[Sidenote: 1469(?) / JAN. 7]
Right hertly welbilovyd, I grete you wele. And where I am for trowth
enformyd that the Duchesse of Suffolk wolle hold a court on Monday next
commyng at Coton, to th’entent that she wolle fynde the maner of
Thempnals holde of hir by knyghts service and they that ben
possessioners of the same shulde payle certeine of the Parke of
Weverston; and by cause this is nat performyd nor don, thoo that ben
possessioners shall at the said court be amersid. And it is agreed that
Sir William Yelverton, Sir Thomas Hoo, shalle be at the said court and
wolle pay the amercyment, and to delyver the said Duchesse possession of
the said service and palyng, and so by this meane to be come tenauntes
to the said Duchesse. And what wolle be falle more herof I kan nat sey.
Wherfor me thinkith it were welle don ye were at the said court with
your councell, and to do therin as they wolle avise you. Also as ye come
to the said court take your wey by the said Duchesse to th’entent that
ye come to se hir welfare, &c. Do herin as your councell wolle avyse
you. I wolde ye dud welle. And to my power I wolle help you. And our
Lorde kepe yow. Writyn at Tatyngston the vij. day of Januer.
_Endorsed_: Th’Erle off Oxenfford.
[Footnote 5-1: [From Paston MSS., B.M.] It will be seen by No.
690, that in October 1468 the Duchess of Suffolk had a design of
suddenly entering the manor of Cotton and dispossessing Sir John
Paston. This letter, in which it is said she proposes to hold a
court there, was probably written in the beginning of the
following year.]
697