633ABSTRACT225.1

Thanks him for speaking to the Mayor and Recorder for the appearance of certain persons at this last session, as he wrote from Walsingham. Thomas Wolvesby and Colyns make great labor for the poor men’s undoing. Begs him to move the Mayor to have pity, considering their trouble at Walsingham, when they were prisoners.Thetford, Shere-Thursday.224.2[From PastonMSS., B.M.]633ABSTRACT225.1John Paston, Junior, to his Father, John PastonHas spoken ‘with Warwyk and Stwkle’ for the place and lands in Arleham. Declined their offer of 6d.an acre, they keeping the place in repair; but Stwkle has promised all the lands shall be purveyed for, as for this year. Warwyk this day offered my mother 7d.an acre for the lands in Arleham, but I counselled her to hold out for a longer term. Kook will no longer hold the place for 7d.or 8d.an acre, and will only give 6d., if he is to keep it in repair. Has spoken with Dame Alice Weche and Geoffrey Spyrlyng, who have agreed to set a tenant to occupy the lands in dispute till Paston comes home.St. Martin’s Even.225.1[From PastonMSS., B.M.]634ABSTRACT225.2Thomas Gnatyshale to Mrs. PastonI hope the young man I sent will please ‘my master and you.’ I hope you will not receive him at this time, and when my master comes home refuse him. As for your lands at Sparham, there are not many lands to let. Has inquired at Salle. Master Edward225.3is clearly answered of £18 a year and 7s.or 8s.more. Bryston, Thyrnyng, and Owleton are let, which belong to the manor of Salle. So he is clearly answered twice a year at London, besides the fees, viz., of the receiver 26s.8d., of the steward 20d., and of the bailliff 26s.8d.Sparham, Wednesday before Ascension.225.2Ibid.225.3Probably Edward, son of Robert Mauteby. He was Margaret Paston’s uncle.635ABSTRACT225.4T. Gnatyshale to Mrs. PastonJames and Robert Radclef mean to take away my goods, and I shall be taken if I be at Norwich at next shire. Pray let my master know. I supposeit was by their commandment that my two neat were taken on Saturday last at Lyng, ‘for one that is under bailly of Richmond took hem.’ John Everyton will tell you more. The receipts of the manor of Sparham with costs are £10, 3s.11½d.If any man of yours come to Norwich please send me your advice.(Signed) ‘T. Gnat.’225.4[From PastonMSS., B.M.]636ABSTRACT226.1James Arblaster to John Paston, [Squire]226.2John à Berney of Wychyngham wishes to disinherit him of his liberty of faldage in Colyette. Desires the help of one of Paston’s men. As for my Lady of Oxford, ‘I have get you a trusty man against Tuesday or Wednesday next.’[There is no distinct evidence of the date of this letter, except that it is probably not later than 1466, when John Paston died, though it may have been addressed to his younger son John. Compare Nos. 232, 233, and 234, in vol. ii.]226.1[From PastonMSS., B.M.]226.2This designation is added on the address, but is struck out.637JOHN PASTON’S FUNERAL226.3Expences paid by Gloys at Norwich the day the Cors was ther and befor.1466Fyrste. The iiii. orders of fryers, viiil.Item, almesse, iis.viid.Item, to xxiii. susters of Normandys,226.4with the gardian eche of them, iiiid., and the gardian, viiid.—viiis.Item, in offering on Pentecost Tuesday226.5for my master, id.; for the herse, xls.For xxiiii. yerdes of brod wythtys for gowns, xxviis.viiid.; for dyeng of the same, iiiis.For settyng on the tents, vid.For xxii. yerdes and iii. quarters of brod wythts, xxxiiiis.iiid.For grownedyng, iiis.iiiid.For dyeng, iiiis.To xxxviii. prests at the dyryge at Norwyche, when the cors lay ther, xiis.viiid.To xxxix. schyldern with surplyces within the schurche and without, iiis.iiiid.To xxvi. clerks with iiii. kepers of the torches, eche of them iid., iiis.iiiid.To the clerks of St. Peters and St. Stevens for the ryngers ageyn the cors, iis.To the iiii. orders of fryers that rede ageyn the cors——. To the Prioress of Carow, vis.viiid.To a maide that came with her, xxd.To the ancors [anchoress ?] xld.In almesse, xvs.To a woman that came from London with the cors to Norwyche, vis.viii[d].Payments be Gloys and Calle at Bromholme.Fyrste. To the Prior, be my masters bequest, xls.To ix. monks, eche of them vis.viiid., iiil.To an other monke, who was of the same place, xxd.For brinnyng of the Abbes with the torches, xxd.To the Priors boteler for bred, iis.xd.For wasshyng of napry, xiid.To the boteler for hys reward, xxd.To the baker for cccx. eggs, xixd.To hym for hys reward, iiis.iiiid.To xxviii. bedds with —— of clothys, and wasshyng of the same, vs.To ii. men that fyllyd the grave, viiid.To brueng of v. kome malte, xxd.For ix. pownd candyl, xid.To the clerks of Bromholm, viiid.For viii. peces of peuter lost of the Priors, xxd.Geven among the men of the bakhouse, xxd.To the parisshe schyrche of Bromholm, xs.To xii. schyrchys, ls.viiid.To the prest that cam with the cors from London, iiis.iiiid.To servytors that awaytyd upon hym by the komawndment of W. Paston, xxid.To Playters for hys offering, iiiid.To the vyker of Upton, iis.To the sexton of Bromholm for xxii. crossys geven to Marget and Modeley,perJohn Paston, iiiis.vid.To xiiii. rynggars, viis.To xxiiii. servertors, eche of them iiiid., viiis.To lxx. servertors, eche of them iiid., xviis.vid.Paid to Dawbeny for servertors, viis.For fyshh the day after the enterment, vis.xd.For vi. barells bere, xiis.For a roundlet of red wine of xv. gallonys, &c., xiis.xid.Toa hors hyer for iii. days for Sir James, xiid.For a quarter malte, vs.For iiii. bushels wete, xxxiid.For a quarter of otys, iis.viiid.For x. kombe malte brueng, xld.For the boord of Rychard Hermer, wrythe, iii. days, and for hys hyer the sayde tyme, xiiid. ob.For William Yonge, barbor, v. days mete and drynke, and hys hyer the sayde tyme, xvid.For vi. pownd candyl, viid. ob.To xii. pore men beryng torches from London to Norfolk be vi. day, is., takyng eche of them on the day iiiid., and for iii. dayes in goyng homerward, takynge every day vid.Geven to Martyn Savage and Denschers awaytyng upon my master at London be vii. dayes before that he was caryed, iis.xd.For bred bowthe, xxiiiis.For vii. barels bere, xviis.vid.For a barel of the grettest assyse, iiis.iiiid.For iiii. barells of alee, xiiis.iiiid.For bred and alee for xii. men that bare torches, xiiid. ob.To a dole at Bromholm, vl.xiiis.iiiid.To William Colens, one of the botelers at Bromholm, xiid.To Wate Webster, another boteler, xiid.To Greg. Worsteler, one of the porters at Bromholm, iiiid.The parson at Mauteby,228.1and Sir Thomas Lynes, to the prestes at the deryge at Bromholm, xliiis.In almesse, xlviis.vid.; more, xxs.To the glaser for takyn owte of ii. panys of the wyndows of the schyrche for to late owte the reke of the torches at the deryge, and sowderyng new of the same, xxd.[This part of the roll, according to Blomefield, or his continuator, seemed to be written by Gloys, above mentioned, in an indifferent hand. The remainder is in a very neat and curious old hand, which was supposed to be that of Margaret Paston.]Vittelles bought by Richard Charles.First.For xxvii. gees, xviis.For xxvii. frankyd gees, vis.viiid.lxx. caponnes, xviis.viid.For xxix.228.2xvii. chekons, xvis.vid.For x. chekons, xd.For xli. pygges, xiiis.xd.For xlix. calvys, iiiil.xiiis.iiiid.For xxxiiii.lambys, xxviis.iid.For xxii. shep, xxxviis.vd.x. nete, iiiil.xvis.id.For ii. napronnes to Richard Lynstede, xd.For claretts and fawcetts, vid.MCCC.eggs, vis.vid.For xx. galons milk, xxd.For viii. galons creme, iis.viiid.For iiii. pints of butter, iiiid.For i. quarter and ii. bushels of whete mele, viis.xd.To the parson of Crostweyt for i. quarter of whete, vis.For xiiii. galons of ale, iis.To a labourer for iii. days, xiid.To xxiiii. galons of ale, iiiis.For xiii. salt fysshe, iiiis.iiiid.For the purveying of bred, ale, and fysshe, iiis.iiiid.To William Reynolds for lodgyng of Master Prowet, the Prior of the White Freres, the parson of Mautby, Sir Thomas Lynds, and other, by ii. nyghtis, vid.For bred, ale, and possets to the same persons, vid.To Herman, fleying bests by iii. days, iis., and to John Foke, by iii. days, xxd.For purveying of all the velys, lambes, x. beefins, certain piggs and polaly [poultry], xld.Bill of the Prior of Bromholm.Memorandum. The Prior toke to bord diverse persons laboryng abought the enterment, begynnyng the Thursday in Pentecost weke, the vi. yere of Kyng Edward the iiiith.On Thursday I229.1find 3 persons who had xiid.for their board and hire; on Friday 5 who had xvd.; on Saturday 8 who had xxiiid.On Monday all were employed; and on the day after I find 4 to be allowed for their board iiiid. ob., and for their hires vd.,—ixd. ob.Delivered by the Prior to Richard Charles:—Fyrst, v. quarters of otes, xiiis.iiiid.; v. swyne, xiis.vid.; ii. bushel of mestlyn, xvd.; v. pownd of candell, vd.; xx. quarters of malte, xiiis.iiiid., and with gryndyng and brewyng, xviiis.For a cartfull of hey, iiis.iiiid.For ii. swyne, vs.For ii. bushel otes, viiid.For a quarter of herryng, vid.For half a quarter makerell, viid. ob.To the parson of St. Peters for his fee of the wax abought the coors, beside ii. candels of i.lb.and i. hert candel of a pound, xxd.At my masters xxx. day for offeryng, id.Geven to churches and in almes by Gresham, toward Bromholm, v.marks. To the clerk of St. Peters of Hungate230.1his felaship for ryngyng when the coors was in the church, xiid.To Dawbeney for bests and other stuffe for the enterment, xxl.To him in gold for to chaunge into small mony for the dole, xll.To W. Pecok, in iii. bags to bere to Bromholm, in copper, the 20th day, xxvi.marks. To Medeley for his reward, iiii.marks, and the same to Maryot. To Maryot for costs he bare by the way to Bromholm, iiil.xiid.More to Medeley for mony paid by him, xlis.xd.To the keper of the inne where myne husband dyed, for his reward, xxs.To Paston chirch, xs.To Bakton chirch, vis.viiid.To Gresham the London carrier, in full payment for the Chaundeler of London, vl.xixs.iiiid.More in almes mony, vis.viiid.More for wyne and bere, vii.marks. To the parson of St. Peters, vis.viiid.For wyne for the seingers when the coors was at Norwich, xxs.To Skolehouse in part of his bille for torches and wax made at Bromholm, for to brenne upon the grave, iiii.marks. For x. yerds of narow blak for the viker of Dallynge and Robert Gallawey, and for iii. yerds and quarter of brod cloth for Illee, xxs.xd.To Freton chirch, vis.viiid.For a cope called a frogge of worsted for the Prior of Bromholm, xxvis.viiid.For bred at the enterment, ixs.In almes, viiis.iiiid.In wyne and spices, ls.To Dom. John Loveday for cloth for a ridyng cope for himself, xiiiis.iid.To the makyng of Redham Stepill, viiis.iiiid.To John Orford, wax chandeler, for xii. torches and one candell of i.lb., lvs.iid. ob.To John Dewe for grey lynen cloth and sylk frenge for the hers, vil.xvis.iid.Given to the Austeners at the chapter at the.  .  .  .  .  .of Yarmouth, lxxvs.To Daubeney for to kepe the yere day at Bromholm the first yere after his dethe, viiil.iis.iiiid.Given at Castor to xxv. howsholders, every houshold iiid.the said tyme, vis.iiid.To viii. pore men the said tyme, xviiid.To the master of the College the said tyme, vis.viiid.ToMasterClement Felmyngham the said tyme, vis.viiid.To viii. prests at Castor the said tyme, iis.viiid.To childern in surplices and other pore folk at the said tyme, xiiid.To the parson of Hungate, vis.viiid.To the said parson for a certeyn231.1unto Mighelmesse next after the said yere day, viiis.viiid.To Skolous, wax chandeler, for makyng of the hers at Bromholm, xxiil.ixs.viiid.To Philip Curson, draper, for cloths, ixl.iiis. ob.To Aubrey, draper, xxxiiiis.For a quarter of makerell, xiid.To the Prior of Bromholm for malte spent at the enterment, xls.For light kept on the grave, xs.Geven at Cristemasse next after the said yereday, to eche of the iiii. orders of friers, xs.,—xls.To the vyker of Dallyng for bryngyng home of a pardon from Rome, to pray for alle our frends sowles, viiis.iiiid.For a black gowne to the said viker, viiis.226.3[From Blomefield’sNorfolk, vi. 483. Folio edition, iii. 692.] The original of this document was probably among the PastonMSS.when Blomefield composed hisHistory of Norfolk, but where it is at present cannot be ascertained. It is cited by Blomefield, or perhaps by his continuator, Mr. Parkin, as ‘a very long but narrow roll,’ then in his possession. The text, however, does not seem to be printed entire, as the Editor only professes to give ‘several particulars therein.’226.4At Norwich.226.527th May 1466.228.1Robert Coteler, who was presented to the living by John Paston in 1465, on the resignation of Thomas Howys.228.2A short blank occurs in Blomefield after ‘xxix.’ and before ‘xvii.’229.1Blomefield or his continuator here speaks in his own person.230.1A church in Norwich, rebuilt by John Paston in 1460, the advowson having been acquired by him and Margaret, his wife, in 1458. The date of the rebuilding is engraved in stone on a buttress by the north door.231.1Masses called ‘certeynes’ are referred to in No. 53 (vol. ii. p. 64).To Master Clement Felmyngham the said tymetext has “Mastkr”: corrected from Blomefield638FASTOLF’S GOODS231.21466Declaraciobonorum mobilium Johannis Fastolf militis ad manus Johannis Paston armigeri deveniencium et possidencium tam ex liberacione Thomæ Howys, Rectoris de Pulham, unius executoris dicti militis, quam ex Rapto aliorum hominum serviencium et tenencium suorum. Ac valorem in possessione dominiorum maneriorum terrarum et tenementorum suorum in eorum prima perquisicione per dictum militem solutorum et per heredem dicti Paston clameatorum pro nichilo solvendo, cum custubus edifficacionis eorundem. Et pro quibus omnibus supra specificatis executores dicti militis petiunt de heredibus et executoribus dicti Johannis Paston, solucionem restitucionem ac satisfacionem de dampnis occasione hujusmodi retencionis.In primis.Die octava mensis Novembris anno xxxviij. Regni Regis Henrici Sexti, videlicet tercio die post obitum Johannis Fastolfmilitis, Thomas Howys clericus, co-executor dicti Johannis Fastolf, deliberavit Johanni Paston armigero de bonis dicti Johannis Fastolf existentibus ad tunc sub salva custodia in abbathia Sancti Benedicti de Hulmo de parte majoris summe in auro, videlicet in nobilibus antiquis boni et justi ponderis ijml.cccc. nobilia, precii nobile viijs.iiijd., faciunt mlli., et alia vice in moneta argenti xxiiijli.xvijs.ijd.; unde summaml.xxiiijli.xvijs.ijd.Item, idem Thomas liberavit Johanni Paston dicto mense Novembris apud Norwicum, de vasis argenti diversarum specierum ad tunc habitarum extra thesauraium dicti militis manerij de Castre, iiijml.xxiij. unciarum ponderis Troie, precium uncie ijs.xd., faciunt vc.lxixli.xviijs.vjd.Et eidem Johanni apud Norwicum alia vice, de vasis argenti, ponderis lvij. unciarum, precium uncie ut supra, vijli.iiijs.xd.Et eidem Johanni alia vice apud dictum Castre liberantur de vasis argenti Cxij. unciarum precium ut supra xvli.xvijs.iiijd.; unde summavc.iiijxx.viijli.viijd.Item, idem Thomas liberavit eidem Johanni Paston apud Norwicum dicto mense Novembris, in cyphis et vasis auri triati et finati, iijxx.xv. unciarum ponderis Troie, precium uncie xls.Clli.Item, idem Thomas liberavit dicto Johanni ad faciendum certum prestitum comiti de Salysberye de bonis dicti Johannis Fastolf, unde idem Johannes Paston habet sufficientem securitatem et obligacionem Episcopi Norwicensis xxxiijli.vjs.viijd.Et consimili modo liberavit dicto Johanni ad faciendum certum prestitumdomino de Fitzwater, unde idem Johannes habet sufficientes securitates, xxxiijli.vjs.viijd.lxvjli.xiijs.iiijd.Item, dictus Johannes Paston cepit de bonis dicti militis existentibus sub custodia Willelmi Worcetyr, contra agreamentum suum, et tradita per ipsum ad salvo custodiendum Thome Plummer de London scryvaner et Johanni Gressham de eadem capper, videlicet in vasis argenti diversarum specierum ml.viijc.iiijxx.x. unciarum, precium uncie ut supra, CClxviijli.vs.Et consimiliter cepit cyphum coopertum depuro auro ponderis Troie xxiij. unc’, j. quart. di., precium uncie xls., xlvjli.xvs.Et similiter cepit unam cathenam auri puri, ponderis Troie xxiij. unc’ et dimidii, precium unc’ ut supra xlvijli.CCClxijli.Item, idem Johannes Paston cepit consimili modo de bonis dicti militis traditis Willelmo Worcetyr ad custodiendum, dicto mense Novembris, videlicet London, apud domum dicti Thome Plummer, ultra Cxlli.per dictum Worcestre solutas pro panno nigro pro liberatis togarum datis erga funeralia dicti militis, et pro serico pro baneretis pictis cum armis, necnon pro vino et speciebus, videlicet viijc.j. nobilia antiqua boni et justi ponderis, precium nobile viijs.iiijd., iijc.xxxiijli.xvs.Et liberantur dicto Johanni Paston per manus dicti Thome Howys, London, de moneta tradita in custodia dicti Thome Plummer lxijli.xjs.iiijd.; pro totoCCCiiijxx.xvjli.vjs.iiijd.Item, dictus Johannes Paston cepit consimili modo de Willelmo Worcestre certa notabilia monilia et jocalia auri cum lapidibus preciosis garnizata, videlicet unum monile ditissimum vocata Anglicea White Rosenuper domini ducis Eborum233.1cum magno precioso lapide vocatoa poynted dyamant, qui in prima empcione constabat, ut dicitur iiijorml.marcarum, ac alia duo jocalia nuper dicti domini ducis tradita in plegio quando dictus Johannes Fastolf obligatus fuit pro dicto duce in tribus milibus libris executoribus cardinalis Anglie233.2super certis denariis prestitis dicto duci, et unde idem, dominus dux debebat dicto Johanni Fastolf in denariis prestitis CCCClxvjli.xiijs.iiijd.Et pro aliis justis causis CClxvjli.xiijs.iiijd.Et predicta tria jocalia per assensum dicti domini ducis sub sigillo armorum in scriptis tradita assignata fuerunt dicto Johanni Fastolf ut bona sua propria ad vendendum et disponendum in recompensacione debiti sui et aliis magnis laboribus et vexacionibus dicti militis pro dicto duce sustentatis et habitis dum modo locum tenens pro Rege fuit in Francia, ac postea in Angliavijc.xxxiijli.vjs.viijd.Item, predictus Johannes Paston recepit exitus et proficua omnium maneriorum, terrarum et tenementorum dicti militis in comitatibus Norffolk, Suffolk, Essex et Surrie per manus ministrorum et servorum sine consensu executorum dicti militis, diversis annis ex quo obiit, per propinquam estimacionemml.vjc.lxvjli.xiijs.iiijd.Item, dictus Johannes Paston recepit diversa alia catalla et bestias dicti militis, videlicet equos et palefridos principales suos valoris xxxli.ac oves et animalia minuta cubancia in pasturis de Castre et aliis maneriis, videlicet ijm.iiijc.lvj. oves diversorum generum precium capitis xiiijd.Cxliijli.vs.iiijd.Et in precio xiij. magnarum bestiarum vjli.Et in valore vjm.cuniculorum apud Warennam de Haylysdon anno quo dictus miles obiit per Warennarios ibidem per propinquam estimacionem assessatos precium ml.xvs., xlvli.Similiter in precio vellerum lane ovium de stauro suo apud Haylysdon ante obitum suum remanencium, xxvjli.xiijs.iiijd.per ipsum