Criminals named Little John (record texts)

From International Robin Hood Bibliography
{"pagename":"1281 - John le Petit poaching at Howden","Century":13,"Decade":1281,"Year":1281},{"pagename":"1305 - John Petit the elder in asssault at Boston","Century":14,"Decade":1301,"Year":1305},{"pagename":"1306 - John le Petit accused of assault in Meath (1)","Century":14,"Decade":1301,"Year":1306},{"pagename":"1306 - John le Petit accused of assault in Meath (2)","Century":14,"Decade":1301,"Year":1306},{"pagename":"1306 - John le Petit accused of assault in Meath (3)","Century":14,"Decade":1301,"Year":1306},{"pagename":"1306 - John le Petit accused of assault in Meath (4)","Century":14,"Decade":1301,"Year":1306},{"pagename":"1307 - John le Petit accused of assault in Meath","Century":14,"Decade":1301,"Year":1307},{"pagename":"1314 - John Petit of Shorne pardoned","Century":14,"Decade":1311,"Year":1314},{"pagename":"1315 - John Petit among disobedient mariners","Century":14,"Decade":1311,"Year":1315},{"pagename":"1315 - John Petit plunders cargo of ship from Dinant","Century":14,"Decade":1311,"Year":1315},{"pagename":"1322 - John Lutell kidnaps prior","Century":14,"Decade":1321,"Year":1322},{"pagename":"1322 - John Petit among plunderers at Cambridge","Century":14,"Decade":1321,"Year":1322},{"pagename":"1323 - John le Little confiscates ship at Newcastle-on-Tyne","Century":14,"Decade":1321,"Year":1323},{"pagename":"1323 - Littele Johannes of Leicester","Century":14,"Decade":1321,"Year":1323},{"pagename":"1325 - John le Luttle to be arrested","Century":14,"Decade":1321,"Year":1325},{"pagename":"1325 - Mariner John Petit released from the Tower","Century":14,"Decade":1321,"Year":1325},{"pagename":"1332 - John Petit at Canterbury","Century":14,"Decade":1331,"Year":1332},{"pagename":"1336 - John Lytel of Long Melford","Century":14,"Decade":1331,"Year":1336},{"pagename":"1339 - John Petit of Cornwall (2)","Century":14,"Decade":1331,"Year":1339},{"pagename":"1343 - John Petyt of Treslothan obstructs mining","Century":14,"Decade":1341,"Year":1343},{"pagename":"1343 - John Petyt of Treslothan steals flotsam","Century":14,"Decade":1341,"Year":1343},{"pagename":"1365 - John Pety of Seaton Delaval steals flotsam","Century":14,"Decade":1361,"Year":1365},{"pagename":"1366 - John Petit of Dunboyne","Century":14,"Decade":1361,"Year":1366},{"pagename":"1374 - John Litle to be arrested","Century":14,"Decade":1371,"Year":1374},{"pagename":"1467 - Pirate John Petyt of Mount's Bay","Century":15,"Decade":1461,"Year":1467},{"pagename":"1468 - Pirate John Petyt of St Ives","Century":15,"Decade":1461,"Year":1468},

By Henrik Thiil Nielsen, 2015-09-25. Revised by Henrik Thiil Nielsen, 2022-06-01.

The items listed below concern historical (alleged) criminals named Little John (John Little, John Petit, Johannes Parvus etc.) Petit and Parvus can of course be French/Latin renderings of both Small and Little, but it must be remembered that, apart from in the higher echelons, during most of the medieval period most Englishmen's surnames had not yet become fixed. They were still often essentially additional (descriptive) identifiers that could be added to the Christian name in contexts were unambiguous reference was desired. A Small might therefore cnceivably appear in another context as a Little or, if that was his occupation, as a Smith. Nonetheless I have usually left out of consideration individuals surnamed Small eo nomine.

Records relating to criminals named Little John

26 records concern criminal Little Johns:

1281 - John le Petit poaching at Howden

[1281:]
Commission of oyer and terminer to W. de Brompton and N. de Stapel-
ton, on complaint by R. bishop of Durham that Master Thomas de Birland,
Nicholas del Haye, Robert de Coyngners, Eluard de Saute Mareys, Robert
de Balliolo, William son of Henry de Jokflet, Adam son of Henry, John le
Clerk, Peter de Lincolnia, Alexander de Cave, William de Haytfeld, William
de Belassise, John de Warewik, Robert de Crigeleston, John le Grrauuger,
Thomas Alger, John le Petit, William Batayl, Robert Bataill, Thomas de
Portinton, William son of William de Garton, John de Kayvill, Richard
de Kayvill, Roger Coy and Walter de Redenesse entered his free warren in
Houeden, co. York, hunted therein and carried away hares.[1]

1305 - John Petit the elder in asssault at Boston

[26 May 1305:]
Commission of oyer and terminer to the above justices [sc. 'Peter de Malo Lacu, Edmund de Eyncurt, William le Vavasur and John de Insula'] and the said Thomas [sc. 'Thomas de Fyssheburn, in the room of Adam de Middelton'], on complaint by William Pacok that William de Derby, Ralph de Derby, John le Plouman of Fraunkton, Harsculph de Cleseby, William de Neshaham, Richard de Kirketon, John de Benyngton, John Hardy, Robert Hardy, Walter Hardy, Walter le Mouner of Fenne, Roger de Lek, Nicholas de Freston, Richard de Benyngton, William de Bardeneye, Richard de Kirketon, William le Pursere of Lincoln, Geoffrey de Cibeceye, [p. 400:] William le Lung, Henry de Benyngton, Richard de Leverton, Richard Lourencesbrother atte Stone, Geoffrey Perkyn, Henry Cope, Simon Bunnyng, Roger son of Peter de Wynston, William de Kirketon, John de Fenne, Alan de Benyngton, Laurence Grebby of Lek, Master Thomas son of Roger le Fevre, John de Ledenham and John Petit the elder, assaulted him by night at the town of Boston, co. Lincoln, and carried away his goods.
 Changed by the Chancellor because sealed at another time by p.s. in the time of Master W. de Grenef[eld], then the Chancellor.[2]

