‹ E-CIPM 18-1140: THOMAS MOUNTFORT ›

Holdings

Thomas is aged 21 years and more, having been born in the manor of Hackforth and baptised in the church of Hornby on 7 Jan. 1382 [Wednesday morrow of Epiphany 5 Richard II , but the morrow of Epiphany was a Tuesday in 1382, and Wednesday in 1383; 23 and 22, not 21, years before 1405].

The jurors say that they remember this because:

John Ellerton of Aldborough, aged 64 years and more, with several others carried torches at the baptism.

Henry Bellerby of Manfield, 47 and more, was present in the church when John, sometime prior of St. Martin’s [Richmond], baptised Thomas.

Robert Hilton of Melsonby, 49 and more, was present and Lady Joan Burgh was godmother.

Robert Skipton of Langton, 50 and more, was present in the church, John de Rukewyk, abbot of Jervaulx , was godfather, and he was surprised that Thomas was not given his godfather’s name.

Ralph Foxholys of Richmond, 53 and more, remembers because William Jaklyn , parker of Tanfield , took rabbits in the warren of Richmond for the dinner of those who were present at the baptism.

Robert Walker of Bedale, 58 and more, consulted the midwife and other women to find a good wet nurse.

Thomas Forester of Richmond, 65 and more, was in the church, and John Whitgray , sometime vicar of Catterick , was the other godfather.

William Smythson, senior , of Newsham, 53 and more, saw Margaret wife of John Neston of Patrick Brompton carry the infant to the church.

John de Colburn , 52 and more, remembers because immediately after the baptism the abbot of Jervaulx , godfather, gave the baby a silver-gilt goblet with cover.

Thomas Kyrkeby of Whitwell, 50 and more, saw Thomas carried to the church with four unlighted torches around him.

John Buk of Wold Newton, 55 years and more, saw John Whitgray , the other godfather, give a little purse full of gold immediately after the baptism.

Hugh Clergenet of Richmond, 60 and more, saw four men carrying four torches with him to the church and returning from the church to the manor with the four torches alight.