Calendar of Inquisitions Post Mortem, Volume 25, 1437-42

ELLEN, WIFE OF RICHARD MONYNGTON , DAUGHTER OF JOHN WALWEYN

613 Writ de etate probanda. ‡ 8 February 1442. [Bate]. Regarding her inheritance as one of the daughters and heirs of John Walweyn , who lately held of the king in chief. The lands and tenements of the inheritance are in the custody of Walter Devereux by commission of the king [CFR 1437–45, p. 154]. Have Walter informed of the forthcoming proof of age. [Dorse:] He was informed by John Bromyord , Richard Baby , John West , and Richard Hurt .

HEREFORDSHIRE. Proof of age. Hereford. 20 February 1442. [Wyggemore].

Thomas Alton , 50 and more; Thomas Lawton , 60 and more; Richard Loret , 40 and more; John Stevynes , 50 and more; John Atfordton , 45 and more; Richard Kynford , 60 and more; Thomas Horsenet , 50 and more; Richard Gardener , 40 and more; Thomas Partrich , 66 and more; Richard Halle , 55 and more; Thomas Smyth , 44 and more; and John Pagynton , 63 and more.

The jurors were sworn and diligently examined on the age of Ellen. They say that she was born in Wellington on the feast of the Conversion of St Paul 4 Henry VI [25 January 1426], and baptised in the church of St Margaret there on the same day. She was 16 and more on the Conversion of St Paul last. They know for the following reasons. Thomas Alton , 50 and more, says that Alice, daughter of John Monyngton , was born on the same day and baptised in the church of Canon Pyon. Alice was 16 on the conversion of St Paul last. Thomas Lawton , 60 and more, agrees with Thomas Alton , and says that Robert Mere died and was buried at the church of St Margaret the Virgin, Wellington, on that day. He attended the burial. Richard Loret , 40 and more, says that Thomas Sylle ’s barn at Wellington caught fire, and he, Richard, was there with many others to extinguish it. John Stevynes , 50 and more, saw how Elizabeth, lately wife of William Walweyn , Ellen’s godmother, raised Ellen from the font at the request of John Walweyn , father of Ellen. John Stevynes was present and drank well of red wine and mead. John Atfordton , 45 and more, says that his black levrier, called ‘York’, bit Philip, servant of Nicholas Walweyn , on the thigh of his right leg in the church at the time of the baptism. Richard Kynford , 60 and more, held two burning wax torches in the church around the font during the baptism. Thomas Horsenet , 50 and more, saw Richard, servant of John Walweyn , carrying bread and a silver pot full of sweet wine called ‘Tyre’ to the church for drinking at the baptism. Richard Gardener , 40 and more, had a son born of Joan his wife, named James, who was baptised on the same day in the church of St Mary at Miles Hope. Thomas Partrich , 66 and more, had Alice, his servant, fill the font with water for Ellen’s baptism. Richard Halle , 55 and more, says that John Walweyn , Ellen’s father, hit him on the head with his two-handed sword to part him from his life. Thomas Smyth , 44 and more, lent a red cow to John Walweyn for two years, to find milk for Ellen. John Pagynton , 63 and more, purchased 6 a. arable in Wellington from John Walweyn for 10 marks, which he paid then and there. [Head:] Delivered to court on 10 March 1442.

C 139/107/41 mm. 1–2

The jurors following Thomas Lawton also state that they agree with Thomas Alton.