| Description (Repository) |
70. Thomas le Jovene, who has died, and Peter de Micheham, who is present, sent [John] de Berkyng, Peter de Cray and Walter Halveclerk, who are dead (abierunt), to the house of Robert de Haraz to distrain Robert for the trespass of making cloths contrary to the assize in the ward of Thomas de Basynges [Candlewick ward]; because of the crowd of people that went with them, John son of Philip de Wynton', a child, was trampled to death under foot. All the neighbours have died, so nothing from them. Peter de Micham comes and is committed to Newgate gaol until the morrow. Because the chamberlain and sheriffs did nothing about John de Berkyngg and the others, and, when they held their inquest did not attach them or enquire who the people were who went with them to the place, to judgment on them. Because the justices want to examine the matter more openly by the aldermen, the case is adjourned until the following day. Afterwards the mayor and aldermen testify that William Samuel and Gerard le Paumer went with John de Berkyng and the others to the house, so let them be arrested. Afterwards it is testified that they have all died, so nothing from them. Then Peter comes and, asked how he wishes to clear himself, says that although he is not bound to answer any charge of incitement' or instigation before those accused of the deed are convicted, nevertheless he puts himself for good or ill upon the verdict of the mayor and aldermen; although he is of the liberty of the City, as the suspicion is small and slight, it is granted to him by licence of the justices. The mayor and aldermen say in the faith in which they are bound to the king that he is not guilty and was never an accomplice in the death, so he is quit.
Nota 29. Quod oportet ille qui manucaptus est usque ad iter justiciariorum pro morte hominis vel alia felonia acquietet se per magnam legem.
14th cent.: Scribatur [cf. 524 no. 29].
1. Cf. 39, 219. |