The Paston Letters, A.D. 1422-1509. Volume 3 (of 6)

Note 77.1 — THE PASTON LETTERS Henry VI (continued 2)

Reading edition

[From Fenn, iii. 332.] The first paragraph of this letter seems to relate to Fastolf’s claims against the Crown set forth in Nos. 309 and 310, and as these seem to have been drawn up in the end of 1455, this letter probably belongs to the year following. The reference to William Brandon as ‘late escheator’ confirms this date; and also, perhaps, the mention, at the end, of William Norwich, who was Sheriff of Norwich this year.

77.2 Compertorium is a judicial inquest in civil proceedings made by Commissioners to find out, etc., the truth of a cause.—F.

77.3 An Escheator was a county officer who certified into the Exchequer the King’s escheats, i.e. lands which fell to the King, either for a time or altogether, as by the death of tenants in capite, minority of heirs, etc. William Brandon was Escheator of Norfolk and Suffolk from 13th November 33 Hen. VI. to 4th November 34 Hen. VI., i.e. from 1454 to 1455.

77.4 A writ which lies for him who is molested contrary to the King’s protection granted him.—F.

77.5 A writ of liberate is a warrant either for the payment of annual pensions, etc., granted under the Great Seal, or for delivery of possession of certain lands or goods in the custody of a sheriff.

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