D/BASM/15/8 1495-1502

Folio a

Chalfont St Peter

Court of Henry, abbot of the monastery of the blessed Mary of Missenden held there on Wednesday viz the third day of the month of March in the sixteenth year of the reign of the King Henry VII after the conquest of England.[1]

Essoins: Edward Bulstrode is essoined concerning making common suit at this court by John Kyng.
Presentments of the homage; amercements 2s 6s:
William Russell, Richard Kyng, Richard Grove, John Kyng, Thomas Whyte, fuller, and John Botervyld, the homage then and there, sworn, present the prior of St John of Jerusalem in England ^4d, John Butteler ^4d, esquire, the tenants of the lands late of Stokton ^2d, the heirs of Robert Tyler ^2d, Richard Rastewolde ^4d, esquire, Edmund Brudenell ^4d, gentleman, David Phelypp ^4d, esquire, Thomas Danyell ^2d, gentleman, the heirs of Asshewell ^2d and William Over ^2d of Rykemansworth owe suit at this court and have made default. Therefore, etc.
Penalty of forfeiture 6s 8d:
Item, the homage presents that Edmund Brudenell, the lord’s lessee of the rectory of Chalfont, has not yet repaired nor mended the park of the lord there upon the lord’s mansion of his manor, aforesaid, as he was ordered at the previous court, but it is desolate to the nuisance of all the tenants of the lord and to the heavy and great damage of the lord, etc. Therefore he incurs the penalty of 6s 8d, and they present that the said Edmund has impounded all the cattle of the tenants of the lord within his messuage, in which he lives, contrary to the custom of the manor of the lord and to the heavy damage of the lord and all his tenants. Therefore, etc. And an order is still made to him to make the lord’s park before the festival of Pentecost, under penalty of 6s 8d.
Penalty imposed:
Item, they present that one house called ‘a Kechon’ containing three bays, and another house called ‘a Stabull’, containing five bays, and ‘le Cartehowsse’ containing two bays, and also two ‘porchys of the barnes’, are very ruinous and in need of repair of the aforesaid lessee of the lord. Wherefore an order is made to the aforesaid Edmund, the lessee, to well and sufficiently repair, make and mend all the aforesaid houses before the festival of Pentecost next to come, under penalty of 20s.
Second proclamation:
Item, they present that the tenement called Herry Wellys, late Botervyld, and the tenement late Pesys, is [sic] very ruinous to the fault of Edmund Brudenell, because he has not repaired or mended the aforesaid tenement, as he was ordered. Therefore he incurs the penalty of 40s, and a second proclamation is made as to who has to say or can show why the lord will not enter and seize in his hands all the lands and tenements, aforesaid, called Herry Wellys, late Botervyld and Pecys, in the tenure of the aforesaid Edmund Brudenell, etc. And no one has come or sent to show, just as he had a day, etc. Therefore, etc.
Amercement to prosecute by writ:
Item, they present that the lord’s lessee of his manor, aforesaid, has felled eight beech trees worth 12d within the grove around the aforesaid manor, and has also cut five ash trees in le Watleywyke, and three ash trees in le Graungefyld in le Chalkewelfurlong worth 16d, without the licence of the lord or his officials. Therefore he is in amercement, etc.
Acknowledgment:
To this court there has come William Whyte and he has acknowledged that he holds of the lord at the will of the lord one tenement with an adjacent garden towards the cross in Chalfont, aforesaid, formerly parcel of the land of ‘le Graungefyld’ and paying to the lord 3s 4d a year and suit of court to the lord there. Item, he has also acknowledged to hold of the lord another tenement with adjacent garden at Goldhull and with four acres of land adjacent in the four ‘Comenfyldes’ at the will of the lord, at the rent of 3s 4d a year and suit of court of the lord, etc, with a heriot when it befalls.
Acknowledgement:
And in the same court there has come Thomas Whyte, fuller, and he has acknowledged that he holds of the lord at the will of the lord according to the custom of the manor one cottage with adjacent garden in Chalfont, aforesaid, at the north end of the town there on the south side of ‘le Waterlane’, and paying to the lord 20d a year and suit of court.
Acknowledgement:
And in the same court there has come John Kyng and he has acknowledged that he holds of the lord at the will of the lord one cottage with adjacent garden by le Waterlane aforesaid on the north side, and paying to the lord concerning a rent of 12d a year and suit of court of the lord, etc, with a heriot when it befalls.
Acknowledgement:[34]
And in the same court there has come Richard Kyng and he has acknowledged that he holds of the lord one garden formerly built, called Tymball[2], lying opposite the tenement of the aforesaid John Kyng on the east side of the king’s highway there, and paying to the lord 4d a year and suit of court, to hold at the will of the lord.
Acknowledgement:
And in the same court there has come William Peers and he has acknowledged that he holds of the lord at the will of the lord one cottage with adjacent garden there on the south side and next to the tenement of the said Thomas Whyte, fuller, formerly Molders, and paying to the lord 12d a year and making suit of court and a heriot when it befalls.
Acknowledgement:
To the same court there has come William Russell Smyth and he has acknowledged that he holds of the lord at the will of the lord one tenement with adjacent garden, formerly parcel of the land of ‘le Graungefyld’, paying thereupon to the lord 20s a year and making suit of court, and he has acknowledged that he holds of the lord at the will of the lord another tenement with close adjacent and with four pieces of land lying in the four fields there, paying thereupon to the lord 9s a year and suit of court and a heriot when it befalls.
Acknowledgement:
And to the same court there has come John Botervyld, son of Thomas Botervyld, and he has acknowledged that he holds of the lord at the will of the lord six crofts, lying on both sides of le Grymerlane, formerly called Edwarduslandys, paying to the lord 9s a year and suit of court and a heriot when it befalls, etc.
Item, the homage presents that [blank] Pece of Oxenbruge holds at the will of the lord one meadow towards Oxenbruge on the east side of the highway there and paying to the lord 3s 4d a year.
Penalty imposed:[37]
Item, they present that Thomas Danyell holds at the will of the lord one tenement with seven adjacent closes there formerly called Tobbys, paying thereupon to the lord 8s 9d a year, and suit of court, etc. And [as concerns] the aforesaid closes, one is called Great Hyefyld, another Little Hyefyld, another called ‘le Comecrofte’, and the other four crofts lie around the aforesaid tenement, etc. And they present that the tenement is in need of repair. Wherefore an order is made to him to repair, make and mend the said tenement before the festival of St Michael the Archangel next to come, under penalty of 6s 8d.

