919AGNES AND WILLIAM PASTON298.2

296.1[From Fenn, ii. 250.] The events referred to in this letter prove that it was written in the year 1477.296.2Between £5 and £6 English, and equal in value to upwards of £20 at this present time, apparently a great price for a hobby.—F.297.1Margaret, sister to EdwardIV., widow of Charles the Bold, Duke of Burgundy.297.2Maximilian, son of the Emperor Frederick, married Mary, daughter and heir of Charles the Bold, Duke of Burgundy.—F.298.1Edmund Bedyngfeld married Margaret, daughter of Sir John Scot, Comptroller of Calais, and was created a Knight of the Bath at the Coronation of Richard III. He was highly in favour with HenryVII., who paid him a royal visit at Oxburgh, in Norfolk, which fine seat he built. He died in 1496.—F.919AGNES AND WILLIAM PASTON298.21477AUG. 22The names of the maners of Agnes Pastons and William Paston, in Norfolk, how thai shuld be taken hede to this harvest, anno xvijo.And a copy of the same send to Richard Lynstede, the xxij. day of August, anno xvijo, per Bacheler Water.Paston maner,Se that the fermour in his corne on my moders fe. Seale dores and distrayne, and put in a newe fermour.Wodemyl,Distrayne.Latymers,Gadir the rente.Sewardbys,Gadir the rente.Trunche,Distrayne on the grounde after it is fellid, while it lieth on my moders fe.Spriggeis,Gader the rente.Knapton fe,Crowmer,Gadir the rente.Owstoonde,Distrayne.Rowton,Distrayne, and arest the fermour.Riston,Lete Lynstedes brother gader the rente.Oxned maner,Se the fermour in his croppe, and after seale doris and distrayne, and lete hym not renne in dette as other fermours did.Oxned mylle,Se the fermour in his croppe, and after seall doris and distrayne, and lete hym not renne in dette as other fermours did.Caster Cleres,Aske the ferme.Holkhams tenement,Aske the ferme.The mersh in Caster,Aske the ferme.Caster Bardolf,Aske the ferme a rent.Caster Clere rentes,Distrayne tenauntes.Holham rentes,Ormysby my fe,Somerton,Se that he in his corn, and seall dores and distrayne, til he fynde suerty.Thirn,Aske the ferme.Sowth Walsham,Halvyrzates,Todenham,Aske the rente, and areste Smyth.Cokfeldes,Aske the rente.Apawys,Se he in his corn, and seall dores and distrayne.Marlyngfor maner,Sele doris and distrayne.Marlyngford mylle,Seale doris and distrayne.Merlyngforde tenauntes,Distrayne.Melton,Se the croppe inned, and seale doris and distrayne.Bonwell,Aske rente.Carleton,Aske rente.Thuxstons,Aske rente.Lynghall nuper Dokkynges,Aske rente fro Mich. xvj. till xvijoand distrayne.Bulmans nuper Dokkynges,Aske rente fro Mich. xvjotil xvijo, and exorte Martyn to kepe the ferme still, and if he woll not, praye hym to gete a noder.Yeaxham nuper Dokkynges,Aske rente fro Mich. xvjotill xvijo, and gete a newe fermour, and increse the rente, and make a newe terrar and rentall.Styberd nuper Dokkynges,Aske rent fro Mich. xvotill Mich. xvijo, and distrayne, and allowe no dewty of Dokkynges in abatyng my rente.Thymbilthorp nuper Dokkynges.Aske rente fro Mich. xvotill Mich. xvijo, and distrayne, and allowe noe dewty of Dokkynges in abatyng my rente.These maners that are trahid take gode hede that ye be in gode suertye of them this harvest tyme.298.2[From PastonMSS., B.M.] The heading of this document is taken from an endorsement on the originalMS.920SIR JOHN PASTON’S WILL300.11477OCT. 31[I, JOHN PASTON,] Knyght, in the last day of O[ctober, Anno] Domini mlcccclxxvjo, will, graunte, and be queth my sowle to All myghty God, and to the. . . . . .Marye, Seint John Baptist, Seint Gorge, Seint Cristofur, and Seint Barbara; and my body, yf I dyghe ny the Cyte of London, [to the chapel] of Owre Lady in the Whithe Frerys there, at the Northeest corner of the body of the chyrche, and there to be made an orator[y]. . . . .or muche leke as ys over Sir Thomas Browne in the Frere Prechours, to the valourof xxli., so that it may cause. . . . . .ther prayours there, the rather to remembre my sowle, and to pray therefore; and that there be gevyn to the behoff. . . . .at plotte of grounde be made suer unto me for ever the some of xx. marc.. . . . . . .dayly, be the space of an holl yere, by soumme well disposed brother of the same howse, and that the seyd brother. . . . . .[not]withstondyng yf I decesse in the counte of Norffolk, or there nye abouute, I wolde my bodye were buried at the prio[ry of Bromholm]. . . . .un to the Founders Toumbe, which arche is unto the North syde, and ryght agayn my fadyr toum[be]. . . . . . . . .ith an awter and a toumbe for me, to the value of xxli., and that the howse there have a rewarde. . . . . . . . .to the frerys of London, and that there be also a broder of that howse to synge for my sowle by one. . . . . . . . . .salarye.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .a closette made at my cost over my faders body ther. . . . . . . . . .of xxli., so that owre cousyns. . . . . . . . . .have the more devocion to that place, and the rather reste there bodyes there the encresse of the. . . . . . . . . .encrese and profite of the howse, and reste on the religeus there of, lyke as owr auncetours have. . . . . . . . .[a]nd to the entent that I disclosed but on to fewe persons concernyng the fee ferme that is payed. . . . . . . .Duke of Suffolk.[Item, I will that my bro]ther, John, yf I dye with owth yssue leffull of my bodye, have the maner of Swaywell to hym and. . . . . . . .accordyng to the willez both of myn graunfader and of my fader, on whos sowles God have mercye, the. . . . . . . .esse.[Item, I will that the] Bysshoppe of Wynchester, or his assygnes, woll and fynde suerte to do founde at the lyste iiij. prestys. . . . . . . . . .of John Fastolf and his frendys, &c., at Caster, and that there be bylded loggyng conveniant for those. . . . . . . . . . . . . .adjoynyng uppon the bakhous over the gardeyn withouuth themote on the Weste syde of my. . . . . . . . . . .in the seid maner or maners yn Caster, graunt by chartour, grounde, space, and londe, convenyant for such. . . . . . . .entre and yssue therunto, and to that entent, and byldyng or purchasyng of license of the kyng. . . . . . . .profitez of the seid maners holly be expendid the terme of vij. yerez next after my dissece; and, moreover,. . . . . . . . .resorte theder in his owne persone to over see the werkys or byldyng or establyssyng of the seyd howse [he shall h]ave playn lyberte to dwell withinne my seid maner and fortresse the seid terme of vij. yerez, and that. . . . . . . .estys.. . . . . . . . . . . . .[cha]pell of Seint John Baptyst, withyn the seyd towne of Caster, with all the profitez yerly of that same begeny[ng]. . . . . . . . .ed to the seyd college or howse for evermore, with lycence therunto had of the Kyng and of the Pope, with. . . . . . . .in Caster before seyd, which londis, with the seyd chapell, schalbe of the yerly value of vijli.yerly. . . . .ment of one prest above the charge that the Bysshope wyll do to pray for the sowles of my fader. . . . . . . . .Thomas Lyndys, clerk, and of Sir John Dawbeney. And that after this above wretyn be performed, yf that. . . . . .es make astate by fyne reryd and enrolled in the Kynges courte of the seid maner and maners in Castre. . . . . . . . . . .yssue of his bodye laufully comyeng, and for defaute of yssue of his body lawfully [rem]ayne to the issue of my moders lawfully commynge. And for defaute of yssue of her body lawfully commyng. . . . . . . .myn uncle, Edward Maudeby, and to the yssue of his body lawfully commynge. And that for defaute. . . . . . . . .[comm]yng that the seyd maners remayn to my cousyn, Sir William Calthorp, and to the right eyrez. . . . . . . . . . . . .defaute of issue of his body lawfully commynge, the seyd maners to reverte to the. . . . . . . .[Item, I will that the priest of the chap]ell of the seyd collage be presented by the lordys of my seid maner. . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . .ed by Syr John Fastolff.