(1440) October 8th Sheffield

to the use of John Harsand his heirs and assigns for ever, according to the custom of the manor; and he gave to the lord on account of fine for entry xii d and did fealty.

Thomas de Haukesworth the elder appeared in court and surrendered into the hand of the lord i messuage and x acres of assart land in Haukesworth, to the use of Thomas de Haukesworth the younger his son; and ii acres of assart meadow there, to the use of the said Thomas; to hold to the said Thomas his heirs and assigns, according to the custom of the manor, for ever; paying yearly thereafter, for the said messuage and x acres of land vs ix d and for the said ii acres of meadow xii d ; and he gave to the lord on account of fine for entry iii s iiii d; and did fealty.

Robert de Birley and Gregory de Stones were attached, to answer to John Hanslyne concerning a plea, that with their oxen and [those] of their neighbours they damaged his corn and herbage and broke his hedges, to his loss xxs; which he totally denied [qui omnino dedicit ei]; whereupon both of them to wage their law*, with iii sureties.

From Henry Salter (ii d) for leave to settle with Edward de Ryles, in a plea of debt, therefore in mercy.

From William Bromehed (ii d) for his wrongful complaint against William at Brvgs, in a plea of debt.

From John Rawson (iid), because he failed to proceed against William Crokes smith, in a plea of debt.

Thomas Swynok was attached to answer John Dawson, concerning a plea that he owed to him xv d halfpenny for beef; which he totally denied; whereupon he waged his law, with iii sureties.

From John de Eton (iid) for his wrongful complaint against John atte Brygs, in a plea of debt.

A day was given to Ralph de Legh defendant and the abbot of Beauchief plaintiff, in a plea of debt.

Richard de Kyrkby (ii d) was attached to answer to John Sandbeche tailor, concerning a plea of debt and he had not appeared, therefore in mercy; and the bailiff was bidden to distrain.

From William son of John Birley of Wirhalle (ii d) for leave to settle with Henry , in a plea of debt.

*The waging of law arose in pleas of debt and detinue, where the plaintiff could not prove his case by the production of any written agreement between the parties or other document or by overt act, such as the detaining of goods or the impounding of cattle; in which pleas the defendant might wage his law, by swearing upon a book and bringing six eight or twelve neighbours, called compurgatores, with him as the court should direct, to swear that he did not owe the money to the plaintiff nor detain his goods or cattle. The offer to make the oath was called 'wager of law' and when the oath was made it was called 'the doing of your law'; and in this doing of his law be must upon oath flatly contradict the whole claim made against him without qualification. The compurgatores were only expected to say, that they believed him to be speaking the truth. To wage really meant to give security for the performance of something. The ancient trial in court-baron was by waging of law; but, by the consent of the parties, it might be by jury. Where the King was the plaintiff the defendant could not wage law. In waging law the tenant had to appear in person and by attorney. Wager of law fell into disuse and was abolished by an act of 3 & 4 William IV

Edward de Ryles appeared in court and took of the lord i messuage, i oxgang and a half, with their appurtenances, for the aforesaid Edward Ryles, Agnes his wife and Richard the son of the said Edward, from the feast of saint Martin then last unto the end of a term of sixty years then next following, fully to be completed; rendering thenceforth yearly, at the usual terms, xi s ix d and other services, according to the custom of the manor; and the said Edward, Agnes and Richard were to have wood for fencing and fuel, growing on the said lands, taken in a workmanlike manner, during the aforesaid term; and the said Edward, Agnes and Richard were to have timber sufficient for the maintenance and repair of the aforesaid messuage, as often as was necessary, by delivery of him who was the lord's forester, during the said term; and it should be lawful for the said Edward, Agnes and Richard to pluck up by the roots and clear away, in all lands that could be ploughed, thorns brambles and thicket, during the term aforesaid; and they did fealty and gave nothing on entry, as the land was uncultivated virgin soil [quia terra debilis est natival .

(1440-1) March 2nd. Sheffeld. [Lat] Court held there the 2nd March, in the 19th year of Henry VI.

The following were parties in pleas of debt: Henry Twyg, Thomas Muldyclye, John Hugate, William Sponer, John Rawson, John de York, John Dawson, John de Greve the younger, Joan Ryle, William Bate, John Styward, John Mason of Birley and John Rawson.

From the lady of Waddesley, for default of common suit of court.