1306 - John le Petit accused of assault in Meath (1)

[1306:]
Luke de Nettreuill, James, Thomas and William de Nettreuill complain that, when they were riding on the King's highway (regia strata) between the bridge of Kennagh and the manor of Nicholas de Nettreuill their father, on the feast of S. Bartholomew last, there came there Stephen de Exon', John le Petyt, Adam de Exon', and Ph. Burnel, with Ric. Hasard, Simon Bray and others unknown, and assaulted and wounded them, to their damage of 200 l.
     And likewise said Nicholas complains that when Adam son of Magowyeus, William son of Ineges, and Roger son of Lewryn, his hibernici, were in the company of said Luke and the others, on same day and place, Stephen and the others assaulted and wounded his hibernici, to his damage of 100l.
     Stephen, John, Adam and Philip defend. They did no trespass. But they acknowledge that whereas Doneghuth Orailly, a faithful man of Theobald de Verdun, had cattle feeding on lands of Theobald, Luke and the others, with horses equipped and a multitude of armed men, took the cattle and drove them almost to the borders of this county. And hue and cry having been raised Stephen and the others with men of peace of those parts, followed them and rescued the cattle from them, as it was lawful for them to do without any injury or trespass.. [sic.]
     Luke and the others say that Duneghuth, by his men, stole from Nicholas many of his cattle, and those of his betaghs. Nicholas sued in this county against him, who did not appear. And when by judgment of the county court, by his default, it proceeded to outlawry [p. 176:] against Doneghuth; he by his friends procured that the Justiciar, for good of the peace, suspended the execution of the outlawry, and made a commission to Ric. de Exon' and Thomas de Snyterby to hear and determine the trespass. Before whom Dunoghuth made fine with Nicholas, by 5 marks, for payment of which at a term assigned, as well Doneghuth as Gilpatrik McMahoun, under whom Doneghuth then resided, granted that they might be forced to give pledges (devadiarentur), by all modes by which they and their men could be, until satisfaction be made, except that the body of Gilpatrik be not taken. And because Doneghuth failed to make payment, Nicholas sent Luke and the others to take a pledge of Doneghuth. Who finding Doneghuth's cattle, took and had them driven away with them, as was lawful for them to do, according to the form of the composition; until Stephen and the others with a great force attacked them, as complained, and rescued the cattle. And they pray that this be enquired. And Stephen likewise. Therefore let the truth be enquired by the country.
     The Jurors say that a thief came to Nicholas' manor of Doueth, and there stole about 60 cows, and drove them to Doneghuth, who then was under the avowry of Gilpatrik McMahoun, a man of Theobald de Verdun. And Nicholas learning this, made suit against Doneghuth to whom the cows came, up to outlawry. And because it was related to the Justiciar that Doneghuth was wont to repress (gravare) the felons of his parts, for the good of the peace, the Justiciar assigned Ric. de Exon' etc. (as in the stament of Luke). And afterwards Nicholas to whom 20s. of the fine were in arrear, hearing that Doneghuth was in the land of Stephen, sent Luke and the others with horses equipped, to take a pledge for the debt. Who coming to Stephen's land found a shepherd keeping cows in his pasture, of whom they asked whose the cows were; who answered that they were Doneghuth's. And they took the cows and drove them to the manor of Nicholas, of Doueth. And when they were driven a little way from the shepherd, who for fear of them dared not before cry out, he raised hue and cry. On which Stephen, who was near, mounted his horse, without arms, and followed them. And when he came to them, he asked that they should deliver him the cattle, and he would undertake that there should be done to Nicholas as justice might require, for said cattle. And Luke answered that he could not do this without Nicholas his lord; and he asked him to come with him to his lord. And when Stephen saw that he gained nothing, but that he was answered by rough words, he returned, and came to the house of John Petyt, who would have gone out to the hue unarmed, but Stephen forbad him, because Luke and the others were well armed and on equipped horses. And so Stephen took part of John's arms, and so they armed themselves, and with the others named and their men, and others who came to the hue, followed Luke and the others, and approached them about the distance of a league from the manor of Nicholas. And they sent their footmen to go before the cows to lead them back. So that immediately there was a conflict between the footmen of Luke, who drove the cows, and them. Luke looking back rode towards them and struck one of the footmen who came with Stephen, with a spear, under the arm; so that the spear passed through the middle of the footman's tunic without wounding him. But one of his company, being his kinsman, thinking that he was struck through the body, went to Luke and struck him in the head on [p. 177:] his iron headpiece, so that the headpiece was thrown to the ground. And John le Petyt seeing this doubting lest greater evil should happen approached Luke, who so had his head uncovered, and laid hands on him to hold him. On which Luke drew a dagger (anelacium) to free himself, from John's hands. At which some of John's men came, and seeing Luke, with his dagger drawn, and John, struggling together, struck Luke with a spear in the arm and gave him a severe wound, which grieved John, who let him go as soon as he saw that he was wounded. And so the parties withdrew from one another, Stephen and John bringing home the cows with them, except four cows which remained in ditches near, of which two were so wearied by the driving and so weak from it, that they could scarcely be driven to the manor of Nicholas. And when Nicholas saw that they could not live, he had them killed and salted. He however liad them first valued, understanding that if they perished it would be to his damage, because they fell to him for part payment of the debt against Doneghugh. And the other two cows yet remain with Nicholas. And they say that in the conflict, James, Thomas, and William were struck, but none of them wounded except Luke. But certain of the footmen on each side were wounded.
     Afterwards in the quinzaine of S. Hilary, at Dublin, the parties come. And a day is given them at the three weeks of Easter.
     Afterwards at the month of Easter a. r. i. Edw. II, the King the father being dead, and the plea being resummoned at the suit of Luke &c., to wit, in the same state as it was at said three weeks of Easter and which afterwards by death of the King remained sine die; it is adjudged that Luke and the others recover against Stephen &c. their damages, taxed by the jury at 10 marks. And let Stephen and the others be taken. And Stephen was attached by Will. Beaufiz and John Beaufiz. And Philip, by Adam Belejaumbe, and Ric. Bernard, who now have them not; therefore they in mercy. And this judgment is made against Stephen and the others, by their default after the Sheriff was commanded to make them come.
     Afterwards Stephen, John, Philip, and Adam made fine by 40s. before W. de Burgo, locum tenens of the Justiciar, as appears in the rolls of common pleas of the term of S. Michael a. r. ii. Ed. II.
     Damages 10 marks, whereof W. de Bourn 4 marks, J. de Patrik-churche 40s. and Nicholas the clerk senior 40s.[3]

