The History of Edmund del Clay

The first mentions we have of Edmund del Clay are in 1368/9 in a document in the National Archives  DL25/1103.

Edmund del Clay to Ellis de Blacbourn: Demise, indented, for ten years, of a messuage and land in Everton and Harwell, (Herwell)

Nottinghamshire.

Everton is a village and civil parish in Nottinghamshire, England. Located on the A631 between Gainsborough and Bawtry, it is part of Bassetlaw district. The parish includes the village of Harwell.

And in the abstracts of Inquisitions post mortem relating to Nottinghamshire,  vol 4, page 85, fil C145/212/5

Adam de Doncastr, William de Wyston, William by the Lane, John Ry.. me and John son of Thomas de Claworth, who say that Alice de Pereres held neither lands nor tenements in the county aforesaid in her demesne as a fee or in reversion, but had the manor of Fyllyngley for 3 years by the grant of Edward del Clay, who had no statute here, on the Sunday after the feast of St. Luke the Evangelist 42 Edw. III [22 Oct. 1368]. 

Next we have mention of him on the 16th of October 1370 in the Calendar of Plea rolls

Membrane  9 b, 16 Feb. 1370

Writ of certiorari, dated 16 Feb. Aº 44 Edw. III [1369-70], which relates that one Richard Page feloniously killed Thomas Bernard, and that being captured, he was sent to the Marshals, whence Richard de Imworth, the keeper, permitted him to depart in hand-prison, on a surety of £100 subscribed by Edmund del Clay, and that the criminal failing to surrender, the keeper pursued the said Edmund before the mayor, and recovered the £100. Simon de Mordon, former mayor, is charged to send the record and minutes of this action to the Exchequer.

Then in 1374 on the 12th of April in the Calendar of close Rolls

 John Brett, "knight," going to Ireland in the king's service, has letters from Westminster appointing John de Freton, clerk, and Thomas de Sutton as his attorneys (in England) for one year. He has similar letters appointing Hugh Gaudeby, clerk, and Edmund del Clay, as above. He has similar letters appointing Thomas de Staunton and Nicholas de Baukewell

On the 15th of June in the same year, again in the Calendar  of Close  Rolls, volume 14, membrane 23d

Writing of Henry Botiler of Staynton, being a quitclaim with security to John Payn, citizen and gunsmith of London and Edmund de Clay of Fynynglay, their heirs and assigns, of the manor of Staynton, county of York, by Tykhull and all other lands, rents and services which they have by his gift and feudality, hereby forbidding all action and claim of the said Henry and his heirs. Dated London, 15th June 48 Edward III.

Memorandum of acknowledgment in the Chancery of Westminster, 15th June.

In the December of 1375, Edmund is listed as a commisioner for Nottingham in the Calendar of Close Rolls.

Adam de Everyngham de Laxton, William de Wychyngham, Thomas de Ingelby, Simon de Leek, Robert de Morton, Robert Martell, Thomas de Staunton, John Stanhop and Edmund de Clay; Nottingham. 

1377

At the beginning of January, the 16th, 1377 in the Calendar of Close Rolls,, membrane 2d, we find.

Commission to Edmund Clay, William Topclyf, Thomas Harcherugge ster. and Henry Lincoln, to make an inquiry on oath among the honest men of the county of Kent, concerning a complaint made by the prior and preaching friars of Canterbury, that the abbot of St. Augustine, in Canterbury, hath lately caused the banks of the river of his mill, called "Abbotesmylne," in Canterbury, by their rectory, to be raised so high, as to prevent the water from running in its ancient course through the river, which daily floods the houses, walls, and gardens of them and others.

On March the 14th, 1377, in the Calendar of Close Rolls, membrane 33d.

John Cressy, William de Skypwyth, Simon de Leek, William de Burgh, Robert de Morton, Robert Martell, Thomas de Staunton, John Stanhop and Edmund de Clay; Nottingham.

In the 51st year of Edward III, 1377, on April the 17th, in the Calendar of Close Rolls, volume 14, membrane 14d, we have

Written by William Batesford and Richard Halle, being a relinquishment to Hugh de Badewe knight, Walter Frost, Ellis Thorp, Sir Robert of Chilton chaplain, Sir Thomas Cuntasthorp chaplain, Thomas Joel clerk and Henry de Crofton, their heirs and assigns, of the manor of Gasselyns otherwise called 'Gasselynpark and Holewelle, of all lands, rents, services and reversions of whatsoever nature in Hertfordshire which they had the said William and Richard with Roger Asshebournham and Edmund del Clay by gift, devolution, lease or feudalism of Simon de Lek knight of the county of Cotom. Notyngham, and of all the lands, homage, rents, services, reversion, liberties, warrens, meadows, orchards, pastures, commons, woods, groves, fish ponds and fisheries in Hatfeld, Memorandum of acknowledgment in the Chancery of Westminster, April 17.

In the Calendar of the Close Rolls, June 20th 1377,  membrane 4d, we have.

To the Keepers of the Passage in the Port of London, Dovorre or Sandewich. Order to permit Robert Eure, Edmund del Clay, Nicholas Potyn and John Dovy, three and two of them, in one of those Ports to pass by Sea without a License with twelve Servants and sixteen Horses in their Company, carrying £5,000 Sterling both in Money and Jewels, notwithstanding any Order of the King previously addressed to the Keepers to the contrary; for they travel thither with the King's License.