Assessors: Thomas Whyte, fuller, and Richard Grove, sworn.

Sum of the amercements of this court: [blank]
Thereupon in the expenses of the steward and others: 2s 10d.

Chalfont St Peter

Court baron held there on the day of March next after the festival of St Hilary in the seventeenth year of the reign of the aforesaid king.[3]

Essoins: At this day [blank].

Presentments of the homage; amercements 2s 2d:
William Russell, Richard Kyng, Richard Grove, John Kyng, William Peers, Thomas Whyte, fuller, the homage then and there, sworn, present that the prior of St John of Jerusalem in England ^4d, the heirs of John Butteler ^4d, knight, David Phelipp ^4d, knight, Richard Rastewold ^4d, esquire, Edmund Brudenell ^4d, gentleman, the heirs of Asshewell ^2d, Thomas Salter ^2d for lands late of Cornewell, and William Over of Rykemansworth ^2d owe suit at this court and have made default. Therefore, etc.
Alienation; an order is made to distrain for heriot:[62]
Item, the homage presents that William Ovyr of Rykemansworth, who held of the lord by copy at the will of the lord according to the custom of the manor there certain lands and crofts lying towards Rykemansworth called Nattokes, has sold the aforesaid lands and crofts to John Danyell. Therefore, etc. Therefore the bailiff is ordered to distrain upon the said land for his heriot, etc.
Trespass; amercement 10s:
Item, they present that Thomas Audytour, who held of the lord by copy at the will of the lord certain lands and tenements in the parish of Chalfont, has sold and taken out of the aforesaid land seven trees called elms worth 3s 6d without the licence of the lord or his officials. Therefore, etc, and in the same court there has come the aforesaid Thomas in full court and he has placed himself in the lord’s mercy for the aforesaid trespass, and upon this he gives to the lord the lord for the aforesaid trespass in cash 10s [sic] and it is concorded, etc.
Third proclamation; an order is made to seize into the hands of the lord, etc:
Item, they present that Edmund Brudenell has still not repaired or mended the tenements late Botervyld and Pesys, but has spoiled them, etc. Wherefore a third proclamation is made, if anyone has to say or can show why the lord will not enter and seize into his hands all the lands and tenements with all their appurtenances, late of Herry Wellys and late of Botervyld and Pecys there, late in the tenure of the aforesaid Edmund Brudenell, etc, and no-one has come or sent to show, as he had a day, etc. Therefore the bailiff is ordered to seize into the hands of the lord all the aforesaid lands and tenements with all their appurtenances, etc. And the aforesaid Edmund is without a day, etc.
Amercement concerning waste:
Item, they present that [the tenement of] Edmund Brudenell, lessee of the lord’s manor in Chalfont, is very ruinous and in need of repair, viz in ?Tegumus and in many other reparations, as ‘le Barne Porchys’ and three bays of one house called ‘le Kechen’, one stable containing five spaces and one ‘Cartehows’ containing two bays, being all very ruinous, viz in need of repair, etc. Where it is judged by the aforesaid homage on their oath to the value of eight pounds sterling. Therefore, etc. Item, they present that the park of the lord is destroyed and empty and in need of the repair of the aforesaid Edmund, and they present that the said Edmund impounded the cattle of the tenants of the lord upon the lands of the said Edmund to the nuisance of all the tenants of the lord, etc. Therefore, etc.
Amercement concerning waste:
Item, they present the said Edmund has cut down and carried away from the green towards the parsonage seventeen oaks from the rich lands which were found there without the licence of the lord or his officials. Therefore, etc.
Concerning land sold contrary to the custom of the manor; therefore, etc:
Item, they present that Edmund Brudenell still holds and occupies one tenement with certain adjacent lands in Chalfont, aforesaid, which same tenement is next to the bridge there, from the lease of Margaret, daughter and heir of Robert Botervyld, and they present that the aforesaid lands and tenement are the lord’s customary lands and that the aforesaid Margaret gave the aforesaid lands and tenements to them, as a free tenement by his charter in the lord’s dispossession of his manor. Therefore, etc.
An order is made to distrain before the next court:
And an order is made to better distrain William Russell of Chalfont St Giles and lord William Wodecroft, chaplain, to make fealty and relief before the next court, etc.
Alienation:
Item, they present that Edward Bulstrode has sold certain customary lands of the lord there, formerly Thomas Wheler’s. Therefore, etc.

