‹ E-CIPM 19-655: THOMAS DE MONTE ACUTO ›

The jurors say that he was born at Shenley and baptised there on 25 March 1388 and was aged 21 on that date last past. This they know for the reasons given.

John Byg , 48 and more, carried a lighted torch from the manor of Shenley to the church and held it by the font during the baptism.

John Kytwyld , 50 and more, was a kinsman of Agnes wife of John de Duresme , the godmother, and rode with her from the house of John de Duresme to the manor, and thence to the church and back.

Ralph Somery , 54 and more, was present at the baptism, and immediately afterwards saw Agnes give a silver cup with a gilt cover to Thomas and 20s. to the nurse.

Thomas Sharp , 49 and more, held the stirrup of Thomas of Wodestok, earl [recte duke] of Gloucester , godfather, when he descended from his palfrey at the church door and held the palfrey whilst the duke was in the church.

John Swafham , 60 and more, saw the duke as godfather in the church and saw him give a golden reliquary with precious stones and a picture of the Trinity to Thomas.

Walter Danyell , 51 and more, was then employed as carpenter by Earl John to build a new house at Shenley, and Richard Hettum , then steward of the household, paid him 13s.4d.

Walter Somery , 48 and more, rode that day in the company of Richard Stury, knight , godfather, from St. Albans to Shenley in haste, talking of rumours touching King Richard, and he saw Richard give Thomas a valuable silver basin.

John Garlek , 50 and more, was then a servant of John abbot of St. Albans , who, learning of the birth, sent him with a palfrey as a gift to the earl, who gave him 20s.

John Roper , 55 and more, was at the manor of Shenley and saw John Busshy, goldsmith of London , give Thomas a silver-gilt bell (? nola ).

Robert Walter , 60 and more, was a servant of the earl and with others carried a lighted torch from the manor to the church and held it during the baptism.

Richard Roke , 47 and more, was a serjeant of the earl’s buttery and carried two silver-gilt jugs of ‘Clarry’ and ‘Malmsey’ from the manor to the church for the godparents and other bystanders to drink there.

Andrew Lamberd , 61 and more, was chief butler of the earl at Shenley.