11JOHN PASTONALIASWORTES25.1

The above two documents are from a corrected draft, written on one side of a broad sheet of paper. On the other side is a long Latin pleading, also much corrected, relative to the Abbey of Bermondsey; prefixed to which are the following words, in the same hand as the preceding letters:—‘Sir, do writen ij. copies of this note in papier, wyde writen, and gete a copie of the writte in the Eschekyr ageyn.’The pleading referred to is in a different hand, and begins as follows:—‘Et prædictus abbas dicit quod ipse de præmissis domino Regi compotum reddere non debet; quia dicit quod diu ante erectionem, fundationem sive erectionem prioratus de Bermundeseye qui nunc erectus est in prædictam Abbatiam, Willielmus Rufus filius Willelmi Conquestoris nuper Rex Angliæ fuit seisitusde maneriode Bermundeseye,’ etc.21.2[From PastonMSS., B.M.] This letter, being dated in November, was probably written before Nos. 11 and 12 which follow, though evidently very near them in point of date. The chief evidence of the time when they all must have been written will be seen inNo. 12.21.3Who this Prior was we cannot say, the list of the Priors of Bromholm being very defective. Blomefield says, that a Prior John has been met with in the 11th of EdwardIII., and Robert, in the 14th of HenryVI.—that is to say, in 1435 or 1436, just ninety-nine years later. Nothing is known of the Priors between these dates, even by the latest editors of Dugdale.21.4‘Commoigne,’ i.e. brother monk. The writer also calls himapostata,i.e.a monk who has run away and renounced his order.22.1These words occur in the draft, but are crossed out.22.2Thomas Brancaccio, Cardinal Bishop of Tricarico. He was made a cardinal by his uncle, Pope JohnXXIII., and is said to have been a man of very bad morals.22.3Interlined, and afterwards erased.23.1Above these words, and in the place where the signature might have been expected, occur these names, one above another—‘Thomas Abbas de Leyston, in Com’ Suff.‘Ricardus Fremelyngham, concanonichus ibidem.’They do not, however, appear to be connected with the letter. The following words are also scrawled between this letter and the next:— ‘N. persona ecclesiæ de Testerton in Com’ Norff. Gees Cuttyng. Joh’ persona ecclesiæ de Yermuth (?), Alicia Gosloth (?).’23.2Sic.23.3The title ‘Sir’ was at this time commonly prefixed to a priest’s name.23.4The ‘vij.’ is struck out.23.5Contiañce,MS.here and after.23.6Struck out.24.1Here occur the following words, crossed out:— ‘Ferthermore, touchant my persone, I mervaille that the seyd —— Ferthermore.’24.2Struck out.24.3Omitted inMS.24.4The draft here ends abruptly.fuit seisitus de manerio de Bermundeseyetext has “d emanerio”11JOHN PASTONALIASWORTES25.1Venerables et discretes persones les courtesans demorans en l’ostel du Templebar en la cité de Londres, Mes treschiers et treshonnourés seigneurs et amis.1426Treschierset treshonnourés seigneurs et grans amis, toutte recommendation premise, plaisir vous soit de scavoir que je vous notifie et avertich pour le present que Wilhelmus Paston le Sargant est denunciés escommuniés, que plus plainement poes perchevoir per Instrument que vous envoye. Et pour tant, mez treschiers seigneurs, que je disire moult le salut de votre ames et l’onneur de cascun de vous, comme faire le doy, affin que vous u [ou] aucun de vous n’ayes aucune conversation u participation auvecquels le dit Wilhelmus, car il est aggrevés a cloquettes sonans, et tant que pour faire cesser en touttes eglises leur il voldroit aler. Mais jou qui suy homme d’eglise et sur touttes choses desire et convoite l’onneur et le bien dou Royaulme, car gy suy tenus, je ne envoye point pour le present les dittes aggravances, ne ossi voillans faire si grand mal que poroye jusquels a che que j’aray certainesnovelles et responses comment li dis Wilhelmes se voldra ordonner en mes affaires, car nous avons en le loy que nuls os excumeniés ne puet et ne doit estre admis devant juge quelcunque. Mes treschiers seigneurs, se aucune chose vo plaise que faire puisse, mande le me et le feray de bon cuer. E le sancte Dieuls qui vous ait tous et cascun de vous en sa sancte garde. Et osy, mes treschiers et treshonourés seigneurs, plaise vous scavoir que encelle meyme cause li dis Wilhelmes est redevaules et enquews envers moy, par sentence diffinitive que j’ay obtenu pour moy, en mille deuls cens et trente ducas, et que li dis Wilhelmes ne puet yestre jamays absols sy non qu’il soit d’acort auvecquels moy. Escript a en la ville de Bruges le xxiijejour de Jenvier.Johannes Paston,26.1en temps passé Priour de Broholm, et pour le present evesquels de Corkagen, le tout vostre.25.1[From PastonMSS., B.M.] William Paston, who is here spoken of as a Serjeant, attained that degree in 1421, and was made Judge of the Common Pleas in 1429. But a closer approximation to the date of this letter may be made by comparing it with that which follows, which is certainly much about the same time.26.1William Paston, as appears by 12 and14following, disputed this writer’s right to call himself Paston, and asserted that his real name was Wortes. It is curious that neither in the list of the Bishops of Cork, nor in that of the Priors of Bromholm, is the name either of Paston or Wortes to be met with.12WILLIAM PASTON TO WILLIAM WORSTED AND OTHERS26.2A mez treshonnourés Meistres Will’m Worstede, John Longham, et Meistre Piers Shelton soit donné.1426MARCH 1Rightworthy and worshepefull sires and maistres, I recomand me to yow, and thank yow with al my herte, of the gret tendrenesse ye lyke to have of the salvacion of my symple honeste, preying yow evermore of your good continuance. I have, after the advys of your lettre, doondewely examyned the instrument by the wysest I coude fynde here, and in especial by on Maister Robert Sutton,27.1a courtezane of the Court of Rome, the which is the chief and most chier man with my Lord of Gloucestre, and his matier in the said court for my lady, his wyff;27.2and here aunswere is that al this processe, though it were in dede preceded as the instrument specifieth, is not suffisant in the lawe of Holy Cherche, and that hem semyth, by the sight of the instrument and by the defautes [that] ye espied in the same and other, and in maner by the knowelech of the notarie, that the processe, in gret part ther of, is fal[se and un]trewe. I have taken advys of Maister Robert Bruus, chauncellor with my Lord of Cantirbury,27.3and Maister Nicholl Billesdon,27.4cha[uncellor] of my Lord of Wynchestre,27.5and Maister John Blodwelle,27.6a weel lerned man holden, and a suffisant courtezan of the seyd court, and all these acorden to the seyd Maister Robert Sutton. Nought with stondyng that I herde nevere of this matier no maner lykly ne credible evidence unto that I sey your lettre and the instrument, yet I made an appell and a procuracie, and also a provocacion, at London, longe biforn Cristemasse, by the a[dvys] of Maister David Aprys, Maister Symond Kempston, and Maister James Cole, and sent al this, with an instruccion of al the matier, w[ith] my procuratours to Rome by your frere, my Maister Suppriour, and geff hym gold that he was content: and, evermore, nowe here by advys I make this day a newe appelle and a newe procuracion, and upon