recept’CClli.xviijs.viijd.Item, idem Johannes Paston recepit apud Castre predictam stuffuram et ordinacionem pro defensione patrie in artilleria, videlicet colubrinas librillas234.1diversorum magnitudinum cum cameris in decem carectis oneratis ac in curassys, brigandinis jakkis, salectis, basnetes, habourjonnys, lanceis, crossebowes de calibe [chalybe], longbowes, arcubus, sagittis, gonnepowder, gonnestonys, et cetera hujusmodi defensibilia valorisClli.Item, recepit apud Castre per supervisum dicti Thome Howys in valore librorum pertinencium capelle ac in utenciliis garderobe dicti militis ibidem, videlicet in costeris et lectis de pluma et coopertoria de arras et tapestria ac penulis de martys cum togis necnon utencilia aule camerarum coquine et cetera hujusmodi, ut per billam de particulis patet, Cxxjli.vijs.iiijd.Et simili modo de utenciliis Warderobe et camerarum remanencium apud manerium suum in Suthwerk, valoris xxli.,Cxljli.vijs.iiijd.Item, dictus Johannes recepit per manus dicti Thome Howys, Willelmi Paston, Thome Playter, Thome Plummerde London, scryvaner, Christofori Hansson armigeri et Luce Nantron ad diversas vices tam Londoniis quam in Suthwerk, ut patet per billam de parcellis,Ciiijli.xjs.viijd.Item, idem Willelmus Worcestre mense Julii anno vtoregni Regis Edwardi quarti solvit uxori dicti Thome Plumer pro debito dicti Johannis Paston ut pro panno nigro ac prestita facta et liberaciones argenti fact’ suo mandato diversis personis,xxxijli.Item, idem Johannes recepit in valore et precio panni lanei nigri coloris per ipsum dati diversis hominibus de affinitate sua propria, ultra Clijli.ut in precio panni lanei nigri coloris provisi et dati amicis et servientibus dicti Johannis Fastolf erga funeralia sua tenenda, xlli.Et similiter idem Johannes Paston fecit prefatum Thomam Howys exponere et tradere diversis hominibus in regardis et solucionibus circa propria negocia dicti Paston expedienda London’ et alibi xxxli.xvjs.jd.Et consimiliter idem Johannes fecit dictum Thomam exponere et solvere in expensis victualium hospicii tenti apud Castre anno primo quo idem miles obiit, tam circa extraneos et notos supervenientes de affinitate et amicicia sua sine causa apud Castre Maner trahentes ibidem moram inutilem, ad summam iiijxx.xli., prout evidenter patebit per certam declaracionem,Clxli.xvjs.jd.Item, ultra predicta bona sic sibi applicata, prefatus Johannes Paston pretendebat habere et possidere, sine racione et scripto autentiquo, omnia dominia, terras et tenementa dicti militis in comitatibus, Norffolk, Suffolk et Norwico, ac sine solucione alicujus summe que constabant dicto militi in prima empcione ultra edifficaciones et repparaciones dictorum maneriorum,ixml.viijc.li.Item, considerandum est quod, ultra dictas perquisiciones, edifficacio manerii de Castre velut fortalicium defensionis patrie constabat in triginta annis vjml.li.Et edifficacio manerii de Haylysdon, cum clausura bosci et warenne, ac edifficacione duarum domorum vocatarumlez loggesapud Haylysdon et Drayton, vc.xlviijli.xiijs.iiijd.Et custus imparcacionis parci in Cotton cum repparacione manerii iiijc.li.Et repparacio principalis mesuagii sui in villa de Jernemouth CCli.Edifficacio et repparacio tenementorum suorum in civitate Norwici CCxlli.vijml.CCCiiijxx.viijli.xiijs.iiijd.Item, ultra ista, prefatus Johannes Paston retinet in custodia sua principales evidencias maneriorum dicti militis vocatorum Dedham Netherhall et Dedham Overhall in comitatu Essex; que quidem maneria, in defectu dictarum evidenciarum per ipsum non prosequutorum a tempore obitus dicti militis pro recuperacione eorundem, et hucusque, existunt extra possessionem, in maximum prejudicium defuncti, pro eo quod dictum manerium vocatum Dedham Netherhall constabat dicto militi in prima empcione ml.li., et predictum manerium vocatum Dedham Overhall Clxli.Et exitus et proficua dictorum maneriorum que ad manus executorum dicti militis medio tempore non devenerunt secundum ratam xlli.per annum ascendunt ad CCiiijxx.li.Sic in toto,ml.iiijc.xlli.231.2[From aMS.in the Tower of Magd. College, Oxford.] This is a paper drawn up by William Worcester after John Paston’s death in 1466. The errors in grammar are characteristic of the writer.233.1Richard, Duke of York, father of EdwardIV.233.2Probably Cardinal Beaufort; but it may be Cardinal Kemp.234.1colubrinas librillas,i.e.culverins.Item, predictus Johannes Paston ... ml.vjc.lxvjli.xiijs.iiijd.“c.” (100) printed as subscript639ABSTRACT236.1Examinations Touching Sir John Fastolf’s Will1466MAYandJUNEA.D. 1466. The following witnesses were examined secretly and apart on behalf of Sir William Yelverton, ‘deceased,’236.2in the house of the treasurer of St. Paul’s Cathedral by John Druell, LL.D.:—May 17.John MonkealiasSmyth.19.John Dawson and John Gyrdyng.20.William Boswell, Robert Inglys, Ric. Horne, and Thos. Pykeryng.21.Henry Clerke, John Tovy, Thos. Hert, William Shawe, and Nich. Cherche.22.Thos. Newton, Th. Spycer, and Thos. Neve.23.John Rugge, John Clerke, and Rob. Bunche.June 10.Stephen Scrope.11.Ric. Fastolf.I. John Monke, a smith of the parish of St. James, Pokethorpe, in Norwich, illiterate, of free condition, thirty-two years old and over, alleges bribery of witnesses by Paston and Howys, who offered to sell John Russe lands at Leystofte at little more than half their value. Howes made Russe a present of salt, barley, and malt to the value of £20, and promised him a full discharge of his account for goods of the testator in his custody to the value of £200 and over. He paid Robert Cutteler, vicar of Caster, ‘colore cujusdam ultimivaledicti testatoris prius non debite’ (sic), money and corn to the value of 20 marks, and promised to present him to the living of Mawdeby whenever Thomas Howse resigned it. They gave Felmyngham an annuity of 8 marks, and 40s. to a boy who is his servant. They gave Robert Boteler a fee (feodum) of 5 marks [a year] for life, and the farm of a close called Mawdeby close, besides some other gifts which are specified. Hence the said John Russe, Rob. Cutteler, Clement Felmyngham, and Rob. Butteler, falsely deposed in answer to the second interrogatory that on the Saturday before the testator’s death they were present in a certain low room (bassa camera) in the manor of Caister, where the testator was principally between the hours of 8 and 11A.M., and that with them were the said John Paston and John Brakley, and no others; for in reality there were present in the chamber with the testator on that day, and especially during those hours, the said Rob. Fitzrauf, Nich. Newman, and John Loer continually, and the said Dan John Davye, Dan Thomas Howys, Friar John Bernard, physician, and Henry Barbour, and several others [at intervals]. Moreover, Cutteler, Felmyngham, and Butteler, said Russe was present on that occasion, whereas both he and Cutteler were in other places. Moreover, bribes were given by Paston and Howes in various forms during the months of January, February, and March 1462[-3], and at other times in the parishes of Caister and Yarmouth, and in the city of London, to Ralph Lampet, brother William Bukenham, and the said Rob. Cutteler. Paston promised to promote Bukenham to the priory of Yarmouth, and also, as a reward for his testimony, to give him 13 acres of the testator’s land in Scroudby and Caister called Isabell, to the use of the prior and convent of Norwich. Hence the testimony of these witnesses was false, that Fastolf, about the beginning of Autumn five years ago, had made to John Paston estate and feoffment and livery of seisin of his manor of Caister, and other lands in Cos. Norf. and Suff., and the city of Norwich, to the use of the said testator while he lived, and afterwards to that of the said John Paston and his heirs; for if any such thing was done (which is not admitted) it was on the 16th October 1457, in the 36th year of HenryVI., after the Autumn of the said year, and not to the use of Paston and his heirs, but to the use of Fastolf himself, and for the accomplishment of his will. Further, the testimony of Russe, Cutteler, Bukenham, Felmyngham, and Butteler was untrue as to the alleged will of Fastolf that JohnPaston should obtain the King’s license for the foundation of a college at Caister. It was in truth Fastolf’s will that the executors should obtain the King’s license to found a college there of seven Benedictine monks of the same profession as the monastery of St. Benet at Hulme, of whom one should be prior, and of seven poor men, and that they should be endowed out of his lands to the extent of 300 marks a year, all charges deducted, to pray for the soul of Lady Milicent, his wife, his parents and benefactors; and if the executors were unable to obtain this license, they were to give the abbot and convent of St. Benet’s lands and money for the maintenance of six new monks and seven poor men in that monastery with a like object. Further, it is not true as alleged that on Saturday before his death, viz., 3rd Nov., between eight and elevenA.M., the testator openly declared his will with a clear voice in the hearing of bystanders, for he was so ill and weak from want of breath that he was unable to speak distinctly at any time that whole day, especially during the hours above mentioned.Moreover, bribes were offered by Paston and Howes in May and June 1465, in the parishes of Caister and Yarmouth, and in the city of London, to Thomas Thorald, Robert Lawes, Will. Waterman, John Osbern, John Heydon, Will. Pykeryng, John Symmys, and John Shawe, for their testimony in this matter, viz. that they should have 20s. besides travelling expenses and divers other sums which were offered to them in Paston’s name by Cutteler, vicar of Caister, and Ric. Calle; and John Paston promised the said William Pykeryng that he should recover certain lands in the tenure of his brother John Pykeryng, in Fylby, to the value of 40s. Influenced by these bribes, Thos. Thorald deposed that on the Saturday before Fastolf’s death, Bartholomew Elys and John Davys came to his house in Belton, two miles and more from Yarmouth, about eightA.M., when he was in his grange, and asked him to come with them to divers manors of the said Sir John, to receive certain grain from his farmers; after which they drank in Thorald’s house, and he went with them to Freton, and to the manor called Calcote hall, and other places in Lothynlond until midday. Robert Lawes also deposed that on Friday before Fastolf’s death he went to Becclys, and next day, viz. Saturday, returning homeward (rediens domorsum), met on the way the said Bartholomew Elis, John Davy, and Thomas Thorald going to Freton, when Davy called him and bade him tell Thomas Howys or John Rus that on Monday or Tuesday next he would go to Caister and give an account of his stewardship. Afterwards, about twoP.M., Lawes came to Caister and told John Rus his business in the absence of Howys. But the said William Waterman, being bribed as aforesaid, falsely declares that on the Saturday before Fastolf’s death Barth. Elys and John Davy came to his house at Gorlyston about sevenA.M., and that he went with them to Thorald’s house, and that they went and spoke with Thorald at the grange while he waited for them at the gate. Afterwards they all entered the hall of Thomas Thorald and drank beer together, and all four went together to Calcote-halle and waited there till tenA.M., when Watyrman left the other three and returned home. And about twoP.M.Elys and Davy returned and drank beer at Watyrman’s house. But the truth is that Elys and Davy were at Yarmouth that day from seven till past elevenA.M.Further, John Osberne, Will. Pykerynge, and John Heydon were corrupt witnesses. John Osberne said that on Saturday before the Feast of St. Leonard, when Fastolf was ill of his last illness, the said Osberne, Pykerynge, and Heydon came to Caister to receive certain monies of John Rus for barley sold to him by Osberne; that about eightA.M.they entered the hall of the manor and found Robert Hert and others, servants of Fastolf, sitting at breakfast; and that John Russe immediately came to Osberne and talked to him about the payment. At last Russe took them into theclaustrum, and leaving them, entered Fastolf’s chamber; then, after remaining two hours and more, returned into theclaustrumand delivered the money to Osbern. This testimony was confirmed by Heydon and Pykeryng; but the truth is that Russe that Saturday, from seven till near twelve o’clock (a principio horæ septimæ usque ad finem horæ undecimæ), and Robert Hert from seven to tenA.M., were at Yarmouth, three miles off.Further, John Symmys and John Shawe were corrupt witnesses, the former saying that Robert Hert was present in the said manor-house of Caister at eightA.M.on the said day, and even at nine o’clock at dinner-time (tempore prandii), and that he saw the said Robert Hert sitting among Fastolf’s other servants at breakfast (jentaculum); and that he (Symmys) and Henry Wynstall, Fastolf’s barber, were occupied together in shoeing horses in the said manor from breakfast-time aforesaid to dinner-time, and that at dinner-time Symmys saw the said Henry sitting in the hall with others; and that on the said Saturday, about eightA.M., and even at noon, Symmys saw John Rus in the hall of the said manor. Also John Shawe deposed that on the Saturday before Fastolf’s death he saw John Rus and Henry Wynstall in the hall of the said manor, both at eightA.M.at breakfast and at dinner at midday, and he also saw Robert Hert, porter at the gate of the manor, at those hours; and that between breakfast and dinner Shawe and Wynstall were occupied along with John Symmys in shoeing Sir John’s horses. But the truth is that both Rus and Hert were absent as above-mentioned, and Wynstall was with Fastolf in his chamber from nineA.M.to half-past ten. Also Symmys, William Pykeryng, Heydon, Osberne, and Lawes were all absent the whole of that Saturday, and certainly between eight and elevenA.M.And notwithstanding that the contrary is alleged against them, John Davy, Barth. Elys, John Bokkyng, John Davy, chaplain, Thos. Upton, Nich. Newman, John Loer, Wm. Eton, Robert Lynne, John Marshall, Wm. Lynne, Henry Wynstall, Robert Hert, and Robert Fitzrauff, gave honest testimony in behalf of Yelverton and Worceter, being men of good repute, sufficiently rich, and well worthy of credit.Additional exceptions on the part of Yelverton and Worcester to the testimony of John Rus and Clement Felmyngham, showing that Paston had offered to let to the former a tenement in Yarmouth for less than its true value, and had promised the latter 100 marks for the Austin Friars at South-Town,239.1which was not bequeathed in Fastolf’s will; also that he had given Master Robert Popy, besides his expenses, 20 marks for his testimony, and remitted to him 10s.of the rent of a fishery which was five years in arrear, and that he hadalso released to him 40 marks of a penalty of 100 marks due by Popy upon a bond; in consequence of which Popy deposed that on the 30th October three years previously,240.1John Paston had reported to him at Caister that he had made an agreement with Fastolf by which he was to have all Fastolf’s lands in Norfolk, Suffolk, and the city of Norwich, after his death, paying for the same 4000 marks, and was to found a college in the manor, etc.; on hearing which Popy returned to Fastolf, and related to him what Paston had said to him, and Sir John confirmed it, requesting him to show the same goodwill towards Paston, as he had done to himself. But in truth Fastolf never asserted or confirmed any such thing.Answers to interrogatories by the same deponent, viz.—1. As to his knowledge of the parties and witnesses.2. As to the alleged instances of bribery, and the absence of Rus on the day referred to. The latter fact deponent says he knows, because he and Rus lay together in the chamber of Thomas Howys, and on Friday before Fastolf’s death Rus went to Yarmouth to buy victuals, and left with him the key of the chamber, Howys being then at Blowfeld; and Rus remained at Yarmouth all that Friday and the Saturday following, and returned on Sunday.4. As to the condition of Fastolf on the Saturday before his death. He was so weak for want of breath that he could not speak distinctly; those about him could not hear what he said without inclining their ears to his mouth, and even then they could hardly understand him. And this deponent says he knows, because on Friday and Saturday before his death he was frequently in Sir John’s chamber, and when people spoke to him to comfort him in his illness he only answered by sighs, so that deponent and others could not tell what he meant. Moreover, Sir John was accustomed when in health daily to say certain prayers with his chaplain, but on that day the chaplain said the service alone, while Fastolf lay on his bed and said nothing.6. As to Russe and Hert being at Yarmouth, he says he heard Thomas Howys that Saturday morning order the latter to take horse and ride thither to get provisions for the household, and he saw him ride out of the manor accordingly about sevenA.M., and also saw him return with the provisions about tenA.M.[In the margin here is written ‘Nititur deponere de absencia Hert, sed non probat.’]7. Knows that Henry Wynstall was absent from the hall of the manor from about nine to half-past ten, for he saw him enter the chamber with his instruments to shave Sir John, and wait there an hour and a half, and he could not have left without deponent seeing him. Moreover, John Symmys did not shoe horses in the manor that Saturday, for deponent had the custody of the forge and kept the keys.Answers to another set of interrogatories proposed on behalf of Paston and Howes, and here quoted at length, to the following effect, viz.: 1. Where each witness has lived since he was born, and whether he be in the service of the party producing him? 2. As to his knowledge of the witnesses on theother side? 3. What particulars he can give as to any bribery he imputes to them, and what was its special object? 4. By what means he knew it, and by whom he has been asked to give testimony, and whether he has conferred with his fellow-witnesses; whether they have received instructions what to depose; how often he has come up to London to give evidence and returned without being called; and how much he was promised for coming? 5. Each witness is to declare how he knows the facts, and to be charged not to reveal to the others on what subjects he was questioned.The only point of interest in these replies is that deponent was asked by William Worcester in the city of Norwich on Sunday eight days to give his testimony in the cause. He denies all communication with his fellow-witnesses, &c.Note.—The evidence of this first witness runs to five or six times the length of any other, and we have noted all the material points in it. Of the depositions of the others we shall not give any summary, but mention briefly any new statements that seem to be of interest:—

