Records 2

Records between 1316 & 1519

20l = £20 a year- LSD = latin= libra, solidus, and denarius - Pound/ Shillings/Pence

Hailes & Bicknor 1364 - Was this Thomas 5th son ?
A few miles away hidden away in the Vale of Severn & set close to the edge of the Cotswold hills was Hailes Abbey a powerful & influential former Cistercian abbey founded in 1246 by Richard of Cornwall, It lies very close the a Salt Way that runs from Droitwich south the the coat at Weymouth

Devon Record Office 3799M-0/ET/25/1 1364
Contents: Grant for 13 years
1. Thomas of la POMEROY
2. John Fisschre., John Capoun, John Tailour

Premises: all the coppice wood growing in 1.'s woods of Bixynore and Hailes

Rent: 20/- payable at 'San.' in the house of Walter atte Burghe called le Reale

Condition: if Fissachre do not pay the rent, cut down oak, ash or coppice wood outside the term granted, or do not keep the wood of Hailes enclosed, then Pomeroy is allowed to re-enter the woods and retain them.
Fissachre, Capoun & Tailor bind themselves in £10 to pay for this transgression

Date: Stoke Basset, Monday after St Michael, 38 Edward III

Seals: three; first missing, second a heraldic beast, possibly a lion, third a man's head in an eight-pointed star

Nicholas & his 4 brothers, John William and Thomas and the eldest Henry, the next Baron Pomeroy , the sons of Henry Pomeroy & his wife Joan Moels.

1365 Devon Record Office 3799M-0/ET/25/1

Contents: Grant for 13 years -- ( for logging )

1. Thomas of la Pomeray

2. John Fisschre., John Capoun, John Tailour

Premises: all the coppice wood growing in 1.'s woods of Bixynore and Hailes

Rent: 20/- payable at 'San.' in the house of Walter atte Burghe called le reale

Condition: if 2. does not pay the rent, cut down oak, ash or coppice wood outside the term granted, or does not keep the wood of Hailes enclosed, then 1. is allowed to re-enter the woods and retain them. 2. bind themselves in £10 to pay for this transgression

Date: Stoke Basset, Monday after St Michael, 38 Edward III-1365

Seals: three; first missing, second a heraldic beast, possibly a lion, third a man's head in an eight-pointed star

1379 Hugh Pomeroy shipped pipe oil to the value of £12/13/4d on the Juliane from Bristol, to Portugal
( Source -Overseas Trade of Bristol by Carus Wilson, pub:1937, page 182)

Where Hugh fits on the family tree is unclear - this name doesnt turn up until later circa 1530's

Monasteries were self sustaining micro-economies. Whilst they were part of a wide-ranging, international trade a monastery's tenant farmers would agree to run large flocks of sheep alongside their own flocks, to raise the wool needed by the monks; or monastery owned sheep would be grazed on common land. Wool was only one aspect of monastic economies; tanneries and corn mills were also common, as were raising other livestock, rabbit warrens and fishponds – monasteries also owned lead mine
Whilst it’s hard to overstate the importance of wool to the monastic economy, it’s worth remembering that there were also other ventures.

Note A number of Benedictine Priories were connected across the vale of Severn by trackways and lanes . These were Deerhurst, Little Malvern, Gloucester, Winchcombe, ( Hailes Abbey is nearby a wealthy and significant Cistercian abbey founded in 1246 by Richard, Earl of Cornwall, 3 miles north of Winchcombe & Sudeley Castle) Other Benedictines foundations were at Tewkesbury, Evesham, Pershore and Worcester . Hereford lies to the west & still has a Benedictine Abbey ; to west beyond that is Wales .
Mainly founded in the 12th century these were lost when Henry VIII laid waste to the monastic system during the Dissolution in the late 1530’s.

Bixynor is English Bicknor & Welsh Bicknor - two parishes on opposite sides of the river Wye near Symonds Yat with Goodritch & its Castle close to Lydbrook in the Forest of Dean.

Among those buried at the Hailes Abbey were the founder, Richard of Cornwall, his second wife, Sanchia of Provence, and his sons, Edmund, 2nd Earl of Cornwall and Henry of Almain

Hailes .At one time there was a moated ringwork castle at Hailes , built in 11th or early 12th century, near the church in the village. The castle was strengthened by Ralph of Worcester at the start of the difficult years of the Anarchy, with Hailes Castle playing a role in the conflict between 1139 and 1145. When the abbey was built the castle became partly incorporated into the inner precinct of the Abbey.

Hailes Abbey in 1270 it became a site of pilgrimage after Richard's son Edmund donated a phial of the 'Holy Blood,' to the Cistercian community which had been purchased in Germany. Such a relic of the Crucifixion was a considerable magnet for pilgrimage. From the proceeds, the monks of Hailes were able to rebuild the Abbey on a magnificent scale. One Abbot of Hailes was executed as a rebel after the Battle of Bramham Moor, in 1408.