1306 - John le Petit accused of assault in Meath (2)

[1306:]
     Nich. de Netteruill puts Luke de Netteruill or Will, de Netteruill, v. Theobald de Verdon senior, John Petit, Stephen de Excestre, Simon Bray, Ph. Burnel, and John son of Ric. de Excestre, of a plea of trespass.[4]

1306 - John le Petit accused of assault in Meath (3)

[1306:]
     ch. de Nettreuill puts Ric. Mannyng and Warin Myles, against Theobald de Verdun sen., John [Petyt], Stephen Dexcestre, Ric. son of Ric. Dexcestre, Simon Bray, and Ph. Burnel, of a plea of trespass.
     Luke de Nettreuill puts same against same. [... p. 292: ...]
     James de Nettreuill puts Ric. Mannyng and Warin Myles, against Theobald de Verdun sen., [John] Petyt, Stephen de Exon', Ric. son of Ric. de Exon', Simon Bray, and Ph. Burnel, of a plea of trespass.
     Thomas de Nettreuill puts as above.
     Ric. Proutfot puts same against Theobald de Verdun, of same.[5]

1306 - John le Petit accused of assault in Meath (4)

[1306:]
     Day is given to Luke de Nettreuill, James de Nettreuill, Tliomas de Nettreuill, and Will, de Nettreuill, plaintiffs, and Stephen de Exon', John le Petyt, Ric. de Exon', and Ph. de Burnel, of a plea of trespas.[6]

1307 - John le Petit accused of assault in Meath

[1307:]
     Day given to Luke de Nettreuill, James de Nettreuill, Thomas de Nettreuill and William de Nettreuill, v. Stephen de Exon', John le Petyt, Ric. de Exon', and Ph. Burnel, of a plea of trespass. To the quinzaine of S. Michael, at prayer of the parties, without essoin.[7]

1314 - John Petit of Shorne pardoned

[1 Sep. 1314:]
  Pardon to John Petyt of Shorne, co. Kent, on account of his good service in Scotland, for the death of John le Ismongere of Shorne, and also of any outlawry incurred thereby.
By K. on the information of W. de Melton.

  The like, word for word, for John Poteman of Shorne, co. Kent.

By K. on the information of W. de Melton.[8]

1315 - John Petit among disobedient mariners

[8 Oct. 1315:]
  Writ de intendendo, under pain of forfeiture, directed to John Mot and his fellow mariners, for Humphrey de Littlebury and John Sturmy, captains and admirals of the king's fleet. The writ was issued in consequence of John Mot and his fellow mariners contemning the commands of the said Humphrey de Littlebury and John Sturmy as captains of the fleet, at which the king was much incensed.
By K. & C.
  The like directed to the under-mentioned mariners, viz.:—
William le Fissher, Luke de London, John Petit, Richard Golde, Richard de la Woses, and their fellow mariners.[9]

1315 - John Petit plunders cargo of ship from Dinant

[22 July 1315:]
The like [i.e. a commission of oyer and terminer] to John de Fresingfeld, Richard de Walsingham and Richer de Reefham, on complaint by Ralph Frapaile, John Hungeri (Hungrie), Gervase Waretes' and John Compaile, merchants of Dynaunt in Almain, that, when a ship which they had laden at le Swyn in Flanders with divers wares to take to England was driven ashore near Bromholm, co. Norfolk, and they had taken the goods ashore, John Petit of Westminster, Thomas Springot and Alice his wife, John Springot, John Faireman and Joan his wife, Robert Lenys, John Seitesele, Bartholomew Merke, John Mot, William le Fisshere, John le Fisshere, Richard Eliot, Richard atte Wase, Robert Peverel, Ralph Bruneman, Martin son of Amice, William Ethe and Margery his wife, William Proudefot and Amice his wife, Stephen de Marisco, John Grygge of Houpp, John Belle, Thomas de Hull, Walter 'on Thenesse,' William le Mazoun, Richard Bat, Sweteman Flemyng, Adam Cadeford, John Stane, Richard Oseborn, William Werke and Joan his wife, Letitia Springot and others of the counties of Norfolk and Kent carried away a great part of the said goods.
By K.[10]

1322 - John Lutell kidnaps prior

[24 May 1322:]
The like [sc. commission of oyer and terminer] to the same justices [sc. John Inge, Nicholas de Wedergrave, and John de la Fosse] on complaint by William, prior of Goldclive in the marches of Wales, as shown in his petition exhibited before the king and Council, that William de Stratton, John Lutell, Griffin ap Henry, Roger Pyn, Roger Neweman, John Wolrich, Nicholas son of Robert de Runeston, Walter de Preston, Nicholas Smith, William Machoun, Nicholas Machoun, Llewelin ap Meurik, Gregory son of Lewelin ap Meurik, Philip Yevan, Thomas Ladde, Philip Seysild and John Randolf assaulted him at Morburne within his liberty of Goldclive, took him and imprisoned him for seven days, and afterwards took him to the castle of Uske and kept him there until he made fine with them by 100 marks, led away his horses and cattle at Morburne, Assh and Coudre within the said liberty, and carried away other goods of his. The jury to be taken from the lands specified in the preceding commission. By pet. of C.[11]