this alle the seyd worthy men here seyn and informe me pleynly I have no maner cause in lawe ne in conscience to drede aught in this matier. Myn adversarie27.7is become Bysshop of Cork in Irland, and ther arn ij. other persones provided to the same bysshopriche yet lyvyng, beforn my seyd adversarie; and bythis acceptacion of this bysshopriche, he hath pryved hym self of the title that he claymed in Bromholm, and so adnulled the ground of his processe ageyn me, and also the tyme of his grevaunce pretendid, and the tyme of his sute he wasapostata, and I trowe is yet, and so unable to sue any swich processe. I purpose me to come homward be London, to lerne more in this matier, if I may. I prey the Holy Trinite, lord of your cherche and of alle the werld, delyvere me of my iij. adversaries, of this cursed bysshop for Bromholm, Aslak for Sprouston,28.1and Julian Herberd for Thornham. I have nought trespassed ageyn noon of these iij., God knowing, and yet I am foule and noysyngly vexed with hem, to my gret unease, and al for my lordes and frendes matieres, and nought for myn owyn. I wot not whether it were best in any sermon or other audience, in your cherche or elles where, to declare aught of this matier in stoppyng of the noyse that renneth in this case. I submitte me and alle this matier to your good discrecion; and evere gremercy God, and ye, who ever have yow and me in His gracious governance. I suppose to see yow on Palm Sunday. Writen at Leycestre, the Friday the thredde wyke of Lente.Alle the seyd lerned men telle me trewely ther is nother perill ne doubte in the takyng doun of the instrument and the bille to no creature. Which instrument and bille I send yow ageyn by the berare of this, which I prey you to kepe as pryve as ye may.Yowr man,W. Paston.I have preyed my Maister Hammond to write yow tydyngges, and smale (?) lesynges among.26.2[From PastonMSS., B.M.] About the year 1425 the question of the validity of the Duke of Gloucester’s marriage with Jacqueline of Hainault was before the Court of Rome. This letter must have been written in the spring of the year following, when Parliament was sitting at Leicester. The original is slightly mutilated at the edge in one place.27.1Prebendary of Lincoln, 1435–9. Died 1439.27.2Jacqueline of Hainault, whom Humphrey, Duke of Gloucester, married, pretending that her former marriage with John, Duke of Brabant, was void by consanguinity. The question which of the two marriages was valid was at this time before the Pope.27.3Archbishop Chicheley.27.4Dean of Salisbury, 1435–41. Died 1441.27.5Henry Beaufort, Bishop of Winchester, afterwards Cardinal.27.6LL.D. Prebendary of Hereford about 1433, and of Lichfield 1432–43.27.7John Paston or Wortes, the writer of the preceding letter.28.1A lordship in Sprouston was acquired by John Aslake of Bromholm in 14 RichardII., and seems to have continued some time in that family. Blomefield notes that a Walter Aslake, Esq. of Sprouston, had a protection in the 10th of HenryVI., being in France in the retinue of John, Duke of Bedford (Blomefield’sNorfolk, x. 462). Probably this was the same Walter Aslak mentioned in No. 6 preceding.—Seep. 18.13ABSTRACTS29.11426(1)Capiasagainst William Stayard of Great Yarmouth, late lieutenant of Thomas Chaucer,29.2chief butler of HenryV., for debts to the Crown.(2) Release by William Steyard of Great Yarmouth, to Elizabeth, widow of John Rothenhale, Knight, of all personal actions against her as her husband’s executor. 7 April, 4 Hen.VI.14ABSTRACT29.3John PastonaliasWortes.1426DEC. 1i. Draft writ to the Sheriff of Norwich to attach and bring before the Council John PastonaliasWortes and others for violation of the statutes of Provisors 25 Edw.III.and 16 Ric.II., on the complaint of John Brundale, prior of Bromholm that although he, Brundale, was canonically elected prior, the said Paston or Wortes had crossed the sea without royal license, obtained a provision of the said priory in the Court of Rome, and got himself installed as prior, and the other expelled. Also the said John Paston or Wortes, and John Gees, a Carmelite friar of Norwich, Edmund Alderford, late of Norwich, clerk,Barth.Waryn, parson of Trunche, William Cuttyng of Worsted, clerk, John Gees of Crowemer, merchant, and Ralph Gunton of Norwich, scrivener, received the said instruments at Bakton, and put them into execution.—Dated 1 Dec.ii. On the back of the preceding is another draft writ of the same date against the same parties for endeavouring to draw the prior out of the kingdom by a suit in the Court of Rome.The paper is endorsed—’S. (?) Billæ vis. Veneris prox. post diem antedictum (?) Anno H. vj. vto, et non necessario festinant’. Iterum supervidendum.’Endorsed in a later hand— ‘Towchynge Sir John Fastolffes landes in Norffolk and Surrye.’29.1[From PastonMSS., B.M.]29.2He is believed to have been son of Geoffrey Chaucer, the famous poet, and his daughter Alice married William De la Pole, at this time Earl, afterwards Duke, of Suffolk.29.3[From a Bodl.MS.]Barth. Waryn, parson of Trunchetext has Barth, for Barth.15ABSTRACT30.1—— ——to William Paston.1426(?)‘Dear and well-beloved Cousin.’—Is in good health, but ill at ease, being informed that she is in debt to Steyard for my lord’s debt, whose soul God assoil, £7 and a pipe of wine. Knew nothing of it in my lord’s life, except of 2 pipes for herself, and one for her mother-in-law, of which she has paid 20s. Since my Lord’s death, Steyard has never asked her for it. ‘For which time, as I was at Jernemouth abiding in the Frere Carmes the time of the pestilence, his wife came unto me,’ asking the writer to be good lady to him; and he asked no more then than the above 3 pipes. He asked no more last harvest when he was sick and like to die, when John of Berneye was present. Thinks, therefore, his asking is untrue. My Lord would have made me or some of his council privy to such a debt. Hopes Paston, whom my Lord made one of his feoffees, will see ‘that ye and I be discharged anemps the King as for the debt of Steyard.’—Dated Castre, the day after the Conversion of St. Paul. Addressed, ‘A mon tres cher et bien ame cousin, Will’m Paston soit donné.’[This letter is endorsed in another hand, ‘W. Paston, j. feoffatorum et executorum Johannis Rothnale per lit’ Cz. (?)’ It seems, therefore, to have been written by the Lady Elizabeth, widow of Sir John Rothenhale, whose name occurs inNo. 13in connection with William Steyard of Great Yarmouth. She was the daughter of Sir Philip Branch, Kt., and had been previously married to John Clere of Ormesby. She died at Caister, the place from which this letter is dated, in 1440; and by her will, which was dated at Caister, 16th October 1438, she bequeathed all her goods at Ormesby to her son Robert Clere, and all her goods at Horning Hall, in Caister, to her son Edmund.