopher Holand. See Nos. 233 and 283. From A.C., xlvi, 110.

This wreten with my owne hand witnessith, that I, Thomas Ramsey, by the agrement and assent of my worshipffull and reverent Cosyn, William Stonore, have resceyved of my seid cosyn Stonore for the costis, labour, and besynes that I have had, beyng Executor to Thomas Stonore, ffadir to my seid Cosyn William, x. li. This my writing at Hucham, the xxiiij day of January, the xvj yere of the reigne of King Edward the iiij^th.

Th. Ramsey.

Worshipfull and reverent Cosyn, I recomaund me to yow, thanking yow of all kyndnes. Pleasith yow to know I spake with Mastres Rokes, and told her how ye wold be right gladde if the mariage myght be betwene my cosyn, your suster, and her son, &c. Syr, she seid the gladdest thing to my cosyn, her husbond and her was to thynk they shold have had grete streynght and kyndnes by you and yours, wher she told me she thought ye and yours shew gretely the contrarie; for your servaunts and longyng to yow, Harry Parson, Christofre and John Parson, came into ther tenauntes housis and toke a wey conynges, fox nettes: wich conynges were take in ther owne ground and by ther comaundement. Syr, for Goddes ys sake, ye be now in grete worship, kepe ye now grete sadde rewle. What ye wol I do in this or eny odir thing, to my power I am yours. God kepe you and yours. At Hucham, the day forseyd, xxiiij day of Januarie.

T. Ramsey.

To my worshipfull and reverent Cosyn Stonore.

180. ELIZABETH STONOR TO WILLIAM STONOR 7 MARCH, 1477

"Your servant Christoffyre" is probably Christopher Holland. As to John Elmys see No. 60. Hugh Fenne was a ward of Stonor, see vol. i, p. xxix. The signature and postscript are autograph. From A.C., xlvi, 120.

Jhesu A^o xvij.

Ryght enterly and best belovyd husbond, I recomaund me unto you as hertely as I can. Syre, I have ress[eyved] a letter ffrom you, and a nothyr letter þat my son Betson sent you and a tokyn from you be your servant Christoffyre, whech letter I have red and ryght well undyrstond. And as towchyng John Elmys, truly, syre, he is a marvelus man: I con|seyve be my son þat he wold goo from his promesse þat he made to you and to hym of his woll þat hyt suchld [I. e. schuld.] aryse as good in pokyng thys ȝere as hyt ded þe last ȝere: and þat I consyve he cannot make good: but never þe lesse I dout not but þat you and my son Betson wyll handyll þe matyrs well I-nowe: ffore blessyd be God ȝe be on þe surere syde: ffore all þe sayde woll I have ress[eyved] hyte and fayer howsyd hyt: and ȝyt ffore all that I wot well þat you and my son wylnot dele with hym othyrewyse than ryght and consyes wyll requere, and þat is best. Syre, I thank you hertely þat hyt plesyd you to wyshe me with you at redyng off my letter: truly I wold I had a be there with you at þe same seson with all my hert. And as towchyng my brothyre Stonore, truly syre ther was no bodye þat tellyd me precysly þat hyt was he, but I knowe well hyt was he, ffore hyt was sayde to me þat I kept you here among a meany of boyes with othyre langwage more, whech was not fyttyng fore to have such langwage of any servant that long to you ore me: fore, and he remembyre hym selff well, he hath no cause to saye of me otherwyse than well: fore I never sayde to dysplease hym be my wyll, but fore hys own worshypp, and þat knowyth God, how ever pre|serve you. At London, þe vij day of Marche. Cateryn and Hue Fenne recomaund them unto you, and they pray fore you as they can. And

Syre Wyllm. Stavelye and all your howshold ffaryth well, blessyd be God.

By your owne to my pouer Elysabeth Stonore.

My good Cosen, I am crassed in my baket: you wat what I men.

To my ryght worschypfull Cosyn Wyllm. Stonore, squyer, at Stonore be this delyvered.

181. SIR RICHARD GRAYSTOKE TO WILLIAM STONOR 20 APRIL [? 1477]

Since Stonor is not a knight the date cannot be later than 1477. The reference to John Blakhall's death shows that this letter is later than No. 156; it may possibly belong to 1476. Sir Richard Graystoke was presumably a son of Ralph de Greystoke (d. 1487), but if so died before his father (Complete Peerage, iv, 116). From A.C., xlvi, 96.

Right trusty and welbelovede, I commende me to yow. I sent yow not long agoo by my chaplan writyng in þe wyche I desyrede youe to contente me of þe money þe wyche ye or your deputtes au to pay to þe heyrres of John Blakhall as ye dyde to hym: and ye sent me word þat ye wolld spek with me at Oxforth: how be itt I heyre no worde of yow yit: I am now sent for by my lorde, my fadyr, to se hys lordship, and may not tary in þis countee: wherfor I sende my servante now to yow for þe sayd money to þe exhibucion of þe sayd heyre: for I am purposed þat he shall goo with me northwarde for þe season, itt shall not be longe with þe grace of Gode: þerfor I pray yow withowt any delay of or fenyng after concience doo: for, as your neyburs saye, ye be well conscience in such matyrs: ȝe shall not fynd me rigguos in þis matyr, iff ye will do as ye au to doo, as I soppose ye will. þer be oþer particular dettes wych I will lat alone to I come aȝane, and þane ye and I shall acorde well I-now, bot I pray yow remembre þis monay wych is dew for þis ȝeyre passed and over hallso: for iff ȝe will send never so simpell a tokyn or writyng to Rob. Warner of Watlyngton, he will delyver itt, as he telld my chaplan when he was with hym: itt must nedes be doon, for ye know þe finall concorde well I-now betwyx your father and his heyrres John Blakhall and his heyrres, as my chaplan shewed yow: and ȝit itt more stronger þane soo: I pray yow let me have no

mor coste in sendyng heyr for, nor my servant no more labor: for I have hade cost right grete afor of þe sayd heyre and dayly has. I pray yow remembre þis my writyng and ȝife credence to þe brynger heyrof, as I may doo for you by þe grace of God, who preserve yow. At Oxforth, þe xx day of Aprill.

Sir Ric. Graystoke.

To my right trusty and welbeloved Willm. Stonor, Squier.

182. A RIOT AT FAWLEY 9 JUNE, 1477

In the Baga de Secretis, Bundle 1, m. 23 (K.B. 8, 1.) there is the record of an Inquisition held at Wycombe on 16 June, 1477, before Richard Fowler, Thomas Hampden of Hampden, John Gyfford, Richard Lovell, and Richard Maryot, justices of the peace, and justices appointed to hear and determine felonies, etc. The subject was a riot caused by William Stonor, and though not part of the Stonor Papers it seems well to give the finding of the jurors for its illustration of other matters. The trouble that led to the riot seems to be referred to in No. 179. Thomas Rokes, the elder, was probably the writer of No. 89, from which it would appear that he was married to a sister or half-sister of Thomas Stonor.

[The oath.] Dicunt super sacramentum suum quod Willelmus Stonoure de Stonoure in comitatu Oxon. armiger, alias dictus Wil|lelmus Stonor de Stonor in comitatu Oxon. armiger, alias dictus Willelmus Stonoure nuper de London armiger, alias dictus Willelmus Stonor nuper de London armiger, nono die instantis mensis Junii anno regni Regis Edwardi quarti post conquestum decimo septimo, apud Falley in Comitatu Buk. aggregatis sibi quampluribus malefactoribus ac pacis dicti Regis perturbatoribus, ad numerum ducentarum per|sonarum ignotarum, vi et armis ac modo guerrino et riotoso arraiatis, videlicet gladiis, arcubus, sagittis, Bylles, Gleyves, et aliis armis de|fensivis, clausam Thome Rokes, armigeri, senioris, tunc et ibidem fregit et intravit, et in Aliciam uxorem ejusdem Thome, tunc apud Falley predictam existentem insultum fecit et affraiam: ob quod eadem Alicia de vita sua desperabatur, ad grave damnum predictorum Thome Rokes et Alicie, et contra pacem dicti domini regis &c.

183. JOHN CROKE TO WILLIAM STONOR [? 1477]

Elizabeth Stonor had two brothers called John; the writer must be John the elder, since John the younger was apparently under age when their father died in the autumn of 1477 (between 26 Sept. and 19 Nov.). John Croke, the elder, married Elizabeth, daughter of Robert Coton, Esq., of Warwick|shire (will ap. P.C.C., 21 Logge). Since his father was still alive the date of this letter cannot be later than September, 1477. From the reference to the Fenns and Stepney it was probably not more than a year earlier than No. 213. The John Fenn of this letter is presumably the father of Stonor's wards—see vol. i, p. xxix. Hugh Fenn was his cousin and overseer of his will, and is perhaps to be identified with the Hugh Fenn of the Paston Letters. From A.C., xlvi, 92.

Rigth Reverent and worschypfull and myen especiall good mayster and broder, worschypfull and myen especiall good and lovyng suster, y recommaunde me unto you in the most hertly wyesse þat y kan, and thankyng you of your grete cher done unto me at my laste beyng with you, and at many odyr tymes: also for your letter wyche you sent unto me tochyng thys mater of Geffrey Poole, the wyche mater you schall understond y moved to my fader, schowyng to hym that Wylliam Dauers first broke the mater unto me and wyllyd me to go on to take a syett of þe Gentylwoman, and also what communicacion was betwen Walter Rollines and Geffrey Poole, and how apon þat mocion it pleasyd you to send for me at your charge and coste, and how þat it pleasyd you to tak the labour, when y was with you, for to go over to Geffrey Poolle: y towld ferdermore how y spoke with Geffrey Pole, and sawe hys dowter, and of such chere as y had þer &c. And my fader held hym very welle content with it, and thankyth you hertly of your kyendnes and gret labour in the mater, and prayth you, and so do y, iff you thynk it wyll be so profytable as it have be spoken for, to contynew my good mayster. And syr, iff Wylliam Dauers or any odyr move unto me more in þat mater, y schall herre þerin, and, as they sey and as y do þerin, y schall send you worde, &c. Ferdermore, syr, as tochyng your own maters at Steppneth you schall understond þat all such persones as tooke the surrender of Hew Fen to your veoffees have testyfyed the sayed surrender afor Merkys, the Byschopys Steward: and the Steward seyd unto me þat of all such parcell wych Hew Fen was jointly seasyd with John Fen he wolld þat y schold labour owt your copyes, paying

your ffyn as it schull be ascessyd: but he·seyth that þe garden with xv acres in crofftys, wyche was purchasyd of on callyd Poole, and also cottage with a curtelage in Blechenall Grene with iiij acres of lond, if John Fen died soole seased of them, and after the costum of the Maner moste go unto þe next heyr and not to you. Syr, y answerd hym as to how thys parcell that Hew Fen had a joint estat in þem with John Fen &c. And syr, I know certenly þat you have a copy consernyng the garden with xij acres lond, wyche proveth þat Hew Fen had a joint estat with John Fen in þe same lond: wherfore it is nessessary for you þat y have all your copyes to scho unto the Steward as it is in dede, or elles it wyll be your hurt &c. Syr, y wyll awyse you as schortly as you kan to send to my broder Stoker and to my fader that they may labour for your fyne to make it as ease as it wyll be, and to pay it: for unto that be don the lord wyll reteyn your lond in hys hond &c. Syr, I have spoken with Redley for to have let owt your plase of Steppneth unto my lady of Summersed, and he seyth that sche is purveyd at Chelchess in the bysschop of Salsberyes place. No mor to you at thys tyme, but Jhesu preserve and kepe you.

By your servaunt and Broder John Croke.

To my Rigth worsschypfull and especial good broder, Willm. Stonore, be thys letter delyvered.

184. ADAM BYRDE TO WILLIAM STONOR [? 17 AUGUST 1477]

The date is between 1474 and 1477. As the Assumption (15 Aug.) fell on a Monday in 1474 and a Tuesday in 1475, these years are less likely than 1476 or 1477; the probable dates are therefore either 18 August, 1476, or 17 August, 1477. Byrde is one of the signatories of No. 279, the date of which is not before 1478. As to Flete Damarell and St. Leger see No. 127. For Thomas Wode see No. 170. For Gybbys and Orchard see Nos. 126 and 127. From A.C., xlvi, 91.

Ryght worschypfull Meyster, I recomawnd me unto your Meyster|schyp, thankyng you hertely of your gret labowre and cost with me had, and in speciale for your warde, þe whiche I have performyd in precens of all þe parissche and of your servant Thomas Wode, they promyttyng the same: the dyspossicion of theyme your servant can ynforme your

Maysterschyp of: as yet not performyt in theyre behalfe, nor never I suppose wylbe, yf they eny wey canfyde [Can find.] by eny mene, ner þe fere of þe pennalte of theyr oblygacion: wherfore I beseche you hertely, as ever I may do for your maysterschyp, þat my obligacion mey be safe, for so moche as I have done my dewte in every ponte accordyng to your warde. Forthermore, as for þe bownds betwen þe mayner of Flete Damerell and your maner of Ermyntun, I have spoke to Bertylmew Selenger and oder officerys of Meyster Selengeris, þat ys to sey Orchard, Gybys and oder, they promyttyng to do egaly by þe informacion of þe homages of Flete and Ermyngtun, so þat ther be a man fro you with sufficie autoryte for þe oversyght of þe same: the curte schalbe, as they promyt me, viij or x deyis affor Mychellmase by þe grace of Almygty Jhesu, who have your Maysterschyp in kepyng now and ever, Amen. Wryt at Ermyntun, [Byrde first wrote "London".] þe Sonde next after the assumcion of owre lady.

By your servant Adam Byrde.

To my Ryght Worschypfull Meyster, Wyllm. Stonor, thys Be delyveryt.

185. THOMAS BETSON TO DAME ELIZABETH STONOR 22 DEC. [1477]

Since Betson is not yet married the date cannot be later than 1477. The date of the year is omitted in the invocation in the original. Laurence Fyncham was a trustee for John and Elizabeth Fenn—see vol. i, p. xxix. This letter may refer to the same business as Nos. 183 and 208. The de|scription of Elizabeth Stonor as "Dame" should indicate that her husband had been already knighted; but it is not conclusive—see vol. i, p. xxx. From A.C., xlvi, 234.

Jhesu Ano.

My most synguler good lady, after all dew commendacion hadd: please it your good ladishipe to wete that I am throw and agreyd with Laurence Fyncham, and have sett hym such surte as with the same he is right well pleased. Whereffore, good madame, I beseche you to re|membre myn obligacion, the which ye have off myn, and lett it be

broken and sent me hiddyr to London by the next that comethe. Also, madame, I have spoken with Laurence Fyncham ffor the xviij. li. due by Mayster Hampton, and he tellith me pleynly that mayster Hampton will geve no more but xiiij. li. ffor them, that is after iiij. s. the unce: and yff ye will nat so, ye shall have your baysens agayn. And þerffore, looke how you þinke best, and þerafter send me word, and I shall doo þerin as I wold doo ffor my selff. I spake unto my lady your modyr on seynt Thomas daye, [21 December.] and she wold scarsely oppyn hir mouthe unto me: she is displesid and I know nat whereffore, with owte hir old sekenes be fallen on hir agayn: God send hir ones a mery contenaunce, and a ffrendely tonnge, or elles shortly to þe mynnorres, wheroff she waxhith wery now, as it was told me but late. I am wrothe with Kateryne, by cause she sendith me no writtynge: I have to hir diverse tymes, and ffor lacke off answere I wax wery: she myght gett a secretary, yff she wold, and yff she will nat it shall putt me to lesse labour to answere hir lettres agayn. Madame, I beseche the blissid trenyte to send you a Mery Cristymas to your hartes ease, and ever to preserve and kepe you in longe helth and vertu. At London the xxij day Discembre.

By your owne sone and servaunt, Thomas Betson.

To my right synguler good lady, Dame Elyzabeth Stonor, soyt dd.

186. MARGERY HAMPDEN TO WILLIAM STONOR [c. 1477]

For Margery Hampden see No. 75. The date of this letter is not later than 1477. From A.C., xlvi, 97.

Worchypfull Cossyne, I recomaund me unto yow, and I pray yow hartely, cossyne, to come heder thys nyte or to-morow by tymesse, both for þe mater off my nefew, and also for þe mater that I desyred yow, asse my truste yn yow, or asse I may do thynge to yowr plesur, þe weche to do I wold be glad, God knowthe, ho have yow yn ys kepinge.

Yowres M. Hampden.

To my worchippfull Cossyn, W. Stonor, in haste.

187. THOMAS HAMPDEN TO WILLIAM STONOR [c. 1477]

The date is not later than 1477. Thomas Hampden is the husband of Margery Hampden, see No. 75. He had five sisters. From A.C., xlvi, 98.

Ryȝthe worchypeffull cossyn, y recomaund me unto you: prayng yow that hyt lyke yow to come to London and speke wyth me and wyth my syster: and that hyt lyke yow to hye yow yn all godely hast, asse my truste ys yn yow, ffor y wolde be ago and ȝe werr y-come, for we may nat go yn-tyll ȝe come. No more unto yow, the holy Trenite have yow yn ys blessyd kepyng. Y-wryten yn hast at London.

By T. Hampden of Hampden.

To my Ryȝthe Worschepeffull Cossyn, Wyllyham Stonorr.

188. ROBERT MORE TO WILLIAM STONOR [before 1478]

There is nothing to fix the date: but it is earlier than 1478. From A.C., xlvi, 104.

Worschipful Maistyr, I recommend me unto your gud maisterschep, beyng reght hevy þat John Mathew is deessyd or sek, but I trust to God þat he sal do ryght weil, and so doth þe fessechan, and as þis meydsans wyryth on hym so send word agayn with his watter, and þe ffessyschan wul com to hym. Howe ye sal aply þam, and how he sal take þam ye sal knawe in þe littyl beil. Maister, I sal speke with your Maisterschip withyn few dais be þe grace of God, qwo ever preserve yow, Amen. Writtyn in hast.

Be your bedeman Robt. More.

To his Maister, M'. W. Stonor.

189. H. C[ARNEBULL] TO [WILLIAM] STONOR [before 1478]

This letter is certainly in the writing of H. Carnebull (see No. 255), who was an officer of the bishop of Lincoln. It was probably addressed to Wil|liam Stonor, and the date must be earlier than 1478. Simon Haseley occurs as bailiff of Dorchester between 1475 and 1485 (Early Chancery Proceedings 60/129). From A.C., xlvi, 93.

After my dewte with reommendacion, lyke it youe to be remembred that y desired and praied you at the last leete þat ye and y wer at Dor|chestre for my lords baile, Symon Haseley: and that ye wold let hym by cope soche landes ther as thoo wer yn my lordes handes: hit pleased you ther to sey þat it shuld be doon, and þat ye wold be good maistir unto hym, specially for þe good service he hath doon to my lord. And al be hit þat ye desired Herry Doket þerunto, and to make þe baile a copie at þe last holymote þer, he didde hit not, wherby and by þe delay þerof my lord is ly[ke to] lese þe fyne for the same: wherof I merveyle. I pray you therfor se ye hit be doon, for þe advaile of my lord: and let þe copie be entred, as it was accorded, in þe said last halymoote. At your commyng to London y shal wayte on you. Frome Woborne Leiserles þe xviij^th day of August.

Yours to my hole power, H. C.

To maister Stonor.

190. HENRY MAKNEY TO WILLIAM STONOR [before 1478]

Henry Makney of Makney or Mackney, near Wallingford, in Berkshire, had a lawsuit between 1467 and 1472 with John Colyngrygge. Colyngrygge and his wife Isabell, together with John FitzRobert, and his wife Agnes, pleaded that William Makney, great-grandfather (besayll) of Isabell and Agnes, was seised of the manor of Makney and levied a fine in 1350 entailing it on him and his wife Elyn and the heirs of their bodies, with remainder to his right heirs; and that Henry Makney, son of Richard, son of William, son of the said William and Elyn, and whole brother of Isabell and Agnes, saying that he had been married 15 years and had no issue, had covenanted with Thomas Stonor, esquire, for 20l., part of a great sum to be paid, that the

manor should be made sure to Stonor and his heirs. To this Henry Makney replied that his father Richard was seised in his demesne as of fee, and so enfeoffed Sir Robert Shotebroke and others, who granted the manor to Richard and Margaret his wife. After Richard's death Margaret made an estate in a moiety of the manor to Henry for her life; she was still alive and seised of the manor, Henry not holding by the fine. He denied the alleged bargain. Colyngrygge replied asking for Makney to be bound not to defeat the fine (Early Chancery Proceedings, 40/87-89). The litigation may have been pro|longed, but seems from these letters to have been decided in Makney's favour. This letter is earlier than 1478; it is convenient to place it here in conjunc|tion with the next two documents. From No. 192, William Stonor would seem to have acquired some right in the manor; in the Arbitrament between him and his mother he was awarded Makney's obligacion of £40, whereof £20 was yet due (see vol. i, p. 164 above). Leland describes Mackney as "a pratie manor place of brike," builded by one Courte, "uncle to Molines that now dwellith there" (Itinerary, i, 120). From A.C., xlvi, 103.

Myne especialle gode Mastire, y recomand me to youe &c. Syr, y have seyne a grete oxe for youe, yf ye be note purveyde: þe pris is grete, hit is of xxx. s., but ye shalle have x. s. for þe talow and hide, and he wulle serve youe wele for a C. messe: ye moste sende a servante of yours to mete with me at Wallyngeford on Moneday by vij at þe clokke at Buttons. Y wull showe hyme þe oxe, and if ye þynke þe pris to grete, y wulle go with hyme to Abyngdon markete, and ye shalle have iiij or v dosyne pygeons, ij or iij lamys of xij. d. a pece, chekyns and capons moste be hadde at Oxford on Satusday. Colyngerygge and y be at opyne warre: y purpose to entre in þe Manere of Makney with Godes grace on Moneday or Wennysday; and yf y have nede, y pray youe sende me a gode lade or ij that y be note bete owte ayene. If þer be any odire servise, þat y may do abowte your busines, sende me word, and y shalbe redy &c. Your owne.

H. Makney.

To my specialle gode Mastire W. Stonor.

191. JOHN COLYNGRYGGE TO MARGARET MAKNEY [date uncertain]

This is not a Stonor Letter, though it may possibly have found its way into the Stonor Papers (from which it is now detached) through Henry Makney.

It is, however, of interest for the illustration of Nos. 191 and 193. From A.C., li, 56.

In Exchequer (K.R.) Accounts 515/22 there is an account between John Colyngrygge and his mother-in-law, which is worth insertion here:—

"This bylle makythe mensyon of the goodys þe whiche John Colyngrygge hathe receyvyd of Margrete Makney for his wyfes Chambre. In primis, a gowne of violete engreynyd and furryd, pris xxxiij s. iiij d. Item, a gowne of blewe and furryd, pris x s. Item a gowne of russet furryd w^t blakke, pris x s. Item, a gowne of grene, pris v s. Item, a gyrdyle of grene, pris iij s. iiij d. Item, a fedyr bed pris xiij s. iiij d. Item, a hangynge bedd, pris x s. Item, a peire shetys, pris vj. s. Item, a pece worsted, pris ij s. vj d. Item, for Skynnys of grey, pris xviij d. Item, for his wyffes bord for þe space of xxij wekys, pris weke xij d. Summa, xxij s. Item, a pelowe, a bed shete and a lytyll clothe þ^t I yave here bysyde to make here chambre better."

Right Worshipfull and reverent Modyr, y recomaund me unto you: prayng you to have me excused for your sadill, if the harvist had be any thyng likly of sped, my moder, and your sadil had be with you or þis &c. Y am litil hold to Piers Shotesbroke: for al be hit y yaf him and his sone-in-law v or vj dayez by his desire, wherof he kept noon, yit he made a false surmyse to Chok of me, and so y se with him is no feithe, and þerfore y kan thynk folkes þat purposed to have don for him at my instaunce wol spare &c. No more unto you at þis tyme, but Almyghty Jhesu have you in his blissed governaunce to endure.

Your Sone John Colyngrygge.

To my right worshipful Moder, Margaret Makne.

192. H. MAKNEY TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR [? 1478]

The date is not earlier than 1478, since Stonor is a knight. It may belong to the spring of that year, and is placed here in conjunction with the two previous letters. In any case it seems to be earlier than Nos. 275 and 304. From A.C., xlvi, 179.

My specialle gode Maister, y recomand me to youe &c. Sire, my modire hathe [been] with me on Friday laste, and hathe receyvde of me xl. s. for þe terme of oure ladys day, and nowe y ame here gode sone and alle welle while hit wull endure. She movide me for here suertes

of here paymentes, which [y] promiside here before youe: þen I praede here name þe persons whiche [she would] have bownde: þe she namyde Kydwelly or Harry Dogette, Thomas Latten, Roberte Felde, and Thomas Gossefforde: wheron y have grauntide here to yeve here a answere within iij wekes after Ester. Morovire, y told here þat y wulde departe fro þe place or sete a tenante þerin: þen she question de me who shulde be my tenante: y sede þat ye were adviside to be tenante, with þat ye myȝte entrete here for here parlour and þe Chapell: and y suppose þat she wulbe easely entretide, if ye sende be tymes while þe gode wylle lastithe. Wherfore on Tusday nexte comyng shalbe þe honowre day at Wallyngefforde: and yf ye wulde sende to Herry Dogette þat he wulbe þer and make here halfe a promise þat he wulde be a suerte for here paymente, þe he myȝte entrete here for þe parlour and Chapell. Also y pray youe remembre þat þe Stuard and John Mathewe myȝte be with me on Moneday nexte: ande as for yowr stuffe at Hurley may be broughte to Makney with my cartis, whiche shall carye my litill stuffe, and save youe money and me bothe &c.

Your servaunt H. Makney.

To my speciall gode Maistire Sire William Stonor.

193. SIR WILLIAM STONOR TO JOHN BOUNDY [after 1477]

John Boundy was "rente gadirer of Hembury" in 1465, and as late as 1478—see vol. ii, pp. 167, 170, below. From A.C., xlvi, 131.

Boundy, I grete yov wele. I pray yov delyver my servant, brynger of thys bylle to yov, v. li. or x. marke, yf yt may be, for I must nedes pay yt in that Cuntrey: hyt shalle be alouyd yov of the vode. Remembre me, as [I] may doo for yov: and thys bylle wryt with my hond shalle be your dyscharge of the sum reseyuyd.

Wyllm. Stonore, K.

Endorsed: I payde to Mores Estcort v. l.

To Boundy . . . sbe this deliverd.

194. BRIAN TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR [after 1477]

The writing is different from that of Nos. 249 and 250; it would not there|fore be safe to identify the writer with Richard Bryan. The date must be after 1477. As to Daunce see No. 255. From A.C., xlvi, 141.

My most worshipfulle and especialle goode maister, after all my dutes doon to your maistership belongyng: sir, it is so when I was with you at London I understode by your maistership, that Daunce had be with you and schoke his money and toke it oute of his purse; and you seid that you wold nott deale with it, but that you wold doo, wh[at] you cowde, to sett it at a goode end; and you seid to hym, I understonde Brian communacacon, I thynk you schalle have no more such of hym. Sir, I beseche you to be my goode maister; and you schalle understonde the uttermoste of my stomake. Syr, make you an end for xx marcs, and more if you may, and rather then to breke the lawe is chargeabulle. I put it in discresyon never of your maisterschip betwene xli. and xx marc.

of your owne servaunt Brian.

To my right wurschipfull and especiall good maister, my maister Sir William Stonor.

195. EDMUND TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR [after 1477]

The date cannot be fixed, but it is not earlier than 1478. Edmund is mentioned in No. 303, and is perhaps the Master Edmund of Nos. 257, 284, and 303. From A.C., xlvi, 150.

Right reverent and most special gode mayster, with all reverens I commaund me onto your maystership: lyketh it your goodnes to have yn rememberans, at soche tyme as it lykid your maystership to licens me to depart I shewde the cause of my komyng: paraventur more chargeful besynes hath othedraw your mynde, therefore I besech your maystership to have yn consideracion a lytil wilnot quyte at this solempne feest: yn feyth I woold not sende yf I myght odir wyse. Also I beseche your maystership to send me worde, yf ye wille cloth them

yn your lyvere, other I shall purvey for them, and of ther komyng hom. Yf yowr maystership commaund me, I shalbe with yow before the feest and purvey for my cure, other withyn ij dayes after the feest: it shalbe at your commaundment. I commaund me with all mekenesse and reverens to my moost singuler good lady, Mr. Thomas, and then to the hooll house, hom I commit to Goddes governans: he yow ever preserve by his speciall grace, Amen.

Be your scolar Edmunde.

To hys most singler and good mayster Sir William Stonor, Knyght.

196. MICHAEL FIELD TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR [after 1477]

From A.C., xlvi, 156.

Ryght wyrchepefull Mayster, y recomend me unto yowr Maysterchype lattyng yow wette þatt I haf recevyt yowr letter off yowr servand: and as ffor my schepe, war sold last ȝer all þatt ever I myght spare, bott I wyll labor and porway for yowr maysterchyp as son as I may godly: and bott schepe was never so der with us, and yff ȝe myght bye to sum fayr, ȝe myght do better: bott we pay iiij marke for a scor: bott I wyll assay qwher eny ys ffor to be sold and þe lest pryse with all for your Mayster|chype, and bryng yow word: bott ytt wyll nott be affor Ester, I knaw wele. And as ffor yowr owxyn, and yowr fatt schepe, ȝe schall hafe þam as son as ever I may: ffor I wyll go þar abowte as fast as I can to plese yow. Nomor, bott owr lord preserve yowr Masterchype to hys most plesor. And as for yowr mony þat yowr Maysterchype layd down for me, x. s., I send yt be yowr servand now. Mekell Field.

To my moste wele beloffyd Mayster, Mayster Syr Wyllm. Stonar.

197. HUMPHREY FORSTER TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR [after 1477]

This letter is written in the same hand as No. 115, so may safely be as|signed to Stonor's uncle, Humphrey Forster the elder. The date must be after 1477. From A.C., xlvi, 159.

Ryght worshipfull and entierly wel-beloved Nevew, in my most feythe|full wyse I recommaunde me to yowe. And pleaseth yowe to wete þat I entended verreyli to have be with yowe this afternone for suche persones as will be with yowe to be suretees for Joy: but it is so þe wether is suche þat I dare not ryde: wherfor I beseche you to have consideracion to alle the premysses, and þat ye lyke to take surete for þe pore man þat he may goo at large. And also þat ye lyke to wryte a letter to Herry Doget to deliver hym. And Jesu preserve you. In hast this same Saterday.

Your owne H. F.

To my worshipfull Nevew Syr William Stonor, in hast.

198. R. LAVYNDER TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR [after 1477]

From A.C., xlvi, 176.

Ryght worshypfull Syr and welbelovyd, aftyr commendacion and thankes for yowr kyndenes partly showid afore þis tyme, but mor speciallye for tyme comyng: I pray yowr mastreshyppe to remembre me of my hawke by yow to me now of late promysid, for the which y send to yow accordyng to yowr will my servant yn this behalfe, a prest, to whom y pray you to delyver the seide byrd: for as now y dowte not but ye will satisfie my desire, of the which y specyally praye yow as ye shall have my servyce yn tyme comyng for ever, by Goddis grace, to whom I commyt yow, Amen. From Bukyngham yn hast, þe xxv day of Maii.

R. Lavynder.

To his right worshypfull and speciall frend Syr William Stonor, knyght.

199. JOHN, ABBOT OF NORTON TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR [after 1477]

The rectory of Pyrton belonged to the Abbey of Norton in Cheshire, which was a house of the Austin Canons. John occurs as abbot in 1498-9 (Monasticon, vi. 312-4). From A.C., xlvi, 183.

Ryght wurschypfull and my fulgud Mayster, after all due recom|mendacion to yowe hade: prayng yowe to send me now in my grete necessite by the berer heroff, my servant, your ferme ffor the parsonage of Pyrton, the whyche was due to have ben payd the viij day after the nativitie of Saynt John Baptist: wher I had grett mervayll when my brothyr Schanon no mone had so long taryyng in London over your promyse, me to grette coste and hym to grett labur: the sayd ferme due xxiij. li. vj. s. viij. d., never afore this tyme sendyng twyes for hyt. Be|sykyng yowe now to send hit me by my sayd servant withowte any delay: for truly I had never gretter mestur then I nowe have, as my sayd ser|vant schall infowrme yowr maysterschyppe; to the whyche I beseke yow gyfe credens, ffor at mydsomer I purpos to fette myself the ferme of þ^e sayt terme, and bryng yowr grewnd and tresyr my hake, [This seems hopelessly obscure, unless it may mean "your greyhound (grew hound) and Tresyr my hack".] with the grace of Good, who have yowe in hys blessyd kepyng to his pleassur and yowre hertes desyre. At Norton the third day of Februar.

Your bedman John, abbot of Norton.

To my wurschypfull and my fulgud mayster, Sir Willm. Stonor of Stonor in the cownte of Oxon, and of the parech of Pirton, be this delyveryt.

200. SIR JOHN WESTON TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR [after 1477]

The date cannot be earlier than 1478 as Stonor is a knight. Sir John Weston became Prior of St. John in 1477, he was absent from England from

July, 1481, to some time in 1483 (or later, though No. 329 rather implies that he was then at home). The signature is autograph, the body of the letter being written by a secretary. See Trans. Royal Hist. Soc., 3rd Series, x, 160. From A.C., xlvi, 200.

Right wurshipfull syr, I commaund me unto you: and for as moch as ther is lykly variaunce to faule betwyxt Syr Thomas More, prest, the which by my presentacion is incombent and parson of Chepyng Ilslay, and a prest of Syr Thomas Vaghan, for certeyn consideracions of which ye be somwhat instructed, and mor largly shalbe infurmed by my Solucitor, Alysaunder Dykys, to whom I pray yow gyff ffaith and credens: and for as moch syr Thomas More and the forsaid prest claym to be parsons of the sayd chyrch by several grauntes therof mad by me, I ther for hertely dissyr and pray yow to kaul the partes afor yow and my said Solucitor and assay yf ye and he kan mak a convenient end bytwyxt tham in exchewyng of the costes and salvacion of myn honeste in that byhalve. And whedyr party as ever holdys hym not content at this tym I shal so recompence hym her after, that he shal hold hym content and plessid at the contemplacion of tham that wold have tham preferd in that byhalffe, iff I shuld ber a payn ther for my selff, as God knowes: who graunt yow long to endure in felicite. Wryten at my Maner of Balsall in Warwykshyre the x day of Jull.

Be your owne Syr John Weston, Pryor of Sant Johns.

To the reverent and wurshipfull Syr William Stonor, knyght.

201. JOHN, ABBOT OF ABINGDON TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR [1478]

Since Stonor is a knight the date cannot be earlier than the spring of 1478. The reference to the French expedition of 1475 makes it unlikely that it is much later. John Sante was abbot of Abingdon from 1469 to 1495. The signature alone is autograph. From A.C., xlvi, 132.

Ryght worshuppfull and welbeloved, I recomaund me unto you. And wher as I understand my fermour of Lewkener was late, att þe kyngyes goyng in to Fraunce, one of the collectors of Oxynford Shere,

it was so that þat your faderys tenaunt and yours by the constabull of his towne was straynyd to pay his dywte, and the seid Constabull possessyd the same straynment &c. Please it you that in all maner maters concernyng my seid fermour ye wuld be good maister, and to shew hym your good maistershup, of wich I hertly pray you, as in like wise herafter I shall demene my selfe towardes your tenantes: and what all reson wuld bynd my seid fermour, he shall do your will and pleasur, praiing you to be his good maister in suche thyngges as he desyryth resonablely, wich is my very feithefull trust, that God knoweth, who ever preserve you with prosperite,

Your lover, off Abendon John, Abbot.

To the ryght worshepfull Syr Willm. Stonor, knyght.