Devon Record Office 3799M-0/ET/18/3 1316

Contents: Quit claim

1. William son of William of la Walle

2. William of Lester

Premises: one messuage and one carrucate of land in la Walle in the manor of Stockleigh Pomeroy

Witnesses: Sir Henry of Campo Arnulphi and Sir John of Carmino knts., Richard of Chuderlegh, Robert of Clystewilme, Robert of Engles, James Prodomme, John of Churiton

Date: Exeter, the eve of All Saints, 10 Edward II Seal: round, fleur de lys, "S' WILLELMI WALL

Devon Record Office 3799M-0/ET/18/8 1359

Contents: Deed of gift

1. Stephen Davi

2. William la Pomeray, Nicholas of la Pomeray, Thomas of la Pomeray, Stephen vicar of Byry and Robert Weye

Premises: one messuage and all 1.'s land of 1a Wallen in the manor of Stockleigh Pomeroy, and also all 1.'s goods and chattels

Witnesses: Henry of la Pomeray, Thomas of Courtenay, Theobald Greynevile, knts., John Dabernon, Richard of Brankescombe

Date: Newton St Cyres, Saturday after the feast of St Mathias the Apostle, 33 Edward III

Seal: round, shield with Ihs, "S. HUGONIS: LE: SPENSER" same matrix as 3799M-0/ET/18/4

Records from Bury Pomeroy go back to the year 1267

Devon Record Office 3799M-0/ET/2/1a 1267

Contents: Deed of warranty

1. Gilbert prior of Merton and the convent of the same place

2. Sir Henry of la Pomeroy

Warranty against the Abbot and convent of Valle in Normandy of all lands and tenements which the Abbot and convent once held in 2.'s manor of Bery and which 2. now hold by grant from 1.

Date: St Vincent, martyr, 1267

Seal: virgin and child 'SIGM.ECCLESIE.SAN[CTE].[M]ARIE.DE.MERITONA'. obverse, the abbot standing with his hand raised in blessing

'TUNDI.LUCERNA.NO[N].[AU]GUSTINE.GUBERNA'.

Note Merton Priory in Surrey was established in AD1117 on its current site by Gilbert, sheriff of Surrey, and received the manor of Merton from Henry I in 1121. Thomas Becket, later Archbishop of Canterbury, and Walter de Merton, founder of Merton College Oxford, were both educated at Merton Priory.

Devon Record Office 3799M-0/ET/2/9 1389 the year after Thomas married Joanna Chudleigh without the kings licence

under Bury Pomeroy

Contents: Bourton. Lease for two lives

1. John of la Pomeray, lord of Byry Pomeray

2. Walter Souche and Agnes his wife (Zouch )

Premises: all that close of land in Boreton in the manor of Byry Pomeray which John Wynard recently held, lying between the land of Lonshangre which John Suddon holds on the east, and the road leading from Totnes to Exeter on the west and north, and 1.'s meadow of Boreton on the south

Rent: 4/-

Witnesses: John Walhay, Walter Sapcombe, John Austyn, Thomas Tracy

Date: Byry Pomeray, Saturday after Pentecost, 12 Richard II Seal: made with a signet ring

Bourton Farm is just north of Totnes

Devon Record Office 3799M-0/ET/2/17 mid 14th cent circa 1330

Contents: Manor and whole estate. Copy fine

1. Nicholas of Wedergrave and John Gambon quers.

2. Henry son of Amice of Pomeroy, and Johanne (Moels) his wife defs. through Ralph Spek, representing Thomasine

Premises: the manor of Tregony, eighteen knights fees in Tregony in Cornwall, the manors of Berry and Stockleigh Pomeroy, thirty eight knights fees in Berry and Harberton and the moieties of the manors of Brixham and Harberton in Devon

Pomeroy recognises that the premises belong to Wedergrave, and in return for this recognisance, Wedergrave. grants the premises to Pomeroy with the service and homage of the Abbot of Ford, the Abbot of Buckfast, the Prior of St Michael's Mount, William of Rogillyn, John le Sor, Peter of Glyn, Geoffrey of Bodbran, Nicholas of Treflunen, Oliver of Carminou, Robert fitz William, Simon Giffard, Ralph Bunill, John of Kelestek, Oger of Cleyher, William Halap, Roger of Trelonthas, Odo of Bodrigan, John of Penwern, Roger of Tremur, John of Polredan, Thomas Peticru, Peter of Glyn, Roger of Reskenmer, Benedict le Brun, John of Trenal, John of Trenranek, Ralph Blonyhon, Oger of Kernyk, William Goylyn, William Corsgaran, Stephen of Trewuthenec, John of Tremamoun, Hugh le Gros, John Fasel, Reginald of Wolvedon, Benedict of Bastoun, Walter of Nausbara, Bartholomew Mich., Geoffrey Prideaux, William of Madros, Thomas of Penwern, Robert Blake, Ivo Crabbe, Hue Crabbe, Reginald of Trebuthyas, Alice of Brunille, Henry of Nyweton, John of Nyweton, John Counek, Godfrey of Trenewith, William Bolfyn, John of Penwern, Henry Benehouse, Thomas Wyger, Robert of Hoxham, Roger of Monlywys, Robert of Kyrkeham, Roger of Prall., Henry of Esse, John of Tremenec, Robert of Stochey, John Proutz, Robert of Horton, Simon Coffyn, John of Bello Campo, Richard of Stapelton, William of Ferirs, Richard of Chuceldon, Edward of Monte Hermery, Richard of Doun, Roger of Alweston, William of Mewvy, Thomas of Monte Hermery, Andrew of Wiggeworth, John of Vispount, Richard Favel, and Thomas Cryspyn