—SeeBlomefield’sNorfolk, iv. 35, vi. 392, xi. 210.]30.1[From PastonMSS., B.M.]whose name occurs in No. 13corrected by editor from “No. 8”16ABSTRACT30.21426–7Depositions on the —— day of ——, 5 Hen.VI., by Richard Wyoth, executor of Margery, daughter and heir of Edmund Bakon, touching the manor of Gressam which Bakon purchased,temp.EdwIII.After the death of two brothers, Margery became sole possessor, and gave it to Wyoth and other executors to perform her will, with proviso that Philip Vache and Eliz., his wife, should have it during their lives, but that the reversion of it should besold, giving William, son of Robert Moleyns, the first option of purchase. It was accordingly offered to him, but he refused to buy. On the death of said Eliz., however, he bought the manor for 420 marks, and held it two years, when Wyoth re-entered because part of the purchase-money was unpaid. W. Moleyns’s wife, however, induced him to accept security from Thos. Fawkoner, merchant of London, whose daughter the said William agreed that his son should marry, when he came of age; and it was arranged that meanwhile Fawkoner and Wyoth should be jointly enfeoffed of the manor, which was to be given in jointure, if the marriage took effect. The marriage did not take effect, and Fawkoner re-entered upon the manor according to the enfeoffment, but paid Wyoth nothing, till Thos. Chawsers,31.1Esq., a kinsman of the said Margery, made him understand that Wyoth might enter on his own portion, and had even a prior right to himself. At length Fawkoner sold his right to Chaucers and Wyoth, and released the manor on security for the payment. Wyoth then said he should have little advantage by the bargain, except in having easy days of payment; ‘et quod dictus Thomas Chaucers, pro bona voluntate quod (sic) erga dictum Willelmum Paston gessit, episcopum Londoni de emptione ejusdem manerii per longum tempus dilatavit, intentione ut idem Willelmus illud emeret si voluerit.’17ABSTRACT31.2Rauf, Parson of Cressyngham, toWilliam Paston, Justice.1427–43Is he to deliver to John Halleman Paston’s evidences belonging to the manor of Wodhalle in Pagrave, and under what form? Hopes to see him at Norwich, on Tuesday or Wednesday after Michaelmas-day. Cressingham, 20 Sept.On the back are written, in William Paston’s hand, some notes of a case touching ‘Frater Kensale.’[Ralph WolmanaliasHarple was incumbent of Cressingham from 1427 to 1460; but this letter could not have been written later than 1443, as William Paston died in August of the following year.]30.2Ibid.31.1SeeNote 2 on page 29.See alsoBlomefield, viii. 127.31.2[From PastonMSS., B.M.]18ABSTRACT31.3Mutilated Letter in French, fromJohn Vaux, Parson of Edythorp, to ——.1426Only the right-hand half of the letter remains. Names mentioned—Richard de Causton, William Coule. Date lost.[John Vaux was Rector of Edingthorp in Norfolk, in 1388. His successor wasJohn Prentys, who was presented to the living in 1429 by the feoffees of the duchy of Lancaster.—Blomefield, xi. 29.]31.3Ibid.19ABSTRACT32.11426DEC. 7‘A grant of the Monastery of Bury to make William Paston, justice, brother of the Chapter-House.’ Day of St. Ambrose 1429.[The description is taken from an endorsement. The document itself is printed in Yates’sBury St. Edmunds, p. 156.]32.1[Add. Charter 17,226, B.M.]20WILLIAM PASTON TO THE VICAR OF THE ABBOT OF CLUGNY32.21430(?)Myryghte worthy and worshopeful lord, I recomaunde me to yow. And for as meche [as I] conseyve verrayly that ye arn Vicar general in Inggelond of the worthy Prelate, the Abbot of Clunie, and have hys power in many grete articles, and mong other in profession of monkes in Inggelond of the seyd ordere. And in my cuntre, but a myle fro the place where I was born, is the poure hous of Bromholm of the same ordre, in wheche arn divers vertuous yongge men, monkes clad and unprofessyd, that have abedyn there.... Abbyte ix. or x. yeer; and be lenger delaye of here profession, many inconvenientez arne lyke to falle. And also the priour of ... hath resigned in to your worthy handes by certeins notables and resonables causes, as it apperyth by an instrument, and a symple lettre under the comune seal of the seyd hous of Bromholm, which the berare of this hath redy to shewe yow, wher up on I prey yow wyt al my herte, and as I evere may do yow service, that it lyke to your grace to graunteof your charite, by yowr worthy lettres to the priour of Thetford in Norfolk, of the seyde ordre of Clunye, autorite and power as your ministre and depute to professe in dwe forme the seyd monkes of Bromholm unprofessed. And that it lyke yow evermore to accepte and admitte the seyd resygnacion by your seyd autoritie and power, wyth the favour of your good lordshepe in comfort and consolacion of your pouere prestes, the monkes of the seyd hous of Bromholm, and there up to graunte your worthy lettres, wittenessyng the same acceptacion and admyssion of the seyd resignacion, and al your seyd lettres to delyvere to my clerke, to wham I prey yow to gyve feith and credence touchant this matier, and to delivere it hym in alle the hast resonable. And I am your man, and evere will be by the grace of God, which evere have yow in his kepyng. Writen at Norwich the33.1of Aprill.Yowres,Will. Paston.32.2[From PastonMSS., B.M.] This letter is printed from a rough draft written on paper, corrected in William Paston’s own hand, and scribbled over, after his fashion, with numerous other drafts and jottings on both sides. Some of these occur upside down between the lines of this letter. At the head of the memoranda on the back are the words, ‘In parliamento, anno H. vj. viijº.’ from which we may infer the date to be at least as early.33.1Blank inMS.21ABSTRACT33.21429–30A Memorandum, dated 8 HenryVI., that Sir Simon Felbrigge, William Paston, &c., recovered certain land in Edithorp, Bakton, and Northwalsham, against Richard, Abbot of St. Benet’s, Hulme, John Roys, and others.33.2[From PastonMSS., B.M.]22ABSTRACT33.3Robert, Lord of Willughby and Beaumesnil, to William Paston, Esq.1431JAN. 8Notifying that he has granted to Sir William Oldhall and Margaret, our sister, his wife, for moneys which Oldhall has lent and paid for him at need, an annuity of 120 marks on lands in Norfolk and Suffolk, in which ye (William Paston, Esq.) stand enfeoffed, to our behoof. Pont de l’Arche, 8 Jan. 1430, 9 Hen.VI.—Signed. Fine seal, mutilated.33.3[Add. Charter 17,227, B.M.]23ABSTRACT34.11432MAY 1Deed Poll, whereby Robert York, Prior of the church of St. Andrew of Broomholme, and the Convent of the same place, grant to Sir Simon Felbrygg, Knt., William Paston of Paston, and others, certain lands in Bacton Wood, &c., 1 May, 10 HenryVI.