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .eryng de eadem villa vendatur per executores meos ad perimplendum et persolvendum. . . . . . . . . . . . .eminveneritsecuritatem ad redimendum manerium de Sporle prædictum, quod si ipse. . . . . . . . .x. acr’ terræ de eisdem perquesit’ de Johanne Kendall tempore debito dentur prædicto Johanni fratri [meo et hæredibus suis legiti]me procreatis; et defectu exitus legitimi de prædicto Johanne fratre meo, tunc prædictæ terræ et tenementa remaneant. . . . . . . . . . . . .triavi mei, legittime procreatis; et pro defectu exitus legittimi prædicti triavi mei, tunc remaneant Willelmo. . . . .[et hæredibus i]psius Willelmi legitime procreatis; et pro defectu exitus legitimi prædicti Willelmi, tunc omnia prædicta terræ et tenementa [remaneant]. . . . . .assignatis imperpetuum; proviso quod executores testamenti Willelmi Pekering habeant x. marcas pro. . . . .et habeat xxxvij. acras terræ de prædictis terris sibi per voluntatem patris ejus assignatis sive legatis si tantæ. . . . . . . . . .terræ quæ idem Johannes vendidit sint de numero illarum acrarum sibi limitatarum per Nicholaum patrem prædicti Johannis ac. . . . . . . . .recompensacionem; eo quod idem Johannes forte credidit quod ipse juste potuit vendere, quæque terræ et tenementa in feofamento. . . . .[pat]ris, non obstante quod pater prædictus non declaravit quicquid faciendum de dictis terris suis ultra certas acras. . . . . . . . .na ipsius patris.300.1[From PastonMSS., B.M.] The original of this document is mutilated. It is endorsed in a more modern hand, ‘Testamentum Johannis Paston Senioris militis.’[Sidenote] 1477printed as shown, but body text says “mlcccclxxvj” (1476)invenerit securitatem ad redimendumtext reads “invenetit”921WILLIAM PEKOC TO SIR JOHN PASTON304.1To my ryth worschepffull master, Sir John Paston, Knyth, logyd at the Goorge, be Powll Warffe, in London, in hast.1477NOV. 19Rythworchepful sir, I recomand me to yowr good masterchep.Plseythyou to wete that I have purweyidfor foryour heryng a non after your departyng, but I can yet no caryage, nowthir owte of Yermowth, ner in no oder place be twyn Wynterton and Leystoft, nowthir be lond nor be the se, not yet; and specyally for your swanes. Hery Cook seyth he wolle no more come on the se with his good wylle. Ther is no man wyllyng to del with your swanes. Also, as for your hors, ye most ordayne a nothir keper than they have, or ellis ye chal not leke wel be them whan ye se hem; they arn nowthir redyn nor corayd. Peris is meche owteward, and Whyte wol not a tende hem, nowdyr for Peris ner for me. They arn not watryd butt at the welle. Peris hath be ryth seke; and yet, but for dyspleser of you, Peris had ben in hand with Whyte or this tyme. Ye muste be proveyd of a nothir hors keper, or elles it wol do you harm on your hors. Also, I have had iiijli.for to a sent you if I cowde have gete ony trosty man to youward. As for barly, I can non selle a bove xiiijd.the comb. As your leter that ye sent me, I have fownd a frere that hath promyssyd me to do’n his dever if it may be browte a bowte be ony mene in hast. Also there is a grete chyppe go to wrekke be for Wynterton, and there came up on your several grownd gret plente of bowe stawys and waynescotte, and clappalde304.2grete plente. I gate cartys and caryd to the towne that that was fownd on your fee. Mastras Clere hath sen down hyr men, and withset alle the stuff and wrekke, and seyth that ye gete non there, for sche wol have it be the tytyl of the lete, and I have answerd there to, that che owte non to have be that tytil; and so if ye wol comon with yor cownsel, I trow it to the lord of the soylle and not to the lete; for the maner holdyth nothyng of hyr. Sche had never no wrekke nor growndage till withinne this xx. wynter. There is no maner in Wyynterton but your; lesse your ryth now and lesse it for ever. I am threte to be trobelid there, for there ben v. men on lyve of the chyppe. The bordes had ben good for wyndownes and dores. Ye chuld have had thyme worthe the money, and sche had not lettyd it. Ther is com up ter [tar] at Caster v. or vj. barell. Men of Scrowby hath fet it awey. Ye must have a meen be sum wryte of trespas for them, or ellis it wool do yow meche harm here after. Rechard Kedman, John Pool, senior, and William Abbys, these arn summe of ther namys of Scrowby.Item, I receyved a leter the Twis day befor Sen Edmunde the Kyng there as ye wryte to me for William Foster; his sewirtesse ston chargyd for iiijli.vjs.viijd., as John Seyve hath seyd to me or the tyme that I receyvyd your leter, but he hath ij. men of Norwech to sewirte to save hym and his felaw harmeless. Scharggar is on, and Vyncent the plomer is a nothir that chal bere the dawnger. And as for your swanes, I have gette a man that chal cary hem be lond, and that I chal send word with the swanes that the herynges chal com be water; and if the chuld have ony heryng for your store, it wold be purveyd for, for heryng wol be dere or Lente.Item, there arn wyndownes blow opyn in the place, and the wyndown of the gonne hows with inne the brege is revyn. I wot not whethir it was so or ye wente or not. My Lord of Norwech was at Caster Halle for to a cen the place as he cam to London ward. Ser, remembir your hors to have a better keper. Ser, to remembir thesse men of Scrowby, and comon with Master William Paston there in, for he partith with you both wrekke and growndage in Caster; and he wold take the accyon in his lordes name that he delyth for, it ware a good wey, be my sympil wyth. God preserve you, and kepe yow, and bryng yow home a yen to your contre.Wretyn at Mawteby on Sen Edmundis Evyn, the Kyng, in hast,Be your man and servant,William Pekoc.304.1[From PastonMSS., B.M.] This letter is endorsed by Sir John Paston, ‘Pekok, m. [i.e.mense] Decembris, anno E. iiijtixvijo.’304.2Board cut to make casks.Plseyth you to wete that I have purweyid for for your heryngall text unchanged: duplication is at mid-line in Gairdner but at line break in MS.922WILLIAM PEKOC TO SIR JOHN PASTON306.11477NOV. 30Rythworchypfull ser, I recomand me to your good masterchep. Plesyth you, as for Pekrynges mater, I sent a frere in John Pekerynges name for the evydens; and he had an answer that if he had a busschelful of evydenss, he chuld noon have of them, for he hath set the londe in trobill, nor he cowd have no seyte of none. Also remembir your ryth of your wreke at Wynterton. Thesse arn the menes namys of Wynterton, Robert Parker of West Somerton, John Longyard of Wynterton, Thomas Goodknape of the same, Will Wrantham and John Curteys of the same Wynterton, that caryid of your severel grownd xxij. carte ful of stuffe, viijxx.bowestavis, iijxx.and vij. waynescottes, xiiijc.clapalde,306.2v. barell ter, iiij. copil oris, and gret plante [plenty] of wreke of the schyppe that is worth meche mony, as ye chal understonde the trowth after this.And as for your heryng that chuld in to Essexkes, they arn there, be the grace of God. As for your swanes, they chal be there be Our Ladys Day next comyng, I troste to God, Ho have your masterchyp in Is kepyng.Wretyn at Mawteby, where as I am ryth werey, on Sen Andrews Day, Anno xvijoE.Ser, if it plese your masterchep, I sold yet no barly, ner none can a bove xiiijd.the comb, as I sen word in a leter be John Russe; and I toke iiijli.in mony to bryng to your materchep. The prysse of your heryng is iiijli.iijs.iiijd.,besyd oder costes. Hery Cook wold goo with your swanes, for hys yefte chuld be vjs.viijd., and there fore he wold yeffe you his labore, be so ye payd for his costes. Ipse dixit.Be your servaunt,Will. Pekoc.306.1[From PastonMSS., B.M.] There is no address on this letter, but it is endorsed, like the preceding, by Sir John Paston, ‘Pekok, mense Decembris, anno E. iiijtixvijo.’306.2Seepage 304, Note 2.923MARGERY PASTON TO JOHN PASTON307.1Tomy ryth reverent and worschefulhusbond, Jon Paston.1477DEC. 18Rythreverent and worscheful husbond, I recomaunde me to yow, desyryng hertyly to here of yowr wylfare, thankyng yow for the