John Riche was attached, to answer to William Stykbuk, concerning a plea that he had wrongfully kept back from him vid on an account, which he totally denied, whereupon he waged his law, with ii sureties, at the next court.

John Ward was attached, to answer to Robert Catlyn, concerning a plea that he owed xs for herbage in the pasture of Overholden to his damage xiid; who appeared in person and totally denied it, whereof inquiry was to be made; therefore an order to the reeve that he should summon xii jurors etc.

An order to the reeve of the soke of Bradfeld, that he should summon xii jurors, between joan Willeson relict of John Willeson petitioner and John son and heir of Thomas Willeson, concerning all her lands and tenements, with the appurtenances, in Wygtwesull, as to which the said Joan claimed a third part, as her dower etc.

Roger de Mulne of Eyum (xii d) was attached as surety of Robert de Hanneley and John de Hanneley, to answer John Grenclefe of Chestrefeld, executor and administrator of the goods of Margery Boler, concerning a plea of debt, in vi plaints; and he did not appear, therefore in mercy.

They were to attach Thomas Moldeclyff, to answer Henry Twyg, concerning a plea of debt.

They were to attach William Sponer to answer John Hugate, for the like.

John York defendant against John Rawson plaintiff; and John York plaintiff against John Rawson defendant, in pleas of debt.

They were to attach the following defendants, to answer pleas of debt: John Dawson against John Greve the younger, John Ryle against William Bate and John Styward against John Mason of Birley.

From William Stykbuk (ii d) because he had failed to proceed with [his action] against John Riche, in a plea of debt; therefore in mercy.

John Grenelefe administrator of the goods of Margery Boler plaintiff against Roger de Mulne defendant, in a plea of debt, in vi plaints.

They were to attach Robert Kent, to answer John Ryle coz"rning a plea of debt.

The following were parties in pleas of debt: Robert Reysyn chaplain, William Scarghull, Thomas Ryvell and John de Barnesley.

A third proclamation was made upon the lands and tenements of Richard Lokesley, for selling to the use of the lord, for his arrearage still unpaid.

They were to attach Hugh Hauke, to answer to Matilda Smythe, concerning a plea of debt.

From John Ryche (ii d) because be tailed to proceed with [his action] against Williarn Stykbuk in a plea of debt; therefore in mercy.

John de Birley (ii d) was attached, to answer to John de Shawe of Birley concerning a plea of debt and he did not appear, therefore in mercy; and [the bailiff was] bidden to distrain.

Henry Salter (ii d) was attached, to answer to Agnes Glewe concerning a plea of debt and he did not appear, therefore in mercy; and [the bailiff was] bidden to again distrain.

A day was given to Richard de Kirkby defendant -and Richard de Paplewyk plaintifl~ in a plea of debt, at the next [court]

John de Frith of Ecklesfeld (ii d) was attached, to answer to William Hyne, concerning a plea of debt etc.

Richard de Kyrkby (ii d) acknowledged himself bound to John Riche in iiii s v d, which [the bailiff was] bidden to levy; therefore in mercy.

Thomas Reyner (iiii d) was attached, to answer to Thomas Tynley concerning a plea of debt, in ii plaints, and did not appear, therefore etc.

John Frith of Ecklesfeld (iid) was attached, to answer to Hugh del Hull, concerning a plea of debt and did not appear, therefore etc.

They were to distrain William Clerk of Southawe, to answer Henry de Hartley and his partners, concerning a plea of debt.

his body lawfully begotten, for a term of forty years then next following, fully to be completed, rendering thenceforth yearly, at the terms of Easter and Michaelmas xi s xi d, in equal payments, and other services, according to the custom of that manor; and the aforesaid William was to occupy the aforesaid messuage himself or by his [under] tenant, for the term abovesaid; and that he was to maintain and sufficiently repair it with thatch and bricks [stamine et argilla] at his own cost and expense, during the term aforesaid; and be gave to the lord for entry xx s; and did fealty.

Richard Roger, Joan his wife, John and Wiliam their sons, appeared in court and took of the lord ii crofts, called Mitocroftes, in Rameskarr; to hold to the said Richard, Joan, John and William, for the term of xxiiii years then next following, fully to be completed, paying from thence xviii d yearly at the usual terms there; and they did fealty.