202. INDENTURE FOR THE SALE OF "THE MOOTE" AT WESTMINSTER 18 FEB. 1478

"The Moote" had belonged to the Stonors since 1334. For its early history see vol. i, p. xvi. There was a suit as to the title to the Manor in the Court of Common Pleas in Trinity Term, 1478 (Placita de Banco, Roll 867, m. 457). On 6 August, 1490, Henry VII granted during pleasure to Henry Vaughan "Mote place" in Westminster, purchased of Sir William Stonor by the late Abbot of Abingdon, through whose rebellion it was in the King's hands (Cal. Pat. Rolls, Henry VII, i, 316). The original of this Indenture is a draft on paper in Ancient Deeds, C. 6967.

This indenture made between John Sant, Abbot of the Monastery of oure Lady of Abyngdon in the Counte of Berkshire, Thomas Say of Abyngdon in the same Counte, gentylman, on the one partie, and William Stonour, knyght, on the other partie: wittenessith that where the said William Stonour, by the name of William Stonour of Stoner in the Counte of Oxenfordshire, knyght, ys bounde to the said John Sant and Thomas, and to their assignez in þe Somme of CCC. li. sterlynges by his obligacion of the Statute of the stapull beryng the Date of xviij^th day of the Moneth of Februare and the yere of the Regne of Kynge Edward the fourth the xvij^th yere, payabull at the fest of Estur next commynge aftyr the date of theez presentez, the said John Sant and

Thomas witten for theym and for their assignez and executours that yef the said William Stonour and his heirez kepe and perfourme the covenauntez and condicionz herafter ensuynge, fyrst yef the said William and his heirez make or cause to be made or the fest of Seynt Mychell tharchaungell next commyng after the date of theez presentez a sufficient and a lawfull estate of fee simple in forme of lawe or be recorde, to be made as shalbe avysyd by the counseyll of the said John and Thomas with attendaunce of the said William therin to be had, yn and of the Maner called the Moote in the parishe of Seint Margarete in the town of Westm. in the Counte of Middylsex with all the appurten|ancez to the said maner belongynge wythin the said Counte of Middylsex to suche personez and their heirez and assignez as the same John Sant and Thomas and their assignez shallen name and assigne to take and receve suche astate in the said maner with all the appurtenauncez abovesaid, and also all munimentez and dedez of entayll and evidencez to be delyvered by the said William or by his heirez to the foresaid John and Thomas or their assignez, towchynge and concernynge the seid Maner with all the appurtenauncez abovesaid, on this sid the said fest of Seint Michell, and also that yef the heirez hereafter com|mynge of the same William Stonour do not trouble the seid feffez or their assignez by the said John and Thomas to be namyd in fourme aforesaid in and of the maner abovesaid, nor in no parcell therof, that the said obligacion be as voyd and in noon effecte, or ellys stond and abyde in hys strengh &c, provyded all wey that this foresaid estate be don and made at the propre costez and chargez of the said John Sant and Thomas Say or by their assignez. In witnessith wherof the partiez abovesaid enterchaungeably haven put theire Sealez. Yoven &c.

203. [AN OFFICER OF SIR WILLIAM STONOR] TO ROBERT WARNER 4 MARCH [1478]

The letter is unsigned, but probably has reference to Warner's indebtedness to Stonor, and is likely to be a little earlier than No. 205. In 1478, 4 March was on a Wednesday, which suits this letter. As to Warner see further Nos. 206 and 215. From A.C. xlvi, 270.

Trusty and welbeloved, I commaund me unto yow: mervayling gretly that ye have decevyed me so ofte upon the promyse of your feyth and

trowth: for ye knowe well I-now as for the dewte that I askeyt schuld a be payd at Myhelmas was twelmonth som of hit, and at Myhelmas last was the remlent: and whan that I rode to Bristow afore Cristmas ye wold a take me xl. s., and then I wold none take of yow: and that tyme ye seyd I schuld R[eceive] hyt at Walingford all to gedders: and so ye desevyd me at that tymes: and then ye promysid me fethfully that I schuld a had hit at Candelmas last past: and so upon your promyse I lete that passe tyll that tyme: and so ye desevyd me at that tyme too, and made me to ryde to yow as I cam to Bristow ward ayen: and then ye promysed me that I schuld have hyt, and so desevyd me: and at last the charge of me and the auditers schal rest upon your selff, for thay will make one of us pay therfore: for thay have so complayned onto my lord ys counseyll, for the which I had lever a geven yow ij tymes the valure there off: for whan that ye departid last, ye told me, the which I am ryȝth sore for hit, that hit so happid, and if hit had pleasyd God, the contrary: the which ye most thank God of all, for that is none escuse to your promyse. And if that ye com not to me on Monday at nyȝt next, I most com to yow on the Tuysday: for the case requireth so, and therto I wold be riȝth loth, but I can no noder wyse do at this tyme: and that will not be for your ease, nor for myne noder, and therefore I pray yow com or send or that tyme in any wise. No more to yow at þis tyme, but Jhesu have yow in his kepyng. Writen at London the iiij day of Marche: and I wold not for xl. li. for to breke the promyse that I have promysid upon your promyse.

unsigned.

To Robert Warner off Watlyngton, thys letter Be delyvered in hast.

204. DAME ELIZABETH STONOR TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR 6 MARCH, 1477[-78]

"My lord Lovell" is Francis Lovell. The last clause is autograph. The letter was printed in Excerpta Historica, pp. 354-5. From A.C., xlvi, 211.

Jhesu. M. iiij^c lxxvij.

Ryght reverent and worschypffull and interely best belovyde husbonde, I recomaunde me unto you in the most harteyste wyse hever more

desyryng to here off your goode wellfare, the wyche I pray God longe to contune unto your hartys desyr. Syr, I resayved a tokyn ffrom you by Tawbose, my lorde Lovellys sarvant. And Syr, I have sent my lorde Lovell a tokyn and my ladys, as ye comaunde me to do, schuche as schalle plese them. Syr, ye schalle understonde that þe beschope off Bathe [Robert Stillington.] ys browthe in to the Towre syne you departyd. Allso Syr, ye schalle understonde that þe wolle hooys departe, as to morw is, ffor as I understonde: I pray Jhesu by thayr goode spede: and Goodard [Goddard Oxbryge.] departys allso: and I pray you that ye wylle sende me som off your sarvantys and myne to wayte upone me, ffor now I ame ryght bare off sarvantys, and þat ye know well. Syr, I sent you halffe a honder welkys by Gardenar, and I wollde have sent you som hoder desys, but truly I cowde not get none: but and I cane get hony to morow, syr Wylliam salle bryng hyt with hym. Syr, I pray you that I may be recomaundehyde unto my masterys your moder, and unto all goode ffrendys. No more unto you at thys tym, but þe blesyde Trenyte have you in hys kepyng now and hever. Amen. At London þe vj day off Marche.

Cossen, I was crasyd þat the makyng off thys letter, but I thanke God I am ryght well amendyd, blesyd by Jhesu.

By your owen wyff Elysabeth Stonore.

To my ryght reverent and worschypffull Cosyn, syr Wyllm. Stonor, knyght.

205. THOMAS BETSON TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR 25 MARCH, 1478

As to Robert Warner see Nos. 203 and 206. From A.C., xlvi, 137.

A^no xviij^o.

Right honorable Syr, and my right Synguler good mayster, I recom|maunde me unto your good maystershipe. And Syr, yff it lyke you, accordynge to myn promesse unto your maystershipe I mette with my Lady your wyffe at Windsouer, and ffrom thens to London to my symple

power I helppid to conveye hir. And Syr, by the waye we were ryht mery, thankyd be God, and so with his mercy we mene here to be mery ffor the season that my lady is here: and whanne your maystershype is redy to come hidder wardes we here shall so welcome you that the season of your abydynge shall nat be noysom, with Godes grace. Also syr, Robert Warner of Watlyngton is departid and gone home: truly he is an untrew man of his promesse: it is well done ye call sharply uppon hym, or elles it wilbe longe or ye have your money off him. Your maystershipe knoweth best what ye have to doo. Syr, thannkyd be God, my lady is ryght mery and in hele off body, our Lord preserve her, and all we your servauntes resonable mery, as the world reqwyereth here, and I know well many off us wysche ffast to Stonor agayn by cause off a substaunce, and I ffor my season, the which is ryht longe, as me semes, God Almyghty knowithe all: I say no more, but our blyssed Lord spede you att Wyndsouer in your matters and elles where. At London, on our Lady day in the nyght, when I deme ye were in your bede, ffor my nyne smerttyd, so God help me,

By your servaunt T. Betson.

To my ryht synguler good mayster Syr Willm. Stonor, knyght.

206. WALTER HERNE TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR [29 MARCH 1478]

This seems to be earlier than No. 215 and so to be dated 1478. Walter Herne of Tetbury made his will on 8 May, 1485, proved on 30 Nov., 1485 (P.C.C., 18 Logge). From A.C., xlvi, 173.

Right honurable and my Right Worschipfull Maistyr, with all my service to yow y me recommaund as lowly and hertly as y canne: and if ye be remembrid, y spake with your Maistyrschip at London for John Shepewasshe of Whatelyngton for a tenement that y have there, þat he holdyth of me: and y undyrstode þat tyme by your Maistyrschip that ye were his very good Maister and owid hym your good wylle, and for þat cause and the rather for youre desyre and instaunce y have schewid hym the bettyr will, and grauntid to hym for terme of yeres my seid tenement &c. Wherefor now y wolle desyre and pray your good

Mais[tyr]shippe ["tyr" omitted in the original.] to be the bettyr Maistyr to hym for my sake and prayer. And if ther be any service þat [y] may do for yow or any of yours, hit schalbe redy att your comaundement at all tymes, and knowyth God, whoo have yow in his tuiission. At Tettebury un lowe Sonday.

Your owne in all maner and servaunt Watyr Herne.

To the Right honurable and my speciall Maystyr, Syr Willm. Stonor, knyght.

207. THOMAS BETSON TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR 16 APRIL 1478

This was written on a Thursday. So Monday next was 20 April. From A.C., xlvi, 138.

Jhesus. A^no xviij^o

Right honorable Syr and my right synguler good mayster, I recom|mend me unto your good maystershipe. And, syr, this same nyght I ress[ayved] a bill from your maystershipe, by the which I undyrstond þat you have sent me ij capons: and syr, þe same ij capons I have ress[ayved] by the caryer Gardener, and they be right good: truly ffor the which I thanke your maystershipe hertely for your kyndely remem|braunce, ffor with your maystershipe I am nat forgettyn I ffynd, and so all way, and I praye God reward you. Syr, I toke ij capons, but þei wer nat the best, as ye counseled me by your letter to take, and in deed to saye the trouthe I cowd nat be sufferyd. My lady your wiffe is reson|ably stronge waxhid, the good lord be thankyd: and she tooke hir will in that matter lyke as she doyth in all oþer. I dare nat wryte you the trouth till you come home, the which we deme shalbe on Setterday next with Godes grace, who ever preserve your right worshipful person in longe helth and vertu to his plesour. At London, the xvj day of Apprell.

Your servant T. Betson.

Syr, I wold have written you som tidynges but I know none as yit þat be trew, save we intend here, with Godes grace, to begynne shippynge apon Monday next. Syr, John Saye is deed, our lord have mercy apon his soull.

To my righte worshipful mayster, Syr Willm. Stonor, knyght, soyt dd.

208. DAME ELIZABETH STONOR TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR [? MAY 1478]

No. 215 shows that Sir William Stonor had been ill in May, 1478, so that this year seems probable in spite of the fact that Stonor is not addressed as a knight; but in her earlier letters Elizabeth Stonor always addresses her husband as Squire, so that the address is in any case peculiar. Richard Blakhall's account—see p. 168 below—shows that Lady Stonor was away from home in the early part of May, 1478. The references to the Fenns and Stepney point to a date rather later than No. 183. Barnwell may be Thomas Barnwell, fishmonger, who occurs in 1485 (Letter-Book, L., 219). Sir Harry Fenn was a clerk in holy orders and brother of John Fenn (P.C.C., 17 Wattys). The original is very imperfect. From A.C., xlvi, 210^*.

. . . þerto [a] sponefull . . . half a nottemegge in powder, and drynke hem togeddyrs and ye shall with Godes grace ffynde greate ease þerin. I marvell that ye wold not send ffor noþinge to helpe you after your fallynge: be my trouth I knew not þeroff till now by your writynge, and yff I had knowen it I wold not have bene mery, nor nomore I am not, nor shall not till I see you, the which by my good will shalbe shortely assone as I can make anend. My tariynge is now ffor to have my dedes here off London and Stepynhith seelid by syr Harry Fenne, Barnewell and Wallesse. Barnewell is not in towne: he will be here shortely, and I trust to speke off all þinges in that matter with godes grace. Syr Harry Fenne and Fyncham be resonabely well keelyd: þei be not so hoote as they were: and yet they wilbe better hereafter I dowte not. And I praye you hartely gentill [l]offynge husbond to be mery and take in conseyte with you in your . . . ease . . . with [go]des grace it shall as lyghtly p[ass] as it come and trewly . . . . .

To my most worshipfull and best beloved husband William Stonor.

209. INDENTURE FOR GOODS TO BE DELIVERED BY WILLIAM SOMER 14 MAY 1478

From Ancient Deeds, C. 2288.

This endenture, writtyn the xiiij day of May A^o xviij, witnessith þat William Somer, bargeman of Quenehith, hath Receyvyd of my maister

Sir William Stonor, knyght, þis stuff ffolowyng to be delyvered at Henley upon Tamyse.

Ffurst delyv. to þe said William Somer a Butte of Rumney.

Item. iij pypis and a hoggeshede of Rede and claret wyne.

Item. xxxj salt fyshis.

Item. xv stock fyshis.

Item. ij herynges barell and a ffyrkyn with salt.

Item. a basket with glasse.

Item. a ij wykyrd baskettes with Bowlys lokyd.

210. EDMOND NEWMAN TO RICHARD WARNER [date uncertain]

It is not clear that this is a Stonor Letter, but it is of interest as illustrating the barge traffic between London and Henley. From A.C., xlvi, 264.

Ryght trusty ffrend, I comand me to you: lettyng you wet þat ȝe shall resseyve of John Somer þe elder j but off Romeny pris iiij. li. Item j but j pipe of Red wyn pris iij. li. For the which I trust to God ȝe shall con me thankes. Item ȝe most pay ffor the cost xvij. d. No mor to you, but Jhesu kepe you. Wreten at London þe vj day off Aprell.

By your ffrend Edmond Newman.

To Rychard Warner of Watlyngton be this delyveryd.

211. THOMAS BETSON TO DAME ELIZABETH STONOR. 17 MAY 1478.

Betson writes on Trinity Sunday, so had arrived at Calais on the previous day, and was going to the Mart on 22nd May. From A.C., xlvi, 235.

Jhesus An^o xviij^o.

Right honorable and my Synguler good lady, with due reverens as is accordynge I recommaund me unto your good ladyshipe. And

fferþermore lyketh it yowre good ladyshipe to know that on trenyte evyne last passed I come unto Cales: and I thannke þe good lord hartely I had a ffull fare passege, and the bettyr I know well it was throw your good prayers, off the which, iff y durst be so bold, I wille beseche your ladyshipe off countenewance, and I to my power shall remembre your good ladyshipe with all your loffers dayly amonges my poure prayers, off the whiche, yff they be good and acceptable unto God, my mayster your husband, your good ladyshipe, with all your children I beseche him hartely ye may have parte: and I beseche almyghty Jhesu to send your good ladyshipe as comffortable helthe and welffare at Stonor or elles where as ever ye had in eny place to Godes plesour. And good madame, I beseche your good ladyshipe to remembre my Cossen Kat|teryn of all such matters as I spake unto your ladyshipe off at many dyverse tymes, as ye know: I remembre hir ffull off, God know it: I dremyd ones she was xxx wynter off age; and whanne I woyke I wyschyd she had bene but xx: and so by lykelyod I am soner lyke to have my wysche þan my dreme, the whych I beseche all myghty Jhesu hartely may be whanne it shall plese hym. Also good madame, and it lyke you to wete, as on Friday next after Corpus Christi day [Corpus Christi Day was the Thursday after Trinity Sunday, i.e. in 1478 21 May.] I intend unto the marte wardes, our blissid lorde be my spede and helpe me þer and send me good payment off all oure dettours. And I beseche your ladyshipe to recommaund me unto my mayster your husbaund. And I praye þe good lord to send me good tidynges ffrom you bothe and ffrom all youres. Writen at Cales the xvij day off Maii, An^o. ut supra.

Be your ffeythffull servaunt, Thomas Betson.

And I send your ladyshipe a token here inclosed, the which youre ladishipe knowith right well.

At my commynge ffrom the marte, with Godes grace, your ladyshipe shall have more writynge ffrom me how I have spedd, and in lyke wyse my mayster your husbaund: and our blissid lord Jhesu Christ preserve you bothe in honour and worshipe vertuosly to contenew to Godes plesour, and also to send you good and proffitable counsell and grace to doo þer after: this is and shalbe my prayer for sothe every daye: your honour and worshipe off contenewaunce here after stykkythe as nye myn hart as dothe eny freind, man or oþer about you, be my trouthe, our blissid lord so helpe me. I will avyse you, madame, to remembre large expensez and be ware of them, and in lyke wyse my mayster your husbaund: it is well done ye remembre hym off them ffor

dyverse consederacions, as ye know bothe right well. And our blissid lord be your comfforther and help in all your good workes, Amen.

To þe right honorable and my right Synguler good lady, Dame Elsa|beth Stonore, this letter be delyvered in hast.

212. THOMAS BETSON TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR 17 MAY, 1478

From A.C., xlvi, 139.

Jhesu. An^o xviij^o.

Right honorable and worshipfull Syr, I recommaunde me unto your good maystershipe in the mooste convenyent wyse I best can or maye: and fferþermore, Syr, lykethe it you to wete that on trenyte evynne I came to Cales, and thankid be þe good lord I hade a ffull ffare passege: and, syr, with Godes myght I intend as on Frydaye next to depart to the marte wardes. I beseche the good lord to be my spede and helpe me in all my warkes. And, syr, I truste to G des mercy, yff the world be mery here, to doo som whatt that shalbe bothe to your profette and mynne. As yit þer comethe but ffew merchantes here: here after with Godes grace þer will come moo. I shall lese no tyme whanne the season shall come, I promytte you. And, syr, I beseche you þat this symple writynge may have me recommendid unto my lady your wiffe. And I beseche the good lord to send you bothe good helthe and ver|tuuse lyffynge, þerin longe to endewre to Godes plesour And also, syr, I beseche you to be my good mayster and ffeythffull loffer, as ever here to ffore to my knowlege I have ffoundyn you. And, syr. I trust to God as ffor my parte so to indevour me ffor your maystershipe þat with Godes grace bothe ye and my ladv your wiffe shall well undyrstond and know that I loffe bothe your worshipes, and your profett, and so it shall prove in dede with Godes helpe. And, syr, whanne I come ffrom the marte I shall send you word off all matters by the mercy off our lord, who ever preserve your right worshipffull person in longe helth and vertu, Amen. ffrom Cales the xvij day off May. Be your servaunt

Thomas Betson.

To my right honorable and Synguler good mayster syr Willm. Stonor, knyght, this letter be delyvered in hast.

213. GODARD OXBRYGE TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR 21 MAY, 1478

As to Davy Wrixam see No. 167. And as to the money due to Oxbryge see No. 216. From A.C., xlvi, 185.

Right onerabulle and worschipefull sir, and myn aspesyalle good maister, I rekomend me unto your good mastershipe in the moste lowely wise that I beste can: sertefyinge your mastershepe that I ame informyd by master Betson that Dave Wrykesame hathe reportyd sarten langage by me in presens of my lady and on of her brodiryn: and that is thus, that the seyd Daveht shold saye, that I told heme that maister Betson schold tell me that he laboryd to your maistership and to my lady to brynge the seyd Davyht owte of your conseythe and favore: the whyche I take god to rekord that I never at no sesun repordid enny shyche wordys to the seyd Davethe, nor to nonodir person, and that wyll I jostyfy as largely as enny trewe person owythe for to jostyfy for a trowthe. And wan Mayster Betson told me of thys langege that Dawyth repordyd by me, it came to my remembranse that Daveth hathe sayd to me that maister Betson at Ester was a twelmonthe was srevyn off hys goostly fadir, and that it was geven heme in penanse that he shold aske the seyd Davyth forgevenes of this that maister Betson schold make labor to your mastershipe to brynge the seyd Daveth owte of your conseyt and favore. And fardirmore, the seyd Davythe sayd to me that maister Betson kowd nat have absolysyon of hys goostly fadir tyll he had promysyd to brynge the sayd Dave in your favor as myche as he was before. And thys seyd words Davyth hathe sayd to me, the whyche maister Betson kene tell you more klerly by myn enforme|masyon. And Sir, I beseche your maistershipe to delyver to John Burton the moneye the whyche is dewe to me by your maistershepe: the money amonthe to the Summa x. li.: wherof I resevyd of my lady at my departynge xl. s.: and so the reste is viij. li. st. The whiche I beseche your maistership to delyver to Burton: for I have wryttyn to heme wher he shall paye the seyd money: the whyche payment I pro|myssyd to pay ther, as I borowid it lenge or thys tyme: wherfore I be|seche your maistershype to remember me as sone as it shalle please you. And I beseche your maistershipe to take no gret displesure in me

of my neclygens that I have not wryttyn to your maistershype before thys tyme: and yef I kowd a don your maisterschype anny plesure of or servyse with my wryttyng, I wold a wrettun to you before thys tyme: and yef ther be anye servyse that I kan do to your mastership here in tyme to kome, yef it please you to let me wette, it schalle be don with|out anny delaye, and that knowyth God, whoo have you, Right wor|schipffull Sir, in hys blessyd kepynge, Amen. At Cales, the xxj daye of May, A^o lxxviij.

By your Servante Godard Oxenbryge.

To þe Right onerabull and worschipfull, and myn aspesyall god maister Stonore soyt d.d.

214. VALUATION OF LANDS AT HENLEY [1478?]

The purpose of this valuation is not clear, but it may have relation to two suits for trespass which Sir William Stonor, Richard Page, and John Matthew brought against Margaret Fyssher of Henley, widow, and Thomas Pratte of Henley, yeoman, in Trinity Term, 1478 (Coram Rege Roll, 868, m. 43). The dispute with Pratt was as to the possession of Le Boull in the High Street of Henley, which he claimed was his own property. Pratt was accused of having broken the close of the complainants there on 10 May. There was another suit against him at the same time for breaking a close of Sir W. Stonor at Stonor on 1 May (ibid., Roll 869, mm. 48, 77; see also Placita de Banco, Roll 867, m. 253, Trinity 1478). In any case the date of the valua|tion cannot be earlier than 1478, since Stonor is a knight. From Ch. Misc., 37, iv, 27.

Memorandum þat Phelip Fischer was in possession and his dowther aftir hym in Henley, his howne place, in valewr, xxvj. s. viij. d. And a howsse þat Andrew Baker holdith valewer be yer clere xiij. s. iiij. d. And a iij. gerners worth be yer xv. s. clere. Also at the brigge fote a howse valewr viij s. Also at Grenelane the watir and ij tenentrys xiij. s. iiij. d. be yere clere. Also in Falley xl. acres of herabill lond, ij acris of wode and a grove, the valewre I understond nat. Also in Remnam a lece ys cald the more, with a plott by the same valewr xiij. s. iiij. d. Also j. acre di. in the Bine, valewr xviij d. Also be Movellis Hille j acre di, valewr xij. s. Al this forseyde lond Philippe Fischer hokepyd. The

Summe in al vj Markes, x. s. viij. d., withowt More. Also the londes þat Thomas Pratt holdith, first his howne place cald the Bole, valewr by yere xl. s. Also a howsse þat William Masam holdith, valewr be yere, xvj. s. clere. Also in Remnam the Dene with Sinartis spetill valewr by yere xj. s. clere. Summe of al iij. li. vij. s. Summe of bothe londs as undirstond clere vij li. xvij. s viij d.

This ys the passellis as I undirstonde þat William Fischer bargaynyd with Colingrige: first the water at Grenelane and the ij howsses and the howsse þat Mergrete Fischer dewellit in and the acir di. at Mor|vellishill. I wete nat but uppon William Fischer and Colingrigg.

Also there is a croft calde Balde Winys croftis þat Thomas Prattes fadir leyde yt to morgage for xx. li.

endorsed.

Phelypp Fescher. syr W. Stonore.

215. WALTER HERNE TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR 11 JUNE [1478]

The date cannot be earlier than 1478 as Stonor is a knight. Other refer|ences to Warner's financial troubles make this year probable, see Nos. 203, 205-6 and 226. John Twynho occurs as Recorder of Bristol in 1478 (Ricart's Kalendar, p. xxiv). From A. C., xlvi, 174.

Ryght honorable and ryght worshipfull Maistir, with all my servyse to you I me recommaunde as louly as I can, letyng your Maistirshepe wete that I have recevyde a letter fro you by your servaunt Morice Escourt for a place in Watlyngton of myn, that Roberte Warner toke of me by the yere and was my tenaunt, and aftyr that the same Roberte and I ware in a bargeyn and concludyd that the seyde Roberte sholde have the seyd place to hym and to his heires appon the condicion he paide and contente me as he and I ware agreide: whareoff he kepte no poyntment, for I sholde have xl markes in hande and thereoff I hadde no peny not by a yere after: and he to pay me yerely v marke for my rente into the tyme that I was contente and payde of the hoole somme that he and I was fully agreyde off. And as for certeyn reparacion that was don by hym, was at my charge: for he toke hitt uppe of hys rente that he sholde have payde me &c. Syr, and hyt pleasyde your

Maystyrshepe I spake to you of this mater in Westmyster Halle, and your Maystyrshepe seyde to me that ye wolde nott have to do with hytt in no wyse: and ther I movyde your Maystyrshepe that oon Shepe|wesshe hadde be with me to take the place of me for certeyn termys, and seyde to me that he trystyde ye ware hys specyall goode Maystyr: and I seyde to hym that I wolde owe hym the better wyll for your sake. And thus I enformyde your Maystyrshepe in Westmyster Halle. And (as) ["As" marked for omission.] ye answeryd me ayen that then he ware in goode case. And after that Shepewesshe came by me fro Brystowe, and toke a place of me for yeres. And the rathir for your sake I grauntyd hym. And thereoff I sende you a letter. Syr, your Maystyrshepe nott dyspleasyde (sic) that where ye write that I sholde promyse your Maystyrshepe to receyve the money of the bargeyn that was betwene Roberte and me at resonable dayes: fforsothe he nothyr I comenyde never of no soche mater, nothir ye spake to me nothing thereoff for the seyde Roberte, nothir no nothir man in hys name were nevyr feffyde ne sesyde on the seyde place. Syr, I have be Godes presoner and kepte my bedde and my chamber thys iiij wekes and more trystyng to God to rekover whan hyt pleasith hym. Wherefor I hertyly desire and praie your Maystyrshepe that my tenaunt Shepewesshe may be sufferyde in reste and peas to occupy my p[lace] acordyng to the covenaunt that I have made with hym into [such t]yme that Maystyr Twenyho the Recorder of Brystow and I may comyne with you of this mater, whiche shal nott be longe by [the] grace of God: for he and other persones stonde ffeffyde and seasyde in the place as well as I. And as for Shepewesshe, he seyde never to me that he [was] nevyr your manyall man nothir servaunt, but he seyde to me he trystyde ye ware his good Maystyr at all tymys. And yiff hyt lykyde your [good] maystyrshepe, I praie you to yeve credence to your servaunt Moryce Estcourt, the berer hereoff. And Almyghty God have you and all yours in hys . . . on. Wretyn at Tettbury the xj day of June.

Your owne in all man & servaunt Watyr Herne.

To my ryght honorable and my specyall goode Maystyr, Syr Wyllyam Stonore, knyght.

216. THOMAS BETSON TO DAME ELIZABETH STONOR 18 JUNE 1478

As to Oxbrigge's money see No. 213. From A.C., xlvi, 236.

Jhesus. An^o xviij^o.

Ryht honorable and my ryht synguler good lady, I recomaund me unto your good ladyschipe in the mooste lowlyest wyse that I best can or may, ever more desiryng to here and know off your wellffare, the whiche I beseche almyghty Jhesu to preserve and kepe to his plesour and to your mooste hartes desyre. And fferþer more, liketh it your good ladyschipe to wete that this same daye I come to London. And at my commynge home it was told me how that my mayster your husband had bene verry sore seeke: the which I know well hath not bene to your hartes comfforte, nor also to the comfforte of your howsold: off the whiche ffor sothe I am right sory. Nevertheles I undyrstond seth by dyverse his maystershipe is right well amendid and well recovered: off the which truly I am right joyffull and glad. And I beseche Almyghty Jhesu send hym als vertuous helth as I wold have myselff, and your good ladyshipe also. And yff I cowde do eny thynge here that myght be to hys plesour and youres, I wold I knew it and it shuld be done withouten ffayll. Truly your discomfforth is nat myn comffort, God knowith it. Nevertheles your ladyschipe muste cause hym to be mery, and off glade chere, and to put awaye all ffantasyes and unthryfty thoughtes that comes no good off but onely hurtffull. A man may hurt hymselff by ryotouse meanes; it is good to be ware. Good madame, I besech you to be off good chere, and I praye God comfforte you and send you vertuous helth. And also I besech you to remembre my Cossen Kateryn. I wold she did well, God knowithe it, and ye deme, as I trowe, yff I had ffownd hir at home here my comfforte shuld have bene the more: but I thannke God off all: my payn is the more: I muste nedes suffer as I have done in tymes past, and so will I do ffor Godes sayke and hirs. I send my mayster a dossen quayles to ete: I praye God they may do hym good to God ward, and all them that ete of them. I can send your ladischipe no deyntees: I am but now comen home. And our blissid Lord preserve your good ladishipe in vertu ever. Amen. At London the xviij day off June.

Your servaunt T. Betson.

Madaym, Goddard Oxbryge recommaundes hym unto your ladyschipe and prayethe you that ye wold woochsaveffe to speke to my mayster your husband ffor his money. He desyred me to wryte ffore it: it is well done þat it be so paied ffor dyverse causes: a Cossen of his shuld have it to pay it þer as he owith it. And our blissid Lord be with you, ever, ever, ever, Amen.

To my Right worshipffull and Synguler good lady, dame Elsabeth Stonor, at Stonor this be delyvered.

217. THOMAS BETSON TO DAME ELIZABETH STONOR 24 JUNE 1478

The original is damaged and in places illegible; some of the missing words have been restored (in brackets) conjecturally. "My lady your mother" is Margaret, widow of John Croke; her title is one of courtesy only. From A.C., xlvi., 237.

Jhesus. A^o xviij.

Moste honorable and worshipfull and my right spescyall good lady, I recommaund me unto your good ladyshipe in the moste loffyngest wyse that I best can or may, ever more desiryng almyghty God to send your ladyschipe all good helth and well to fare, as ever had good gentillwoman in this world, to Godes plesour and your hartes comffort: and moreover lyketh it your good ladishipe to understonde that this same day by my Master your br[other John] Croke I resseyved a letter ffrom you, and a token, ffor the which with all ... nes off myn hart I thannke your ladyschipe, and off your contenewall ... kyndely loffe, the which all wayes ffull largely your good [ladyshipe] shewith unto me, and off myn part as yet nothynge desservid unto you nor to youres. But I trust in þe mercy off our Lord to remembre hit here after, and so am I bowndyn to do, to your pleasour, so God helpe me. Also, madam, and it lyke you, I undyrstond by your writynge that it will be the latter end off Auguste or your ladishipe can come here to London; and yff it so shuld be I wold be sory, ffor I have mych to do and I can lytill skyll to do eny thynge that longeth to the matter ye wote off. Nevertheles yff my mayster your husband and you be so agreed I hold me plesid: it shalbe to me peynffull but I muste and shall [content], aswel as I may, my selff: I shall do lyke blynde byar, that is to

s[ay . . .] what, and þerfore I moste beseche your ladyshipe to send me [your avyse [?]] how I shall be demeyned in such thynges as schall belonge unto my Cossen Kateryn, and how I shall provyde ffor them: she must have gyrdilles, iij at the leyst, and how they shalbe made I know nat: and many oþer thynges she muste have, ye know well what they be, in ffeyȝth I know nat: be my trouth I wold it were done, lever thanne more þan it shall cost. I am lothe to displese or to troble eny person, yff I shuld be holpen forwardes in my besynes now, I wold it were done with a corage and with good will, [it] shall make me the gladder a grete dele. Also, madam, þeras your ladishipe desy[reth me] to come to Stonor to make me mery &c.: in good feiȝth, madam, [my besynes is] such now I can nat well come to myn ease: I have grete besynes [with] the ffelishype off the Stapell, and I have mych to do with myn owne mat[ers] . . . so that in good ffeyth I can nat make an end lyghtly. And yet God wote I wold ffull ffayn speke with your ladishipe ffor the matters afforsaid, and as sone as I have made an end off my maters I shall nat longe be ffrom you, with Godes grace. And as ffor the sendynge hedyr off my Cossen Kateryn, your ladyshipe may do þerin as it shall plese you. I wold she knew as mych as you know, ffor soth and than she shuld doo som good and helpe me in many thynges w[han] she come. My lady, your modyr, is in good helthe and ffareth well, and she s[endeth] you Godes blissyng and hirs, and lyke wyse my Cossen Kateryn, and to all. . . . .

[In dorso.] Also my lady, your modyr, recomaundith hir [hartely] to my mayster your husband, and she is very glad of his recovere, and she prayeth God to send hym good helth. Also, madam, as ye wryte me the curtesse delynge off my mayster with my Cossen Kateryn &c., truly I am very glade þeroff, and I pray God hartely thannke hym þerffore: ffor he hath ever ben loffyngly disposed [unto] hir, and so I beseche God ever contenew hym and also my Cossen Kateryn to [de]serve it unto hym by hir goodly demeynour and womanly disposision, as she can do right well yff hir lyst, and so sayth every body þat prayseth hir. Also, madam, maystres Bevesse recomaunds hir unto your ladishipe, and prayeth har[tely ffor] your good helthe. And I [hartely] beseche almyghty Jhesu and his blissid modyr to be your comffort, and to helpe you in all your good workes, Amen. [Wryten at London] the xxiiij day of June

Be your owne Servant Thomas Betson.

To my right worshipful good lady, dame Elisabeth Stonor, this be delivered in hast.

218. THOMAS BETSON TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR 24 JUNE 1478

From A.C., xlvi, 140.

Jhesus. A^no xviii^o.