tokyn that ye sent me be Edmunde Perys, preyng yow to wete that my modyr sent to my fadyr to London for a goune cloth of mustyrddevyllers307.2to make of a goune for me; and he tolde my modyr and me wanne he was comme home, that he cargeyt yow to beyit, aftyr that he were come oute of London.I pre yow, yf it be not bowt, that ye wyl wechesaf to byit, and sendyt home as sone as ye may, for I have no goune to weyre this wyntyr but my blake and my grene a lyer,307.3and that is so comerus that I ham wery to weryt.As for the gyrdyl that my fadyr be hestyt me, I spake to hym ther of a lytyl before he zede to London last, and he seyde to me that the faute was in yow, that ze wolde not thynk ther uppe on to do makyt [to get it made]; but I sopose that ys not so; he seydyt but for a skwsacion. I pre yow, yf ye dor takyt uppe on yow, that ye wyl weche safe to do makyt a yens ye come home, for I hadde never more nede ther of than I have now, for I ham waxse so fetys308.1that I may not be gyrte in no barre of no gyrdyl that I have but of one. Elisabet Peverel hath leye sek xv. or xvj. wekys of the seyetyka, but sche sent my modyr word be Kate, that sche xuld come hedyr wanne God sent tyme, thoow sche xuld be crod [wheeled] in a barwe.Jon of Damm was here, and my modyr dyskevwyrd me to hym, and he seyed, be hys trouth that he was not gladder of no thyng that he harde thys towlmonyth, than he was ther of.I may no lenger leve be my crafte, I am dysscevwyrd of alle men that se me.Of alle odyr thyngys that ye deseyreyd that I xuld sende yow word of, I have sent yow word of in a letter that I dede wryte on Ouwyr Ladyis Day308.2laste was. The Holy Trenyte have yow in Hese kepyng.Wretyn at Oxnede, in ryth gret hast, on the Thrusday next be fore Seynt Tomas Day.308.3I pre yow that ye wyl were the reyng with the emage of Seynt Margrete, that I sent yow for a rememraunse, tyl ye come home; ye have lefte me sweche a rememraunse, that makyth me to thynke uppe on yow bothe day and nyth wanne I wold sclepe.Your ys,M. P.307.1[From Fenn, ii. 256.] It is curious that after so much negotiation for the marriage of John Paston and Margery Brews, we have no record in these letters when it actually took place; but probably it was in August 1477, the last reference to it as an event not yet accomplished being on the 7th of that month (No. 916). In January 1478, John Paston talks of taking his wife to her father’s house on account of her situation, and their first child was born in the course of the following summer. This letter seems to have been written in December. Fenn remarks that St. Thomas’s Day might mean the Translation of St. Thomas à Becket, 7th July 1478, and ‘Our Lady’s Day’ might be the Visitation of the Virgin, 2nd July preceding. But this is simply impossible, because the letter is dated ThursdaybeforeSt. Thomas’s Day, which would in that case be the very same date as the Visitation of Our Lady, viz. the 2nd July 1478. Besides, if the first child of John Paston and Margery was not actually born before July, the latter was certainly much nearer to her confinement then than this letter would imply.SeeNo. 936 in vol. vi.A facsimile of this letter was published in theEuropean Magazinefor March 1787, and we have carefully compared the text with this facsimile.307.2A kind of grey woollen cloth.307.3Fenn suggestsGrenouilliereor frog-colour, but I find no authority for such a word; and I should suppose ‘grene’ to be a separate word, though what ‘a lyer’ is I cannot say.308.1This word commonly signifies neat or elegant, and seems to be used here ironically.308.2Conception of Our Lady, 8th of December.—F.308.321st December, the day of St. Thomas Apostle, or perhaps 29th December, the day of St. Thomas (à Becket) the Martyr.To my ryth reverent and worscheful husbond, Jon Paston.text has “myryth” but words are separated in MS.Note 307.3what ‘a lyer’ is I cannot saypossibly Lier in Brabant924ABSTRACT309.11478(?)Bill in Parliament confirming the statute of Marlborough [52 Hen.III.], with additions touching wardships, reliefs, etc., to take effect after Easter, 1480.[The last Parliament before 1480 met on the 16th January 1478. This measure was probably introduced or intended for discussion at that period.]309.1[From PastonMSS., B.M.]925JOHN PASTON TO SIR JOHN PASTON309.2To my ryght worchepfull broder, Syr John Paston, Knyght.1478JAN. 21Syr, aftyr all dutes of recomendacyon, lyeketh yow to undyrstand that I have comond with dyvers folkys of the Dwk of Suffolk now thys Crystmas and sythen, whyche let me in secret wyse have knowlage, lyek as I wrott on to yow, that he must mak a shefft for money, and that in all hast. Wherfor, syr, at the reverence of God, let it not be lachesyd, but with effect aplyed now, whyll he is in London, and my lady hys wyff also; for I assarteyn yow that C. mark wyll do more now in ther neede then ye shall peraventure do with CC. marks in tyme comyng, and thys season be not takyn. And alweys fynd the meane that my Lady of Suffolk and Syr R. Chamberleyn may be yowr gwydes in thys mater, for as for my lord, he nedyth not to be mevyd with it tyll it shold be as good as redy to the sealyng.Syr, lyeketh yow also to remember that I told yow that Mastyr Yotton309.3had, as I cam last towardes London, desyred me, by a lettre of attorney wryttyn with hys owne hand, to seth’enprowment of syche profytes as ar growing of hys chapell in Caster that ye gave hym; and at syche season as I told yow of it, ye sayd on to me that ye wold asay to make a bargayn with hym, so that ye myght have a prest to syng in Caster. Syr, me thynkes ye can not have so good a season to meve hym with it as now thys Parlement tyme, for now I thynk he shalbe awaytyng on the Quene; and also if ye myght compone with hym or he wyst what the valew wer, it wer the better, and I have promysed hym to send hym woord thys terme of the verry valew of it, and also syche mony as I cowd gader of it. Wherfor, syr, I prey yow that by the next messenger that ye can get to Pekok that ye wyll send hym woord to paye me for the lond in xxx. acres, as it hathe ben answerd before tym.And as for tydynges here, we have none, but we wold fayne here of all your royalte at London, as of the maryage of my Lord of York,310.1and other Parlement mater; and so I prey yow that I may doo when ye have leyser.Syr, I prey yow that Whetley may have knowlage that my broder Yelverton hathe promysed me to take hym xld.; he owyth me by reason of his fermore at Caster more then that.And, syr, as for my huswyff, I am fayne to carry hyr to se hyr fadyr and hyr frendes now thys wynter, for I trow she wyll be ought of facyon in somer. And so in my progresse fro my fadyr Brews on to Mawtby, I took Master Playter in my wey, at whoys hows I wrot thys bylle, the xxj. day of January, anno E. iiijtixvijo. And I beseche God to preserve yow and yours.Yowr,J. Paston.Endorsed by Sir John Paston, ‘J. P., anno xvijo.’309.2[From PastonMSS., B.M.]309.3Dr. Yotton was the Queen’s chaplain.—F.310.1Richard, Duke of York, second son to KingEdwardIV., married Ann, daughter and heir of John Mowbray, Duke of Norfolk, 15th January 1477-78.