The jury for Bradfeld, in that court abovenamed, said that Joan then lately wife of John Willeson of Bromehed (ii d) should not recover anything from John son of Thomas Wilson, for her dower, which she had claimed in respect of certain lands and tenements in Wygtewesull; because other lands and tenemnts had been given in exchange; consequently the said Joan had no dower; therefore the said Joan in mercy, for her wrongful plaint.

The aforesaid jury for Bradfeld said that Robert Cathyne (ii d) should not recover anything against John Ward in respect of x s for pasture rent of Overholdene; therefore the said Robert in mercy

Richard son of John Wilkeson (iid) acknowledged himself bound to Richard Willeson son of Thomas Willeson, in ii s iiii d; which [the bailiff was] bidden to levy.

From John Swynok, forleave to settle with Richard, vicar of Sheffeld, in a plea of debt; therefore in mercy.

They were to summon Richard de Boure to answer to Richard Balcok, concerning a plea of debt.

John de Graunge (ii d) acknowledged himself bound to John Swynoke of Ollerton in xii d, which [the bailiff was] bidden to levy; therefore in, mercy.

From John Swyft (ii d) for leave to settle with John Pereson in a plea of debt; therefore in mercy.

Thomas Moldyclyff (ii d) was attached to answer to Henry Twyg, concerning a plea of debt and did not appear, therefore in mercy; and [the bailiff was] bidden to distrain.

William Sponer defendant against John Hugate plaintiff, in a plea of debt.

William Bate defendant against John Ryle. plaintiff, in a plea of debt.

A day was given to John Rawson defendant and John York plaintiff, in a plea of debt.

A day was given to John Yorke plaintiff and John Rawson defendant, in a plea of debt.

(1441) April 18th Halomshire
..... They were to distrain John Fulford, to answer to the lord, why he had removed a young white horse, from among the strays* [do extrahuris] in the fields of Wodhus, of the goods of Thomas Fox etc.

They were to distrain Giles Hode and John Thomeson, to answer to the lord for certain trespasses etc; and that John Chapman was chosen constable at that place [Handsworthl for that year and was sworn.

An inquest held there, on the oath of John Mee the elder, John Greve, Richard Mokeson, William de Morton, Adam jepson, William Wigtwesulle, Thomas Smallbend, Richard Hobson, John Thomson, John Bacon the younger, John Ryvell of Ughull, John Ryvell of Dungeworth and John West, who said on their em^ that Alexander de Shawe (ii d), John Rydyng (ii d), Adam de Oldfeld (ii d), John Proktour (ii d), John Willeson the elder (ii d), Thomas Willeson (ii d), William de Birley the younger (ii d), William de Bromehed (ii d), William Glewe (ii d), Richard Jackson (ii d), John Morewod of Okes (ii d), Robert Mokeson (ii d), John Ryvell de Ughull (ii d), John Shawe of Dungeworth (ii d) and Thomas de Shawe (ii d) did not appear; and that Richard Rawson (ii d), Magot de Legh (ii d), John son of William de Shawe (ii d), John son of Thomas de Shawe (ii d), Thomas de Shawe (ii d), Elizabeth Tag (ii d), Robert de Turton (ii d), William de Wodkyrke (ii d), John de Cowall (ii d) and John de Crokhull (ii d) for ale; Richard de Crokhull (iiii d) and John de Shawe (iiii d) for bread and ale; Agnes Proktour (ii d), John Ryvell of Bradfeld (ii d), John Glewe (ii d), Richard Glewe (ii d), William de Bromehed (iid), John Rameskarre (iid), Richard de Bromehed (iid), William Odeharn (ii d), Henry de Odeley (ii d), John Brygs (ii d), John Lege (ii d), William de Birley (ii d), John de Crokhull (ii d) and Alice de Grene (ii d) had brewed and sold ale, contrary to the assize; William Base (ii d), John Ryvell of Dungeworth (ii d), John Ryvell of Ughull (ii d), John son of William de Shawe (ii d) had sold meat, contrary to the assize; and that Richard Roberts died on the feast of saint Martin then last past, and William Roberts was son and heir of him Richard [but had] not then done his service for the lands and tenements of the said Richard his father therefore he was to be distrained etc; and that John Ryvell had not then done service for ii parcels of land coming to him after the decease of his father and mother and that John Mokeson had sold lands and tenements to Robert Roger and had not then done his service for the same; and that John Hauke and John de Birley (having been pardoned through the good will of the lord) had hunted hares at Bradfeld; and that Richard del Karre (vi d) had fished the water of Holdene &D the hurt etc; and that William de Bomehed (ii s) and Thomas de Birkes