On the 20th of June, Edward III died. 

Richard II now reigns.

Edmund is reappointed a commissioner on July the 2nd 1377, Calendar of the Patent Rolls membrane 20d.

Commission of the peace in the county of Kent at Edm minster, bridge, John de Cobham, Robert Belknap, Roger de Asty, William Horn, Thomas de Shardelowe, Nicholas Garwynton, Thomas Archerugg, William Tydecombe an Smethe, according to the statutes of Winchester, Northam minster.

The same as those following in the places named John Cressy, William de Skipwyth, Simon de Leek, Robert de Morton, Robert Martell, Edmund de Staunton and John Stanhope, in the county of Nottingham.

In the latter part of 1377, Edmund was working for Alice Perrers, who had been Edward III mistress and was now reputed to be the wealthiest woman in England. Edward's son Richard II was trying to recoup some of this wealth. Thus in the Calendar of Patent Rolls, on December the 3rd, 1377, we find an entry and this follows up on the 23rd of January 1378.

Writ to Roger Keterich, escheator in the county of Essex and Hertford, to take into the king's hand the lands and goods belonging to Alice Perrers and to make a return of their value. Westminster. 3 December 1 Richard II. [1377.] By C. in Parliament.

A return that the escheator has taken into the king's hand all the lands and goods contained in the annexed inquisitions, except those taken out of the county of Hertford by William Gillehouse.

1378

Inquisition. Maldon. 23 January 1 Richard II. [1378.] William Aucy, kinsman and heir of Robert de Haveryng, by a fine levied at the king's court, granted two thirds of the manor of Westnewelond in the town of St. Lawrence and Steple, of a value of 1058. 4d. per annum besides rents and services, and the reversion of the other third after the death of Lora, the last wife of John de Haveryng, knight, to Clement Spice. After which the said William and two women, names unknown, declared themselves the next co-heirs of the said Robert of the said two thirds and reversion, whereof the said Alice made them enfeoff Nicholas Heryng, Edmund de Clay, Robert Broun de Warewyk and John Vyncent to her use and she herself took the profits of the said two thirds to the date of this inquiry. She also holds the manor of Bradewell by grant from King Edward III. during the minority of Mary de Percy, granddaughter (filia) and heiress of John de Orby, knight. It contains a messuage, garden, court, and dovecote of no net annual value, as they are ruinous; 360 acres of arable land worth 10l. 158. per annum at 8d. per acre (sic); 8 acres of meadow worth 28. per annum at 8d. per acre (sic); 60 acres of pasture worth 408. per annum at 8d. per acre; 4 acres of wood, the undergrowth of which is of no value on account of the shade of the large trees; a windmill in poor repair which is of no value; rents of free tenants worth 1008. per annum; the plowing of 10 acres from various customary tenants, worth 108. per year; autumn harvest work of 60 acres from various customary tenants, worth 108. net per year; 500 small works from various customary tenants between Michaelmas

From the National Archives  SC 8/18/891 

William de Wyndesore and Alice his wife state that there are several errors in the record, process and judgment brought against Alice, under the name of Alice Perrers, in the last parliament held at Westminster. They request permission to sue by the law of the land in parliament to reverse that judgment, notwithstanding Alice's banishment by that judgment and that they might do so by their attorneys, Edmund del Clay and Robert Brom of Warwick, jointly and separately in the said case.

In a Memorandum of acknowledgment of the parties at the Chancery of Westminster, April 22nd, Calendar of the Close Rolls, membrane 8d.

Hugh Bures to John Costantyn, Edmund del Clay and Richard Pecche, their heirs and assigns. Charter with security of a messuage, 250 acres of land, 3 acres of meadow, 12 acres of wood, 50s. rent and a rent of 42 hens and 300 eggs at Lullyngeston Payforer, and of all reversions, rights &c. in that town some time at the seisin of William Chelesfeld or William Payforer and Lora his wife; and the grantor gave them possession of the premises as well by delivery of seisin as by acknowledgment of tenants whatsoever. Witnesses (as the last). Dated Lullyngeston aforesaid, Thursday of Easter week 1 Richard II. 

And following that, we have from the Calendar of the Close Rolls, membrane 6d.

John Costantyn, Edmund de Clay and Richard Pecche to John Pecche, citizen of London, and Mary his wife, and the heirs and assigns of the said John Pecche. Charter of a messenger, 250 acres of land, 3 acres of meadow, 12 acres of wood, 508. rent and a rent of 42 hens and 300 eggs at Lullyngston Payforer, and the reversionaries &c. in that town some time at the seisin of William Chellesfeld or William Payforer and Lora his wife, which the grantors had by fee of Hugh Bures, provided that the language of the grant is only an injunction against the grantors and their heirs, and does not require them to secure the premises or to compensate the value thereof. Witnesses: Richard Mabank, Stephen Edolf, Robert Curtays, John Chapmansford, William de Eton, John de Eton, Roger Kirkeby de Horton. Dated at Lullyngston aforesaid, the eve of St. Philip and St. James.

Richard II. Memorandum of thanks from Edmund de Clay and Richard Pecche, 4 May.