(Fragment of seal.)34.1[Add. Charter 14,313, B.M. (Dr. Turner’s Coll.)]24EDUCATION OF HENRY VI34.2Articles de Monsr. de Warrewyk34.3touchant le bon regime du Roy, etc.34.41432NOV. 9Forthe goode reule, demesnyng and seuretee of the Kynges persone, and draught of him to vertue and connyng, and eschuyng of eny thing that mighte yeve empeschement or let therto, or cause eny charge, defaulte, or blame to be leyd upon the Erle of Warrewyk at eny tyme withouten his desert, he, considering that perill and besinesse of his charge aboute the Kinges persone groweth so that that auctoritee and power yeven to him before suffiseth him nought without more therto, desireth therfor thees thinges that folowen.Furst, that considering that the charge of the reule, demesnyng, and governance, and also of nourture of the Kinges persone resteth upon the said Erle whiles it shal like the king, and the perille, daunger, and blame if eny lak or defaulte, were in eny of thees, the whiche lak or defaulte mighte be caused by ungodely or unvertuous men, if eny suche were aboute his persone; he desireth therfore, for the goode of theKing, and for his owne seuretee, to have power and auctoritee to name, ordeigne, and assigne, and for cause that shal be thought to him resonable to remoeve thoo that [shal] be aboute the Kinges persone, of what estate or condicion that thei be, not entending to comprehende in this desir the Stuard, Chamberlein, Tresoror, Contrerollor, ne Sergeantz of offices, save suche as serve aboute the Kinges persone and for his mouth.Responsio.As toward the namyng, ordeignance, and assignacion beforesaid, it is agreed, so that he take in noon of the iiij. knightes ne squyers for the body without th’advis of my Lord of Bedford,35.1him being in England, and him being out, of my Lord of Gloucestre35.2and of the remenant of the Kinges Counsail.Item, the said Erle desireth that where he shal have eny persone in his discrecion suspect of mysgovernance, and not behoveful nor expedient to be aboute the King, except th’estates of the hous, that he may putte hem from excercise and occupacion of the Kinges service till that he shal mowe have speche with my Lordes of Bedford or of Gloucestre, and with the other Lordes of the Kinges Counsaile, to that ende that, the defaulte of eny suche persone knowen unto him, shal mowe ordeigne therupon as theim shel thenke expedient and behoveful.Responsio.It is agreed as it is desired.Item, the said Erle desireth that, for sikenesse and other causes necessaries and resonables, he may, by warnyng to my Lordes of Bedford or Gloucestre and the Kinges Counsail, be and stande freely descharged of the saide occupacion and besinesse about the Kinges persone, under the favour and goode grace of the King, my Lordes of Bedford and Gloucestre, and other Lordes of the Kinges Counsail.Responsio.It is agreed as it is desired.Item, that considering howe, blessed be God, the King is growen in yeers, in stature of his persone, and also in conceite and knouleche of his hiegh and royalle auctoritee and estat, the whiche naturelly causen him, and from day to day as he groweth shul causen him, more and more to grucche with chastising, and to lothe it, so that it may resonably be doubted leste he wol conceive ayeins the said Erle, or eny other that wol take upon him to chastise him for his defaultes, displesir, or indignacion therfore, the whiche, without due assistence, is not easy to be born: It like, therfore, to my Lord of Gloucestre, and to alle the Lordes of the Kinges Counsail, to promitte to the said Erle, and assure him, that thei shul fermely and trewely assisten him in the excercise of the charge and occupacion that he hathe aboute the Kinges persone, namely in chastising of him for his defaultes, and supporte the said Erle therinne; and if the King at eny tyme wol conceyve for that cause indignacion ayeins the said Erle, my said Lord of Gloucestre, and Lordes, shul do alle her [i.e.their] trewe diligence and power to remoeve the King therfro.Responsio.It is agreed as it is desired.Item, the said Erle desireth that for asmuche as it shal be necessarie to remoeve the Kinges persone at diverse tymes into sundry places, as the cases mowe require, that he may have power and auctoritee to remoeve the King, by his discrecion, into what place him thenketh necessarie for the helthe of his body and seuretee of his persone.Responsio.It is agreed as it is desired.Item, sith the said Erle hath take upon him the governance of the Kinges persone, he desireth that alle th’estates, officers, and servantz of the Kinges hous, of what estate and condicion thei be, have special commandement and charge yeven by my Lordes of Bedford and Gloucestre, and by the Lordes of the Kinges Counsail, that in alle manere thinges seyn and advised by the said Erles descrecion, that is, for the Kinges estate, worship, helthe, and profit, by his commandementand ordeignance, thei be attendant and obeissant in accomplisshing therof.Responsio.It is agreed as it is desired.Item, for asmuche as the said Erle hath knouleche that in speche that hath be had unto the King at part and in prive, not hering the said Erle nor eny of the knightes set aboute his persone, nor assigned by the said Erle, he hath be stured by summe from his lernyng, and spoken to of diverse materes not behovefull, the seid Erle doubting the harme that mighte falle to the King, and the inconvenientz that mighte ensue of suche speche at part if it were suffred, desireth that in al speche to be had with the King, he or oon of the iiij. knightes, or sum persone to be assigned by the said Erle, be present and prive to it.Responsio. This article is agreed, excepting suche persones as for nieghnesse of blood, and for their estate, owe of reson to be suffred to speke with the King.Item, to th’entent that it may be knowen to the King that it procedeth of th’assent, advis, and agreement of my Lord of Gloucestre, and alle my Lordes of the Kinges Counsail, that the King be chastised for his defaultes or trespasses, and that for awe therof he forbere the more to do mys, and entende the more besily to vertu and to lernyng, the said Erle desireth that my Lord of Gloucestre, and my said other Lords of the Counsail, or great part of hem, that is to say, the Chanceller and Tresorer, and of everych estate in the Counsail, spirituell and temporell, summe come to the Kinges presence, and there to make to be declared to him theire agreement in that behalve.Responsio.Whan the King cometh next to London, all his Counsail shal come to his presence, and there this shal be declared to him.Item, the said Erle, that all his dayes hath, aboven alle other erthely thinges, desired, and ever shal, to kepe his trouthe and worship unblemysshed and unhurt, and maye notfor all that lette malicious and untrewe men to make informacions of his persone, suche as thei may not, ne dare not, stand by, ne be not trewe, besecheth therfore my Lord of Gloucestre, and alle my said Lords of the Counsail, that if thei, or eny of hem, have be enformed of eny thing that may be or soune to his charge or defaulte, and namely in his occupacion and reule aboute the Kinges persone, that the said Erle may have knowleche therof, to th’entent that he may answer therto, and not dwelle in hevy or synistre conceit or opinion, withoute his desert and without answere.Responsio.It is agreed.see end of textThe foregoing document is written on a skin of parchment docqueted with the words printed in italics at the head. The following memorandum is also endorsed— ‘xxixº die Novembris anno undecimo apud Westm. lecti fuerunt præsentes articuli coram dominis infra et subscribentibus et ad eosdem Responsiones dabantur secundum quod infra patet, præsentibus dominis infrascriptis.’ There are also other endorsements, but of a later date.34.2[Add. Charter 17,228, B.M.]34.3Richard de Beauchamp, Earl of Warwick, who died in 1439.34.4This title is taken from a contemporary endorsement.35.1John, Duke of Bedford, Regent of France, the King’s uncle, brother of the late King HenryV.35.2Humphrey, Duke of Gloucester, Protector of England, another uncle of the King, being the youngest brother of HenryV.He was called ‘the Good Duke Humphrey.’Names in signature25DALLING’S PETITION38.11433(?)