*An estray was some domestic animal which was found wandering or straying in a manor or lordship the owner whereof was not known; in which case the law gave it to the Sovereign or to such person as held a grant of the estrays from the Crown, often the lord of the manor; but before the property in the estray passed, it must be proclaimed once in the parish church and twice at fairs or markets in the two market towns nearest to the place where it was found; and then if no person claimed it. after proclamation and the lapse of a year and a day from the time it was found, it became the absolute property of the Sovereign or his grantee. Estrays might be horses cattle sheep swine poultry and even swans; but no animal of the -Sovereign could be taken or claimed as an estray.

..... They were to attach Philip atte Bryg, to answer to William Base, concerning a plea of debt.

They were to attach Richard de Boure, to answer to Richard Balcoke, concerning a plea of detinue.

From Henry Twyg (ii d) for his wrongful complaint against Thomas de Muldyclyff, in a plea of debt; therefore in mercy.

William Sponer was summoned to answer to John Hugate, concerning a plea of debt and had not appeared; therefore [the bailiff was] bidden to distrain him.

A day was given to John Rawson plaintiff and John Yorke defendant, in a plea of debt.

From John of Yorke (ii d) because he failed to proceed with his complaint against John Rawson, in a plea of debt; therefore in mercy.

John de Greve the younger (ii d) acknowledged himself bound to John Dawson in xx d, which [the bailiff was] bidden to levy; therefore in mercy.

John de Barnesley (ii d) was attached, to answer to Thomas Ryvell concerning a plea of debt and did not appear, therefore in mercy; and [the bailiff was] bidden to distrain.

Hugh Hauke (ii d) was attached, to answer to Matilda Smith concerning a plea of debt etc.

Henry Salter (ii d) acknowledged himself bound to Agnes Glewe in iiii s v d, which [the bailiff was] bidden to levy; therefore he in mercy.

John de Frith (ii d) was attached, to answer to William Hyne concerning a plea of debt and did not appear, therefore in mercy; and [the bailiff was] bidden to distrain him a second time.

The same John (ii d) to answer Hugh dell Hull etc.

A day was given to Thomas Reyner defendant and Thomas Tynley plaintiff, in a plea of debt, in ii plaints.

They were to distrain William. Clerk of Southawe, to answer to Henry de Hartley and his partners, concerning a plea of debt.

They were to distrain John Oxle, to answer to John Thore concerning a plea of debt.

A jury between Geoffrey Waynwright, Richard Roger and Robert de Shawe plaintiffs and John Ryvell of Bradfeld defendant; and between Richard Catlyn plaintiff and John Ward defendant, they had a day for their verdict at the next court.

From Hugh Webster (ii d) for leave to settle with Henry Paule, in a plea of debt; therefore in mercy.

They attached in pleas of debt: William Yole to answer to Henry Twyg, William de Burgh to answer to William de Wyntworth and William Drake to answer to William Kyder.

Henry Twyg (ii d) acknowledged himself bound to Helen de Folby in ii s, which [the bailiff was] bidden to levy, therefore in mercy.

They were to attach, in pleas of debt: Henry Seynour to answer to John Bromele of Ollerton and John de Greve the younger to answer to William Dawson.

A day was given to William Bate of Gledeleghes defendant and John Ryle plaintiff, in a plea of debt on [wager of] law.

From W~ Base (ii d) because he failed to proceed against John atte Brygg in a plea of debt; therefore he in mercy.

From William Sponer (ii d) for leave to settle with John Hugate, in a plea of debt; therefore in mercy.

John de York (ii d) was attached to answer to John Rawson, concerning a plea of debt and did not appear, therefore in mercy; and [the bailiff was] bidden to distrain.

From John de Barnesley (ii d) for leave to settle with Thomas Ryvell, in a plea of debt; therefore in mercy.

Hugh Hauke (ii d) was attached to answer to Matilda Smyth, concerning a plea of debt etc; and the like Thomas Rayner (iiii d), to answer to Thomas Tynley, in ii plaints.

They were to distrain, in pleas of debt: John de Frith to answer to William Hyne, the same John to answer to Hugh del Hull, William Clerke of Southawe to answer to Henry de Hartley and his partners and John Oxle to answer to John Thore, who was no more called because he had no case.