Thanks him for speaking to the Mayor and Recorder for the appearance of certain persons at this last session, as he wrote from Walsingham. Thomas Wolvesby and Colyns make great labor for the poor men’s undoing. Begs him to move the Mayor to have pity, considering their trouble at Walsingham, when they were prisoners.Thetford, Shere-Thursday.224.2[From PastonMSS., B.M.]633ABSTRACT225.1John Paston, Junior, to his Father, John PastonHas spoken ‘with Warwyk and Stwkle’ for the place and lands in Arleham. Declined their offer of 6d.an acre, they keeping the place in repair; but Stwkle has promised all the lands shall be purveyed for, as for this year. Warwyk this day offered my mother 7d.an acre for the lands in Arleham, but I counselled her to hold out for a longer term. Kook will no longer hold the place for 7d.or 8d.an acre, and will only give 6d., if he is to keep it in repair. Has spoken with Dame Alice Weche and Geoffrey Spyrlyng, who have agreed to set a tenant to occupy the lands in dispute till Paston comes home.St. Martin’s Even.225.1[From PastonMSS., B.M.]634ABSTRACT225.2Thomas Gnatyshale to Mrs. PastonI hope the young man I sent will please ‘my master and you.’ I hope you will not receive him at this time, and when my master comes home refuse him. As for your lands at Sparham, there are not many lands to let. Has inquired at Salle. Master Edward225.3is clearly answered of £18 a year and 7s.or 8s.more. Bryston, Thyrnyng, and Owleton are let, which belong to the manor of Salle. So he is clearly answered twice a year at London, besides the fees, viz., of the receiver 26s.8d., of the steward 20d., and of the bailliff 26s.8d.Sparham, Wednesday before Ascension.225.2Ibid.225.3Probably Edward, son of Robert Mauteby. He was Margaret Paston’s uncle.635ABSTRACT225.4T. Gnatyshale to Mrs. PastonJames and Robert Radclef mean to take away my goods, and I shall be taken if I be at Norwich at next shire. Pray let my master know. I supposeit was by their commandment that my two neat were taken on Saturday last at Lyng, ‘for one that is under bailly of Richmond took hem.’ John Everyton will tell you more. The receipts of the manor of Sparham with costs are £10, 3s.11½d.If any man of yours come to Norwich please send me your advice.(Signed) ‘T. Gnat.’225.4[From PastonMSS., B.M.]636ABSTRACT226.1James Arblaster to John Paston, [Squire]226.2John à Berney of Wychyngham wishes to disinherit him of his liberty of faldage in Colyette. Desires the help of one of Paston’s men. As for my Lady of Oxford, ‘I have get you a trusty man against Tuesday or Wednesday next.’[There is no distinct evidence of the date of this letter, except that it is probably not later than 1466, when John Paston died, though it may have been addressed to his younger son John. Compare Nos. 232, 233, and 234, in vol. ii.]226.1[From PastonMSS., B.M.]226.2This designation is added on the address, but is struck out.637JOHN PASTON’S FUNERAL226.3Expences paid by Gloys at Norwich the day the Cors was ther and befor.1466Fyrste. The iiii. orders of fryers, viiil.Item, almesse, iis.viid.Item, to xxiii. susters of Normandys,226.4with the gardian eche of them, iiiid., and the gardian, viiid.—viiis.Item, in offering on Pentecost Tuesday226.5for my master, id.; for the herse, xls.For xxiiii. yerdes of brod wythtys for gowns, xxviis.viiid.; for dyeng of the same, iiiis.For settyng on the tents, vid.For xxii. yerdes and iii. quarters of brod wythts, xxxiiiis.iiid.For grownedyng, iiis.iiiid.For dyeng, iiiis.To xxxviii. prests at the dyryge at Norwyche, when the cors lay ther, xiis.viiid.To xxxix. schyldern with surplyces within the schurche and without, iiis.iiiid.To xxvi. clerks with iiii. kepers of the torches, eche of them iid., iiis.iiiid.To the clerks of St. Peters and St. Stevens for the ryngers ageyn the cors, iis.To the iiii. orders of fryers that rede ageyn the cors——. To the Prioress of Carow, vis.viiid.To a maide that came with her, xxd.To the ancors [anchoress ?] xld.In almesse, xvs.To a woman that came from London with the cors to Norwyche, vis.viii[d].Payments be Gloys and Calle at Bromholme.Fyrste. To the Prior, be my masters bequest, xls.To ix. monks, eche of them vis.viiid., iiil.To an other monke, who was of the same place, xxd.For brinnyng of the Abbes with the torches, xxd.To the Priors boteler for bred, iis.xd.For wasshyng of napry, xiid.To the boteler for hys reward, xxd.To the baker for cccx. eggs, xixd.To hym for hys reward, iiis.iiiid.To xxviii. bedds with —— of clothys, and wasshyng of the same, vs.To ii. men that fyllyd the grave, viiid.To brueng of v. kome malte, xxd.For ix. pownd candyl, xid.To the clerks of Bromholm, viiid.For viii. peces of peuter lost of the Priors, xxd.Geven among the men of the bakhouse, xxd.To the parisshe schyrche of Bromholm, xs.To xii. schyrchys, ls.viiid.To the prest that cam with the cors from London, iiis.iiiid.To servytors that awaytyd upon hym by the komawndment of W. Paston, xxid.To Playters for hys offering, iiiid.To the vyker of Upton, iis.To the sexton of Bromholm for xxii. crossys geven to Marget and Modeley,perJohn Paston, iiiis.vid.To xiiii. rynggars, viis.To xxiiii. servertors, eche of them iiiid., viiis.To lxx. servertors, eche of them iiid., xviis.vid.Paid to Dawbeny for servertors, viis.For fyshh the day after the enterment, vis.xd.For vi. barells bere, xiis.For a roundlet of red wine of xv. gallonys, &c., xiis.xid.Toa hors hyer for iii. days for Sir James, xiid.For a quarter malte, vs.For iiii. bushels wete, xxxiid.For a quarter of otys, iis.viiid.For x. kombe malte brueng, xld.For the boord of Rychard Hermer, wrythe, iii. days, and for hys hyer the sayde tyme, xiiid. ob.For William Yonge, barbor, v. days mete and drynke, and hys hyer the sayde tyme, xvid.For vi. pownd candyl, viid. ob.To xii. pore men beryng torches from London to Norfolk be vi. day, is., takyng eche of them on the day iiiid., and for iii. dayes in goyng homerward, takynge every day vid.Geven to Martyn Savage and Denschers awaytyng upon my master at London be vii. dayes before that he was caryed, iis.xd.For bred bowthe, xxiiiis.For vii. barels bere, xviis.vid.For a barel of the grettest assyse, iiis.iiiid.For iiii. barells of alee, xiiis.iiiid.For bred and alee for xii. men that bare torches, xiiid. ob.To a dole at Bromholm, vl.xiiis.iiiid.To William Colens, one of the botelers at Bromholm, xiid.To Wate Webster, another boteler, xiid.To Greg. Worsteler, one of the porters at Bromholm, iiiid.The parson at Mauteby,228.1and Sir Thomas Lynes, to the prestes at the deryge at Bromholm, xliiis.In almesse, xlviis.vid.; more, xxs.To the glaser for takyn owte of ii. panys of the wyndows of the schyrche for to late owte the reke of the torches at the deryge, and sowderyng new of the same, xxd.[This part of the roll, according to Blomefield, or his continuator, seemed to be written by Gloys, above mentioned, in an indifferent hand. The remainder is in a very neat and curious old hand, which was supposed to be that of Margaret Paston.]Vittelles bought by Richard Charles.First.For xxvii. gees, xviis.For xxvii. frankyd gees, vis.viiid.lxx. caponnes, xviis.viid.For xxix.228.2xvii. chekons, xvis.vid.For x. chekons, xd.For xli. pygges, xiiis.xd.For xlix. calvys, iiiil.xiiis.iiiid.For xxxiiii.lambys, xxviis.iid.For xxii. shep, xxxviis.vd.x. nete, iiiil.xvis.id.For ii. napronnes to Richard Lynstede, xd.For claretts and fawcetts, vid.MCCC.eggs, vis.vid.For xx. galons milk, xxd.For viii. galons creme, iis.viiid.For iiii. pints of butter, iiiid.For i. quarter and ii. bushels of whete mele, viis.xd.To the parson of Crostweyt for i. quarter of whete, vis.For xiiii. galons of ale, iis.To a labourer for iii. days, xiid.To xxiiii. galons of ale, iiiis.For xiii. salt fysshe, iiiis.iiiid.For the purveying of bred, ale, and fysshe, iiis.iiiid.To William Reynolds for lodgyng of Master Prowet, the Prior of the White Freres, the parson of Mautby, Sir Thomas Lynds, and other, by ii. nyghtis, vid.For bred, ale, and possets to the same persons, vid.To Herman, fleying bests by iii. days, iis., and to John Foke, by iii. days, xxd.For purveying of all the velys, lambes, x. beefins, certain piggs and polaly [poultry], xld.Bill of the Prior of Bromholm.Memorandum. The Prior toke to bord diverse persons laboryng abought the enterment, begynnyng the Thursday in Pentecost weke, the vi. yere of Kyng Edward the iiiith.On Thursday I229.1find 3 persons who had xiid.for their board and hire; on Friday 5 who had xvd.; on Saturday 8 who had xxiiid.On Monday all were employed; and on the day after I find 4 to be allowed for their board iiiid. ob., and for their hires vd.,—ixd. ob.Delivered by the Prior to Richard Charles:—Fyrst, v. quarters of otes, xiiis.iiiid.; v. swyne, xiis.vid.; ii. bushel of mestlyn, xvd.; v. pownd of candell, vd.; xx. quarters of malte, xiiis.iiiid., and with gryndyng and brewyng, xviiis.For a cartfull of hey, iiis.iiiid.For ii. swyne, vs.For ii. bushel otes, viiid.For a quarter of herryng, vid.For half a quarter makerell, viid. ob.To the parson of St. Peters for his fee of the wax abought the coors, beside ii. candels of i.lb.and i. hert candel of a pound, xxd.At my masters xxx. day for offeryng, id.Geven to churches and in almes by Gresham, toward Bromholm, v.marks. To the clerk of St. Peters of Hungate230.1his felaship for ryngyng when the coors was in the church, xiid.To Dawbeney for bests and other stuffe for the enterment, xxl.To him in gold for to chaunge into small mony for the dole, xll.To W. Pecok, in iii. bags to bere to Bromholm, in copper, the 20th day, xxvi.marks. To Medeley for his reward, iiii.marks, and the same to Maryot. To Maryot for costs he bare by the way to Bromholm, iiil.xiid.More to Medeley for mony paid by him, xlis.xd.To the keper of the inne where myne husband dyed, for his reward, xxs.To Paston chirch, xs.To Bakton chirch, vis.viiid.To Gresham the London carrier, in full payment for the Chaundeler of London, vl.xixs.iiiid.More in almes mony, vis.viiid.More for wyne and bere, vii.marks. To the parson of St. Peters, vis.viiid.For wyne for the seingers when the coors was at Norwich, xxs.To Skolehouse in part of his bille for torches and wax made at Bromholm, for to brenne upon the grave, iiii.marks. For x. yerds of narow blak for the viker of Dallynge and Robert Gallawey, and for iii. yerds and quarter of brod cloth for Illee, xxs.xd.To Freton chirch, vis.viiid.For a cope called a frogge of worsted for the Prior of Bromholm, xxvis.viiid.For bred at the enterment, ixs.In almes, viiis.iiiid.In wyne and spices, ls.To Dom. John Loveday for cloth for a ridyng cope for himself, xiiiis.iid.To the makyng of Redham Stepill, viiis.iiiid.To John Orford, wax chandeler, for xii. torches and one candell of i.lb., lvs.iid. ob.To John Dewe for grey lynen cloth and sylk frenge for the hers, vil.xvis.iid.Given to the Austeners at the chapter at the.  .  .  .  .  .of Yarmouth, lxxvs.To Daubeney for to kepe the yere day at Bromholm the first yere after his dethe, viiil.iis.iiiid.Given at Castor to xxv. howsholders, every houshold iiid.the said tyme, vis.iiid.To viii. pore men the said tyme, xviiid.To the master of the College the said tyme, vis.viiid.ToMasterClement Felmyngham the said tyme, vis.viiid.To viii. prests at Castor the said tyme, iis.viiid.To childern in surplices and other pore folk at the said tyme, xiiid.To the parson of Hungate, vis.viiid.To the said parson for a certeyn231.1unto Mighelmesse next after the said yere day, viiis.viiid.To Skolous, wax chandeler, for makyng of the hers at Bromholm, xxiil.ixs.viiid.To Philip Curson, draper, for cloths, ixl.iiis. ob.To Aubrey, draper, xxxiiiis.For a quarter of makerell, xiid.To the Prior of Bromholm for malte spent at the enterment, xls.For light kept on the grave, xs.Geven at Cristemasse next after the said yereday, to eche of the iiii. orders of friers, xs.,—xls.To the vyker of Dallyng for bryngyng home of a pardon from Rome, to pray for alle our frends sowles, viiis.iiiid.For a black gowne to the said viker, viiis.226.3[From Blomefield’sNorfolk, vi. 483. Folio edition, iii. 692.] The original of this document was probably among the PastonMSS.when Blomefield composed hisHistory of Norfolk, but where it is at present cannot be ascertained. It is cited by Blomefield, or perhaps by his continuator, Mr. Parkin, as ‘a very long but narrow roll,’ then in his possession. The text, however, does not seem to be printed entire, as the Editor only professes to give ‘several particulars therein.’226.4At Norwich.226.527th May 1466.228.1Robert Coteler, who was presented to the living by John Paston in 1465, on the resignation of Thomas Howys.228.2A short blank occurs in Blomefield after ‘xxix.’ and before ‘xvii.’229.1Blomefield or his continuator here speaks in his own person.230.1A church in Norwich, rebuilt by John Paston in 1460, the advowson having been acquired by him and Margaret, his wife, in 1458. The date of the rebuilding is engraved in stone on a buttress by the north door.231.1Masses called ‘certeynes’ are referred to in No. 53 (vol. ii. p. 64).To Master Clement Felmyngham the said tymetext has “Mastkr”: corrected from Blomefield638FASTOLF’S GOODS231.21466Declaraciobonorum mobilium Johannis Fastolf militis ad manus Johannis Paston armigeri deveniencium et possidencium tam ex liberacione Thomæ Howys, Rectoris de Pulham, unius executoris dicti militis, quam ex Rapto aliorum hominum serviencium et tenencium suorum. Ac valorem in possessione dominiorum maneriorum terrarum et tenementorum suorum in eorum prima perquisicione per dictum militem solutorum et per heredem dicti Paston clameatorum pro nichilo solvendo, cum custubus edifficacionis eorundem. Et pro quibus omnibus supra specificatis executores dicti militis petiunt de heredibus et executoribus dicti Johannis Paston, solucionem restitucionem ac satisfacionem de dampnis occasione hujusmodi retencionis.In primis.Die octava mensis Novembris anno xxxviij. Regni Regis Henrici Sexti, videlicet tercio die post obitum Johannis Fastolfmilitis, Thomas Howys clericus, co-executor dicti Johannis Fastolf, deliberavit Johanni Paston armigero de bonis dicti Johannis Fastolf existentibus ad tunc sub salva custodia in abbathia Sancti Benedicti de Hulmo de parte majoris summe in auro, videlicet in nobilibus antiquis boni et justi ponderis ijml.cccc. nobilia, precii nobile viijs.iiijd., faciunt mlli., et alia vice in moneta argenti xxiiijli.xvijs.ijd.; unde summaml.xxiiijli.xvijs.ijd.Item, idem Thomas liberavit Johanni Paston dicto mense Novembris apud Norwicum, de vasis argenti diversarum specierum ad tunc habitarum extra thesauraium dicti militis manerij de Castre, iiijml.xxiij. unciarum ponderis Troie, precium uncie ijs.xd., faciunt vc.lxixli.xviijs.vjd.Et eidem Johanni apud Norwicum alia vice, de vasis argenti, ponderis lvij. unciarum, precium uncie ut supra, vijli.iiijs.xd.Et eidem Johanni alia vice apud dictum Castre liberantur de vasis argenti Cxij. unciarum precium ut supra xvli.xvijs.iiijd.; unde summavc.iiijxx.viijli.viijd.Item, idem Thomas liberavit eidem Johanni Paston apud Norwicum dicto mense Novembris, in cyphis et vasis auri triati et finati, iijxx.xv. unciarum ponderis Troie, precium uncie xls.Clli.Item, idem Thomas liberavit dicto Johanni ad faciendum certum prestitum comiti de Salysberye de bonis dicti Johannis Fastolf, unde idem Johannes Paston habet sufficientem securitatem et obligacionem Episcopi Norwicensis xxxiijli.vjs.viijd.Et consimili modo liberavit dicto Johanni ad faciendum certum prestitumdomino de Fitzwater, unde idem Johannes habet sufficientes securitates, xxxiijli.vjs.viijd.lxvjli.xiijs.iiijd.Item, dictus Johannes Paston cepit de bonis dicti militis existentibus sub custodia Willelmi Worcetyr, contra agreamentum suum, et tradita per ipsum ad salvo custodiendum Thome Plummer de London scryvaner et Johanni Gressham de eadem capper, videlicet in vasis argenti diversarum specierum ml.viijc.iiijxx.x. unciarum, precium uncie ut supra, CClxviijli.vs.Et consimiliter cepit cyphum coopertum depuro auro ponderis Troie xxiij. unc’, j. quart. di., precium uncie xls., xlvjli.xvs.Et similiter cepit unam cathenam auri puri, ponderis Troie xxiij. unc’ et dimidii, precium unc’ ut supra xlvijli.CCClxijli.Item, idem Johannes Paston cepit consimili modo de bonis dicti militis traditis Willelmo Worcetyr ad custodiendum, dicto mense Novembris, videlicet London, apud domum dicti Thome Plummer, ultra Cxlli.per dictum Worcestre solutas pro panno nigro pro liberatis togarum datis erga funeralia dicti militis, et pro serico pro baneretis pictis cum armis, necnon pro vino et speciebus, videlicet viijc.j. nobilia antiqua boni et justi ponderis, precium nobile viijs.iiijd., iijc.xxxiijli.xvs.Et liberantur dicto Johanni Paston per manus dicti Thome Howys, London, de moneta tradita in custodia dicti Thome Plummer lxijli.xjs.iiijd.; pro totoCCCiiijxx.xvjli.vjs.iiijd.Item, dictus Johannes Paston cepit consimili modo de Willelmo Worcestre certa notabilia monilia et jocalia auri cum lapidibus preciosis garnizata, videlicet unum monile ditissimum vocata Anglicea White Rosenuper domini ducis Eborum233.1cum magno precioso lapide vocatoa poynted dyamant, qui in prima empcione constabat, ut dicitur iiijorml.marcarum, ac alia duo jocalia nuper dicti domini ducis tradita in plegio quando dictus Johannes Fastolf obligatus fuit pro dicto duce in tribus milibus libris executoribus cardinalis Anglie233.2super certis denariis prestitis dicto duci, et unde idem, dominus dux debebat dicto Johanni Fastolf in denariis prestitis CCCClxvjli.xiijs.iiijd.Et pro aliis justis causis CClxvjli.xiijs.iiijd.Et predicta tria jocalia per assensum dicti domini ducis sub sigillo armorum in scriptis tradita assignata fuerunt dicto Johanni Fastolf ut bona sua propria ad vendendum et disponendum in recompensacione debiti sui et aliis magnis laboribus et vexacionibus dicti militis pro dicto duce sustentatis et habitis dum modo locum tenens pro Rege fuit in Francia, ac postea in Angliavijc.xxxiijli.vjs.viijd.Item, predictus Johannes Paston recepit exitus et proficua omnium maneriorum, terrarum et tenementorum dicti militis in comitatibus Norffolk, Suffolk, Essex et Surrie per manus ministrorum et servorum sine consensu executorum dicti militis, diversis annis ex quo obiit, per propinquam estimacionemml.vjc.lxvjli.xiijs.iiijd.Item, dictus Johannes Paston recepit diversa alia catalla et bestias dicti militis, videlicet equos et palefridos principales suos valoris xxxli.ac oves et animalia minuta cubancia in pasturis de Castre et aliis maneriis, videlicet ijm.iiijc.lvj. oves diversorum generum precium capitis xiiijd.Cxliijli.vs.iiijd.Et in precio xiij. magnarum bestiarum vjli.Et in valore vjm.cuniculorum apud Warennam de Haylysdon anno quo dictus miles obiit per Warennarios ibidem per propinquam estimacionem assessatos precium ml.xvs., xlvli.Similiter in precio vellerum lane ovium de stauro suo apud Haylysdon ante obitum suum remanencium, xxvjli.xiijs.iiijd.per ipsum recept’CClli.xviijs.viijd.Item, idem