Folio a (dorse)[4]

Alienation; surrender; heriot; taking of land:
The homage present that William Whyte has sold […] one tenement with garden adjacent towards the cross in Chalfont, aforesaid, which certain parcel of land […] […]gefyld, and also that the aforesaid William Whyte has sold to the said William Russell another tenement with adjacent garden at Goldhyll with four acres of arable land adjacent to the four Comenfyldes there. And in the same court there has come the aforesaid William Whyte by Richard Kyng, his attorney, and he has surrendered into the hands of the lord all the aforesaid lands and tenements with adjacent gardens with all their appurtenances to the use of the aforesaid William Russell. Who has come in full court and taken from the lord all the aforesaid lands and tenements and other premises, with all their appurtenances. To hold to the aforesaid William Russell and Agnes his wife and their [heirs] by the rod at the will of the lord according to the custom of the manor, paying thereupon to the lord 6s 8d a year and other services thereupon due and lawfully accustomed, and they will give to the lord as a heriot when it befalls according to the custom there, and they give to the lord as a fine for having entry 5s, and have made fealty, and are admitted as tenants. And also the lord grants to them by his special grace [………..] delivery of the lord’s bailiff at le Brechet sufficient timber and thorns for the repair of the aforesaid tenements [………..] whenever it happens to be necessary, etc.

Assessors: William Russell and Richard Grove, sworn.

Sum of the amercements and other things of this court: [blank]
Thereupon in the expenses of the steward and others: 4s 2d.

Chalfont St Peter

Court baron held there on Thursday viz the twentieth day of the month of October in the eighteenth year of the reign of King Henry VII.[5]

Essoins: At this day Thomas Audytour [is essoined] by John Botervyld.

Presentments of the homage; amercements 2s 7d:
John Kyng, Thomas Whyte, fuller, Richard Kyng, Richard Grove, William Peers and John Botervyld, suitors of the court there, sworn, present that the prior of St John of Jerusalem in England ^4d, the heirs of John Boteler ^4d, knight, the heirs of John Cheyne ^4d, knight, Richard Rastewold ^4d, esquire, Edmund Brudenell ^4d, Thomas Danyell ^2d, Edward Bulstrode ^3d, esquire, the heirs of Asshewell ^2d, Thomas Salter ^2d and William Ovyr of Rykemansworth ^2d, owe suit at this court and have made default. Therefore, etc.

Death; heriot worth 10s:[2]
Item, the homage presents that William Russell, smith, who held of the lord according to the custom of the manor at the will of the lord one croft at Goldhyll called Chlestre, containing in total four acres of land and another croft adjacent called Vyners with four acres of land with their appurtenances, lying separately in the fields of Chalfont, aforesaid, as appears in the previous court. And they present that the said William died siezed in the aforesaid customary lands. After whose death there befalls to the lord as a heriot 6s 8d according to the covenant made, as appears in the court roll. And they present that William Russell, son of the aforesaid William, is the next heir and is of the age of four years and more. And they also present that the aforesaid William Russell Smyth died seised according to the custom of the manor in one tenement with a garden adjacent, formerly Chyldys. After whose death there befalls to the lord as a heriot one red coloured cow worth 10s, viz his best beast, whereupon bailiff is ordered to seize this into the hands of the lord, and it was seized, etc.

Item, they present that the aforesaid William, who held of the lord according to the custom of the manor one tenement at Goldhyll with four acres of land, lying in the four fields, and he also held another tenement in Chalfont, formerly of the land of le Graungefyld, to hold to the said William and Agnes his wife, which same Agnes is still living and has come in full court and seeks to be admitted to the said lands and tenements with their appurtenances, whereupon she is admitted by the court, and she has made fealty, etc.

Alienation; an order is made to distrain:
Item, the homage presents that Edward Bulstrode has sold to Edmund Brudenell one croft, lying next to Letersferm on the south side with one piece of arable land lying there, abutting upon the aforesaid croft in the field called Noldfyld on the south side, and which same croft and aforesaid lands were late of Joan Gebons, widow, to hold of the lord freely by charter at the yearly rent of 4d and suit of court and other services thereupon due, etc. Wherefore an order is made to distrain the said Edmund to make fealty and relief to the lord at the next court, etc.