Right honorable and worshipffull Sir, and my right synguler good mayster, I recommand me unto your good maystershipe in the mooste loffyngest wyse þat my hart can thynnke, be my trouth: thankynge your maystershipe right hartely off your curtesse and loffynge letter, the which I have resseyvid by my M. your brodyr John Croke. And in the same letter I undyrstond by the worshipffull reporte off your mayster|shipe the havyors off my Cussen Kateryn unto you, to my lady your wiffe and to all oþer &c.: and truly it is to me right joyffull and com|ffortable gladnes so to here off hir, and I besech our blissid lord ever to preserve hir in all vertu and good lyffynge to his plesour, and to reward your maystershipe with hevene at your endynge ffor your good disposi|sion to hir wardes in good exortasions gyffynge: and þat I wote well off old, or elles truly she cowd nat be off that disposision vertuous and goodly, hir youthe remembrid and consederyd. And sir, þus as it hath lykid your maystershipe to commaunde me to come unto Stonor to se my best belovid &c, and also to make me mery, unto the which your maystershipe saith I shall be hartly welcume, and so my lady, your wiffe, affermes the same as ye wryte it: Right worshipffull sir, I know it ffull well off old, ffor so I have ffull oftyn tymes preve it and nat gretely off me deservid, but God knowith myn hart and myn entent what I intend to my power and ever hath done: and sir, I besech your maystershipe to pardone me ffor a whyle and to hold me exscused, and as sone as I can I shall cumme and se your wellffare. I thynge [thynke.] longe, so God help me, till I come, but be my trouth my labour and besynes is such and will be a whyle, þat I can nat as yit with myn ease cum: and þerffore Sir, I besech you now to helpe me and to be my good mayster and exscuse me, þer as your maystershipe shall thynnke best. And sir, in good ffeyth I am verry glad that my lady is so well amendid off hir helth, and in lyke wyse the children. I besech God ffor his

mercy and our blissid lady to send your maystershipe and all youres as well to ffare as I wold myn owneselff, and to preserve you in vertuous lyffynge, and also to send you sad remembraunce off all good begynnynge, and þan with owte dowte ye shall make with Godes helpe a worship|full endynge to Godes plesour and to þe honour and worshipe off all them þat loffe you hartely. Sir, I am to bold thus to wryte, but God knowith myn hart, and som whattes I am infformed off the towardnes off your good disposision, what ye intend: I shall dayly praye hartely to God to be your good spede in all your such proffytable workes: yff ye contenew your intent ye shall be glad þerof or this day iij yere. I ffare lyke a sory pyper, whanne I begynne I can nat leve: but yit ones agayn our blissid Lord be your sped and your helpe. Le xxiiij jour de Juyn.

Be your servant Thomas Betson.

[In dorso] Sir, Remembre your maystershipe well, what ye have written off my Cossen Kateryn, truly I shall whanne I speke with hir tell hir every word, and yff I ffynd the contrarye our vycar here, so God helpe me, shall crye owte upon h[ir] within this x wekes and lesse, and by that tyme I shall be redy in every poy[nt] with Godes grace, and so I wold she were, ffor sothe ye may beleve me off it.

To the right honorable and my right spescyall good mayster, Sir William Stonor, knyght, soyt dd.

219. EDMOND HAMPDEN TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR [? JULY, 1478]

This clearly relates to the same incident as No. 220, in which case the most likely date is in the early part of July, 1478-see note on next letter. As to Harry Gorton see No. 240. From A.C., xlvi, 167.

Ryght worchypffull Cossyn, I recomand me unto ȝow. And, Syr, I have hard say that ȝe schold be infformyd to take dysplessuyr with a servant off myne in Whecombe. Syr, and he hathe offendyd ȝow in eny point I scall put him under no manys correccion but ȝowris: but for the infformacion off hym that I here say schold infforme ȝow, I pray ȝow, Syr, to be hys good master. Also I here say that he shold show

ȝow that my servant schold take owte of his hows v. li.: and yt can be prevyd, he scall abyd the otermost of the lawe: but I trow hyt well be ffond ffor evyll wylle: but and ȝe take no dysplesuyr, Syr, I wold avisse Hary Gorton to kepe hys tong ther, and be prevyd on hym a worsse talle then thys, or ellys say ȝe that I ham ffauls. Moreover I hard say hyt schold plesse ȝow to calle hym a theffe: by my trowthe I know hym for none, nor by my wyll I wolle kepe none. I have merveyle that hyt wolle plesse suche a worchypffull man as ȝe are to sclander eny powyr man so for suche a dobbull manys wordes as Hary Gorton ys: I scall preve affore hym that he dothe ȝow more dysworchyp then good servyce. Cossyn, I and all myne scall do ȝow servyce; and I trust to do ȝow better servyce in on owyr then yt scall ley in hys powyr to do all the dayys off hys lyve: and that scall I be reportyd in the same towne that he dewlyt in: and he wher nott ȝowr servant he wold welle know that hys dellyng wher nott good, that in schorte space: hyt ys ffor ȝowr sake and not ffor hys owne that he ys ffavoured so long. No more to ȝow at thys tyme, but I beseche all myty Jhesu to preserve ȝow and all ȝowrys.

By ȝowrs to hys powyr Edmond Hampden.

To my Cossyn, Syr Wyllm. Stoner.

220. RICHARD PAGE TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR 7 JULY [? 1478]

This letter clearly belongs to the same time as Nos. 219 and 221. Since Stonor is a knight the date cannot be earlier than 1478. Otherwise the only clue to the date is the statement in this letter that the King was to be at Windsor on 8 July, and was going thence to Nottingham. Edward IV was at Nottingham in 1478, 1481, and 1482. In 1482 he went north at the end of May—see No. 313—and during July was in Kent—3rd, Manor of Knoll, 7th and 8th, Canterbury, 9th to 18th, Dover (Chancery Warrants, Series I, File 882). In 1481 he seems to have been at Southwell on 28th June to 5th July, and at Scrooby on 13th to 19th July (Cal. Pat. Rolls, iii, 279-80). The Chancery Warrants (for Privy Seals) do not give clear evidence for move|ments in July, 1481, which year the evidence of the Patent Rolls makes un|likely. If the year is 1481 there is the further difficulty that Stonor must have married his third wife within two months of the death of his second. In 1478 Edward IV was at Greenwich from 2nd to 6th July, was perhaps in

London on the 7th and 8th, was at Ditton on 12th and 13th, Windsor on 15th to 18th, Berkhamstead on 20th, Higham Ferrers on 26th, and Notting|ham on 7th August (Chancery Warrants, Series I, File 866). In No. 247 and all subsequent letters Page addresses Stonor as "knight for the King's body"; he does not do so in this letter nor in No. 221, an omission which suggests that they were earlier than 1479. So on the whole 1478 seems to be the most likely date, but the point is of no great importance. The Chamber|lain is William Hastings. From A.C., xlvi, 186.

I recommaunde me to youre good mastership in my best maner: besechyng of you this pore byll may recommaunde me to my synguler good lady, my lady your wif, as your servaunt and hirres. Syr, wher ye write on to me y shold take an accion in the kynges name ayenst on of Wycomb for cuttyng down and fellyng of certen treys, y have taken an accion redy, and y shall send you the writte. Syr, ye wrote to me in your letter that ye hadde seasid certen corne, whiche was regratyd and forstallid from the comen marketes to the grete hurt of the Comen peple. Syr, me semys by my lernyng ye may not sease not none maner cornes in suche case and put thaym under arest: and if ye have don, yt wold be well don to se thaym delyveryd ayen in manerly forme: it is inquer|able at the Cessons of pees and in every lete and fraunchise of regrators and forstallers of all maner of vitaill, and, if it be presentid, to make a fyne therfor: but it is not the maner ne the care of the law to sease none forstallid ne regratyd vitaill. I remit the delyng with the delyver|aunce hereof to your discreson: but y wold not ye confessid your self to thaym that ye have mys don in that case: but honestly take a promys of thaym [that] [that omitted in MS.] thay shall not dele so herafter, and for this thay have don thay may be indited, and let thaym have deliveraunce of thaire cornys. The Kyng purposeth as to morow to be at Wendesor, and from thens to Notyngham. My lord Chamberleyn rides to morue hame to Leycestre. Other news ben ther non her. I pray God send you as well to fare as your hert can thynk. Writen at London on seint Thomas ys day with the honde of your aune

Page.

To my master syr Willm. Stonor, knyght, be this deliveryd.

221. RICHARD PAGE TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR [? 12 JULY, 1478]

As to the probable year see Note on the previous letter. Relic Sunday was the Sunday after St. Thomas the Martyr, and in 1478 fell on 12 July. "Your cosyn Hamden" is clearly Edmond Hampden the writer of No. 219. From A.C., xlvi, 187.

Right singuler good master, I recommaunde me to you, praying the same this byll may recommaunde me to my lady, your wif. Syr, your cosyn Hamden and my mastres, his wiff, have be with me, shewyng that your plesyr shold be ther shold no proces go ayenst Willm. Est of Wycombe, for whiche y kepe the writ in my handes till unto the tyme y understond what y shall do and how y shalbe demeanid: they bothe full manerly entretid me herein, shewyng me your plesyr in the same without whiche ther shalbe no favour shewid in my behalve. He is a courtes gentelman and your kynsman, and my mastres, his wif, a worshipfull woman, and so thay demenyd thaym in this mater not to do ne to attempt no thynge to youre displesyr, whiche is to be remembrid. I remitt this to yow, for as ye woll have it demenid so shall it be. And thus fare ye well with all my hert. Writen at London on relic Sonday with the honde of your

Page.

To my master, Syr Willm. Stonor, knyght.

222. THOMAS HENHAM TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR 16 JULY 1478

"Mistress Hane" is Anne Ryche, Lady Stonor's daughter: see No. 224. From A.C., xlvi, 171.

Jhesu. A^no lxxviii.

Ryght Reverent and worshypffull mayster, I recommaunde me unto your goode maystershype, ever more desyryng to here off your goode wellfare, þe wyche I be-sche Jhesu longe to continue unto your hartys

desyre. And fforder more, Syr, your maystershype shall understonde that ther hys shypyde towarde unto Calys in your name, Syr Wyllm. Stonor, knythe, and Thomas Betson, in the Jhesu off London, John Lolyngton mayster under God, Summa ij^m iiij C. xlviij Cottes felles. Forder more your mayster schalle understonde that I sende dow[n]e by John Talbose, your sarvaynte: Itm. your demy gowne off chamelet; Itm. your demy gowne off blake pewke lynde with grene wellffete; truste in a shete. Forder more, Syr, ye shall understonde that masterys Hane hys well amendyde, blesyde by Jhesu, and hys in goode hallthe. Forder more, Syr, your maystershype shall understonde that the hale brewer callys apone me dayly sore ffore monay, the wyche I have wretyn unto your maysterschype affor tyme, the Somma ys v. li. and hode monay, the wyche he besekys your maysterschype that he mythe have some monay in hande unto the tyme that your maysterschype come unto London. All so, Syr, I beseke your maysterschype þat ye wylle remember your brede baker at London, ffor he callys apone me daylle ffor monay, the wyche some hys xxxv. s. and iiij d. No more unto your maysterschype at thys tyme, butt all mythy Jhesu have you in hys kepyng. Wretyn at London the xvj day off Jullii.

By your prentes Thomas Henham.

Unto my Rygh honorable and myne in spesyale goode Mayster Syr Willm. Stonor, Knyght, In þe maner at Stonor thys be delyvered. dd.

223. THOMAS HOWLAKE TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR 24 JULY 1478

It does not seem possible to explain the whole of Howlake's transactions; no doubt there were some things which would have been obvious to his em|ployer but are obscure to us. A comparison with Nos. 2 and 41 in the Cely Papers gives a partial clue. The first figures (xl., xxxij., xxxvij., and j) are the numbers of the serplars (see No. 159 above). Each serplar contained 2½ sacks (ss. di.) with a number of odd cloves. A clove contained 7 lb., and there were 52 cloves to the sack. So the total weight would be 10 sacks + 149 cloves, or 12 sacks 45 cloves; the total weight clear is given, however, as only 11½ sacks 14 cloves. From the Cely Account it appears that in selling a rebate was allowed. In the Cely Account (No. 41) the rebate was 2 cloves on the sack, and fractions of less than half a sack were disregarded; but

(perhaps as compensation) the rebate on the last serplar was 4 cloves, though it only contained 1 sack 18 cloves. In Howlake's account the total rebate was apparently 57 cloves; if we calculate it at 4½ cloves the sack and dis|regard resulting fractions of cloves, the rebate on the first serplar was 15 cloves, and on each of the others 14, giving the total of 57. This explains the "poyse". The price of 11½ sacks 14 cloves at 19 marks the sack should be £149 1s. 6d., not £147 12s. 8d.; possibly there was a reduction in respect of a broken sack; or it may be that this is the "more respyte" to which Howlake refers. The value in sterling money agrees with the value in Flemish (£180 8s. 9g.), if one-third is taken at 25s. 4g. Flemish for £1 sterling, and the rest at 24s. It is therefore clear that Howlake when he wrote "viij s. g. ffl." meant only 8 shillings Flemish. The "g" presumably means "groot"; but it is clear that if so there were, as calculated, 12 groots to the shilling; for on this basis the three bills exactly make up £180 8s. 9d. Flemish.

Peter van de Rade and Danyell van de Rade, merchants of Bruges, appear in the Cely Papers (Nos. 2 and 10). Dr. John Coke was employed in July, 1478, to treat with Thomas de Plana, the representative of Maximilian and Mary of Burgundy "super Intercursu ac communicatione Mercansie necnon Piscatione super mare," and to arrive at a settlement of all commercial grievances between England and Flanders. As a result a treaty was con|cluded on 12 July; to the treaty there were annexed documents dealing with the complaints of the Merchants of the Staple, fixing Ordinances for the Staple at Calais and providing for the inspection of the wool-trade there (Foedera, xii, 66-86). "Thursday last" was 23 July, the day before Howlake wrote his letter, so that news of what had been done at Bruges could hardly have reached Calais. From A.C., xlvi, 175.

Jhesu A^no xviij^o.

Ryght reverent and worchipfull Syr, I recommaund me unto your good maisterchip in the most lowly wyse I best can or may &c. Fyrder|more, Syr, please yt your maysterchip to wyt þat now latly I have made a salle, þe whiche follewyth.

The xxij day in Jully I sold to Peter Vanderade and Danyell Vanderad off Bruges iiij serplars ffynne Cottes wolle ffor xix marcs le sacc, and to take ffor the thyrd part off the holle summa ffor every L. st. xxv. s. iiij. g. ffl, [Sc. flemming.] and for the rest ffor every vj. s. viij. d. st. viij. s. g. ffl.

xl. ss. di. xliij cl.; xxxij. ss. di. xxxix. cl.; xxxvij. ss. di. xxxiiij. cl.; j. ss. di. xxxiij. cl.; poyse xj. sacc. di. xiiij. cl.; Summa cxlvij. l. xij. s. viij. d. st.; Valethe ffl. ciiij^xx. li. viij. s. ix. g.

Item ffor pt. (payment) off the same:

℞. off the forseid Danyell a byll payable at the sygȝth:

Summa lxij. li. vj. s. vij. g.

Item. ℞. off the same a byll payable the xxij day in Janyver next:

Summa lix. li. xiij. g.

Item. ℞. off the same a byll payable the xxij day in Jully next after þat: Summa lix. li. xiij. g.

Syr, and please you, as ffor the ffor seyd merchaunttes þat have bought your wolle be as good as eny þat came out off Flaundyrs, and ffor þat I have shewed theme the more ffavor and gevyn theme the more respyte off þat. And as ffor the land, I truste God, shaldo ryght welle nowe þat the trewse ys taken: and doctyr Coke ys come ffrome the Dewke off Borgon to Calez, and seyethe by promese of the dewke to hyme made that the ffl. goldys shalbe set down and have course lyke as they had in the Sympson int' a yere: the whiche, doctyr Coke seyethe, shold have benne donne a Thorseday þat last was at Bruges, but yet we here nothyng þer off: but þat same donne þat the merchauntes myght come to Calez with þe mone to be pd. without losse, yt is thought þer wold be gret ffett; and the same knowythe our lord, whome I bysyche ever to preserve your Ryght worshipffull Maysterchip. Wrettyn at Calez the xxiiij day in Jully.

Be your lowly servaunt daylly to my symple power, Thos. Howlok.

To my right honorable and worchipfull mayster, Syr Wylliam Stonor, knyght and merchaunt of þe Stapull at Calez.

224. THOMAS BETSON TO DAME ELIZABETH STONOR 31 JULY, 1478

"My lady Stokker" is Elizabeth Stonor's sister Margaret, wife of Sir William Stocker. "My cousin Anne" is Lady Stonor's daughter Anne Ryche, whose illness is referred to in No. 222. From A.C., xlvi, 238.

The enclosure has been separated from the letter and is now Ch. Misc., 37, iv, 28. It would seem that Betson arrived at the total of £12 6s. 8d. which he gives in the Letter by charging £2 6s. 8d. for the pipe of red wine and omitting his own costs of 1s. 4d.

Jhesus. A^o xviij

Right honorable and my right synguler good lady, I recommaund me unto your good ladischipe. And, Madam, yff it lyke you, seth I come home to London I mette with my lady, your modyr, and God wote she made me right sulleyn chere with hir countenaunce whyles I was with hir: me thought it longe till I was departid. She brayke unto me of old ffernyeres, and spescially she brayke to me off the tayll I told hir betwene the vicar þat was and hir: she said the vicar never ffared well seth, he tooke it so mych to hart. I told hire a lyght answere ageyn, and so I departid ffrom hir. I had no joye to tary with hir. She is a ffyn mery woman, but ye shall nat know it nor yit ffynd it, nor none of youres by that I se in her. Modyr mydwiffe told me þat nowdyr my lady your modyr, my lady Stoker, nor hir husbaund come ones to se my cossen Anne sethe she come to hir, nor yet axse ones how she ffared, and yff my lady, your modyr, mete my cossen Anne she will say no more but "Godes blissynge have ye and myne," and so goo hir waye fforthe as thow she had no joye off hir. Whanne ye come to London I shall tell you more. My cossen Anne hath bene with me here at home, and she is hole and right well amendid and as a woman shulde be, þer is no fawte, our blissid lord be thannkyd and his blissid modyr. Good Madam, by the next at comes lett hir have all hir clothes, she hath nede unto them, and that knowith owre lord, who ever preserve you, Madam, and all yours in longe helth and vertu to his plesour. At London the last day off Juyll, A^no supra.

Be your servaunt Thomas Betson.

Jentil Madam, I beseche you that I may be recomaundid unto my cossen, your douȝhter Kateryn, and our lord be with you both. Also, Madam, yff it lyke you, I have bene with my brodyr, John Betson, ffor money, and be my trouth I can none have off hym, he hath shewid me that my Mayster your husbaund and ye owe hym ffor dyverse wynes, Summa xij. li. vj. s. viij. d., as by the parcells herin closed more clerelyar it appereth, the which parcelles my brodyr saith that þei be trew. Wherffore, good Madam, I beseche you to speke unto my mayster, to the intent I myght have the money here as shortely as can be. I muste pay to John Tate vj li. for þe felles that I have shippid now, and to Whyte of Bradway I muste pay iiij li., and I muste pay to the porters and oþer for costes xl s. And so God save my soull I have it nat. I will nat be so bare agayn of money a good whyle, with Godes grace. It was the best dett I saw in his booke, so God help me, and þerffore I tooke

it over unto me ffor payment, and I hold me plesed with all. Jhesu preserve you ever, Amen.

To my right honorable and Synguler good lady, Dame Elysabeth Stonor soyt. dd.

This is the Copie of my brodyrs bill.

Fyrst delyvered unto my master Stonor: j. h. [Presumably for "hogshead".] whyte wyne and j. h Rede wyne the xj day off Discembre An^o xvj^o by Thomas Meryke my servaunt, and the same wyne was delyvered unto Goddard Oxbryge, your servaunt, price:—iij. li. vj. s. viij. d.

Itm., sold by my wyffe unto my lady Stonor j. pipa of Rede wyne: ffor the whiche my lady muste make the price as it plesithe hir ffor I yave my wiffe no noþer price but after viij marcs the tonn. Summa—

Itm., I delyvered unto my mayster hym selffe, the whiche went to Stonor, j. h. Rede wyne, by the same token my mayster merkyd anoþer hogeshede wyne in to Frydaye strete price off bothe:—iij. li. vj. s. viij. d.

Itm., for a but off Romney to Stonor now off late, price: iij. li. vj. s. viij. d.

Itm., paid for the costes of the ij. h. wyne þat my brodyr Thomas Betson sent to Stonor, Summa xvj. d.

Summa—.

225. THOMAS HENHAM TO DAME ELIZABETH STONOR 1 AUGUST, 1478

As to William Somer see No. 209. "Maysterys Hane" is Anne Riche, see Nos. 222 and 224. From A.C., xlvi, 240.

Jhesu. An^o. xviij

Right Reverent and worschypfull lady, I recomaunde me unto your goode ladyschyp, evermore desyring ffor to her off your goode wellfare, the wyche I besche Jhesu longe to continue unto your hartys desyre &c. Fordermore, lady, ye schalle understonde that I have sent downe by William Somer, bargemane of London, your beme and ij calys, the

wyche I wrothe a bylle unto William Platys off that he schulde resayve yt at Hendelay and so conevay yt unto Stonor. Fordermore, lady, ye schalle understonde that maysterys Hane, your dowter, ys all moste hole, thankyd by Jhesu, and sche hys very mery. All so, lady, I beseke your goode ladyschype that I mythe have cnowlage whedir that ye wollede have hany bere or hale, that I schulde take in ayenst your comyng home unto London. No more unto your ladyschype at thys tyme but Jhesu have you in hys kepyng. Wretyn at London the ffyrst day of Agust.

By your prentes Thomas Henham.

Unto my Ryght Reverent and Worschypfull dame Elysabeth Stonor thys letter be delyvered in hast, dd.

226. DAME ELIZABETH STONOR TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR [21 AUGUST, 1478]

We know from No. 217 that Lady Stonor intended to be in London in the latter part of August, 1478, and from No. 225 that she was expected to come to London shortly on 1 August. So that year seems to be certain. The re|ference to Robert Warner also points to 1478, see Nos. 203 and 206. From A.C., xlvi, 213.

Jhesus.

Ryght enterly and my moste specyall belovyd husband, I recomaunde me to yow yn the moste harty wyse, desyryng to here of yowre welefare &c., thankyng yow of yowre lettyr and of yowre partrechys. And for Robert Warner, he ys cum to towne: dyverce of yowre servantys and myne have spoken with hym: he seyeth that he can receyve no money as yet, notwithstondyng he yntendyth to speke with me or he departe, and wyll content me yef he may. I pray God that he may so do. Also I pray yow to send me a answere of the mater that I wrote to yow for the Lumbarde. And yef hyt myght plese yow to take the labur to ryde ovyr, then ye may answere to the mater yowre selfe, whyche wyll be to me grete hartes ese and plesure: for I thynke hyt ryght longe syth I speke with yow. Syr, I truste to Jhesu to se yow here yn shorte

tyme. No more to yow at thys tyme, [but] Jhesu preserve yow yn hys kepyng. Wrytyn at Lundun the Fryday afore sent Bartylmewys day.

By your owne wyff Elysabeth Stonore.

To my most enterly belovyd husband Syr Wylliam Stonore, knyght.

227. WAX AND TAPERS SUPPLIED TO DAME ELIZABETH STONOR SEPT. 1478.

The bill is from Feb. 1477 till Sept. 1478. From Ch. Misc., 37, iv, 29.

Thise ensuyng bene the parcelles which my lady Stonor oweth unto Margarete Whitby of London, widue, that is to say:

First, delivered to hir use the viij^th day of Feverer in the xvj^th yere of the Reigne of Kyng Edward the iiij^th, ij torches of wex weyng ij lb. quarter and di., pris the lb. viij. d. Summa, xix. d. Item, the xv^th day of March for a Roll of a quarteron, ij. d. Item, for a Taper against Ester in the xvij^th yere, weyng v. lb., for the makyng v. d., and iij. quarters and di. wast vij. d. Summa, xiij. d. Item, against Midsomer in the same yere vij tapers with the florysshyng, weyng xiiij lb. iij quarters and di., the makyng and the wast, iij. s. iij. d. Item, for a Garland of Wex, j. d. Item, the xxix^th day of August for a mesure of wex, j. d. Item, for iij braunches of wex for the mynde of maister Fen, and iiij half lb. Tapers with the florysshyng, weyng togidre xx^ti lb. and quarteron, the makyng, iij. s. iiij. d. It., wasted of the same braunches vij lb. and quarteron, pris ij. s. j. d. ob. Item, the xviij^th day of Septembre in small Candell, ob. It., upon Alhalow Eve for a Taper of a lb. before Seynt Anne, pris, vj. d. Item, against the feste of Candel|mas a Taper of a quarteron, and ij Tapers, every Taper j. d., and an ob. Candell, pris, iiij. d. It., at the same feste for a Roll, white and grene, weyng a lb., pris, xviij. d. Item, for the mynd of maister Fen the iij^de day of Septembre, iij braunches of wex with iiij half lb. tapers and florysshyng, weyng togidre xxvj. lb. and di., the makyng therof vj. s., wasted of all iij lb. xviij. d. Summa, vij. s. vj. d.

Summa totalis, xxj. s. vj. d.

228. RENTS OF SIR WILLIAM STONOR MICHAELMAS, 1478.

From Ministers Accounts 1250/6, P.R.O.

ABSTRACT. Watlyngton: "ys worth by yer," £36. 9. 11.; fees to William Lentall and others, £8. 13. 4. Redyng: £14. 17. 11; fees to Dogett and others, £4. 19. 0. Stonor:—with, £4. 13. 4 for Mulseux, £3 for "demeyn lond," £5 for Tonys, and £2 for the New Inne— £39. 12. 10.; fees, £2. 13. 4. Burghwardescote, £36; annuity of Anne Kidwely, £23. 6. 8. Henly: "ys worth by yer over the court," £20. Hernhill, Doughton, £12. 3. 8. Ermynton, "worth to fferme," £56. Horton, £53. 6. 8. "Summa totalis of the valeus of the manors above writton" £268. 11. 0. "Wherof yn fees and annuite above writton," £39. 12. 4. Fees: of Walter Elmes £2, Henry Parson, £2. 13. 4, Richard Page, £3. 6. 8, Christopher Holand, £3. 6. 8; total, £50. 19. 0 "So remayneth," £217. 12. 0. "Item londes late purchased in Henley, Fally, and Remenham," £3. 4. 10. Total clear value, £220. 16. 10.

Endorsed is an account of arrears at Watlyngton, Stonor and Redyng to Michaelmas, 1478.

229. DAME ELIZABETH STONOR TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR 5 OCTOBER, 1478

As 5th October, 1478, was on a Monday "my ffadyr's deryge" was on the previous day. John Croke made his will on 26th September, 1477 (proved 19th November 1477), presumably he died on 4th October of that year. "My broder Stooker" is Sir William Stocker. Betson has been married since No. 217, perhaps in August. This letter was printed in Excerpta Historica, 355. From A.C., xlvi, 212.

Jhesu. An^o xviij^o

Right best and hartely well belovid husbond, I recommaund me unto you with all myn hart, lettynge you wete that I am right well amendid, I thannke god þeroff: and on Sonday last past I was at the

chirche at my ffadyrs deryge, and soppid with my modyr the same nyght. And Syr, yeff I had ones done my pilgramages I reke nat how sone I were with you at Stonor: and þerffore, gentyll Syr, I praye you þat ye ffayll nat to send me myn horsse on Settyrday next. And also I praye you to remembre the matter I spake to you off at your departynge: ffor with owte that, I can nat with your worshipe and myn depart London: ffor Cobbe call apon me dayly ffor money, and the bere wyffe with oþer, as I told you. And also I praye you to remembre my sonne Betson: ffor he hath mych a doo with money now, and he trustith veraly to your promesse: ffor Godes sake, syr, lett hym nat be forgotten. My modyr and my broodyr Stooker recomaunde hem both right hartely unto you: and ffull ffayn they wold þat ye had bene here, yff it myght have bene your ease. And as ffor me I wold nat that ye were here, ye know it well enowgh: neverthelesse ffor soth what som ever I wryte I wold I were at Stonor: ffor truly I am veray wery off London, ffor my son Betson intendes to ryde in to the countre, now whenne I come home: and he is ffast ryggynge hym þer ffore, so that at many tymes I am post a loyne, and that causeth me to thynnke the more ellynger: and þerffore, good syr, remembre myn horsse on Setterday with owte ffawte. My son Betson and his wiffe recommaunde them unto you: and he told me that he hath bought here in London seth ye departid v. sacces Cottes. ffor a part redy money and the rest at mydsomer next: I undyrstond it is a good bargayn. God lenne grace, who preserve you ever in vertu and longe helth to Godes plesour. The v day off Octobre.

By your ovne wyff D. Elysabeth Stonore.

Unto Ryght Reverent and worschyppefull Cosyn Syr Wyllm. Stonor, knyght, in the manor at Stonor, thys letter be delyverd. dd.

230. LORD STRANGE TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR 6 OCTOBER [1478]

Since Stonor is a knight the date cannot be earlier than 1478. It is not likely to be later, since John, Lord Strange of Knockin, died on 16 October, 1479 (Inquisition ap. Black Books of Lincoln's Inn, iv, 275). John Strange must be meant, for his daughter's husband, George Stanley, was not sum|moned as Lord Strange till 15 Nov. 1482; this letter was written before

Richard III became King. The signature is autograph, written in elongated minuscules. From A.C., xlvi, 214.

Sir, I have resseyved your wrytynge, by the whiche I understond þat towchith your cost, at Tame. Syr, and I had not bene wyse I had lost my labour and cost, which was C. marcs, and yf ye had bene there and hit had cost xx. li. ye schuld have peid no peny: and as for my graunt of a fee I wold ye thowght yf ye do me servyce, as the wrytinge is, I woll dele more largly with yow, but I woll not be ovirmastred with none of my feed men: notwithstanding, at this tyme I have done for yow of my voluntary send yow xls., and Cottysmore alowed xxs. Also I have assynged Hary Makeny xlvj. s. viij. d. þat I had of yow, and betwene this and Ester I woll and desyre þat ye nor Cottysmore distreyne not nor trowble my tenauntes no more: and betwene this and the next half yere I woll þat ye both se me and yf ye dele as ye owght I wolbe your goode lorde, and eke I dare better displese yow than ye me: and as for the ferme I woll do nothinge withowte my lorde of Gloucester, and I trust in all thinge he woll defend me and my tenauntes, and I am frendid so to help my self: and as for Hary Makeney, I woll he be with me the next weke &c.; yf ye cheryche my tenauntes, I woll cherysch you &c. Wryten at my Manere of Colham the vj day of Octobre.

STRAUNGE.

To Sir Wyllm. Stonor, knyght, this be delyvered.

231. HENRY DOGETT TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR 24 DEC. [? 1478]

The year is later than 1477, but it cannot be fixed with certainty; though it is not likely to be the same as that of No. 256. As to the cup see the next letter. From A.C., xlvi, 145.

Ryght worshepfull and my goode and feithfull maister, after dew recomendacion pleasith yow to wete þat my clerke and your servaunte have been at Abendon with the vicar of Seynt Elyns to have leverey of your cuppe, and offurred hym x. li. acordyng to your writeyng: and he

answered them that he wold not deliver the said cuppe with owte the bille indented þat is made bytwene yow be brought upon the de|liveraunce: and to have sewrete for the residew of the money to be paid at Candelmas next. I remitte all to your maistershep and wyse|dome. The said x. li. shall be redy at eny tyme that ye like, havyng fro your maistershep a writeyng to be content ayen by Ester next com|ynge. And God preserve yow, my good lady, your wyfe, and all yours. At Aston, a Cristemas yeve with the hand of your servaunt

Henry Dogett.

To my maister, Syr Willm. Stonore, knyght.

232. WILLIAM HERWARD TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR [? JAN. 1479]

This is a little later than the previous letter. Herward was vicar of St. Helen's, Abingdon. From A.C., xlvi, 247.

Maister Stonor, I recommende to you, mervelynge that ye wryte me with any poynt of strayngenesse syn tyme þat I have fulfylled your poyntment in your letters as touchyng to þe money lent for suche days as ye desyred and longer, and as the poyntment last taken, when my servant Stephen Hosyer was with youe, I aggreed, but when Harry Dokettes servantes came to me þer was noon obligacion, and by cause þer off I supposed þat þey came not as sufficiently instructe in your appoyntment, but now I have delyverd your cuppe safe and sownde to your servantes, Thomas Matthew and William Belsun, and have recevyd of them x. lib. for halfe my due and an obligacion of x. lib. for þe remynant: but I trust in your Maistership of a shorter day of payment, for I borowed xx marcs of the same money: and þowe ye be patron of Bruscote, I understande þat well and pray for you dayly, but I laste a benyfice better to me þan þat is, for þe gret desyre of Maister Thomas Forster; therfor I pray you accepte not me as a stranger, for I can do as good servyce as som oþer. Valete in domino per Willm. Herward, capellanum vestrum.

To his worshipfull maister Syr William ["Syr William" has been inserted and cannot be read very clearly; but Stonor was certainly a knight at this time.] Stonor Kny.

233. ACCOUNT BOOK OF ELIZABETH STONOR 1478-79.

A small paper book of forty leaves formerly in a parchment cover, much damaged by damp. Only twenty-five leaves have any writing on them; and these are not continuous. It was apparently kept by Christopher Holand; all the entries belong to 1478-79. Some typical entries are given. From Ch. Misc., 37, vii.

f. 1. Elysabeth Stonore.

Item, payd to a man for cleft wode iij days and a halfe day, v. d.

It., payed on sant Caterenys day for iij axys, prese a pes ix. d., ij. s. iij. d.

f. 2. It., payd to Serle for iij wekys wages, xviij. d. It., payd to Gardener the iiij day of Decembe for vij day makyng of candell, ij. s. iiij. d. It., payd the same day for a dosen of candell weke, iij. s. It., payd to the smythe of Henley for a loke for the porche cha[m]ber, vj. d. It., payd for a cope for the caponys on candelmas yenne, vj. d. It., for the expences at Henley for Herry Dener wen þat my lade wasse wet my mastres her moder, xij. d.

f. 3. It., payd the xj day of Maye to Welleam Somor ffor the careage of a peyepe of wenne layede at Henley, xx. d.

f. 7. Beyt rememberet þat Christoffor Holland, Serffaunde to my master Syr Welleam Stonnor, Rec. of Rechart Leston [See No. 247.] the ffermor of Hourton, v. li. It., Rec. of the melner of Hourton, vj. li. xv. s.

f. 16. The expence in whet fro the fferst day of August the xviij yerre of the Renne of Kyng Ewade the iiij^th on the ix. day of November the same yerre, xxvj quarters. It., spend in malte fro sayd fferst day on the ix day of November xxxiij quarters. It., spend in beyffe doureng the same tyme, vij.

f. 18. The expences and proviseon of the hosse holde off Stonner ffro the ferst day off August the xviij yerre of the Renne of Kyng E. the iiij^th as foloys. fferst payd the iiij day off August for egges, iij d. It., for boutter the same day, ij d. Fryday: It., payd the weke foloyng for egges and boutter, vj. d. It., for mostarde and apont ij. d. It., for wet for formete, ij. d.

f. 19. It., payd the fryday the xxij day off October for salt ffysche and

salt samon, and gonger and frysche ij. s. It., payd the fryday after oure derecacon day for a quarter off ffresche samon, xij d. Md. that my lady, dame Elizabeth Stonor and Christofer Holland have rekened and accompted for thexpens of the houshold fro the ferst day of August unto the ix day of November A^o E. iiij^ti xviij^o. And the said Christofer is contented and payed of the same unto the said ix day of Novembr.