Johannes Paston recepit apud Castre predictam stuffuram et ordinacionem pro defensione patrie in artilleria, videlicet colubrinas librillas234.1diversorum magnitudinum cum cameris in decem carectis oneratis ac in curassys, brigandinis jakkis, salectis, basnetes, habourjonnys, lanceis, crossebowes de calibe [chalybe], longbowes, arcubus, sagittis, gonnepowder, gonnestonys, et cetera hujusmodi defensibilia valorisClli.Item, recepit apud Castre per supervisum dicti Thome Howys in valore librorum pertinencium capelle ac in utenciliis garderobe dicti militis ibidem, videlicet in costeris et lectis de pluma et coopertoria de arras et tapestria ac penulis de martys cum togis necnon utencilia aule camerarum coquine et cetera hujusmodi, ut per billam de particulis patet, Cxxjli.vijs.iiijd.Et simili modo de utenciliis Warderobe et camerarum remanencium apud manerium suum in Suthwerk, valoris xxli.,Cxljli.vijs.iiijd.Item, dictus Johannes recepit per manus dicti Thome Howys, Willelmi Paston, Thome Playter, Thome Plummerde London, scryvaner, Christofori Hansson armigeri et Luce Nantron ad diversas vices tam Londoniis quam in Suthwerk, ut patet per billam de parcellis,Ciiijli.xjs.viijd.Item, idem Willelmus Worcestre mense Julii anno vtoregni Regis Edwardi quarti solvit uxori dicti Thome Plumer pro debito dicti Johannis Paston ut pro panno nigro ac prestita facta et liberaciones argenti fact’ suo mandato diversis personis,xxxijli.Item, idem Johannes recepit in valore et precio panni lanei nigri coloris per ipsum dati diversis hominibus de affinitate sua propria, ultra Clijli.ut in precio panni lanei nigri coloris provisi et dati amicis et servientibus dicti Johannis Fastolf erga funeralia sua tenenda, xlli.Et similiter idem Johannes Paston fecit prefatum Thomam Howys exponere et tradere diversis hominibus in regardis et solucionibus circa propria negocia dicti Paston expedienda London’ et alibi xxxli.xvjs.jd.Et consimiliter idem Johannes fecit dictum Thomam exponere et solvere in expensis victualium hospicii tenti apud Castre anno primo quo idem miles obiit, tam circa extraneos et notos supervenientes de affinitate et amicicia sua sine causa apud Castre Maner trahentes ibidem moram inutilem, ad summam iiijxx.xli., prout evidenter patebit per certam declaracionem,Clxli.xvjs.jd.Item, ultra predicta bona sic sibi applicata, prefatus Johannes Paston pretendebat habere et possidere, sine racione et scripto autentiquo, omnia dominia, terras et tenementa dicti militis in comitatibus, Norffolk, Suffolk et Norwico, ac sine solucione alicujus summe que constabant dicto militi in prima empcione ultra edifficaciones et repparaciones dictorum maneriorum,ixml.viijc.li.Item, considerandum est quod, ultra dictas perquisiciones, edifficacio manerii de Castre velut fortalicium defensionis patrie constabat in triginta annis vjml.li.Et edifficacio manerii de Haylysdon, cum clausura bosci et warenne, ac edifficacione duarum domorum vocatarumlez loggesapud Haylysdon et Drayton, vc.xlviijli.xiijs.iiijd.Et custus imparcacionis parci in Cotton cum repparacione manerii iiijc.li.Et repparacio principalis mesuagii sui in villa de Jernemouth CCli.Edifficacio et repparacio tenementorum suorum in civitate Norwici CCxlli.vijml.CCCiiijxx.viijli.xiijs.iiijd.Item, ultra ista, prefatus Johannes Paston retinet in custodia sua principales evidencias maneriorum dicti militis vocatorum Dedham Netherhall et Dedham Overhall in comitatu Essex; que quidem maneria, in defectu dictarum evidenciarum per ipsum non prosequutorum a tempore obitus dicti militis pro recuperacione eorundem, et hucusque, existunt extra possessionem, in maximum prejudicium defuncti, pro eo quod dictum manerium vocatum Dedham Netherhall constabat dicto militi in prima empcione ml.li., et predictum manerium vocatum Dedham Overhall Clxli.Et exitus et proficua dictorum maneriorum que ad manus executorum dicti militis medio tempore non devenerunt secundum ratam xlli.per annum ascendunt ad CCiiijxx.li.Sic in toto,ml.iiijc.xlli.231.2[From aMS.in the Tower of Magd. College, Oxford.] This is a paper drawn up by William Worcester after John Paston’s death in 1466. The errors in grammar are characteristic of the writer.233.1Richard, Duke of York, father of EdwardIV.233.2Probably Cardinal Beaufort; but it may be Cardinal Kemp.234.1colubrinas librillas,i.e.culverins.Item, predictus Johannes Paston ... ml.vjc.lxvjli.xiijs.iiijd.“c.” (100) printed as subscript639ABSTRACT236.1Examinations Touching Sir John Fastolf’s Will1466MAYandJUNEA.D. 1466. The following witnesses were examined secretly and apart on behalf of Sir William Yelverton, ‘deceased,’236.2in the house of the treasurer of St. Paul’s Cathedral by John Druell, LL.D.:—May 17.John MonkealiasSmyth.19.John Dawson and John Gyrdyng.20.William Boswell, Robert Inglys, Ric. Horne, and Thos. Pykeryng.21.Henry Clerke, John Tovy, Thos. Hert, William Shawe, and Nich. Cherche.22.Thos. Newton, Th. Spycer, and Thos. Neve.23.John Rugge, John Clerke, and Rob. Bunche.June 10.Stephen Scrope.11.Ric. Fastolf.I. John Monke, a smith of the parish of St. James, Pokethorpe, in Norwich, illiterate, of free condition, thirty-two years old and over, alleges bribery of witnesses by Paston and Howys, who offered to sell John Russe lands at Leystofte at little more than half their value. Howes made Russe a present of salt, barley, and malt to the value of £20, and promised him a full discharge of his account for goods of the testator in his custody to the value of £200 and over. He paid Robert Cutteler, vicar of Caster, ‘colore cujusdam ultimivaledicti testatoris prius non debite’ (sic), money and corn to the value of 20 marks, and promised to present him to the living of Mawdeby whenever Thomas Howse resigned it. They gave Felmyngham an annuity of 8 marks, and 40s. to a boy who is his servant. They gave Robert Boteler a fee (feodum) of 5 marks [a year] for life, and the farm of a close called Mawdeby close, besides some other gifts which are specified. Hence the said John Russe, Rob. Cutteler, Clement Felmyngham, and Rob. Butteler, falsely deposed in answer to the second interrogatory that on the Saturday before the testator’s death they were present in a certain low room (bassa camera) in the manor of Caister, where the testator was principally between the hours of 8 and 11A.M., and that with them were the said John Paston and John Brakley, and no others; for in reality there were present in the chamber with the testator on that day, and especially during those hours, the said Rob. Fitzrauf, Nich. Newman, and John Loer continually, and the said Dan John Davye, Dan Thomas Howys, Friar John Bernard, physician, and Henry Barbour, and several others [at intervals]. Moreover, Cutteler, Felmyngham, and Butteler, said Russe was present on that occasion, whereas both he and Cutteler were in other places. Moreover, bribes were given by Paston and Howes in various forms during the months of January, February, and March 1462[-3], and at other times in the parishes of Caister and Yarmouth, and in the city of London, to Ralph Lampet, brother William Bukenham, and the said Rob. Cutteler. Paston promised to promote Bukenham to the priory of Yarmouth, and also, as a reward for his testimony, to give him 13 acres of the testator’s land in Scroudby and Caister called Isabell, to the use of the prior and convent of Norwich. Hence the testimony of these witnesses was false, that Fastolf, about the beginning of Autumn five years ago, had made to John Paston estate and feoffment and livery of seisin of his manor of Caister, and other lands in Cos. Norf. and Suff., and the city of Norwich, to the use of the said testator while he lived, and afterwards to that of the said John Paston and his heirs; for if any such thing was done (which is not admitted) it was on the 16th October 1457, in the 36th year of HenryVI., after the Autumn of the said year, and not to the use of Paston and his heirs, but to the use of Fastolf himself, and for the accomplishment of his will. Further, the testimony of Russe, Cutteler, Bukenham, Felmyngham, and Butteler was untrue as to the alleged will of Fastolf that JohnPaston should obtain the King’s license for the foundation of a college at Caister. It was in truth Fastolf’s will that the executors should obtain the King’s license to found a college there of seven Benedictine monks of the same profession as the monastery of St. Benet at Hulme, of whom one should be prior, and of seven poor men, and that they should be endowed out of his lands to the extent of 300 marks a year, all charges deducted, to pray for the soul of Lady Milicent, his wife, his parents and benefactors; and if the executors were unable to obtain this license, they were to give the abbot and convent of St. Benet’s lands and money for the maintenance of six new monks and seven poor men in that monastery with a like object. Further, it is not true as alleged that on Saturday before his death, viz., 3rd Nov., between eight and elevenA.M., the testator openly declared his will with a clear voice in the hearing of bystanders, for he was so ill and weak from want of breath that he was unable to speak distinctly at any time that whole day, especially during the hours above mentioned.Moreover, bribes were offered by Paston and Howes in May and June 1465, in the parishes of Caister and Yarmouth, and in the city of London, to Thomas Thorald, Robert Lawes, Will. Waterman, John Osbern, John Heydon, Will. Pykeryng, John Symmys, and John Shawe, for their testimony in this matter, viz. that they should have 20s. besides travelling expenses and divers other sums which were offered to them in Paston’s name by Cutteler, vicar of Caister, and Ric. Calle; and John Paston promised the said William Pykeryng that he should recover certain lands in the tenure of his brother John Pykeryng, in Fylby, to the value of 40s. Influenced by these bribes, Thos. Thorald deposed that on the Saturday before Fastolf’s death, Bartholomew Elys and John Davys came to his house in Belton, two miles and more from Yarmouth, about eightA.M., when he was in his grange, and asked him to come with them to divers manors of the said Sir John, to receive certain grain from his farmers; after which they drank in Thorald’s house, and he went with them to Freton, and to the manor called Calcote hall, and other places in Lothynlond until midday. Robert Lawes also deposed that on Friday before Fastolf’s death he went to Becclys, and next day, viz. Saturday, returning homeward (rediens domorsum), met on the way the said Bartholomew Elis, John Davy, and Thomas Thorald going to Freton, when Davy called him and bade him tell Thomas Howys or John Rus that on Monday or Tuesday next he would go to Caister and give an account of his stewardship. Afterwards, about twoP.M., Lawes came to Caister and told John Rus his business in the absence of Howys. But the said William Waterman, being bribed as aforesaid, falsely declares that on the Saturday before Fastolf’s death Barth. Elys and John Davy came to his house at Gorlyston about sevenA.M., and that he went with them to Thorald’s house, and that they went and spoke with Thorald at the grange while he waited for them at the gate. Afterwards they all entered the hall of Thomas Thorald and drank beer together, and all four went together to Calcote-halle and waited there till tenA.M., when Watyrman left the other three and returned home. And about twoP.M.Elys and Davy returned and drank beer at Watyrman’s house. But the truth is that Elys and Davy were at Yarmouth that day from seven till past elevenA.M.Further, John Osberne, Will. Pykerynge, and John Heydon were corrupt witnesses. John Osberne said that on Saturday before the Feast of St. Leonard, when Fastolf was ill of his last illness, the said Osberne, Pykerynge, and Heydon came to Caister to receive certain monies of John Rus for barley sold to him by Osberne; that about eightA.M.they entered the hall of the manor and found Robert Hert and others, servants of Fastolf, sitting at breakfast; and that John Russe immediately came to Osberne and talked to him about the payment. At last Russe took them into theclaustrum, and leaving them, entered Fastolf’s chamber; then, after remaining two hours and more, returned into theclaustrumand delivered the money to Osbern. This testimony was confirmed by Heydon and Pykeryng; but the truth is that Russe that Saturday, from seven till near twelve o’clock (a principio horæ septimæ usque ad finem horæ undecimæ), and Robert Hert from seven to tenA.M., were at Yarmouth, three miles off.Further, John Symmys and John Shawe were corrupt witnesses, the former saying that Robert Hert was present in the said manor-house of Caister at eightA.M.on the said day, and even at nine o’clock at dinner-time (tempore prandii), and that he saw the said Robert Hert sitting among Fastolf’s other servants at breakfast (jentaculum); and that he (Symmys) and Henry Wynstall, Fastolf’s barber, were occupied together in shoeing horses in the said manor from breakfast-time aforesaid to dinner-time, and that at dinner-time Symmys saw the said Henry sitting in the hall with others; and that on the said Saturday, about eightA.M., and even at noon, Symmys saw John Rus in the hall of the said manor. Also John Shawe deposed that on the Saturday before Fastolf’s death he saw John Rus and Henry Wynstall in the hall of the said manor, both at eightA.M.at breakfast and at dinner at midday, and he also saw Robert Hert, porter at the gate of the manor, at those hours; and that between breakfast and dinner Shawe and Wynstall were occupied along with John Symmys in shoeing Sir John’s horses. But the truth is that both Rus and Hert were absent as above-mentioned, and Wynstall was with Fastolf in his chamber from nineA.M.to half-past ten. Also Symmys, William Pykeryng, Heydon, Osberne, and Lawes were all absent the whole of that Saturday, and certainly between eight and elevenA.M.And notwithstanding that the contrary is alleged against them, John Davy, Barth. Elys, John Bokkyng, John Davy, chaplain, Thos. Upton, Nich. Newman, John Loer, Wm. Eton, Robert Lynne, John Marshall, Wm. Lynne, Henry Wynstall, Robert Hert, and Robert Fitzrauff, gave honest testimony in behalf of Yelverton and Worceter, being men of good repute, sufficiently rich, and well worthy of credit.Additional exceptions on the part of Yelverton and Worcester to the testimony of John Rus and Clement Felmyngham, showing that Paston had offered to let to the former a tenement in Yarmouth for less than its true value, and had promised the latter 100 marks for the Austin Friars at South-Town,239.1which was not bequeathed in Fastolf’s will; also that he had given Master Robert Popy, besides his expenses, 20 marks for his testimony, and remitted to him 10s.of the rent of a fishery which was five years in arrear, and that he hadalso released to him 40 marks of a penalty of 100 marks due by Popy upon a bond; in consequence of which Popy deposed that on the 30th October three years previously,240.1John Paston had reported to him at Caister that he had made an agreement with Fastolf by which he was to have all Fastolf’s lands in Norfolk, Suffolk, and the city of Norwich, after his death, paying for the same 4000 marks, and was to found a college in the manor, etc.; on hearing which Popy returned to Fastolf, and related to him what Paston had said to him, and Sir John confirmed it, requesting him to show the same goodwill towards Paston, as he had done to himself. But in truth Fastolf never asserted or confirmed any such thing.Answers to interrogatories by the same deponent, viz.—1. As to his knowledge of the parties and witnesses.2. As to the alleged instances of bribery, and the absence of Rus on the day referred to. The latter fact deponent says he knows, because he and Rus lay together in the chamber of Thomas Howys, and on Friday before Fastolf’s death Rus went to Yarmouth to buy victuals, and left with him the key of the chamber, Howys being then at Blowfeld; and Rus remained at Yarmouth all that Friday and the Saturday following, and returned on Sunday.4. As to the condition of Fastolf on the Saturday before his death. He was so weak for want of breath that he could not speak distinctly; those about him could not hear what he said without inclining their ears to his mouth, and even then they could hardly understand him. And this deponent says he knows, because on Friday and Saturday before his death he was frequently in Sir John’s chamber, and when people spoke to him to comfort him in his illness he only answered by sighs, so that deponent and others could not tell what he meant. Moreover, Sir John was accustomed when in health daily to say certain prayers with his chaplain, but on that day the chaplain said the service alone, while Fastolf lay on his bed and said nothing.6. As to Russe and Hert being at Yarmouth, he says he heard Thomas Howys that Saturday morning order the latter to take horse and ride thither to get provisions for the household, and he saw him ride out of the manor accordingly about sevenA.M., and also saw him return with the provisions about tenA.M.[In the margin here is written ‘Nititur deponere de absencia Hert, sed non probat.’]7. Knows that Henry Wynstall was absent from the hall of the manor from about nine to half-past ten, for he saw him enter the chamber with his instruments to shave Sir John, and wait there an hour and a half, and he could not have left without deponent seeing him. Moreover, John Symmys did not shoe horses in the manor that Saturday, for deponent had the custody of the forge and kept the keys.Answers to another set of interrogatories proposed on behalf of Paston and Howes, and here quoted at length, to the following effect, viz.: 1. Where each witness has lived since he was born, and whether he be in the service of the party producing him? 2. As to his knowledge of the witnesses on theother side? 3. What particulars he can give as to any bribery he imputes to them, and what was its special object? 4. By what means he knew it, and by whom he has been asked to give testimony, and whether he has conferred with his fellow-witnesses; whether they have received instructions what to depose; how often he has come up to London to give evidence and returned without being called; and how much he was promised for coming? 5. Each witness is to declare how he knows the facts, and to be charged not to reveal to the others on what subjects he was questioned.The only point of interest in these replies is that deponent was asked by William Worcester in the city of Norwich on Sunday eight days to give his testimony in the cause. He denies all communication with his fellow-witnesses, &c.Note.—The evidence of this first witness runs to five or six times the length of any other, and we have noted all the material points in it. Of the depositions of the others we shall not give any summary, but mention briefly any new statements that seem to be of interest:—