With a clause entailing the premises on the sons of Pomeroy and their heirs male

Date: the morrow of St John the Baptist, 3 Edward III, and the octave of St Hilary, 18/5 Edward III; copy undated

Devon Record Office 3799M-0/ET/2/18 1388

Contents: Manor and whole estate. Exemplification of a fine by letters patent copy of fine (see ET/2/17) requested by Henry Pomeray, heir of Henry son of Amice of Pomeray

Date: Westminster, 30 May, 11 Richard II

Great seal missing

( Amice de Camville was wife of Henry, son of Henry & Isolda /Iseult de Pyne widow Bodrugan - Amice held Stockleigh Pomeroy in dower circa 1328 -)

AJP found a single record mentioning Emmot wife of Henry - whilst he was way possibly fighting the Scots.
John of Gaunt who launched the Hundred year wars the year Henry died 1373
1363 Royal decree prohibits all forms of Sunday recreation other than practice with the English longbow.

Devon Record Office 3799M-0/ET/9/1 1364

Contents: Grant

1. Henry of la Pomeray the younger, knt., and EMMOTt his wife

2. Robert Adelard

Premises: all 1.'s land, meadow and pasture in Yerdbury during the life of Emmot Rent: 43/4d

Witnesses: Damorle, William Hor., Richard Benet

Date: Monday before the feast of St Peter ad Vincula, 38 Edward III

Yardbury Farm near Axminster links to Carew Pole

1485-1486: court roll

Collection held privately: enquiries to Archives & Cornish Studies Service (formerly Cornwall RO)

CM/B/153

NRA 5960 Carew Pole

John de la Pomeray, Knight Man-at-Arms on Naval Service (Keeping of the Sea) under Lord Guy de Bryan 1370 Retinue list
source TNA, E101/30/21, m1

John de la Pomeray, Knight as Man-at-Arms in France under William Montegue earl of Salisbury 1372 Letters of Attorney. source TNA, C76/55, m. 45

John de la Pomeray, Knight on Naval Service (expedition) under William Montagu, earl of Salisbury lead by Edward III 1372 Retinue list source TNA, E101/32/30, m6

Devon Record Office 3799M-0/ET/2/19 1387

Contents: Manor and whole estate. Writ of attornment (Letters of Attorney) He was off to war

1. John of la Pomeroy knt.

2. all his tenants

Premises: the manor of Berry Pomeroy which 1. has conveyed to William of Horbury, parson of the church of Ipplepen, Richard Holrigge, vicar of the church of Brixham, John Papilwyk, parson of the church of Lockeshore (Loxhore), Reginald vicar of the church of Berry Pomeroy, John Hille, John Wadham, Thomas Pomeray, William Caunton and Richard Ayssh

Date: Thursday after the feast of St Barnabas the apostle, 10 Richard II

~~~

Devon Record Office 3799M-0/ET/2/20 1387

Contents: Manor and whole estate. Letter of attorney

1. William of Horbury, parson of the church of Ipplepen, Richard Holrigge, vicar of the church of Brixham, John Papilwyk, parson of the church of Loxhore, Reginald, vicar of the church of Berry Pomeroy, John Hill, John Wadham, Thomas of la Pomeray, and Richard Ayssh

2. William Grilleston, William of Bredon and Robert of Hempston to give seisin to:

3. John of la Pomeray, son and heir of Henry of la Pomeray, and Johanne his wife

Premises: the manor of Berry Pomeroy

Date: Sunday after the feast of St Bartholomew the apostle, 11 Richard II

Seals: eight seals, including that of Thomas of la Pomeray

~~~

Devon Record Office 3799M-0/ET/2/23 1404

Contents: Manor and whole estate. Confirmation

1. Edward Pomeray

2. Johanne wife of John of la Pomeroy knt.

Premises: all the manor of Berry Pomeroy with Worth, Weston, Boreton and Bruggeton Pomeroy

Warranty against the Abbot of Buckfast and his successors and Elias Penyls and his heirs

The confirmation is to be void if Johanna his wife, after the death of John, enters in on any manors, lands or tenements belonging to John in Stockleigh Pomeroy, Brixham and Harberton, or if Joanna Pomeroy grants or leases to anyone her estate in the manor of Berry Pomeroy with Worthy, Weston, Boreton and Bruggeton Pomeray