Elysabeth Stonore.

f. 22. The expences for crestemuds. Ferst bout the Thourys day afor crestemuds xviij gesse, vj. s. ix. d. It., the same day a dosen caponys iiij. s. iij. d. It., the same day vj dosen larkys, xij. d. It., ij dosen settes, and gret berdys, xij. d. It., vj plofferys, vj. d. It., vj. wodde|kokys xv. d. It., payd to Couffentre on the more for iiij gesse and ij caponys, ij. s. It., payd the same day to John Yongys weffe and to Blake of Wattelengton ffor egges, ij. s. iiij. d. It., paid the Wednysday ffoloyng for ij dosen chekynys, ij. s. It., ffor iiij caponys, xvj. d. It., payd the Thourys day ffoloyng ffor di. a porke, xxij. d.

f. 23. It., on the xij day for porke, xij d. . . It., the fryday after the xij day for ij^c oyster and a gornarde, ij. s.

f. 24. Februar. It., payd at London the iiij day of Februari (A long account of purchases totalling £8. 3. 0) principal items are: for ij barell herreng, xxij. s.; for iij cayde herreng, xij. s; for di C. aberdynne xxvj. s. viij d.; for sourt of ffrout viij. s. iiij. d.; for a sake for the same ffrout, xiij. d.; for viij bonches of garleke, ij. s.; to ij porterys for the careage of the same stoffe to the barge, xij. d. It., for warffeage, j. d.; for ij li. and di. of suger, ij. s. iij. d.; for di. li. genger, xij. d.

f. 25. It., for a thourbage, vij. d. It., for iij pec. of greine pessen, x. d. The xij day of Marche. It., for ij^c oyster, iiij. d. It., for a bochell of moscalleys, vj. d.

f. 26. Apryll. For thourbout, xij. d. It., for choudeysheyde, iij. d. It., for a lambe, xij. d. It., for a dosen pechonys, v. d.

f. 30. It., payd to Abere for the makyng of xx quarters malt, viij. s. iiij. d. It., payd to Wenne on messomor yeve for a trout and elleys, ix. d. For the brengyng of ij sengnett fro my lorde of Sothe|ffolke, xj. d.

f. 32. [21st August]. It., payd to John Matheu for fyesche þat he payd wen þat I wasse in Kent, xix. d.

f. 33. [October]. It., for roches bout at Oxynffor be my masters commandement, xix. d.

f. 34. [November]. It., payd the man of Wattelengton for v day makyng of candell, xx. d.

Summa totalis expensorum liij. li. ix. s. xj. d. ob.

f. 40. It., payd for a peype of wette wenne bout at Reydynd, xxxvj. s. x. d. It., for a peype of reyde wenne, xlvj. s. viij. d. It., for bastarde, xiiij. s. It., for Henr. Dener, viij d. It. for hourssemet x d. It., for the careage of reyde wenne fro London, iij. s. iiij. d. Summa v. li. ij. s. iiij. d.

234. SHOEMAKER'S BILL TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR [1478-79]

The reference to "my ladys chyldyrn" shows that this was in the time of the first lady Stonor. Gatton was a ward of Sir W. Stonor (see No. 156); so also some of the other persons named may have been wards. There is another shoemaker's bill (Ch. Misc., 37, iv, 31), but it is much mutilated. From Ch. Misc., 37, iv, 30.

M. William Stonor, knyght. In primis to my [ma]yster hymself xv [ . . . price the pey]re vij. d., summa, viij. s. ix. d. Item, to þe same a peyre of long botews to the kne, price, xvj. d. It., to þe same a peyre of botys dytyng, xij. d. It., to my lady ij peyre schoys, and ij peyre of galegys, price of all, xx. d. It., to my ladys gentylwoman a peyre schoys, iiij. d. It., to my ladys chyldyrn, xviij peyre, price of all the peyrys, iij. s. It., to mayster Vynys [i.e. Fenns = Hugh Fenn.] sone iiij peyre, price, xij. d. It., to mayster Humpton sone v peyre, price xv. d. It., to M. Gatton xviij peyre, price iij. s. ix. d. It., to M. Gylys Wellysborn, iij peyre, xviij. d. It., to your chyld of your chambyr viij peyre, ij. s. viij. d. It., to þe same a peyre of botys, price, xx. d. It., to þe same a peyre of botewys, price, viij. d. It., to Blakehall, your chylde, xix peyre, price þe peyre v. d., summa of all, vij. s. xj. d. It., to Chowne of þe stabyll xx^tiv peyre, price þe peyre iiij. d., summa of all, viij. s. iiij. d. It., to William Hypworth a peyre of botys by your commawndement, price, ij. s. viij. d. It., to Chowne a peyre of botys, price, xvj. d. It., to þe chylde of þe botery viij peyre, price þe peyre iiij. d., summa of all, ij. s. iij. d.

Summa totalis, lj. s. vj. d.

235. BILL FOR CLOTH SUPPLIED TO JOHN BARANTYNE AND SIR WILLIAM STONOR 1478-79

The earlier items seem to be for Mary Barantyne (see No. 294), so that Sir W. Stonor may have had some liability. "Peldelyon" (? peau de lion) is clearly a trimming; "cham medly" is probably chamlet. The words "your sone" must presumably mean Elizabeth Stonor's son John, who was at this time a boy not more than ten years old. From Ch. Misc., 37, iv, 32.

Md. Johanni Barantyne et Syr Wyllm. Stonor knyght plege Septembr. a^o xviij^o r[egni] Regis Ed. iiij^ti.

Item, v yerdes of tany the ffyrst day for yow and for my mastres, at vj. s:—	xxx.s.
It., iij yerdes of Russet for my mastres, at vj. s:—	xviij. s.
It., a yerd and quarter peldelyon for yow, dyt tyme, at iij. s. iij. d.:—	iiij. s.
It., ij yerdes and quarter of bran [Brown.] medly for your meyny, dyt tyme, at iij. s:—	vj. s. ix. d.
It., ij yerdes and quarter of pwyke delyveryd to Syr. Wyllm. Staveley at v. s. iiij. d.:—	xij. s.
It., a yerd of cham medly for a chyld of yours at	iij. s.
To be paid at Allhaloutyd nexste commyng: summa totalis iij. li. xiij. s. ix. d.
Syr Wyllm. Stonor. knyght, Dessember ao r[egni] xviij Regis E. iiij.
It., iij yerdes and quarter of Russet for your Maystershepe and for your sone the iijd day the yerd vij. s. vj. d.:—	xxiiij. iiij d. ob.
It., iij yerdes of murrey þat Wyllm. Harbar haad þe xxiij day May ao xix., at vj. s. viij. d.:—	xx. s.
	Summa xliiij. s. iiij d. ob.

236. THOMAS HAMPTON TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR 2 JAN. [? 1479]

As Stonor is a knight the most likely year is 1479. Since Stonor had a wife alive 1480 would be impossible. The writer is Thomas Hampton or

Hampden of Kimble, see Nos. 65, 67. Stonor's kinswoman may be his sister Elizabeth. For Waller see No. 320. From A.C., xlvi, 168.

Ryht worshypfull and feythfully lovyng Cosyn, I recomaunde unto you. Syr, I was enformed by my sone Froste that hit lyked you upon cominicacon had between you and Waller that ye lete hym understonde in brefe termes, yef hym lyked the mariage betwen your kynneswoman and hym, that he shold make hyr joyntour of xx^ti. li. worth londe acord|yng to hys owne promyse, and elles ye lete hym understonde he shold no ferther enter in cominicacon in the mater: and when he understode your decre and jugement, he was therto agreable. Syr, I understonde he entendeth to be with me in ij days after the xij^th day. Syr, me thoght by informacion of my sone Froste that he entendeth in most hasty wyse to be maried: wherfor me semyth, savyng your better advyse, that hit ys me to desyre of hym to be bounden and sum persons with hym, that he shall be Ester day then next folowyng do make hyr suer of hyr joyntour. Syr, that hit may plese you to lemyte me in what sum I may desyr them to be bounden yn, I pray send me word by my servaunt, the brynger of thys letter, and how longe ye entend to be aboute home efter the xij^th tyde. And good syr, that thys my sympyll wrytyng may recommaund me to my good Cosyn, my lady your wyfe, and Jhesu preserve you. Wryten in hast at Oldstoke the ij day of Januer,

By your owne Thomas Hampton.

To my Right worshypfull Cosyn, Syr William Stonor, be this letter delivered.

237. DAME ELIZABETH STONOR TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR 26 MARCH [1479]

Since Sir William Stonor is a knight, the date cannot be earlier than 1478. From No. 205 it appears that Lady Stonor went to London on 25th March, 1478, so that 1479 is the only possible year. "Lovel's daughters" may be the children of William Lovel, Lord Morley, who died in 1476; his son Henry, died in 1489 and was succeeded by his sister Alice; in No. 282 there is reference to an Agnes Lovell, apparently a ward of Stonor. Thomas Stedolfe was a Justice in Eyre in the service of Elizabeth Woodville in 1477 (Cal. Pat. Rolls, Edw. IV, iii, 52). From A.C., xlvi, 210.

My best beloved housbond, I recommaunde me unto you in my moost herty wyse, desyring to her of your welfare, and trusted verayly to have had you at home on our Lady day by night: yf ye had be, I wold have trusted ye shuld had the warde and possession of Lovels doughters or this, for whoom Stodolf, the quenes attourney, rodde on Tuesday last all night towardes the Kinges grace. And yf ye wol spede you home to speke with hym at his comyng I doubte nat but ye shal have the oon at the leste, for I undrestand þay be not wardes neyþer to the King nor quene: praying you þerfore to spede you home, for undre|stand he wolbe with Bryan to night or to morow without fayle. Also for all suche Stiwardships ye wrotte unto me for, thay wer graunted a way in his lyf tyme or he discessed. As for the Stewardship of Henley, I canne nat tell wheþer it be goo or noo: wherfore Vyne shal ryde ac|cording to your commaundement. Syr, I thanke you hertyly for your veneson þat ye wrotte to me to receyve: how be it as yet I have nat receyved. Over þis the parson of Falley dissessed yorsterday in the mornyng, and þe parson of Hamelden, and Syr William, prest þere, be executours. No more unto you at this tyme, but the holy Trynyte preserve you. Wryten at Stonor, whan I wold fayne have sleped, þe morow after our Lady day in þe mornyng. Syr, I send you your botes and your cloke, for þer hath be a wete weder here syth ye departed.

By your owne wyff Elysabeth Stonore.

To my best beloved housbond Sir William Stonor, Knyght.

238. GRANT OF AN ANNUITY TO WILLIAM HATTECLYFF 26 MARCH [1479]

ABSTRACT. Grant by William Stonor, knight, and Elizabeth his wife, to Master William Hatteclyff "secretario metuendissimi domini nostri Regis," of an annuity of 4 marks from the manor of Horton, to be paid in equal parts by the farmers, bailiffs, receivers, or other occupiers, at Whitsuntide and All Hallows. With power to distrain in case of arrears. "Datum vicesimo sexto die mensis Martii, anno regni Regis Edwardi quarti post con|questum Anglie vicesimo [A correction—apparently "decimo"—has been written above this obvious error.] nono."

William Hatteclyff was an influential official under Edward IV, to whom he was secretary from 1464 till shortly before his death in 1480. The original is Ancient Deeds, C. 3716. Both the seals are lost.

239. LETTER UNDER SIGNET BY EDWARD IV 26 MARCH [1479]

The year is fixed by the documents in Chancery Warrants, File 868, which show that Edward IV was at Sheen on 28 February, 1479, and ap|parently remained there during the whole of March; there are documents dated there on the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 23rd, 25th, and 28th of that month, and none dated elsewhere. From A.C., xliv, 58.

By the King.

Reverend fadre in God, Right trusty and welbeloved Cousin, and trusty and welbeloved, we grete you wele. And where as we by our letters patentes of oure special grace have geven and graunted to our full trusty knyght Syr William Stoner, by the name of William Stoner, squier, the lordships of Wycombe, Bassettesbury, and Crendon in our Countee of Buk., Hasely and Pyrton in our Countee of Oxon., with the kepyng of the woodes called Kellerygge and Kingeswood, for terme of hys lyfe with wages and fees in our said letters specified, as in the same is conteigned more at large: which lordships and woodes with their appurtenaunces we have sithin geven to you and your successours perpetuelly to our College of Windesore: it is shewed unto us that ye nowe entende to remeove him, and ordeigne and make a new Officier in and for the same at your pleasour, not havyng regard to our saide graunte, if it soo be, which we ne woll: and therfor desire you that for divers special causes ye in noo wise ameove the said William, but suffre him to enjoye and occupie the said offices accordyng to our said letters, and the parfite effecte of the same. And over that, if the same our graunt shall not unto him be suffisant in that behalve, we eftsones desir and pray you that undre your seale autentique, if itt shall be requisite necessary, ye do make unto him of your graunte in due fourme letters not to his prejudice accordyng to theffect, tenour, and purport of our said graunte and letters patentes, as our trust is in you.

Wherein ye shal unto us doo full good and singuler pleasour. Yeven under Signett at our maneir of Shene the xxvj^th day of March.

No endorsement.

240. HENRY GORTON TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR [? 20 MAY, 1479]

The date must be later than 1477 since Stonor is a knight. It would seem likely that the date is later than that of the previous letter, which explains the allusion to "my mastres" (masters) of Windsor. A possible date is therefore 20th May, 1479. In any case it is convenient to place the two letters together. For Harry Gorton see further No. 219. From A.C., xlvi, 164.

Ryght reverent and worshypfull Master, I reccommaund me unto your mastershyp, desyeryng to here of your welfar, letyng you understond that my mastres of Wynsore have appoyntyd the Court of Bassetysbure the Moneday before Whitsoneday, also Crendon, Pyrton, Hasley, Tewysday and Wenesday aftur. I pray you of your masterhode to seynd me worde yff ye may be ther or nott: for my lorde of Salesbury wylbe as att thys hymself. Plesyt you to send me worde by the brynger of this byll, and uppon Satyrday at Wynsore I shall lett theym understond howe your masterschyp his dysposed by godes grace, whome have you in his kepyng. Wreten on Thursday last passed in hast.

By your servant Henr. Gorton.

To his most worshypfull master Sir Willm. Stonour, be this byll de|livered in hast.

241. . . RDE HALL TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR [1 JUNE, 1479?]

This letter—A.C., xlvi, 166—is much mutilated; it may perhaps relate to the same matter as No. 242. It begins:—

"[I recommend m]e to you. Leke yowe Remembur the laste terme at Lundon y made labur to yowe ffor the delyveraunce. . . . . Standelf: at whiche time ye made a byll to your servaunde ffor the delyveraunce of the same. . . . . How be hytt, as hytt ys seyd, vij of the beste of the seyd catell reste yette with yowe. . . . . Prayng yow they may be de|lyvered accordyng to suche direction as wasse taken."

Halle then goes on to ask that:—

"þe day may be had as ye apoynted before Mydsomer: my ffather Rede wolbe redy with a resonable . . ., for he thyngketh he is nott kyndely deled with, rememberyng he wasse nevyr speke with in þat mater . . . [w]asse taken uppon the Assencion Eve, and uppon the Friday nexte aftur cam Lentall to hym . . . fro yowe, which he thynketh onkynde delyng. Accordyng to my promyse to yow at Lundon I wrote [la]tely to John Felowe for þe lande þat ye well know and incontinent upon the syght of my letter. . . . .

The remainder is too broken to extract any of the meaning.

. . . . . "the Tewysday in the Whytson. . . . ."

. . . rde Halle."

To his ryght worshipfull Sir William Stonor, knyght, this letter be delyvered.

242. SIR EDMOND REDE TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR 4 [JULY? 1479]

This belongs to the same year as the previous letter. The most likely years are 1479, when Whit-Tuesday was 1 June, or 1481, when Whit-Tues|day was 13 June. Borstall is in Bucks, near Brill. The Stonors had lands at Standelf or Standhill (see vol. ii, p. 183). From A.C., xlvi, 196.

Worshypfull Cosyn, I comawnde me to yow with alle my herte: pleaseth hyt yow to wytt that as y am informed ye have lett owte yowre landys ande medues in Standelf to fferme: how be hytt y have hadd them to fferme of yow and of my cosyn yowre ffather, whos sowle Gode asoyle, this xl^ti yere ande more, and truly payed my commond therefore: and so y wulde a doo to yow yeff hytt hadd pleased yow I shulde a hadde them styll. And as me semeth, Cosyn, yef hytt pleased yow,

hytt were more metely for me to have them to fferme thanne eny other manne. Ferthermore, Cosyn, as y am informed ye have labored to the gudde lorde of Ossney, stondyng Vicar of Pyrton, to have to fferme the tythes of Stande fe for a chapeleyn of yowres: whiche tyȝhe y have hadde to fferme of the seyde gudd lordes predecessour, att þat tyme Vycar of Pyrton, xl^ti yeres and more, and truly contented hym therfore. Ande, as me semeth, hit were more metely for me to have hytt to ferme, whyle hyt ys in my nowne grownde, thanne eny other parsone. Where|fore, Cosyn, y praye yow to shewe me yowre gudde will in thys seyde maters, and demesne me in them as ye wulde be demesned yowre selfe in case semblable, as my very trust ys in yowe, and y shall to my power do as moche for yow in tyme to com with the grace of Jhesu, who have yow in hys kepyng. Wretyn att Borstall the iiij^th day Juli.

By yowre Cosyn, Syr Edmonde Rede, knyght.

To my Ryght worshypfull Cosyn, Syr William Stonor, knyght, be thys letter delyvered.

243. RICHARD, DUKE OF GLOUCESTER, TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR AND HUMPHREY FOSTER, OR FORSTER, THE ELDER. 9 JULY [? 1479]

The year is perhaps 1479 or 1480. Autograph of Richard III as Duke of Gloucester. From A.C., xlvi, 163.

R. Gloucestre.

The duc of Gloucestre, gret Chamberleyn, Constable, and Admirall of England.

Right trusty and well beloved, We grete you wele, and desire and hertely pray you, that incontynent after the sight herof it woll like you at this our instaunce to cause to come afore you William Idley and Elizabeth, his Suster, and demaund them the cause why they content and pay not to our right welbeloved servaunt, Anne Idley, Maistres of our Nurcery, her annuitee of v. marcs, graunted for terme of her lyff of the Manor of Drayton, and advise them, as they woll avoid our grevouse displeasure, to see her aswele þerof yerely contented as of þat she is behinde unpaied of the same. And of theire disposicions in this be|halve

We hertely pray you to asserten Us in as goodly hast ye may, as our speciall trust is in you, and as We may do thing at your desires herafter. And our lord kepe you. Yoven under our signet at our Castell of Middelham the ix^th day of Juyll. J. Kendale.

To our right trusty and welbeloved Sir William Stonor, knight, and Humfrey Foster, thelder, squier, and aither of them.

244. WILLIAM WALLINGFORD, ABBOT OF ST. ALBANS, TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR 11 AUGUST, 1479

This letter is written throughout, signature and all, in the same hand, prob|ably by a secretary. From A.C., xlvi, 198.

Right Worshipfull Syr, I recommend me unto you: and where as it liked you of late forto write unto me for thoffice of Stewardship of my pore priory of Walingford, which is now fall voide be the deth of Garnon, on whoos soule our blessid lord do his mercy: it is so Syr, for a trouthe þat the revercion of thessayd office aftir Garnon was grauntid by my last predecessour under seale unto oon John Stepneth, a servaunt of our Monastery dwelling in Seint Albons, which John I am certenne may not nor cannot avaunce and help the place in sich matiers as it is troublid with, as Garnon myght and did while he lyved. Natwith|stonding I wold be looth to be put in default and taken in rapport to make a graunte contrary unto my said predecessours seale and writing: if that your wisdom cann finde the mean that thessaid place be not double chargid with the fee of thessaid stewards office, and also that ye will of your charite help that the place be not overlaied and hurt by Harry Dogket and oder sich as pretente to have annuytees and fees of thessame place, I will be glad, for the grete worship and sadnes that I here rapportid of you, that ye have thessame office. Therfor if ye will promyse me under your writing and seale of your armys to defend the place from inquietacion of thessaid Herry Doget, and also to finde the mean that the place bere not double fee of thessame office of Steward|ship, ye shall have a patent esselid therof in maner and forme as Garnon

had, whom God pardon and preserve you to his plesyr. Writen in my Manoir at Titenhanger xj day of August, 1479.

Your ffaithfull Lover; Willm. Abbot of Seint; Albons.

To the Right worshipfull Syr Willm. Stoner, knyght.

245. HENRY DOGETT TO [? STONOR] [date uncertain]

This letter may be addressed either to Thomas (d. 1474) or to William Stonor. Henry Dogett was in the service of Thomas Stonor as early as 1443-45, see vol. ii, p. 181, below—and lived till 1491. But the letter seems to relate to a dispute with a prior; from the previous letter Dogett appears to have had a quarrel with the Prior of Wallingford, and therefore the letter may be placed conveniently here. From A.C., xlvi, 148.

Syr, as for the mater bytweme me and Crofte(?) ye undirstond my writeyng that I shold have all the tythes except of the demayn lond in Chalford: I clayme no more but all this tythe, hey as well in Chalford [as] the corne out of Chalford, acordyng to my writeyng: I undirstond that he hath the countrepanes of my writeyng, and yef I were prior as he is I wold have the countrepane of his writeyng. Syr, I pray yow that I may have a copy of his writeyng, and suche rewle as ye like to set betwene us I wol obey hit in the said mater. How be hit I was offered iiij marcs to lese my tytle in the said tythes, for be cause hit is well worth xl s. a year. I remitte all to yow, my goode and feithfull maister,

Your old servaunt H. Dogett.

No endorsement.

246. THE CHAMBERER OF ST. ALBANS ABBEY TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR 17 SEPT. [? 1479]

There is nothing to show the year; but as the letter is written by the same scribe as the other St. Albans letter—No. 244—it may be conveniently placed

here. Harry Chune or Chowne was in the service of William Stonor as early as 1475 (see No. 147) and on 24 Jan. 1480 purchased from Sir William Stonor all the oak and ash to the assize of 22 inches in Kilrygge and Litelbowettes and on the highway to Somerheth and Stokfelds ground, for £10 (Ancient Deeds, C. 3131). From A.C. xlvi, 199.

Right worshipfull Sir, I recomend me unto yow. And where it plesid you to write unto me of late desiring me to ow my ffavour unto Herry Chune, which as ye be enformed made a certenne bargenne with Averey Hoorn and his wif for their house in Tyrefeld, and theruppon made a surrendyr in the Court for the behofte of thessaid Herry &c.: lykith it you to wete that trouth it is sich a surrendyr was made, but it was made under condicion that thessaid Herry shuld agre with me at that tyme for the fyne and dyd not: wherfor he tooke a day of me hymself to come to Seint Albons and agre with me for his said ffyne: and so he came at his day and agreed not with me, but tooke a new day of agrement with me: and at his speciall desyre I yaf unto hym anoder day, which day he brak and come nomore unto me nor yet sent unto me. And when I herd nomore of hym and understood weele that it was presentyd how Averey had maad wast, as it is to shew of Record, I thenne approvyd it for the wele of myn office and grauntid thessame howse with the purtenauntes unto Robert Blakmer and delyveryd hym his copy uppon thessame, as apperith by my court Rollys: fforsomoch as it so is and that Chune hath no manner strength nor intrest in the same house but as it is abovesaid, and that Blakmere is possessid law|fully according to the Custome of the maner by strength of his copy, beseche you to be good maister unto Blakmere in his right, whom yf y canne entrete by desire to graunt it over unto Chune I will be glad to do your plesyr theryn and in any thinges ellis that I may do of right for you or any of yours. Besechyng you to yefe no ffavour unto Chune in this behalfe for what sermyse soever he make to you in that mater. This ys the trouth as y have wreton, and that knowith our Lord, who preserve you alwey in worship and welfare, Amen. Writen at Seint Albons the xvij day of Septembre.

Your Chapelen to his power the Chamberer of seint Albons.

To the right worshupfull Sir William Stonor, knight.

247. RICHARD PAGE TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR 25 SEPT. [1479]

The year is fixed by the reference to Lestan as farmer of Horton; Lestan was farmer in 1478 (see No. 233), and had lost that position in October, 1480 (see No. 276). Sutton Hone is between Horton Kirby and Dartford. Appelton will be the owner of Grandisons Manor at Wilmington, which is close by. From A.C., xlvi, 194.

My ryght synguler good Master, after dew recommendacion, like it you to wete that all your servauntes and tenauntes in thes parties fare well, and I recommaunde thaym to your mastership, and so do we all to my lady your wif. The cause of my writyng to your mastership is this: it is so that I have the gift of the presentacion of the Vicarage of Sutton bysydes your maner, and for that feith and service that your chaunterie prest of Horton, Syr William, beres to your mastership, y have geven hym the benefice, so it be your plesyr. Syr, ther ys a frere prechour off thabbey of Dertford, is name is frere Hugh Fabri, whiche y have allway aught my verry good will and favour onto, and so does Appelton, Martyn, and all the gentelmen in oure parties. I certifye your mastership he is a good prest, and a clene, ther is non better to my understandyng unfaynyd. Syr, if it wold plese your mastership to write a letter to the master of Cobham that it were your plesyr, he shold succede syr William in your Chaunterie, it wold be to the grete comfort of all the gentelmen in thes parties; and over that ye shall have the dayly praier of a good prest, ther was never non suche ther syns I knew Kent. By my trowth undoutyd my lord bysshop wold have geven hym a benefice, but he woll non have. I pray your mastership to tendre this mater the rather at this my pore instance. I thank your mastership for my buk. I dar incombre you no longer. I pray Jhesu send you all youre goodly hertes desire. Writen at your Horton this xxv day of Septembr with the fest of your

Page.

Syr, Lestan, your fermer, understode that y wrote to your mastership, cam onto me and desirid me to remembr yow for hym: if it plese you, it is thus, he is suffisaunt within your distres, he woll content your mastership at Martynmas xx. li., if ye geve hym laysyr, he shall now pay your mastership well and suffisauntly, and if ye be hasty uppon hym he

must sel his graynys at mischef, and in concluson undon. He is sore ferd of your Steward: he hath promisid me he will content your master|ship this same yere xl. li. Plese it yow to send me oon litel word here.

To my master Syr Willm. Stonor, knyght for the kynges body.

248. THOMAS BETSON'S ACCOUNT FOR FENN'S BEQUEST [? 1479]

On 1st July, 1475, Sir William Stokker, William Heriot, John Stokker and John Pake entered into a bond for the payment of £400 by Sir William Stokker of that sum to the use of John, Katherine, Joan and Anne, children of Thomas Ryche when they come of age or marry; the money having been left by John Fenne, stockfishmonger (Letter Book, L. 131). This may be an account relating to the shares of the three daughters; "maystresse Jayn" is no doubt the second; she seems to have been in London with Betson in September, 1479 (see No. 249); this account may perhaps have been rendered a little earlier. From Ch. Misc., 37, iv, 36.

Md. that I Thomas Betson owght unto my lady Stonor xiiij. li. xiij. s. iiij. d., the whiche left of the CCC. li. that comethe to John Fenne. Wheroff paid unto my lady Stonor by John Hom, mercer, for shetes and silkes, summa vij. li. v. s. x. d. Itm., to Robert Edderyge, xx. s. Itm., to the sky ner, xxxij. s. x. d. Itm., delyvered to maystresse Jayn in silver, summa iiij. li. xiiij. s. viij. d.

Summa totalis xiiij. li. xiij. s. iiij. d.

249. RICHARD BRYAN TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR [29 SEPT. 1479]

In his next letter Bryan gives the report of Betson's illness for Thursday, 30th Sept., and Friday, 1st October; this letter was therefore probably written on 29th Sept. Betson's uncle is perhaps Sir William Stocker, whose wife was sister to Lady Stonor. Mistress Jane is probably Jane Ryche, the younger sister of Betson's wife. Humphrey Starkey was Recorder of London

1471-83 (Dict. Nat. Biog., liv, 108). Robert Tate was sheriff in 1481-82, and mayor in 1488-89. For Richard Page see Nos. 220 and 247, and for Fenn and Fyncham see vol. i, p. xxix. The amount of money is large but compare the list of obligations due by Betson in No. 264. From A.C., xlvi, 142.

Sir, according to the commaundement of your mastership we were at Stebenhith by ix of the Clok: at suche tyme as we come thider we sawe the gentilman forthwith. And in gode feith he made us gode chere as a sike man might by countenaunce notwithstonding: for in gode feith we sawe by his demenour that he might not prospere in this world: ffor mastres Bevice and oþer Gentilwomen, and his Uncle were of the same oppynyon. And we desired and praide him to be of gode comfort and so comfortid him as hertely as we coude in your name and in my ladies. And so we departid from the Chambre downe into the halle: and he felle into a grete slombering, and was besily movid in his spirites. And at a xj of the Clok I [Bryan first wrote "he".] callid his Uncle out of his bedde into the gentilman's Chambre, and I asked his advice and my maystresse his wyf of the stok and of the demenure therof for the yere and the half that is last past. And as touching the stok he confessid that it was xj.^c li. iij.^xx li. Wherin at the sight of your acquietaunce in discharging of him and alle his doers that shalbe be hinde him the seid stok shalbe redy. And as for the occupacion of it, as he will answere betwene god and devell, the boke that he bought it by ye shalbe prive therto: and the boke that he sold by ye shalbe also prive to: which ij bokes shalbe his Juges, which remayne in the keping of my mastresse his wifes handes under lok and key, and other billes and obligacions accordyng, concernyng the suerte for divers paiementes to be made by divers merchauntes, as the seid Gentilman seith. Forther|more, as touching to John Fennys prentice alle thing is according in suerte, which shalbe delivered into the handes of Laurence Fyncham and oþer of the same company. I have sent James to Page, and I trust to God he wilbe here this day by none. And as for the plate my maystresse Jane and I have caused it to be taken up and set in suerte, save that that must nedes be occupied. And as touching the bille that ye have of his awne hande of the sume of iiij^xx. li., I praie you send it me by the bringer of this letter; and as for my lady money which ye geve by instruccion shulde be iiij^xx. li., I pray you shewe it me by writing how that I may appose it ferther, for as yet I can have no

answere of hers ne yours. I trust to Jhesu he shall endure till þe messenger come ayene: lenger the ffysicians have not determyned. The executours be thre persones, my maystresse his wyf, Humfrey Starky, Recorder of London, Robert Tate, merchaunt of Caleys: not|withstanding I moved him betwene him and me and mastres Jane that he shuld breke this testament, and make my mastresse his wyf sole executrice. What wilbe do þerin, as yet I can not speke, but I shall do as I can with Goddes grace, who have you in his kepyng. Written at London, this present daie at viij of the Clok.

By yow owne Ric. Bryan.

To my most worshipfull and singuler gode master Sir William Stonour, knyght.

250. RICHARD BRYAN TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR 2 OCTOBER 1479

"My lady Croke" is Elizabeth Stonor's mother, here as elsewhere styled "lady" out of courtesy. From A.C., xlvi, 143.

Right worshipfull and my speciall gode master, in as humble wise as I can I recommaunde me unto your mastership: and as for the tidinges that his here I trust to God it shalbe verrey gode: on Thursday my lady Croke came to Stebenhith and brought with her master Brinkley to see Betson, and in feith he was a verrey sike man: and or he de|parted he gave him plasters to his hede, to his stomake, and to his bely, that he alle that nyght was in quiete rest: and he came to hym ayene on ffriday and sye his water: and he was well amendid, and so seid alle the people that were aboute him: notwithstonding he will not determyne him whether he shall live or dye as yet, but and he may kepe him alive till Tuesday none he will undertake him. The cause that I write to you no rather was bicause I had no serteynte. Sir, there hath be many speciall laburs and secrete I-made, sithen mastresse Jane and I were come, to the contrarie disposicion that we come fore: I can not write the playnes of theyme as yet, for my mastres Betson attendith, alle things and counselles leyde apart, to abide and trust in your gode ffadderhode and in my lady: and ferthermore if he departe

the world ye shall here tidinges of her in as godely hast as we may purvey for her. And whether he deye or live, it is necessarie and bihovefull that Mastresse Jane departe not from her into suche tyme as the certeynte may be knowen; for in trouth divers ffolkes, which ye shall know herafter, and my lady, both thus hath and wolde exorte her to a contrarier disposicion, had not we be here by tyme. And mastresse Jane is worthy much thank. Writen at London the ij^de daie of Octobre at iiij a clok.

And as for master Page, I sent for him, and he wrote me a letter and seide that he wold be redy at eny tyme to come. Howbeit he was aferde of the sikenes: but for as hederto I am in no suche distresse to sende for him: but I will, if I have cause. And if your mastershipe will any oþer thing oþerwyse than I can remembre, write unto me and I shalle put me in devore to execute it acording to your plesour by the grace of God.

Your servaunt Richard Bryan.

To my right worshipfull sir, and singuler good master, Sir William Stonore, knyght.

251. THOMAS HENHAM TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR 10 OCTOBER, 1479

See the two previous letters. From A.C., xlvi, 172.

Jhesu A^no xix

Ryght honorable and worshypfull mayster, I recommaunde me unto your goode mayster in the most lowest wyse that I best cane or may, ever more desyring to here off your goode wellfare, the wyche I be-sche Jhesu long to continue unto your hartys dysire. Forder more, syr, ye scholle understonde that my mayster Thomas Betson hys ryght welle amendyde, blesyde by Jhesu; and he hys paste all dowtys of sekens, and he takys þ^e sostenanse ryght welle: and as for ffusecyons, ther come none unto hym, ffor he hase no nede of them. Syr, ye shall understonde that my mayster Syr Wylliam Stoker comaunde hym unto your maysterschype, and my lady hys wyffe. And as ffor schuche

thyngys as your mayster wrothe unto hym by master Bryane, hyt schalle be aplyde, and sent unto your mayster: ffor he says he wylle sende you none but goode: and as ffor your rede wyne, hyt schall be schyped upon Tewysday next comys: and as ffor your rondelet off Mallsay, [Malvesey.] yt thys not rede as yet, ffor mayster Syr Wyllm. Stoker hathe comyng a schype with Mallsay and hoder swet wyne, and he lokys ffor the same schype every day, and yeff so be that that the same schype come note betwene thys and Tewysday next comys he wylle porffay ffor your maysterschype a rondelet off Mallsay schuche as he may get in the sete, and hyt schall be schyppyde with your rede wyne. Fordermore, Syr, ye schall understonde that I resayved a letter ffrom your mayster by mayster Bryane, the wyche I schall do accordyng as your wryting dothe spesyffide. No more unto your maysterschype at thys tyme, but all mythe Jhesu have you in hys kepyng. Wreten at Stepenay, the x day off Octtobr.

By your prentes Thomas Henham.

To my Ryght Worschypfull maister, Syr Wyllm. Stonor, knyght, thys letter be delyvrde d.d.

252. THOMAS BRADBURY TO DAME ELIZABETH STONOR 15 OCTOBER, 1479

This is an invoice from Thomas Bradbury, a London mercer, who was sheriff in 1498 and mayor in 1509. On 7th April, 1481, he was one of the sureties for the payment of £758 19s. o½d. due to the orphan children of John Fenne (see vol. i, p. xxx). He died in January, 1510, and was buried at St. Stephen, Coleman Street (Stow, Survey, i, 284; ii, 180). Bradbury had been an apprentice of Richard Ryche, the father of Elizabeth Stonor's first husband (Ryche's Will ap. P.C.C., 4 Godyn). From A.C., xlvi, 239.

Jhesus.

After due ffourme I recommaunde me unto your ladyship: lyke it you to wytte that I have R[eceived] a letter fro you by Master Makeney, and accordyng to your letter I send you: þat is—

vj elles holland at ij s. an ell, Summa	xij. s.
Itm. ij elles holland at ij s. viij d., Summa,	v. s. iiij. d.
Itm. xij elles holland at xvj d. Summa,	xvj. s.
Itm. xxxviij yerdes grene sarcenet at v s. the yerd. Summa,	ix. li. x. s.
Itm. j. p. greene bokame to lyne it with, pris,	vj s. viij d.
	Totalis, xj. li. x. s.

Madame, the sarcenet is verry ffyne. I thynke most profytable and most worshipfull for you, and shall [last] ["Last" omitted in MS.] you your lyff and your chyldes after you, wher as harlatry of xl. d. or xliiij. d. a yerd wold nat indure too sesons with you: Therfor for a lytill more cost, me thinketh most wysdom to take of þe best. In certen I have bought the most part of þe sarcenet, for I had nat I-now to perfourme yt. I wynne never a peny in þat &c. I shall see your ladyship hastly by Goddes grace, who pre|serve you to his plesour &c. Wret at London the xv daye of Octobr., A^o lxxix.

Be your servaunt, Thomas Bradbury.

To my right worshipful Dame Elizabeth Stonore be this delivered.

253. HUGH UNTON TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR [? 26 OCTOBER, 1479]

Not earlier than 1478, in which year St. Simon and St. Jude's Day fell on a Wednesday; the most likely years are 1478 or 1479. From A.C., xlvi, 217.