Thanks him for speaking to the Mayor and Recorder for the appearance of certain persons at this last session, as he wrote from Walsingham. Thomas Wolvesby and Colyns make great labor for the poor men’s undoing. Begs him to move the Mayor to have pity, considering their trouble at Walsingham, when they were prisoners.Thetford, Shere-Thursday.

Thanks him for speaking to the Mayor and Recorder for the appearance of certain persons at this last session, as he wrote from Walsingham. Thomas Wolvesby and Colyns make great labor for the poor men’s undoing. Begs him to move the Mayor to have pity, considering their trouble at Walsingham, when they were prisoners.

Thetford, Shere-Thursday.

224.2[From PastonMSS., B.M.]

John Paston, Junior, to his Father, John Paston

Has spoken ‘with Warwyk and Stwkle’ for the place and lands in Arleham. Declined their offer of 6d.an acre, they keeping the place in repair; but Stwkle has promised all the lands shall be purveyed for, as for this year. Warwyk this day offered my mother 7d.an acre for the lands in Arleham, but I counselled her to hold out for a longer term. Kook will no longer hold the place for 7d.or 8d.an acre, and will only give 6d., if he is to keep it in repair. Has spoken with Dame Alice Weche and Geoffrey Spyrlyng, who have agreed to set a tenant to occupy the lands in dispute till Paston comes home.St. Martin’s Even.

Has spoken ‘with Warwyk and Stwkle’ for the place and lands in Arleham. Declined their offer of 6d.an acre, they keeping the place in repair; but Stwkle has promised all the lands shall be purveyed for, as for this year. Warwyk this day offered my mother 7d.an acre for the lands in Arleham, but I counselled her to hold out for a longer term. Kook will no longer hold the place for 7d.or 8d.an acre, and will only give 6d., if he is to keep it in repair. Has spoken with Dame Alice Weche and Geoffrey Spyrlyng, who have agreed to set a tenant to occupy the lands in dispute till Paston comes home.

St. Martin’s Even.

225.1[From PastonMSS., B.M.]

Thomas Gnatyshale to Mrs. Paston

I hope the young man I sent will please ‘my master and you.’ I hope you will not receive him at this time, and when my master comes home refuse him. As for your lands at Sparham, there are not many lands to let. Has inquired at Salle. Master Edward225.3is clearly answered of £18 a year and 7s.or 8s.more. Bryston, Thyrnyng, and Owleton are let, which belong to the manor of Salle. So he is clearly answered twice a year at London, besides the fees, viz., of the receiver 26s.8d., of the steward 20d., and of the bailliff 26s.8d.Sparham, Wednesday before Ascension.

I hope the young man I sent will please ‘my master and you.’ I hope you will not receive him at this time, and when my master comes home refuse him. As for your lands at Sparham, there are not many lands to let. Has inquired at Salle. Master Edward225.3is clearly answered of £18 a year and 7s.or 8s.more. Bryston, Thyrnyng, and Owleton are let, which belong to the manor of Salle. So he is clearly answered twice a year at London, besides the fees, viz., of the receiver 26s.8d., of the steward 20d., and of the bailliff 26s.8d.

Sparham, Wednesday before Ascension.

225.2Ibid.225.3Probably Edward, son of Robert Mauteby. He was Margaret Paston’s uncle.

225.2Ibid.

225.3Probably Edward, son of Robert Mauteby. He was Margaret Paston’s uncle.

T. Gnatyshale to Mrs. Paston

James and Robert Radclef mean to take away my goods, and I shall be taken if I be at Norwich at next shire. Pray let my master know. I supposeit was by their commandment that my two neat were taken on Saturday last at Lyng, ‘for one that is under bailly of Richmond took hem.’ John Everyton will tell you more. The receipts of the manor of Sparham with costs are £10, 3s.11½d.If any man of yours come to Norwich please send me your advice.(Signed) ‘T. Gnat.’

225.4[From PastonMSS., B.M.]

James Arblaster to John Paston, [Squire]226.2

John à Berney of Wychyngham wishes to disinherit him of his liberty of faldage in Colyette. Desires the help of one of Paston’s men. As for my Lady of Oxford, ‘I have get you a trusty man against Tuesday or Wednesday next.’

[There is no distinct evidence of the date of this letter, except that it is probably not later than 1466, when John Paston died, though it may have been addressed to his younger son John. Compare Nos. 232, 233, and 234, in vol. ii.]

226.1[From PastonMSS., B.M.]226.2This designation is added on the address, but is struck out.

226.1[From PastonMSS., B.M.]

226.2This designation is added on the address, but is struck out.

Expences paid by Gloys at Norwich the day the Cors was ther and befor.