Witnesses: Richard Champernon knt., John Arundel knt., Walter Raynold, William Ferrers, Edmund Bosoun, Robert Scobehille, Philip Botterord

Date: Berry Pomeroy, Friday before the Annunciation, 5 Henry IV

Seal: flower shape, 'ihs' in centre

Devon Record Office 3799M-0/ET/2/25 1413

Contents: Manor and whole estate. Licence of alienation by letters patent granted to John of la Pomeroy knt., to convey the manor of Berry Pomeroy to Edward Liegh parson of the church of Haccombe, David Hoghe vicar of Buckfastleigh, Robert Saundre vicar of Stoke Gabriel, who can then reconvey the manor to John and Johanne his wife and the heirs male of his body, and for default of issue, the manor is to be held by Edward Pomeroy esq., and the heirs male of his body, with remainder to the right heirs of John

Date: 12 September, 1 Henry

~~~

Devon Record Office 3799M-0/ET/2/26 1413

Contents: Manor and whole estate. Deed of gift

1. Edward Liegh parson of Haccombe, David Hoghe vicar of Buckfastleigh and Robert Saundre vicar of Stoke Gabriel

2. John of la Pomeray knt. and Johanne his wife

Premises: the manor of Berry Pomeroy, to be held by 2. and the heirs male of the body of John, and for default of heirs male by Edward Pomeray esq., and the heirs male of his body, with remainder to the right heirs of John

Witnesses: Hugh Courtenay the elder, Thomas Carru, Richard Champernon knts., John Hauley, John Fraunceys esqs.

Date: Berry Pomeroy, 8 October 1 Henry V

Seals: of 2., damaged

Devon Record Office 3799M-0/ET/2/24 1413

Contents: Licence of alienation

Granted to Edward Pomeray esq. to convey the manor of Berry Pomeroy to John Assh, William Cloueneburgh vicar of Berry Pomeroy, and John Harry vicar of Stoke Gabriel, who can then reconvey the manor to Edward and Margaret his wife and the heirs male of their bodies, with remainder to the right heirs of Edward

Date: 12th October, 12 Henry

Devon Record Office 3799M-0/ET/2/39 1408

Contents: *Weekborough.

Grant for life, in reversion

1. Edward of la Pomeray, lord of Berry Pomeroy

2. Andrew Colle

Premises: reversion of two and a half furlongs of land in Twykkeburgh which were leased by John of la Pomeroy knt., recently lord of Berry Pomeroy, to Nicholas Col. father of Andrew Colle

Rent: 20/-

Witnesses: Richard atte Wode, Thomas Penellys, William Austyn, John Northwyk, John Chapelman

Date: Berry Pomeroy, Sunday after St James the Apostle, 9 Henry VI

Seal: ?motif

Twykkeburgh - = Weekaborough not Tewkesbury in Gloucestershire

Weekaborough Farm, Hartland, Bideford, Devon EX39 6HP,

https://media.onthemarket.com/properties/2977480/doc_0_3.pdf

There is also a Lower & Higher Weekbrough Farms in the area of Beri Pomeroy

https://www.genuki.org.uk/places/8703/6/237:1-234:1-286:1-276:1- Interactive Map of parish

Court of Common Pleas Henry VI =1422-1461

E1426 A

Error. Oyer and Terminer (2 Henry VI)

Trespass: assault in warlike array

Judgment rendered

John Boyvile de Bakeleford v. John Wele de Mattelegh, Devon, attorney; and John Taillour de Twykkeburgh, husbandman

Link [332]

Devon Record Office 3799M-0/ET/2/46 1423

Contents: Deed of gift

1. Edward Pomeray esq.

2. William Palton knt. John Copleston and John Aysh of Lovyntorre

Premises: all Edward Pomeroy’s messuages and lands in Bury Pomeray and Tregony and elsewhere in Devon and Cornwall

Witnesses: Robert Hill, Walter Raynell, [ ] esqs, John Sayer, Henry Beare

Date: 1st March, 1 Henry VI

Left-hand part of the document missing

John died 1416- when Thomas took the Barony until his death in 1426 when Edward the rightful heir had it until 1446 )

Devon Record Office 3799M-0/ET/3/40 1420

Contents: Inspeximus

1. Edward of la Pomeray of a charter of

2. John of la Pomeray knt., lord of Berry Pomeray

3. Bartholomew Harry

Premises: all those messuages, lands and tenements in Bruggeton Pomeray which were recently Elena's, daughter of Walter atte Fosse (3799M-0/ET/3/32)

Date: last day of September, 8 Henry V

Seal: small, round, lion's head, initials EP

A charter beginning with the Latin word Inspeximus ('We have inspected'). It is declared in the charter that an earlier charter or letters quoted or summarised has been examined and its validity confirmed.

Devon Record Office 3799M-0/ET/19/8 1404

Contents: Deed of gift

1. Robert Saundre, vicar of the church of Stoke Gabriel, and Thomas Cornewale, chaplain

2. Edward Pomeray and Margaret his wife

Premises: all 1.'s messuages, lands and tenements in Sanndrygge, Wylle, Teynghervy, Wellecombe, Wallys and Lake, which 1. had by gift from Edward Pomeray, to be held by 2. and the legitimate heirs of their bodies

Witnesses: Edward Boson, John Wolhay, Thomas Bernhous, Richard Aysshe, John Bokkeyate

Date: Sanndrygge, Tuesday after the feast of the translation of St Thomas, 5 Henry IV