‘Sir, do writen ij. copies of this note in papier, wyde writen, and gete a copie of the writte in the Eschekyr ageyn.’

The pleading referred to is in a different hand, and begins as follows:—

‘Et prædictus abbas dicit quod ipse de præmissis domino Regi compotum reddere non debet; quia dicit quod diu ante erectionem, fundationem sive erectionem prioratus de Bermundeseye qui nunc erectus est in prædictam Abbatiam, Willielmus Rufus filius Willelmi Conquestoris nuper Rex Angliæ fuit seisitusde maneriode Bermundeseye,’ etc.

21.2[From PastonMSS., B.M.] This letter, being dated in November, was probably written before Nos. 11 and 12 which follow, though evidently very near them in point of date. The chief evidence of the time when they all must have been written will be seen inNo. 12.21.3Who this Prior was we cannot say, the list of the Priors of Bromholm being very defective. Blomefield says, that a Prior John has been met with in the 11th of EdwardIII., and Robert, in the 14th of HenryVI.—that is to say, in 1435 or 1436, just ninety-nine years later. Nothing is known of the Priors between these dates, even by the latest editors of Dugdale.21.4‘Commoigne,’ i.e. brother monk. The writer also calls himapostata,i.e.a monk who has run away and renounced his order.22.1These words occur in the draft, but are crossed out.22.2Thomas Brancaccio, Cardinal Bishop of Tricarico. He was made a cardinal by his uncle, Pope JohnXXIII., and is said to have been a man of very bad morals.22.3Interlined, and afterwards erased.23.1Above these words, and in the place where the signature might have been expected, occur these names, one above another—‘Thomas Abbas de Leyston, in Com’ Suff.‘Ricardus Fremelyngham, concanonichus ibidem.’They do not, however, appear to be connected with the letter. The following words are also scrawled between this letter and the next:— ‘N. persona ecclesiæ de Testerton in Com’ Norff. Gees Cuttyng. Joh’ persona ecclesiæ de Yermuth (?), Alicia Gosloth (?).’23.2Sic.23.3The title ‘Sir’ was at this time commonly prefixed to a priest’s name.23.4The ‘vij.’ is struck out.23.5Contiañce,MS.here and after.23.6Struck out.24.1Here occur the following words, crossed out:— ‘Ferthermore, touchant my persone, I mervaille that the seyd —— Ferthermore.’24.2Struck out.24.3Omitted inMS.24.4The draft here ends abruptly.

21.3Who this Prior was we cannot say, the list of the Priors of Bromholm being very defective. Blomefield says, that a Prior John has been met with in the 11th of EdwardIII., and Robert, in the 14th of HenryVI.—that is to say, in 1435 or 1436, just ninety-nine years later. Nothing is known of the Priors between these dates, even by the latest editors of Dugdale.

21.4‘Commoigne,’ i.e. brother monk. The writer also calls himapostata,i.e.a monk who has run away and renounced his order.

22.1These words occur in the draft, but are crossed out.

22.2Thomas Brancaccio, Cardinal Bishop of Tricarico. He was made a cardinal by his uncle, Pope JohnXXIII., and is said to have been a man of very bad morals.

22.3Interlined, and afterwards erased.

23.1Above these words, and in the place where the signature might have been expected, occur these names, one above another—

‘Thomas Abbas de Leyston, in Com’ Suff.‘Ricardus Fremelyngham, concanonichus ibidem.’

‘Thomas Abbas de Leyston, in Com’ Suff.

‘Ricardus Fremelyngham, concanonichus ibidem.’

They do not, however, appear to be connected with the letter. The following words are also scrawled between this letter and the next:— ‘N. persona ecclesiæ de Testerton in Com’ Norff. Gees Cuttyng. Joh’ persona ecclesiæ de Yermuth (?), Alicia Gosloth (?).’

23.2Sic.

23.3The title ‘Sir’ was at this time commonly prefixed to a priest’s name.

23.4The ‘vij.’ is struck out.

23.5Contiañce,MS.here and after.

23.6Struck out.

24.1Here occur the following words, crossed out:— ‘Ferthermore, touchant my persone, I mervaille that the seyd —— Ferthermore.’

24.2Struck out.

24.3Omitted inMS.

24.4The draft here ends abruptly.

fuit seisitus de manerio de Bermundeseyetext has “d emanerio”

Venerables et discretes persones les courtesans demorans en l’ostel du Templebar en la cité de Londres, Mes treschiers et treshonnourés seigneurs et amis.

1426

Treschierset treshonnourés seigneurs et grans amis, toutte recommendation premise, plaisir vous soit de scavoir que je vous notifie et avertich pour le present que Wilhelmus Paston le Sargant est denunciés escommuniés, que plus plainement poes perchevoir per Instrument que vous envoye. Et pour tant, mez treschiers seigneurs, que je disire moult le salut de votre ames et l’onneur de cascun de vous, comme faire le doy, affin que vous u [ou] aucun de vous n’ayes aucune conversation u participation auvecquels le dit Wilhelmus, car il est aggrevés a cloquettes sonans, et tant que pour faire cesser en touttes eglises leur il voldroit aler. Mais jou qui suy homme d’eglise et sur touttes choses desire et convoite l’onneur et le bien dou Royaulme, car gy suy tenus, je ne envoye point pour le present les dittes aggravances, ne ossi voillans faire si grand mal que poroye jusquels a che que j’aray certainesnovelles et responses comment li dis Wilhelmes se voldra ordonner en mes affaires, car nous avons en le loy que nuls os excumeniés ne puet et ne doit estre admis devant juge quelcunque. Mes treschiers seigneurs, se aucune chose vo plaise que faire puisse, mande le me et le feray de bon cuer. E le sancte Dieuls qui vous ait tous et cascun de vous en sa sancte garde. Et osy, mes treschiers et treshonourés seigneurs, plaise vous scavoir que encelle meyme cause li dis Wilhelmes est redevaules et enquews envers moy, par sentence diffinitive que j’ay obtenu pour moy, en mille deuls cens et trente ducas, et que li dis Wilhelmes ne puet yestre jamays absols sy non qu’il soit d’acort auvecquels moy. Escript a en la ville de Bruges le xxiijejour de Jenvier.