1466

Fyrste. The iiii. orders of fryers, viiil.Item, almesse, iis.viid.Item, to xxiii. susters of Normandys,226.4with the gardian eche of them, iiiid., and the gardian, viiid.—viiis.Item, in offering on Pentecost Tuesday226.5for my master, id.; for the herse, xls.For xxiiii. yerdes of brod wythtys for gowns, xxviis.viiid.; for dyeng of the same, iiiis.For settyng on the tents, vid.For xxii. yerdes and iii. quarters of brod wythts, xxxiiiis.iiid.For grownedyng, iiis.iiiid.For dyeng, iiiis.To xxxviii. prests at the dyryge at Norwyche, when the cors lay ther, xiis.viiid.To xxxix. schyldern with surplyces within the schurche and without, iiis.iiiid.To xxvi. clerks with iiii. kepers of the torches, eche of them iid., iiis.iiiid.To the clerks of St. Peters and St. Stevens for the ryngers ageyn the cors, iis.To the iiii. orders of fryers that rede ageyn the cors——. To the Prioress of Carow, vis.viiid.To a maide that came with her, xxd.To the ancors [anchoress ?] xld.In almesse, xvs.To a woman that came from London with the cors to Norwyche, vis.viii[d].

Fyrste. To the Prior, be my masters bequest, xls.To ix. monks, eche of them vis.viiid., iiil.To an other monke, who was of the same place, xxd.For brinnyng of the Abbes with the torches, xxd.To the Priors boteler for bred, iis.xd.For wasshyng of napry, xiid.To the boteler for hys reward, xxd.To the baker for cccx. eggs, xixd.To hym for hys reward, iiis.iiiid.To xxviii. bedds with —— of clothys, and wasshyng of the same, vs.To ii. men that fyllyd the grave, viiid.To brueng of v. kome malte, xxd.For ix. pownd candyl, xid.To the clerks of Bromholm, viiid.For viii. peces of peuter lost of the Priors, xxd.Geven among the men of the bakhouse, xxd.To the parisshe schyrche of Bromholm, xs.To xii. schyrchys, ls.viiid.To the prest that cam with the cors from London, iiis.iiiid.To servytors that awaytyd upon hym by the komawndment of W. Paston, xxid.To Playters for hys offering, iiiid.To the vyker of Upton, iis.To the sexton of Bromholm for xxii. crossys geven to Marget and Modeley,perJohn Paston, iiiis.vid.To xiiii. rynggars, viis.To xxiiii. servertors, eche of them iiiid., viiis.To lxx. servertors, eche of them iiid., xviis.vid.Paid to Dawbeny for servertors, viis.For fyshh the day after the enterment, vis.xd.For vi. barells bere, xiis.For a roundlet of red wine of xv. gallonys, &c., xiis.xid.Toa hors hyer for iii. days for Sir James, xiid.For a quarter malte, vs.For iiii. bushels wete, xxxiid.For a quarter of otys, iis.viiid.For x. kombe malte brueng, xld.For the boord of Rychard Hermer, wrythe, iii. days, and for hys hyer the sayde tyme, xiiid. ob.For William Yonge, barbor, v. days mete and drynke, and hys hyer the sayde tyme, xvid.For vi. pownd candyl, viid. ob.To xii. pore men beryng torches from London to Norfolk be vi. day, is., takyng eche of them on the day iiiid., and for iii. dayes in goyng homerward, takynge every day vid.Geven to Martyn Savage and Denschers awaytyng upon my master at London be vii. dayes before that he was caryed, iis.xd.For bred bowthe, xxiiiis.For vii. barels bere, xviis.vid.For a barel of the grettest assyse, iiis.iiiid.For iiii. barells of alee, xiiis.iiiid.For bred and alee for xii. men that bare torches, xiiid. ob.To a dole at Bromholm, vl.xiiis.iiiid.To William Colens, one of the botelers at Bromholm, xiid.To Wate Webster, another boteler, xiid.To Greg. Worsteler, one of the porters at Bromholm, iiiid.The parson at Mauteby,228.1and Sir Thomas Lynes, to the prestes at the deryge at Bromholm, xliiis.In almesse, xlviis.vid.; more, xxs.To the glaser for takyn owte of ii. panys of the wyndows of the schyrche for to late owte the reke of the torches at the deryge, and sowderyng new of the same, xxd.[This part of the roll, according to Blomefield, or his continuator, seemed to be written by Gloys, above mentioned, in an indifferent hand. The remainder is in a very neat and curious old hand, which was supposed to be that of Margaret Paston.]

First.For xxvii. gees, xviis.For xxvii. frankyd gees, vis.viiid.lxx. caponnes, xviis.viid.For xxix.228.2xvii. chekons, xvis.vid.For x. chekons, xd.For xli. pygges, xiiis.xd.For xlix. calvys, iiiil.xiiis.iiiid.For xxxiiii.lambys, xxviis.iid.For xxii. shep, xxxviis.vd.x. nete, iiiil.xvis.id.For ii. napronnes to Richard Lynstede, xd.For claretts and fawcetts, vid.MCCC.eggs, vis.vid.For xx. galons milk, xxd.For viii. galons creme, iis.viiid.For iiii. pints of butter, iiiid.For i. quarter and ii. bushels of whete mele, viis.xd.To the parson of Crostweyt for i. quarter of whete, vis.For xiiii. galons of ale, iis.To a labourer for iii. days, xiid.To xxiiii. galons of ale, iiiis.For xiii. salt fysshe, iiiis.iiiid.For the purveying of bred, ale, and fysshe, iiis.iiiid.To William Reynolds for lodgyng of Master Prowet, the Prior of the White Freres, the parson of Mautby, Sir Thomas Lynds, and other, by ii. nyghtis, vid.For bred, ale, and possets to the same persons, vid.To Herman, fleying bests by iii. days, iis., and to John Foke, by iii. days, xxd.For purveying of all the velys, lambes, x. beefins, certain piggs and polaly [poultry], xld.

Memorandum. The Prior toke to bord diverse persons laboryng abought the enterment, begynnyng the Thursday in Pentecost weke, the vi. yere of Kyng Edward the iiiith.

On Thursday I229.1find 3 persons who had xiid.for their board and hire; on Friday 5 who had xvd.; on Saturday 8 who had xxiiid.On Monday all were employed; and on the day after I find 4 to be allowed for their board iiiid. ob., and for their hires vd.,—ixd. ob.Delivered by the Prior to Richard Charles:—Fyrst, v. quarters of otes, xiiis.iiiid.; v. swyne, xiis.vid.; ii. bushel of mestlyn, xvd.; v. pownd of candell, vd.; xx. quarters of malte, xiiis.iiiid., and with gryndyng and brewyng, xviiis.For a cartfull of hey, iiis.iiiid.For ii. swyne, vs.For ii. bushel otes, viiid.For a quarter of herryng, vid.For half a quarter makerell, viid. ob.To the parson of St. Peters for his fee of the wax abought the coors, beside ii. candels of i.lb.and i. hert candel of a pound, xxd.At my masters xxx. day for offeryng, id.Geven to churches and in almes by Gresham, toward Bromholm, v.marks. To the clerk of St. Peters of Hungate230.1his felaship for ryngyng when the coors was in the church, xiid.To Dawbeney for bests and other stuffe for the enterment, xxl.To him in gold for to chaunge into small mony for the dole, xll.To W. Pecok, in iii. bags to bere to Bromholm, in copper, the 20th day, xxvi.marks. To Medeley for his reward, iiii.marks, and the same to Maryot. To Maryot for costs he bare by the way to Bromholm, iiil.xiid.More to Medeley for mony paid by him, xlis.xd.To the keper of the inne where myne husband dyed, for his reward, xxs.To Paston chirch, xs.To Bakton chirch, vis.viiid.To Gresham the London carrier, in full payment for the Chaundeler of London, vl.xixs.iiiid.More in almes mony, vis.viiid.More for wyne and bere, vii.marks. To the parson of St. Peters, vis.viiid.For wyne for the seingers when the coors was at Norwich, xxs.To Skolehouse in part of his bille for torches and wax made at Bromholm, for to brenne upon the grave, iiii.marks. For x. yerds of narow blak for the viker of Dallynge and Robert Gallawey, and for iii. yerds and quarter of brod cloth for Illee, xxs.xd.To Freton chirch, vis.viiid.For a cope called a frogge of worsted for the Prior of Bromholm, xxvis.viiid.For bred at the enterment, ixs.In almes, viiis.iiiid.In wyne and spices, ls.To Dom. John Loveday for cloth for a ridyng cope for himself, xiiiis.iid.To the makyng of Redham Stepill, viiis.iiiid.To John Orford, wax chandeler, for xii. torches and one candell of i.lb., lvs.iid. ob.To John Dewe for grey lynen cloth and sylk frenge for the hers, vil.xvis.iid.Given to the Austeners at the chapter at the.  .  .  .  .  .of Yarmouth, lxxvs.To Daubeney for to kepe the yere day at Bromholm the first yere after his dethe, viiil.iis.iiiid.Given at Castor to xxv. howsholders, every houshold iiid.the said tyme, vis.iiid.To viii. pore men the said tyme, xviiid.To the master of the College the said tyme, vis.viiid.ToMasterClement Felmyngham the said tyme, vis.viiid.To viii. prests at Castor the said tyme, iis.viiid.To childern in surplices and other pore folk at the said tyme, xiiid.To the parson of Hungate, vis.viiid.To the said parson for a certeyn231.1unto Mighelmesse next after the said yere day, viiis.viiid.To Skolous, wax chandeler, for makyng of the hers at Bromholm, xxiil.ixs.viiid.To Philip Curson, draper, for cloths, ixl.iiis. ob.To Aubrey, draper, xxxiiiis.For a quarter of makerell, xiid.To the Prior of Bromholm for malte spent at the enterment, xls.For light kept on the grave, xs.Geven at Cristemasse next after the said yereday, to eche of the iiii. orders of friers, xs.,—xls.To the vyker of Dallyng for bryngyng home of a pardon from Rome, to pray for alle our frends sowles, viiis.iiiid.For a black gowne to the said viker, viiis.

226.3[From Blomefield’sNorfolk, vi. 483. Folio edition, iii. 692.] The original of this document was probably among the PastonMSS.when Blomefield composed hisHistory of Norfolk, but where it is at present cannot be ascertained. It is cited by Blomefield, or perhaps by his continuator, Mr. Parkin, as ‘a very long but narrow roll,’ then in his possession. The text, however, does not seem to be printed entire, as the Editor only professes to give ‘several particulars therein.’226.4At Norwich.226.527th May 1466.228.1Robert Coteler, who was presented to the living by John Paston in 1465, on the resignation of Thomas Howys.228.2A short blank occurs in Blomefield after ‘xxix.’ and before ‘xvii.’229.1Blomefield or his continuator here speaks in his own person.230.1A church in Norwich, rebuilt by John Paston in 1460, the advowson having been acquired by him and Margaret, his wife, in 1458. The date of the rebuilding is engraved in stone on a buttress by the north door.231.1Masses called ‘certeynes’ are referred to in No. 53 (vol. ii. p. 64).

226.3[From Blomefield’sNorfolk, vi. 483. Folio edition, iii. 692.] The original of this document was probably among the PastonMSS.when Blomefield composed hisHistory of Norfolk, but where it is at present cannot be ascertained. It is cited by Blomefield, or perhaps by his continuator, Mr. Parkin, as ‘a very long but narrow roll,’ then in his possession. The text, however, does not seem to be printed entire, as the Editor only professes to give ‘several particulars therein.’

226.4At Norwich.

226.527th May 1466.

228.1Robert Coteler, who was presented to the living by John Paston in 1465, on the resignation of Thomas Howys.

228.2A short blank occurs in Blomefield after ‘xxix.’ and before ‘xvii.’

229.1Blomefield or his continuator here speaks in his own person.

230.1A church in Norwich, rebuilt by John Paston in 1460, the advowson having been acquired by him and Margaret, his wife, in 1458. The date of the rebuilding is engraved in stone on a buttress by the north door.

231.1Masses called ‘certeynes’ are referred to in No. 53 (vol. ii. p. 64).

To Master Clement Felmyngham the said tymetext has “Mastkr”: corrected from Blomefield

1466

Declaraciobonorum mobilium Johannis Fastolf militis ad manus Johannis Paston armigeri deveniencium et possidencium tam ex liberacione Thomæ Howys, Rectoris de Pulham, unius executoris dicti militis, quam ex Rapto aliorum hominum serviencium et tenencium suorum. Ac valorem in possessione dominiorum maneriorum terrarum et tenementorum suorum in eorum prima perquisicione per dictum militem solutorum et per heredem dicti Paston clameatorum pro nichilo solvendo, cum custubus edifficacionis eorundem. Et pro quibus omnibus supra specificatis executores dicti militis petiunt de heredibus et executoribus dicti Johannis Paston, solucionem restitucionem ac satisfacionem de dampnis occasione hujusmodi retencionis.

Die octava mensis Novembris anno xxxviij. Regni Regis Henrici Sexti, videlicet tercio die post obitum Johannis Fastolfmilitis, Thomas Howys clericus, co-executor dicti Johannis Fastolf, deliberavit Johanni Paston armigero de bonis dicti Johannis Fastolf existentibus ad tunc sub salva custodia in abbathia Sancti Benedicti de Hulmo de parte majoris summe in auro, videlicet in nobilibus antiquis boni et justi ponderis ijml.cccc. nobilia, precii nobile viijs.iiijd., faciunt mlli., et alia vice in moneta argenti xxiiijli.xvijs.ijd.; unde summaml.xxiiijli.xvijs.ijd.

Item, idem Thomas liberavit Johanni Paston dicto mense Novembris apud Norwicum, de vasis argenti diversarum specierum ad tunc habitarum extra thesauraium dicti militis manerij de Castre, iiijml.xxiij. unciarum ponderis Troie, precium uncie ijs.xd., faciunt vc.lxixli.xviijs.vjd.Et eidem Johanni apud Norwicum alia vice, de vasis argenti, ponderis lvij. unciarum, precium uncie ut supra, vijli.iiijs.xd.Et eidem Johanni alia vice apud dictum Castre liberantur de vasis argenti Cxij. unciarum precium ut supra xvli.xvijs.iiijd.; unde summavc.iiijxx.viijli.viijd.

Item, idem Thomas liberavit eidem Johanni Paston apud Norwicum dicto mense Novembris, in cyphis et vasis auri triati et finati, iijxx.xv. unciarum ponderis Troie, precium uncie xls.Clli.

Item, idem Thomas liberavit dicto Johanni ad faciendum certum prestitum comiti de Salysberye de bonis dicti Johannis Fastolf, unde idem Johannes Paston habet sufficientem securitatem et obligacionem Episcopi Norwicensis xxxiijli.vjs.viijd.Et consimili modo liberavit dicto Johanni ad faciendum certum prestitumdomino de Fitzwater, unde idem Johannes habet sufficientes securitates, xxxiijli.vjs.viijd.lxvjli.xiijs.iiijd.

Item, dictus Johannes Paston cepit de bonis dicti militis existentibus sub custodia Willelmi Worcetyr, contra agreamentum suum, et tradita per ipsum ad salvo custodiendum Thome Plummer de London scryvaner et Johanni Gressham de eadem capper, videlicet in vasis argenti diversarum specierum ml.viijc.iiijxx.x. unciarum, precium uncie ut supra, CClxviijli.vs.Et consimiliter cepit cyphum coopertum depuro auro ponderis Troie xxiij. unc’, j. quart. di., precium uncie xls., xlvjli.xvs.Et similiter cepit unam cathenam auri puri, ponderis Troie xxiij. unc’ et dimidii, precium unc’ ut supra xlvijli.CCClxijli.

Item, idem Johannes Paston cepit consimili modo de bonis dicti militis traditis Willelmo Worcetyr ad custodiendum, dicto mense Novembris, videlicet London, apud domum dicti Thome Plummer, ultra Cxlli.per dictum Worcestre solutas pro panno nigro pro liberatis togarum datis erga funeralia dicti militis, et pro serico pro baneretis pictis cum armis, necnon pro vino et speciebus, videlicet viijc.j. nobilia antiqua boni et justi ponderis, precium nobile viijs.iiijd., iijc.xxxiijli.xvs.Et liberantur dicto Johanni Paston per manus dicti Thome Howys, London, de moneta tradita in custodia dicti Thome Plummer lxijli.xjs.iiijd.; pro totoCCCiiijxx.xvjli.vjs.iiijd.