1322 - John Petit among plunderers at Cambridge

[18 May 1322:]
The like to Henry Spigurnel, Robert de Malberthorp, Walter de Friskeney and John de Heselarton, on the king's information that Simon de Refham, mayor of the town of Cambridge, William de Thackestede, William de Sledmere, John Pourfish and Robert de Biry, bailiffs of the town, John Pittok, clerk of the town, John Flemyng, John Andreu, John 'Richardsman le Tableter,' John le Sadeler, John son of Geoffrey le Irnemonger, John de Snaylwell, John son of William de Barnton, John de Brunne, [p. 170:] John de Leek, 'espicer,' John Robliard, John de Denford, John de Kymberle, John Bisshop, 'bakere,' John le Smith 'milner,' John Utlagh, John de Tychewell, John Baroun, John Knyvet, John do Trumpeton, John de Caumpes, John le Taverner, John le Cousyn', John de Byteryng, John do Seccheford, John son of Guy le Spicer, John Payn, John de Lincoln, John Edward, John le Hornyngesether, John le Barkere, John Sponge, John le Marchal, John de Sholdham, John Pawe and John his son, John de Ware, John le Clerc, John Pylat, John Brice, John le Fissher, John le Spenser, John de la Sale, John de Hyndercle, John le Taillour, John Freblod, John le Litester, John Moriz, John Berefot, John Kyng, John le Pastmaker, John de Snoryng, John de Maydenston, John de Comberton, John de Sancto Neoto, John de Northfolk, 'flesshmonger,' John le Blake, John Petit, John Scot, John de Evesham, John de Trumpeton, 'cok,' John le Yonge, 'glasewright,' John Merlyn, John de Launshill, John le Heyward, John 'Bernardesman le Baker, 'John Page, John de Lecton, John de Rokelond, John le Fanner, James son of Agnes le Fissher, James Godelomb, Laurence le Deer, Laurence de Hadenham, Laurence le Taillour, Laurence Pyttok, Matthew le Barker, David le Souter, Nicholas le Espicer, Nicholas de Haselyngfeld, Stephen Godeson, Stephen le Fourbour, Stephen 'Waltersman le Flesshmonger,' William Scot, William Flemyng, William le Pulter, William de Barenton, William le Forester, William Engayne, William Godyer, William le Lorymer of Disse, William de Bodekesham, William Aloum, William le Spicer, William de Haselyngfeld, William Tuylet, William son of John Pawe, William de Castre, William de Talworth, William Pope, William de Lenne, William Scoler, William de Biry, William le Whelwright, William Seman, William de Hindercle, the elder, William de Hindercle, the younger, William atte Gate, William le Auntoner, William de Wrastlyngworth, William atte Howes, William Holay, William Heyward, William Pellour, William le Toller, William Scot, 'le bakere,' William 'Richardesman le Tableter,' William de Driffeld, William Whitheved, 'cok,' William Sauvage, William Tuylet, 'fissher,' William de Holme, William le Milnere, William Redheved, William de Sengham, William de Pokelyngton, William Snoryng, Peter le Horner, Peter de Newenham, Peter de Bernyngham, Peter 'Williamesman Flemyng,' Adam son of Robert le Shoreman, Adam de Essex, Adam de Derham, Adam de Bungeye, Adam de la Fermerye, Alexander de Cesterton, Alexander le Beer, Alexander le Smyth, Alan de Refham, Ancelm de Costeseye, Alan Walshe, Alexander le Barker, Andrew de Hyche, Alexander de Bodekesham, Albred le Mercer, Alexander Robliard, Andrew le Litester, Andrew Fyton, Bartholomew Moryz, Bartholmew le Barker, Bartholomew le Walshe, Benedict de Biry, Brice de Reefham, Bernard le Baker, Berard le Baker, Geoffrey de Ely, Guy le Spicer, Gilbert de Chateriz, Geoffrey de Wardeboys, Geoffrey de Tychewell, Godfrey le Polter, Geoffrey de Lenne, Geoffrey de Thachested, Simon de Helpringham, Simon de Bradele, Simon atte Ponde, Simon Flemyng, Simon Sarteryn, Simon de Bitteryng, Thomas Nikeyt, Thomas de Kymberle, Thomas le Tournour, Thomas de Cotenham, Thomas de Leycestre, Thomas le Lorymer, Thomas le Furbour, Thomas le Surgien, Thomas 'Jonesman Edward,' Thomas son of Robert le Sherman, Thomas de Snaylwell, Thomas 'Rogeresman Prentiz,' Thomas Aleyn, Thomas Lawe, Thomas 'Roberdesman le Taverner,' Thomas le, Bro[un], 'cok,' Thomas Giffard, Thomas le Porter, Thomas Tunnok, Thomas de Barneton, Robert de Broune, Robert de Biry, Robert Spurnegold, Robert Martyn, 'fleshmonger,' Robert de Pinchebek, Robert de Ely, Robert Dunnyng, Robert le Goldsmyth, Robert Baroun, Robert le Taverner, Robert de Tichewell, Robert le Barber, Robert de Pagrave, Robert le Sherman, [p. 171:] Robert le Soutere, Robert de Gritton, Robert de Fulburne, Robert le Baker, Robert Hassok, Robert Scot, Robert le Longe, Robert le Bakere, Robert atte Ponde, Robert Thurrok, Robert Rolle, Robert le Pipere, Robert de Mordon, Robert le Wright of Cambridge, Ralph Sabbe, Richard le Tabletere, Richard Modibrok, Richard de Thackested, Richard Matclask, Richard de Roderham, Richard le Bakere, Richard Tuyllet, Richard Carde, Richard de Trippelowe, Richard de Mordon, Richard Pestour, Richard Dirivall, 'fleshmonger,' Richard Portage, Richard Ganne, Richard le Heyer, Richard atte Brok, Richard Gerwey, Roger le Cok, 'fleshmonger,' Roger de Sancto Neoto, Roger Fouk, Roger de Hemeye, Roger de Costeseye, Roger de Wycombe, Roger 'Williamesman Flemyng,' Roger de Kent, Reginald de Trumpyngton, Reginald de Ledbeter, Ralph le Bakestere, Ralph Balle, Ralph de Comberton, Ralph de Feltewell, 'pelleter,' Ralph Sabbe, Richer Portejoye, Hugh Flemyng, Hugh le Taverner, Hugh 'Jonesman le Mareschal,' Humphrey de Pyncebek, Henry de Grantesden, Henry de Mordon, Henry Swalwe, Henry le Bakere, Henry le Sheremon, Henry le Glovere, Henry le F[ulur], Henry de Wympol, Henry le Barker, Henry de Toft, 'le barber,' Henry 'Jonesman Andreu,' Henry de Scardeburgh, Henry le Mareschal, Henry de Beche, Edmund de Briggestrete, Eudo de Helpringham, Ivo le Fleshmonger, Walter le Fleshmonger, Walter le Dekne, Walter de Gasele, Walter de Salesbury, Walter de Bedeford, Walter de Coton, Walter de Elyngham, and Walter de Talworth of Cambridge with others attacked the inns of the masters and scholars of the University of Cambridge, and killed Walter de Shelton, parson of the church of Welton, etc. [as set forth on p. 151-153]. By pet. of C.[12]

