COURT OF COMMON PLEAS

Extracts from a roll of the court of Common Pleas, dated Hilary Term 1 Edward II (1308), relating to the county of Kent (National Archives, CP40, Roll 169). Plea rolls are one of the most important sources in medieval genealogy and have been largely ignored by family historians. A few historians, such as Planagenet Harrison, recognized their value and a handful have been published (see, for example, List and Index Society).

 

Membrane 2d

Agatha, the widow of Richard de Wright, vs William Ffowis and Lucy his wife in a plea of the moiety of 1 messuage in Dartford, which she claims as her dower.

Membrane 2d

The prior of Leeds vs Philip de -----.

Membrane 3

William de Leyburn summoned to reply to Fulk Peyforer in a plea that he hold a covenant between them of the manors of Elham, Gare and Langley and 220 acres land, 24 acres meadow, 40 acres wood, 40 acres pasture, 300 acres marsh, £8-16-0 rent in Harrietsham, Renham, Upchurch and Bilsington, the advowson of the church of Langelegh and Heresham and of Leyburn Radlegh and Ashford and 7½ knights' fees in Langele, Herr and Radlegh and in Otteringden, Obecombe, Sutton, Lenham, Clyve, Seyneton and Folkestone. William gave 1 mark to concord.

Membrane 3d

Isabelle, the widow of Hugh Bardolf vs Geoffrey de Say.

Membrane 3d

Walter Franceys vs Robert de Chigwelle in a plea of 4 acres of land and 1 acre of meadow in Begenham, which he claims as his right.

Membrane 5

Adam Cut essoined Andrew le Treur vs Alice the widow of Adam Phelip in a plea of the moiety of 1 toft and 1 acre of land in Halling, which Alice claimed as of right. She did not attend court and is in mercy.

Membrane 6

Adam ------- essoined Andrew le Trent vs Alice the widow of Adam Phelip in the plea of the moiety of 1 toft and 1 acre of land in Hallnigg, which Adam held by right.

Membrane 8

Adam Ffoc essoined William the son of Robert de Septvans vs William de Valoignes in a plea of 1 messuage, 96 acres of land, 19 acres of wood, 10/6 rent and the rent of 4 cocks and 16 hens and 200 eggs with the appurtenances in Mapelescombe, which he claimed as his by right…. Case adjourned.

Membrane 8d

The jury to decide between William Lof (?) and William Baggelytel of Dover, senior, in a plea of land.

Membrane 12d

Hugh le Despenser vs Henry the son of William de Leyburn in a plea of 100 marks rent which Henry detains. He was attached by John le Palmer and John the clerk.

Membrane 14

Margery, the widow of Hamo atte Hole, vs Robert atte Hacche of Dudington in a plea of the half part of 3 acres of land with the apps in Newenham, which she claimed as her dower. Case adjourned.

Membrane 14d

John Aleyn of Ifield and John de Holegh, executors of the will of Henry de Apeldrefeld vs John son of John de Estahalle, senior, John de Whytecrofte, William le Bukeler, Adam de Esthalle, Richard le Kete, Galfrid le Stok, Walter Langere, Stephen Mannyng and William le Hunte.

Membrane 14d

Alice, the widow of Adam Phelip vs Adam le Smale and Julia his wife in a plea of the moiety of 1 messuage and 1 garden in Hallyng, which she claims as her dower. Case adjourned.

Membrane 14d

The same Alice vs Adam le Smale and Julia his wife in a plea of 1 rod of land and the moiety of 1 toft in Hallyng, which she claims as hers by right.

Membrane 14d

The same Alice vs John de Lynkhill and Julia his wife in a plea of 1 acre of land in Wodeham… and vs Roger le Chapman and Matilda his wife and John the son of the same Matilda, in a plea of 1 rod of pasture and the moiety of 1 toft in the same vill, which she claims as hers by right.

Membrane 14d

Christina, the widow of Hubert le Miller vs Peter La Veylles.

Membrane 16

Precept to the sheriff of Kent that the lands and chattels which were of William de Craye… be sold…. to repay a debt of 11 marks due to Nicholas de Warwick

Membrane 19

Richard Lavoyle, parson of the church of Redlegh vs

Membrane 19

Precept to sheriff of Kent that he should not enter the liberty of the archbishop of Canterbury in respect of the lands of Adam Russel, son and heir of Elye Russell…..

Membrane 19

Margery, the widow of Ralph Bernard vs Simon Savage, senior, in a plea of 1 acre of land in Stockbury, which she claimed as hers by right. Case adjourned.

Membrane 19

Essoins: James de Pyere vs Elias Brice in a plea of 2 acres of land in Ivychurch… and vs William Brice in a plea of 1 acre of land in the same vill, which he claimed as his by right. Case adjourned.