From a memorandum of acknowledgement, court rolls, 4th June.

Deed of termination of the above-mentioned rent, on condition that Adam Baunne, citizen and goldsmith of London, and Edmund del Clay be kept clear of two bonds of 500/. made by them to Roger fitz Andrewe de Wyllyngale and William Chipstede, citizen and fishmonger of London, for certain agreements relating to Thomas Cobyon (sic) contained in an unsealed receiver and delivered to an indifferent hand. Dated 26th May 1 Richard II. French.

And from the Calendar of Close rolls 1378, membrane 5d

William de Wod Eynderby, clerk to Adam Baunne, citizen and goldsmith of London and Edmund del Clay, their heirs and assigns. Grant with security of an annual rent of 50 marks of lands &c. in Leyndon, Burstede, Estlee and Westlee co. Essex which he had by fee of Thomas Gobyon; and he seised them by livery of 12d. Witnesses: Thomas Gobyon, John Gobyon, John Goldman. Dated 24th May 1 Richard II.

Memorandum of acknowledgment, 4th June.

Deed of termination of the above rent, on condition that Adam Baunne, citizen and goldsmith of London and Edmund del Clay be held free of two distinct bonds of 500l. by them made to Roger fitz Andrewe de Wyllyngale and William Chipstede citizen and fishmonger of London for certain agreements concerning Thomas Cobyon (sic) contained in an unsealed receiver and delivered to an indifferent hand. Dated 26th May 1 Richard II. French. Memorandum of acknowledgment by the parties, 4th June.

From the Calendar of the Close Rolls, membrane 32d, on the 18th of July 1378.

To the Sheriff of Bedford. Writ of supersedeas, by hand of Westminster. Edmund Clay of Notynghamshire, John de Kirkeby of Yorkshire, John Cauntelo of Wiltesir and William de Huntyngdon of London, in favour of William Bromesford and Isabel his wife at the request of Agnes who was the wife of Henry Huntyngfeld for alleged trespass by them and John Gower. 

 And again with the same date, from the Caalendar of the Close Rolls,18th July, membrane 31d.

To the sheriff of Bedford. A writ of substitution, by decision of Edmund Clay of Nottinghamshire, John de Kirkeby of Yorkshire, John Cauntelo of Wiltesir and William de Huntyngdon of London, in favour of William Bromesford and Isabel his wife at the instance of Agnes who was the wife of Henry Huntyngfeld for alleged trespass by them and John Gower.

Petition of Sir William Windsor and Alice Perrers. NA SC8/18/891

1379

On the 27th of April 1379, we have Edmund Del Clay and John Costatyn of London chasing a debt of 100 Pounds before William de Walworth, Mayor of the staple of Westminster. The debtor was one Raynauld de London, carpenter.  The debt appears to be from 1377. TNA C241/164/84

From the Calendar of the Close Rolls, membrane 6d.

William de Wod Eynderby clerk to Adam Baunne citizen and goldsmith of London and Edmund del Clay, their heirs and assigns. Grant with security of an annual rent of 50 marks of lands &c. in Leyndon, Burstede, Estlee and Westlee co. Essex which he had by fee of Thomas Gobyon; and he seised them by livery of 12d. Witnesses: Thomas Gobyon, John Gobyon, John Goldman. Dated 24th May 1 Richard II. Memorandum of acknowledgment, 4th June.

Act of termination of the above-mentioned rent, provided that Adam Baunne, citizen and goldsmith of London and Edınıund del Clay shall be held harmless from all liability in respect of two separate bonds of 500l. made by them to Roger fitz Andrewe of Wyllyngale and William Chipstede, citizen and fishmonger of London for certain clauses relating to Thomas Cobyon (sic) contained in an unsealed and delivered sequestration

In July of 1379, Alice perrers and her husband first appointment Edmund as their attorneys. TNA C 49/9/5

Appointment by William de Wyndesore and his wife Alice [Perrers] of Edmund del Clay and Robert de Warwick as their attorneys in a plea of error in parliament

From the Calendar of the Close Rolls,  membrane 39d

John Lyvet of Hoton Lyvet to Robert de Rockeley and Edmund del Clay, their heirs and assigns. Quitelaim with security, subject to rescission in case he, his heirs &c. should pay at Michaelmas 1381 or forty days before or after 20l. in the presence of the clerk of the chancery rolls for the time being, of the manor of Hoton Lyvet, and all the lands, rights, avows &c. in Hoton aforesaid, which the said John has lately given them by charter under a like condition of payment of 224 marks. Dated 12th July 3 Richard II. Memorandum of Acknowledgment, 15th July.

1380

From the Calendar of the Close Rolls, 16th of April 1380, membrane 18

Licence for Henry Marchant of Retford to load a last time hides at every Westminster. from the ports of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Hertilpool, Whiteby and Scardeburgh- and to convey the same to Bautre, county of York, Edmund del Clay and Robert Mason of Retford having become his principal mainpernors in 40l.