Seals: small, round, man's head; small, oval, crown and two initials

A2A Kew

C 131/34/12 Description:Dated 1389

Debtor: Thomas Pomeroy, esquire, of Devon.

Creditor: Peter Pounfreit, citizen and skinner of London.

Amount: £83 10s. 8d.

Before whom: Nicholas Exton, Mayor of the Staple of Westminster.

When taken: 26/09/1388 First term: 06/03/1389 Last term: 06/03/1389

Writ to: Sheriff of Devon

Sent by: Chancery

Endorsement: James Chuddelegh, Sheriff, replies that Thomas Pomeray was not found in the bailiwick. The execution of the rest of the writ appears in the inquisition.

Note: , C 131/36/22, C 131/41/14. Date given for return to Chancery: 13/10/1395
M.2: Inquisition made at Exeter, 21/09/1395 before James Chuddelegh, Sheriff of Devon.

The jury says that Thomas Pomeray has no lands or tenements and had none on the date of the recognisance in Devon.

Date: 1395 Jul 2. H eld by: The National Archives, KewLegal status: Public RecordLanguage: English

1389. Thomas Esquire was out of England at Brest garrison

Devon Record Office

3799M-0/T/12/4 1519

documents are held at Devon Record Office

Arbitration

1. John Gruele knt., chief justice of the common pleas, and Lewys Pollard knt., another of the justices of the common pleas, arbitrators

2. Edward Pomeroy knt.

3. Richard Pomeroy esq.

Arbitration: 2. is to hold the manor of Sandrygge and the lands and tenements called Sandrygge, Wyll, Hokemoreslonds, Austyns londs, Hardebyns londs, John Harrys londs, Bertilmewe Harrys londs, Walles and Welcombe, and he is to pay 3. £430.

3. is to cause William Barret and Thomasyn his wife to acknowledge to 3. by fine all right and interest they have in the manor of Sandridge, Sandridge, Will, Hokemoreslands, Austyns londs, John Harrys londs, Bertilmewe Harrys londs, Walles, Welcome, Yalburn, Hemston, Chatard, Grendon, Stoke Gabriel and Paignton.

3. is to make to 2. a good surety of his share of the premises and is to hold the lands and tenements called Teynghervy, Yaleburn, Hemston, Chaterd, Grendon, Stoke Gabriel and Paynton for himself and the heirs male of his body, with remainder, for default, to 2. 2. is to make 3. a good surety of his share of the premises

Amy Cammel .... her 3rd husband Baron Henry Pomeroy changed the entail so that her step son Thomas Pomeroy & her grandaughter AGNES Kelloway could receive a huge part of the Pomeroy Holdings at his death. And late in life, when Thomas and Agnes had sons (Richard & Henry), Amy appears to have added "Richard," son of Thomas and Agnes, to the list.

Thomas, throughout his life, doesn't seem to have acted in any formal way in the matter..... but after Thomas died, Sir Edward moved to separate Sandridge and grant it to his wife Margaret

At this point AGNES took action. Remember, she was co-owner, named as Agnes Kelloway, with Thomas, according to the IMP of Squire Henry (X). And she seemed as adament as her grandmother that the 2nd son not be passed over. That's when the Chancery suits started.

Devon Record Office 3799M-0/T/12/3 1519

Contents: Bond

1. Richard Pomeroy esq.

2. Edward Pomeroy knt.

In 1,000 marks to obey the arbitration of John Gruele knt. and Lewis Pollard knt., as to the title to the manor of Sandrygge and messuages and lands called Sandrygge, Will, Hokemarslonds, Austens londs, Hardybyns londs, John Harrys londs, Bertilmewe Harrys londs, Tyngehervy, Walles, Welcombe, Yaldeburne, Hemston, Chatard, Grendon, Stoke Gabriel and Paignton

note A 'mark' was worth two-thirds of a pound, 160 pence or 13s 4d. it never a physical amount of money represented by a coin, but was a common amount used for accounting purposes. 1000 marks is £666,66

Devon Record Office 3799M-0/T/12/4 1519

Arbitration

1. John Gruele knt., chief justice of the common pleas, and Lewys Pollard knt., another of the justices of the common pleas, arbitrators

2. Edward Pomeroy knt.

3. Richard Pomeroy esq.

ALEXANDER MERLE
Alexander Merle, an Exeter city merchant, possibly a Scottish freebooter , by October 1382 was an MP for Devon with Bonville in favour with Edward III

1367 Elizabeth Courtenay widow of Roger Carminowe widow of Baron Henry Pomeory married Alex Merle

1377 King Edward III, granted his esquire Alexander Merle of Scotland an annuity of 12 pence or 1 shilling a day for his services in wars making about £20 a year

1378 Oct. 1- October 9:—mention of Alexander Merle, an esquire of Scotland, & his annuity  15 years later

1382 Elizabeth widow Pomeroy died & Merle married Johan widow of Sit Thomas Pomeroy MP

1384 Member of Parliament Ferrers†, Robert Chalons and Alexander Merle†, along with at least four men who sat in Parliament for local boroughs

1385 Alexander Merle esquire, cost and expenses in the safe carriage of 2000 marks brought by him from London to the Scottish March for the pay of the army invading Scotland,