Johannes Paston,26.1en temps passé Priour de Broholm, et pour le present evesquels de Corkagen, le tout vostre.

25.1[From PastonMSS., B.M.] William Paston, who is here spoken of as a Serjeant, attained that degree in 1421, and was made Judge of the Common Pleas in 1429. But a closer approximation to the date of this letter may be made by comparing it with that which follows, which is certainly much about the same time.26.1William Paston, as appears by 12 and14following, disputed this writer’s right to call himself Paston, and asserted that his real name was Wortes. It is curious that neither in the list of the Bishops of Cork, nor in that of the Priors of Bromholm, is the name either of Paston or Wortes to be met with.

26.1William Paston, as appears by 12 and14following, disputed this writer’s right to call himself Paston, and asserted that his real name was Wortes. It is curious that neither in the list of the Bishops of Cork, nor in that of the Priors of Bromholm, is the name either of Paston or Wortes to be met with.

A mez treshonnourés Meistres Will’m Worstede, John Longham, et Meistre Piers Shelton soit donné.

1426MARCH 1

Rightworthy and worshepefull sires and maistres, I recomand me to yow, and thank yow with al my herte, of the gret tendrenesse ye lyke to have of the salvacion of my symple honeste, preying yow evermore of your good continuance. I have, after the advys of your lettre, doondewely examyned the instrument by the wysest I coude fynde here, and in especial by on Maister Robert Sutton,27.1a courtezane of the Court of Rome, the which is the chief and most chier man with my Lord of Gloucestre, and his matier in the said court for my lady, his wyff;27.2and here aunswere is that al this processe, though it were in dede preceded as the instrument specifieth, is not suffisant in the lawe of Holy Cherche, and that hem semyth, by the sight of the instrument and by the defautes [that] ye espied in the same and other, and in maner by the knowelech of the notarie, that the processe, in gret part ther of, is fal[se and un]trewe. I have taken advys of Maister Robert Bruus, chauncellor with my Lord of Cantirbury,27.3and Maister Nicholl Billesdon,27.4cha[uncellor] of my Lord of Wynchestre,27.5and Maister John Blodwelle,27.6a weel lerned man holden, and a suffisant courtezan of the seyd court, and all these acorden to the seyd Maister Robert Sutton. Nought with stondyng that I herde nevere of this matier no maner lykly ne credible evidence unto that I sey your lettre and the instrument, yet I made an appell and a procuracie, and also a provocacion, at London, longe biforn Cristemasse, by the a[dvys] of Maister David Aprys, Maister Symond Kempston, and Maister James Cole, and sent al this, with an instruccion of al the matier, w[ith] my procuratours to Rome by your frere, my Maister Suppriour, and geff hym gold that he was content: and, evermore, nowe here by advys I make this day a newe appelle and a newe procuracion, and upon this alle the seyd worthy men here seyn and informe me pleynly I have no maner cause in lawe ne in conscience to drede aught in this matier. Myn adversarie27.7is become Bysshop of Cork in Irland, and ther arn ij. other persones provided to the same bysshopriche yet lyvyng, beforn my seyd adversarie; and bythis acceptacion of this bysshopriche, he hath pryved hym self of the title that he claymed in Bromholm, and so adnulled the ground of his processe ageyn me, and also the tyme of his grevaunce pretendid, and the tyme of his sute he wasapostata, and I trowe is yet, and so unable to sue any swich processe. I purpose me to come homward be London, to lerne more in this matier, if I may. I prey the Holy Trinite, lord of your cherche and of alle the werld, delyvere me of my iij. adversaries, of this cursed bysshop for Bromholm, Aslak for Sprouston,28.1and Julian Herberd for Thornham. I have nought trespassed ageyn noon of these iij., God knowing, and yet I am foule and noysyngly vexed with hem, to my gret unease, and al for my lordes and frendes matieres, and nought for myn owyn. I wot not whether it were best in any sermon or other audience, in your cherche or elles where, to declare aught of this matier in stoppyng of the noyse that renneth in this case. I submitte me and alle this matier to your good discrecion; and evere gremercy God, and ye, who ever have yow and me in His gracious governance. I suppose to see yow on Palm Sunday. Writen at Leycestre, the Friday the thredde wyke of Lente.

Alle the seyd lerned men telle me trewely ther is nother perill ne doubte in the takyng doun of the instrument and the bille to no creature. Which instrument and bille I send yow ageyn by the berare of this, which I prey you to kepe as pryve as ye may.Yowr man,W. Paston.

I have preyed my Maister Hammond to write yow tydyngges, and smale (?) lesynges among.

26.2[From PastonMSS., B.M.] About the year 1425 the question of the validity of the Duke of Gloucester’s marriage with Jacqueline of Hainault was before the Court of Rome. This letter must have been written in the spring of the year following, when Parliament was sitting at Leicester. The original is slightly mutilated at the edge in one place.27.1Prebendary of Lincoln, 1435–9. Died 1439.27.2Jacqueline of Hainault, whom Humphrey, Duke of Gloucester, married, pretending that her former marriage with John, Duke of Brabant, was void by consanguinity. The question which of the two marriages was valid was at this time before the Pope.27.3Archbishop Chicheley.27.4Dean of Salisbury, 1435–41. Died 1441.27.5Henry Beaufort, Bishop of Winchester, afterwards Cardinal.27.6LL.D. Prebendary of Hereford about 1433, and of Lichfield 1432–43.27.7John Paston or Wortes, the writer of the preceding letter.28.1A lordship in Sprouston was acquired by John Aslake of Bromholm in 14 RichardII., and seems to have continued some time in that family. Blomefield notes that a Walter Aslake, Esq. of Sprouston, had a protection in the 10th of HenryVI., being in France in the retinue of John, Duke of Bedford (Blomefield’sNorfolk, x. 462). Probably this was the same Walter Aslak mentioned in No. 6 preceding.—Seep. 18.

27.1Prebendary of Lincoln, 1435–9. Died 1439.

27.2Jacqueline of Hainault, whom Humphrey, Duke of Gloucester, married, pretending that her former marriage with John, Duke of Brabant, was void by consanguinity. The question which of the two marriages was valid was at this time before the Pope.

27.3Archbishop Chicheley.

27.4Dean of Salisbury, 1435–41. Died 1441.

27.5Henry Beaufort, Bishop of Winchester, afterwards Cardinal.

27.6LL.D. Prebendary of Hereford about 1433, and of Lichfield 1432–43.

27.7John Paston or Wortes, the writer of the preceding letter.