Once again, appointed as a commissioner of the peace, Calendar of the Patent Rolls, membrane 13d, 26th of May

John, Duke of Lancaster, William de Ufford, Earl of Suffolk, John de Cavendish, Robert Howard, William de Kerdeston, Stephen de Hales, John Holt, Edmund Gournay, Reginald de Eccles, John Holkham, Robert Kayly and Nicholas de Massyngham, in the county of Norfolk, excepting in Norwich and Lenn and their suburbs. John, Duke of Lancaster, Adam de Everyngham, John Cressy, William de Skipwyth, Sampson de Strelley, William de Burgh, Robert de Morton, Robert Martill, Thomas de Merdeley, Elias de Thoresby, Edmund del Clay, and John de Gaytford, in the County of Nottingham. 

From the Calendar of the Close Rolls, membrane 4d on the 24th of December 1380

Association of Walter de Urcewyk with John, duke of Lancaster, Adam ster. of Everyngham, John Cressy, William de Skipwyth, Sampson of Strelley, William de Burgh, Robert de Morton, Robert Martill, Edmund del Clay, Thomas de Merdeley and John de Gaytford, in the commission of the peace in the county of Nottingham, in place of Elias de Thoresby.

1381

From the book, Some account of the worshipful grocers of London, 1829, John Benjamin Heath, page 208

Sir John Peche, Knight,  purchased the manor of Lullingstone, in Kent, from the agents of Gregory of Rokesley, Lord Mayor of London, in 1361; and in the same year, making it his seat, he obtained from Edward III a charter of free warren for all his lands, which was confirmed to him in the following year. He died in the fourth year of King Richard II, in possession of Lullingstone, when it was discovered, by an inquest made after his death, that he was then seized, jointly with Mary, his wife, of a messuage, of two hundred and fifty acres of arable land, three acres of meadow, twelve acres of wood, 50s. rent and forty-two hens at Lullingstone and Peyfrere, of the fief of John Constantyn, Edmund de Claye and Richard Peche, which places were held by the king in honour of Leedes, as the fourth part of a knight's fief, by the service of a pair of gilt spurs, of a price of 6d.

From the Calendar of the Patent Rolls, 28th December 1381, membrane 5

Robert de Eure, going to Ireland in the service of the king, has letters appointing Edmund del Clay and William de Bool, clerk, his advocates in England for one year.

1382

From the 21st of February 1382

To the sheriff of Surrey. Writ of reprieve, by the hand of Robert of Stminster. Lockesley of Surrey, Edmund de Clay of Nottinghamshire, William de Louth of London "goldsmyth" and Peter atte Hethe of London "armourer", in favour of Thomas Waleys the younger and John Hadresham the elder, were ordered to find offenders on information which they intended to transmit abroad in order to prosecute many things to the prejudice of the king and many people contrary to the law.

In 1382, Edmund was once again, appointed as a commissioner of the peace, for Nottinghamshire.

From the Calendar of the Patent Rolls, 1382, membrane 23d

John, Duke of Lancaster, John Cressy, William de Skypwyth, Samuel de Strelley, William de Burgh, Robert de Morton, Robert Martyll, Walter de Urcewyk, Edmund del Clay, Thomas de Merdeley, John de Gaytford and John de Markham, in the County of Nottingham, John, Duke of Lancaster,

From the Calendar of the Close Rolls, 26th of November 1382, membrane 9

To John Cary. Ordered under penalty of 100/. at sight &c. to cease all excuses and to prepare himself on Monday before the next Purification to take upon himself the status and rank of a serjeant at law with other persons commissioned by the king to do so. By K. and C. The same to Edmund de Clay and John Hille.

1383

From the Calendar of the Patent Rolls CP 25/1/278/142 no 37

The day after All Souls, 6 Richard [II] [3 November 1382]. And afterwards two weeks from Easter in the same year [5 April 1383].

Edmund del Clay, John de Finyngley of Blaxtan and Thomas Wrote, chaplain, querents, and John Loueday of Alklay the younger and Agnes, his wife, deforciants.

1 messuage and 10 acres of land in Alklay.

Agreement: John Loueday and Agnes have acknowledged the tenements to be the right of Edmund, as those which Edmund, John de Finyngley and Thomas have of their gift, and have remised and quitclaimed them from themselves and the heirs of Agnes to Edmund, John de Finyngley and Thomas and the heirs of Edmund for ever.

For this: Edmund, John de Finyngley and Thomas have given them 10 marks of silver.

Inq. (indented) taken at Eyum, 8th May, 6th Richard II. (source to be verified)

He held the manors below in common with Thomasia, his wife, who is still living, by feofment of Edmund de Claye and ?, Eyum.

From the Calendar of the Close Rolls, 1st of June 1383, membrane 40d

John Whytteley of Holmhirst to Edmund de Clay and John Woderove, their heirs and assigns. Charter indented with warranty of all his lands in the parish of Thornhill co. York, with condition for defeasance thereof upon payment of 10 marks in the parish church of Wakefeld within two years, or if they shall commit waste to the value of 20s. during that term, or make any longer demise of the premises: proviso that no payment of the said sum at any other place shall be allowed, and bond of the grantees in 20 marks payable at Wakefeld within one half year after the said term to the grantor and to William Woderove vicar of Wakefeld, in case such payment be not made and the grantor shall be ready to make a release of the premises. Witnesses: Stephen de Falle, Richard Beverlay, Adam de Wombewelle, Thomas Kirkeby, William Atkynson of Holmhirst. Dated 1 June 6 Richard II.