1387 Members of Parliament - Bonville with Alexander Merle in October

1384 Member of Parliament Among the 44 esquires listed next were Hugh Courtenay (the earl’s brother), Martin

26 April 1392: The homage presents that Alexander Merle and Johanna his wife held certain lands and tenements Atte Wille for the life. After Johanna’s death the reversion is to the heirs of Thomas de la Pomeray to be held by Knight Services. (Johanna widow of Thomas married A. Merle).

Alexander Merle.1st married the widow of the Baron Pomeroy , Elizabeth Courtenay wife & widow of Sir Henry 1st wife Joanna Moels & then 15 years later after Elixbeth died he married his step daughter in law, Johane Pomeroy the widow of Henry's 5th son Sir Thomas.

Feet of Fines
Feet of Fines: CP 25/1/44/62

Thomas de Barton', clerk, Alexander Merle and Robert de Brantyngham ... Robert, Thomas, Thomas and Alexander have the advowson of ... hold to Thomas, Thomas, Alexander and Robert and the

Feet of Fines: CP 25/1/44/63

Thomas de Barton', clerk, Alexander Merle and Robert de ... granted to Thomas, Thomas, Alexander and Robert the manor ... Gwenllian to Thomas, Thomas, Alexander and Robert and the

Feet of Fines

CP 25/1/44/62, number 23. Dated 1381

Link: Image of document at AALT

County: Devon. Place: Westminster.

Date: One week from St Michael, 4 Richard [II] [6 October 1380]. And afterwards two weeks from Easter in the same year [28 April 1381].

Parties: Thomas de Staynthrop', clerk, Thomas de Barton', clerk, Alexander Merle and Robert de Brantyngham, querents, and William Croyser, knight, and Elizabeth, his wife, deforciants.

Property: The manor of Teyngton' Dru and the advowson of the church of Teyngton' Dru.

Action: Plea of covenant.

Agreement: William and Elizabeth have acknowledged the manor and advowson to be the right of Robert, of which Robert, Thomas, Thomas and Alexander have the advowson of their gift, to hold to Thomas, Thomas, Alexander and Robert and the heirs of Robert, of the chief lords for ever. And besides William and Elizabeth granted for themselves and the heirs of Elizabeth that the manor - which John de Ralegh', knight, and Gwenllian (Wentelina), his wife, held in dower of Gwenllian of the inheritance of Elizabeth on the day the agreement was made, and which after the decease of Gwenllian ought to revert to William and Elizabeth and the heirs of Elizabeth - after the decease of Gwenllian shall remain to Thomas, Thomas, Alexander and Robert and the heirs of Robert, to hold together with the advowson of the chief lords for ever.

Warranty: Warranty.

For this: Thomas, Thomas, Alexander and Robert have given them 200 pounds sterling.

Note: This agreement was made in the presence of John and Gwenllian, and they did fealty to Thomas, Thomas, Alexander and Robert in the court.

Standardised forms of names. (These are tentative suggestions, intended only as a finding aid.)

Persons: Thomas de Stainthorpe, Thomas de Barton, Alexander Marley,( Merle?) Robert de Brantingham, William Croyser, Elizabeth Croyser, John de Raleigh, Gwenllian de Raleigh

Places: Drewsteignton

CP 25/1/44/63, number 38. Dates 1381

Link: Image of document at AALT

County: Devon. Place: Westminster.

Date: One week from St Martin, 5 Richard [II] [18 November 1381].

Parties: Thomas de Stayndrop', clerk, Thomas de Barton', clerk, Alexander Merle and Robert de Brantyngham, querents, and John de Ralegh', knight, and Gwenllian (Wenthilina), his wife, deforciants.

Property: The manor of Teyngton' Dreu.

Action: Plea of covenant.

Agreement: John and Gwenllian have granted to Thomas, Thomas, Alexander and Robert the manor and have remised and quitclaimed whatsoever they had in it for the life of Gwenllian to Thomas, Thomas, Alexander and Robert and the heirs of Robert for ever.

For this: Thomas, Thomas, Alexander and Robert have given them 100 marks of silve

Courtenay by M Cherry

Marriage connections forged by the earl’s own familiars served to extend and consolidate this web of relationships that centred upon

him. A few instances will suffice to illustrate this process. Sir James Chudleigh who, although not liveried in 1384-5— probably because he was serving as sheriff that year— was an officer in the earl’s administration in the 13805, married three times into powerful Devonshire families, the Champernons of Bere Ferrers, the Beaumonts and the Pomeroys. The bonds between the Pomeroysand the earl were made even stronger, for Chudleigh’s sister-in-law,