Concerning making waste:
Item, the homage still presents that Edmund Brudenell has not yet repaired or mended the houses of the rectory of Chalfont which are very ruinous and in need of repair, viz one barn in the walls with two ‘porches’ of the same is in decay and very much in need of repair, and one house called ‘a kechon’ containing three bays and another house called a ‘Stabulhows’ containing five bays, are very ruinous and in need of repair, viz in ?Tegumus and in the walls, and also the said mansion house, viz the hall with the chamber belonging to the same with doors and windows and others repairs, whereupon it is adjudged by their oath at eight pounds of sterling at least, etc, wherefore, etc.

An order is made to distrain before the next court:
An order is still made to distrain better William Russell of Chalfont St Giles to make fealty to the lord and relief for lands late of John Stokton, knight. Thus, etc.

An order is made to distrain better before the next court, etc.
And an order is still also made that William [sic] Brudenell for rent of the lord in arrears for lands at Heggeley. And it is also ordered to distrain David Phelip for all lands lying at Phelippushyll for rent of the lord in arrears there of 2s 6d a year. And also an order is made to distrain William Wodecroft, chaplain, to make fealty and relief for lands appertaining to the chantry there, formerly Ossmoneys. Therefore, etc.

Assessors: John Kyng and John Botervyld, sworn.

Sum both of fines and heriots and also amercements: [blank]
Thereupon in the expenses of the steward and others: 3s 10d.

Folio b[4]

Chalfont St Peter

Court held there on 25^th January in the tenth year of the reign of King Henry VII after the conquest of England.[6]

Essoins: [blank]

Homage:
The homage there, viz John Grove, William Russell, William Pers, William Whyte, Thomas Fuller, Thomas Whyte, Richard Kyng, William Over and John Kynge, sworn, [say] upon their oath that the prior of St John of Jerusalem in England ^6d, the heirs of Lady Cheyne ^4d, the heirs of John Boteler ^3d, esquire, the heirs of John Stoketon ^4d, clerk, William Skydmore ^3d, the heirs of Asshewelles ^2d, the heirs of Robert Boterfeld ^2d, William Ovyr ^2d and Denise his wife, Richard Salter ^2d, and the heirs of Thomas Auditour ^2d, owe suit [of court], etc.

They further present that Thomasina Boterfeld, who held of the lord six crofts called Edwardislondes for the term of her life together with John Boterfeld, late her husband, and the heirs of the very John Boterfeld, the same Thomasina has died. Whereupon there befalls to the lord as heirot 6s 8d from a covenant. And that William Butorfeld is the son and heir of the very John, which same William, being absent from court, has surrendered into the hands of the lord by the hands of Richard Kynge, one of the tenants, the said six crofts with their appurtenances to the use of John Buterfeld and Joan his wife, who have come into court and taken, etc, to have to them and the heirs of the very John, paying, etc, 9s ½d at the usual terms there, paying, etc. John and Joan and John’s heirs and assigns are entitled to fell, sell and carry all timber, wood and underwood growing upon the said crofts, and they given to the lord as a fine for having entry 26s 8d.

They further present that Elizabeth Key, widow of Richard White, and William Whyte, who held of the lord one tenement called Spicers and four pieces of arable land containing four acres, of which one acre lies in le Downe towards Watlokkiswykes, another acre in Astedell by the land of John Charde on the east side, another piece in le Scolebury by the land of Walter Chichell on the west side, have surrendered them into the hands of the lord by the hands of William Whyte to the use of William Whyte the younger. Whereupon there befalls to the lord 5s as a heriot from the covenant. And upon this there has come the aforesaid William Whyte the younger and he has taken, etc, paying thereupon 3s 4d a year and suit of court concerning three and three weeks, and [he gives] for a fine 12d.

They further present that John Boterfeld, Thomas Boterfeld and Henry Boterfeld are villeins of the lord by blood. Therefore, etc.
And they further present that Agnes Cheyny, widow, lady of Cheyny, who held of the lord certain lands [called] Grene Grove, Merlynges Croft and Snalecrofte (late of William Blake), has died.

Assessors: William Pers and William Russell, sworn.

Chalfont St Peter

Court held there on 13^th March in the eleventh year of the reign of King Henry VII after the conquest of England.[7]

Essoins:
William Pers is essoined by William Russell; Denise [blank] by John Boturfeld
Richard Bulstrode by John Kynge; Edmund Brudnell by Thomas Eton

Homage:
Richard Kynge, William Whyte, William Russell, John Boturfeld, Thomas Whyte, John Grove and John Kynge, sworn, present that the prior of St John of Jerusalem in England ^6d, the heirs of Lady Agnes Cheyni ^4d, widow, John Buteler ^4d, esquire, the heirs of John Stocton ^4d, William Skydmore ^4d and Thomas Danyell ^4d, who owe suit to this court and have made default. Therefore they are separately in amercement, etc.

They further present that Lady Agnes Cheyny, widow, who held of the lord freely four crofts called Grenegrove, Merlyngescroft and Smalecrofte by the service of 2s 7d a year, has died. But in what condition, by what other service or who her next heir is, they do not know at present. Therefore it is to be inquired to before the next court, etc.