From the Calendar of the Close Rolls, 9th of June, membrane 1

To William Sallowe escheator in Notynghamshire and Derbyshire. Order to remove the king's hand and meddle no further with the manors of Wirsop co. Notyngham, Eyum, Midelton, Baumford and Brassyngton co. Derby, delivering to Thomasia late the wife of William de Furnyvalle knight any issues thereof taken; as the king has learned by inquisition, taken by the escheator, that at his death the said knight held the manor of Wirsop as jointly enfeoffed with her by gift of Robert Savage and John Gaytford, and the said other manors by gift of Edmund del Claye and Robert de Shefeld, and that they are held of others than the king.

From the Calendar of the Close Rolls, 4th of November 1383, membrane 18d

Commission of oyer and terminer to William de Skypwyth, Robert de er. Morton, Hugh de Ansleye, John de Gaytford and Edmund Claye, on complaint by the prioress of Brodeholm that William Wauterson, John in the Croft, John Henryson of Saxilby and others broke her close at Brode- holm, co. Nottingham, felled her trees and underwood, dug in her soil, carried off earth, trees, underwood and other goods, depastured her corn and grass, assaulted her servants, besieged and threatened her and her nuns in the priory with death.

1384

From the Book of Dignities, J. Hadyn, H. Ockerby, 1894, page 580

On the 27th of February 1384, Edmund was appointed Chief Justice of the common pleas of Ireland.

To the sheriff of Norffolk. Writ of supersedeas, by mainprise of Robert Carbonelle and John Fale of Suffolk, in favour of William Wattes of Antyngham at suit of Richer de Wychyngham for debt.

From the Calendar of the Close Rolls, 23rd of March, 1384, membrane 9d

Robert de Morton of Bautre to Richard de Chestrefelde clerk prebendary of the monastery of St. Mary Suthwelle, Henry de Barton rector of Bolton, James de Kyneton rector of Hedoun, Nicholas Dawbenay (Dawebenay) rector of Claworth, John de Lamley (Lameley) rector of a mediety of Eykrynge church, John de Markhain, Edmund de Sandford, John de Gaytford and Hugh de Harworth of Blyth, their heirs and assigns. Charter with warranty of all his lands, fisheries, rents, reversions etc. in Counesburgh, Staynforde, Fysshelak, Haytefeld (Haytfeld), Thorne, Fynyngley, Bramperoft, Austrefeld, Heseley, Lympole, Tykhille, Bautre and Doncastre co. York, Marton, Harworth, Styrappe, Oulecotes, Farewathe, Norney, Serelby, Blyth, Skaftworth, Mysyn, Lounde, Great Morton, Little Morton, Weston, Muskham, Edenestowe, Scroby and Eykrynge co. Notyngham, except the manor of Eykryng as the grantor had it by gift of Thomas de Roos lord of Hamelake. Witnesses: John de Loudeham, John de Aunesley, Thomas Hercy knights, Bertram de Bolyngbroke, Robert ton and Edmund de Martell, William de Saundeby, John de Bughton Burton of Notynghamshire, William fitz William, William de Melton, Thomas de Reresby knights, Thomas son of Thomas de Reresby, Edmund del Clay, Thomas Elys, William Elys, John Elys, Richard Lewer and Robert de Eland of Yorkshire. Dated Bautre, the Nativity of the Virgin 7 Richard II.

From the Calendar of the Patent Rolls, 16th of February, membrane 20d

Commission of oyer and terminer to Roger de Fulthorp, Robert Roos of inster. Ingmanthorp, Edmund del Claye and John de Kirkeby touching the persons Ralph who at Semere, co. York, abducted Philippa, wife of Ralph de Percy, knight, and still detain her.

From the Calendar of the Close Rolls, 28th of May, 1384 membrane 51d

Commission of oyer and terminer to Roger de Fulthorp, Robert Roos of inster. Ingmanthorp, Edmund del Claye and John de Kirkeby touching the persons Ralph who at Semere, co. York, abducted Philippa, wife of Ralph de Percy, knight, and still detain her.

From the Calendar of the Close Rolls, 10th of July, 1384, membrane 43d

To the sheriff of York. Writ of supersedeas omnino in favour of John de Halsham, put in exigents in Yorkshire to be outlawed for that being indicted he came not before Roger de Fulthorp, Robert Roos of Ingmanthorp, Edmund del Clay and John Kirkeby justices, of whom the said Roger should be one, appointed by the king to make inquisition by true men of Yorkshire what evildoers etc. at Semere ravished and abducted Philippa wife of Ralph de Percy knight, his goods and chattels. By letter of the signet.

To the sheriff of York. Writ of supersedeas until the quinzaine of Michaelmas next in favour of John Halsham, put in exigents by process before Roger de Fulthorp and his fellows justices appointed to hear and determine an alleged trespass against Ralph de Percy knight committed at Semere by the said John and others; as it is the king's will that the parties come before him for the sake of agreement. By the same letter.

1385

In 1385,  in another Book  of Dignities, Joseph Haydn lists Edmund del Clay, as Chief Justice of the common pleas in Ireland. We believe this to be the correct date.