Item, dictus Johannes Paston cepit consimili modo de Willelmo Worcestre certa notabilia monilia et jocalia auri cum lapidibus preciosis garnizata, videlicet unum monile ditissimum vocata Anglicea White Rosenuper domini ducis Eborum233.1cum magno precioso lapide vocatoa poynted dyamant, qui in prima empcione constabat, ut dicitur iiijorml.marcarum, ac alia duo jocalia nuper dicti domini ducis tradita in plegio quando dictus Johannes Fastolf obligatus fuit pro dicto duce in tribus milibus libris executoribus cardinalis Anglie233.2super certis denariis prestitis dicto duci, et unde idem, dominus dux debebat dicto Johanni Fastolf in denariis prestitis CCCClxvjli.xiijs.iiijd.Et pro aliis justis causis CClxvjli.xiijs.iiijd.Et predicta tria jocalia per assensum dicti domini ducis sub sigillo armorum in scriptis tradita assignata fuerunt dicto Johanni Fastolf ut bona sua propria ad vendendum et disponendum in recompensacione debiti sui et aliis magnis laboribus et vexacionibus dicti militis pro dicto duce sustentatis et habitis dum modo locum tenens pro Rege fuit in Francia, ac postea in Angliavijc.xxxiijli.vjs.viijd.

Item, predictus Johannes Paston recepit exitus et proficua omnium maneriorum, terrarum et tenementorum dicti militis in comitatibus Norffolk, Suffolk, Essex et Surrie per manus ministrorum et servorum sine consensu executorum dicti militis, diversis annis ex quo obiit, per propinquam estimacionemml.vjc.lxvjli.xiijs.iiijd.

Item, dictus Johannes Paston recepit diversa alia catalla et bestias dicti militis, videlicet equos et palefridos principales suos valoris xxxli.ac oves et animalia minuta cubancia in pasturis de Castre et aliis maneriis, videlicet ijm.iiijc.lvj. oves diversorum generum precium capitis xiiijd.Cxliijli.vs.iiijd.Et in precio xiij. magnarum bestiarum vjli.Et in valore vjm.cuniculorum apud Warennam de Haylysdon anno quo dictus miles obiit per Warennarios ibidem per propinquam estimacionem assessatos precium ml.xvs., xlvli.Similiter in precio vellerum lane ovium de stauro suo apud Haylysdon ante obitum suum remanencium, xxvjli.xiijs.iiijd.per ipsum recept’CClli.xviijs.viijd.

Item, idem Johannes Paston recepit apud Castre predictam stuffuram et ordinacionem pro defensione patrie in artilleria, videlicet colubrinas librillas234.1diversorum magnitudinum cum cameris in decem carectis oneratis ac in curassys, brigandinis jakkis, salectis, basnetes, habourjonnys, lanceis, crossebowes de calibe [chalybe], longbowes, arcubus, sagittis, gonnepowder, gonnestonys, et cetera hujusmodi defensibilia valorisClli.

Item, recepit apud Castre per supervisum dicti Thome Howys in valore librorum pertinencium capelle ac in utenciliis garderobe dicti militis ibidem, videlicet in costeris et lectis de pluma et coopertoria de arras et tapestria ac penulis de martys cum togis necnon utencilia aule camerarum coquine et cetera hujusmodi, ut per billam de particulis patet, Cxxjli.vijs.iiijd.Et simili modo de utenciliis Warderobe et camerarum remanencium apud manerium suum in Suthwerk, valoris xxli.,Cxljli.vijs.iiijd.

Item, dictus Johannes recepit per manus dicti Thome Howys, Willelmi Paston, Thome Playter, Thome Plummerde London, scryvaner, Christofori Hansson armigeri et Luce Nantron ad diversas vices tam Londoniis quam in Suthwerk, ut patet per billam de parcellis,Ciiijli.xjs.viijd.

Item, idem Willelmus Worcestre mense Julii anno vtoregni Regis Edwardi quarti solvit uxori dicti Thome Plumer pro debito dicti Johannis Paston ut pro panno nigro ac prestita facta et liberaciones argenti fact’ suo mandato diversis personis,xxxijli.

Item, idem Johannes recepit in valore et precio panni lanei nigri coloris per ipsum dati diversis hominibus de affinitate sua propria, ultra Clijli.ut in precio panni lanei nigri coloris provisi et dati amicis et servientibus dicti Johannis Fastolf erga funeralia sua tenenda, xlli.Et similiter idem Johannes Paston fecit prefatum Thomam Howys exponere et tradere diversis hominibus in regardis et solucionibus circa propria negocia dicti Paston expedienda London’ et alibi xxxli.xvjs.jd.Et consimiliter idem Johannes fecit dictum Thomam exponere et solvere in expensis victualium hospicii tenti apud Castre anno primo quo idem miles obiit, tam circa extraneos et notos supervenientes de affinitate et amicicia sua sine causa apud Castre Maner trahentes ibidem moram inutilem, ad summam iiijxx.xli., prout evidenter patebit per certam declaracionem,Clxli.xvjs.jd.

Item, ultra predicta bona sic sibi applicata, prefatus Johannes Paston pretendebat habere et possidere, sine racione et scripto autentiquo, omnia dominia, terras et tenementa dicti militis in comitatibus, Norffolk, Suffolk et Norwico, ac sine solucione alicujus summe que constabant dicto militi in prima empcione ultra edifficaciones et repparaciones dictorum maneriorum,ixml.viijc.li.

Item, considerandum est quod, ultra dictas perquisiciones, edifficacio manerii de Castre velut fortalicium defensionis patrie constabat in triginta annis vjml.li.Et edifficacio manerii de Haylysdon, cum clausura bosci et warenne, ac edifficacione duarum domorum vocatarumlez loggesapud Haylysdon et Drayton, vc.xlviijli.xiijs.iiijd.Et custus imparcacionis parci in Cotton cum repparacione manerii iiijc.li.Et repparacio principalis mesuagii sui in villa de Jernemouth CCli.Edifficacio et repparacio tenementorum suorum in civitate Norwici CCxlli.vijml.CCCiiijxx.viijli.xiijs.iiijd.

Item, ultra ista, prefatus Johannes Paston retinet in custodia sua principales evidencias maneriorum dicti militis vocatorum Dedham Netherhall et Dedham Overhall in comitatu Essex; que quidem maneria, in defectu dictarum evidenciarum per ipsum non prosequutorum a tempore obitus dicti militis pro recuperacione eorundem, et hucusque, existunt extra possessionem, in maximum prejudicium defuncti, pro eo quod dictum manerium vocatum Dedham Netherhall constabat dicto militi in prima empcione ml.li., et predictum manerium vocatum Dedham Overhall Clxli.Et exitus et proficua dictorum maneriorum que ad manus executorum dicti militis medio tempore non devenerunt secundum ratam xlli.per annum ascendunt ad CCiiijxx.li.Sic in toto,ml.iiijc.xlli.

231.2[From aMS.in the Tower of Magd. College, Oxford.] This is a paper drawn up by William Worcester after John Paston’s death in 1466. The errors in grammar are characteristic of the writer.233.1Richard, Duke of York, father of EdwardIV.233.2Probably Cardinal Beaufort; but it may be Cardinal Kemp.234.1colubrinas librillas,i.e.culverins.

231.2[From aMS.in the Tower of Magd. College, Oxford.] This is a paper drawn up by William Worcester after John Paston’s death in 1466. The errors in grammar are characteristic of the writer.

233.1Richard, Duke of York, father of EdwardIV.

233.2Probably Cardinal Beaufort; but it may be Cardinal Kemp.

234.1colubrinas librillas,i.e.culverins.

Item, predictus Johannes Paston ... ml.vjc.lxvjli.xiijs.iiijd.“c.” (100) printed as subscript

Examinations Touching Sir John Fastolf’s Will

1466MAYandJUNE

A.D. 1466. The following witnesses were examined secretly and apart on behalf of Sir William Yelverton, ‘deceased,’236.2in the house of the treasurer of St. Paul’s Cathedral by John Druell, LL.D.:—May 17.John MonkealiasSmyth.19.John Dawson and John Gyrdyng.20.William Boswell, Robert Inglys, Ric. Horne, and Thos. Pykeryng.21.Henry Clerke, John Tovy, Thos. Hert, William Shawe, and Nich. Cherche.22.Thos. Newton, Th. Spycer, and Thos. Neve.23.John Rugge, John Clerke, and Rob. Bunche.June 10.Stephen Scrope.11.Ric. Fastolf.I. John Monke, a smith of the parish of St. James, Pokethorpe, in Norwich, illiterate, of free condition, thirty-two years old and over, alleges bribery of witnesses by Paston and Howys, who offered to sell John Russe lands at Leystofte at little more than half their value. Howes made Russe a present of salt, barley, and malt to the value of £20, and promised him a full discharge of his account for goods of the testator in his custody to the value of £200 and over. He paid Robert Cutteler, vicar of Caster, ‘colore cujusdam ultimivaledicti testatoris prius non debite’ (sic), money and corn to the value of 20 marks, and promised to present him to the living of Mawdeby whenever Thomas Howse resigned it. They gave Felmyngham an annuity of 8 marks, and 40s. to a boy who is his servant. They gave Robert Boteler a fee (feodum) of 5 marks [a year] for life, and the farm of a close called Mawdeby close, besides some other gifts which are specified. Hence the said John Russe, Rob. Cutteler, Clement Felmyngham, and Rob. Butteler, falsely deposed in answer to the second interrogatory that on the Saturday before the testator’s death they were present in a certain low room (bassa camera) in the manor of Caister, where the testator was principally between the hours of 8 and 11A.M., and that with them were the said John Paston and John Brakley, and no others; for in reality there were present in the chamber with the testator on that day, and especially during those hours, the said Rob. Fitzrauf, Nich. Newman, and John Loer continually, and the said Dan John Davye, Dan Thomas Howys, Friar John Bernard, physician, and Henry Barbour, and several others [at intervals]. Moreover, Cutteler, Felmyngham, and Butteler, said Russe was present on that occasion, whereas both he and Cutteler were in other places. Moreover, bribes were given by Paston and Howes in various forms during the months of January, February, and March 1462[-3], and at other times in the parishes of Caister and Yarmouth, and in the city of London, to Ralph Lampet, brother William Bukenham, and the said Rob. Cutteler. Paston promised to promote Bukenham to the priory of Yarmouth, and also, as a reward for his testimony, to give him 13 acres of the testator’s land in Scroudby and Caister called Isabell, to the use of the prior and convent of Norwich. Hence the testimony of these witnesses was false, that Fastolf, about the beginning of Autumn five years ago, had made to John Paston estate and feoffment and livery of seisin of his manor of Caister, and other lands in Cos. Norf. and Suff., and the city of Norwich, to the use of the said testator while he lived, and afterwards to that of the said John Paston and his heirs; for if any such thing was done (which is not admitted) it was on the 16th October 1457, in the 36th year of HenryVI., after the Autumn of the said year, and not to the use of Paston and his heirs, but to the use of Fastolf himself, and for the accomplishment of his will. Further, the testimony of Russe, Cutteler, Bukenham, Felmyngham, and Butteler was untrue as to the alleged will of Fastolf that JohnPaston should obtain the King’s license for the foundation of a college at Caister. It was in truth Fastolf’s will that the executors should obtain the King’s license to found a college there of seven Benedictine monks of the same profession as the monastery of St. Benet at Hulme, of whom one should be prior, and of seven poor men, and that they should be endowed out of his lands to the extent of 300 marks a year, all charges deducted, to pray for the soul of Lady Milicent, his wife, his parents and benefactors; and if the executors were unable to obtain this license, they were to give the abbot and convent of St. Benet’s lands and money for the maintenance of six new monks and seven poor men in that monastery with a like object. Further, it is not true as alleged that on Saturday before his death, viz., 3rd Nov., between eight and elevenA.M., the testator openly declared his will with a clear voice in the hearing of bystanders, for he was so ill and weak from want of breath that he was unable to speak distinctly at any time that whole day, especially during the hours above mentioned.Moreover, bribes were offered by Paston and Howes in May and June 1465, in the parishes of Caister and Yarmouth, and in the city of London, to Thomas Thorald, Robert Lawes, Will. Waterman, John Osbern, John Heydon, Will. Pykeryng, John Symmys, and John Shawe, for their testimony in this matter, viz. that they should have 20s. besides travelling expenses and divers other sums which were offered to them in Paston’s name by Cutteler, vicar of Caister, and Ric. Calle; and John Paston promised the said William Pykeryng that he should recover certain lands in the tenure of his brother John Pykeryng, in Fylby, to the value of 40s. Influenced by these bribes, Thos. Thorald deposed that on the Saturday before Fastolf’s death, Bartholomew Elys and John Davys came to his house in Belton, two miles and more from Yarmouth, about eightA.M., when he was in his grange, and asked him to come with them to divers manors of the said Sir John, to receive certain grain from his farmers; after which they drank in Thorald’s house, and he went with them to Freton, and to the manor called Calcote hall, and other places in Lothynlond until midday. Robert Lawes also deposed that on Friday before Fastolf’s death he went to Becclys, and next day, viz. Saturday, returning homeward (rediens domorsum), met on the way the said Bartholomew Elis, John Davy, and Thomas Thorald going to Freton, when Davy called him and bade him tell Thomas Howys or John Rus that on Monday or Tuesday next he would go to Caister and give an account of his stewardship. Afterwards, about twoP.M., Lawes came to Caister and told John Rus his business in the absence of Howys. But the said William Waterman, being bribed as aforesaid, falsely declares that on the Saturday before Fastolf’s death Barth. Elys and John Davy came to his house at Gorlyston about sevenA.M., and that he went with them to Thorald’s house, and that they went and spoke with Thorald at the grange while he waited for them at the gate. Afterwards they all entered the hall of Thomas Thorald and drank beer together, and all four went together to Calcote-halle and waited there till tenA.M., when Watyrman left the other three and returned home. And about twoP.M.Elys and Davy returned and drank beer at Watyrman’s house. But the truth is that Elys and Davy were at Yarmouth that day from seven till past elevenA.M.Further, John Osberne, Will. Pykerynge, and John Heydon were corrupt witnesses. John Osberne said that on Saturday before the Feast of St. Leonard, when Fastolf was ill of his last illness, the said Osberne, Pykerynge, and Heydon came to Caister to receive certain monies of John Rus for barley sold to him by Osberne; that about eightA.M.they entered the hall of the manor and found Robert Hert and others, servants of Fastolf, sitting at breakfast; and that John Russe immediately came to Osberne and talked to him about the payment. At last Russe took them into theclaustrum, and leaving them, entered Fastolf’s chamber; then, after remaining two hours and more, returned into theclaustrumand delivered the money to Osbern. This testimony was confirmed by Heydon and Pykeryng; but the truth is that Russe that Saturday, from seven till near twelve o’clock (a principio horæ septimæ usque ad finem horæ undecimæ), and Robert Hert from seven to tenA.M., were at Yarmouth, three miles off.Further, John Symmys and John Shawe were corrupt witnesses, the former saying that Robert Hert was present in the said manor-house of Caister at eightA.M.on the said day, and even at nine o’clock at dinner-time (tempore prandii), and that he saw the said Robert Hert sitting among Fastolf’s other servants at breakfast (jentaculum); and that he (Symmys) and Henry Wynstall, Fastolf’s barber, were occupied together in shoeing horses in the said manor from breakfast-time aforesaid to dinner-time, and that at dinner-time Symmys saw the said Henry sitting in the hall with others; and that on the said Saturday, about eightA.M., and even at noon, Symmys saw John Rus in the hall of the said manor. Also John Shawe deposed that on the Saturday before Fastolf’s death he saw John Rus and Henry Wynstall in the hall of the said manor, both at eightA.M.at breakfast and at dinner at midday, and he also saw Robert Hert, porter at the gate of the manor, at those hours; and that between breakfast and dinner Shawe and Wynstall were occupied along with John Symmys in shoeing Sir John’s horses. But the truth is that both Rus and Hert were absent as above-mentioned, and Wynstall was with Fastolf in his chamber from nineA.M.to half-past ten. Also Symmys, William Pykeryng, Heydon, Osberne, and Lawes were all absent the whole of that Saturday, and certainly between eight and elevenA.M.And notwithstanding that the contrary is alleged against them, John Davy, Barth. Elys, John Bokkyng, John Davy, chaplain, Thos. Upton, Nich. Newman, John Loer, Wm. Eton, Robert Lynne, John Marshall, Wm. Lynne, Henry Wynstall, Robert Hert, and Robert Fitzrauff, gave honest testimony in behalf of Yelverton and Worceter, being men of good repute, sufficiently rich, and well worthy of credit.Additional exceptions on the part of Yelverton and Worcester to the testimony of John Rus and Clement Felmyngham, showing that Paston had offered to let to the former a tenement in Yarmouth for less than its true value, and had promised the latter 100 marks for the Austin Friars at South-Town,239.1which was not bequeathed in Fastolf’s will; also that he had given Master Robert Popy, besides his expenses, 20 marks for his testimony, and remitted to him 10s.of the rent of a fishery which was five years in arrear, and that he hadalso released to him 40 marks of a penalty of 100 marks due by Popy upon a bond; in consequence of which Popy deposed that on the 30th October three years previously,240.1John Paston had reported to him at Caister that he had made an agreement with Fastolf by which he was to have all Fastolf’s lands in Norfolk, Suffolk, and the city of Norwich, after his death, paying for the same 4000 marks, and was to found a college in the manor, etc.; on hearing which Popy returned to Fastolf, and related to him what Paston had said to him, and Sir John confirmed it, requesting him to show the same goodwill towards Paston, as he had done to himself. But in truth Fastolf never asserted or confirmed any such thing.Answers to interrogatories by the same deponent, viz.—1. As to his knowledge of the parties and witnesses.2. As to the alleged instances of bribery, and the absence of Rus on the day referred to. The latter fact deponent says he knows, because he and Rus lay together in the chamber of Thomas Howys, and on Friday before Fastolf’s death Rus went to Yarmouth to buy victuals, and left with him the key of the chamber, Howys being then at Blowfeld; and Rus remained at Yarmouth all that Friday and the Saturday following, and returned on Sunday.4. As to the condition of Fastolf on the Saturday before his death. He was so weak for want of breath that he could not speak distinctly; those about him could not hear what he said without inclining their ears to his mouth, and even then they could hardly understand him. And this deponent says he knows, because on Friday and Saturday before his death he was frequently in Sir John’s chamber, and when people spoke to him to comfort him in his illness he only answered by sighs, so that deponent and others could not tell what he meant. Moreover, Sir John was accustomed when in health daily to say certain prayers with his chaplain, but on that day the chaplain said the service alone, while Fastolf lay on his bed and said nothing.6. As to Russe and Hert being at Yarmouth, he says he heard Thomas Howys that Saturday morning order the latter to take horse and ride thither to get provisions for the household, and he saw him ride out of the manor accordingly about sevenA.M., and also saw him return with the provisions about tenA.M.[In the margin here is written ‘Nititur deponere de absencia Hert, sed non probat.’]7. Knows that Henry Wynstall was absent from the hall of the manor from about nine to half-past ten, for he saw him enter the chamber with his instruments to shave Sir John, and wait there an hour and a half, and he could not have left without deponent seeing him. Moreover, John Symmys did not shoe horses in the manor that Saturday, for deponent had the custody of the forge and kept the keys.Answers to another set of interrogatories proposed on behalf of Paston and Howes, and here quoted at length, to the following effect, viz.: 1. Where each witness has lived since he was born, and whether he be in the service of the party producing him? 2. As to his knowledge of the witnesses on theother side? 3. What particulars he can give as to any bribery he imputes to them, and what was its special object? 4. By what means he knew it, and by whom he has been asked to give testimony, and whether he has conferred with his fellow-witnesses; whether they have received instructions what to depose; how often he has come up to London to give evidence and returned without being called; and how much he was promised for coming? 5. Each witness is to declare how he knows the facts, and to be charged not to reveal to the others on what subjects he was questioned.The only point of interest in these replies is that deponent was asked by William Worcester in the city of Norwich on Sunday eight days to give his testimony in the cause. He denies all communication with his fellow-witnesses, &c.

