_Hickling 71._
[14 . . ] At Westminster.
_Letter_ [on paper, in English] from two counsel, _William Wangeford_
and _William Jenney_, to Sir John Fastolf, giving their opinion on his
claim against the prior of Hickling. Sir John cannot recover the £20
forfeit, because the condition of the obligation only extended to the
heirs of Sir Hugh Clifford, and not to his assigns, and Sir John is only
an assign; but the rent of 25 marks is sure to him, and he can recover
it, if denied by the prior, by process of law; they will consult with
justices and serjeants whether he can recover it by distraint.
_Hickling 74._
[14 . . ] Friday in the 2nd week after Easter at Lenne.
_Letter_, [in English, on paper] from _Henry Notyngham_ to Sir Henry
Barton, Alderman of London. Has counselled with Paston, and finds him
more friendly and ready to help in Barton’s matter than ever before;
supposes that the cause is, that the prior that was obstinate is dead,
and another appointed, who Paston trusts will be more easy to stir.
Desires that Paston may be thanked. Sends a letter which he desires
‘a child of zours’ may carry to Mistress Jenkin Leventhorpe the younger;
and ask at my lord’s inn of Doreham or of Ratclyff or some other which
he may think best, if he (_i.e._ my Lord of Durham) shall be at this
Parliament. Send to Thomelin Grys, spicer at Norwich, some ‘loder,’ as
soon as he can goodly buy it, which comes each week to Rossamez Inn in
St. Laurence’s Lane.
_Hickling 75._
[14 . . ] 14 Apr., at Norwich.
_Letter_, [in English, on paper] from _H[enry] Notyngham_ to Sir Henry
Barton, alderman of London. Delivered Paston the copy of the deeds;
shewed his letter to the prior and convent, but gained nothing; they
said they would please Barton full fain, but all their counsel are full
against their binding themselves by any such confirmation; they were
bound to the former owner and his heirs, but not to his assigns. Advises
him to get good counsel, and thinks nothing can be done unless he gets
Paston’s assent and grant to help the matter.
_Hickling 89._
[1450 _or_ 1451?] 18 Aug. Norwich.
_Letter_ [in English, on paper] _from_ ‘_W. [Hart], Bisshope of
Norwich_,’ to Sir John Fastolf. Has put himself greatly in his devoir to
put an end to the controversy between Fastolf and the house of Hykelyng,
and has been so importunate that Lord Scales has advised him not to
meddle in the matter, because he is taken as a suspect person; if he
could do him more profit, he would not spare labour or cost, on account
of Fastolf’s towardness and gentleness to condescend unto right and
reasonable mean, the which he conceives not in the other party. Had
hoped his good and devout purpose towards the place of St. Bennett’s
would have grown to some good conclusion; was there the Sunday before
St. Laurence’s Day, and greatly rejoiced at such work and cost as he has
done there. Heartily desires him to come here to the air of his natural
birth, where he will find my Lord of Norfolk and such attendance as the
Bishop and other gentles of the country may do, ready unto him at all
times; his coming would be to his health and heart’s ease, and the cause
of much peace in the country.
Small seal, fastened _on_ the letter; a stag; a straw round it.
_Hickling 104._
[ ]
_Letter_, [in English, on paper] from _Lord Scales_ to Sir John Fastolf,
asking him to withdraw an outlawry which has been issued against John
Dowebegyng, servant of the former, for a debt of £100 due to Fastolf by
Thomas Danyell, Esq., for which Dowebegyng had become bound.
Signed by Lord Scales, who adds a postscript in his own hand that
Fastolf has been as faithful and kind to him since he came into England
as he was in France, and that there is no one of his estate for whom he
would do so much.
Small seal, on the paper, with a straw round it.
[Footnote 81.1: [From MSS. in Magd. Coll., Oxf.]]
[[The empty brackets after “Hickling 104” are in the original.]]
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