Patent Roll, 9 Richard II

Item no. 18

Westminster 27 February 1385

Rch-Image - 123/18

'APPOINTMENT of Edmund del Clay as chief justice of the common bench of Ireland 27th February [1385] 8 Richard II.'1

Attested:  English great seal

Authorised:  By letters of the King's signet.

In the Patent Rolls of Richard II,  14th of June 1385

Protection with clause volumus for one year for Edmund de Clay, chief stminster. justice of the Common Bench in Ireland, going thither to execute his office. By p.s. The said Edmund has letters nominating John Amyas and Thomas Stokes, his attorneys for one year.

Thomas de Stanley, clerk, received the attorneys by licence of John de Waltham, clerk. The said Edmund has the like nominating John de Gaytford and John Beckyngham.

The said Thomas received the attorneys.

From the Medieval Soldier Database we find.

John Large was one of only 4 soldiers whose names were entered in the Letters of Protection and Attorney database on 15th June 1385, amongst 10 records of 8 men recorded on that day. These were John Bacun, Nicholas Parys, Stephen Quyntyn and John Whitman, who each took Letters of Attorney, destined for overseas duties. John de Burghchier, Knight, man-at-arms planned for duty in Ghent, Flanders, Richard Cole from Thoralby, Yorkshire E[ast] R[iding]/N[orth] R[iding], for service in Ireland under the captaincy of Edmund [de] Clay, the Chief Justice of Ireland, and Robert (surname, origin and rank not given) for service in Scotland under the captaincy of Reginald Hockere. 

In the Patent rolls of Richard II no 9,  membrane 23, 17th of July 1385.

Protection with clause volumus for one year for Hugh Braundyssh, Westminster. going to Ireland on the king's service in the company of Edmund de Clay, chief justice there. 

In the Patent rolls of Richard II no 9, we find on the 2nd of  October 1385.

APPOINTMENT of Edmund del Clay, chief justice of the common bench, William Langham and Rob concerning seditions [etc.] in cos. Kildare, Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford, Waterford, Tipperary, Cork and Limerick.

From the Patent Rolls of Richard II, no 9, we find on the 26th of October 1385.

APPOINTMENT of Edmund del Clay, chief justice of the common bench, and Richard Gyft all pleas on this occasion in cos. Kildare, Carlow and Wexford.

In the Patent Rolls of Richard II no 9, we find on the 6th of November 1385.

[To the T. and chamberlains of the Ex.].

ORDER to pay £14 6s 8d to Edmund Clay, chief justice of the bench of Ire., who was appointed to hea Meath and Louth, viz. 40d a day for the 86 days on which he was occupied concerning the premises.

To the T. and chamberlains of the Ex.j.

ORDER to pay £10 to Edmund Clay, chief justice of the common bench, his fee for a quarter year.

In the Patent Rolls of Richard II, no 9, membrane 14, 28th of November 1385.

Revocation of protection with clause volumus for one year granted 17 Westminster. July last to Hugh Braundyssh as going to Ireland on the king's service in the company of Edmund de Clay, chief justice of Ireland, because he is not preparing to go.

1386

From the Patent Rolls of Richard II, no 9, 16th of January 1386

To the T. and chamberlains of the Ex.].  

ORDER to pay Edmund del Clay, chief justice of the common bench, £10 arrears of his annual fee of £40.

From the Calendar of the Close Rolls

To Alexander bishop of Meath, Robert de Crulle clerk and Edmund del Clay. Strict order to arrest Philip de Courtenay late the king's lieutenant in Ireland with his goods there whatsoever, and to keep him under honourable arrest and his goods in safe custody, so that he depart not until a lieutenant be sent thither for governance of Ireland by Robert de Veer marquess of Dublin and earl of Oxford, to whom the king has given for life the land and lordship of Ireland to hold of the king with the royalties, liberties, customs etc. which pertain or may pertain to the king's regality, reserving to the king the homages, resort and sovereignty thereof and all allegiances, which lieutenant shall have authority to make inquisition concerning intolerable oppressions, duresses, excesses etc. committed, as the king is informed, by the said Philip while lieutenant against great number of the king's lieges of Ireland, to which no remedy is applied, to hear and correct the plaints of all who will sue for themselves, and to do justice to the parties, and order so to behave that the king shall have no matter for wrath against them as those who despise his command; as the king's will is that justice be done to every one of such lieges, and that the said Philip be justified before his departure, as law and the custom of Ireland require. By K.

From the Patent Rolls of Richard II, no 9, 18th of September 1386.

MEMORANDUM¹ that on 30 Aug. [1386] in the present year, the noble John Stanley, Lt of Robert [de Vere] marquis of Dublin, landed at Dalkey in the afternoon. On 1 Sept., he arrived at Dublin and, on 18 Sept., letters patent made to the Lt and sealed under the g.s. of the said lord marquis were displayed and read out in the great chamber [magna camera] of Dublin castle in the presence of the venerable father Alexander [Balscot], bp Meath, C. of the lord marquis in Ire.; Robert Crull clk, T. of the lord marquis there; brother Thomas Scurlag, abbot of St Thomas the Martyr near Dublin; Maurice fitz Thomas, e. Kildare; Edmund del Clay, chief justice of the chief place, and John Tyrell, chief justice of the common bench of the said marquis in that land; and others. The tenor of those letters was as follows:

From the Patent Rolls of Richard II, no 10, 20th of September 1386.

