| Description | Copy of pleas held before the king at Westminster Michaelmas term 1439.
Joan Corset of Exeter, spinster, John Benet of Exeter, skinner, William Aysshe of Cowick, husbandman, William Danby of Exeter, butcher, William Corset of Wray, husbandman, and John Potyng formerly of Doccombe, husbandman, were attached for attacking John Tapper and John Groce, tenants of the prior of Canterbury Cathedral Priory, at Doccombe on 5 Feb 1439. The tenants left their lands and the prior lost their rents [details given] and services, claiming that he had suffered losses and damages of £100.
The defendants pleaded not guilty and both they and the prior appealed to a jury. A jury was summoned, but the defendants claimed that it had been chosen by Thomas Gyffard, under-sheriff of Devon, to favour the prior, and their claim was upheld. The sheriff was therefore commanded to form a new jury. No date. [Date: date of original.]
Endorsed 'conservatur' pro assis'' in mid 15th cent hand. |