1323 - John le Little confiscates ship at Newcastle-on-Tyne

[27 July 1323:]
To the mayor and bailiffs of Newcastle-on-Tyne. Whereas at the complaint of John Vanele and Claisus Hourel of Brugge, merchants of Flanders, that, after the truce lately made between the king's subjects and the men of the count of Flanders until Michaelmas next and proclaimed at Easter last, they and certain of their fellows loaded a ship in Flanders with wine, cloth, wax, and other wares, to the value of 900l., in order to bring the same to Newcastle-on-Tyne, John le Little, Roger Catour, Cokkus atte Wose, and certain others with them entered the ship by force on her voyage thither in the water of Tyne between Tynemuth and Newcastle, on Wednesday before St. George last, and assaulted the men and mariners of the ship, and arrested certain of them with the ship and goods, and delivered them and the ship and a great part of the goods to the aforesaid mayor and bailiffs to be detained under arrest, taking away with them nevertheless a great part of the goods, the king ordered the mayor and bailiffs, if they found the premises to be true, to release the said men and the ship and goods, and the king caused the ship and goods in the possession of the mayor and bailiffs to be delivered to the aforesaid merchants; and the king now understands that the aforesaid Roger and Cokkus have returned to Newcastle; he therefore orders the mayor and bailiffs to arrest the said Roger and Cokkus, and to cause them to be kept under safe custody until the aforesaid merchants have been satisfied for all their goods that came into the possession of Roger and Cokkus.

By K. on the information of Master R. de Baldok.[13]

1323 - Littele Johannes of Leicester

[?1326-29:]
Henry Cooper taken on suspicion of larceny and imprisoned in the prison of the town of Leicester, confessed that he stole a horse in Beaumondheye. He appealed Ric. le Thressher of aid in the felony and Ralph le Staleworthman dwelling in the street of the Abbey of Leicester that he helped him in a burglary and took 3s.. for his share of the clothes and brass stolen; he appealed also Geoff, le Pultere1 and Little John (Littele Johannes) his groom, Rob. Sabyn le Siveker and others for their share in other burglaries.

Et predictus appellator liberatus fuit ad Gaolam domini Regis Leycestrie.

[Editor's translation:]
And the said appellant was delivered to the King's gaol of Leicester.[14]

1325 - John le Luttle to be arrested

[27 May 1325:]
Appointment of Simon de Redyng, serjeant at arms, to arrest Richard atte Wose, John le Luttle and Roger le Catour and bring them to Neugate gaol to be delivered to the sheriffs there by indenture.
By K.[15]

1325 - Mariner John Petit released from the Tower

[1325. Dec. 31:]
To the treasurer and barons of the exchequer. Order to cause John Petit, mariner, Catour, mariner, and Cok' atte Wose, mariner, who are imprisoned in the Tower of London, to be released, upon their finding mainpernors that they will not eloign themselves and that they will be always ready at the king's pleasure when summoned in this behalf, so that by this mainprise they may go at large and sue to recover their debts for their discharge. The king has ordered the constable to bring them before the treasurer and barons, and to release them from prison at the order of the treasurer and barons.
By p.s. [7277.]

Mandate in pursuance to the constable. By p.s.[16]

1332 - John Petit at Canterbury

[1332:]
Pardon to the abbot of St. Augustine's, Canterbury, Nicholas Dagh, one
of the monks, John Petit the younger, and Thomas Everard, for having
rescued Master Peter de Dene, said to be a monk of the abbey, from the
custody of William de Reculvre, steward of the liberty of the archbishop
of Canterbury, who, by the king's command, had arrested him, with
William Chaunterel and John his brother, at Bisshopesbourne on an appeal
lately laid against them before the steward by Thomas de Fyndon that they
had robbed him at the abbey of 111 Florentines, worth 33 marks 3s. 4d.,
and of 6 dishes, 6 saucers, a cup, a water-pot and 6 spoons, all of silver,
and 25s. in money, and for having then brought him with the said
Florentines to Canterbury and there kept him in the abbey.     By p.s.
  Pardon, at the request of the abbot, to the said Master Peter de Dene for
the robbery, as Thomas de Fyndon has not prosecuted his said appeal
after the king had caused it to be brought before him.        By p.s.[17]

1336 - John Lytel of Long Melford

[10 Oct. 1336:]
Commission of oyer and terminer to Thomas Bacoun, Constantine de Auckland. Mortuo Mari, John Claver and Robert de Tolthorpe, on complaint by John, bishop of Ely, that whereas among other liberties granted to the church of St. Etheldreda, Ely, by kings of England, it has been granted [p. 367:] that all prisoners taken within thre bishop's lordship in the counties of Norfolk and Suffolk for robberies, larcenies, or any other right, ought, to be brought to his prison of Estderham, co. Norfolk, there to stand their trial, Giles de Wachesman, knt. [,] John de Depham, William de Boxstede, William de Totehale, Thomas de la Lee, Peter de Herling, William Rys, John de Stokes, Edmund de Neketon, John de Lavenham, Adam le Barbour, Thomas le Barbour of Lavenham, William le Parker of Meleford, John le Porter of Melford, John Lytel of Meleford, Gilbert le Barbour of St. Edmunds, John de Pynchebek, Thomas de Rammesdor, Richard en le Lane, 'coussour,' William Taylyfer, Richard le Fleccher and others took out of the custody of his bailiffs Adam le Tumour of Hecham, when they had arrested him at his house at Hecham, co. Suffolk, and were taking him to the said prison to stand his trial for stealing a cow and a mare, brought, him and the cow and mare without his lordship and liberty and assaulted his men and servants. By K.[18]