APPOINTMENT of Edmund Clay and John Tyrell to inquire into whose hands came the goods and chattels of Philip Courtenay kt, formerly Lt of Ire. who owed various sums of money to the K. and the lord marquis, as well as various others-, and by what colour, how and in what manner.

Patent Roll, 10 Richard II

Item no. 58

Dublin 20 September 1386

Rch-Image - 132/49

APPOINTMENT by the marquis, during pleasure, of Edmund del Clay as chief justice at pleas [etc.], with the fee and wages that John Keppok, formerly chief justice of the King, was accustomed to receive.

Authorised:  By petition endorsed by the justiciar and council, and sealed with the privy seal

Patent Roll, 10 Richard II

Item no. 262

Castledermot 22 September 1386

Rch-Image - 137/230

Alexander [Balscot], bishop of Meath, chancellor of Ireland, is so occupied in the service of the marquis that he cannot be personally present with the great seal to seal writs and other business before the chief justice in his sessions. Lest the business should be delayed for want of that seal, GRANT by the marquis of power to Edmund del Clay, chief justice at pleas [etc.], to cause all writs to be made and delivered into the hands of sheriffs [etc.], notwithstanding that they may not be sealed under the great seal, reserving the fee of that seal to the said chancellor

Authorised:  By letters of the marquis.

From the Calendar of Patent rolls of Richard II, no 10, membrane 30, 20th of November 1386.

Edmund de Clay, chief justice of Ireland, staying there in the execution of his office, has letters nominating John de Gaytford and John Bekyngham his attorneys in England for one year. Thomas de Stanley, clerk, received the attorneys by licence of John de Waltham, clerk, until the said Edmund's return.

1387

From the Memoranda roll, 20-21 Richard II (no. 110), 1st of March 1387.

Memorandum that the King 28 January 7 Richard 2 committed to Edmund Berle the custody of Manor Heynestonfeld Co. Louth which was of John Haddesore deceased in the King's hands for certain causes to hold as long as they remain therein rendering yearly 20 marks. Distrained. Pleads he accounted for a certain time until the King granted the land of Ireland to the Marquis of Dublin who 1 March 10 Richard 2 committed to Edmund de Clay his Chief Justice said custody of Manor aforesaid & Manor Martry Co. Meath in said Marquis's hands for certain causes to hold during pleasure rendering the extent & afterwards 26 April 11 Richard 2 the King issued his Writ of Chancery stating that any account from any

From the Patent Rolls of Richard II, no 10, 1st of April 1387.

APPOINTMENT of Edmund del Clay, John Shriggeley and John Bermingham of Dublin as justices to take an assize of novel disseisin that Robert Burnell, citizen of Dublin, arraigned against Reginald Bernevale concerning a tenement in Balyrothery.

1388

From the Calendar of the Close Rolls of Richard II, membrane 2 ?, 20th of April 1388.

To A. bishop of Meath the king's justice of Ireland. Order under his oath of fealty and at his peril, as he will avoid the king's wrath, to cause Edmund del Claye late one of the justices in Ireland of Robert de Veer marquess of Dublin to be honourably taken wherever found in Ireland, and to compel him to find security that he shall there await the coming of the king's lieutenant in order to answer touching complaints whatsoever laid against him on behalf of the king and of his lieges of Ireland; as it has come to the knowledge of the council that while in office he wickedly committed many extortions, damages, grievances and excesses against the king and the people there, and the king's will is that they go not unpunished. By K. and council.

Robert De Vere was a favourite of Richard II (see page) but he was not popular with his fellow peers.

Robert's rivals formed an opposition to him which became known as the, Lords Appellant.

According to the 16th-century chronicler Raphael Hollinshed

In 1387, King Richard II sent secretly to Robert de Vere, Duke of Ireland, who was levying troops in Wales, to come to him with all speed.

De Vere in oppostion to this group led the forces of Richard II to defeat at the Battle of Radcot bridge, having lost the field De Vere fled abroad into exile.

The merciless Parliament of 1388 attainted him and sentenced him to death, he forfeit his title and lands.

The administration of Ireland  which comprised, John Stanley, his deputy, James Butler, Earl of Ormond, Alexander, Bishop of Meath and Sir Robert Crull, treasurer were all dismissed. They were later reinstated.

The merciless parliament sat for three months from the beginning of February through to the beginning of June, as Edmund was ordered to be arrested, he was probably  no longer considered a member of the administration.

1389

From the Calendar of the Patent Rolls of Richard II, membrane 7d, the 4th of June 1389.

Association of Edmund de Clay in the commission lately appointing merchant John Wadham and William Hankford justices for taking assizes, juries and certificates in the counties of Hertford, Essex, Kent, Sussex and Surrey.

1390

From the Calendar of Close Rolls, membrane 24d, 13/4th of February 1390.