—F.... second son to King EdwardIV.corrected by author from “HenryIV.”926JOHN PASTON TO MARGARET PASTON311.1To my ryght worchepfull modyr, Margaret Paston.1478FEB. 3Ryghtworchepfull modyr, aftyr all dwtes of humble recomendacyon, in as humble wyse as I can, I beseche yow of your dayly blyssyng. Pleasyt yow to wett that at my being now at London, lyek as ye gave me in comandment, I mevyd to Mastyr Pykenham and to Jamys Hubart for ther being at Norwyche now thys Lent, that ye myght have ther avyses in syche maters as ye let me have understandyng of. And as for Mastyr Pykenham, he is now Juge of the Archys, and also he hathe an other offyce, whyche is callydAuditor Causarum, and hys besyness is so gret in bothe thes offyces that he can not tell the season when that he shall have leyser to come in to Norffolk. But I left not tyll I had gotyn Jamys Hubbart and hym togedyrs, and then I told theym your intent; and then Mastyr Pykenham told Jamys and me hys intent, and he preyed Jamys that he shold in no wyse fayle to be with yow thys Lent. Not withstandyng it was no grete nede to prey hym myche; for he told Doctore Pykenham that there was no gentyl woman in Inglond of so lytyll aqueyntance as he had with yow, that he wold be glader to be servyse on to; and myche the glader, for he purposeth fro hensforthe duryng hys lyff to be a Norffolk man, and to lye with in ii. myle of Loddon, whyche is but viij. or x. myle at the most fro Mautby. And in conclusyon he hathe appoyntyd to awayte on yow at Norwyche the weeke nexte aftyr Mydlent Sonday, all the hole weke, if nede be, all other maters leyd apart.Also I comend with my brodyr Sir John at London of syche maters as ye wold have amendyd in the bylle that he sent on to yow, and he stake not gretly at it.Also, modyr, I herd whyle I was in London wher was a goodly yong woman to mary, whyche was doughter to one Seff, a merser, and she shall have CCli.in money to hyr maryage, and xx. mark by yer of lond aftyr the dyssease of a steppe modyr of hyrs, whyche is upon l. yer of age; and or I departyd ought of London, I spak with some of the maydys frendys, and have gotyn ther good wyllys to have hyr maryd to my brodyr Edmund. Notwithstandyng, those frendys of the maydys that I comond with avysyd me to get the good wyll of one Sturmyn, whyche is in Mastyr Pykenhamys danger312.1so myche that he is glad to please hym; and so I mevyd thys mater to Mastyr Pykenham. And incontinent he sent for Sturmyn, and desyred hys good wyll for my brodyr Edmund, and he grantyd hym hys good wylle, so that he koud get the good wyll of the remenaunt that wer executours to Seff, as well as the seyd Sturmyn was; and thusferforthe is the mater. Wherfor, modyr, we must beseche yow to helpe us forward with a lettyr fro yow to Mastyr Pykenham to remembyr hym for to handyll well and dylygently thys mater now thys Lent; and for I am aqueyntyd with your condycyons of old that ye reke not who endytyth more lettres than ye, ther for I have drawyn a note to yowr secretarys hand, Freir Perse, whyche lettre we must prey yow to send us by the berer herof, and I trust it shall not be longe fro Mastyr Pykenham.Your doughter of Sweynsthorpp and hyr sojornaunt E. Paston recomandyth hem to yow in ther most humble wyse, lowly besechyng yow of your blyssyng; and as for my brodyr, Edmund Sweynsthorpe, for none intrete that hys ostas your doughtyr, nor I koud intrete hym, myght not kepe hym, but that he wold have bene at home with you at Mautby on Sonday last past at nyght; and as he was departyng fro hens, had we word fro Frenshes wyf that, God yeld yow, modyr, ye had govyn hym leve to dysporte hym her with us for a vij. orviij. dayes; and so the drevyll lost hys thank of us, and yet abode nevyr the lesse.Your doughtyr sendyth yow part of syche poore stuff as I sent hyr fro London, besechyng yow to take it in gree, though it be lytyll plente that she sendyth yow. But as for datys, I wyll sey trowthe, ye have not so many by ij. pownd as wer ment on to yow, for she thynkys at thys season datys ryght good mete. What so ever it menyth, I prey God send us good tydynges, Whom I beseche to preserve yow and yours, and so send yow your myst desyred joye.At Sweynsthorp, on Ashe Wednysday.Your sone and humble servaunt,J. Paston.Modyr, pleasit yow to remember that ye had need to be at Norwyche v. or vj. dayes befor that Jamys Hubbart and your consayll shall be ther with yow, for to look up your evydence and all other thynges redy. Also if ye thynk that thys bylle that I send yow herwith be good i now to send to Doctore Pykenham, ye may close up the same, and send it sealyd to me ayen, and I shall convey it forthe to hym.311.1[From PastonMSS., B.M.] This letter appears from the contents to have been written after John Paston’s marriage, at a time when his wife was staying at Swainsthorpe. He also apologises to his mother for his wife having detained two pounds out of a certain quantity of dates that he himself had sent to her from London by way of Swainsthorpe, as Margery thought them ‘at this season right good meat,’ apparently referring to her approaching confinement.312.1i.e.in his debt.927WILLIAM BOTONER TO SIR JOHN PASTON313.1To the Ryght worshypfull sir, Sir John Paston ch’l’r logged at the signe of the George next to Poulys Wharf; or to lefe thys letter at a barbourys house ovyr the seyd George to delyver it to Sir John Paston.1478MARCH 1Pleseyor gode masterschyp to wete that I herd thys day how a man wend that a jugement ys passed ayenst your entent yn the ende of the last terme (hyt was not of verray certeyn tolde me, but as a dreme) yn the kynges Chauncerye. I coude gefe none aunswer therto. I prai Godalle be well; hyt wold ease som of your frendes hertys yff they coude understand ony gode comfort. Sir, as for Robert,314.1I wold pray and requyre your maistershep that he may for his lernyng be abydyng with your cousyn of Lincoln Inne, as yt was promysed, and to be occupyed under drede of displesir under subjecion, wyth erly rysyng accustomed, for slouth ys the moder and norysher of all vices. He hath cost me moch goode and labour, and now he ys uppon hys makyng by vertues governance, or undoyng to the contrarye, and yn especyalle to be not conversant ne neere amongis women, as I was kept froo her [their] company xxx. yeres or ony suche were of my councelle, I thank God of yt. Sir, and ye write to me as ye lust, let no name be wythynne wryt whens yt com, and that yt be sent by sure comer to delyver yt me, for yt ys better brent then founde. Also your discrecion ought not loth (to take the cost and labour wolle not be gret, nether importune) for to send a man of purpose to my lord of [sic] Bysshop Waltham and to hys councell lerned, ye wete to whom, for redy serch to be made for the bill of half lefe of paper quantite of my hand I faythfully delyvered to Master T. Danvers for to ovyrsee, of the fyrst appoyntment ye wote off, that ye desyre so hertly to see as of othyr manyfolde wrytyngis belongyng to yow and to me. Yt ys seyd yne a vers:Gutta cavat lapidem non vi set sepe cadendo, &c.; to a slow man or a foryetefull or lothfull man must be importune callyng allway uppon hym tille he hafe hys entent, for now thys vacacion to spede or nevyr shall stand in yow no stede. I can no ferther then the walle.Item, Sir, I comyned wyth Doctor Yotton at Camebrygge late, because there ys no dyvyne service seyd yn the free chapelle at C.,314.2that he wold hafe a grete concience yn yt, and to depart wyth an honest preste called Sir John Brykkys that ys now duellyng wyth a ryzt lovyng kynnesman of yowres; the seyd Doctor gevyng me to aunsuer he wold comyn wyth yow by Pasch,314.3and the rather wyth your gode wylle wolddepart to such one ye owe affeccion unto. Sir, I wold, as I dar tak uppon me to owen your affeccion to the seyd John Brickys, that he may wyth more help of your cellary hafe the better to lyve and serfe God there to abyde and do yow service also. I mene faythfullye, and soo I pray yow take yt; to remembre a thyng in seson ys gretely to commend, and of a spedy avantage. The blessed Trinite be wyth yow. Wret the fyrst day of Marche.YourW. Botonere.To J. P. c.315.1at London.Item, I had foryete to hafe remembred your maystershyp to hafe a bille to your baylly Pecok for to delyver my fermour of Tyrkbye C. or ii C. lawre and asshe, and than to plant yn my tenement at Thyrkbye, or foras many ye lust; for I lost the last waraunt that ye wrote me truly, and so I was not served.Item, yff ye wryte to me, hyt hath nede to be by a sure comer, for I had levyr a letter be brent then lostne forte videant Romani. . .and at reverence of Jhesu that my Robert lose no tyme, nether be idelle, for doubt of ymaginacions and temptacions. I trust wyth your principale help to be wyth the worshypfull gentleman that made promysse to yow, &c.