They further present that Agnes, late the wife of Thomas Wheler, who held of the lord certain lands at the will of the lord according to the custom of the manor, has died, as was inquired into, etc.

They further present that John Boterfeld, Thomas Boterfeld and Henry Boterfeld are villeins of the lord.

Item, they present that William Whyte has his tenement called Spicers ruinous in need of a roof. He is ordered to mend it before the next court, under penalty of 20d.

Item, they present that Robert Whyte and William Whyte the elder in the absence of the court by the view of the tenants, have surrendered into the hands of the lord one messuage called Cornerhowse alias le Bocherhowse and one garden with appurtenances to the use of William Whyte. Whereupon there befalls to the lord a heriot. And upon this there has come the aforesaid William Whyte and he has taken, etc, paying 3s 4d a year and suit of court, and he gives, etc, and has made fealty.

Assessors: William Whyte and John Grove, sworn.

Chalfont St Peter

Court held there, viz William Overe, Thomas Wheler, John Chylde, Thomas Whyte, fuller, John Pace, William Russell, John Kynge and Thomas Smyth, sworn, present that John Boteler ^4d, knight, Richard Restwold ^4d, esquire, Drew Brudenell ^4d, esquire, Edmund Molenex ^4d, William Skytmore ^2d, the tenants of the land late of John Stokton ^4d, knight, Richard Ne[…] ^2d, Robert Tylor ^2d, Thomas Barnard ^2d and Thomas Fayrewell ^2d, who owe suit of court concerning three in three weeks, have made default. Therefore they and each of them are in the mercy of the lord.

Villein by blood:
And that William Boterfeld, Thomas Boterfeld and Henry Boterfeld, villeins of the lord by blood, live and keep themselves outside their lordship in enforced idleness, etc. And an order is made to the bailiff that he makes to seize them so that they are here at the next court to be held here. And the order is made in the presence of the lord abbot and George Daniell, esquire, then there present. And the bailiff is ordered that he seises into the hands of the lord one tenement and certain lands called Auditours on account that he has made subtenements without licence of the lord, etc.
By John Black[…], steward.

Assessors: William Overey and John Chylde, sworn.

Memorandum that John Assheby, gentleman, says that there was one man called Boterfeld, who was the brother of Thomas Boterfeld, father of this Thomas Boterfeld, villein of the lord by blood, as appears in the old roll.

Folio b (dorse)[8]

Court baron held there on 18^th January in the eighth year of the reign of King Henry VII after the conquest of England.[9]

Essoins: William Pers is essoined by William Russell, Edmund Brudenell by William […].

Homage:
William Russell, William Whyte, Thomas Whyte and Richard Smyth, sworn, say upon their oath that John Botelere ^4d, esquire, the heirs of John Stocton ^4d, knight, the prior of St John of Jerusalem ^4d, John Grove of Bekynsfeld ^2d, the heirs of Asshe[…] ^2d, the heirs of Thomas Barnard ^2d, John Kynge ^2d, John ?Cornwayll ^2d and John Gol[…]^2d owe suit of court and have made default. […] and Anne his wife ^2d and Roger Grove ^2d have made default, etc.

Distraint:
[An order is made] to distrain John Boteler, son and heir of John Boteler, knight, the heirs of John Stokton, knight, the heirs of Asshewell and the heirs of Thomas Barnard to make fealty to the lord before the next court.

Lord’s villeins:
They further present that John Boturfeld, Thomas Boturfeld and Henry Boturfeld are the lord’s villeins.

They further present that Thomasina, wife of John Boterfeld, has made subtenements without the lord’s licence.

Assessors: William Whyte and Thomas Whyte, sworn.

Folio c

Chalfont St Peter

Court baron of Henry, abbot of the monastery of the blessed Mary of Missenden, held there on Wednesday 23^rd January in the fourteenth year of the reign of King Henry VII.[10]

Essoins: To this day [blank]

Presentments of the homage; amercements 2s 9d:
William Russell, John Botervyld, Thomas Whyte, fuller, Richard Kyng, William Whyte and John Kyng, tenants at the will of the lord there, sworn, present that the prior of the hospital of St John of Jerusalem in England ^4d, John Butteler ^4d, esquire, the heirs of Lady Agnes Cheyne ^4d, the heirs of John Stokton ^4d, knight, the heirs of John Skydmore ^3d, Thomas Danyell ^4d, William Ovyr ^2d, the heirs of Robert Botervyld ^2d, Richard Salter ^2d, the heirs of Robert Tyler ^2d and the heirs of Asshewell ^2d owe suit at this court and have made default. Therefore they are in amercement, etc.

Death; heriot 6s 8d; fine 4s; fealty:[23]
Item, the homage, aforesaid, presents that Thomas Audytour and Dionisia his wife, who held of the lord at the will of the lord one cottage with one small ‘pygthell’ with three crofts adjacent with their appurtenances in Chalfont, aforesaid, have died. After whose death there befalls to the lord as a heriot his best beast, viz one red cow worth 6s 8d. And they present that Thomas Audytour, son of the said Thomas, is his next heir and is of full age, who has come in full court and taken from the lord all the premises with their appurtenances, to hold to him and his [heirs] according to the custom of the manor at the will of the lord, paying thereupon 2s 8d a year at the usual terms there, and he will give a heriot when it shall befall. And he gives to the lord as a fine for having entry 4s, and he has made fealty, and is admitted as tenant.