A jury between Geoffrey Waynewryght, Richard Roger and Robert de Shawe plaintiffs and John Ryvell of Bradfeld defendant (for leave to settle), who had a day at the next court.

[no total given]

(1441) June 8th. Sheffeld. [Lat] Court held there on the 8th June, in the 19th year of Henry VI.

The following were parties to pleas of debt: Robert atte Welle, Nicholas del Grene, Richard Mulner, John Couper, John de Hanley, William Marche of Darnall, William Base, John Bryg of Wirehall, Thomas de Morton and Richard Willeson.

They were to summon John Swynoke (he was being distrained) of Ecklesfeld, to answer to Hugh del Hull, concerning a plea of debt.

From John Ward (ii d) for leave to settle with Thomas Everyngham and Margery his wife, concerning a plea of debt.

They were to attach Thomas Stapley to answer to Robert Swyft, concerning a plea of debt.

They were to attach Thomas Haukesworth the elder, Thomas Haukesworth the younger and William Haukworth the younger, to answer to Cecily Roger, concerning a plea of trespass

William son of Thomas de Haukesworth the elder (ii d) was attached to answer to Thomas de Haukesworth the younger, brother of him William, concerning a plea of trespass and he did not appear, therefore in mercy; and [the bailiff was] bidden to again distrain.

Pleas of debt: John Mychell of Sheffeld to answer to John Ryvell of Dungeworth, William de Tyddeswell to answer to John Styward, in ii plaints, William Yole (ii d) to answer to Henry Twyg, William de Burgh (iiii d) to answer to William de Wyntworth, William Drake (ii d) to answer to William Kyder and Henry Seynour (ii d) to answer to John Bromele of Ollerton.

From John Ryle (ii d) for his wrongful complaint against William Bate of Gledeleglies; therefore in mercy.

They were to attach John Greve to answer to William Dawson, concerning a plea of debt and he did not appear; therefore in mercy etc.

Pleas of debt: John de Yorke (ii d) to answer to John Rawson, Hugh Hauke to answer to Matilda Smyth, Thomas Reyner (iiii d) to answer to Thomas Tynley, in ii plaints, John de Frithe (ii d) to answer to William Hyne and the same John (ii d) to answer to Hugh del Hull.

From John Ryvell of Bradfeld (ii d), for leave to settle with Geoffrey Waynewryght, Richard Roger and Robert de Shawe; therefore in mercy.

They were to distrain William Clerke of Southawe, to answer to Henry de Hertley and his partners, concerning a plea of debt. 1 Sheffeld xvi d Total vs iiii d, of which, on Bradfeld iii s iiii d Southawe iiii d Ecklesfeld iiii d

(1441) July 6th. Sheffeld. [Lat] Court held there on the 6th July, in the 19th year of Henry VI.

The forester of Ryvelynge presented Robert QuenyId, for enclosing [pro accrochiamento] i parcel of the lord's waste near to Randfeld; to the ousting [ad exhereditacionem] of the lord; whom [the bailiff was] bidden to attach, before the next court.

(1441) July 17th. Sheffeld. [Lat] Court held there the 17th July, in the 19th year of Henry VI.

The following were parties to pleas of debt: Richard de Wode, John Stone, John Barbot, William de Burgh, William de Wyntworth, Alice relict of Thomas Lynot, Thomas de Shawe of Stanyngton, Hugh Hauk, Matilda Smyth, William Stykbuk, John Cowall, John de Lake, Richard Launder vicar of Sheffield [as surety], John Styward, William Lorymer, John Birley, Henry Smyth, John Chapman, John de Karre, Thomas Prest, John Stanyford of Darnall and William Atkyn of Bradfeld.

Thomas Everyngham and his co-feoffees of William Clerk complained of Margery relict of Robert Clerk, concerning a plea of detinue, of charters and writings.

John Rawson complained of John Wighall, concerning a plea of debt.

John Swynok was attached, to answer to William Alen and Hugh de Hull, concbrning a plea that he had agreed with them, to carry laths and small tables from Cowshotwro as far as Brekesherth Mill throughout a year, which agreement he had not kept with them; but had broken it, to their damage xiii s iiii d; who appeared and totally denied it; thereupon he waged his law, with v sureties, in ii plaints.