296.1[From Fenn, ii. 250.] The events referred to in this letter prove that it was written in the year 1477.

296.2Between £5 and £6 English, and equal in value to upwards of £20 at this present time, apparently a great price for a hobby.—F.

297.1Margaret, sister to EdwardIV., widow of Charles the Bold, Duke of Burgundy.

297.2Maximilian, son of the Emperor Frederick, married Mary, daughter and heir of Charles the Bold, Duke of Burgundy.—F.

298.1Edmund Bedyngfeld married Margaret, daughter of Sir John Scot, Comptroller of Calais, and was created a Knight of the Bath at the Coronation of Richard III. He was highly in favour with HenryVII., who paid him a royal visit at Oxburgh, in Norfolk, which fine seat he built. He died in 1496.—F.

1477AUG. 22

The names of the maners of Agnes Pastons and William Paston, in Norfolk, how thai shuld be taken hede to this harvest, anno xvijo.

And a copy of the same send to Richard Lynstede, the xxij. day of August, anno xvijo, per Bacheler Water.

Se that the fermour in his corne on my moders fe. Seale dores and distrayne, and put in a newe fermour.

Gadir the rente.

Distrayne on the grounde after it is fellid, while it lieth on my moders fe.

Gader the rente.

Gadir the rente.

Distrayne, and arest the fermour.

Lete Lynstedes brother gader the rente.

Se the fermour in his croppe, and after seale doris and distrayne, and lete hym not renne in dette as other fermours did.

Se the fermour in his croppe, and after seall doris and distrayne, and lete hym not renne in dette as other fermours did.

Aske the ferme.

Aske the ferme a rent.

Se that he in his corn, and seall dores and distrayne, til he fynde suerty.

Aske the ferme.

Aske the rente, and areste Smyth.

Aske the rente.

Se he in his corn, and seall dores and distrayne.

Sele doris and distrayne.

Seale doris and distrayne.

Se the croppe inned, and seale doris and distrayne.

Aske rente fro Mich. xvj. till xvijoand distrayne.

Aske rente fro Mich. xvjotil xvijo, and exorte Martyn to kepe the ferme still, and if he woll not, praye hym to gete a noder.

Aske rente fro Mich. xvjotill xvijo, and gete a newe fermour, and increse the rente, and make a newe terrar and rentall.

Aske rent fro Mich. xvotill Mich. xvijo, and distrayne, and allowe no dewty of Dokkynges in abatyng my rente.

Aske rente fro Mich. xvotill Mich. xvijo, and distrayne, and allowe noe dewty of Dokkynges in abatyng my rente.

These maners that are trahid take gode hede that ye be in gode suertye of them this harvest tyme.

298.2[From PastonMSS., B.M.] The heading of this document is taken from an endorsement on the originalMS.

1477OCT. 31

[I, JOHN PASTON,] Knyght, in the last day of O[ctober, Anno] Domini mlcccclxxvjo, will, graunte, and be queth my sowle to All myghty God, and to the. . . . . .Marye, Seint John Baptist, Seint Gorge, Seint Cristofur, and Seint Barbara; and my body, yf I dyghe ny the Cyte of London, [to the chapel] of Owre Lady in the Whithe Frerys there, at the Northeest corner of the body of the chyrche, and there to be made an orator[y]. . . . .or muche leke as ys over Sir Thomas Browne in the Frere Prechours, to the valourof xxli., so that it may cause. . . . . .ther prayours there, the rather to remembre my sowle, and to pray therefore; and that there be gevyn to the behoff. . . . .at plotte of grounde be made suer unto me for ever the some of xx. marc.

. . . . . . .dayly, be the space of an holl yere, by soumme well disposed brother of the same howse, and that the seyd brother. . . . . .[not]withstondyng yf I decesse in the counte of Norffolk, or there nye abouute, I wolde my bodye were buried at the prio[ry of Bromholm]. . . . .un to the Founders Toumbe, which arche is unto the North syde, and ryght agayn my fadyr toum[be]. . . . . . . . .ith an awter and a toumbe for me, to the value of xxli., and that the howse there have a rewarde. . . . . . . . .to the frerys of London, and that there be also a broder of that howse to synge for my sowle by one. . . . . . . . . .salarye.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .a closette made at my cost over my faders body ther. . . . . . . . . .of xxli., so that owre cousyns. . . . . . . . . .have the more devocion to that place, and the rather reste there bodyes there the encresse of the. . . . . . . . . .encrese and profite of the howse, and reste on the religeus there of, lyke as owr auncetours have. . . . . . . . .[a]nd to the entent that I disclosed but on to fewe persons concernyng the fee ferme that is payed. . . . . . . .Duke of Suffolk.

[Item, I will that my bro]ther, John, yf I dye with owth yssue leffull of my bodye, have the maner of Swaywell to hym and. . . . . . . .accordyng to the willez both of myn graunfader and of my fader, on whos sowles God have mercye, the. . . . . . . .esse.

[Item, I will that the] Bysshoppe of Wynchester, or his assygnes, woll and fynde suerte to do founde at the lyste iiij. prestys. . . . . . . . . .of John Fastolf and his frendys, &c., at Caster, and that there be bylded loggyng conveniant for those. . . . . . . . . . . . . .adjoynyng uppon the bakhous over the gardeyn withouuth themote on the Weste syde of my. . . . . . . . . . .in the seid maner or maners yn Caster, graunt by chartour, grounde, space, and londe, convenyant for such. . . . . . . .entre and yssue therunto, and to that entent, and byldyng or purchasyng of license of the kyng. . . . . . . .profitez of the seid maners holly be expendid the terme of vij. yerez next after my dissece; and, moreover,. . . . . . . . .resorte theder in his owne persone to over see the werkys or byldyng or establyssyng of the seyd howse [he shall h]ave playn lyberte to dwell withinne my seid maner and fortresse the seid terme of vij. yerez, and that. . . . . . . .estys.

. . . . . . . . . . . . .[cha]pell of Seint John Baptyst, withyn the seyd towne of Caster, with all the profitez yerly of that same begeny[ng]. . . . . . . . .ed to the seyd college or howse for evermore, with lycence therunto had of the Kyng and of the Pope, with. . . . . . . .in Caster before seyd, which londis, with the seyd chapell, schalbe of the yerly value of vijli.yerly. . . . .ment of one prest above the charge that the Bysshope wyll do to pray for the sowles of my fader. . . . . . . . .Thomas Lyndys, clerk, and of Sir John Dawbeney. And that after this above wretyn be performed, yf that. . . . . .es make astate by fyne reryd and enrolled in the Kynges courte of the seid maner and maners in Castre. . . . . . . . . . .yssue of his bodye laufully comyeng, and for defaute of yssue of his body lawfully [rem]ayne to the issue of my moders lawfully commynge. And for defaute of yssue of her body lawfully commyng. . . . . . . .myn uncle, Edward Maudeby, and to the yssue of his body lawfully commynge. And that for defaute. . . . . . . . .[comm]yng that the seyd maners remayn to my cousyn, Sir William Calthorp, and to the right eyrez. . . . . . . . . . . . .defaute of issue of his body lawfully commynge, the seyd maners to reverte to the. . . . . . . .

[Item, I will that the priest of the chap]ell of the seyd collage be presented by the lordys of my seid maner. . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . .ed by Syr John Fastolff.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .eryng de eadem villa vendatur per executores meos ad perimplendum et persolvendum. . . . . . . . . . . . .eminveneritsecuritatem ad redimendum manerium de Sporle prædictum, quod si ipse. . . . . . . . .x. acr’ terræ de eisdem perquesit’ de Johanne Kendall tempore debito dentur prædicto Johanni fratri [meo et hæredibus suis legiti]me procreatis; et defectu exitus legitimi de prædicto Johanne fratre meo, tunc prædictæ terræ et tenementa remaneant. . . . . . . . . . . . .triavi mei, legittime procreatis; et pro defectu exitus legittimi prædicti triavi mei, tunc remaneant Willelmo. . . . .[et hæredibus i]psius Willelmi legitime procreatis; et pro defectu exitus legitimi prædicti Willelmi, tunc omnia prædicta terræ et tenementa [remaneant]. . . . . .assignatis imperpetuum; proviso quod executores testamenti Willelmi Pekering habeant x. marcas pro. . . . .et habeat xxxvij. acras terræ de prædictis terris sibi per voluntatem patris ejus assignatis sive legatis si tantæ. . . . . . . . . .terræ quæ idem Johannes vendidit sint de numero illarum acrarum sibi limitatarum per Nicholaum patrem prædicti Johannis ac. . . . . . . . .recompensacionem; eo quod idem Johannes forte credidit quod ipse juste potuit vendere, quæque terræ et tenementa in feofamento. . . . .[pat]ris, non obstante quod pater prædictus non declaravit quicquid faciendum de dictis terris suis ultra certas acras. . . . . . . . .na ipsius patris.