Right worshipfull Maister, I recomaunde me unto you. And Syr, the case is so that yong Wagge nowe apon Saterday last passet hase comyn and take possession in a corner of a feld of a trew wedowe and bedewoman of yours, Robert Oxlades moder, concernyng the title of all hir place: the which woman hase ben in pesibill possession thes iij score yeres and more, as her sone Robert can more pleynly enfourme your maistership. And Syr, the lond is entaylet as fayre as eny can be unto the heires males, and hase been thes C. yeres. Syr, I beseche you be hir gud Maister in hir rigth, and to hir power she shall deserve hit. Wagge makys gret manasse to distres hir catell within thes iij or

fawre dayes. Syr, and ye send me a bill to withstond him, I will do my power: for as by parall she has enfeffet your maistership, M. Cotesmore, Herre Doget, me, and William Est. And Syr, I beseche you hold me excuset that I come not unto your maistership: I am a litill diseset for to ride. And almighty God preserve you, my lady, and all your housholde, the Monday afore Simon and Jude.

Your servaunt, Hugh Unton.

To my right worshipfull Maister, Sir William Stonor, Knyght.

254. ALEXANDER BASYNGTHWAYTE TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR 12 NOV. 1479

Alexander Basyngthwayte, tailor, of London, occurs in 1474 and 1489 (Letter Book, L., 114, 268). His will was proved in 1493.—P.C.C., 24 Dogett. From A.C., xlvi, 136.

Jhesu.

Reverent and wurchipfull Syr, after all dew recommendacion, y re|commaund me unto your Maisterchipe desyryng to here of your wylfar, the wych Almyghty Jhesu preserve and kepe to hys plesour and your hertes desyre. Forthermor letyng your Maisterchip to have in con|sideracyon that y stonde in sych a nessescyte at hys tyme, the wyche withowt y have your help and your socowr it wyll be unto me gret hurt and henderans: for y most pay to my son-y-lawe a C. li. or Crystysmas day, the wych y beseke yowr Maisterchipe to remember me in my ned acordeng to yowr old promys: for withowt ye help me, y wot wyll y may not kepe my hows. Syr, also my servant can infourm your Maisterchyp of my grevans. Also prayng you that thys sympoll byll may recommaund me unto my good lady your wyff. No mor to you at thys tym, but y beseke Jhesu hau you in hys kepyng. Wretyn at Lon|don, the xij^th day of November, A^o. E. iiij^ti xix^mo.

Be your own servant Alix. Bassyngtwhait.

To . . . mayster Syr William Stonor, knyght, thys be delivered in hast.

255. H. CARNEBULL TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR 16 NOV. [1479]

This clearly relates to the stewardship of Thame. In Ancient Deeds, C. 5623, there is a copy of a grant by the dean and canons of Lincoln, at the request of Thomas, bishop of Lincoln, to Sir William Stonor and the heirs of his body, of the office of Steward of the lordships of Thame and Dorchester, in Oxfordshire, and of Wooburn and Tynghurst, Bucks., at a fee of £6 1s. 8d. On the same paper is a copy of another deed dated 6 Dec., 1479. The grant of the stewardship may fairly be assigned to the same time. This letter suits well with 1479, for in that year 16th Nov. was on a Tuesday; Carnebull was going to Leicester on the following Monday, would stay there till the 26th, and then would be at Newark till 4 Dec., and at Lincoln till 12 Dec. Quatermayns and Fowler, who seem to have held the stewardship of Thame, both died in 1477. As Stonor was a knight this letter could not in any case be earlier than 1478, so that there must have been an interval between Fowler's death and Stonor's appointment. William Lenthall lived at Lachford, near Rycote—see No. 297. Henry Davers was one of Fowler's executors (P.C.C., 32 Wattys). From A.C., xlvi, 144.

Right worshipfull Sir, I recommaunde me unto you: thanking you for my grete chere this day made me at your place, but not for your park spoort, where in your defaut John, your parker, þat wold have bene my frende, is my gret enmye. I have received your letter con|teynyng þat ye wol do my lord service in thoffice of Stewardship at Thame, and þat for þe same ye will geif me xlvj. li. xiij. s. iiij. d., payyng hit at ij tymes, that is to wete at Michelmes next commyng xx ij. li., and at Candelmes þenne next folowyng the residue, which amounteth to þe somme of xxiij. li. xiij. s. iiij. d. Sir, I knowe þat my lordes mynde and pleasur is þat ye have hit, which I wil folowe in þat and in al thing duryng my lif, and so am y bounden. To your desired daies of pay|ment I wil therfor agre, and of your and myn aggrement I shal wryte unto my lordes good lordship. Sewe ye for your patent as soone as my lord cometh to Woborne, and when ye have hit sendeth it to Lincoln þat your graunte may be confermed by þe chapitour ther. To morowe I will be at Bannebury and ther until Monday next: from thennes to Leicester, and ther until þe morowe next after seint Kateryn day: so to Newerk, and ther until ij daies afor seint Nicholas day: thenne to Lin|coln, and ther by viij daies. Yf your patent be brought while y am ther,

I shal speke for þe spede þerof, so þat y trust your servaunt commyng þerwith shal not be taried. John Daunce shal to morrowe to Ricote and labour to gete you a copie of Quatermayns patent. Yf hit may be goten ther, William Lentalle, your servaunte, can advise you how ye may gete hit from Herry Davers: for Lental telled me þis same day he supposeth þat Herry hath hit. Yf hit may not be goten of hym, let Lental remember þe Scrivener þat made Maister Foulers patent, with whom y suppose a mynewte or copie resteth, and ther dooth hym to fette hit. I sende you herynne enclosed a copie of the wordes entred by Maister Auditour for þe allowaunce of þe Stewardes ffee, upon þe which copie ye may conceive your patent by counseile lerned, yf þe remanent faile. Oure lord kepe you. At Thame, in hast þe xvj^th daye of Novembre, with þe owne hande of hym þat is yours to my litle poer.

H. Carnebull.

To the right worshipfull sir, Sir William Stonore, knyght.

256. HENRY DOGETT TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR 31 DECEMBER [? 1479]

The date is most probably 1478 or 1479. It does not seem likely that it can belong to the same year as No. 231. From A.C., xlvi, 146.

My good and feythfull maister, I recomaund me to yow with all my service. I undirstond by your writeyng that the Kyng and oþer the lordes be right well plesid with your worshipfull demenyng: of the wheche I am right glad. And also that my lord Chaunceler is your good lord and councellyth you to your grete worship and avayle. God defende yow fro sinustre councell. My said lordes advyse and councell is full frutes and profitable for yow, as I have hadde very knowleche: I pray God contynue hym. And where ye like to write to me to come to your maistershep I was not wele disposed to ride this many day, as Godd knoweth. Praying yow that ye woll take no displeser, I send yow by my servaunt xx markes: I have right lytyll mone; how be hit yef ye nede I woll purvey more ayenst Monday next, and send hit to your maistershep with Goddes mercy, who ever preserve

yow, my good and feithfull maister. Wreton at Pusey a Neweyeres yeve, with the hond of your old servaunt,

H. Dogett.

Syr, John Wagge kan enforme your maistershep of my disese &c.

To my maister syr Will. Stonore, Kny[ght].

257. FUNERAL EXPENSES c. 1480

This account is written on two small slips of paper, stitched together. It clearly does not relate to the funeral of Thomas Stonor (d. 1474); possibly it may be for the funeral of one of Sir William Stonor's first two wives; if so "Mr. Edmunde" may be the writer of No. 195. Several of the other clergy come from the neighbourhood of Stonor. From Ch. Misc. 37, iv, 37, 38.

Be hyt remembride of þe costys at þe besynes that Jhon Yong hath ordeynyde.

In primis, yn Ale iiij dozyn & di., viij. s. Item, in beffe, xxj. d. Item, iij quarters and ij schuldyrs of motyn, xx. d. Item, iij pyggys, xij. d. Item, ij gese, ix. d. Item, vj chekyns, vj. d. Item, to þe berars of Ale, iiij. d. Item, ij li. candull, ij. d. Item, ij cokys, ij. d. Item, for spyse, ij. d. Item, for wudde [The amount is not given.] Item, for salte, ij. d. Item, mustarde, ob. Item, for Sawndyr Blackale, hors meete, iij d.

Summa, xv. s. j d. ob.

Nomina sacerdotum.

Doctor Lee. M^r Maknay. M^r Fasion. M^r Edmunde. M^r vicarius de Watlyngton. M^r vicarius de Chalgrove. M^r Smythe. M^r Morese. Rector Willelmus Odyngton. M^r vicarius de Scherborn. Dominus Johannes Clarke. Dominus Edmundus Tankart. Dominus Garthe. Dominus Johannes Schepey. Dominus Johannes de Perton. Dominus Johannes Wetfeld. M^r Christoforus Noresse. Frater Nicholaus. Dominus Johannes de Stokynchyrch. Rector de Rewder|feld Gray. Dominus Hugo. Dominus Grefet. Vicarius de Aston. Dominus Spensar. More.

258. FENCIBLE MEN IN THE HALF|HUNDRED OF EWELME [? c. 1480]

This list is written on two sheets of paper stitched together. The names of the places are written in another hand on the left-hand margin, and the names of the constables have been added on the right; the numbers of the men (whose names appear in the original) include the constables. From Chancery Misc., 37, iv, 39.

The certificacion to Sir William Stonor, knyȝte, by þe constables of þe di. hundred of Ewelme of men þat make harnes and be abul to do þe kyng servys, and also of such as be abul to do þe kyng servys and not abull to make harnes.

Ewelme. Thomas Staunton. const. Ric. Slythurst, a harnes and abull to do þe kyng servis with his bowe. Thomas Staunton, John Holme, hole harnes and both abull to do þe knyg servis with bill. John Tanner an harnes, and abull to do the kyng servis with a bill. John Pallyng an harnes and not abull to wer it. Roger Smith, no harnes, neþerles an abull man and a gode archar.

Benston. Constable? 3 men, 2 with harnes, 2 abull with a bill.

Berwike. John Wildgose, constable. 4 men, 2 "abull with his bowe," 1 with a bill, 1 "with an staffe".

Britwell Priry. Thomas Stoke, constable. 3 men, 2 with harnes.

Bryghwell. William Adam, constable. 7 men, 4 with harnes, 1 with an axe and no harnes.

Cuxham. Robert Hall, constable (has an harnes and not abull) 6 men, 3 with harnes.

Netylbede. Harry Wolryge, constable. 7 men, 6 with harnes, 2 "a good archer".

Huntyrcombend. John Lymborner, constable, 9 men, 6 with harnes (2 not abull), 2 good archers.

Chalegove. Richerd Hunt, constable, 3 archers and an abull man with a staffe.

Newnton. John Kyng, constable, harnes for a man, and Thomas Childe "an abull man with a staffe".

Holcumbe. William Grene, constable, harnes for a man, and Thomas Grene "an abull man with a bill".

Warborowghe. William Dalberd, constable, 12 men, 4 with harness, 3 archers, 2 able with a staff.

Hasley Magna. Thomas Cule, constable, 8 men, 4 with harness, 2 archers.

Hasley Parva. John Percyvale, constable, 4 men, 2 with harnes.

Lachford. John Nycoll, 3 men, 2 with harnes, 1 archer.

Ricott. John Kyng, constable, 3 men, 2 with harnes, 1 archer.

Draycote. Richard Howse, constable, 3 men, 2 with harnes.

259. PHILIP FITZLEWIS TO [SIR WILLIAM STONOR] 1479-80

This letter would seem to be rather later than No. 247, and since Lestan is still farmer at Horton (though in danger of losing his post), it may be re|ferred to the end of 1479 or the beginning of 1480. FitzLewis lived near Horton, see Nos. 324 and 326. From A.C., xlvi, 95.

After [all] dew recomendacyon premysyd, serteffyeng yow that ther hath bene with me dyvers off my neyghburreys ffrendys: they deseryd off me to geve aid to desyer off you to be good mastyr unto yure ser|vaunt and ffermor Leyston, and that hyt wold plesse yow to geve hym Estyr terme and Myssomer to content and pay yow yure hooll dute, for the wyche he will fynde yow suffyssaunt surte thos dayes to cepe: the wyche and hyt wolld so plesse yow to do, hyt schould cause yow to have the servyse off many gentylmen and other yure neyghborres in thys Contre: the wyche I remytt to yure wysdome, and Almyghty Jhesu be yure gyde and counsellor,

Yure owne alwey Phll. ffytz Lewys.

No endorsement.

260. WILLIAM HARLESTON TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR 16 JAN. [1480]

William Harleston of Denham, Hoxne, and Debenham in Suffolk, died on 4th Nov. 1480 (Ch. Inq. p.m. Edward IV, file 78). He was son of William

Harleston by Elizabeth, daughter of Sir Hugh Luttrell. Luttrell gave a moiety of the manor of Debenham to his son-in-law on 5 April, 1406 (Chancery Warrants, Series I, 881/5555). The second William Harleston married Philippa, daughter of Thomas Stonor, the elder, but left no issue. Since Elizabeth Stonor was recently dead the date of this letter must be 1480. "My cosen Ramsey," is no doubt Thomas Ramsey, see No. 179. The whole letter, including the original signature, was written by a scribe; Harleston appended his own signature. From A.C., xlvi, 169.

My Ryght reverent and worshipfull Neve, I an my wiff recommande us unto you with all our hertes. And I beseche almygthy God to have mercy on my lady your wiffes sowle, for verily she was a good woman and a well disposid: and I pray God send you no wersse thane she was. And more over, syr, I have receyvid your letter be my Cosen Ramsey, and also I understonde well the evedens the wiche my Cosen Ramsey browth me from you. And, syr, I shalle put me in my dever to do you a pleasur to my power. And as for C. marcs I shall purwey for you withinne shorte tyme, and if I hadde hadde it at home withyne me I shuld a sent it you be my Cosen Ramsey. But in good feyth I am feyne to make a shefte at London with my frendes ther for. And I shalle ley suerte be my obligacion in C. li. for C. marcs for your pleasur; the wiche C. marcs ye shall not fayle I truste to God to have at London the xxv or xxvi day of January. And at the Sworde in Flestrete ther ye shall here of a frende of myn, the wiche shall serve you of the said C. marcs be the love of God. And, syr, I pray you that it may be payd ayen be sevenyth or fortenyth after Esterne next comyng, in suche money as ys take, be it gold or in sylver; for I have wreten to my frende that he shall have as good ayen as he delyveryth. For I were lothe to displese hym, for he is so true and so speciall a frend to me &c. And more over, syr, for Goddes sake be ware now, for now ye may breke your howshold with your honour and worschep, now after the decesse of my good lady your wiff, and stabill your howsehold now saddely and wisely with a convenient feleshepp so as ye may kepe yow withynne yowr lyvelode; for a wise man will caste afore what falle aftirwarde. And be war of your moder hert, and take your fader hert, on whoys sowle I beseche almygthy God to have mersy. And of certen thynges I wold desire you and pray you in the name of God, that ye wolle not over wissh yow, ner owyr purches yow, ner owyr bild you; for these iij thynges wolle plucke a yongman ryth lowe. Ner medyll not with no gret materis in the lawe. For I truste to God to see you the worshipfullest of the Stoners that ever I sawe or shall se be my days.

And ther for I wold that ye dede as well as any man alyff, or as well as yowr owyn hert canne thynke. And, syr, of on thyng at is tolde me, that ye do make a fayre newe Garden; in the wiche I pray you for my sake to sette too herbis, the wiche ben, Paciens, Tyme: And that theis to herbis be put in the potage that ye ete, so as ye may ete them dayly. And more over, syr, as towchyng to your letter, ye have not assigned in your letter to whoom the money shuld be delyvered. Wher for I have assigned in my letter the day and place, where as ye or my Cosen Ramsey, or any in your name shall have it. And also, syr, ye have wreten in yowr letter, that yf I thynke that yowr wrytyng were not sufficient that I shulde have sufficient pleges. And as towchyng to me your wrytyng were sufficient; but in as much as I am fayne to ley suerte my self for the seid C. marcs, I pray you that my Cosen Ramsey, or whoo sum ever come for the money, that he may bryng sufficient and suer plegis with hym, the wiche shalbe indentid between hym and me. And they shalbe as suer and as saff to you, as they were in your cofer at home. And they shalbe redy for you at your day, the wiche day I beseche you to kepe as ever ye wolle have anythyng that I may doo for you in tyme to come. And, syr, I beseche you to take no displesur ther for to me wardes; for truly I do it for non other cause but be cause of dowt of dethe, as ye knowe well the worlde was never inesier ner more dowtefulle than it is now. And also that my frende shulde not be disseyvid; for if it were to me ward I wold never desyre other plege but ondely your wrytyng &c. No more to you at this tyme but Almygthy Jhesu have you in his kepyng. Wreten at Denham, the xvj day of January. And good Neve thynke on theis pore wordes, the wiche I have sent you, and also I pray you geve credens to my Cosen Ramsey brynger herof &c.

Be yowr true and feythefull vnkell Willm. Harleston. (autograph) Per W. Harleston.

To my ryght reverent and worshipful Neve, Willm. Stoner, knyth, be this letter delyvered in hast.

261. [ON BEHALF OF AGNES WYDESLADE] [1480]

This is the draft of a letter, which the mention of Wydeslade proves to have been written on behalf of Agnes Wydeslade, Sir William Stonor's second wife.

It was originally written in the first person, reading "my promise," "my hert," and "with me and desyred me". From A.C., xlvi, 269.

Whare at the departyr of your lordship, my maystresse promise was to conclude with no man in mariage in to the tyme she hadde putte your lordship in knowlychyche, and to have the ffavour and counseile of your good lordship: whareuppon your lordship promised her that your good lordship shold encline to soche a person as she myght ffynde in her hert to love and have in mariage: hit is so that a worshipfull knyght, syr Will. Stonard, hathe be with my seide mastresse and desyred her in mariage, to whom her hert is sette: besechyng your good lordship and favour in that behalve, acordyng to your promys by your good lord|ship to her made at your beyng last at Wydeslade.

262. ANNYS WYDESLADE TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR [early in 1480]

Annys or Agnes Wydeslade, daughter of John Wynnard of Wolveston, Cornwall, and of Hatherleigh, Devon, and widow of John Wydeslade, the younger, was Stonor's second wife. John Wynnard died in 1468, having ap|pointed Richard Wydeslade as one of his executors and trustee for his daughter. John Wydeslade, the younger, was apparently a son of Richard, who seems to have been alive at the date of this letter (see Wynnard's will, P.C.C., 25 Godyn, and Early Chancery Proceedings, 10/257, date 1467 to 1472. Since Elizabeth Stonor died about the end of 1479, and Agnes was married before May, 1480, this letter must have been written early in the latter year. From A.C., xlvi, 222.

Right worshipfull Maister, y hertly comaund me unto you with alle suche servise as y can or may: thonking you of youre kyndnesse shewed unto me, so pore a woman as y am, and unto your Maystershyp own|deserved: desyring to hire of youre welfare, the which y pray alle mighty Godde to preserve you to youre most pleasure and hertis desire. Please you to have enknowliche of my power welfare: at the making of this my letter y was in gode hele, and y trust in God within short space to be beter: for now y am at my liberte, wherof I thanke you, in my own hous at Exeter. The ffesisicion wolle do his cunnyng uppon me, but undertake me he wol not, nor never did noon in his liff. Cumfort in

hym I fynde, and in my mynde y thinke he wolle do me gode. Further|more the deling of my ffader in law ye shal have enknowliche by a bille, which Thomas Mathu shal deliver you. A very yeynd [Sc. "end".] betwyn hym and me wolle not be had into the tyme of youre comyng, which y trust wolle not be longe. Me thinkith a M. yere gon that y hurd any tidinges fro you. And in gode feith ye may sey unto me that y am own-kynde that y wrote nor send unto you synnes youre last being at Wideslade. The cause is, for myn excuse is y have be in helle, where y had litel cumfort, but as sone as y cam to Exeter then was y yn heven: and be cause that y am now in joy y do send you this letter. Maister, hit is so that the ffesicion is in hondes with me, and he desirith to have me in cure iij monythis, for which cause I pray you remember your Worship and my poor Queste. And as y amend y shal put you in knowlich by the grace of Jhesu, who kepe you.

ffrom your tru lover Annys Wydeslade.

To his right worshipfull Maister Syr William Stonore, Knyght, be this delivered.

263. [WALTER ELMES TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR] [1480]

This letter, which is unsigned and apparently intentionally obscure, seems to be in the writing of Walter Elmes, who we know from Nos. 282, 287, and 288 periodically visited Stonor's Devonshire estates. On this occasion his business would seem to have been to make arrangements for the care of Agnes Wydeslade's estates; the date is therefore probably some time in 1480; since there is no reference to the trouble at Wolveston (see Nos. 266-68) it was per|haps written in March or April. On the repairs at Clist, see No. 285. The Wydeslade mentioned in this letter is probably the father of Lady Stonor's first husband. As to Germyn see No. 268. An alternative date might be May, 1481, after the death of Agnes Stonor. From A.C., xlvi, 46.

After my dewe recommendacion. I must nedys be at Wynchester to morow. I purpose to be at Exeter apon Saterday or afore. Yf ye wull send in to Glouc' shyre or I com home, send me word by my ser|vaunt,

ffor ells I wold come homwarde therbye. I wuld not make Germyn nor Wydeslade, what my lord Marquys hath promysyd you. Wydeslade is metely to be Steward in Cornewall: be ye advysyd of his ffee, remembryng what he hath he wull thynke ye drede to sore. I wuld not wryte of Speke, nor none othyr, but thynke that no resonable man wuld intende to trobull you, and yff eny wull be onresonabyll that they wuld assyste you. Remette your counsell to þe berrer off your lettres to opyn to them as they fele them disposyd: Iffe ye knowe not whetheyr ye have eny cause as ȝyt, and till ye have cause, I wuld not your wrytyng were to large. I wuld a other were Steward at Hoode. Hexte is lernyd and is metely for hit. As for Woneford and Clyst lyke wyse. And yf I continue not—but all thes thynges must be gydyd as ye have nede and cause, and nothyng in hast. Yf I shuld bye blake gownes by the way, send me word: also what I shall do with the plate [Compare the reference in No. 268.] and þe stuffe. On Monday at nyght I wuld lie at Penyng|ton, yf ye wull eny thing. As for the reparacion of Clyst I pray you to send word, who shall have the oversyte, and also wer Halwell shall pay me þe money or send yt uppe to London. Item as for Germyn ffee whether I shall pay hym or no. Yf ye wull have Hexte send hym a letter.

264. OBLIGATIONS OF THOMAS BETSON TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR 10 MARCH 1480

The correspondence of Thomas Betson with Sir William Stonor ceases after the death of Elizabeth Stonor. Probably their commercial partnership came to an end about the same time. This document may have reference to the settlement of their affairs. In 1482 Betson still owed Stonor £1200, see No. 310. William Welbek after Betson's death married his widow, see vol. i, p. xix. From Ch. Misc., 37, ix, 27.

Resceyvid of Thomas Betson the x day of Marche A^o xx. E. iiijt_i.

In primis a obligacion in the wyche the seyde Thomas with othyr be bownd to Syr W.S. vij^ccc lviij. li. xix. s. st. Item, a obligacion of xx. li. Item, a othyr payable at Myhelmass next comyng, xl. li. Item, at owr lady in Lent come twelmonth a othyr of xl. li. Item, at Ester come

twelmonth a obligacion of C. li. Item, a othyr obligacion at Mydsomer come twelmonth of C. li. Item, acquytaunce of the seyde Thomas to the seyde Syr W. Stonor. Item, a Byll of Wyllyam Wel|bekk of iiij^xx li. payable in August. Item, a Byll of John Pasmere, skynner, payable in Februar next comyng, C. li. Item, Remanent payable at Myhelmasse come twelmonth of C. li. Item, a Debentur remaynyth in þe seyde T. Betson handes of lxxxxvj. li. x. s.

265. GERVEYS, DOGETT'S CLERK, TO WILLIAM TOVY 9 MAY [1480]

The year is most probably 1480, when Whitsunday was on 21 May, but it might be 1482 when Whitsunday was on 26 May. The earlier is the more likely since Dogett seems to have ceased to be receiver before 1482. From A.C., xlvi, 260.

Welbeloved, I comaunde me to you, and I pray you to werne Maister Botelers court to be hold with you þe Fryday before Whitsonday now next comyng, and þat þe tenauntes be warned truly, and þat þey brynge her rent to you þat same day or before: for þe lord hath sent to my maister for hit. And Danyell telled me þat ye became detter to Sir William Stonor for his olde rent: I pray you lett hit be redy ayenst þe same day with all þe new rent, as my maisters tryst is yn you. And when I come thedir I shall tell Mathew how he shall be rewled with his new house. No more to you, but Cryst kepe you. At Aston þe ix day of May

By Gerveys, Maister Dogettes Clerk.

To William Tovy, ffermour of Tyrfyld, be this bill delyveryd in hast.

266.? TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR [? 1480]

A large part of the right-hand side of this letter—A.C., xlvi, 224—includ|ing the signature, has been destroyed. The writer is a servant of Sir William Stonor, who reports as to what had recently taken place at a Court held on one of his manors. From Nos. 267 and 268 it seems clear that it was

Wolveston, and the date probably 1480. The writer was apparently not Richard Germyn, he may possibly be Thomas Hayward. The tenants had made unreasonable complaints. Their ringleader was Thomas Maras.

"I axte of hym why he had noȝt levyd Midsomer rent and Myghel|mas . . . and sayd ye wold noȝt, for he was as famelier with Werthe as any." The writer urged Stonor to "give credence of no reports till I speke with you," and advised him "to gete you a letter from my lord Marcas [Dorset] . . . for hit is to much for Graynfeld. . . . . Reco|maund me unto my lady your wiff."

No endorsement.

267. THOMAS GRAYNFYLD TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR 13 MAY [1480]

The year is fixed by comparison with No. 272. In 1480 Ascension Day was 11 May. The writer is Thomas Graynfyld, or Grenville, of Stow, who was great-great-grandfather of the famous Sir Richard Grenville. From A.C., xlvi, 165.

Myne especyall Gode Master, after all dewe recommendacyon y recommaund me unto your gode masterschip, doyng yow to wete that on Assencyon evyn Thomas Worthe came unto yowr Manor of Wolveston, ther of Thomas Hayward, yowr trewe servant, wold have had the keyys of yowr plase: the sayd Thomas denyyd hym: he sayd he wold enter in to the plase, or else he wold dye ther for: apon this wordes the sayd Thomas Hayward came to me abowte xj at clocke in the same nyght, and acsyd myne avyse what was beste to do: y avysyd hym to take Rygby, yowr trewe servant, and syche companye as thay cowthe gete to brynge in to the plase befor, to resyste the sayd Thomas Worthe: and by the morow sons rysyng y wold be ther my selfe to se what wold be done ther. And so yt was, or any man came ther, and at the comyng of yowr trewe servantes, Thomas Hayward and Rygby, we wente wher at Worthe was loggyd, to understond hys dis|posision: we mette hym by the way to Wolston ward: we ayste hym wether he wold: he sayd, to Wolston: we sayd, hit [wo]ld not be his ese to come ther, but he had bene better companyyd. And so wordes the wer betwene Thomas Hayward and hym: of the whiche ye schall

hyr her her after; but howe ye wyll hit schall be awnsweryde her after, yowr sayd sarvant and y woll pray yow to have knowlyche: for Pom|meroy and he byth bothe on: y hope he [Sic in MS.; read "we".] schall be abyll to withstond them bothe by the grace of Jhesu, ho ever have yow in hys blessyd kypyng. At my pore Stowe, the xiij^th day of May.

Yowr awne in that y can, Thomas Graynfyld.

To his especyall Gode master, Syr Wyllm. Stonar, this be delivered.

268. RICHARD GERMYN TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR [13 MAY, 1480]

As this letter relates to the estates of Agnes Stonor the date must be in 1480. John Speke was her cousin, and was clearly steward of some of her manors. As to Worthe, see the two previous letters. Richard Germyn, the writer, was a merchant at Exeter, and had been bailiff of the city (see Early Chancery Proceedings, 64/1042). From A.C., xlvi, 160.

Right Wurshipfull and Onerable Maister, y comaund me unto you. And where as ye wrete unto me to deliver youre letters in to the Gentilmen that thei be derected unto in Devonshire and Cornwale unto a trust a man, I shalle so deliver hem that youre wille and intent shal be ffulfilled. And as yet Worthe hath not entred nor noght he shalle. Moreover, y late wrote you a letter and send him by oon John Symon, which gave you the orenges and marmelate at Exeter: which letter was delivered unto Lannos, skynner, in asmoche as ye be not at London. Y trust ye have him. Also ye wrete unto me to have youre plate, which is with Maister John at Wille: at your letteris deliverans he was not at home, but before Midsomer y schal bringe hit to London pakked in the carior's pakke of Exeter: so bi the grace of God y schal deliver you me seilf. And accordinge to your letter y shal promyse to content him at Midsomer quarter of your Rentes. Furthermore, I have moved Speke, that ye comaundede me to reseve l. s. for this Ester rent, he sayinge this wordes: that ye at your departinge promysed him to sende your letter for his discharge under seale, or els he to pay no mony. So of him can y have no mony. Moreover he saith, that he

can holde no Courte at Wonford in to the tyme ye su a Travers. [A Travers was a denial of a fact alleged. A Travers of an Office was made to prove that an inquisition of lands or goods was defective.] And y teld hym so ye have done, and offered to have delivered him the writte which ye delivered me. At Tawnton on Saturday after Assen|cion day in hast,

Youre servant, Richard Germyn.

To my right wurshipfull and onerable Maister, Syr William Stonore, knyght, be this delivered.

269. WALTER ELMES TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR 1480

The date is fixed by the reference to John Warde, who was sheriff of Lon|don in 1479-80. From A.C., xlvi, 153.

After my dewe recomaundacion, &c. M^r. Page recomaundyth him to yow, prayyng yow to send the Bukk to Warde, Shreve and Aldyr|man of London, dwellyng on Canynggesstrete, wher that Syr Rauff Joslyn dwellyd, and that Jamys myte kary hit: to whome I pray yow to take xxd., and I shall content hit, for the karyage, for Master Page wyllys me so to do. And Jhesu kepe yow.

Y^ors to my power, W. Elmes.

To the Ryth wurshipfull Syr W. Stonor K.

270. RICHARD DREWE TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR [1480]

This letter probably belongs to 1480 when Halmath Malyverer was sheriff of Devon. In 1482 Halmath Malyverer, late sheriff of Devon, brought an action in the Common Pleas against Richard Drewe, late of Ermington, yeo|man,

for the delivery of a reasonable account for the time during which he was bailiff of the hundred of Ermington (Placita de Banco, Roll 880, m. 92, for Easter Term, 1482). Drewe was still bailiff in 1481 (see No. 284). Mathew was bailiff in 1473 (see No. 126). From A.C., xlvi, 149.

Ryght worschypfull Master, y recommaunde me onto you, doyng yow to wete that Master Malyverer hath take an accyon off a Counte agayn your bayly off Ermyngton by the informacyon off on Sowche, chere clerke onto the sayde Master Malyverer, and thay wolde compell your bayly to acounte wyth the sayde Scherve off the mercement wythyn your hunderd and to compell your bayly to geder the mercement wythyn the sayde hunderd: and that was never don hebeffore: therfore y be|seche your Masterschyp to se the mene at thys terme, that y may be dyschargyd off thys accyon that ys agayn me, and off the whyche mater Thomas Mathew can infourme yow, for he hath byn your bayly afore thys tyme. Y-wrytyn att Ermyngton by your bayly,

Rychard Drewe.

Thys byll be deliveryd onto my Master, Syr Wyllyam Stoner, in hast.

271. WILLIAM GOLDWYN TO JOHN BYRELL 12 JUNE [1480]

The prescriptions were most probably intended for the second Lady Stonor, and the year will then be 1480. In printing the prescriptions it has seemed best to mark the expansions by the use of italic letters; "an^a" represents the Greek … (to the amount of), which is still used in modern prescriptions in the form āā.; "epatice" is either the common liverwort or the hepatica; "olorum" is presumably an error for "oleorum"; "cicomorum" means wild figs; "manus Christi" is apparently a drug, but does not seem to be identifiable; "acedule" is also obscure. "℞," of course, stands for "Recipe".

William Goldwyn, in his will dated 2 June, 1482 (P.C.C., 5 Logge), de|scribes himself as "maister of art and Bacheller of fesyk"; he directed that he should be buried in the Chapel of the Hospital of St. Thomas Acon, to which he bequeathed all his "books of fesyk to be chayned in the common Library for evermore". John Berell, "apotecary," was one of his executors. The will was proved on 8 June, 1482. John Berell, grocer, occurs in 1473 and 1487, and John Berell, junior, apothecary, in 1472 (Letter Book, L. 103, 113, 244). See also vol. i, p. xlv above. From A.C., xlvi, 261.

℞. Sirroporum rosarum, epatice, mirtillorum, an^a [ounce]iij. endiuie, compot. berberis, an^a [ounce]iiij. aquarum pocculatarum de stipitibus rosarum, plantaginis, mirtillorum, acedule, an^a [ounce]ij. absinthii, foliorum quercus, an^a [ounce]jss. endiuie [ounce]iiij. commisceantur.

℞. olorum rosarum, masticis, absinthii, Cicomorum, an^a [ounce]jss. mirtini [ounce]. aceti [dram]j. commisceantur.

℞. masticis [ounce]j. puluerizetur subtiliter et ponatur in cophino paupiri mundissimi.

℞. manus christi [ounce]ij.

Syr, I recommende me unto yow, prayng yow as hertely as I may þat ye have over syȝthe in þe servyng of þys byll, as my truste ys in yow: for þys ys for a specyall Mastres of myn. And with þe grace of God hit schall not be longe or I see yow. And þen I purpose for to tary with yow. Wrytyn at Stoner þe xij day of June.

M^r. W. Goldwyn.

To John Byrell þe eldur, Poticary, Duellyng in Bucklers Bury, be þys byll delyverde.

272. RICHARD GERMYN TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR [4 JULY, 1480]

Since this letter was clearly written in the summer, St. Thomas Day must mean 7th July, and since "my lady" must mean Agnes Stonor, 1480 is the only possible year. As to Worthe and Wolveston, see Nos. 267 and 268. Sir William Stonor visited Devonshire as Germyn desired and was at Ermington, I August, 1480 (Ch. Misc., 37, ix, 29, see p. 169 below). From A.C., xlvi, 278.

Right Worshipfull and Onerable Maister, y comaund me unto you with alle suche servyse as y can or may. Please your Maistershipp have enknowliche, y have delivered your letters to John Hochyn and to William Baker: and y have caused them to wrete unto you a aunswer, which ye shalle reserve with this. Baker hath crese cloth, canvas hath he noon, which ye shall have and ye wille: but I wol advise you to by hit not to dure. Furthermore, William Baker told me,

[figure]

WILLIAM GOLDWYN'S PRESCRIPTION AND LETTER TO THE APOTHECARY. (From No. 271)

when y com home, that Worthe hath promysed his son to mary with Richard Pomeray. But y can not thinke hit be so, for thei be within gre of mariage iij^de and iiij^e. He hath made his bost syne he cam home, as Colwodele teld me, that he wol have Wolston or this somer be don. Many men questyn me where he was thurgh with you or no. And so did M. Speke also. And y told him what poyntment was made betwyne you and hym this terme. Your servant, Thomas Haiward of Wolston, spake with his man Wyse: and he teld him that his Maister is ful determed in his mynde to set upon you in hast, yef ye acorde not. After my sympel advise hit were wel don this somer, that ye cam unto Wolston, and my lady with you, and to ly there: ye have whete y-now there for a while: hit shuld cause you to have love of the Gentilmen of the Shere, and Comyns also: and after that ever to have hit in pease. And so y trust ye shal, for all this his longage. And as I have more enknowliche of this mater, or of any other perteynyng unto you, y shal by the grace of Jhesu sende you worde, who kepe you, Amen. At Exeter, un Tuesday before Seint Thomas day.