Edmund Clay, Richard Knowisle citizen and draper of London and Roger Payn citizen and spurrier of London to Thomas de New- ton citizen and mercer of London, his heirs and assigns. Demise, sale and quitclaim, for a sum of money beforehand paid, which sum they have distributed among poor prisoners and in other works of piety for the souls of John Payn late citizen and armourer of London and of the faithful departed, of the manors of Southalle, Frank in Great Warlec, and Bryggehams co. Essex, whereof the deccased made a feoffment to the said Edmund, Richard and Roger and to Alban parson of Haddam, Thomas Carleton and John Cheverell, their heirs and assigns, under a condition that they should make a feoffment thereof to Joan late his wife, now wife of Roger Hasshebournham, and to the heirs of his body by her, and under other conditions in his charter specified, which feoffment they accord- ingly made, reserving to themselves and their heirs the reversion for lack of issue of the said John and Joan, and Roger Hasshebournham and Joan granted all their estate of the said manors to Thomas Newe- ton and Anne his wife, who are now in possession of the same, under condition that if Joan should die without issue by John Payn, the said feoffees should sell those manors and distribute the money among the poor etc. for the souls aforesaid, reciting that the said Alban, Thomas  Karleton and John Cheverell are now dead. Dated 14 February 13 Richard II.

From the Calendar of Patent Rolls of Richard II, membrane 2d, 1st of March 1390.

March 1. Commission to Robert de Wylughby, Philip le Despencer, Ralph de Cromwell, William de Skipwith, William Thirnyng, Richard Sydenham, John Markham, Edmund del Clay and Robert Martell, to enquire and certify upon the petition of the Commons in the present Parliament that divers dissensions have arisen between men of the parts of Holand and those of Kesteven, co. Lincoln, because the metes and bounds anciently placed between those districts can hardly be seen viz. in a marsh extending between the waters of the Weland and the Wythum, by reason of inundations of fresh waters and accumulations of sand. They are to erect stakes, dykes, stone crosses or other sufficient landmarks in the places where such were formerly placed to mark the bounds.

1391

From the Calendar of the Close Rolls of Richard II, membrane ?, 26th of January 1391.

To the sheriffs of London. Writ of supersedeas omnino, and order by mainprise of Edmund del Clay of Notynghamshire, Robert Maulyverer of Yorkshire, William de Rymyngton of Yorkshire and John Croft of Notynghamshire to set free John Stokkethe, if taken at suit of Peter de Middelburgh averring threats.

Letters patent dated 16 July, 14 Richard II, exemplifying for John duke of Aquitaine and Lancaster, the following:-

A perambulation of the bounds between the parts of Kesteven and Holland, co. Lincoln, taken before Robert de Wylughby, Ralph de Cromwell, William de Skipwyth and William Thirnyng, by virtue of a commission, dated 1 March, 18 Richard II [Calendar of Patent Rolls, 1388-92, p. 219], addressed to them and to Philip le Despencer, Richard Sydenham, John Markham, Edmund del Clay and Robert Martell, on the petition of the commonalties of of England England in Parliament, shewing that the ancient metes between the waters of Weland and Wytham had been rendered unrecog- nisable by floods and deposited sand; whereupon the sheriff was commanded to have twenty-four knights and others from the said parts on Friday after Corpus Christi then next at the stone cross on 'le Brigdyke' on the confines of the parts of Holland and Kesteven, Donyngton in Holand and Seint Sauvours in Kesteven: and to make proclamation for all concerned to attend the making of the delimitation. Mean- while he was to cause the jury to diligently view the ancient boundaries or the places where they were formerly placed. And at the said time and place the sheriff returned the names of jurors from the two districts, together with a writ close de intendendo, dated 1 March, 18 Richard II, informing him of the issue of the above commission and commanding him to make proclamation for the attendance of those concerned. The sheriff also reported that he had made such proclamation and that he had caused the jury to view the boundary. Whereupon an inquisition was taken before the said commis- sioners at the said time and place by the oath of Andrew de Lek, chivaler, John de Holbech, 'chivaler, John de Meres, Randolf Bolle, Philip Garnoun, Thomas de Welby, Richard Stevenson, William Wyom, Stephen de Gobildik, John Sly, Ralph Farceux and John Grave of Holand and of John Paynell, chivaler, Nicholas Hebden, 'chivaler, John Walssh, chivaler, Elias de Midelton, William de Boston, William de Cranwell, John Leek of Colby, Thomas de Sleford, Alan de Hekelsale, Anthony de Spanby, Ralph de Staunton and John de Haryngton of Kesteven; and after they had been charged to faithfully do, inform and declare in the premises and proclamation had been made by the justices that all persons of either district concerned should take part in the perambulation to inform the justices and jury, the justices and jury proceeded to make the perambulation and to set the bounds: and first by the oath and advice of the said jurors, as to the metes and bounds in the southern parts of the marsh that is in a place called Kenulfston, now within the

1394

From the Calendar of Close Rolls of Richard II, membrane ?, the 10th of November 1394.

To the same. Writ of supersedeas, and order by mainprise of John Norton, John Hertfelde 'lymnour,' William Hatherne 'lymnour' and Henry Slegh 'scryvener,' all of London, to set free Joan Boefe, if taken at suit of the king and Edmund del Clay for leaving the service of the said Edmund before the term agreed. (fn. 4)

From the National Archives. Held by: Nottinghamshire Archives, not available at The National Archives Reference: DD/SR/209/18 Date: 1394-1395

Appointment of attorney: Rouland de Sutton clerk to William de Hogh and John de Bryggeford to deliver seizin of lands etc of Edward del clay in Alkclay and Fynyngley to Edward's son.