300.1[From PastonMSS., B.M.] The original of this document is mutilated. It is endorsed in a more modern hand, ‘Testamentum Johannis Paston Senioris militis.’

[Sidenote] 1477printed as shown, but body text says “mlcccclxxvj” (1476)invenerit securitatem ad redimendumtext reads “invenetit”

[Sidenote] 1477printed as shown, but body text says “mlcccclxxvj” (1476)

invenerit securitatem ad redimendumtext reads “invenetit”

To my ryth worschepffull master, Sir John Paston, Knyth, logyd at the Goorge, be Powll Warffe, in London, in hast.

1477NOV. 19

Rythworchepful sir, I recomand me to yowr good masterchep.Plseythyou to wete that I have purweyidfor foryour heryng a non after your departyng, but I can yet no caryage, nowthir owte of Yermowth, ner in no oder place be twyn Wynterton and Leystoft, nowthir be lond nor be the se, not yet; and specyally for your swanes. Hery Cook seyth he wolle no more come on the se with his good wylle. Ther is no man wyllyng to del with your swanes. Also, as for your hors, ye most ordayne a nothir keper than they have, or ellis ye chal not leke wel be them whan ye se hem; they arn nowthir redyn nor corayd. Peris is meche owteward, and Whyte wol not a tende hem, nowdyr for Peris ner for me. They arn not watryd butt at the welle. Peris hath be ryth seke; and yet, but for dyspleser of you, Peris had ben in hand with Whyte or this tyme. Ye muste be proveyd of a nothir hors keper, or elles it wol do you harm on your hors. Also, I have had iiijli.for to a sent you if I cowde have gete ony trosty man to youward. As for barly, I can non selle a bove xiiijd.the comb. As your leter that ye sent me, I have fownd a frere that hath promyssyd me to do’n his dever if it may be browte a bowte be ony mene in hast. Also there is a grete chyppe go to wrekke be for Wynterton, and there came up on your several grownd gret plente of bowe stawys and waynescotte, and clappalde304.2grete plente. I gate cartys and caryd to the towne that that was fownd on your fee. Mastras Clere hath sen down hyr men, and withset alle the stuff and wrekke, and seyth that ye gete non there, for sche wol have it be the tytyl of the lete, and I have answerd there to, that che owte non to have be that tytil; and so if ye wol comon with yor cownsel, I trow it to the lord of the soylle and not to the lete; for the maner holdyth nothyng of hyr. Sche had never no wrekke nor growndage till withinne this xx. wynter. There is no maner in Wyynterton but your; lesse your ryth now and lesse it for ever. I am threte to be trobelid there, for there ben v. men on lyve of the chyppe. The bordes had ben good for wyndownes and dores. Ye chuld have had thyme worthe the money, and sche had not lettyd it. Ther is com up ter [tar] at Caster v. or vj. barell. Men of Scrowby hath fet it awey. Ye must have a meen be sum wryte of trespas for them, or ellis it wool do yow meche harm here after. Rechard Kedman, John Pool, senior, and William Abbys, these arn summe of ther namys of Scrowby.

Item, I receyved a leter the Twis day befor Sen Edmunde the Kyng there as ye wryte to me for William Foster; his sewirtesse ston chargyd for iiijli.vjs.viijd., as John Seyve hath seyd to me or the tyme that I receyvyd your leter, but he hath ij. men of Norwech to sewirte to save hym and his felaw harmeless. Scharggar is on, and Vyncent the plomer is a nothir that chal bere the dawnger. And as for your swanes, I have gette a man that chal cary hem be lond, and that I chal send word with the swanes that the herynges chal com be water; and if the chuld have ony heryng for your store, it wold be purveyd for, for heryng wol be dere or Lente.

Item, there arn wyndownes blow opyn in the place, and the wyndown of the gonne hows with inne the brege is revyn. I wot not whethir it was so or ye wente or not. My Lord of Norwech was at Caster Halle for to a cen the place as he cam to London ward. Ser, remembir your hors to have a better keper. Ser, to remembir thesse men of Scrowby, and comon with Master William Paston there in, for he partith with you both wrekke and growndage in Caster; and he wold take the accyon in his lordes name that he delyth for, it ware a good wey, be my sympil wyth. God preserve you, and kepe yow, and bryng yow home a yen to your contre.

Wretyn at Mawteby on Sen Edmundis Evyn, the Kyng, in hast,Be your man and servant,William Pekoc.

304.1[From PastonMSS., B.M.] This letter is endorsed by Sir John Paston, ‘Pekok, m. [i.e.mense] Decembris, anno E. iiijtixvijo.’304.2Board cut to make casks.

304.1[From PastonMSS., B.M.] This letter is endorsed by Sir John Paston, ‘Pekok, m. [i.e.mense] Decembris, anno E. iiijtixvijo.’

304.2Board cut to make casks.

Plseyth you to wete that I have purweyid for for your heryngall text unchanged: duplication is at mid-line in Gairdner but at line break in MS.

1477NOV. 30

Rythworchypfull ser, I recomand me to your good masterchep. Plesyth you, as for Pekrynges mater, I sent a frere in John Pekerynges name for the evydens; and he had an answer that if he had a busschelful of evydenss, he chuld noon have of them, for he hath set the londe in trobill, nor he cowd have no seyte of none. Also remembir your ryth of your wreke at Wynterton. Thesse arn the menes namys of Wynterton, Robert Parker of West Somerton, John Longyard of Wynterton, Thomas Goodknape of the same, Will Wrantham and John Curteys of the same Wynterton, that caryid of your severel grownd xxij. carte ful of stuffe, viijxx.bowestavis, iijxx.and vij. waynescottes, xiiijc.clapalde,306.2v. barell ter, iiij. copil oris, and gret plante [plenty] of wreke of the schyppe that is worth meche mony, as ye chal understonde the trowth after this.

And as for your heryng that chuld in to Essexkes, they arn there, be the grace of God. As for your swanes, they chal be there be Our Ladys Day next comyng, I troste to God, Ho have your masterchyp in Is kepyng.

Wretyn at Mawteby, where as I am ryth werey, on Sen Andrews Day, Anno xvijoE.

Ser, if it plese your masterchep, I sold yet no barly, ner none can a bove xiiijd.the comb, as I sen word in a leter be John Russe; and I toke iiijli.in mony to bryng to your materchep. The prysse of your heryng is iiijli.iijs.iiijd.,besyd oder costes. Hery Cook wold goo with your swanes, for hys yefte chuld be vjs.viijd., and there fore he wold yeffe you his labore, be so ye payd for his costes. Ipse dixit.Be your servaunt,Will. Pekoc.

306.1[From PastonMSS., B.M.] There is no address on this letter, but it is endorsed, like the preceding, by Sir John Paston, ‘Pekok, mense Decembris, anno E. iiijtixvijo.’306.2Seepage 304, Note 2.

306.1[From PastonMSS., B.M.] There is no address on this letter, but it is endorsed, like the preceding, by Sir John Paston, ‘Pekok, mense Decembris, anno E. iiijtixvijo.’

306.2Seepage 304, Note 2.

Tomy ryth reverent and worschefulhusbond, Jon Paston.

1477DEC. 18

Rythreverent and worscheful husbond, I recomaunde me to yow, desyryng hertyly to here of yowr wylfare, thankyng yow for the tokyn that ye sent me be Edmunde Perys, preyng yow to wete that my modyr sent to my fadyr to London for a goune cloth of mustyrddevyllers307.2to make of a goune for me; and he tolde my modyr and me wanne he was comme home, that he cargeyt yow to beyit, aftyr that he were come oute of London.

I pre yow, yf it be not bowt, that ye wyl wechesaf to byit, and sendyt home as sone as ye may, for I have no goune to weyre this wyntyr but my blake and my grene a lyer,307.3and that is so comerus that I ham wery to weryt.