From youre Servaunt, Richard Germyn.

To my right Wurshipfull and Onerable Maister, Syr William Stonere, Knyght, be this letter delivered in hast.

273. HENRY COLET TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR 7 JULY [? 1480]

The writer is no doubt the well-known London merchant, who was father of Dean Colet. The reference is to a wardship, and the date is probably earlier than that of Nos. 276 and 282. For Thomas Pratt, see Nos. 103-5. The letter is holograph. It apparently belongs to the same year as No. 276. From A.C., xlvi, 201.

Right worshipfull Syr, I comaunde me unto you, and letyng you wete that I have receyvet your letter send to me by Hugh Unton, by the which letter I understond ye desire a gretter somme than ye graunt hir me by mouth your awne self. Syr, the trouth is this—I will aply somwhat to your intent: ye shall have for hir mariage and all the rigth that shal long to hir sex score pound: and wher ye desire me to gete

yow ij suertes, ye shall have my service, and that ye shall well under|stond at oure next metyng. And how ye will be demenet of this child, I pray you send me word what I shall trust unto: for ye may under|stond by my writyng that I owe a love to the child, and loth to displese you. Syr, I have a bill deliveret me for payment made by you to Thomas Prat of Henley of xx. li., the which ye owe my lady Mount|ford: of the which bille ye and I shall agree well opon at oure next metyng. And almighty God have you in his kepying. Written at London opon Seint Thomas Day at nyght at vij of Clok,

be yowur owne Harry Colet.

To the right worshipfull syr Willyam Stonor, knyght, be thys delivered.

274. WILLIAM GOLDWYN TO LADY STONOR 18 JULY [1480]

This letter is probably a month later than No. 271, which seems to belong to 1480. But the fact that 18th July in that year was on a Tuesday presents some slight difficulty. Attached to the letter is a small slip with some medical direction; only a few words are legible: "... k vj sponfull ... octua ys and menes...." From A.C., xlvi, 242.

Right worschypful and to me Synguler good lady, I recommende me unto yow: prayng yow to sende me a buck a Wedynsday next commyng acordyng to þe promyse that my Master and ye made at my laste beyng with yow: for a specyall frende of myn schall be maryde on Thursday nexte commyng, to þe wyche I have promysyde a buck: wherfor I pray yow þat he be not dispoyntyd. And my service schall be þe more redyer to yow at all tymys with þe grace of God, wyche have yow in kepynge. Wryttyn in haste þe xviij day of Jule,

By your servant, William Goldwyn.

Madam, I pray yow to speck to my Master for þe xvj. li. þat ys dew unto me.

To my lady Stonor, Be thys delyverede in haste.

275. H. MAKNEY TO [SIR WILLIAM STONOR] [17 SEPT. 1480]

Clearly written to Sir William Stonor, and, from the reference to Lady Stonor's illness, probably in 1480. From A.C., xlvi, 180.

My Ryghte reverente and my syngler gode Maistire, aftire due re|comendacion, Sire, pleasithe to wete þat my lady is in gode hele, blesside be Jhesu, and recomendide unto youe with alle here herte and mynde, and alle your servantes also, and praythe daily for your prosperite and wusshuppe, in especiall for your sone comynge home &c. Syr, your parke gothe welle onewarde in dikinge and in pale, your husbondrie in like wise, and befe and moten wex, and the state, [Perhaps "stots," or it may be "stace" meaning "stock".] with alle odire vitaile, and specially money. Y pray youe remembre your lente stuffe. Y wulde have be with youe my selfe or þis tyme, but y ame so grevyde in my bakke þat y may nethe ride ne go. We hire of your grete and importune chargis latly leyde on youe, whiche causithe alle your frendis to be y-ryghte full sory therofe: but y beseche Jhesu contynue youe in honoure as ye have begon, and þat ye may furnysshe your selfe in alle abilymentes of werre lyke unto your ffelowshyppe beynge in rome as ye are in. And also my lady hath sente here water unto M. Derwothe to undirstonde his conceite, ande howe he demyth by here water whedir she be in wey of mending &c. On Soneday nexte afor sente Mathewes day, at Stonore.

Your servaunte, H. Makney.

To my Ryght Worshipfull Maister.

276. RICHARD PAGE TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR OCTOBER [1480]

The reference to All Hallow-tide shows that the month was October, and since the letter refers to the affairs of Agnes Stonor the year must be 1480. The reference to Colet points to a date later than that of No. 273. Since Lestan has ceased to be farmer of Horton, it must be later than Nos. 247 and 259. Probably the letter was written on either the 12 or 19 October

Richard and John Wynslade, or Wydeslade, were father and uncle of Lady Stonor's first husband. In Early Chancery Proceedings, 10/257, the latter is described as "John Wydeslade, senior, of London, gentilman"; he was a lawyer, and protonotary of the Court of Common Pleas. From A.C., xlvi, 189.

Plese it your mastership, after dew recommendacion, I have ressevyd your letter by my felow Makenay, by whiche letter ye have com|maunded me to deliver hym a bill of an C. li.: and acordyng therto I have delivered hym the same byll, whiche is paiable at Feverer next comyng. As for Mr. Colet, I spake with hym or your letter cam to me, and he gave yow day tyll after a halow tyde. Syr, as for the mater touchyng your mastership and Ric. Wynslade, John hys brother and y have sen the billes of the rekenyng uppon whiche we thynk necessary to have your mastership, my lady your wif, and Ric. Winslade to mete at London the viij day after alhalowtyde: acordyng therto John Wynslade hath sent to his brother to com heder. And Syr, me semys weldon ye and my lady cam at the same day, and to remembre you to purvey where my lady shalbe. Y remitt thys to your wisdom. I understand by your letter thentent of your mastership touchyng the remayn of my ladies yointur. Syr, I have shewid myn opynyon to Makenay consernyng that mater, who will show your mastership myn entent. As for Lestan, your fermor that was at Horton, hath purveid your monay in substance, it wolbe well don ye send or bryng your byllis of rekenyng bytwene yow and hym, so that the verry dette may be clerely understand. Wete ye well I have dalt quitly with hym in that mater. Syr, y wold be right glad to se your mastership, for me semys long sens y saw yow, and so God spede me, who preserve you, and my lady, and all yours. Writen at London this Thursday with the hand of your

Page.

To my master, Syr Wilm. Stonor, knyght for the kynges body.

277. JOHN RYSSHE TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR 1 DEC. [1480]

This seems to have been written shortly after the death of William Harleston on 4 November, 1480, see note on No. 260. But in that year 1 December

was on a Friday, so that Master Sillyarde (Harleston's nephew Sulyard, see No. 135) must have departed on the morning of the day that the letter was written. From A.C., xlvi, 197.

Shewyth unto your good Maisturshipp that on Thursday last passid ther was moche a doo bothe for the ap[pro]bate of the testament and also for the lande of my lady Harlston: but it is now put in a trete, and I truste to God bothe the lande and also the testament shall do well ynowe. But ther is and also hath byn moche sotell crafte for the same, and that bi them that ye thinke litill on. Wherfore I pray your Maisturshipp to take the labor, and faile not to be here as ye promysid on Monday at the ferthist, or rathir, and ye may, that ye may ride in all haste goodly over to my lady your Aunte, and then I truste to God ye shall have a god ende in the same: for I have devysid very good meanys for the accomplyssyng of your desire. Also, syr, M. Sillyarde departid hens on Friday in the mornyng, and he entendith to make as wise and as crafty labor as he can, when he comyth home. Whefor I wolde ye were there with hyr in all haste goodly, and then I trust to God all shalbe well: who preserve you to his pleasure. At London, the morowe next after Sant Andrex day.

Your owne servaunt John Rysshe.

The names of the Arbiturs:

M. Page. for you.

Doctur Birte for you.

Doctur Coke for hym.

M. Hoddesfeld for hym.

To my right worshipfull Maistur, Sir Willm. Stoner, knyght for the Kynges body.

278. THOMAS ROTHERHAM, ARCHBISHOP OF YORK, TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR 13 DEC. [1480]

This letter apparently has reference to the Stewardship of Thame, so was probably written soon after Rotherham's translation from Lincoln to York, and may therefore be assigned to 1480. The last clause and signature are autograph. From A.C., xlvi, 205.

Right wellbeloved, I commaund me to you, trustyng to a seen you or

this according to your promisse. Wherfore I send my servaunt to you. I have made promisse of paymentes, also have gret charges ageyn the season, and yet I here not of my receyvour. Praying you to send me by my said servaunt the mony, or ellys a gret part of it, as my trust is in you. God kepe you. From Battersay the xiij^th day of Decembre.

And I had not gret nede I wolde not have sende to you att this tyme. I prey you [ha]rttely to remembyr mee now as ye wyll I doo for you herafftyr.

T. Ebor.

To my right welbeloved Sir William Stoner, knyght.

279. THE VICAR OF ERMINGTON AND OTHERS TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR 16 DEC. [? 1480]

The date cannot be earlier than 1478. If, as is possible, the vacancy in the Chantry is the same as the one referred to in No. 281, it will be 1480. The vicar of Ermington is in that case John Edgcombe, see No. 286. For the sequel see No. 291. The chantry was possibly in the Chapel of St. Mary in the churchyard, the presentation to which belonged to the Stonors, see vol. i, p. xiv. From A.C., xlvi, 155.

Ryght worshypfull maister, We recommaunde us unto your gode maistershyppe: plese hyt yow to understond that your Chaunterie of Ermyngton ys voyde by þe dethe of syr John Kelowe, whych voydens as we understond belongyth to your presentacion: yf hit wyll please yow: your tytle of ryght, as your mastershyppe sayde þat ye wo d geve hyt at the nexte avoydens, nowe hyt ys yn season: we understond that youre right ys as gode to present þe forsayde Chaunterie, as ye have the advouson of the parsonage there. Also we pray yow hartely, that your maistershyppe wyll present an honest pryst, whych hath dwellyd amongys us by the space of ij or iij yere, well dysposyd and of gode conversacion: whych pryst shalbe att your commaundment at al seasons there: whych ys callyd Syr Ric. Knyght, now abydyng amaungys us. And the rather thys be don, all the better for your tytle. Butt we fere lest John Hyll and his feffes wyll present before yow. Notwithstondyng we be dys|posyd to put us yn dever to resyst soche an oon as thay wyll present, whatsumever he be, as ferr as owre power may extende, tyll we under|stond

how your maistershyppe wylbe dysposyd by þe grace of God, whom have yow yn his blessyd kepyng. I-wrete att Ermyngton þe xvj day of Decembre.

By your Chapelyn þe Vyc. of Ermyngton,

William Fortescu,

William Strechlegh, the older,

William Strechlegh, þe younger.

Adam Byrde,

John Trych,

John Huchyn,

Walter Frende, with all oþer your servantes and loveers.

Thys letter be delivered to William Stonore, knyght, yn hast.

280. WILLIAM SUTTON TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR [1480-83]

William Sutton, D.D., of Oxford, was proctor in 1467, and Commissary of the University in 1480 and the four subsequent years; he occurs as Com|missary in the Proctor's accounts for 10 May, 1481 to 17 April, 1482, and for 17 April, 1482 to 9 April, 1483. [Information supplied by Mr. R. L. Poole, keeper of the Archives. See also Wood, Fasti, 63, ii, 728, and Epistolae Academicae, 487. The Commissary usually entered office in the week after Easter week.] He also occurs as Commissary on 20 Dec., 1482. Sutton was Principal of Brasenose Hall in 1480, and died in 1502. He probably wrote this letter in his official capacity as Commissary. From A.C., xlvi, 215.

Aftur reverent recommendacion. Plesyt yow to have knolege that my lord Chansler of Oxon desyryt me at his last departyng from Oxon to remembyr yow of the mater concernyng a pore gentylwoman callyt Alys Poche, that ȝe wold be hyr gud maystur as ȝe have be afore tyme in the way of ryght and consiens: and if ȝe so be he wyll do yow as grete a plesure. And yf hyt lyke yow to tendur hyr anythyng at my pore request, ȝe bynd me to do for yow and yowres anythyng that lyse in power, with Goddes grace, who ever kepe yow.

Will^m Sutton, preist.

To mayster Willm. Stoner, knyght.

281. SIR JAMES TYRELL TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR [1480-82?]

This is a holograph letter from Sir James Tyrell, the suspected murderer of the princes in the Tower, who was at this time in the service of Richard, Duke of Gloucester. His wife, Anne, was a daughter of Dame Katherine Arundell (see No. 125), which explains why he calls Stonor cousin. The writing is very faded and difficult to decipher. The date may be between 1480 and 1482. From A.C., xlvi, 216.

Cosyn Stonor, I recommaunde me onto ȝow. And Syr, I have re|sayvyd ȝowre lettyr. The entente werof I have schewyd accordyng to soche comynycasyon as I hadde wan [ȝow] and I wer togedyr: and my lorde hath herde the excuse of my cosyn, ȝowr brothyr, and full corteysely delydde with hym, and bettyr than he cowde persayve in the begynyng: bot aftyr all was well, hys deute undyrstonde and don, my lorde his god lorde: and so I troste he wyll appon deservyng contynew. And any othyr thyng I can do to ȝowr plesyr I schall be gladde, pray|yng ȝow to remembyr [me]: and in my moste herty wyse I thanke ȝow for ȝowr remembryans syn I was last with ȝow. I pray ȝow of con|tyneuanse as I shall be ȝowrs in that I can or may.

Jamys Tyrell.

To my cosyn Syr Wylyam Stonor, knyght.

282. WALTER ELMES TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR [3 JAN. 1481]

The letter contains an obvious reference to the arrangements for the ward|ship of the Fenns. The appointment of the fresh trustees took place on 7 April, 1481 (Letter Book, L. 176; see also No. 287). This points to 3 Jan., 1481, as the date for this letter. The reference to the Exeter Almshouse (see Nos. 285 and 289) makes an earlier date impossible, and a later one unlikely. The date, 1481, confirms (by the reference to Colet) the dates assigned to Nos. 273 and 276. Agas Lovell may be one of the Lovell wards referred to in No. 237. Hugh and Margaret are the Fenns. From A.C., xlvi., 154.

After all dewe recommendacion, plesyth hit yow to undyrstond that I merveyle gretely þat ye send not Thomas Mathewe with the evydens &c. Thonkyng yow all weyys of youre grete bownteowsnesse unto me and in especyall of your offer to me grauntyd: wherfor I am bownd to be your trewe servaunt, and Bedeman whylys I lyve. Syr, I have re|membryd me of your comynycacion of Agas Lovell, whome, yf hit lykyd yow that I myte have undyr the forme folowyng, I trust hit shuld be to yow moste proffyte and avayle, and I and all myn to be your perpetuall Bedemen: yff hit lyke yow to take me CCCC. li. accordyng to your offre, I shall ffynd yow suerte to pay yow att viij yeres end your CCCC. li. ageyne, and CCCCC. marcs for the ward of the seyde Agas, wych wull drawe nye to the hole stokke of your ij chyldryn, Hewe and Margarete: and so there stok shall be redy at all tymes, with the on half in myne hondys, and that othyr half now in your owne hondes, at your day to do þat with what ye wull, and thus shall ye be purveyd of money and your stokk not brokyn. And as for the contentacion of Harry Colett, yf hit lyke yow to delyver me the next obligacion of Bet|son of C. li., I shall at my charge schevyshe so much and rathyr than fayle the hole: so now lakkyth non other but suerte in the Yeld hall, wych wull be gevyn apon such feoffement as ye spake of. Syr, I beseche yow remembre this, and bete hit ryth well in your mynd. And I trust hit shalbe your avayle and wurshuppe both to make your power alye, wych shall ever be bownd to pray for yow, and so [So MS., apparently an error either for "so to" or for "to".] yow the profyte and wurshuppe, and to me and myn a makyng for ever. Syr, yf this wey lyke yow, I pray yow to send me a byll fro yow to your Almes hows at Exeter, that I may þe sonner spede mee for Harry Colettes payment. Furthermore, I beseche yow that þis sympyll byll may recommaund me my good lady, your wyffe, and to all yowrs. And our blessyd lord hold his holy hand over yow and them with long lyff and grete wurshupp here to endure, Amen. I trust, thou I be fer fro yow, that þis lytyll byll [wull cause] [These two words have been crossed out; probably Elmes meant to erase this "cold whedere" also.] this cold whedere, and my erand wull make me and shew me present. Scrybylyd with hond of hym þat is yowr servaunt to the extreme of my lytyll power.

W. Elmes.

At Andever the Wenesday after Newe Yeres day at vj at Clokk in þe mornyng.

To my ryth wurshipfull Master, Syr Wylyam Stonor, knyth for the kynges Body.

283. LEASE OF THE MILL AT WATLINGTON 7 FEB. 1481

ABSTRACT. Indenture whereby William Stonor, knight, and John Wroughton, squire, and Henry Dogett, his feoffees, lease to Christopher Holand of Thame the messuage and horse-mill at Watlyngton, wherein Richard Good now dwells, for a term of eighty years from Michaelmas next, at a rent of 26s. 8d. payable in equal portions at Lady Day and Michaelmas. Holand agrees to repair sufficiently the mill at Stonor's cost, and at the end of the term to hand it over so repaired. If the rent is a quarter in arrear Stonor may distrain. If Holand dies within the term the lease is void. Dated at Watlyngton, 7th February, 20 Edward iv.

From Ancient Deeds, C. 124; the seal is lost.

284. RICHARD GERMYN TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR 3 APRIL, 1481

The reference to Sunday, 1st April, fixes the year for 1481, and so helps to determine the dates of all this series of Letters. As to the Exeter Almhouse see further No. 285. John Agecomb or Edgcombe was Residentiary of Exeter and Vicar of Ermington, see No. 285. Christopher Coke was a lawyer who joined with Richard Page in a recovery of the manor of Berkden against William and Agnes Stonor (ap. Ch. Misc. 37, iv., 40, see p. 169 below). For "Master Edmunde," see No. 194. From A.C. xlvi, 162.

Right Onerable and worshipfull Maister, y comaund me unto you with alle suche servise as y can or may, letinge your Maistership have enknowliche that Maister John Agecomb is decessed un Sonday the ffurst day of Averell. Many men have spoken to me that y shuld labur unto you for Ermyngton. And y teld hem that ye have geven hit unto Maister Edmunde, and wol in-proper hit to youre Chapel of Stoner: and so have y aunswerd them. Moreover, Maister Drew hath wreten a letter unto my lady, that he wol do help my saide lady of hir sekenesse, and to com unto hir at his own cost and to geve hir a du attendauns, with that hit pleased you to geve him this saide benfys. And y have saide unto him, that his letter is wreten in vayne. And

also y wrote a letter unto youre Maistership, which was delivered unto Lannoys, skynner, the furst weke in Clene Lente: y trust ye have him. For as to any man or men, here wolle noon be goten, as y wrote unto you: savinge ther is oon Vyncent, a servaunt of my lady is, a gode archer, y suppose he wolle com unto you: but horse nother harnys hath he noon nor mony. Aray him ye must at your own cost, yef he com. Jakys shal bringe you the serteynte of his comynge. And y trust that at M. Elmes comyng that ye wol assigne whom hit please you to occupy the ruel of your Almeshous, for y may no longer occupy hit nor can not; my besenesse wol be suche here after: for y must attende my ocupacion; for my servant which had the gedinge of my shoppe is fro me, and with me hath be to longe, for y am the worse for him y can not tell how moche me seilf. And as to the deth of Cristoffer Coke, y suppose ye have enknowliche: un who is soule God take mercy. Y pray your Maistership that this my letter may comaund me unto my lady, to whom y pray Godde sende hele and comfort, who have you in his keping. At Exeter in hast the iij day of Averelle.

Youre servant Richard Germyn.

Unto my right Onerable and worshipful Maister, Syr William Stonore, knyght, at London in the Old bailly.

285. RICHARD GERMYN TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR 7 APRIL [1481]

The reference to the Almshouse seems to show that this belongs to the same year as Nos. 284 and 289; moreover, it could hardly have been written in April, 1480, which is the only other possible year. "My lord Markas" is the Marquis of Dorset, who had lands in Devonshire; Agnes Stonor's land at Clyst was held of him. The vacancy in the Chantry may be the one referred to in Nos. 279 and 291. Thomas Haiward was bailiff at Wolveston, see No. 272. From A.C., xlvi, 161.

Right Wurshipfull and Onerable Maister, y comaund me unto you with alle suche servyse as y can or may. Please your maistership have enknowliche here y sende the copy of a writte, which is agayn you at the Kinge is sute in Devonshire uppon the Deum claus. extr., [sc. Diem clausit extremum.] which was

taken before the Escaetour. As the writte maketh menshion, see ye the meane to have hit oute of the Chekour, for ye go to a grete mersement; and more ye had, and y had not sarched therfore. Also I moved you at my last being at Stonore that my lord Markas his officer hath dis|trayned your tenaunt at Clist, and clemyth a mersshe, the third ffote in alle the said mersshe, where as he nor noon of his ancetours oute of tyme that no mynde is never had: and y teld you that y had apoynted with Broun his auditour, that the seid mersshe shuld ly voyde and not to be ocupyed in to the tyme that my lorde and ye hadde spoken together: hit wer wel doon that ye moved my lord of, and to cause him to write a letter unto Thomas Hexte, his stuard, so that your londe may be sette. Ther is oon John Wyndbow, which is my lord is tenant, and holdith moche lond of you, he clemyth this londe, sayng that hit shuld be longing to his place whiche he holdith of my lorde, and he is causer of alle this. Ye comaundid me that y shuld warne him oute of alle suche londes as he holdith of you: and so have y doon: have ye this mater in remembrauns. Furthermore y send you worde by Thomas Mathu, that ther was a almeshous fallen, which shuld be youre geft: y hure no more synne of. And so stont hit own-gevyn as yet. And now a nother also, what ye wille shal be doon there in: hit wer wel doon that ye wrote a letter unto M. Speke ther of. Youre Maistership gave unto me the next avoydens of oon pore man, and ye remember, in your stode at Stonore before your cosyn, Walter Elmys: in lasse then ye wrete unto the seid M. Speke, he will noon admytte. Moreover, your chauntry prest of Ermyngton is admytted into the seid your chantre: y made his presentacion, and my lorde is officers admitted him. And ye be the grettist man with my lord, and in his consaite: because of your hors geven and your attendauns unto him at London, that he may do and al his men ye may have: his servantes reportith of you that ye be the courtys knyght, that ever thei sawe, where of y am glad. Also ye wrote a letter unto me that y schuld content M. Speke, xx. li., wherof y have contented him on this quarter rent of Cristismas xvj. li. iij. s. iiij. d., as y shal shew you at my nexte comyng ever passed off my resaite, and as I bede Thomas Mathu to infurme you. The re|menaunt he shal have this quarter of Ester rentes, and then he is content. And as to your tenaunts in Cornwale, thei be as trew unto you as y can understond as any tenauntes that ye have. And as to John Meger, he wille com and speke with you at suche tyme as y come, and that shal be, by the grace of God, before Wytsunday, and bringe his Obligacion. And as to youre wode there, Thomas Haiward wolle geve you xx. li., save

ye shall cope hit at youre cost: or els he to cope hit and to pay you xvij. li. And no peny more wol he geve. Yet ye muste geve him daies of payment, Mighelmas next comyng x. li., and the next Mighelmas after the remenaunt. And yef hit leke you that he shal have hit at this price, ye must wrete your letter to him, so that he may fille hit before holy Rode day now comyng, or els he can not fille hit alle this yere. And as for your whete there, y have made Thomas Haiward to sille hit to your most advaile, of which ye shal have enknowlich, when y come. Also your place at Clist is in divers places owver heled: wher ye wol that y shalle set workmen uppon hit or no, y wold have enknowlich. There after your comaundement will y do. Richard Wideslade willith me to pay him this quarter v. li, which he saith hit is youre covenaunt: and he wolle deliver me your Obligacion of so moche mony: and he desirith xij. s. iiij. d. for his fee at Wulston: wher ye will y shal pay him or no, y wold have enknowliche fro you, or els he shal noon have. ij lettres have y wreten unto you synne the first weke of Clene laynte: and yet had y never answer not letter fro you. For goddis sake remember ye to move my lord Markas ffor this your mersshe, so that he may directe his letter unto Thomas Hext or unto Speke, for he is my lord is Resever late made by the deth of Geffrey Bedwelle. No more to you at this tyme, but alle myghty God be ever youre gode spede. At Exeter un the vij^e day of April.

your Servaunt Richard Germyn.

To the right wurshipfull and Onerable Maister, Sir William Stonore, knyghte, be this delivered.

286. RICHARD SALTER TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR 11 APRIL [1481]

The year is fixed by No. 284, where it is stated that John Edgcombe (or Agecomb) died on 1 April. From A.C., xlvi, 279.

Ryght worshypfull Syr, and my specyall good master, I commaunde me to yow and where hyt ys so as I am enformyd þat on doctor Egge|combe, late resydencyare of Exeter, is decesyd, þe whyche hadde a benefyce callyd Ermynton in Devonshyre of your patronage, now beyng

voyde, þe whyche I have harde reporte ȝe entende to apropure or to have lycence to make a chauntre or ij off, to þe whyche I am enformyd þe bysshoppe woll in no wyse assent: wherfore yff ȝe kan notte opteyn your purpose, butte moste nedys gyff hytte, yff hytte wold plese yow to have me rememburyd þerunto, I were ever bounden to be your bedde|mann, and to pray for yow as God knowyth, who ever preserve yow, Amen. Wryton in hast þe xj day of Aprile. I pray yow geve credens to þe berer heroff.

Your one to hys power, Richard Salter, doctor.

To the ryght worshypfull Syr William Stonor, knyght, þis byll be delyveryd.

287. WALTER ELMES TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR 13 APRIL [1481]

This letter was clearly written shortly before No. 288, and since that letter was written the day after Palm Sunday, the only possible year is 1481. This agrees with the reference to Bradbury, who took over the bond for the Fennes on 7 April, 1481. In 1481 the 13 April was a Friday, which also suits this letter. From A.C., xlvi, 152.

Aftyr all humble recommendacion. I certyfye yow þat Wheteley hath sheywyd to my lord of Gloucester and his Councell your labor in serchyng dyvers townys. And they marveyle that ye have sowth them ther, and say that yf ye wold ye kowde goo thydyr wer they be and fett them. Yf ye have very and trewe word that they be in Centwary, yf ye so certyfye I thinke ye shalbe excusyd. And thus is a sure wey for all partys. As for the copye of the byll, þat is put ayenst yow, I send you the copye thereof. As for youre mater of the grete summe, I pray yow to pondre in youre owne mynde wich of the ij weyys ye lyke best and I shull be glad to performe your entent. Wherefore I pray yow to wryte me certeynly wych of thes ij weyys ye wull take, for in this mater I wull nothyng take apon my sylfe, but wych ye wull have done shall be done: and that I may have redy wrytyng fro yow at furthyst by Sonday none, that I may make a ende on Monday, for then my hors wulbe with me: my howswyffe thouthe never so long after me, and

lokyth her tyme every day: wherefore I wull no longer tary than Mon|day. As for Bradbury wull delyver yow in on yere for all v yeres in stuffe, yf ye nede, and I kan have no more money of them till ther wrytyng be made uppe: and so I kan not pay Master Powle. And yf ye wull that Bradbury have hit not, I pray yow send all them iij a letter, howe ye fere to dele with them for your jeoparde and theres for fere of þe kyng: wych shall be a excuse for me also. They wull be loth to leve the money I fere me, now they have yt. And yf ye dele not with them, ye must be her in hast to be suerte with that othyr persones and discharge thos othyrs or ye have þe money. I remytte all to your wysdome, and þat I may sone have word fro yow. John Cheynye is owt a hawkyng, as sone as he comyth home I shall delyver yowr letter. The Kyng purposyth to be at W[ynd]sore. In hast as I hope my lady is in good hele, and all yours. No more to yow at this tyme, but almyty Jesu preserve [yow]. At London þ^e xiij [Elmes first wrote "xij"; and then added a third minim making "xijj".] day of Apryll in hast.

Yours to my lytyll powere W. Elmes.

I have delyvered my Lord Chaunceler the money: but I kanne have no letter of hym. He is so bysye with the Kyng. He would have sene my lorde prevy seale letter [i.e., a warrant for the great seal] fayne afore.

To my worshipffyll Master Sir W. Stonore, knyth for the Kyngs body.

288. WALTER ELMES TO [SIR WILLIAM STONOR] [16 APRIL, 1481]

This was clearly written a few days after the previous letter, to Sir William Stonor. Consequently the year must be 1481, as the only possible year in which Palm Sunday was later than 13 April. From A.C., xlvi, 45.

After all humble recommendacion &c. I have spokyn with John Harecort, and he sweryth he wull do for yow, and purposyth to sytt in the Ester wyke, but he wuld fayne have Stepenhyth endityd: but þat shuld not help your mayne. Sir W. Norreys wull do for yow, and sey whatt he kanne. Ye must be here fore the newe Reconisaunce. I wrote to yow þat Bradbury wull delyvere your gayne in stuffe and ware,

but not in money. I purpose to be homwarde to morowe, yf I may, and shall do and make all thynges suere as by woode advyse kan be made or I goo. If ye have any certeynte of your men I wuld advyse yow to come shewe hit, for my lord of Gloucester, my lord Chamber|leyne be gon, and now be her your frendys. No more to yow, but Jhesu preserve yow. At London the morowe after Palme Sonday. I purpose to come home bye Wynsore and fett your money.

Your servaunt W. Elmes.

No endorsement.

289. RICHARD GERMYN TO DAME AGNES STONOR 1 MAY [1481]

This was clearly written to the second Lady Stonor, and no doubt in the same year as No. 285. Agnes Stonor died on 5 May, and can never have received the letter. Her grandfather, William Wynnard, who died in 1447, founded an Almhouse at Exeter for twelve poor men, to be chosen by his heirs. See Records of the City of Exeter, pp. 278-9, Hist. MSS. Comm.; and Oliver, Monasticon Dioc. Exon., p. 404. From A.C., xlvi, 241.

Right Worshipfull and Reverent Madam, I commaund me unto you with alle suche servyse as y can or may. Hit is so that oon of youre poremen is decessed, whiche is Pryns. And ye remember ye graunted syr John Yotte the next avoidens at your departing. He praiyth you to remember hym, that he might have these hous, which was Pryns is hous, as ever he may hereafter do at your comaundment or desire, as ye know right well he hath doon for you herebefore. And now his trust is to be remembred at this tyme according to your promyse at hit (sic) last speking with you. And also my Maister, your husbond that was, granted oon to the Sudden, and another the Old Reynold, which have called upon me to (be) ["be" omitted in MS.] admytted in to this said hous: and y have aunswerd them alle that y wolle admitte noon in to the tyme that my Maister and ye send me youre comaundment wham I shalle admitte in. Hit is youres, ye may geve it to wham hit pleasith you. More|over, I hertly pray you, as ever y shal ow you my servyse, to remember my letter which y wrote unto you by Jakys, which oon mater was your

corne, and the other mater was that my Maister and ye shuld send a man to reseve this Ester Rent of your londes of your Almeshous for the payment of youre poremen and priest, and the geding therof. For I may no longer ocupy hit, nor noght wolle. I must attend my own besenesse, as I wrote unto youre ladiship: he that was my man is fro me, and by any thinge that y know y am xx^ti li. the worse for him. For which cause y pray you remember ye my lost, and not to awe me your hevy ladiship, as my trust is y have not deserved. And y shal induce him that shal ocupy the rule and gedinge of your almshous so that he shal gede hit beter than ever y ded. And let him com a down so that he may be at Exeter iiij wekes uppon this Ester: [Easter Day in 1481 was 22 April.] and to gether uppe the rent to this hous belonging. And y shal · shew hym alle youre londes, so that ye shal know your londes fro myn, by the grace of Jhesu: and preserve me seilf a tru man for alle the report that is made of me unto my Maister, to wham y pray you to comaund me. And of this my letter and of your welfare y wold desire to have sume knowlich: and how ye do in your fesik. And yef ther be any servyse that ye wolle comaund me to do here in your absens or els where, ye shal alway fynde me a redy to do your comaundment, as wel as though y didde ocupy this office under you. Remember ye wel, ye must hastly to admitte a poreman in Pryns is hous withoute any delay, wham hit pleasith you: and to assigne him that shall be Resever to pay this next payment, which wol be within this iij wekes: for y wol pay no mo pay|mentes after these, which is the day of my letter wretinge, the ffurst day of May. And y wold that hit plesed my Maister and you to let Thomas Mathu be Resever of the Almeshous. And Jhesu have you in his keping and send you as gode hele as y wold have my seilf.

Your man Ric. Ger[myn].

To my lady Stonor in hast be this delivered.

290. THOMAS RESTWOLD TO [SIR WILLIAM STONOR] [1480-81]

This letter was no doubt addressed to Sir William Stonor, probably after the death of his first or second wife. The age ("xxvij yere") of the lady to

whom it refers would suit Agnes Wydeslade, who had more than 500 marks of land; but since she was a widow when Stonor married her, it probably does not refer to her. The age shows that it cannot refer to Anne Neville, who was only about twenty years of age when she married. Probably there|fore this letter refers to some other lady altogether. From A.C., xlvi, 69.

Ryght worshipfull syr, and cosyn, y recommaunde me unto you. Syr, I mevyd my lord of the mater that ye desyryd me, and he told me that he had hird of her that she was so fowle that Parker wuld none of her: wherfore my lord thowght she wer nat for you, thowgh she had v c. markes of lande. Then y desiryd his lordshippe that he wold send for Page, for y supposid he cowde tell the trowth. My lord dyd so, and Page sey h she ys but lytyll and sumwhat rownde a goode woman and well disposid, save only that she ys sumtyme vexyd with the moder, as ye have hird, and ys xxvij yere of age. My lord thynkyth she wer fore you, if you be pleased, for his opynyon ys that beryng of children shuld ease hire infirmyte, and so ye be much beholden unto my lord. In hast at London.

Your owne, Thos. Restwold.

No endorsement.

291. THOMAS MOLEYNS TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR [? 20 JUNE, 1481]

The date is probably six months later than No. 279, and if that letter is correctly assigned to Dec., 1480, this must have been written on 20 June, 1481. From A.C., xlvi, 182.

Right worshipfull Master, I recommaund me unto your mastership: please it you to understond that now in the begynnyng of this terme one John Hyll, Squyer, suyth a Quare impedit ayenst you in Devonshire, supposyng by his writ that ye desturbe and let hym to present his clerke to the free Chauntry of Ermyngton, which longyth to his pre|sentacion, as he supposith by hys wryt: I know nether your title, nether his, I pray you to send me a bill of the mater of your title therto, if ye have title, that your counseill may know it, or nede be to plede. I shall do alle that lith in me to do for your mastership, by the

grace of God, who gyf your mastership as well to fare as your hert can thynke, Amen. By your servant to my symple power

Th. Moleyns.

Wretyn at London on Wednysday next before Midsomerday.

To my right worshipfull master, Sir William Stonore, knyghte.

292. JOHN YAXLEE TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR [? 8 JULY, 1481]

This was probably written after the death of William Harleston on 4 Nov., 1480 (see note on No. 260). So 1481 is possible, but it may be later. The writer is perhaps the John Yaxley or Yaksley, who was a lawyer and was made a Sergeant-at-law in 1495 (Chron. Lond., p. 208). From A.C., xlvi, 223.