Death; heriot 12d:
Item, they present that John Grove of Bekynnysfyld, who held of the lord according to the custom of the manor one croft called Derewynsheth lying towards Bekynnysfyld within the parish of Chalfont, has died. After whose death there befalls to the lord as heriot one small pig worth 12d. And that Richard Grove, son of the said John, is his next heir and is of full age, who has come and taken from the lord the aforesaid croft with its appurtenances, to hold to him and his [heirs] according to the custom of the manor paying thereupon to the lord 8d a year at the usual terms there. And he will give a heriot when it shall befall according to the custom of the manor. And he gives to the lord as a fine for having entry 2s 4d, and he has made fealty, and is admitted as tenant. And that the lord has granted him a licence to fell all trees growing there and to carry them from there and to have except for a sufficient close of the same reserved for the whole time.

Death:
Item, they present that Joan Russell, formerly the wife of William Russell, who held of the lord according to the custom of the manor one croft with appurtenances, lying at Goldhyll called Chelestre, containing in total about four acres of land with another croft adjacent called Vyners with four acres of land with its appurtenances, lying separately in the four fields of Chalfont, aforesaid, whereof one acre lies in le Oldefylde, another acre in le Astewell, another acre lies in Scolebury, and another acre lies upon Gretedowne, with one small meadow with its appurtenances called le Spyremede, now built, and that the said Joan died around the last court, but whether she died seised or not they do not know. Therefore an order is made to inquire better before the next court.

Alienation; an order is made to distrain:
Item, they present that John Stokton, knight, who held of the lord freely by charter certain land(s) and tenement(s) within this lordship, has died. And that the lady, his wife, has sold all the said land(s) and tenement(s) to master [blank] Shyrburn, clerk. Wherefore the bailiff is ordered to distrain the very man for all the said lands before the next court to make fealty and relief to the lord, etc.

Alienation; an order is made to distrain:
Item, they present that William Skydmore has sold to Ralph Bugberd all his land(s) and tenement(s) and meadows, lying in the parish of Chalfont. Wherefore the bailiff is ordered to distrain the said Ralph for all the said land(s), etc, so that he is at the next court to show his evidences as to how he holds and occupies the premises, etc.

Arrears of rent:
And they present that David Phelyp, esquire, and Anne his wife have withheld one yearly rent of 2s 6d, issuing from a certain croft, lying separately at Phelyppeshyll, lying between Bassettes Lane and le Blakettysfyld. Wherefore the bailiff is ordered to distrain upon the land for the aforesaid rent, etc.

A day is given to the homage:
And a day is given to the homage so that they better view concerning the waste of the tenements and concerning the timber and other repairs within the aforesaid lordship. And that each of them is at the next court to present all the defaults, under penalty of 20s to each of them.

Assessors: William Russell and John Botervyld, sworn.
Sum of amercements and heriots and fines: [blank]
Thereupon in expences of the steward and others: 7s 4d

Chalfont St Peter

Court baron of Henry, abbot of the monastery of St Mary of Missenden, held there on Wednesday 15^th May in the aforesaid year of the reign of the aforesaid king.[11]

Essoins: To this day [blank].

Presentments of the homage; amercements 2s 3d; amercements 15d:
William Russell, Thomas Whyte, Richard Kyng, William Whyte, John Kyng, Richard Grove, suitors of the court there, sworn, present the prior of St John of Jerusalem in England ^4d, the heirs of John Cheyne ^4d, knight, Thomas Butteler ^4d, esquire, Richard Rastewold ^4d, esquire, the tenants of the land(s) of John Stokton ^4d, knight, the heirs of Asshewell ^3d, William Over ^2d and Richard Salter ^2d owe suit at this court and have made default. Therefore they are in amercement, etc. Item, they present that Edward Bulstrode ^4d, gentleman, Thomas Danyell ^3d, Thomas Audytour ^2d, William Peers ^2d, Alice Gebon ^2d, widow, and John Pees of Oxenbruge ^2d owe suit at this court and have made default. Therefore they are in amercement, etc.

Death; heriot of 5s:[62]
Item, the homage presents that Richard Ovyr of Rykemansworth, who held of the lord according to the custom of the manor one croft of land with appurtenances in Chalfont, aforesaid, called Nattokes, lying and abutting on the royal highway leading from Isnahamsted Cheyne towards Oxenbruge on the east side and upon the field there called Folamfyld on the west side, and in width next to the demesne field of the said manor called le Denfyld on the north side, and they present that the said Richard died seised thereupon throughout seven years before the date this court. After whose death he ought to pay to the lord a heriot of 5s, as appears in his copy, etc.

