1387-01-28, Westminster

To the mayor and sheriffs of London. Order, at the instant prayer of John bishop of Durham and John de Neville, on sight etc. to arrest Nicius (ix margin Nucius) Burnell, fellow and cousin of Francis Vyncheguerre of Luka a Lumbard lately dwelling in London, his goods and merchandise, and to keep him in safe custody until he shall find security not to depart to any foreign parts until the said Francis or another in his name has accounted with the petitioners and contented them as the law requires ; and order to make inquisition by men of the city of London what goods of the said Francis are in the hands of Nicius or of others within the city, the price or value thereof, and to arrest and safe keep any such that they may find, certifying in chancery all their dealing in that behalf; as the said bishop and John have shewn that the said Francis, who had in his keeping moneys of theirs and goods of the bishop of no small value, scheming to defraud them thereof, has suddenly fled out of the realm to Flanders, and that Nicius and others dwelling in London have goods of his within the city in their possession.