| Description (Repository) |
146. On Friday the feast of SS. Peter and Paul [29 June 1263] John de Brittany, crossing the City by night, came upon the mayor and other good men of the City who were patrolling the streets to see that a good watch was being kept, and for a long time he walked along with them. At length he left them and when he reached the churchyard of St. Paul's London he encountered some unknown men who at once attacked him; Arnold the Cook came up to help him and the malefactors killed both John and Arnold and at once fled. It is not known who they were. All the neighbours have died. Because it cannot be ascertained by any inquest held by the chamberlain and sheriffs who the men were, the justices want to examine the men of the ward of Thomas de Wymborn,1 where the incident occurred, concerning the names of those who were present at the death. Afterwards Michael Tovy (Michael Tovi) was arrested for the death and for the theft of horses belonging to the king and to John de Gray and for thefts committed in Jewry and from William le Latimer and for other thefts and trespasses committed in time of peace; Michael comes and for good or ill puts himself upon the verdict of the mayor and citizens; they say on the oath they made to the king and in the faith in which they are bound that he is guilty of all the robberies and the death, except the robbery in Jewry, so [let him be hanged]. (Suspensus.) No chattels in the City but he has chattels and tenements in Kent. Therefore the sheriff of Kent is ordered to cause twelve [men] of the neighbourhood where Michael's lands, tenements and chattels were to appear before Roger de Seyton or John de Cobham when they visit these parts, to certify them of his lands, tenements and chattels and their value; in the meantime they are to be taken into the king's hand. Afterwards John de Cobbeham holds the enquiry and it is found that Michael had chattels worth £27 10s. 9d., for which the sheriff of Kent is to answer. [cf. 278, 287-8]
Nota 59. De quodam magno interpositore Civitatis suspenso [cf. 524 no. 59]. At foot of membrane: Placita corone anno Edwardi primi.
1. Thomas de Wymborn was associated with Portsoken (Beaven, j, 365n) but presumably the ward of Castle Baynard or Farringdon was here in question. |