Ryght reverent and worshipfull Sere, I recomaund me to ȝou &c. Sere, my Mastres Harlston recomaundyth here to ȝou: and I am sure she wilbe glad iff I tell here of ȝour prosperous welfare, whan I come home: for in good feyth, sere, she was verry ffull off thought and ferd lest ȝe had ben sore seke or gretly diseasid, be cause she cowd not here from ȝour good Mastership many a day. Wherfor she desired me feythfully þat I shuld inquere of ȝour welfare, of þe whech I have herd at London þe certente, thankyd be Jhesu, ho have ȝour seid worshipful mastership in kepyng. Wreten at London, þe mornyne next after Seint Thomas Day with þe rude hand of ȝour feyþefull servaunt, hos name is John Yaxlee.

To my ryght reveren[t and] worshipful master Sere Willm. Stoner, in hast delyvered.

293. THE QUEEN TO THE FORESTER OF BLAKMORE 19 AUGUST, 1481

From A.C., xliv, 64.

By the Quene.

We wol and charge you that ye deliver or do to be delivered unto oure trusty and welbeloved Syr William Stoner, knyght, or unto the

bringer herof in his name, one buk of this season: to be taken of our gifte within our Forest of Blakmore, any restrainte or commaundement to you directed to the contrary herof notwithstanding. And thise oure letters shalbe your sufficient warrant animpst us in that behalve. Yeven under oure signet at my Lordes Castell of Wyndesore the xix day of August the xxj yere of my said lordes Reigne.

To our trusty and welbeloved the maistre fforster of oure fforest of Blakmore, and to all other fforsters and kepers there in his absence, and to every of tham.

294. MARY BARANTYNE TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR [13 NOV. 1481]

John Barantyne of Little Haseley, Chalgrove and Churchill, son of Drue Barantyne by Jane, daughter of Sir John Wroughton, married Elizabeth, daughter and coheiress of Sir Stephen Popham. He died on 30 June, 1474 (Chancery Inq. p.m., Edward IV., file 50, no. 36). On 5 Aug., 1475, Richard Frebodie and others were accused of having abducted Elizabeth, widow of John Barantyne, by force from the House of the Friars Preachers in London (Early Chancery Proceedings, 52/3). In his will (dated 28 June, 1474, proved 8 April, 1477) John Barantyne directed that his sons, John the elder, Austyn, and John the younger, and his daughter Anne, should "be ruled and guyded by Elizabeth, my wife," who was to hold all his lands for life, except lands in Chalgrove purchased of Sir Richard Harcourt, and lands in Goldore called Symyuns lands, purchased of Alice, Duchess of Suffolk, which John his son and heir was to have (P.C.C., Wattys, 34). All the children were under age; John the elder was returned as fourteen years of age and more in October, 1474. A document in Ch. Misc., 37, iv, 20 gives particulars "for the astate to Marie Barantyne" which are thus summarised: "Of Seyntcleres lond in Chalgrove, lx. s. Symeons in Goldore, lxvj. s. viij. d. And of Atyndon in the paroch. of Thame, lxxiij. s. viij. d. Summa, x. li. For my mastres Marie Barantynes joyntour." From No. 172 it would appear that the marriage took place before 22 Oct., 1476, when John Barantyne's widow seems to have been married to Sir John Boteler; in No. 310 it is implied that it took place before the death of John Barantyne the elder. Mary Barantyne's son William was born on 31 Dec., 1481; John Parson remembered that at his christening there was a fire in the belfry, by which the midwife stripped the child, and that Sir William Stonor, who was godfather, said the child loved it (Cal. Inquisitions, Henry VII., ii, 6). This points to 1481 as the probable

year for this letter; in 1481 the feast of St. Hugh (17 Nov.) was on a Saturday. It is probable that John and Mary Barantyne were both at this time still under age and so under the control of Elizabeth Barantyne (or Boteler)—see Nos. 310 and 311. In May, 1482, there was a suit brought in the Common Pleas by Thomas Danvers against John Barantyne as to the manor of Wynnale and lands in Wynnale and Henton, which was settled by the sale to Danvers on 8 May, 1482, of the manor together with lands in Wynnale, Shynnor and Henton (Placita de Banco, Roll 880, m. 481, and Rotulus de Cartis, m. 2). Mary Barantyne's letter probably has reference to this transaction. John Barantyne and his mother were involved in much litigation at this time; as to "Seynclere's lands" in a friendly suit with Sir Richard Harcourt; and with John Nowers as to the manor of Churchill (id., Roll 881, mm. 296, 451, and Rotulus de Cartis, m. 2; see also Roll 876, mm. 443, 444 as to lands in Aston Torold and Northmorton, and the manor of Attyndon).

The body of the letter and the signature are all in the same hand, which is unusually good and probably that of a professional scribe. From A.C., xlvi, 134.

Ryght reverent and worschypfull brother, I recomende me unto yow as hertely as I can: thankyng yow of yowr good brothyrhed to me before thys tyme schewyd, wyche I pray yow of contynuance: lettyng yow wytt, as I ham informyd, that my husbonde be the mevyng, pro|curyng, and struyng of my lady hys modyr, that they wull syll serteyne of my husbondes lyvelode: what hytt ys I cannot informe yow, but as a credebyll man that schulde know be my reson hytt schulde be Henton: wherfor I beseche yow and requyre yow, as ye ar a trewe Goddes knyth and the Kyngges, that ye avyse and cownsell my seyde husbond the contrary, so beyng dysposyd, as my very tryste is in yow: for I thonke God we have feyr yssew, and by possybylyte be lyke to have: and I beseche yow that thys seyde cownsell and avyse cum by your selfe, and not of me in no wyse. And I shall pray to God for yowre honor and welfare, wyche preserve yow bodely and gostely. I|writyn att Lytyll Haseley the Tewseday before the feste of seynt Hewe the bysshoppe.

By your owne syster, Mare Barantyne.

To my rygth reverent and worshypfull brothyr, Syr Willm. Stonor, knyth, be thys bylle delyverede.

295. ROBERT BARDESEY TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR 16 NOV. [? 1481]

Robert Bardesey is probably the Robert Bardesey of Wallingford, who died in 1482 (Cal. Inq. p.m., iv, 408). William Abell, fishmonger, of Queenhithe, was dead before the summer of 1482, when his wife Elizabeth had married again (Placita de Banco, Roll 881, m. 528; cf. Letter Book, L., p. 214). The date of this letter cannot therefore be later than 1481, and may be 1480. For Robert Warner see Nos. 203, 205 and 206. From A.C., xlvi, 135.

Right honourable Sir, and my especiall gode Maister, I hertily commaund me to you: lattyng your Maistership to wytte that one Robert Warner of Watlyngton, nowe dede, was endetted unto a especiall gode frend of myne, William Abell of London dewellyng at Quenehith, in the summe of xviij. li. xij. d., the parcelles whereof I send unto your maistership enclosed herein: and for that it is do me to understande your maister|ship or other by you assigned have the disposicion and administracion of his godes; wich William Abell is visited grete with sekenes and especially with a palsey, whereof I am full sory, and his wyfe and all his frendes therefore in grete hevynesse, so that he him self may not laboure for the recovering of his dettis: and therefore his wyfe, which is a veray gode and a wytty woman and full well cheriseth him nowe in his sekenesse, hath prayed me and me instanced gretely to write unto your maistership to fynde the meane that her husbond and she might be contented of the seide duetee: and therefore I besech you of your seide gode maistership, that by the meanes thereof they may be con|tented of their seide duetee, and I feithfully promyt unto your maister|ship that they therfore shall do you a pleasure. Besechyng your seide Maistership to hold me excused in that I this boldly take upon me to write unto yow herein: and allmyghty Jhesu have you in his blessed keping. Writtyn at London the xvj day of Novembre,

By your servaunt Robt. Bardesey.

To my right honorable and especiall gode maister, Syr Willm. Stonor, knyght.

296. SIR WILLIAM STONOR TO HARRY DOGETT 23 DEC. 1481

From A.C., xlvi, 130.

My old frynd, I recommaund me unto you. Syr, I have resseyvyd a bylle fro my cosyn Elmes, wyche cam fro you, so my seyd cosyn seth, he vyll sele to the doctor, and wyllyth me to make yov a suffycient varant for the x. li. Syr, by this bylle, vryt with my own hand on Crist[mas] Eve ys Eve Anno regni regis E. iiij^ti xxj^o, I vylle at the nexte reseyte by my cosyn Elmes ye be content, and this wryt with my ovne hand shalbe his sufficient dyscharge, he so contenteyng yov the sume of x. li. My trust ys I shalle have thys cope ayen thys tyde. Jhesu preserve yov your lond (?) at Stonore.

Will^m Stonore K.

To my trusty frynd Harry Dog[ett] in hast.

297. WILLIAM LEYNTHALE TO [SIR WILLIAM STONOR] [? 1481]

Though there is no endorsement, this letter was probably addressed to Sir William Stonor. Leynthale was bailiff at Watlington, see No. 255; for Christopher Holland see Nos. 233 and 283; and for Harry Blakehall see No. 172. From No. 283 it would seem probable that this letter is not earlier than 1481. From A.C., lii, 30.

My duetie preceding unto your good maistership. As unto the v. li. ye sende Robert Edrych unto me for of your rent, I delivered him iij. li.: and at the vewe of myn accompte with the fee of Christofer Holland allowed, I was in det but of ix. li. xvj. s. ij. d.: wherof I have delivered sith to your maistership vij. li., and to Robert Eddrych iij. li. forsaid: I am yet behynde of the tenaunts v. nobles and more, and parte is full evill to come by: notwithstanding, yf I had as I have not, I wold be glad to ease your pore tenauntes &c.: albeit I sende you by Henry

Blakehall xx. s. I am but esely purveyed, as God knoweth, whoo pre|serve your maistership in all honnour.

Your humble servaunt W. Leynthale.

No endorsement.

298. SIR WILLIAM SANDES TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR [c. 1481]

The date of this letter cannot be earlier than 1478, since Stonor is a knight. It must be earlier than No. 299 where it is implied that Sandes and Stonor were well acquainted. Probably the date is 1478-80. But the date of No. 299 itself cannot be fixed, so it is convenient to place both letters here with the other two letters of John Shynner, the vicar of Penton Mewsey Sandes had a place at East Cholderton near Andover and Penton Mewsey (Leland, Itinerary, ii, 7). The original is in Ancient Correspondence, lx, 1.; it is slightly damaged on the right-hand side. It seems to be holograph.

Ryght Wurshypful and trusty Cosyn, y commende me unto yow yn as hartly wyse as y can and as a Jantylman not gretly acqueyntdyd with yow, trustyng yn tyme to come to be better acqueyntyd with yow. Syr, yf hyt please yow, y undyrstonde ye have a ffermer atte Penyton Meyse, the whyche as y undyrstonde for hys wylfull dysposycon and neglygent rewle yn the same bothe ayenst the welfare of yowre modyr and yowr heraftyr, ffor as y bothe her and yn parte know he ys a troubelusse ffelow not only with yowr tenauntes but as well with othyr Jentylmenys tenauntes yn lyke wyse: and so be thys meanysse he getyth hym selfe but lytyll love amonge them. And as y undyrstonde sumtyme as y walke yn my recreacon y may see that yn yowr wodys he hathe made grete waste and destruccon, the whych shuld cause a grete displeasour to me yf hyt were y-doo yn my wodys as hyt ys yn yowre, as ye may have larger undyrstondyng of thys yn yowr next comyng unto the contre: where upon yf hyt please yow, yf case be that ye have made no graunte of the sayde ferme, suche favour as ye may y wul pray yow to shwe the . . . man, the whych comyth with yowr Chapleyn, parson and Curate of the sayde Penyton, and y truste he shall deserve hyt . . . to yow aftyr hys power so that he may have your goode mastyrshyppe: and as for hys trouth and suche covenauntes as [he shall] make with yow, and

ye desyre me, y dare be bownde for hym for hys trouthe and for suche covenauntes that he makyth [y will] fynde suffycyent suerte by syde to perfourme yn hys behalfe. And upon thys y have desyryd yowr parson to ryde to y[ow with] hym to keve yow ynformacon of hym what he ys. And as he knowyth ryght well he ys for yow and such a man [as] shall please yowe and all yowr tenauntes and odyr also, of whose comyng y wot well they wyll be ryth glad. [Sandes continued "of hys comyng," but crossed these three words out.] And Jhesus preserve yow bothe body and sowle. I-wrote at Andever on Corpus cristy day, hastie,

W. Sandes knyght.

To my Ryght trusty and welbelovyd Cosyn Sir William Stonor thys letter be delyveryd.

299. JOHN SHYNNER TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR [c. 1481]

There is nothing to show the date except that it is not earlier than 1478. It is probably later than No. 298. It is placed here for convenience with Shynner's other letters. As to Shynner, see Note on No. 300. From A.C., xlvi, 203.

Most worchepfull and reveryend Mayster, I recummend me onto yowr reverynd Maisterchep also lowly as I can hoder may: wyllyng yowr Maysterchep to have knowleche þat syr Wylyam Sandys ys gretely dysplesyd with me, and Jaye do lesayd maner also, as for a grehowde þat I scholde send onto yowr maysterchep as they say: þe weche I know not what coler þis grehowd ys, noder no seche I send to yow, neyder was consente þer to: werefor I beseche yowr maysterchep to wrythe onto Syr Wiliam Sandys as for myne a skese, and to speke to Jaye at Londun, wen ye methe with hym, as my treste ys on yowr Maysterchep, and as I schall and am yowr preste to praye to God for yow and yowrys, ho have yow and yowrs in hys kepyng ever, Amen

your preste Syr John Shynner.

To my ryȝth worchepfull and reverynd Mayster Syr Wiliam Stonor, yn hast.

300. JOHN SHYNNER TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR [? 1481]

John Shynner was a Modbury man (see list in No. 71) who, as these letters show, received the living of Penton Mewsey from Sir William Stonor. Some light is thrown on this letter by Early Chancery Proceedings, 40/227, where Robert Shynner, the younger, shows that his father, Robert Shynner, the elder, was seised in his demesne as of fee of 3 messuages and 2 acres of land in "Mychell Modbury," and enfeoffed John Rous, John Legh, Walter Torryng, and William Stenlake to the entent that after his death they should make an estate to the petitioner; Legh, Torryng, and Stenlake had done so, but Rous refused, and Shynner therefore prayed for a writ of sub pœna. These proceedings took place between 1467 and 1472. John Shyn|ner was apparently another son of Robert Shynner, the elder. Cristina, widow of Robert Shynner, and John Shynner, as executors of Robert Shyn|ner, sued Richard Fortescue of Valepitte in Michaelmas Term, 1478, for 8 marks (Placita de Banco, Roll 868, m. 96). John Shynner of Modbury, chaplain, had a suit for debt with Robert Tolloke (Early Chancery Pro|ceedings, 66/86, date 1475-80). This letter is probably rather earlier than No. 301, in which case it may perhaps belong to 1481. Shynner in some places wrote "d" (meaning ð) for "th". From A.C., xlvi, 202.

Ryȝth reverent and worcheppell Mayster, I recommende me on to yowr Maysterchepp allso hertely as I can and may: prayeng yowr Maysterchepp to gete me a subpena for John Rowse, apon þat he was ynfefyet yn treste to follfyll my fader ys wyll, and John Leghe and Water Torryng, þe weche John Leghe and Water Torryng be þe partyd of þis worll, and so John Rowse is alyve, and y deser he scholde folfyll my fader ys wyll. And yn þe reverans of God laboryd ye to be scherve: for hyt ys a presentabell offise, þe worcheppefollyst yn þe scher have ben schervys and yet theye hope to be: and Wylyam Fowell sayde to me þat Syr Thomas Selynger hopyt to be scherve þis yer: and Wylyam Fowell sayd hyt wer all so convenyant and presentabell to yow as to hym, and sayd hyt well be worth to yow a C. nobelys abow all costys and awayll mene hoder man onder yow: and yef ye be scherve I beseche yow that John Tollocke may be creyer of þe schere, and he shall plese yow also largely as heny hoder schall, þe weche John Tol|locke ys my soster sone. And I have send on to yowr Maysterchepp for my wrethe of subpena by the berer of thys byll ij. s. vj. d. And yet

yn þe reverens of God remembret yowr sylve to labor to be scherve: for hyt well gete yow a quayntens, and hyt ys beter to goveryn then to be goveryed. No mor on to yowr Maysterchepp at þis tyme, but Jhesu preserve yow ever. Amen. I-wrethen at Modbere on Synt Luke ys yeve.

By your aune Syr John Schynner, parson of Penyton.

To my Rygth reverend Mayster and pattron, Syr Wiliam Stonor, knygh.

301. JOHN SHYNNER TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR [? 1481]

The date is probably a little later than No. 300. As Sir William Stonor was on bad terms with his mother, it may perhaps belong to 1481 or 1482 (see No. 300). It is not clear who is meant by "the lord Mese". From A.C., xlvi, 204.

Ryȝth reveryend Mayster, I recummende me to yowr Maysterchep &c. I have ben with my Maysteres, yowr Moder, and ther I schall never come mor by þe grace of God, for I was falsse varlet, theffe, and her traytour, and God yove me grace þat I never methe with her more, ffor I have the namys of yowr bredren and sosteren. As ffor her armys I have hyt not, bot þe lord Mese woll bryng ham to yow &c. Also, rememberyt to wrythe to Mayster Wageth as for Flethe and Forde to be Tedyngman and sewtey to yowr cerche of Ermeton. Also, I wolde ye wolde to sewe to be scherve of [Shynner began to write "Dewen" (Devonshire), but crossed it out.] owr scher, for me semyt hyt wolde be presentabell and to gethe a quayntans, love, and drede withyn þis scher, and rememberyt how mene worchepfull men have be schervys of þat scher, bothe of yowr contre and of þis. And yef yowr Maysterchep have hyt I wolde beseche yow to have a offyce as for a kynnysman of myne to be cryer of þe scher &c.

By your aune Syr John Shynner.

To my ryȝth reveryend and specyall mayster, Syr Wiliam Stonor, knyȝth, yn haste.

302. PETER CAVERSHAM, ABBOT OF NUTLEY, TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR [? 1480-81]

Peter Caversham was abbot of Nutley, or Notley from 1480 to 1503. This letter was clearly written soon after Stonor's second or third marriage, i.e. either about the middle of 1480 or the end of 1481. As to Crendon see No. 239; the farm of the manor of Crendon belonged to the abbey (Monasticon, vi, 280). From A.C., xlvi, 184.

Worsypull Syr, y recomend me unto yowe, and y pray yowe y myȝt byn recomendyd to my lady yowr wyfe as a contreyman nowe of hurs nat to her kowyng, but with þe grace of God and yowr gentylnes y schall byn &c. As to þe intent of þis byll, þis hyt ys: ther one Paddenall of Crendon, whom ȝe kowe well and longyng unto ȝowe, and trobull me sore in my myndys of many dyverse matres, þe wych ar so long to writ unto yow and then hit wulde wery a man or he had don, and in specyall such a sympull writer as y am &c: prayng yowe, as my synguler trust is in yowe, and in tyme schert I schull reward yowe, þat such commynantes [Apparently meaning "covenants".] as y made with yowe of þe ferme of Crendon myȝt byn performyd: for þis sympull man, þe wych y release hit to, whom ȝe had promysyd me fryst, at yowr request, bydyth by no promysse þat he made to us, but trobull me: prayng of your gentyllnes to take none displesur thoy y trobull hym acordyng to þe lawe; for, saffe yowr reverans, he ys untrewe, for he sclaunders me þat Thomas Salman schuld seye þat y had more stondyd out j acre of þe kynges ground, the wych þe other never seyd nother never cowde make profe þerof: y wuld naut he myȝt for an hondur pond: þis myȝt every worsypull man byn sclaunder: as my trust, send me word howe þat ȝe wyll deale on þis mater, for in gode soth saffe for yower sake he schuld havyn kowyng þerof ar þis: as ȝe thynke hit is gode to yowe remember me, and I schall yowe, as my most trust. At Nott. by Syr Peter abbot of þe same.

Unto my most gode specyall frend, Syr William Stonor, in hast.

303. THOMAS BANKE TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR 16 JANUARY [1482]

Thomas Banke was an Oxford D.D., who was Rector of Lincoln College 1493-1509, and Commissary of the University in 1501 and 1502. "My lord Edward" was one of the younger sons of John de la Pole, Duke of Suffolk. In Oct., 1480, the University desired of Edward IV that he would send his nephew, "the lord Edward Pole," to study at Oxford. They also asked the Bishop of Salisbury to use his influence. In March, 1481, it was reported that the Bishop would bring him there. On 28 March, 1482, the University wrote to the King praising his nephew's gifts of intellect and heart. In another letter in the same year they repeated their praise, and thanked the King "quod Magistrum Stanley, infantem etiam nobilem atque litterarum studiosum illi prenobili nepoti tuo studiorum suorum comitem adjunxeris". Edward de la Pole cannot have been more than fourteen when he went to Oxford. He was Archdeacon of the East Riding from 15 Oct., 1480, to 6 Jan., 1485, when he became Archdeacon of Richmond; he died not long after. (See Epistolae Academicae, ii, 454-6, 462-3, 478, 484.) Master Stanley was James, son of Thomas Stanley (afterwards Earl of Derby). He was first cousin to Sir William Stonor's third wife, Anne Neville, and was somewhat older than Edward de la Pole. He was bishop of Ely from 1506 till his death in 1515 (Dict. Nat. Biog., liv, 70). As to Sutton see No. 280. For Master Edmund see No. 194. The references show that the date of the letter must be either 1482 or 1483. Comparison with the reference to the troubles of Stonor's servants at Oxford in the next letter suggests that the former year is the more likely. From A.C., xlvi, 133.

Pleasyd ȝour maistyrshyp to understond þat I hayff beyn with doctour Sutton, our commyssare, and I dyd shew to hym howe ȝoure maistyr|shyp boyth was and ys dysposyd to þe universite, as in fyndyng and relevyng off divers scolars to þe same and also by relevyng off many oþer suche as cummys to ȝour maistyrshyp at divers tymes in þe ȝere, lyke as Mr. Eadmunde, Mr. Flynte, Mr. Kyckall, and I with oþer moye dyd layte; off whome I desyryd þe commyssare to inquire ȝour worshypfull and gentyll behaveȝour to tham and to iche on off tham, because I wolde he sulde gyff more credens to myn informacyon. Also, syr, I was with my lord Edwarde and maistyr Stanley, and informyd tham in lyke wyse, and dyd shew boyth to my lorde Edwarde, to maistyr Stanley, and to maistyr commyssare, þe delyng and þe behaveȝour off certan

scolars aȝanes ȝour maistyrshyp and ȝour servands, specyaly when þai cume to þe universite for suche necessytes as ȝe hayff to doo þer: and þen my lord Edwarde and Mr. Stanley desyryd þe commyssare at þer instanse to see an remedy, suche as ȝour servandes myght boyth cume and goo to or from þe universite in sayffe garde off þer bodes: and þe commyssare seyd he wolde doo as myche as he myght by þe vertu off hys offece to provyde an remedy: nott withstondyng all thys, me semys þe moste suerte ys ȝour awn wey to send for tham by privey selys. Cadwey ys benefysyd in Oxfurte: he may nott flee. Syr, I sayd to þe comyssare þat ȝe wold send for tham by privey seles, bod yff þe univer|site dyd see an remedy: and þe commyssare sayd, yff ȝe dyd so he culd nott blame ȝe, in so myche as þei wylnot be reulyd. No more, save I besyche Jhesu preseryff ȝo and ȝores evermore, Amen. Frome Oxfurth þe xvj day off Januer.

ȝour servand and bedman Thomas Banke.

Syr, Maistyr Stanley, eftyr all þe comunycacyon before rehersyd, dyd send for Cadwey to cume to hym: for Cadwey is grete with hym: and þer maystyr Stanley declaryd howe ney off kyn my laydy ȝour wyff and he stande, and desyryd hym as he wolde hayffe hys gude Maistyrshyp to owe hys luffe and favour to ȝour servandes in Oxfurth or owte off Oxfurth wharsoever þei dyd mete: for Maistyr Stanley sayd þat he moste nedes take ȝour parte in all ryght: and so sayd my lorde Edwarde also, when we dyd comon firste off þe mater: and so Cadwey hays pro|mysyd to Maistyr Stanley þat he wyll neþer doo ne sey aȝanes ȝour servandes, bod raþer to helpe to convey tham yff anyman wolde doo or sey aȝanes tham: bod þis ys no suerte to ȝour servandes for oþer off hys cuntremen. Warfor, me semes ȝour awn wey ys beste, to send for tham, or to cause þe kyng to wryte to þe universite for an remedy as ȝe thynke beste &c.

To hys worshypfull Maistyr Syr Wylliam Stonor, knyght, be þis de|lyveryd.

304. HENRY MAKNEY TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR [? 29 JAN. 1482]

From the mention of Clerk of Nurselyng and of the troubles of Stonor's servants at Oxford (see Nos. 303 and 305) it seems probable that the year

is 1482. "Your children" must in that case mean some wards of Stonor's. Since Stonor is a knight the date cannot be earlier than 1478; but neither that year, when 2nd Feb. was on a Monday, nor 1479, when it was on a Tuesday, are likely. In those years "your children" might have meant Eliza|beth Stonor's daughters, but in any later year can only mean dependent wards. From A.C., xlvi, 178.

My ryghte worshipful Maistire, y recomand me to youe &c. Syr, the prioure of Frideswide of Oxford is collector of the dymys, he hathe sen to Pirton and hathe suspendide þe cherche for the dymys, and also he suspendide olde Bayly, whiche hath parcelle of þe tythis in Pirton undire youe. Wherfor ye moste se a remedy that þe parishens may be servyde and the dymys payde. Y hire þat the dymys ben more þen xl. s., whiche is unpayd. Also here is on Willm. Clerke of Nustelynge, whiche is grevously vexide and trowblide by Thomas Hardgrave for suche servise as he dide to Edmunde Ramsey in youre behalfe, wen þe furste possession was take þer; and also when ye were þer ye made hyme brynge the tenantis to Rumsey to speke with youe; for whiche causis he dare not abide in his house for drede of arestinge by write or for suerte of the pease: wherfore the seid Clerke besechithe your gode Maistershippe to lete make a cerche if þer be any accion conceveide ayenste hyme by Hardgrave, and þat he myȝte have a supersedeas fro the Chancery, whiche shulde cause odire men to be glade to do youe servise in þat contre, if ye kepe this man harmeles &c. Item youre husbondrie is note welle gydide: ye have iiij or v hynys and but on plowe goynge, where as ȝe myȝte have ij plows. Y have spoke to þe bayly to have fewere servantes or a nodire plowe goynge: but he wulde note be rewlide by me, but take his owne wey, whiche wulnote be moste for your profite, as y trowe. Item your childern be note at Oxford by cause of horse, money and men: for your servantes dare note come in Oxford. At Stonore, the Tuysday nexte afore Candelmasday,

Your servant H. Makney.

To my Ryghte reverente Maister, Syr Willm. Stonor.

305. EXPENSES OF SIR WILLIAM STONOR [? FEB 1482]

This account was clearly made in the spring, and the reference to "when my lady rode to Tavnton" points to 1482 (see No. 305); this will also agree

with the probable date of No. 304, where there is mention of "Clerke of Nustelyng." It is the first of a number of similar small accounts in Ch. Misc., 37, v, 1-9.

Cristmas. To þe pleyers of Glowceter, v. s. To the pleyers of Leytyn Bosard, v. s. To Harry Dogettes man, v. s. To the parson is man of Dudcote, xx. d. To Jakis, xx. d. To Robert Dyker, xx. d. Leyde owt for you when my lady rode to Tavnton, ix. s. iij. d. Delivered to Clerke of Nushelyng, xij. d. For your bote hyre, ij. d.

306. DAME ANNE STONOR TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR 27 FEBRUARY [1482]

Clearly written by Stonor's third wife soon after their marriage, and so to be assigned to 1482. Anne Stonor was daughter of John Neville, Marquis of Montagu, and was staying at Taunton with the Marquess of Dorset, whose wife was Cicely Bonville (see No. 314). Only the signature is autograph. From A.C., xlvi, 209.

Syr, I recomaund me unto you in my most h[ert]y wise, right joyfull to here of yowre helthe: liketh you to knowe, at þe writyng of þis bill I was in good helthe, thynkyng long sith I saw you, and if I had knowen þat I shold hav ben this long tyme from you I wold have be moche lother then I was to have comyn into this ferre Countrey. But I trust it shall not be long or I shall see you here, and else I wold be sorye on good feith. Syr, I am moche byholdyng to my lady, for she maketh right moche of me, and to all the company, officers and other. I have early trust uppon your comyng unto þe tyme of thassise, and else I wold have send Herry Tye to you long or þis tyme. I have delyvered a bill to Herry Tye of suche gownes as I wold have for þis Ester. And I beseche oure blessed lord preserve you. From the Castell of Taunton þe xxvij day of Februarer.

Your new wyf Anne Stonor.

No endorsement.

307. INDENTURE FOR SALE OF WOOD 4 MARCH, 1482

ABSTRACT. William Fullard of "Vatlyngton" has bought of Sir William Stonor a wood called "Laned Wode"; he will cut no tree "but yf he be above xx ynche at brest heyth of man"; he will see that "non young vode be stryyd and specially that no colyers nor oder destry nat the young sp[r]yng with stoppyng of there sattes"; "the vode shalle be ryd at and draute so the young copyse be not hurt." From Ch. Misc., 37, v. 10.

308. INVENTORY OF THE BUTTERY AT STONOR 11 MARCH, 1482

From Ch. Misc., 37, v, 12.

Stuffe in þe buttry at my maistirs departynge into Devynshir un|decimo die Martii A^o E. iiij^ti xxij.

Furst xij basyns and xij ewers of latyn. It., iiij chafynge dissis. Itm., a standerde of knyvis. Itm., xvj pottes of pewter, grete and smale. Itm., xvj belle canstykkes. Itm., of odire canestykkes xxvij broke and hole. Itm., vij ledire pottes. Itm., ij chippinge knyfis. Itm., vj mortes of wex. Itm., a hole torch of wex. Itm., xxiij torteyce of wex.

309. RICHARD PAGE TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR [1482]

The date would seem to be early in 1482, since Lady Stonor is with child. It is earlier than No. 321. From A. C., xlvi, 190.

In as humble wise as y can y recommaunde me to yowr good master|ship, as he that thenkys a long seson sens y saw your mastership: I ensure (?) the same: y am as glad for the good spede of my lady and

that she is with chylld, as y am of any woman levyng. Wold God it wold plese you to com to your Horton when terme is don: y will geve yow attendance: ther is ther an punchon or tweyn of wyne abydyng your mastership: y hope suche as woll plese yow. Syr, y am desyrid to write to your mastership for your old servant and my felow, James Boteller, that it wold lyke yow to put suche attemtes and maters as is ayenst hym, and som direccion so that he by the mene of yowr master|ship may leve in quiete and rest: and y am sure he woll do you service to the uttermost of his power to put his pore lif in juperde. Syr, y am sory to encumbre your good mastership with this simple mater, but at lest ye may do a speciall dede of almes and deserve thank of almyghty God, who ever preserve yow and all youres for my synguler comfort. Writen at London this Saterday in the morning with the hand of your servant

Ric. Page.

·As for news y have told this berrer to enforme yow. I fere me he cannot well shew them to your mastership.

To my master, Syr Willm. Stonor, knight for the Kynges body be this delivered.

310. RICHARD PAGE TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR [1482]

From the reference to Lady Stonor being with child the date is probably early in 1482. This letter appears to be later than No. 309 and earlier than No. 321. John Barantyne, who married Stonor's sister Mary (see No. 294), was returned as 14 years of age and more in October, 1474; at the date of this letter he seems to have been still under age, so cannot have been born before 1461; the Inquisition is quite possibly inaccurate. "Lady Botiller" is his mother, who married as her second husband Sir John Boteler; she is called "my lady Barantyne" in the next letter. The Barantyne manor of Chalgrove was held in part of the Prince of Wales as of the manor of Wal|lingford (Chancery Inq. p.m. Edward IV., file 50, no. 36); hence the refer|ence in these letters to the ravishment of his ward. From A.C., xlvi, 188.

Plese it your mastership, y have resseyvyd your letter in whiche ye commaunde me to speke to my lord prince councell touchyng bran at [This is perhaps intentionally obscure; possibly it should be "Barantyne".] (?)

mater. Syr, me semys, savyng your correccion, it were not best to do so, for y suppose they know nothing of it, and me semys it were folie to shew the mater to thaym and to let thaym have understondyng theroff. Also trew it is my lord prince hath a writ of ravyshment of his ward Barantyne ayenst you and my lady Botiller. I have spoken with my lord prince Attornay and shewid hym the mater: so uppon de[w?] prove made of myne informacion, whyche is that he was maried in his fadris life as your mastership wrote on to me, the mater shall and must take a good end. And so it is respited tyl the next terme ye com yor self. Syr, as for the xij^c li., whiche Bettson awis you, if he be disposid to content you, and welnot dele with your stok, me semys it makys litell force so he woll make you paiement in monay. For y wold not ye were incombrid with waris, at wollnot be your profitt, so it semys me. I remitt this to your mastership. I pray Jhesu save my lady is fare bely. I pray God send hir good tyme and good deliveraunce. Plese it your mastership this rude byll may recommaunde me to hir good ladyship. And this I make and send at this seson. I pray god send you your hartes desire. Writen with the fest at London this thursday þat of

Your Page.

This byll be delivered to Master Syr Willm. Stonor, knygth to the Kinges body.

311. T. MOLEYNS TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR [1482]

This apparently refers to the same matter as the previous letter, and is therefore to be dated early in 1482. "My lady Barantyne" no doubt means Elizabeth, Lady Boteler, John Barantyne's mother. See note on the previ|ous letter. From A.C., xlvi, 181.

Right worshipful Master, I Recommaund me unto your Mastership, letyng your mastershipe understond that Page and I have spoken with my lord Prynce Counsell for the accion ageyn you and my lady Barantyne; and that mater shall be contynued til the next terme, upon communy|cacion betwen them and you and your Counsell. I know no mo materes ageyn you. Your man tellyd me that ye were in doute of a nother sute in my lord Prynce is name. I have serched therfor, but certeynly ther

is noon. I have resceyvyd v.s. by your servaunt. And Jhesu preserve you. Amen. Wrytyn in hast. By your servaunt T. Moleyns.

312. SIMON STALLWORTH TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR 1 MAY [1482?]

Stallworth's other letters (Nos. 330 and 331) to Sir W. Stonor were written in 1483; but in that year the first of May was on a Thursday, so that the date of this letter is more probably 1482. "My lord" is John Russell, bishop of Lincoln. Stallworth was afterwards sub-dean of Lincoln, and pre|bendary of St. Stephen, Westminster; he died in 1511 (will ap. P.C.C., 21 Fetiplace). As to Christopher Holand, see No. 283. From A.C., xlvi, 208.