Hugh Hauke was attached, as surety, to answer to Matilda Smythe, concerning a plea that he owed to her iiii s; who appeared in person and acknowledged himself to be bound to the said Matilda in iii s ; and as to the further xii d, part payment for a horse and ale; he said that he did not owe her anything; thereupon he waged his law, with iii sureties.

William Atkyn and Thomas de Rameskarre were attached, to answer to William de Haukesworth the younger, concerning a plea that they owed to him xxvi s viii d and ii s, in i plaint, to his loss half a mark; who acknowledged the aforesaid debt.

Joan then lately the wife of Richard Cuteler of Darnall appeared in court, by William de Wyntworth the reeve of the soke of Bradfeld, and surrendered into the hand of the lord, a messuage and an oxgang of assart, with the appurtenances, in Dungeworth; to the use of John Ryvell of Dungeworth, his heirs and assigns for ever, according to the custom of the manor ; and he gave to the lord for entry ii s and did fealty.

It was found by the jurors of the soke of Bradfeld, on the oath of John Morewod of Okes, Robert Mokeson, Thomas de Shawe cooper, William de Morton, John Mariot, Thomas Smalbend, John de Wirhall, Thomas Rameskarre, William Hudson, John Bromehed of Bradfeld, John Thomeson, John Tag, John Bacon and John de Greve the elder, that William son of Thomas de Haukesworth the elder (ii d) had wrongfully occupied i messuage, i oxgang, ii acres of assart land, with the appurtenances, in Haukesworth, which Thomas Haukesworth the younger brother of the aforesaid William had from the gift and surrender of the aforesaid Thomas Haukesworth his father, as appeared at the court held at Sheffeld, viii day of October in the year abovesaid.

The aforesaid jurors said, that Robert Roger and Cecily his mother might recover from Thomas Haukesworth the elder, Thomas Haukesworth the younger and William Haukesworth the younger, ii s for trespass in the corn [and] herbage and for breaking his ii pitchforks; and that Thomas Haukesworth the elder, might recover from Cecily, then lately the wife of William Roger, for trespass in his herbage and corn, vi d.

They were to attach Thomas de Frithe to answer to Robert Qwenyid, concerning a plea of debt.

John Bullok plaintiff against John Yorke defendant, in a plea of debt on [wager of] law.

Richard Willeson defendant against Thomas de Morton plaintiff, in a plea of debt on [wager of] law.

Nicholas de Grene (ii d) was attached to answer to Robert de Well, concerning a plea of debt; and he did not appear, therefore etc.

The following were parties to pleas of debt: Richard Mulner, John Couper, John de Houseley, William Marche of Darnall, William Base and John de Bryg, on a plea that he owed 2s for a calf.

From William Mason (ii d) and Isabel his wife, for leave to settle with Elizabeth Ingeram, concerning a plea of debt; therefore in mercy.

From John Bromehed of Bradfeld (ii d) for leave to settle with Richard Roger etc.

From William Tyddeswell (iiii d) for leave to settle with John Styward, in ii plaints. William Yole (ii d) was attached to answer to Henry Twyg concerning a plea of debt; and did not appear, therefore etc.

The following were parties to pleas of debt: William Wyntworth, William de Burgh, John Rawson, John de York, Thomas Tynley, Thomas Reyner, William Hyne, John de Frithe and Hugh del Hull.

From John de Greve (ii d) for leave to settle with William Dawson, concerning a plea of debt; therefore in mercy.

They were to distrain William Clerk of Southawe, to answer to Henry de Hertley and his partners, concerning a plea of debt.

From John Base (ii d) for leave to settle with Beatrice Falke etc.

They were to attach Alice the wife of Peter Seynour of Tykhull, to answer to John Dungworth, concerning a plea of trespass.

From Thomas Stapeley (ii d), for leave to settle with Robert Swyft etc.

(1441) August 17th. Sheffeld. [Lat] Court held there the 17th August, in the 19th year of Henry VI.

William. de Wyntworth was attached to answer to William de Burgh, concerning a plea that he had kept back from him xvid, for winter wheat [siligine]; and concerning a plea that he owed to him xld for several contracts made between them, about the gysting of his iiii calves, then being with him; and for bread and ale for the men in the custody of the said William Wynteworth, who appeared and totally denied it; thereupon he waged his law, with iiii sureties.