Fine 6s 8d; fealty:[62]
And they also present that William Ovyr, son of the aforesaid Richard, is his next heir and is of full age, who has come in full court and taken from the lord the aforesaid croft with its appurtenances, to hold to him and his [heirs] at the will of the lord according to the custom of the manor, paying thereupon 4s a year at the usual terms and making suit of court, and he will give to the lord 5s as heriot when it befalls according to the covenant made, and will not do waste of the trees growing upon the aforesaid land. And upon this he gives to the lord as a fine for having entry 6s 8d, and he has made fealty, and is admitted as tenant.

Heriot 2s; fine 6s 8d; fealty:[2]
Item, the homage presents that Joan Russell, widow, who held of the lord at the will of the lord one croft at Goldehyll called Chelestre with other land(s) and croft(s), as appears in the court previously, has died seised. After whose death there befalls to the lord 2s as heriot, as appears in the copy made according to the covenant. And that William Russell, son of the aforesaid Joan, is her next heir and is of full age. Who has come in full court and taken from the lord the aforesaid croft and all the aforesaid land(s) with their appurtenances, to hold to him and his heirs at the will of the lord, paying thereupon 9s a year and suit of court, and he will to the lord give 6s 8d as a heriot when it befalls. And he gives to the lord as a fine for having entry 6s 8d, and he has made fealty, and is admitted as tenant.

Ruinous tenement; penalty; an order is made to show:
Item, they present that the tenement in the tenure of Edmund Brudenell, gentleman, formerly Botervyldes, is ruinous and very much in decay and in need of repair. And they also present that another tenement called Peases in the tenure of the said Edmund is very much ruinous and in need of repair. Wherefore an order is made to him to repair the said tenements well and sufficiently in everything before the feast of St Michael next to come, under penalty of 20s. And also that the said Edmund is at the next court to show in what way he holds and occupies the aforesaid lands, etc.

Concerning waste:
Item, the homage presents that the said Edmund has cut down from the woods of the lord growing upon the aforesaid land called Botervildes to the value of 33s 4d and sold the said wood to a certain John Prince contrary to the custom of the manor to the heavy damage of the lord, etc, Therefore, etc.

Surrender; heriot 5s; fine 5s; fealty:[34]
And they present that William Whyte, son of Richard Whyte, has surrendered into the hands of the lord two tenements with adjacent garden and with three pieces of land adjacent, viz one tenement in Chalfont with adjacent garden called Coppydhall, and is situated at a corner of the tenement opposite the cross, and the other tenement is situated at Goldhyll with three pieces of land adjacent, viz one piece of land lying in Comendowes containing one acre of land, and another piece of land lying in lying in Skolebures containing one acre, and another piece of land lying in Nasshedell containing one acre of land with its appurtenances to the use of William Whyte, son of Thomas Whyte. After whose surrender there befalls to the lord 5s as a heriot made according to the covenant, and in the same court there has come the aforesaid William and he has taken from the lord the aforesaid two tenements with the garden and land(s) with their appurtenances, to hold to him and his [heirs] at the will of the lord according to the custom of the manor, paying thereupon 6s 8d a year, and he will give to the lord 5s as a heriot made according to the covenant. And he gives to the lord 5s as a fine for having entry, and has made fealty, and is admitted as tenant.

Assessors: William Russell and Thomas Fuller, sworn.

Folio c (dorse)

Chalfont St Peter

Court held there on Thursday next after the festival of St Matthew the apostle in the 15^th year of the reign of King Henry VII.[12]

Essoins: At this day Thomas Audytour by John Botervyld.

Presentments of the homage; amercements 2s 3d:
William Russell, William Whyte, Thomas Whyte, fuller, Richard Kyng, Richard Grove, William Peers and John Kyng, suitors of the court on this day, sworn, present that the prior of St John of Jerusalem in England ^4d, the heirs of John Butteler ^4d, knight,  the heirs of John Cheyne ^4d, knight, Richard Rastewold ^4d, esquire, the heirs of John Stokton ^4d, knight, the heirs of Asshewell ^2d, William Over of Rykemansworth ^2d, Thomas Salter ^2d and Thomas Danyell ^3d, esquire, owe suit at this court and have made default. Therefore they are in amercement, etc.

Penalty of forfeiture 20s; penalty imposed; a day is given:
Item, they present that Edmund Brudenell has still not repaired or mended his tenement called Botervyld and another tenement called Pecys, just as he was ordered at the last court. Therefore he incurs the penalty of 20s. And an order is still made to the said Edmund to repair, make and emend well and sufficiently all the aforesaid tenements before the feast of St Michael the archangel next to come, under the penalty of 40s. And also the said Edmund Brudenell is ordered to show his evidences as to what way he holds and occupies the aforesaid land, etc. And in the same court there has come the aforesaid Edmund in full court and he has nothing to show for the land, as concerns what way he holds and occupies them, but he seeks a day until the next court. And to aforesaid repair he says in full court that he will build the aforesaid tenements from new and repair them before the aforesaid day, etc, and so he has a day, under penalty […].

Penalty imposed:
Item, the homage presents that the farmer of the rectory there ought to keep and make a park of the lord in the rectory there, just as is accustomed from ancient times for the common utility of the tenants of the lord. The said farmer is ordered to make and mend the said park before the festival of Easter next to come, under penalty of 6s 8d.