Margaret Pomeroy, married Sir Adam Cole, steward of the earl’s ‘household in 1 381 -2 and their son, John Cole, was a liveried familiarof the ear] in 1384—5. Chudleigh’s daughter by Joan Pomeroy married one of the earl’s wartime retainers, John St Aubyn. Another familiar, Sir William Bonville (whose grandson was the earl of Devon’s major adversary in the mid-fifteenth century), married a daughter of Sir William Damarel, thereby connecting the earl to another branch of a family already represented amongst his familiars by Sir John Damarel. In the same way, Bonville was related through his father to another branch of the Champemonfamily to that represented amongst the earl’s familiars by John Champernon esquire, the son of the head of the house, Sir Richard Champernon of Modbury. Bonville’s daughter married Sir Thomas Carew, who in 1420 served under Earl Edward’s son, Hugh, earl of Devon. In a similar way, many other marriage alliances linked numerous lead

There is no evidence that the earl interfered in parliamentary elections. He probably had no need. One or more of his knights and esquires sat for the county in every parliament throughout the decade: Bonville in 1380; Bonville with Chudleigh in 1381 and May 1382; Bonville with Alexander Merle in October 1382; Sir PhilipCourtenay in February 1383; Sir John Prideaux and Sir Robert Cornu in October 1383; Bonville yet again, with Chudleigh, in April 1384; Chudleigh and Cornu in November 1384; Strecche in 1385 and again, this time with Sir Philip Courtenay, in 1386; Sir Philip Courtenay again, with Sir John Prideaux in February 1388; and Strecche and the earl’s cousin, Sir John Grenville, in September 1388. A number of his affinity were also returned for the boroughs: John Hauley sat for Dartmouth in 1389-90 and on numerous occasions thereafter: William Ryke, the earl’s feodary, sat for 86 M. Cherry Barnstaple in 1382 and Dartmouth in 1384; one of his lawyers, Robert French, sat for Totnes in 1 384, 1 385 and 1386, and another, Thomas Reymond, sat for Plympton in 1381, Exeter in 1382 and 1388, and Tavistock in 1384.43

Right from the start Henry IV ( 1399-1413) set out to build up a party of dependable local knights and esquires in the county whom he retained and used frequently in local government.65 Some of them had close associations with the earl, such as Sir Robert Chalous and Ralph Dearburgh esquire. Others, however, such as William Yerde esquire, had been retained by the earl of Huntingdon.66 Henry was clearly not prepared to look exclusively to one party for aid in attracting trustworthy support. This body of royal retainers exerted considerable power in the county, and, one, Sir Thomas Pomeroy, successfully provoked Sir Philip Courtenay over a landed dispute that resulted in Courtenay being temporarily committed to the Tower.

https://southernhistorysociety.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Vol-01_1979_M-Cherry-The-Courtenay-Earls-Of-Devon.pdf

Parliament
For most of our period the earldom was held by Edward Courtenay, who was only succeeded by his younger son, Hugh, in 1419. Both earls established close contacts with several of the men who represented the shire and its boroughs in Parliament. A roll of liveries granted by Earl Edward in 1384-5 lists the names of those with whom his ties were symbolized by an annual issue of cloth in his colours. It began with eight knights, including Sir John Stretch, Sir John Prideaux, Sir William Bonville I, Sir John Daumarle† and Sir Robert Cornu†, together with Sir Peter Courtenay†, the earl’s uncle. Among the 44 esquires listed next were Hugh Courtenay (the earl’s brother), Martin Ferrers†, Robert Chalons and Alexander Merle†, along with at least four men who sat in Parliament for local boroughs ( John Hawley I*, Thomas Creedy†, Robert Wilford† and John Grey I*).

COPLESTONE
https://www.historyofparliamentonline.org/volume/1386-1421/member/copplestone-john-1458

latterel connections to Dartmouth
Dartmouth shipmen had their eye on profit rather than diplomacy, and their dubious activities meant that the king’s authorities frequently had to wade in to settle complaints from abroad.

Hawley is derived from Allalegh -

John Hawley was one of the richest and most successful of these ‘privateers’ in Dartmouth and was repeatedly commissioned by the king to ‘keep the seas’. Two of his ships even formed a part of Richard II’s escort to France for his marriage to Isabella of France in 1395.
He has a magnificent & huge brass plate in the Church of St Saviors, so large that I coudnt photgraph the whole thing when standing next to it ! Must take hours and hours to polish !!

Hawley was elected mayor of Dartmouth 14 times, and was twice the town’s MP. He was even made a collector of customs. Yet Chaucer’s fictional shipman from Dartmouth, apparently based on Hawley (whom he had met in 1373), suggests that he was no saint. Chaucer described a ruthless character who took no account of ‘nice conscience’, kept a dagger on a cord about his neck, and sent his enemies ‘home by water’ – that is, made them walk the plank, or simply sunk their ships.