1339 - John Petit of Cornwall (2)

[26 July 1339:]
To the keeper of the Flete prison, or to him who supplies his place. Order to deliver the person of John Petit, sometime sheriff of Cornwall and the king's steward there, to Nicholas de la Beche, constable of the Tower of London, or to him who supplies his place, without delay, to be detained in the Tower until he has satisfied the king, as John was judged to the Flete prison because he was bound to the king in divers sums for the arrears of his account, and because he did not answer to the king for the wool collected by him in that county and for the money of the tenth and fifteenth received by him there; and the king has learned that John does not care to satisfy the king because he is not so strictly guarded in the prison as is fitting, and the king wishes him to be detained in stricter custody because he needs money speedily for his affairs in parts beyond the sea. The king has ordered the constable and him who supplies his place to receive John and keep him as aforesaid. By the keeper and C.[19]

1343 - John Petyt of Treslothan obstructs mining

[1343:]
The like [i.e. 'Commission of oyer and terminer to William de Shareshull, John de Stouford and Hugh de Berewyk'], on complaint by the duke that Michael de Trenewyth 'le fitz,' John Billioun, Henry Billioun, John de Depham, Thomas le Goldsmyth, John Petit of Tresulwythen, Richard Penpons and others by force prevent the stannary men of Cornwall from executing their office of the stannary, whereby he has lost the profit of his stannary and coinage there.By C.[20]

1343 - John Petyt of Treslothan steals flotsam

[1343:]
Commission of oyer and terminer to William de Shareshull, John de Stouford and Hugh de Berewyk, on complaint by Edward, duke of Cornwall and earl of Chester, that whereas the king by charter lately granted to him and his heirs, dukes of Cornwall, prises of wines, wreck of sea, and the stannary with the coinage thereof and the issues and profits thence arising, in the county of Cornwall, John, bishop of Exeter, John Dauney, 'chivaler,' John le Ercediakne, 'chivaler,' William de Botrigan, Nicholas, prior of St. Michael's Mount, John, prior of Bodmin, Adam, prior of Launceveton, William, prior of Trewerdraith, John Darundell, 'chivaler,' John de Medunta, dean of the church of St. Buryan, John de Oldestowe, Walter de Carmynou, Joan de Carmynou, Joan de Treveygnon, John de Treveygnon, John Kylmynaud, Winan Tirell, Michael de Trenewith the elder, Gerard Curteys, William de Botryaux, ' chivaler,' Walter de Kent, John de Gildeford, Edmund Hacleut, John Carpenter of Lostwithiel, John son of Gerard Curteys of Lostwithiel, Michael de Trenewith the younger, John Billioun, Hervey Byllioun, John de Dephain, Thomas le Goldsmyth, John Petyt of Tresulwythen, Bichard Penpons, Richard Bradboume of Cestre, Roger Bugoles, Richard Vyan of Pensans, Nicholas Heyroun of Suthampton, Robert le Heyr of Bristowe, John Loregod of Wynchelse, John Croke of Penryn, Reginald de Trethaeke, John Waleys of Penryn, Master William Casselake, Ongerus de Kernyk, Alan de Rosmeryn, John de Treveignor, Thomas Lewyn, John Carvyr, John Hobba of Polruan, John Valer of Sandewich, Adam le Touker of Grantpount, Ranulph Markaund, John Henxstrich, John de Alet, John de Tregolas, Robert Jan of Pawy and others, carried away goods washed ashore at Falemouth and elsewhere within the county, prevented him from taking the said prises in the ports of Loo, Fawy, Tuardrayth, Pentewyn, Gwyndreth, Seintmauduyt, Falemouth, Penryn, Lanryhorn, Maneeke, Lesard, Marghsiowe, Mousehole, Porthia, Lavanta, Seint Just, Seynt Deryan, Seynt Karantok, Patristowe, Portguyn, Portkaveran, Tyntagel, Botrescastell, Seynt Marywyke, Stratton and Turn, and carried tin as well in vessels as in block out of the country without his licence, rescued distraints and attachments made by his ministers, broke his parks at Lyskiret, Keribullok, Rostormel and Tremeton, and hunted in these and carried away his deer.[21]

1365 - John Pety of Seaton Delaval steals flotsam

[8 Feb. 1365:]
Commission of oyer and terminer to John de Strevelyn, John Moubray, Thomas de Ingelby, John de Fencotes, Roger de Fulthorp, Gocelin Sourteis and William de Kellowe, on complaint by William son of Michael de Flyssyng that, whereas a ship called Palmedagh of Flyssyng, laden at Le Scone with divers goods and merchandise of his, when sailing towards Newcastle-upon-Tyne, was driven by a storm on the coast by Seton Delavale, co. Northumberland, and the goods and merchandise were cast ashore, and he escaped to land alive, Alan Clerk, John Caritate, Robert Lange, Roger Watson, John Daweson, Roger Clerkson, Roger Hoghird, Robert Hoghird, John Husband, John Carter, John Wyly, Robert Forester, William de Bedelyngton, John Walssh, William Hyne, John Caleys, Richard 'Richard Watkynesmanservant,' Robert Baret, Robert Kyn, John 'Watkynman,' Thomas Wyld, William Gray, Richard Fox, Richard Brade, John Pety, Roger Salter and others, carried away the goods and merchandise. For 20s. paid in the hanaper.[22]

