1378-07-17, Westminster

To John de Cavendissh and his fellows, justices appointed to hold before the king. Order to proceed to rendering of judgment in a cause between Alice de Neville, John Warde and Thomas Cornwaleys citizens of London, John de Middelton, John parson of Drunkeston, John parson of St. Peter upon Cornhulle London, Henry Vanner, William More and Gilbert Bouet citizens of London plaintiffs and John William citizen and spicer of London defendant concerning four fifths of the manor of Great Delse by Roucestre, notwithstanding the defendant s allegation that he held the premises for a term of years by the king's grant, and notwithstanding the king's writ of privy seal commanding A. bishop of St. David's the chancellor, who by reason of that allegation deferred proceedings, to proceed in that plea notwithstanding the same so that he should not proceed to rendering of judgment without advising the king; as the process being continued the record and process are sent for debate before the king for that the parties have pleaded to the country, and at the quinzaine of Easter last the defendant there made default, and the proof pretended on behalf of the defendant being set up on the king's behalf, inquisition was taken at the quinzaine of Midsummer, but by colour of the said writ the justices have deferred to proceed to rendering of judgment, and the king's serjeants being summoned can shew no cause wherefore they ought not so to proceed. 1. To Walter Craunford escheator in Bedfordshire.