The evidence certainly suggests that Hawley was more unscrupulous than most of his fellow privateers, often overstepping the boundary between legitimate privateering and out-and-out piracy. He was frequently summoned to account for himself, repeatedly warned, and even thrown into the Tower of London for six weeks in 1406. He was released only after pledging to compensate some merchants in Barcelona

Hawley's Parliamentery entry includes
......his mansion between Higher Street and Lower Street (Dartmouth ) where he lived with his wife and four servants in 1377( was) acquired by the town in 1480 and used for the next four centuries as the guildhall...... he financed the building of the chancel in the newly founded church of St. Saviour.
Hawley’s great wealth, accumulated over the years from mercantile ventures and the capture of foreign prizes at sea, enabled him both to purchase and lease large estates in Devon and Cornwall.

30 September 1379 . Westminster .

For supervising the muster of men-at-arms. Assignment to Philip de Courtenay and John de la Pomeroy , William Asthorp' , Martin Ferrers and William de la Pomeroy , and Walter de Hauley , Thomas Credy and Thomas Sayvill' , king's serjeants-at-arms, and William Lockington, clerk , or at least two of them, to supervise the muster of 100 men-at-arms and 100 archers of the retinue of John de Roche , and others of his company, and 100 men-at-arms and 100 archers of the retinues of John Sandes and Richard Craddock , assigned to go in the king's service to Gascony. And also to supervise the muster of sufficient mariners for the ships for the passage, and to do all other necessary things. They are to certify the treasurer and barons of the exchequer of the names of the men-at-arms, archers and mariners, together with deficiency in the same, without delay. it is ordered to the captains, men-at-arms, archers, masters and mariners of ships, and all the king's other faithful subjects, to be intendant upon and obey Courtenay and the others as often and when requested to do so. By C.

Source: GSR C61 93 , https://www.gasconrolls.org/edition/calendars/C61_93/document.html#it093_03_09f_018

Hawley House in Dartmouth later its Guildhall
now the home of Dartmouth Town Council in the heart of historic Dartmouth.

GASCON ROLLS JOHN HAWLEY

February 1377 . Westminster . To all and singular admirals etc. Licence to John Hauley and Richard Harry , at their request king, that they and their servants may buy 100 quarters of wheat and 600 quarters of beans and peas in the counties of Somerset , Dorset and Devon , load them into ships in the port of Lyme Regis , and take them to the cities of Bordeaux or Bayonne for the sustenance of the king's people resident there.
John Prestcote and John Berry of Devon have personally stood surety that Hauley and Harry will take this grain to Bordeaux or Bayonne and nowhere else, and will bring letters from the relevant mayor, attesting to the unloading of the grain, into chancery within half a year of that unloading. Order that they be permitted to do this without hindrance, having first paid the customs, subsidies and other moneys due, any previous order to the contrary notwithstanding.

Source: GSR C61 90 , https://www.gasconrolls.org/edition/calendars/C61_90/document.html#it090_51_04f_006

1 December 1379 . Westminster . For the transport of tin . 1 To all admirals and their lieutenants, customers, keepers of the ports and other maritime places, and also the sheriffs, mayors, bailiffs, ministers and other faithful subjects of the king. Grant of a licence to John Hauley of Dartmouth , at his request, that he, in person or by deputies can load 100 thousandweight of tin bought in Cornwall and Devon , load it in Dartmouth and take it to Bordeaux and Bayonne , and to the islands of Guernsey and Jersey and other parts to the west which are in the king's obedience. The king has granted this because John de Chichester , Thomas Asshenden' , William Burleston and John Lacche of Devon have stood mainprise for Hauley in chancery under the penalty of the value of the tin to be paid to the king for his use, that Hauley will only take it to those specified places, and nowhere else to the east according to the form of the ordinance made in the parliament held at Gloucester.

2 It is ordered that Hauley be permitted to do this, first paying the customs, subsidies and other dues at Calais , any proclamations or ordinances to the contrary notwithstanding.

1. A note in the margin states ' extractus '.

2. For the parts of the statute concerning trade, see The Statutes of the Realm , Vol. 2 (1377-1504), pp. 6-8.

Source: GSR C61 93 , https://www.gasconrolls.org/edition/calendars/C61_93/document.html#it093_03_04f_063

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