Membrane 19

Fromund Inge vs William de Stoke, Adam de Tillesworth, Roger Prilly, parson of the church of Stonting, and Gilbert de Fulme, parson of the church of Sydenham, executors of the will of William de Kirkeby, in a plea that they pay him 8 marks which they detain. They did not attend court and the sheriff ordered to attach them. Adam had lands and chattels in the county of Bedford. Precept to the sheriff of Bedford. Roger testified that he was a clerk…….

Membrane 19d

Constance, the widow of Salomon de Chelwarton vs Peter de Chelwarton and Joan his wife in a plea of the moiety of 2 messuages, 1 virgate of land, 1 acres of wood and ½ acre of pasture in Hegham next Dover, which she claims as her dower. Case adjourned.

Membrane 19d

John de Berham vs Manger, the son of Elie monmatre de Petham in a plea that he render him account of the time that he was his bailiff in Orlaston and Saxingherst. He did not come to court. Sheriff ordered to attach him

Membrane 24

Walter de Rokelse vs Robert de Wetherden in a plea that he render account of the time he was his bailiff in Lullingston. Case adjourned.

Membrane 25

Jur between Richard de Hadle and Dionisia his wife plaintiffs vs Simon the son of Magri, John Leken tenant in a plea of land. Case adjourned

Membrane 25

Precept given to the sheriff that lands and chattels of Peter de Trouland in his bailiwick to raise 25 marks from them his heirs this day too pay Alice daughter of Martin de Pecham

Membrane 25

Walter de Rokesle vs Robert de Wetherden in a plea that he render account of the time he was his bailiff in Lullingston.

Membrane 25d

Thomas de Podio vs Roger Sauvage and John son of John de Sauvage in a plea of debt. Roger attached by Adam Hagolotessane and Robert Coker, and John by William Tritun and William -----.

Membrane 27d

James de Cobham and Henry his son vs William Payforer and Lora his wife… John Browning and Richard Florens attached WilliamHenry held of the said William and Lora 1 messuage, 100 acres of land, and 4 acres of meadow and 9 acres of wood in Wycheling by homage and fealty and ¼ of a knight's fee

membrane 27d

The same James vs the same William

Membrane 27d

John the son of Robert le Hewe vs Vincent the son of William de Hewe in a plea of 1 acre and 20 rods of land with the appurtenances in Tenham. Vincent's pledges are John atte Gate and William de Ore.

Membrane 27d

Agnes, the widow of Robert Thurston vs William le Brewere in a plea of the moiety of 1 acre and 1 rod of land and 7 dayworks of land and 10d rent with the appurtenances in Strode…. and vs Andrew le Mullere and Robert his son in the plea of the moiety of 1 rod of land with the appurtenances in the same vill…. and vs John Frere and William his brother in the plea of the moiety of 1 messuage and 3 rods of land and 8d rent with the appurtenances in the same vill…. and vs Ralph de Burstall and John Eylverd in the plea of a moiety of 1½ acres of land in the same vill and vs John Gildewyne in the plea of the moiety of 3 rods of land in the same vill and vs Richard Edmund in the plea of the moiety of 3 rods of land in the same vill and vs Joan, the widow of Ralph Edmund in the plea of the moiety of 1½ rods of land in the same vill and vs Gilbert Gildewyne in a plea of the moiety of 2s rent in Rochester which she claimed as a gift

membrane 28

William de Hedersete and John Wauteyn, executors of the will of William de Cotton, vs Elizabeth, the widow of William de Say, in a plea of 40s which she unjustly detains.

membrane 38

Peter de Hibernia of London vs Thomas de Greille, Peter de Greille, Richard de Greille and Galfrid the son of Henry de Greille in a plea of 10 marks.

membrane 27d

John the son of Robert le Hewe vs Vincent, the son of William le Hewe, in a plea of 1 acre and 1 rod of land with the appurtenances. Vincent's pledges are John atte Gate and William de Ore.

Membrane 39

Stephen the son of Robert de Burghersh owed the master of the Domus Dei Dover £52 of rent, which the same Stephen acknowledged in the court of the late King at Westminster of which £26 ought to have been paid at the feast of the Nativity of St John the Baptist 15 Edward 1 and a further £26 and at the feast of St Michael thereafter and that was not done.

membrane 43d

William the son of William de Leketon and John brother of the same William vs John the son of William de Wynelesbergh in a plea of 2 acres and 3 rods of land in Wynelesbergh… and vs William the son of William de Wynelesbergh in a plea of 2 acres and 3 rods of land in the same vill… and vs Michael the son of William de Wynelesbergh in a plea of 2 acres and 3 rods of land in the same vill… and vs Daniel the son of William de Wynelesbergh in a plea of 2 acres and 3 rods of land in the same vill… and vs Reginald the son of William de Wynelesbergh in a plea of 2 acres and 3 rods of land in the same vill… and vs Thomas the son of John de Wynelesbergh in a plea of 1 acre and 1 rod of land in the same vill… and vs Galfrid the son of John de Wynelesbergh in a plea of 1 acre and 1 rod of land in the same vill… and vs John the son of John de Wynelesbergh in a plea of 1 acre and 1 rod of land in the same vill… and vs William the son of John de Wynelesbergh in a plea of 1 acre and 1 rod of land in the same vill… and vs Robert the son of John de Wynelesbergh in a plea of 1 acre and 1 rod of land in the same vill… and vs Richard the son of ---- (sic) de Wynelesbergh in a plea of 1 acre and 1 rod of land in the same vill, which he claims as his by right. And they did not come to court, and it was adjudged that the tenements be taken into the hands of the King.