28.1A lordship in Sprouston was acquired by John Aslake of Bromholm in 14 RichardII., and seems to have continued some time in that family. Blomefield notes that a Walter Aslake, Esq. of Sprouston, had a protection in the 10th of HenryVI., being in France in the retinue of John, Duke of Bedford (Blomefield’sNorfolk, x. 462). Probably this was the same Walter Aslak mentioned in No. 6 preceding.—Seep. 18.

1426

(1)Capiasagainst William Stayard of Great Yarmouth, late lieutenant of Thomas Chaucer,29.2chief butler of HenryV., for debts to the Crown.

(2) Release by William Steyard of Great Yarmouth, to Elizabeth, widow of John Rothenhale, Knight, of all personal actions against her as her husband’s executor. 7 April, 4 Hen.VI.

John PastonaliasWortes.

1426DEC. 1

i. Draft writ to the Sheriff of Norwich to attach and bring before the Council John PastonaliasWortes and others for violation of the statutes of Provisors 25 Edw.III.and 16 Ric.II., on the complaint of John Brundale, prior of Bromholm that although he, Brundale, was canonically elected prior, the said Paston or Wortes had crossed the sea without royal license, obtained a provision of the said priory in the Court of Rome, and got himself installed as prior, and the other expelled. Also the said John Paston or Wortes, and John Gees, a Carmelite friar of Norwich, Edmund Alderford, late of Norwich, clerk,Barth.Waryn, parson of Trunche, William Cuttyng of Worsted, clerk, John Gees of Crowemer, merchant, and Ralph Gunton of Norwich, scrivener, received the said instruments at Bakton, and put them into execution.—Dated 1 Dec.ii. On the back of the preceding is another draft writ of the same date against the same parties for endeavouring to draw the prior out of the kingdom by a suit in the Court of Rome.The paper is endorsed—’S. (?) Billæ vis. Veneris prox. post diem antedictum (?) Anno H. vj. vto, et non necessario festinant’. Iterum supervidendum.’Endorsed in a later hand— ‘Towchynge Sir John Fastolffes landes in Norffolk and Surrye.’

ii. On the back of the preceding is another draft writ of the same date against the same parties for endeavouring to draw the prior out of the kingdom by a suit in the Court of Rome.

The paper is endorsed—’S. (?) Billæ vis. Veneris prox. post diem antedictum (?) Anno H. vj. vto, et non necessario festinant’. Iterum supervidendum.’

Endorsed in a later hand— ‘Towchynge Sir John Fastolffes landes in Norffolk and Surrye.’

29.1[From PastonMSS., B.M.]29.2He is believed to have been son of Geoffrey Chaucer, the famous poet, and his daughter Alice married William De la Pole, at this time Earl, afterwards Duke, of Suffolk.29.3[From a Bodl.MS.]

29.1[From PastonMSS., B.M.]

29.2He is believed to have been son of Geoffrey Chaucer, the famous poet, and his daughter Alice married William De la Pole, at this time Earl, afterwards Duke, of Suffolk.

29.3[From a Bodl.MS.]

Barth. Waryn, parson of Trunchetext has Barth, for Barth.

—— ——to William Paston.

1426(?)

‘Dear and well-beloved Cousin.’—Is in good health, but ill at ease, being informed that she is in debt to Steyard for my lord’s debt, whose soul God assoil, £7 and a pipe of wine. Knew nothing of it in my lord’s life, except of 2 pipes for herself, and one for her mother-in-law, of which she has paid 20s. Since my Lord’s death, Steyard has never asked her for it. ‘For which time, as I was at Jernemouth abiding in the Frere Carmes the time of the pestilence, his wife came unto me,’ asking the writer to be good lady to him; and he asked no more then than the above 3 pipes. He asked no more last harvest when he was sick and like to die, when John of Berneye was present. Thinks, therefore, his asking is untrue. My Lord would have made me or some of his council privy to such a debt. Hopes Paston, whom my Lord made one of his feoffees, will see ‘that ye and I be discharged anemps the King as for the debt of Steyard.’—Dated Castre, the day after the Conversion of St. Paul. Addressed, ‘A mon tres cher et bien ame cousin, Will’m Paston soit donné.’

[This letter is endorsed in another hand, ‘W. Paston, j. feoffatorum et executorum Johannis Rothnale per lit’ Cz. (?)’ It seems, therefore, to have been written by the Lady Elizabeth, widow of Sir John Rothenhale, whose name occurs inNo. 13in connection with William Steyard of Great Yarmouth. She was the daughter of Sir Philip Branch, Kt., and had been previously married to John Clere of Ormesby. She died at Caister, the place from which this letter is dated, in 1440; and by her will, which was dated at Caister, 16th October 1438, she bequeathed all her goods at Ormesby to her son Robert Clere, and all her goods at Horning Hall, in Caister, to her son Edmund.—SeeBlomefield’sNorfolk, iv. 35, vi. 392, xi. 210.]

30.1[From PastonMSS., B.M.]

whose name occurs in No. 13corrected by editor from “No. 8”

1426–7

Depositions on the —— day of ——, 5 Hen.VI., by Richard Wyoth, executor of Margery, daughter and heir of Edmund Bakon, touching the manor of Gressam which Bakon purchased,temp.EdwIII.After the death of two brothers, Margery became sole possessor, and gave it to Wyoth and other executors to perform her will, with proviso that Philip Vache and Eliz., his wife, should have it during their lives, but that the reversion of it should besold, giving William, son of Robert Moleyns, the first option of purchase. It was accordingly offered to him, but he refused to buy. On the death of said Eliz., however, he bought the manor for 420 marks, and held it two years, when Wyoth re-entered because part of the purchase-money was unpaid. W. Moleyns’s wife, however, induced him to accept security from Thos. Fawkoner, merchant of London, whose daughter the said William agreed that his son should marry, when he came of age; and it was arranged that meanwhile Fawkoner and Wyoth should be jointly enfeoffed of the manor, which was to be given in jointure, if the marriage took effect. The marriage did not take effect, and Fawkoner re-entered upon the manor according to the enfeoffment, but paid Wyoth nothing, till Thos. Chawsers,31.1Esq., a kinsman of the said Margery, made him understand that Wyoth might enter on his own portion, and had even a prior right to himself. At length Fawkoner sold his right to Chaucers and Wyoth, and released the manor on security for the payment. Wyoth then said he should have little advantage by the bargain, except in having easy days of payment; ‘et quod dictus Thomas Chaucers, pro bona voluntate quod (sic) erga dictum Willelmum Paston gessit, episcopum Londoni de emptione ejusdem manerii per longum tempus dilatavit, intentione ut idem Willelmus illud emeret si voluerit.’

Rauf, Parson of Cressyngham, toWilliam Paston, Justice.

1427–43

Is he to deliver to John Halleman Paston’s evidences belonging to the manor of Wodhalle in Pagrave, and under what form? Hopes to see him at Norwich, on Tuesday or Wednesday after Michaelmas-day. Cressingham, 20 Sept.On the back are written, in William Paston’s hand, some notes of a case touching ‘Frater Kensale.’