Penalty imposed:
Item, they present that the tenement in the tenure of William Whyte opposite the cross in Chalfont is in need of repair, viz [………]. Therefore an order is made to him to repair the tenement before the feast of St Michael the Archangel next to come, under penalty of 6s 8d.

Penalty imposed:
Item, an order is made to Thomas Whyte, John Kyng and all the other tenants of the lord at will within this lordship well and sufficiently repair, make and mend their tenements before the festival of St Michael the Archangel next to come, under penalty of 6s 8d.

Sum of this court: [blank]
Thereupon in expences of the steward and others: 7s
Assessors: Richard Grove and William Peers, sworn.

Chalfont St Peter

Court baron held there on the third day of February in the sixteenth year of the reign of the aforesaid king.[13]

Essoins: At this day [blank].

Presentments of the homage; amercements 2s:
William Whyte, William Russell, Richard Kyng, Richard Grove, John Kyng, William Peers, Thomas Whyte, fuller, William Ovyr of Rykemansworth, the homage then and there, sworn, present that the prior of St John of Jerusalem in England ^4d, the heirs of John Butteler ^4d, knight, the tenants of the lands late of John Cheyne ^4d, knight, Richard Rastewolde ^4d, esquire, Edmund Brudenell ^4d, esquire, Thomas Salter ^2d, and the heirs of Robert Tyler ^2d owe suit at this court and have made default. Therefore there are in amercement, etc.
Alienation; an order is made to distrain:
Item, the homage presents that Joan Gebon, widow, has sold to Edward Bulstrode, esquire, one croft and one piece of land lying in Oldefyld, held of the lord of this manor by socage and the rent of 4d a year and suit of court to the lord. Wherefore the bailiff is ordered to distrain the said Edward for all the aforesaid lands to make fealty and relief to the lord before the next court.
An order is made to distrain:
Item, the bailiff is ordered to distrain the tenants of the lands of Asshewell concerning a yearly rent, viz two capons which are in arrears throughout the space of [blank] years. Therefore, etc.
Penalty of forfeiture of 40s; first proclamation made:
Item, they present that Edmund Brudenell has still not mended or repaired the tenements in his tenure, formerly Botervyld and Pecys, as he had a day at the last court. Therefore he incurs the penalty of 40s. And they present that the said Edmund has destroyed and despoiled all the houses which were standing upon [the land] called Redlond, late Botervyles and carried them away outside the lordship without the licence of the lord or his officials. Therefore, etc, and that he gave these houses, viz eight bays, both tiles and everything else of the same [houses], to William Whyte, his servant, to the heavy and great damage of the lord, etc, Wherefore, etc. And at this [court] the first proclamation was made as to who has to say or can show by what right the lord will not duly enter and seize into his hands all the lands and tenements which are in the hands of the aforesaid Edmund Brudenell, which were formerly Botervyld and Pecys, and no one has come or sent to show, just as he had a day, etc. Therefore, etc.
Concerning lands sold contrary to the custom of the manor:
Item, they present that Margaret, late the daughter of Robert Botervyld, has sold one tenement in Chalfont, aforesaid, next to the bridge at ‘le Brygefote’ to Edmund Brudenell, and has also sold to him one garden, lying at the north end of the town there next to the lord’s land and from ancient times was parcel of the land called Tymball, which is in the tenure of Richard Kyng at the will of the lord, viz on the east side of the highway there leading from Chalfont to Agmundesham. And they present that the aforesaid Margaret has given all the premises by her charter as a free tenement to […] contrary to the custom of the manor. Therefore, etc.
Amercements 40d:
Item, the homage present that William Carter ^20d and Richard Mosse ^20d have felled four trees called elms upon the aforesaid lands in the name of the aforesaid Edmund without the licence of the lord or his officials, the price of the trees being 2s 8d. Therefore they are in amercement, etc.
An order is made to distrain:
And an order is made to distrain lord William, the chaplain of the chantry there, by his lands and chattels, so that he is at the next court to make fealty and relief to the lord concerning 16s 10d for the lands called […] there, etc.
An order is made to distrain:
Item, an order is made to distrain William Russell by all his lands and chattels so that he is at the next court to make fealty and relief to the lord of 3s 6d for lands and closes formerly of John Stoketon, knight, there.
An order is made to distrain:
And an order is still made to the bailiff to distrain David Phelyp for the rent of 2s 6d, issuing from lands at Phelyppeshull, etc.
An order is made to distrain:
And also to distrain Edward Bulstrode by all lands there to make a fine and fealty to the lord for lands and tenements formerly of Thomas Whelere there, held from the lord by copy at the will of the lord, etc.
An order is made to distrain before the next court; penalty imposed:
And also to distrain William Brudenell for arrears of rent in Hegeley for lands there 28s a year.
And an order is still made to Edmund Brudenell to make and repair all his tenements late Pecys and Botervyld before the next court, etc, under penalty of 40s.

Sum of the amercements of this court: [blank]
Thereupon the expences of the steward: 13½d

Assessors: Richard Grove and Thomas Whyte, sworn.

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