membrane 43d

Nicholas de Lonseby vs John son of William de la Denne in a plea that he render to him chattels to the value of £10, which he unjustly detains… he did not attend court and was attached by Mathew de Sutton, Mathew de Ewell…. and the sheriff ordered to distress him for all his lands.

membrane 43d

William the son of Walter (sic) de Leketon and John brother of the same William vs Lucy, the widow of John de Wynelesbergh, in a plea of 6½ acres of land in Wynelesbergh, which she claims as hers by right.

 

Membrane 59

Alice la Coliere vs Andrew atte Syndane in a plea of 1 messuage in Sittingbourne, which she claims hers by right. Case adjourned.

Membrane 59

Margaret, the widow of Master Robert de Derby, and John, the son of the same, executors of the will of Master Robert de Derby vs Roger de Rokesle, senior, and Roger de Rokesle, junior, in a plea of debt.

Membrane 59d

Paulinus de Ashe vs John de Stanes in a plea of 6 marks rent in Monkton.

Membrane 59d

Robert de Dekemesyng vs John de Aula of Muningham, Richard Toly, chaplain, Richard, parson of the church of Ripple, Walter Athebrand of Sutton and Thomas Hunninton of Bradefeld…that they pay him a debt of 15 marks.

Membrane 59d

Ralph Suavage and Margery his wife vs William de Hokingore

Membrane 132

Walter le Marshal of Faversham vs John the son of John de Selling in a plea that he warrant him 5s rent in Faversham. He did not come to court and is to be attached.

Membrane 133

John atte Forstalle and Joan his wife gave ½ mark for a license to concord with Pontio Wylerd of Sandwich and Constance his wife in a plea of warranty of charter of a tenement in Ash next Wingham…..

Membrane 134d

Agatha, the widow of Ralph fitz Bernard vs Thomas the son of John fitz Bernard and Bona his wife in a plea of three parts of 1 messuage, 206 acre of land, 4 acres of meadow, 8 acres of wood 3 water-mills, £9-5-9 ½ and ¼d rent and the advowson of the church of Tonge and the plea of the moiety of 93 acres of land, 19 acres of pasture and 16 acres of wood in the same vill, which she claims as her dower… they did not come to court and had the day by way of their essoins. Case adjourned.

Membrane 134d

Alice the widow of Richard de Turton vs John de Ffugheleston in a plea of the moiety of 1 messuage, 30 acres of land, 6/8 rent in Sittingbourne, which she claims as her dower. They did not come to court and have the day by their essoins. Case adjourned.

Membrane 134d

Adam the son of John de Petham vs William the son of William Leste(?)weman in a plea of debt of £10. He did not come to court. The sheriff charged that Terri atte Herst and John Derman were his manucaptors and he is to be distressed of all his lands and chattels. Case adjourned.

Membrane 140

Hugh de Canston vs Richard de Depdene and Isabella his wife in a plea of covenant between them concerning the moiety of 1 messuage, 70 acres of land, 10 acres of meadow, 8 acres of wood, 6s rent and the rent of 2 cocks and 6 hens in Tonbridge and Haule. They did not attend court and were attached by Richard Schippe and John Bost and were distressed of all their lands.

Membrane 140

John de Gosehalle vs William de Whitfeld and Hamo de Ponte in a plea that William repay him a debt of £20 and Hamo a debt of £20. They did not come to court. William was attached by Mathew de Sutton and Mathew de Ewell and Hamo by the same. They were distressed of all their lands.

membrane 142

Charge is given to the sheriff of the lands and chattels of John de Lenham to the value of £13-10-5 relating to debt to the abbot of Battle in place of the King of £108-3-4.

membrane 142

An order was given to the custodian of the spirituality of the archbishop of Canterbury of the goods of John de Lewes, clerk, to the value of £19-19-0 in respect of debt to the abbot of Langedon of £20-10-9, which the same abbot lately recovered in the court of King Edward I (the father) against him.

Membrane 390

Stephen de Winchelse vs Walter Reynold and Adam Reynold of Midele… that they return an account for the time they were his receivers.

Membrane 390

Stephen the son of Edmund Andrew of Winchelse….

Membrane 406

Christina, the widow of Walter de Hastingle vs John Elis and Simon, William and Henry his brothers…