1366 - John Petit of Dunboyne

[26 Oct. 1366:]
Whereas Henry de Ferrariis and Joan, his wife, have shewn the king that whereas certain discords and debates lately arose between the said Henry and Walter Cusak, 'chivaler,' over the inheritance of the said Joan, and Henry and Walter were arrested by the king’s justices in Ireland and inhibited on the king’s behalf from doing anything against each other except by the law of Ireland, the said Walter and James le Hide, 'chivaler,' Simon son of John Cusak, 'chivaler,' Hugh son of William Petit, Cristallus Petit of Pireston, John Petit of Dunboyn, John Launsayn of Dyvelyn, John Rudipak and others of their confederacy, assuming to themselves the royal power, ejected the said Henry and Joan from Joan's inheritance of the annual value of 600 marks, by armed force, without any process of law, took away goods to the value of 500 marks from the manors and places of the said inheritance, assaulted and wounded the said Henry, and besieged him within his manor of Cluneye until he was rescued by Lionel, duke of Clarence, the king’s lieutenant, and so threaten the said Henry and Joan in life and limb that they dare not stay in those parts to prosecute their rights against the said Walter, to the contempt and prejudice of the king and their grave damage, and to the hurting of the king’s peace and the manifest terror of the king’s people in that part, the king has taken the said Henry and Joan, and their men, servants, lands, rents and possessions into his special protection for one year; directed to the said Lionel, and all other lieges in Ireland. By K.[23]

1374 - John Litle to be arrested

[15 July 1374:]
Commission to David Berdevyll, Henry Traynel, John Salesbury and John Bisouthe, serjeants-at-arms, for certain causes propounded before the king and council, to arrest John Kyttesone, John Longe, William Berkyngge, John Ermyn, John Lucas of Queneshithe, Thomas Skinner by ‘La Riolle,’ John Bylneye, William Bylneye, John Yonge, John Litle, Ralph Smith of Reynham, John Fullere of Dagunham, John Elyne, William Martlesham, John Grene, 'Picard,', John Whytbred, John Dodele, William Cook, John Tredegold, Richard Gerald, Roger Kendale, Henry Juwet, Robert Cavendish, John Sharp and Nicholas Wyndrawere, bring them to London and deliver them to the sheriffs to be kept safely in Neugate gaol until further order for their deliverance. By C.[24]

1467 - Pirate John Petyt of Mount's Bay

[1467:]
 Commission to Henry Bodrugan, Thomas Clemens and the sheriff of Cornwall, on complaint by John Dubrossay, merchant of Brittany, that three years ago, during the truce between the king and his kinsman the duke of Brittany, William Whyte, James Amelyn, Peter Jakharry, John Petyt, Thomas Kylegrewe and other malefactors and pirates in a ship of Mountesbay took a ship of his sailing at sea laden with 92 tuns of wine and took it to Cornwall, to arrest and imprison the said VVilliam, James, Peter, John and Thomas and to cause restitution to be made.[25]

1468 - Pirate John Petyt of St Ives

[1468:]
 The king lately by letters patent [...] commissioned Henry Bodrugan, esquire, and John Arundell of Talffern, esquire, to enquire into the complaint of John Dubrossay concerning the capture of a ship of his laden with wine, and the said Henry has returned into Chancery that Peter Jacherry of Porthia, Joceus Amell of the same, John Petyt of the same and William Whita of the same were owners of a ship called le Cristofer of Porthia, by which ship and the men in it the said ship and wine of John Dubrossay were captured, and that they and John Calmady of Lavaunta were victuallers of le Cristpfer and the said William was master and John Joseph and Gilbert Rous of Monahole were in the ship at the time of the capture, and 2 tuns of the wine came to the hands of John Basset, esquire, 3 tuns to William Trehere, vicar of Sent Keveran, 5 tuns to David Engoef of Sent la, 2 tuns to Agnes Trenuwith, 3 tuns to Thomas Lucombe, 1 tun to John Lome of Treswethen, 3 tuns to Thomas Lymby, 2 tuns to John Dawna of Roswory, 2 tuns to John Michell of Seynt Columbe, 1 tun to William Michell of Seynt Columbe, 2 tuns to Peter Gervas, 3 tuns to Amice Tregose, 2 tuns to William Lagher of Trurn, 4 tuns to William Clemowe of Marghaiowe, 2 tuns to John Gybbys of Pensans, 3 tuns to William Rosmoders, 4 tuns to William Reynold of Sentbreak, 5 tuns to the said John Calmady, 2 tuns to Richard Lelly, 2 tuns to Richard Houton, 3 pipes, worth 60s., to Thomas Trenthgans, 1 tun to James Dayowo of Pensans, 5 tuns to Gilbert Rous of Mousehole, 1 tun to Thomas Emot of Pensans, 3 tuns to Thomas Kellygrewe, 1 tun to Henry Dayowe, and 2 tuns to John Barry, each tun being worth 21. and the ship and the residue of the wine are in the hands of the said Peter, Joceus, John and William, but on account of the shortness of the time no arrest or restitution has been made. The king accordingly hereby commissions the said Henry and John to arrest the abovementioned persons and cause restitution to be made.[26]