Worchypfull Syr, with dewe recomendacions and acordyng I recom|mend me unto you, prayng you to have me excusyd of my commyng: for withowt dowt I hadde purposyd to have bene with you þis nyght. A kynsman of myne and felowe of Mertyne college, I trust to God schall be þe proctor, and hathe send for me in suche wysse as withowte I be with hym þis night he is lykley to be distrenyd, suche labor ther is ageyne hym: I trust he shall do you servyce herafter. Syr, also ac|cordyng to your plesur I send for Wiliam Walche to þe intent to have dronkyn wyth hym, and he wass not in Thame. My lord send me wrytyng þat he hadde abyld Christofore Holand in þat rowmythe by þe labor of you, I am content, and ye for to have þe delyng betwyx W. Walche and hym. Notwithstandyng my lorde send me word þat he hadde takyne hym a byll of his awne hand. I askyd Christofor, but I cowthe nott se it. Syr, my lord wyld þat Christofor shold answer hym at thys tyme for hys payment, and þat mony þat W. Walche hathe re|ceyvyd Christofor to have it. As for þe rentalls and oþer evydence hadde by Wylyam Walche, ȝe kanne have þe delyveraunce of þem to Christofore: for my lord profytt better þen I wer with you: and in þe balywyke of Dorchester my lord send me word þat ȝe hade spok to hym þer for, and he wyll contynue it to he, ȝe and I spek to gydyr þer inne: I trust ȝe schalbe plesyde. And wher ye wyld me to be frend to Christofore Holand, I schalbe redy to fullfyll þat commaundement. Syr, also I undyrstand þat my lord wyld þat a copy of þe vicaries land in Dorchester schold be hadde to þe beholve of Rychard Idley, and þe

fyne reservyde to you and me: so I have wrytyng: it wer ryght wel done an end to be hadd in þis mater: it is lytyll valewe and mykyll mony spend þerinne. I schal schewe þe presedent of iij. li. vj. s. viij. d. fyne in þe same land. On Thorsday I most be at Thame Abby, and so depart to Bukden: yf ye schall please any thyng þat I may do by þat tyme or after I schalbe redy. I beseke ye also þat I may have your mynd and speke with Christofore Holand and [sic] Thame on Thorsday: for þen I must send to my lord of theys thynges and other, howe þat I doo in thys countre and in theys maters. I ame ryght sory þat I may not speke with you or ye departe: but I trust to Jhesu to avate on you at Nottyngham with my servyce: who ever have you in hys blyssyd kepeng. At Dorchester in gret hast þe fyrst day of May by þe hand of youre servant

Simon Stallworthe.

To the Ryght worchypfull and my god maister Syr Wylyam Stonore, knyght for þe body, be thys delyverde in godly haste &c.

313. HUGH UNTON TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR [11 MAY, 1482]

From the reference to the King's going northwards, the date would seem to be May, 1482. Edward went to Fotheringhay about the end of May in that year (Ramsay, Lancaster and York, ii, 443). The intended date given in this letter is Whit-Tuesday, i.e. 28 May. The probable date for the letter itself is therefore Saturday, 11 May. As to the Worthe lawsuit, see Nos. 266-8, and 272. There is no reference to it in the "De Banco" Rolls for Easter and Trinity terms, 1482. [Nor in the corresponding Rolls for 1480 or 1481.] There is, however, a record in Easter term of a successful suit brought by Worthe against Humphrey Veysy claiming messuages and lands in Crowthorne and Kynecote Hille, as heir of Agnes, daughter of John Wynnard; these lands had descended to her from John and Agnes Bevyle (Placita de Banco, Roll 880, mm. 447, 448; see also Coram Rege, Rolls 868, m. 141, and 869, m. 98; Trinity and Michaelmas terms, 1478, as to Elizabeth, wife of Thomas Worth, and Agnes, wife of John Wydeslade, heiresses of Humphrey Bevyle). In Trinity term, 1482, Sir

William Stonor had suits against Henry Felowe of Huchynden, Oxfordshire, and John Barell of Princes Risborough for trespass, and against Robert Emond of Hembury also for trespass (Placita de Banco, Roll 881, mm. 71, 197). His "mater anendes the Qwene" is explained by a suit which was pending against him for payment of 1000 marks under a bond dated 20th February, 1477 (id. Roll 881, m. 431). This suit which was already threatened in 1481 (id. Roll 877, m. 26) was then postponed to Michaelmas and finally to Hilary Term, 1483, see also Nos. 319 and 320. Sir Thomas Bryan was Chief Justice of the Common Pleas from 1471 to 1500. From A.C., xlvi, 218.

Right worshipfull Maister, I recommaunde me unto you. Syr, as for yowr gret mater afore my lord Bryan the waraunt is in; I have geten hit in. Syr, Worthe is here nowe and the Justices have graunt him his reddicion; bot your counsell sayen hit is no gret hurt for you, for and he enter by his awne auctorite ye may put him owte and take ye the profetes of the land. And gif he enter by auctorite of the Sheref by a writ, is called habere facias sesinam, ye most suffer the Sherefs Officers to enter by vertu of the writ or waraunt, and as sone as thai ben gone enter ye ageyn and take the profetez. Syr, as for all your other accions I shall take as gud hede þerto as I can for every ayeynest the terme And sum fals pacche will be don, the which shal not be to my power, with goddes grace. Syr, ther is an accion nowe newe taken ayeynest you in Hampshire at the sute of on Agnes Foster, wydowe; but is trespas. Syr, as for wyne I have sent you by John Somer, to be deliveret to John Baker a Henley, ij hogges hedes of Claret wyne, a hogges hed of red wyne, a hogges hede of white wyne. And as for spices I spake to Maister Russh; hee (sic) thai loke for a gale comys nowe in, as he sais, and then he will by be gret, and then ye shall have with him as moche as ye will: bot he will lay down now no money for noon. And as for candell, we can have non such as ye send fore, as Taylboys can tell your Maistership. And as for fyssh, I can none by withoute money. And rysshes and sope I have send you by John Somers barge, the which wilbe at Henley opon Sonday or Monday at the forthest. Syr, this day messyngers go into every shire with commissions and writtes of proclamacions, that every man that hase endented to go with the Kyng to be redy with in xiiij dayes. Syr, the Kyng departes northe|wardes opon Twesday in Whitsonday weke. And therefore Maister Russh counseles you in any wise ye to be here Monday all day to labour to my lord Markas as for your mater anendes the Qwene and divers other causes, the which he will enfourme you of at your comyng. And

allmighty Jhesu have you in kepyng. Writen this Saterday. And as for the joyner your werk wilnot be redy bot ayeynest midsomer.

Your owne servaunt H. Unton.

To my worshipful Maister Syr William Stonor, knyght for þe body.

314. JOHN PAYNE TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR 15 MAY [1482]

This was clearly written in the same year as No. 305, and may safely be assigned to 1482. From A.C., xlvi, 195.

Right worshipfull Syr, and my right especiall gode Mastere, I re|commaund me unto you with right herty and manyfold thankynges for þe great favour and mastership, þat ye have showed me in diverse wises &c. And forþermore þat it woll please you to knowe, or I departed owte of London, þere whas certayne knowlage þat þis gentlewoman whas sacred, wiche whas don þe Freyday byfore my commyng to Hamptons place: þe said parties were commyn to London or I came thens: this knowen, I hadd no cause to tarie. I fere me lest M. Barkeclay colored in þis work. Never þe lasse I shall thynke it myn infortune. I pray God I may here after doo you sum pleasyr for þe labour, charge, and goode maistership, þat ye shewed me in þis behalfe. Also such en|commaundements as ye gave me to Master Rishe and oþer at London I remembred thayme as I cowde. And also delyvered your letter to Hugh Hownton. Also nowe I am sorye þat my lady Ane departeth from þes parties: for my lady and all þe houshold shall hastely to Dertyngton, and þere remayne and byde a season. Syr, if þer be any servyce þat I can doo att your commaundment in þes parties, ye shall have me at your pleasyr, and will duryng my life, þat to juperde to þe utterest of my power, that knoweth our blessed Lord, whome I beseche to preserve you in long helthe and prosperous filicite. Scribled at þe Castell of Taunton, þe xv^th dai of Maii,

One of your servaunts, John Payne, W^t my lord Marquis.

Unto the right honorable and my full goode Master, Sir Willm. Stonor, one of the knyghtes for the Kynges body, be þis takyn.

315. SIR WILLIAM STONOR TO JOHN ABREY 23 MAY, 1482

John Abrey was farmer of the parsonage of Pyrton for Sir William Stonor in 1482, see p. 169 below. From A.C., xlvi, 129.

Abrey, I pray yov se the demys content; also Belle of Schyrburne hath byn with me, and Jon Baker: so I hollde me content to reseyve ix markes of Baker for Belle for the tyth of soche as he nov oft to pay. At Stonore, the Thursday nexte a fore Whytsunday, A^no xxij^o.

Wyllm. Stonore, K.

316. HAVARD TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR 4 JUNE [? 1482]

There is no indication as to who Havard was, or who was his master. The reference to my lord Prince rather favours the latest date possible, i.e. 1482. As in some other letters (cf. Nos. 310, 311) which belong to this year there is a suggestion of political opposition to the Duke of Gloucester. Sir Richard Ludlow was a J.P. for Shropshire, and under-constable of Wallingford Castle (Early Chancery Proceedings, 66/412). There is a very remarkable paraph to the signature of this letter. From A.C., xlvi, 170.

Right worshipful and my special good maister, I recommaunde me unto you: and like it you to understande Maister Coytesmore have ben in my lord princes presence, and he came thider þe sonner because of þe bill þat ye sent to my maister. Natwithstanding, as I sent your maistership knowlege by Lentall youre servaunt, my maister was en|fourmed þat at your last being here ye broght letters unto my lord Rivers from Syre Richard Ludlowe ayeinst my maister in þe mater of Walingford: and wher as I sent you knowlege þerof by your saide ser|vaunt, and þat ye wolde nat sende me an aunswer by your servaunt, þe berer herof, whether ye brought þe saide letters or not, I mervaile: yef your maistership had sende me worde, I wolde have shewed unto my maister þe playnesse, soo as I trust my maister may lay none unkyndenes unto you. Your saide servaunt, þe berer herof, can enfourme you

ferther of suche novelles as ben here. And oure blissed lord have you in his keping. At the More þe iiij^th day of Juyn

Your true and humble servaunt Hauard.

To the right worshipful and my special good maister, Syr William Stonor, knight for the kinges body.

317. TWO MERCER'S ACCOUNTS JUNE—AUGUST 1482

Robert Southwode, mercer, was one of the sureties for the Fenns in 1481 (Letter Book, L. 177; see No. 252). From Ch. Misc., 37, v, 11, and ix, 31.

(a) Delyvered to my Maister Syr Willm. Stoner, knyȝt, the xix day of June A^o xxij. E. iiij^ti by Hew Umpton. vj ȝerdes Saten tawney at x. s. the yerd, iij. li. v. ȝerdes half damaske tawney at viij. s. þe ȝerd, xliiij. s. It., xj ȝerdes quarter sarsnet grene at iij. s. viiij. d., xlj. s. vj. d. It., ij ȝerdes chamlet blak at iiij. s., viij. s. It., v ȝerdes blak bokram at viij. d., iij. s. iiij. d. It., ij ȝerdes blak bokram at v. d., x. d. It., j plit. half laund at iiij. s., vj. s. It., vj. eln. holand cloth at viij. d., iiij. s. It., di. ȝerde sarsnet at iij. s. viij. d., xxij. d. Summa viij. li. ix. s. vij. d.

Itm., my said Maister oweth in August A^o xxj for v. eln. fyne holand cloþe at iiij. s., xx. s.

by Hew Umpton.

It., þe xix day of feverer A^o xxj. for ix ȝerdes quarter chamlet blak at iiij. s., xxxvij. s.

(b) Memorandum þat these be the parselles þat syr William Stonard, knyght, owyth to Robert Southwod, mercer, of London, be the handdes of Hew Umpton. In primis the iiij daye m. March A^o iiij^xx ij for j tepet of ffyn blake dobull velvet, xj. s. Item, the xxvj daye m. August A^o iiij^xx ij. for vj yerddes of ffyn grene dobull saten at xij. s. the yerd, summa iij. li. xij. s. Summa totalis iiij. li. iij. s.

318. FRANCIS, LORD LOVELL, TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR 24 JUNE [1482]

The year is clearly 1482; Gloucester was appointed to the Scottish com|mand on 12 June of that year, and Lovell writes from Tanfield in Durham. The signature alone is autograph. From A.C., xlvi, 177.

Cousine Stoner, I commaunde me to yow as hertely as I can, latynge yow have knowledge that I intendide to have bene with the King at the feste of Seynt John Baptist now late passid, to have attende upon his good grace; bot, Cousine, it is said in this contre the King purposes to send Northwardes my lorde of Gloucestre, and my broder Parr and such other folke of worship as hath eny reule in the said northe parties, trustyng we shall have warr of the Scottes: for cause wherof, and yef I shuld as now departe Southwardes it wold be said I withdrew me for the said warre. Bot, Cousine, as hastely as I can have a convenient seasson I purpose to be in the contre. And, Cousine, I pray yow þat ye wull see þat my game be wele kept at Roderfeld. And our lorde ever more have yow in his kepinge. From Tanfeld the xxiiij^th day of Juyn.

ffraunceys Louell.

To my Cousine William Stonor, knight.

319. QUEEN ELIZABETH WOODVILLE TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR 1 AUGUST [1482]

Comparison with the next letter, and with No. 313, which show that Stonor was out of favour with the Queen, suggests that 1482 is a likely year. This letter can hardly belong to the same time as No. 293. The signature is autograph. From A.C., xlvi, 151.

By the Quene.

Trusty and welbeloved, we grete you wel: and where as we under|stand by report made unto us at this tyme that ye have taken upon yow now of late to make maistries withynne our fforest and Chace of

Barnewod and Exsille, and þat in contempt of us uncourteisly to hunt and slee our deer withynne þe same to our grete mervaille and displeasir, we wol ye wite þat we entend to sew suche remedy therynne as shall accorde with my lordes laws. And whereas we ferþermore understand þat ye purpose under colour of my lordes Commyssion in þat behalf graunted unto you, as ye sey, hastly to take þe view and reule of our game of dere withyn our said fforest and Chace, we wol þat ye shew unto us or our Counsell your said Comission, if any suche ye have. And in þe mean season þat ye spare of huntyng withynne our said fforest or Chace, as ye wol answere at your perill. Yoven under our signet at our Maner of Grenewiche the first day of August.

Elysabeth.

To our trusty and welbeloved Sir William Stonor, knyght.

320. JOHN WALLER TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR 6 AUGUST 1482

"Twenty day" is clearly an error; probably for "twenty-two". This is confirmed by the reference to "my lord of Salisbury," which almost certainly means Lionel Woodville, who only became bishop in April, 1482, his pre|decessor, Richard Beauchamp, having died in October, 1481. From A.C., xlvi, 219.

[W]orchypfull Syr, after due recommendacions I louly [recommend] me to yowr maistershyp gevyng to you knowle[ge th]at the vj day of Auguste the xx day of Kyng [Edwar]d iiij^th, my maistres, yowr moder, hathe put . . . a byll to the Kynge ayenst yow and leyeth grett un|kyndnes in yow and faute. Wherfor, savyng yowr better avyse, I hadde lever that ye came yowrselfe then to be sende fore. Syr, for gretly she was made of by my lord of Salusbery, and by all the Quenys ladys and gentylwomen; and the Kynge herde her full well, as hit was telde me. And herr was with herr my cosyne Sainsyse brother, and of herr grette counselle. No more to your mastershyp, &c. As I shall informe your mastershyp more plainly when ye come.

By your servaunt John Waller.

[To my] ryght worchypfull master [Sir William] Stonor knyght: in haste.

321. RICHARD PAGE TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR 23 AUGUST [1482]

This letter was clearly written some time after No. 247; it is also later than No. 310. "My lady" must mean Stonor's third wife, and the letter affords the closest indication of the date of the birth of her son, which was certainly some time in the latter part of 1482. From A.C., xlvi, 192.

I recommaunde me to your mastership in my best maner: besekyng of the same I may be recommaundid to my lady, your wif, as he that is very glad of her good spede: I pray Jhesu save hir, and send hir good lif and long. Plese it yow to understond that Frere Hugh, chaunter prest of Horton, woll no longe occupie the Chaunterie ther: wherfor, syr, like it your mastership to write unto the master of Cobham, whos name is Doctor Underwode, to put in to the same Chaunterie Syr Robert Tybe, whiche is an honest prest and good, and a clene levyng man: y ensure yow he wolbe a sure bedeman to yowr mastership, and do yow as good service as woll any prest in Kent to his power. As for newes, the brynger can informe your mastership, to whom like it you to geve credens. I pray God save you and all yours. Writen at London on seint Bartholomew ys yeve with the hond of your servant.

Ric. Page.

To my master, Syr Willm. Stonor, knyght for the Kynges body, be thys delivered.

322. RICHARD PAGE TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR [1482]

This letter must be later than No. 321, and is of about the same date (or a little earlier) as No. 324. From A.C., xlvi, 191.

In as humble wise as y can I recommaunde me to your good master|ship. Syr, y have spoken with Master Lewes: I can not desire hym to be more courtais ne more gentyll towardes your mastership then he is

in every behalve. Wherfor your mastership must remembre the favour|able delyng and alliance bytwene yow: he woll not in no maner wise lese your favour, for he thenkygh it to hym right a singuler tresor: and also y am right well assurid your mastership woll not hurt hym, ne lese his ffavour: hit were not to doo, savyng yourself and your dewte, whiche he is, and I dar say wolbe, as glad to perform [every]ythyng accord[yng to] your [p]lesyr and reson, as [any] gentilman in Kent, or any other man levyng. I[ . . . n]o man speke better of your mastership then he spekys, and that in every point. [Y write] under correccion of your mastership, yet this [must] be consideryd in a . . . [gen]tilman, and that your mastership myght, if it [plese y]ow, dele more favourably [with] hym for this maner of is delyng to come . . . in displesyr, which God defe[nd. And Syr], this me semys it wer well don . . . [I have] spake with John Ford to be your fermor at Horton, y have confortyd hym ther[in], and he is for yow. I pray God save you, and my lady, and my yonge master your son for my grete comfort. Writen at your Horton this . . . with the hand of your servaunt.

Ric. Page.

To my good master, Syr Willm. Stonor, knyght for the Kynges body.

323. STONOR v. MARMION 20 DEC. 1482

Apart from its genealogical details the interest of this document consists chiefly in its relation to Ancient Deeds, C. 2747 and C. 2320—see p. 175 below. The original is only a rough draft. The dispute seems to have originated in the purchase by Sir William Stonor (in 1479) from Peter Mar|myon of the manor of Beamys with manors, lands, and tenements in Shenyng|feld, Swalowefeld, Farley, Sydenham, Tronkewell, Foxhill, and Sheperygge in Berks. and Wilts, and of the manor of Nustelyngis in Hampshire. Part of the consideration was the grant by Stonor of an annual rent of 5 marks for life from Horton to Eleanor, wife of Peter Marmyon. There were similar grants of 100s. to Robert, and of 40s. each to John and Peter, sons of Peter Mar|myon (see Ch. Misc., 37, ix, 40). The "Requests" here given come from Ch. Misc., 37, v, 13.

Thes byn the requestys of Syr Wylliam Stonore, K., made unto Peter Marmyun the Elder of Tame in the Countie of Oxford, be the advyse

of the counsell of the seyd Syr W. of and ffor the performyng of serten agrementes betwene the seyd partes of and apon the party of the seyd Peryk to be fulfyl and performyd as aperyth by the tendyor of a re|conysaunce made by the seyde Peryk unto the forseyd Syr W. S. afore oure soveren lord the Kyng in hys chauncery the xx day of Desemb. the yere of hys reyne the xxij.

First the forseyde Syr Wylliam by the advyse of hys counsell requeryth the forseyde Perkin Marmiun that he hym selfe come and cause his wyfe and hys sunys Robard Marmyun and Jon Marmyun to come afore my lord Bryan, chefe jeuge of the comon place, and by fore the seyde lord Bryan that he and hys wyffe and hys ij sunys aforesayde do make and every of them do make a seure and a sufficient knowlege in lawe by fyne for the surcese of all the londes foulowyng to the forseyd Sir W. Stonore and hys asynys for ever, and over that the seyd Syr W. S. by the advyse of his counsell requeryth the forseyde Perkin Marmyun to move and cause every person that ben or were infeffyd to the behofe of Pers Marmyun or of Robard his eldyst sun or of Jhon hys sun that they and every of them come afore my lord Bryan Chefe jeuge of the comon place and that every of them make a sewre and a suffycent knowlege in law by fyne to the behofe and surte of me Syr W. S. of thys londes and of the parsell of them.

324. PHILIP FITZLEWIS TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR [28 DEC. 1482]

Probably earlier than No. 326 and therefore some time in 1482, perhaps 28 Dec. As to Gatton, Stonor's ward, see Nos. 157 and 234. As to Clyffe, lord Cobham and William Swan, see No. 131. From A.C., xlvi, 157.

Master Stonner, afftyr all dew and herts recomendacyon premysyd, serteffyeng yow that I undyrstand hyt hath plesyd yow to send by a servant of yours unto Thomas Hyllys ffor to receyve off hym vj. li. xiij. s. iiij. d. dew unto you, to be payd off and ffor the wardship off Gatton, unto hym by you delyveryd: hyt ys sso that consederyng the gret trobyll, sute, and vexsasyon, that we have by William Swan and the mastyr off Seynt Thomas Spyttyll of London, and Barre, and other ffor the rerage

off the landes of Clyffe, consernyng to the seyd Gatton, that hyt wuld lyke you to resspyt and fforbere the seyd Thomas Hyll off the payment off the seyd some unto such tyme that we may have help and asystans off you to recover the rerages off them that beffortyme hath ocopyd the seyd landes, acordyng to yure promys: ffor hyt wer no resone that we scowld pay the rentes off that seson that other men dyd ocopy hyt, but ffrome the tyme that we had the ocopasyone we wyll with good wyll answer and pay all that to the same belonggyth: alwey trustyng that ye wyll deffend us agenst the cleyme off the lorde Cobham, the whyche seyeth, that whersoever he ffyndyth the seyd Gatton, that he wyll have hym ffor hys warde and so to cepe hym: the whyche unto us both were to gret a trobbyll and hurt. And also we hope that ye wyll cause Barry to lewe and delyver suche stall off schepe as ther by hym offt to be de|lyvyrd, as I have herd yure sylffe sey that he so schould doo; and therffor acordyng to reson and consyens at the reverens off Gode fforber and suffyr yure dute ffor a seson wythowt dysplesyer: trustyng to almyghte Jhesus that wyth yure help and asystance we schall endevoyre us so to do by verey labor and delygence, as yure ryght and the ryght off other schalbe savyd, and yure dute to be had to yure plesyer, whome you cepe and preserve ffor his gret merci: serteffyeng youe that yure servaunte, the brynger off thys, wyll not be seyd nay gladly to receyve yure dute undyr courteys word and gentyll demenyng, the whyche on my good ffeyth afftyr my reson delyth ryght well and mannerly, lyk a trew servaunt to hys mastyr, and amongges theme that ben worsshypffull, havyng reson wyth them, deservyth lawde and thankes. Wryttyne at Sutton at Hoane, the day afftyr seynt John.

By yowr own alwey Phllp. ffytzLowys.

To my Ryght worschypffull Cossyn, Syr Willm. Stonner, thys be de|lyvyrd.

325. RENTS AT NURSELYNG, &c. 9 JANUARY, 1483

Nursling or Nutshalling is three miles from Romsey. See Nos. 304 and 305 From Ancient Deeds, C. 1112. There is a trace of the seal.

This bille endentet made the ix^e day of Januare, the yere of the reigne of Kyng Edward the iiij^e, the xxij^th, wittnesseth that Hugh Unton

and Thomas Carpynter, servauntes to syr William Stonore, knyght, haven receyvet of William Reynold, baly to the said syr William, in party of payment of the rentes, issues and profetez groyng of his Maners of Nurseleyng, Bury, Lee, Seymanston, and Melbrok, for the termes of the Annunciacion of oure Lady and seint Michel the Archaungell last passet vij. li. vj. s. viij. d. In wittenes wherof ayther part of thes bille endentet unto other enterchaungeably haven set to thair Seale, day and yere abovesaid.

Endorsed. And the within writen William Reynolds is allowet by Maister William Berkeley, esquyer, for his labour and gederyng of the rent within writen, xxx. s.

326. PHILIP FITZLEWIS TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR 12 MARCH, 1483

Of the same date as No. 327, which like this is written from Horton. From A.C., xlvi, 158.

Ryght worschypffull Syr and Cossyn, afftyr all dew and hertty reco|mendacion premysyd, serteffyeng you that by yure wretyng and message ye ley unto me divers thyngges to my gret charge, off the whyche undowttyd with Goddes merci, wyth my honure and acordyng to law and consyens I schalbe dyschargyd off: and what so evyr he be that wole cause me to lease yure ffrendshypp and goode wyll, yet I wyll not so lese hyt, thowgh I schould therby suffyr a gret payne: and also I wold not ye schould lese myn thorowgh yure deffaut: thowgh I be semple, notwithstondyng consederyng the alyanse betwyxt yure blode and myn, ffor any thyng off unkyndnese by youe and yurs shewd unto me, yet rather than hyt schold be undyrstond in what deffaute hyt wer ffor the dysworsshyp that myght ensew to hym that were in deffawt, yet rather, as I seyd beffor, I wold bere a payne and all: yet notwithstondyng in all thynges and demaundes that now in þe fferme of Horton be in travers betwyx you and me I wyll abyd, and by thys my wretyng bynd me to abyde, the rule off my brother Page, and off Ruhse and Elmys, and anny other worshippfull off yure Cownsell. And Jhesu have you

in hys cepyng. Wryttyn at Hurtton the xij^th day of Marche, A^no xxiij^o R. Ed. iiij^ti,

By yure Cossyn Phllp. ffytz Lowys.

To the Ryght wurshypffull and my welbeloved Cossyn, Syr Willm. Stonner.

327. RICHARD PAGE TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR 12 MARCH [1483]

This seems to be written on the same day as the previous letter, and there, for in 1483. From A.C., xlvi, 193.

I recommaunde to your maystership: Syr, as this day I have ress. your letter by my fellow Tailbois, M^r. Lewes beyng with me at diner in my pore hous: I understand well theffecte of your writyng. Syr, if it like your mastership to call to remembraunce he ys your feffe of the same land, by force wherof he may justefie the takyng away of the cornys, and if he be lettyd he may take an accion ayenst thaym that let hit, notwithstandyng men woll indevor thaym to do you service and plesyr as fer as they may. Also he may have a replegiar, and so have deliveraunce: ther can no man say nay, but if he do contrarie the law. Syr, if it plese your mastership, he woll be bounde to abide the rule of your counsell, suche as he hath writen to your mastership off. And under correccion, me semys, it wer better to take that way, the premisses wele-considerid, than otherwise. Like it yow to yeve credens to the berer, to whom I have shewd my conseit in this mater. From your Horton, on seint Gregori is day, with the hond off

Your servaunt Ric. Page.

To my master Sir William Stonor, knyght. . . . .

328. THOMAS WODE TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR [17 MAY, 1483]

This letter clearly has to do with the inheritance of Stonor's third wife, Anne Neville, eldest daughter of John, Marquis of Montagu, who was killed at Barnet in 1471. Probably the occasion was the death of her brother George, sometime Duke of Bedford, on 4 May, 1483. Anne Neville's younger sister, Elizabeth, married Thomas, lord Scrope of Masham. Richard of Gloucester had the wardship of all John Neville's children. A writ of Devenerunt was directed to the Escheator when a tenant in capite died, and when his son and heir died within age and in the King's custody; its purpose was to inquire what lands came to the King by the death of the tenant. A writ of Mandamus lay after a year and a day when the writ of diem clausit extremum had not been sent out. From A.C., xlvi, 221.

After me as your servaunt recummaunded unto your Mastership: pleaseth it you to have in knowelege that as yet we canne have no moo writtes of Devenerunt but iij, and the residu, as ferre as we canne per|ceyve, must be writtes of Mandamus, by cause that the offices be foundyn sum of them virtute officii. Also we must tarie for those writtes till ther have bene serche made every yere syne the deth of my lord Marcus, by cause he purchased londes in dyvers placys, and yf eny on place were forgotyn it shuld cause a referser of the hole and putte you to a newe livere suyng: wherfor we have moved Skypton to make serche bytwene this and the next terme, promysyng hym to be rewarded for his labur: and by that ceason we trust to be acerteyned: and we have a promyse that noo wryttes shalbe delivered but to you. Also all the costes as yet resteth on your Mastership: how be hit my lord Scrope seith that he woll bere his parte, and also cause my lord of Gloucestre, which shall have the warde of the ij ladyes, to be contributorie to your charge. And Jhesu preserve you to his pleasure and your hertes desir. Wretyn att London on Whitsunevyn in hast.

Your servaunt Thomas Wode.

To the Ryght honorable and worshipfull my synguler good master, Syr Willm. Stonore, knyght, be this delivered in hast.

329. EDWARD PLOMPTON TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR 23 MAY 1483

Edward Plompton, or Plumpton, was a lawyer of Furnivals Inn, and in 1490 was secretary to George Stanley, Lord Strange. There are many letters of his in the Plumpton Correspondence. The Lord of St John's is Sir John Weston. From A.C., xliv, 73.

Right honorable and synguler good maister, the most humble and due recommendacion had: pleaseth your maistershipp to remembre your graunt by my lord of Saint Johns of your ferme of Warpisgrowe, like as apperith by your byll by my said lord asseignet: now is tyme for your maistershipp to mowe your said graunt. I wold advyse you in|contynent to send to Th. Dawy, steward of Saint Johns at London, and sone uppon to entre in to the said ferme, observyng your said graunt accordyng to the lawe: and my servyce ever at your commaundement, as knawith Jhesu, who your good maistershipp preserve. Writtyn in hast at Wycomb the xxiij day of May, 1483.

Your servant Ed. Plompton Secretary to my lord of Saint John.

To the right honorable and my synguler Maister, Sir Willm. Stoner knyght.

330. SIMON STALLWORTH TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR 9 JUNE 1483

Printed in Excerpta Historica, p. 16. From A.C., xlvi, 206.

Master Stoner, after dew recommendacons, I recommend me to youe. As for tydyngs seyns I wrote to yove we her noun newe. þe Quene kepys stylle Westm., my lord of ȝorke, my lord of Salysbury with othyr mo wyche wyll nott departe as ȝytt. Wher so evyr kanne be founde any godyse of my lorde Markues it is tayne. Þe Priore of

Westm. wasse and ȝytt is in a gret trobyll for certeyne godys delyverd to hyme by my lord Markques. My lord Protector, my lord of Bukyngham with all othyr lordys, as well temporale as spirituale, were at Westm. in þe councel chambre from x to ij, butt þer wass none þat spake with þe Qwene. Þer is gret besyness ageyns þe coronacion, wyche schalbe þis day fortnyght as we say. When I trust ȝe wylbe at London, and þen schall ȝe knove all þe world. Þe Kyng is at þe towre. My lady of Glocestre come to London on thorsday last. Also my lord commendys hyme to yove, and gave me in commaundement to wryte to you, and prayes you to be god Master to Edward Jhonson of Thame. He wass with my lord, and sued to be made a denyson for fer of þe payment of þis subsedy: and my lord send to Jeves þe clerke of þe corone and sawe þe commissione and schewyde to hyme þat he schold pay butt vj s. viij d. for hymeself: and so wer he better to do þen to be mayde denyson, wyche wold coste hym þe thyrd parte of his goods. And as for suche as have trobyld with in þe lordchype of Thame my lord wylbe advysyd by you at your commyng for þe reformacion, yf ȝe take note or ȝe come: for he thynkes þat þei schalbe punyshed in examplee of othyr. And Jhesu preserve yove. In haste from London by þe handys of your servande, þe ix day of June.

Simon Stallworthe.

To the ryht honorabille Sir William Stoner, knyghte.

331. SIMON STALLWORTH TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR 21 JUNE, 1483

Printed in Excerpta Historica, pp. 16, 17. The greater part of the letter, down to "menne of my lord," is not in Stallworth's writing. Sir Clements Markham (Life of Richard III, p. 214) has argued that: "As Saturday was the 21st, Friday last was the 20th. We have here evidence that Lord Hastings was not beheaded until a week after his arrest. . . . The story of Morton about the hurried execution on the 13th, and the log of wood, is there|fore false." Dr. Gairdner (Eng. Hist. Review, vi, 454) contested this con|clusion. But the fact that the letter was written in two hands affords an easy explanation; the first part may well have been written on Friday, the 20th, and the end added by Stallworth on the Saturday. This also explains the

change of Stallworth's opinion as to the likelihood of the early release of the bishops. Compare, however, the dating of No. 174 on "All Soules dai last past". From A.C., xlvi, 207.

Worschipfull Sir, I commend me to you, and for tydynges I hold you happy that ye ar oute of the prese, for with huse is myche trobull, and every manne dowtes other. As on Fryday last was the lord Chamberleyn hedded sone apone noon. On Monday last was at Westm. gret plenty of harnest men: ther was the dylyveraunce of the Dewke of Yorke to my lord Cardenale, my lord Chaunceler, and other many lordes Temporale: and with hym mette my lord of Bukyngham in the myddes of the hall of Westm.: my lord protectour recevynge hyme at the Starre Chamber Dore with many lovynge wordys: and so departed with my lord Cardenale to the toure, wher he is, blessid be Jhesus, mery. The lord Liele is come to my lord protectour, and awates upon hyme. Yt is thought ther schalbe xx thousand of my lord protectour and my lord of Bukyngham men in London this weeke: to what intent I knowe note but to kepe the peas. My lord haith myche besynes and more then he is content with all, yf any other ways wold be tayn. The lord Arsbyschop of Yorke, the Byshop of Ely ar ȝit in the toure with Master Olyver Kynge. [I suppose they schall come oute neverþelesse]. [A line has been drawn through these words in the original.] þer ar men in ther placese for sure kepynge. And I suppose þat þer shall be sente menne of my lord protectour to þeis lordys places in þe countre. They ar not lyke to come oute off ward ȝytt. As for Foster he is in hold and meue fer hys lyffe. Mastres Chore [Shore.] is in prisone: what schall happyne hyr I knowe nott. I pray you pardone me of mor wrytyng, I ame so seke þat I may not wel holde my penne. And Jhesu preserve you. From London þe xxj day of June by þe handys of your servand.

Simon Stallworthe.

All þe lord Chamberleyne mene be come my lordys of Bokynghame menne.

To the right worschipfull Ser Willm. Stoner, knyht.

332. A RIOT AT WATLINGTON 25 AUGUST, 1483

From Ch. Misc., 37, v, 15.

Inquiratur pro Domino Rege: quia Egidius Wellysbourne, nuper de Stonor in Com. Oxon., Gentilman, et Thomas Fachell, nuper de Stonor in com. predicto, Gentilman, aggregatis sibi quampluribus malefactoribus et pacis domini Regis perturbatoribus ad numerum centum personarum modo guerrino armatis et apparatu, videlicet Brigandar, Salett., lanceis, forest billes, gladiis, baculis, arcubus, sagittis et aliis armis invasivis ad modum vane insurreccionis, vicesimo quinto die Augusti, anno regni Regis Ricardi primo, contra pacem dicti domini Regis apud Watlyngton predictam ex magna malicia precogitata insimul se congregaverunt et insurrexerunt ad tunc et ibidem insidiis jacuerunt ad verberandum et spoliandum Willelmum Stedeman, Johannem Richardson, Laurencium Dalton, Willelmum Copley, et Thomam Gode, servientes Johannis Barantyn, armigeri, et Willelmum Stedeman, Johannem Richardson, Laurencium Dalton, Willelmum Copley, et Thomasn Gode, predictos, ad tunc et ibidem verberaverunt, vulneraverunt, et maletractaverunt, et treginta sex solidos et octo denarios legalis monete Anglie et tres anulos de auro in quadam bursa ipsius Willelmi ad valanciam quadraginta solidorum de bonis dicti Willelmi Stedeman, et septem solidos et octo denarios legalis monete Anglie de bonis dicti Johannis Richardson apud Watlyngton predictam ad tunc et ibidem inventis felonice furati fuerunt, ceperunt, et asportaverunt contra pacem domini Regis &c.

Nomina Commissariorum pro speciali Commissione ad deliberandas prisonas Castri Oxon. apud Watlyngton.

333. FRANCIS, VISCOUNT LOVELL TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR 11 OCTOBER, 1483

This which is the latest letter in the Collection was written on the eve of Buckingham's rebellion. Stonor sided with Buckingham, and was in conse|quence attainted. The letter is holograph. From A.C., xlvi, 102.