Thomas de Shawe (ii d) acknowledged himself bound to Alice, relict of Thomas Lynot, in iii s iiii d, part of a larger sum, for i mare; and with respect to iii s viii d more, for the same account, he said that he did not owe her anything; thereupon she waged her law, with iiii sureties. John Wighall acknowledged himself bound to John Rawson in xixd; and with respect to ... s vi d more, for leather bought from him; he said that he did not owe him anything; thereupon [he waged his] law, with ii sureties; and with respect to a plea that he had wrongfully kept back from him a tripod [tripidium] worth viii d, who acknowledged the said tripod, therefore in mercy; and he asked for the valuation of the court. Nicholas del Grene was attached to answer to Robert atte Welle, concerning a plea that he had kept back from him vii s for the rent of ii cows; who appeared and totally denied it; thereupon [he waged his] law, with iii sureties. John de Dungeworth a jurate, to assessing the fines [ad taxandum dampna] on xxviii s viii d which William de Haukesworth the younger and Richard de Karre had recovered against Thomas Rameskarre and William Atkyn, there in court, which he assessed at xvi d; which [the bailiff was] bidden to levy and an order [was given] to the reeve of Bradfeld, that he should warn William de Haukes worth and his partners [socios] , no longer should he occupy any part of the land and tenement, which Thomas de Haukesworth, brother of the said William, had recovered at the last court aforesaid; under pain of paying to the lord xx s. From William de Housley, in respect of his fine made for trespass done in the lord's wood, for the breaking down of a hedge next Granowe, as appeared in the record of the court of Easter, on the presentation of the xii jurors etc. Robert Godesson appeared in court and took of the lord i parcel of land called

Oxclyff Lane in Onesacr [sic]; to hold to him, for the term of ii years then next following, paying thenceforth yearly iiii d; and so from the beginning paying yearly, whilst [the tenancy] lasted, iiii d. From John de Stone (ii d) for leave to settle with Richard de Wood, in a plea of debt; therefore he in mercy.

*This unusual word is probably the contracted dative of siligina, a variation of Latin siliga; closely connected with the French seigle and the English secale or rye, which has been grown throughout Europe from time immemorial: but in England of the 15th century, it was usually grown as a winter-wheat, which it closely resembles.

(1441) September 7th. Sheffeld. [Lat] Court held there on the 7th September, in the 20th year of Henry VI.

John Stanyford of Darnall, complained of John Couper, concerning a plea of debt.

From John Barbot (ii d) because he had not appeared to warrant his excuse at the last court, against Richard de Wode plaintiff, in a plea of debt, therefore etc.

From Matilda Smyth (ii d) for her wrongful complaint against Hugh Hauke, in a plea of detinue, xii d beyond iii s already recovered; therefore in mercy.

From William de Wyntworth the reeve, because he had not attached John Cowall to answer to William Stykbuk, in a plea of debt; therefore in mercy.

Robert atte Welle 'and William de Wod complained of Nicholas del Grene, concerning a plea of debt.

From William de Burgh (iid) for his wrongful complaint against William de Wynteworth, in a plea of debt etc.

The following were parties to pleas of debt: Alice relict of Thomas Lynot, Thomas de Shawe, John Rawson, John Wighall, Robert atte Well and Nicholas de Grene.

From Matilda Smyth because she had not appeared to warrant her excuse at the last court, therefore in mercy; and [the bailiff was] bidden to distrain.

They were to attach John Cowall to answer to William Stykbuk, concerning a plea of debt.

Richard Launder vicar of the church of Sheffeld defendant, against John Lake plaintiff, in a plea of debt.

William Lorymer, John de Birley, Henry Smyth and John Chapman defendants, against John Styward plaintiff, in a plea of debt.

They were to attach, in pleas of debt: Thomas P-rest (ii d) to answer to John Karre and William Atkyn (ii d) to answer to John Stanyford of Darnall.

From Thomas de Frithe, for leave to settle with Robert QwenyId, concerning a plea of debt.

Margery relict of Robert Clerk, was attached to answer to Thomas Everyngham. and his co-feoffees, concerning a plea of detinue, of charters and writings; and had not appeared; therefore etc.

They were to attach, in pleas of debt: Richard Wilson to answer to Thomas de Morton, John Cowper to answer to Richard Milner and William Marche of Darnall to answer to John Hanley.

From William Yole for leave to settle with Henry Twig; therefore in mercy.

They were to attach, in pleas of debt: William de Burgh to answer to William de Wynteworth and Thomas Reyner (iiii d) to answer to Thomas Tynley, ii plaints.