On the back are written, in William Paston’s hand, some notes of a case touching ‘Frater Kensale.’

[Ralph WolmanaliasHarple was incumbent of Cressingham from 1427 to 1460; but this letter could not have been written later than 1443, as William Paston died in August of the following year.]

30.2Ibid.31.1SeeNote 2 on page 29.See alsoBlomefield, viii. 127.31.2[From PastonMSS., B.M.]

30.2Ibid.

31.1SeeNote 2 on page 29.See alsoBlomefield, viii. 127.

31.2[From PastonMSS., B.M.]

Mutilated Letter in French, fromJohn Vaux, Parson of Edythorp, to ——.

1426

Only the right-hand half of the letter remains. Names mentioned—Richard de Causton, William Coule. Date lost.

[John Vaux was Rector of Edingthorp in Norfolk, in 1388. His successor wasJohn Prentys, who was presented to the living in 1429 by the feoffees of the duchy of Lancaster.—Blomefield, xi. 29.]

31.3Ibid.

1426DEC. 7

‘A grant of the Monastery of Bury to make William Paston, justice, brother of the Chapter-House.’ Day of St. Ambrose 1429.

[The description is taken from an endorsement. The document itself is printed in Yates’sBury St. Edmunds, p. 156.]

32.1[Add. Charter 17,226, B.M.]

1430(?)

Myryghte worthy and worshopeful lord, I recomaunde me to yow. And for as meche [as I] conseyve verrayly that ye arn Vicar general in Inggelond of the worthy Prelate, the Abbot of Clunie, and have hys power in many grete articles, and mong other in profession of monkes in Inggelond of the seyd ordere. And in my cuntre, but a myle fro the place where I was born, is the poure hous of Bromholm of the same ordre, in wheche arn divers vertuous yongge men, monkes clad and unprofessyd, that have abedyn there.... Abbyte ix. or x. yeer; and be lenger delaye of here profession, many inconvenientez arne lyke to falle. And also the priour of ... hath resigned in to your worthy handes by certeins notables and resonables causes, as it apperyth by an instrument, and a symple lettre under the comune seal of the seyd hous of Bromholm, which the berare of this hath redy to shewe yow, wher up on I prey yow wyt al my herte, and as I evere may do yow service, that it lyke to your grace to graunteof your charite, by yowr worthy lettres to the priour of Thetford in Norfolk, of the seyde ordre of Clunye, autorite and power as your ministre and depute to professe in dwe forme the seyd monkes of Bromholm unprofessed. And that it lyke yow evermore to accepte and admitte the seyd resygnacion by your seyd autoritie and power, wyth the favour of your good lordshepe in comfort and consolacion of your pouere prestes, the monkes of the seyd hous of Bromholm, and there up to graunte your worthy lettres, wittenessyng the same acceptacion and admyssion of the seyd resignacion, and al your seyd lettres to delyvere to my clerke, to wham I prey yow to gyve feith and credence touchant this matier, and to delivere it hym in alle the hast resonable. And I am your man, and evere will be by the grace of God, which evere have yow in his kepyng. Writen at Norwich the33.1of Aprill.Yowres,Will. Paston.

32.2[From PastonMSS., B.M.] This letter is printed from a rough draft written on paper, corrected in William Paston’s own hand, and scribbled over, after his fashion, with numerous other drafts and jottings on both sides. Some of these occur upside down between the lines of this letter. At the head of the memoranda on the back are the words, ‘In parliamento, anno H. vj. viijº.’ from which we may infer the date to be at least as early.33.1Blank inMS.

33.1Blank inMS.

1429–30

A Memorandum, dated 8 HenryVI., that Sir Simon Felbrigge, William Paston, &c., recovered certain land in Edithorp, Bakton, and Northwalsham, against Richard, Abbot of St. Benet’s, Hulme, John Roys, and others.

33.2[From PastonMSS., B.M.]

Robert, Lord of Willughby and Beaumesnil, to William Paston, Esq.

1431JAN. 8

Notifying that he has granted to Sir William Oldhall and Margaret, our sister, his wife, for moneys which Oldhall has lent and paid for him at need, an annuity of 120 marks on lands in Norfolk and Suffolk, in which ye (William Paston, Esq.) stand enfeoffed, to our behoof. Pont de l’Arche, 8 Jan. 1430, 9 Hen.VI.—Signed. Fine seal, mutilated.

33.3[Add. Charter 17,227, B.M.]

1432MAY 1

Deed Poll, whereby Robert York, Prior of the church of St. Andrew of Broomholme, and the Convent of the same place, grant to Sir Simon Felbrygg, Knt., William Paston of Paston, and others, certain lands in Bacton Wood, &c., 1 May, 10 HenryVI.(Fragment of seal.)

34.1[Add. Charter 14,313, B.M. (Dr. Turner’s Coll.)]

Articles de Monsr. de Warrewyk34.3touchant le bon regime du Roy, etc.34.4

1432NOV. 9

Forthe goode reule, demesnyng and seuretee of the Kynges persone, and draught of him to vertue and connyng, and eschuyng of eny thing that mighte yeve empeschement or let therto, or cause eny charge, defaulte, or blame to be leyd upon the Erle of Warrewyk at eny tyme withouten his desert, he, considering that perill and besinesse of his charge aboute the Kinges persone groweth so that that auctoritee and power yeven to him before suffiseth him nought without more therto, desireth therfor thees thinges that folowen.

Furst, that considering that the charge of the reule, demesnyng, and governance, and also of nourture of the Kinges persone resteth upon the said Erle whiles it shal like the king, and the perille, daunger, and blame if eny lak or defaulte, were in eny of thees, the whiche lak or defaulte mighte be caused by ungodely or unvertuous men, if eny suche were aboute his persone; he desireth therfore, for the goode of theKing, and for his owne seuretee, to have power and auctoritee to name, ordeigne, and assigne, and for cause that shal be thought to him resonable to remoeve thoo that [shal] be aboute the Kinges persone, of what estate or condicion that thei be, not entending to comprehende in this desir the Stuard, Chamberlein, Tresoror, Contrerollor, ne Sergeantz of offices, save suche as serve aboute the Kinges persone and for his mouth.

Responsio.As toward the namyng, ordeignance, and assignacion beforesaid, it is agreed, so that he take in noon of the iiij. knightes ne squyers for the body without th’advis of my Lord of Bedford,35.1him being in England, and him being out, of my Lord of Gloucestre35.2and of the remenant of the Kinges Counsail.

Item, the said Erle desireth that where he shal have eny persone in his discrecion suspect of mysgovernance, and not behoveful nor expedient to be aboute the King, except th’estates of the hous, that he may putte hem from excercise and occupacion of the Kinges service till that he shal mowe have speche with my Lordes of Bedford or of Gloucestre, and with the other Lordes of the Kinges Counsaile, to that ende that, the defaulte of eny suche persone knowen unto him, shal mowe ordeigne therupon as theim shel thenke expedient and behoveful.