As for the gyrdyl that my fadyr be hestyt me, I spake to hym ther of a lytyl before he zede to London last, and he seyde to me that the faute was in yow, that ze wolde not thynk ther uppe on to do makyt [to get it made]; but I sopose that ys not so; he seydyt but for a skwsacion. I pre yow, yf ye dor takyt uppe on yow, that ye wyl weche safe to do makyt a yens ye come home, for I hadde never more nede ther of than I have now, for I ham waxse so fetys308.1that I may not be gyrte in no barre of no gyrdyl that I have but of one. Elisabet Peverel hath leye sek xv. or xvj. wekys of the seyetyka, but sche sent my modyr word be Kate, that sche xuld come hedyr wanne God sent tyme, thoow sche xuld be crod [wheeled] in a barwe.

Jon of Damm was here, and my modyr dyskevwyrd me to hym, and he seyed, be hys trouth that he was not gladder of no thyng that he harde thys towlmonyth, than he was ther of.

I may no lenger leve be my crafte, I am dysscevwyrd of alle men that se me.

Of alle odyr thyngys that ye deseyreyd that I xuld sende yow word of, I have sent yow word of in a letter that I dede wryte on Ouwyr Ladyis Day308.2laste was. The Holy Trenyte have yow in Hese kepyng.

Wretyn at Oxnede, in ryth gret hast, on the Thrusday next be fore Seynt Tomas Day.308.3

I pre yow that ye wyl were the reyng with the emage of Seynt Margrete, that I sent yow for a rememraunse, tyl ye come home; ye have lefte me sweche a rememraunse, that makyth me to thynke uppe on yow bothe day and nyth wanne I wold sclepe.Your ys,M. P.

307.1[From Fenn, ii. 256.] It is curious that after so much negotiation for the marriage of John Paston and Margery Brews, we have no record in these letters when it actually took place; but probably it was in August 1477, the last reference to it as an event not yet accomplished being on the 7th of that month (No. 916). In January 1478, John Paston talks of taking his wife to her father’s house on account of her situation, and their first child was born in the course of the following summer. This letter seems to have been written in December. Fenn remarks that St. Thomas’s Day might mean the Translation of St. Thomas à Becket, 7th July 1478, and ‘Our Lady’s Day’ might be the Visitation of the Virgin, 2nd July preceding. But this is simply impossible, because the letter is dated ThursdaybeforeSt. Thomas’s Day, which would in that case be the very same date as the Visitation of Our Lady, viz. the 2nd July 1478. Besides, if the first child of John Paston and Margery was not actually born before July, the latter was certainly much nearer to her confinement then than this letter would imply.SeeNo. 936 in vol. vi.A facsimile of this letter was published in theEuropean Magazinefor March 1787, and we have carefully compared the text with this facsimile.307.2A kind of grey woollen cloth.307.3Fenn suggestsGrenouilliereor frog-colour, but I find no authority for such a word; and I should suppose ‘grene’ to be a separate word, though what ‘a lyer’ is I cannot say.308.1This word commonly signifies neat or elegant, and seems to be used here ironically.308.2Conception of Our Lady, 8th of December.—F.308.321st December, the day of St. Thomas Apostle, or perhaps 29th December, the day of St. Thomas (à Becket) the Martyr.

A facsimile of this letter was published in theEuropean Magazinefor March 1787, and we have carefully compared the text with this facsimile.

307.2A kind of grey woollen cloth.

307.3Fenn suggestsGrenouilliereor frog-colour, but I find no authority for such a word; and I should suppose ‘grene’ to be a separate word, though what ‘a lyer’ is I cannot say.

308.1This word commonly signifies neat or elegant, and seems to be used here ironically.

308.2Conception of Our Lady, 8th of December.—F.

308.321st December, the day of St. Thomas Apostle, or perhaps 29th December, the day of St. Thomas (à Becket) the Martyr.

To my ryth reverent and worscheful husbond, Jon Paston.text has “myryth” but words are separated in MS.Note 307.3what ‘a lyer’ is I cannot saypossibly Lier in Brabant

To my ryth reverent and worscheful husbond, Jon Paston.text has “myryth” but words are separated in MS.

Note 307.3what ‘a lyer’ is I cannot saypossibly Lier in Brabant

1478(?)

Bill in Parliament confirming the statute of Marlborough [52 Hen.III.], with additions touching wardships, reliefs, etc., to take effect after Easter, 1480.

[The last Parliament before 1480 met on the 16th January 1478. This measure was probably introduced or intended for discussion at that period.]

309.1[From PastonMSS., B.M.]

To my ryght worchepfull broder, Syr John Paston, Knyght.

1478JAN. 21

Syr, aftyr all dutes of recomendacyon, lyeketh yow to undyrstand that I have comond with dyvers folkys of the Dwk of Suffolk now thys Crystmas and sythen, whyche let me in secret wyse have knowlage, lyek as I wrott on to yow, that he must mak a shefft for money, and that in all hast. Wherfor, syr, at the reverence of God, let it not be lachesyd, but with effect aplyed now, whyll he is in London, and my lady hys wyff also; for I assarteyn yow that C. mark wyll do more now in ther neede then ye shall peraventure do with CC. marks in tyme comyng, and thys season be not takyn. And alweys fynd the meane that my Lady of Suffolk and Syr R. Chamberleyn may be yowr gwydes in thys mater, for as for my lord, he nedyth not to be mevyd with it tyll it shold be as good as redy to the sealyng.

Syr, lyeketh yow also to remember that I told yow that Mastyr Yotton309.3had, as I cam last towardes London, desyred me, by a lettre of attorney wryttyn with hys owne hand, to seth’enprowment of syche profytes as ar growing of hys chapell in Caster that ye gave hym; and at syche season as I told yow of it, ye sayd on to me that ye wold asay to make a bargayn with hym, so that ye myght have a prest to syng in Caster. Syr, me thynkes ye can not have so good a season to meve hym with it as now thys Parlement tyme, for now I thynk he shalbe awaytyng on the Quene; and also if ye myght compone with hym or he wyst what the valew wer, it wer the better, and I have promysed hym to send hym woord thys terme of the verry valew of it, and also syche mony as I cowd gader of it. Wherfor, syr, I prey yow that by the next messenger that ye can get to Pekok that ye wyll send hym woord to paye me for the lond in xxx. acres, as it hathe ben answerd before tym.

And as for tydynges here, we have none, but we wold fayne here of all your royalte at London, as of the maryage of my Lord of York,310.1and other Parlement mater; and so I prey yow that I may doo when ye have leyser.

Syr, I prey yow that Whetley may have knowlage that my broder Yelverton hathe promysed me to take hym xld.; he owyth me by reason of his fermore at Caster more then that.

And, syr, as for my huswyff, I am fayne to carry hyr to se hyr fadyr and hyr frendes now thys wynter, for I trow she wyll be ought of facyon in somer. And so in my progresse fro my fadyr Brews on to Mawtby, I took Master Playter in my wey, at whoys hows I wrot thys bylle, the xxj. day of January, anno E. iiijtixvijo. And I beseche God to preserve yow and yours.Yowr,J. Paston.

Endorsed by Sir John Paston, ‘J. P., anno xvijo.’

309.2[From PastonMSS., B.M.]309.3Dr. Yotton was the Queen’s chaplain.—F.310.1Richard, Duke of York, second son to KingEdwardIV., married Ann, daughter and heir of John Mowbray, Duke of Norfolk, 15th January 1477-78.—F.

309.2[From PastonMSS., B.M.]

309.3Dr. Yotton was the Queen’s chaplain.—F.

310.1Richard, Duke of York, second son to KingEdwardIV., married Ann, daughter and heir of John Mowbray, Duke of Norfolk, 15th January 1477-78.—F.

... second son to King EdwardIV.corrected by author from “HenryIV.”

To my ryght worchepfull modyr, Margaret Paston.