A.D. 1466. The following witnesses were examined secretly and apart on behalf of Sir William Yelverton, ‘deceased,’236.2in the house of the treasurer of St. Paul’s Cathedral by John Druell, LL.D.:—

William Boswell, Robert Inglys, Ric. Horne, and Thos. Pykeryng.

Henry Clerke, John Tovy, Thos. Hert, William Shawe, and Nich. Cherche.

Thos. Newton, Th. Spycer, and Thos. Neve.

John Rugge, John Clerke, and Rob. Bunche.

I. John Monke, a smith of the parish of St. James, Pokethorpe, in Norwich, illiterate, of free condition, thirty-two years old and over, alleges bribery of witnesses by Paston and Howys, who offered to sell John Russe lands at Leystofte at little more than half their value. Howes made Russe a present of salt, barley, and malt to the value of £20, and promised him a full discharge of his account for goods of the testator in his custody to the value of £200 and over. He paid Robert Cutteler, vicar of Caster, ‘colore cujusdam ultimivaledicti testatoris prius non debite’ (sic), money and corn to the value of 20 marks, and promised to present him to the living of Mawdeby whenever Thomas Howse resigned it. They gave Felmyngham an annuity of 8 marks, and 40s. to a boy who is his servant. They gave Robert Boteler a fee (feodum) of 5 marks [a year] for life, and the farm of a close called Mawdeby close, besides some other gifts which are specified. Hence the said John Russe, Rob. Cutteler, Clement Felmyngham, and Rob. Butteler, falsely deposed in answer to the second interrogatory that on the Saturday before the testator’s death they were present in a certain low room (bassa camera) in the manor of Caister, where the testator was principally between the hours of 8 and 11A.M., and that with them were the said John Paston and John Brakley, and no others; for in reality there were present in the chamber with the testator on that day, and especially during those hours, the said Rob. Fitzrauf, Nich. Newman, and John Loer continually, and the said Dan John Davye, Dan Thomas Howys, Friar John Bernard, physician, and Henry Barbour, and several others [at intervals]. Moreover, Cutteler, Felmyngham, and Butteler, said Russe was present on that occasion, whereas both he and Cutteler were in other places. Moreover, bribes were given by Paston and Howes in various forms during the months of January, February, and March 1462[-3], and at other times in the parishes of Caister and Yarmouth, and in the city of London, to Ralph Lampet, brother William Bukenham, and the said Rob. Cutteler. Paston promised to promote Bukenham to the priory of Yarmouth, and also, as a reward for his testimony, to give him 13 acres of the testator’s land in Scroudby and Caister called Isabell, to the use of the prior and convent of Norwich. Hence the testimony of these witnesses was false, that Fastolf, about the beginning of Autumn five years ago, had made to John Paston estate and feoffment and livery of seisin of his manor of Caister, and other lands in Cos. Norf. and Suff., and the city of Norwich, to the use of the said testator while he lived, and afterwards to that of the said John Paston and his heirs; for if any such thing was done (which is not admitted) it was on the 16th October 1457, in the 36th year of HenryVI., after the Autumn of the said year, and not to the use of Paston and his heirs, but to the use of Fastolf himself, and for the accomplishment of his will. Further, the testimony of Russe, Cutteler, Bukenham, Felmyngham, and Butteler was untrue as to the alleged will of Fastolf that JohnPaston should obtain the King’s license for the foundation of a college at Caister. It was in truth Fastolf’s will that the executors should obtain the King’s license to found a college there of seven Benedictine monks of the same profession as the monastery of St. Benet at Hulme, of whom one should be prior, and of seven poor men, and that they should be endowed out of his lands to the extent of 300 marks a year, all charges deducted, to pray for the soul of Lady Milicent, his wife, his parents and benefactors; and if the executors were unable to obtain this license, they were to give the abbot and convent of St. Benet’s lands and money for the maintenance of six new monks and seven poor men in that monastery with a like object. Further, it is not true as alleged that on Saturday before his death, viz., 3rd Nov., between eight and elevenA.M., the testator openly declared his will with a clear voice in the hearing of bystanders, for he was so ill and weak from want of breath that he was unable to speak distinctly at any time that whole day, especially during the hours above mentioned.

Moreover, bribes were offered by Paston and Howes in May and June 1465, in the parishes of Caister and Yarmouth, and in the city of London, to Thomas Thorald, Robert Lawes, Will. Waterman, John Osbern, John Heydon, Will. Pykeryng, John Symmys, and John Shawe, for their testimony in this matter, viz. that they should have 20s. besides travelling expenses and divers other sums which were offered to them in Paston’s name by Cutteler, vicar of Caister, and Ric. Calle; and John Paston promised the said William Pykeryng that he should recover certain lands in the tenure of his brother John Pykeryng, in Fylby, to the value of 40s. Influenced by these bribes, Thos. Thorald deposed that on the Saturday before Fastolf’s death, Bartholomew Elys and John Davys came to his house in Belton, two miles and more from Yarmouth, about eightA.M., when he was in his grange, and asked him to come with them to divers manors of the said Sir John, to receive certain grain from his farmers; after which they drank in Thorald’s house, and he went with them to Freton, and to the manor called Calcote hall, and other places in Lothynlond until midday. Robert Lawes also deposed that on Friday before Fastolf’s death he went to Becclys, and next day, viz. Saturday, returning homeward (rediens domorsum), met on the way the said Bartholomew Elis, John Davy, and Thomas Thorald going to Freton, when Davy called him and bade him tell Thomas Howys or John Rus that on Monday or Tuesday next he would go to Caister and give an account of his stewardship. Afterwards, about twoP.M., Lawes came to Caister and told John Rus his business in the absence of Howys. But the said William Waterman, being bribed as aforesaid, falsely declares that on the Saturday before Fastolf’s death Barth. Elys and John Davy came to his house at Gorlyston about sevenA.M., and that he went with them to Thorald’s house, and that they went and spoke with Thorald at the grange while he waited for them at the gate. Afterwards they all entered the hall of Thomas Thorald and drank beer together, and all four went together to Calcote-halle and waited there till tenA.M., when Watyrman left the other three and returned home. And about twoP.M.Elys and Davy returned and drank beer at Watyrman’s house. But the truth is that Elys and Davy were at Yarmouth that day from seven till past elevenA.M.

Further, John Osberne, Will. Pykerynge, and John Heydon were corrupt witnesses. John Osberne said that on Saturday before the Feast of St. Leonard, when Fastolf was ill of his last illness, the said Osberne, Pykerynge, and Heydon came to Caister to receive certain monies of John Rus for barley sold to him by Osberne; that about eightA.M.they entered the hall of the manor and found Robert Hert and others, servants of Fastolf, sitting at breakfast; and that John Russe immediately came to Osberne and talked to him about the payment. At last Russe took them into theclaustrum, and leaving them, entered Fastolf’s chamber; then, after remaining two hours and more, returned into theclaustrumand delivered the money to Osbern. This testimony was confirmed by Heydon and Pykeryng; but the truth is that Russe that Saturday, from seven till near twelve o’clock (a principio horæ septimæ usque ad finem horæ undecimæ), and Robert Hert from seven to tenA.M., were at Yarmouth, three miles off.

Further, John Symmys and John Shawe were corrupt witnesses, the former saying that Robert Hert was present in the said manor-house of Caister at eightA.M.on the said day, and even at nine o’clock at dinner-time (tempore prandii), and that he saw the said Robert Hert sitting among Fastolf’s other servants at breakfast (jentaculum); and that he (Symmys) and Henry Wynstall, Fastolf’s barber, were occupied together in shoeing horses in the said manor from breakfast-time aforesaid to dinner-time, and that at dinner-time Symmys saw the said Henry sitting in the hall with others; and that on the said Saturday, about eightA.M., and even at noon, Symmys saw John Rus in the hall of the said manor. Also John Shawe deposed that on the Saturday before Fastolf’s death he saw John Rus and Henry Wynstall in the hall of the said manor, both at eightA.M.at breakfast and at dinner at midday, and he also saw Robert Hert, porter at the gate of the manor, at those hours; and that between breakfast and dinner Shawe and Wynstall were occupied along with John Symmys in shoeing Sir John’s horses. But the truth is that both Rus and Hert were absent as above-mentioned, and Wynstall was with Fastolf in his chamber from nineA.M.to half-past ten. Also Symmys, William Pykeryng, Heydon, Osberne, and Lawes were all absent the whole of that Saturday, and certainly between eight and elevenA.M.And notwithstanding that the contrary is alleged against them, John Davy, Barth. Elys, John Bokkyng, John Davy, chaplain, Thos. Upton, Nich. Newman, John Loer, Wm. Eton, Robert Lynne, John Marshall, Wm. Lynne, Henry Wynstall, Robert Hert, and Robert Fitzrauff, gave honest testimony in behalf of Yelverton and Worceter, being men of good repute, sufficiently rich, and well worthy of credit.

Additional exceptions on the part of Yelverton and Worcester to the testimony of John Rus and Clement Felmyngham, showing that Paston had offered to let to the former a tenement in Yarmouth for less than its true value, and had promised the latter 100 marks for the Austin Friars at South-Town,239.1which was not bequeathed in Fastolf’s will; also that he had given Master Robert Popy, besides his expenses, 20 marks for his testimony, and remitted to him 10s.of the rent of a fishery which was five years in arrear, and that he hadalso released to him 40 marks of a penalty of 100 marks due by Popy upon a bond; in consequence of which Popy deposed that on the 30th October three years previously,240.1John Paston had reported to him at Caister that he had made an agreement with Fastolf by which he was to have all Fastolf’s lands in Norfolk, Suffolk, and the city of Norwich, after his death, paying for the same 4000 marks, and was to found a college in the manor, etc.; on hearing which Popy returned to Fastolf, and related to him what Paston had said to him, and Sir John confirmed it, requesting him to show the same goodwill towards Paston, as he had done to himself. But in truth Fastolf never asserted or confirmed any such thing.

Answers to interrogatories by the same deponent, viz.—1. As to his knowledge of the parties and witnesses.

2. As to the alleged instances of bribery, and the absence of Rus on the day referred to. The latter fact deponent says he knows, because he and Rus lay together in the chamber of Thomas Howys, and on Friday before Fastolf’s death Rus went to Yarmouth to buy victuals, and left with him the key of the chamber, Howys being then at Blowfeld; and Rus remained at Yarmouth all that Friday and the Saturday following, and returned on Sunday.

4. As to the condition of Fastolf on the Saturday before his death. He was so weak for want of breath that he could not speak distinctly; those about him could not hear what he said without inclining their ears to his mouth, and even then they could hardly understand him. And this deponent says he knows, because on Friday and Saturday before his death he was frequently in Sir John’s chamber, and when people spoke to him to comfort him in his illness he only answered by sighs, so that deponent and others could not tell what he meant. Moreover, Sir John was accustomed when in health daily to say certain prayers with his chaplain, but on that day the chaplain said the service alone, while Fastolf lay on his bed and said nothing.

6. As to Russe and Hert being at Yarmouth, he says he heard Thomas Howys that Saturday morning order the latter to take horse and ride thither to get provisions for the household, and he saw him ride out of the manor accordingly about sevenA.M., and also saw him return with the provisions about tenA.M.[In the margin here is written ‘Nititur deponere de absencia Hert, sed non probat.’]

7. Knows that Henry Wynstall was absent from the hall of the manor from about nine to half-past ten, for he saw him enter the chamber with his instruments to shave Sir John, and wait there an hour and a half, and he could not have left without deponent seeing him. Moreover, John Symmys did not shoe horses in the manor that Saturday, for deponent had the custody of the forge and kept the keys.

Answers to another set of interrogatories proposed on behalf of Paston and Howes, and here quoted at length, to the following effect, viz.: 1. Where each witness has lived since he was born, and whether he be in the service of the party producing him? 2. As to his knowledge of the witnesses on theother side? 3. What particulars he can give as to any bribery he imputes to them, and what was its special object? 4. By what means he knew it, and by whom he has been asked to give testimony, and whether he has conferred with his fellow-witnesses; whether they have received instructions what to depose; how often he has come up to London to give evidence and returned without being called; and how much he was promised for coming? 5. Each witness is to declare how he knows the facts, and to be charged not to reveal to the others on what subjects he was questioned.

The only point of interest in these replies is that deponent was asked by William Worcester in the city of Norwich on Sunday eight days to give his testimony in the cause. He denies all communication with his fellow-witnesses, &c.

Note.—The evidence of this first witness runs to five or six times the length of any other, and we have noted all the material points in it. Of the depositions of the others we shall not give any summary, but mention briefly any new statements that seem to be of interest:—

Back to IndexNext