From Richard Kent, in respect of his fine made for trespass, by the pledge of William Mason and John Hyncheclyffe, xiii s iiii d.

They were to attach, in pleas of debt: John Frythe to answer to William Hyne and Alice wife of Peter Seynour of Tykhull, to answer to John Dungeworth.

They were to distrain William Clerke of Southawe to answer to Henry de Hartley concerning a plea of debt.

(1441) September 28th. [Lat] Court held there the 28th September, in the 20th year of Henry VI.

The following were parties to pleas of debt and trespass: Ebote Hugate, William Sponer, John Hugate, John Swynok of Ecklesfeld, Laurence de Wortley, Roger Stedman clerk, John Base, William Houseley of Roderham, John Base, John Chaloner the younger, John Coumb, Thomas Mason of Doncaster and Thomas de Shawe.

They were to attach John Couper the younger, to answer to John Stanyford of Darnall, concerning a plea of debt; and Nicholas del Grene, to answer to Robert atte Well and William de Wode, concerning a plea of debt.

John Barbot (ii d) was attached to answer to Richard de Wode and he did not appear; therefore in mercy etc.

From Alice relict of Thomas Lynot, because she failed to proceed against Thomas de Shawe, in a plea of debt on [wager of] law; therefore in mercy.

From Nicholas de Grene, because he failed in his law against Robert atte Welle, in a plea of debt.

A day was given to John Wighall defendant and John Rawson plaintiff, concerning a plea of debt on [wager of] law.

John Cowall (ii d) was attached, to answer to William Styckbuck and he did not appear; therefore etc.

A day was given to Richard Launder vicar of Sheffeld defendant against John Lake plaintiff.

They were to attach, in pleas of debt: Thomas Preste (ii d) to answer to John de Karre and William Atkyn (ii d) to answer to John Stanyford of Darnall.

Margery relict of William Bayly was attached to answer to Thomas Everyngham and his co-feoffees of William Clerk of Southawe, in a plea of detinue of charters and writings.

From Richard Wilson (ii d) for leave to settle with Thomas de Morton, concerning a plea of debt etc.

John Couper (ii d) was attached to answer to William de Wynteworth, concerning a plea of debt etc.

(1620-1) March 20th.

Sheffeld. Court-baron of William earl of Pembroke and Thomas earl of Arundell held the 20th March, in the 18th year of James, before Jervase Molyneux esquire, the deputy steward there. George Wilkenson surrendered etc a croft containing by estimation half an acre situate lying and being at the south end of the dwelling house of Charles Crofts in Whitley and abutting upon a road leading to le Oldfeild on the west, within the soke of Ecclesfeld; to the use of Charles Crofts etc for ever etc, to whom the lords etc granted seisin etc; he did fealty and was admitted tenant; reserving the fine when claimed.

1627 June 19th.

Sheffeld. Small court of Thomas earl of Arundell and Surrey and William earl of Pembrok held the 19th June, in the 3rd year of Charles. Charles Crofts, Katherine his wife and Nicholas Crofts the son and heir apparent of him Charles; in consideration of forty-five pounds, paid or to be paid to them by Christofer Crofts of Whitley, surrendered etc a messuage in Whitley, in which the same Charles then lived, and a close adjoining called Raw Croft; and another close called Newcroft, then divided into several parts containing three acres, with all the customary lands etc of the said Charles, Katherine and Nicholas in Whitley; to the use of the said Christofer Crofts and Thomas Crofts his third son etc for ever etc; on condition that if the said Nicholas Crofts should repay the fortyfive pounds to the said Thomas Crofts as therein mentioned, then that surrender should be null and void.

1629 August 4th. Sheffeld. Court-baron of Thomas earl of Arundell and Surrey and William earl of Pembrok held the 4th August in the 5th year of Charles. Presented and found that on the 6tb July then last Nicholas Crofts of Whitley and Ann his wife, by William Rawson of Walkeley and Henry Hall; in consideration of certain money to them paid by Christofer Crofts of Whitley lynnen webster, surrendered etc all that customary messuage in Whitley in which Nicholas and Ann then lived and three closes adjoining, containing three acres; to the use of the said Christofer Crofts and Thomas Crofts his youngest son for ever; and it was further presented that on the 17th of the same July, Charles Crofts and Katherine Crofts