Note 40.1 — THE PASTON LETTERS Edward IV

[From Paston MSS., B.M.] This letter is evidently not far removed in date from No. 489, in which ‘Joan Gayne’s matter’ is also mentioned. The year, however, cannot be 1461, as William Paston was in London that year as early as the 4th April. It seems also from this letter that John Paston had recently left home, which could not have been the case in 1461 if No. 453 be of that year. We have therefore little doubt that the true date is 1462, and that the substance of the letter relates to proceedings taken by the widow of Thomas Denys against her husband’s murderers.