1478FEB. 3

Ryghtworchepfull modyr, aftyr all dwtes of humble recomendacyon, in as humble wyse as I can, I beseche yow of your dayly blyssyng. Pleasyt yow to wett that at my being now at London, lyek as ye gave me in comandment, I mevyd to Mastyr Pykenham and to Jamys Hubart for ther being at Norwyche now thys Lent, that ye myght have ther avyses in syche maters as ye let me have understandyng of. And as for Mastyr Pykenham, he is now Juge of the Archys, and also he hathe an other offyce, whyche is callydAuditor Causarum, and hys besyness is so gret in bothe thes offyces that he can not tell the season when that he shall have leyser to come in to Norffolk. But I left not tyll I had gotyn Jamys Hubbart and hym togedyrs, and then I told theym your intent; and then Mastyr Pykenham told Jamys and me hys intent, and he preyed Jamys that he shold in no wyse fayle to be with yow thys Lent. Not withstandyng it was no grete nede to prey hym myche; for he told Doctore Pykenham that there was no gentyl woman in Inglond of so lytyll aqueyntance as he had with yow, that he wold be glader to be servyse on to; and myche the glader, for he purposeth fro hensforthe duryng hys lyff to be a Norffolk man, and to lye with in ii. myle of Loddon, whyche is but viij. or x. myle at the most fro Mautby. And in conclusyon he hathe appoyntyd to awayte on yow at Norwyche the weeke nexte aftyr Mydlent Sonday, all the hole weke, if nede be, all other maters leyd apart.

Also I comend with my brodyr Sir John at London of syche maters as ye wold have amendyd in the bylle that he sent on to yow, and he stake not gretly at it.

Also, modyr, I herd whyle I was in London wher was a goodly yong woman to mary, whyche was doughter to one Seff, a merser, and she shall have CCli.in money to hyr maryage, and xx. mark by yer of lond aftyr the dyssease of a steppe modyr of hyrs, whyche is upon l. yer of age; and or I departyd ought of London, I spak with some of the maydys frendys, and have gotyn ther good wyllys to have hyr maryd to my brodyr Edmund. Notwithstandyng, those frendys of the maydys that I comond with avysyd me to get the good wyll of one Sturmyn, whyche is in Mastyr Pykenhamys danger312.1so myche that he is glad to please hym; and so I mevyd thys mater to Mastyr Pykenham. And incontinent he sent for Sturmyn, and desyred hys good wyll for my brodyr Edmund, and he grantyd hym hys good wylle, so that he koud get the good wyll of the remenaunt that wer executours to Seff, as well as the seyd Sturmyn was; and thusferforthe is the mater. Wherfor, modyr, we must beseche yow to helpe us forward with a lettyr fro yow to Mastyr Pykenham to remembyr hym for to handyll well and dylygently thys mater now thys Lent; and for I am aqueyntyd with your condycyons of old that ye reke not who endytyth more lettres than ye, ther for I have drawyn a note to yowr secretarys hand, Freir Perse, whyche lettre we must prey yow to send us by the berer herof, and I trust it shall not be longe fro Mastyr Pykenham.

Your doughter of Sweynsthorpp and hyr sojornaunt E. Paston recomandyth hem to yow in ther most humble wyse, lowly besechyng yow of your blyssyng; and as for my brodyr, Edmund Sweynsthorpe, for none intrete that hys ostas your doughtyr, nor I koud intrete hym, myght not kepe hym, but that he wold have bene at home with you at Mautby on Sonday last past at nyght; and as he was departyng fro hens, had we word fro Frenshes wyf that, God yeld yow, modyr, ye had govyn hym leve to dysporte hym her with us for a vij. orviij. dayes; and so the drevyll lost hys thank of us, and yet abode nevyr the lesse.

Your doughtyr sendyth yow part of syche poore stuff as I sent hyr fro London, besechyng yow to take it in gree, though it be lytyll plente that she sendyth yow. But as for datys, I wyll sey trowthe, ye have not so many by ij. pownd as wer ment on to yow, for she thynkys at thys season datys ryght good mete. What so ever it menyth, I prey God send us good tydynges, Whom I beseche to preserve yow and yours, and so send yow your myst desyred joye.

At Sweynsthorp, on Ashe Wednysday.Your sone and humble servaunt,J. Paston.

Modyr, pleasit yow to remember that ye had need to be at Norwyche v. or vj. dayes befor that Jamys Hubbart and your consayll shall be ther with yow, for to look up your evydence and all other thynges redy. Also if ye thynk that thys bylle that I send yow herwith be good i now to send to Doctore Pykenham, ye may close up the same, and send it sealyd to me ayen, and I shall convey it forthe to hym.

311.1[From PastonMSS., B.M.] This letter appears from the contents to have been written after John Paston’s marriage, at a time when his wife was staying at Swainsthorpe. He also apologises to his mother for his wife having detained two pounds out of a certain quantity of dates that he himself had sent to her from London by way of Swainsthorpe, as Margery thought them ‘at this season right good meat,’ apparently referring to her approaching confinement.312.1i.e.in his debt.

312.1i.e.in his debt.

To the Ryght worshypfull sir, Sir John Paston ch’l’r logged at the signe of the George next to Poulys Wharf; or to lefe thys letter at a barbourys house ovyr the seyd George to delyver it to Sir John Paston.

1478MARCH 1

Pleseyor gode masterschyp to wete that I herd thys day how a man wend that a jugement ys passed ayenst your entent yn the ende of the last terme (hyt was not of verray certeyn tolde me, but as a dreme) yn the kynges Chauncerye. I coude gefe none aunswer therto. I prai Godalle be well; hyt wold ease som of your frendes hertys yff they coude understand ony gode comfort. Sir, as for Robert,314.1I wold pray and requyre your maistershep that he may for his lernyng be abydyng with your cousyn of Lincoln Inne, as yt was promysed, and to be occupyed under drede of displesir under subjecion, wyth erly rysyng accustomed, for slouth ys the moder and norysher of all vices. He hath cost me moch goode and labour, and now he ys uppon hys makyng by vertues governance, or undoyng to the contrarye, and yn especyalle to be not conversant ne neere amongis women, as I was kept froo her [their] company xxx. yeres or ony suche were of my councelle, I thank God of yt. Sir, and ye write to me as ye lust, let no name be wythynne wryt whens yt com, and that yt be sent by sure comer to delyver yt me, for yt ys better brent then founde. Also your discrecion ought not loth (to take the cost and labour wolle not be gret, nether importune) for to send a man of purpose to my lord of [sic] Bysshop Waltham and to hys councell lerned, ye wete to whom, for redy serch to be made for the bill of half lefe of paper quantite of my hand I faythfully delyvered to Master T. Danvers for to ovyrsee, of the fyrst appoyntment ye wote off, that ye desyre so hertly to see as of othyr manyfolde wrytyngis belongyng to yow and to me. Yt ys seyd yne a vers:Gutta cavat lapidem non vi set sepe cadendo, &c.; to a slow man or a foryetefull or lothfull man must be importune callyng allway uppon hym tille he hafe hys entent, for now thys vacacion to spede or nevyr shall stand in yow no stede. I can no ferther then the walle.

Item, Sir, I comyned wyth Doctor Yotton at Camebrygge late, because there ys no dyvyne service seyd yn the free chapelle at C.,314.2that he wold hafe a grete concience yn yt, and to depart wyth an honest preste called Sir John Brykkys that ys now duellyng wyth a ryzt lovyng kynnesman of yowres; the seyd Doctor gevyng me to aunsuer he wold comyn wyth yow by Pasch,314.3and the rather wyth your gode wylle wolddepart to such one ye owe affeccion unto. Sir, I wold, as I dar tak uppon me to owen your affeccion to the seyd John Brickys, that he may wyth more help of your cellary hafe the better to lyve and serfe God there to abyde and do yow service also. I mene faythfullye, and soo I pray yow take yt; to remembre a thyng in seson ys gretely to commend, and of a spedy avantage. The blessed Trinite be wyth yow. Wret the fyrst day of Marche.YourW. Botonere.

To J. P. c.315.1at London.

Item, I had foryete to hafe remembred your maystershyp to hafe a bille to your baylly Pecok for to delyver my fermour of Tyrkbye C. or ii C. lawre and asshe, and than to plant yn my tenement at Thyrkbye, or foras many ye lust; for I lost the last waraunt that ye wrote me truly, and so I was not served.

Item, yff ye wryte to me, hyt hath nede to be by a sure comer, for I had levyr a letter be brent then lostne forte videant Romani. . .and at reverence of Jhesu that my Robert lose no tyme, nether be idelle, for doubt of ymaginacions and temptacions. I trust wyth your principale help to be wyth the worshypfull gentleman that made promysse to yow, &c.

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