Brief mention

Also see

Notes

  1. [Black, J. G.], compil.; [Maxwell-Lyte, Henry Churchill], introd. Calendar of the Patent Rolls Preserved in the Public Record Office (London, 1901), p. 470.
  2. [Black, J. G.], compil.; [Maxwell-Lyte, Henry Churchill], introd. Calendar of the Patent Rolls Preserved in the Public Record Office (London; Edinburgh and Glasgow; Dublin, 1898), pp. 399-400.
  3. Mills, James, ed. Calendar of the Justiciary Rolls on Proceedings in the Court of the Justiciar of Ireland Preserved in the Public Record Office of Ireland. Edward I. Part 2. XXIII to XXV Years (London, 1914), pp. 175-77.
  4. Mills, James, ed. Calendar of the Justiciary Rolls on Proceedings in the Court of the Justiciar of Ireland Preserved in the Public Record Office of Ireland. Edward I. Part 2. XXIII to XXV Years (London, 1914), p. 231.
  5. Mills, James, ed. Calendar of the Justiciary Rolls on Proceedings in the Court of the Justiciar of Ireland Preserved in the Public Record Office of Ireland. Edward I. Part 2. XXIII to XXV Years (London, 1914), pp 291-92.
  6. Mills, James, ed. Calendar of the Justiciary Rolls on Proceedings in the Court of the Justiciar of Ireland Preserved in the Public Record Office of Ireland. Edward I. Part 2. XXIII to XXV Years (London, 1914), p. 314.
  7. Mills, James, ed. Calendar of the Justiciary Rolls on Proceedings in the Court of the Justiciar of Ireland Preserved in the Public Record Office of Ireland. Edward I. Part 2. XXIII to XXV Years (London, 1914), p 359.
  8. [Handcock, G. F., compil.; Fowler, R. C., compil.; Maxwell-Lyte, Henry Churchill, introd.] Calendar of the Patent Rolls preserved in the Public Record Office: Edward II. A.D. 1313-1317 (London, 1898), p. 168.
  9. [Handcock, G. F., compil.; Fowler, R. C., compil.; Maxwell-Lyte, Henry Churchill, introd.] Calendar of the Patent Rolls preserved in the Public Record Office: Edward II. A.D. 1313-1317 (London, 1898), p. 356.
  10. [Handcock, G. F., compil.; Fowler, R. C., compil.; Maxwell-Lyte, Henry Churchill, introd.] Calendar of the Patent Rolls preserved in the Public Record Office: Edward II. A.D. 1313-1317 (London, 1898),p. 409.
  11. [Black, J. G.], compil.; [Handcock, G. F.], compil.; [Maxwell-Lyte, Henry Churchill], introd. Calendar of the Patent Rolls Preserved in the Public Record Office (London; London; Edinburgh; Dublin, 1905), p. 164.
  12. [Black, J. G.], compil.; [Handcock, G. F.], compil.; [Maxwell-Lyte, Henry Churchill], introd. Calendar of the Patent Rolls Preserved in the Public Record Office (London; London; Edinburgh; Dublin, 1905), pp. 169-70.
  13. [Stevenson, W. H., ed.; Woodruff, C. H., index.; Maxwell-Lyte, Henry Churchill, introd.] Calendar of the Close Rolls Preserved in the Public Record Office: Edward II. A.D. 1323–1327 (London, 1898), p. 10.
  14. Bateson, Mary, ed.; Stevenson, W. H., revis.; Stocks, J. E., revis.; Stocks, Helen, ed.; Creighton, Mandell, introd.; Chinnery, G. A., ed. Records of the Borough of Leicester: Being a Series of Extracts from the Archives of the Corporation of Leicester (London; Cambridge, 1899-1905), p. 379.
  15. [Black, J. G.], compil.; [Isaacson, Robert F.], compil.; [Maxwell-Lyte, Henry Churchill], introd. Calendar of the Patent Rolls Preserved in the Public Record Office (London, 1905), p. 123.
  16. [Stevenson, W. H., ed.; Woodruff, C. H., index.; Maxwell-Lyte, Henry Churchill, introd.] Calendar of the Close Rolls Preserved in the Public Record Office: Edward II. A.D. 1323–1327 (London, 1898), p. 437.
  17. [Isaacson, R.F., ed.; Maxwell-Lyte, Henry Churchill, ed.] Calendar of the Patent Rolls Preserved in the Public Record Office [...] Edward III. A.D. 1330-1334 (London, 1893), p. 239.
  18. [Isaacson, R.F., ed.; Maxwell-Lyte, Henry Churchill, ed.]. Calendar of the Patent Rolls Preserved in the Public Record Office. Edward III. A.D. 1334-1338 (London, 1895), pp. 366-67.
  19. [Hinds, Allen B., ed.; Maxwell-Lyte, Henry Churchill, introd.] Calendar of the Close Rolls preserved in the Public record Office: Edward III. [Vol. I.] A.D. 1339-1341 (London, 1901), p. 169.
  20. [Isaacson, R.F., ed.; Maxwell-Lyte, Henry Churchill, ed.] Calendar of the Patent Rolls Preserved in the Public Record Office [...] Edward III. A.D. 1343-1345 (London, 1902), p. 71 [item 3], inserted quote from [item 2].
  21. [Isaacson, R.F., ed.; Maxwell-Lyte, Henry Churchill, ed.] Calendar of the Patent Rolls Preserved in the Public Record Office [...] Edward III. A.D. 1343-1345 (London, 1902), p. 66.
  22. [Isacson, Robert F., compil.; Maxwell-Lyte, Henry Churchill, introd.; Dawes, M.C.B., index.]. Calendar of the Patent Rolls, preserved in the Public Record Ofice. Edward III. Vol. XIII. A.D. 1364–1367 (London; Edinburgh; Dublin, 1912), p. 138.
  23. [Isacson, Robert F., compil.; Maxwell-Lyte, Henry Churchill, introd.; Dawes, M.C.B., index.]. Calendar of the Patent Rolls, preserved in the Public Record Ofice. Edward III. Vol. XIII. A.D. 1364–1367 (London; Edinburgh; Dublin, 1912), p. 202.
  24. [Isaacson, Robert F., compil.; Maxwell-Lyte, Henry Churchill, introd.; Dawes, M.C.B., index.]. Calendar of the Patent Rolls, preserved in the Public Record Ofice. Edward III. Vol. XV. A.D. 1370–1374 (London; London and Cardiff; Edinburgh; Dublin, 1914), p. 491.
  25. [Fowler, R. C., compil.; Isaacson, R. F., compil.; Maxwell-Lyte, Henry Churchill, introd.] Calendar of the Patent Rolls preserved in the Public Record Office: Edward VI. Henry VI. A.D. 1467–1477 (London, 1900), p. 54.
  26. [Fowler, R. C., compil.; Isaacson, R. F., compil.; Maxwell-Lyte, Henry Churchill, introd.] Calendar of the Patent Rolls preserved in the Public Record Office: Edward VI. Henry VI. A.D. 1467–1477 (London, 1900), p. 104.