The Meryng Family
Alexander de Meryng
Thomas de Meryng
Elizabeth (Foun) de Meryng
Agnes (_____) Burdet
Alexander and Agnes were married before 27 January 1374 when a fine refers
to "Alexander Meryng' of Radclif' and Agnes, his wife".
Agnes was previously married to John Burdet, with who she appears to have
had at least one child, also John, since a fine (Feet
of Fines: CP 25/1/291/63) refers to "heirs of the body of Agnes
begotten by John Burdet, formerly her husband" and another fine (Feet
of Fines: CP 25/1/186/37) lists a John Burdet in a succession of
remainders to property bought by Alexander and Agnes.
Tax collector.
Alexander was commissioned as one of the tax collectors for Leicestershire
on 13 March 1393 (Calendar of the Fine Rolls vol 11 1391-1399
p72), again on 28 May 1398 (Calendar of the Fine Rolls vol 11 1391-1399
p96), on 5 December 1402 (Calendar of the Fine Rolls vol 12 1399-1405
p190) and on 2 March 1404 (Calendar of the Fine Rolls vol 12 1399-1405
p254). On 23 December 1406 he was commissioned as a tax
collector for Nottinghamshire (Calendar of the Fine Rolls vol 13 1405-1413
p64).
An example of the commission:
Calendar of the Fine Rolls vol 11 1391-1399
pp71-2 (1929)
1393. March 13.
Westminster.
Commission to John Kirkeby of Horton, John Sibille, Thomas William,
Robert Draper of Ereth, Simon Chyvenyng, John Mowe, Richard de Home, Guy
Valence and John Beaufytz, to collect from all cities, boroughs and
towns in the county of Kent, and from all secular lords of towns and
other lay persons, both great and small, and from all ecclesiastical
persons in respect of goods forthcoming from lands acquired by them
since 20 Edward I, the moiety of a fifteenth and tenth, payable in full
at Midsummer next, which was granted to the king in the Parliament
convoked at Winchester in the octave of Hilary last; and order to them
to go from town to town and from place to place, and cause to come
before them two men and the reeve from every town and the mayor,
bailiffs and four men from every city and borough, enjoining on them
that they cause the money to be levied and delivered without delay to
them (the commissioners) by one or two of the most sufficient men of
every such city, town and borough, or else to have the money levied from
the men themselves, and answer therefor made to the king in form
aforesaid.
Mittitur in extractis.
By K. and C.
The like to the
following in the counties named :
...
Richard de Leycestre, Robert Ulf, Thomas Wyse, William Lathom, John
Overton, Hugh de Blaby, and Alexander Meryng; Leicester.
Alexander and his wife, Agnes, sold land in Newton to John Samon on
27 January 1374, for 100 marks.
Feet
of Fines: CP 25/1/185/34
CP 25/1/185/34,
number 454.
Link: Image
of document at AALT
County: Nottinghamshire.
Place: Westminster.
Date: Two weeks from St
Hilary, 48 Edward III [27 January 1374].
Parties: John Samon'
of Notyngham, querent, and Alexander Meryng' of Radclif'
and Agnes, his wife, deforciants.
Property: 2 messuages, 2
bovates and 4 acres of land and 8 acres of meadow in Neweton'.
Action: Plea of covenant.
Agreement: Alexander and
Agnes have acknowledged the tenements to be the right of John, as those
which he has of their gift, and have remised and quitclaimed them from
themselves and the heirs of Agnes to him and his heirs for ever.
Warranty: Warranty.
For this: John has given
them 100 marks of silver.
A proof of age hearing for Walter Carleton contains interesting information
about Alexander, at a wedding on 13 April 1393, at which he was "hit by a
spur in his left eye, and lost his sight".
Mapping the Medieval Countryside 21-272
WALTER SON OF THOMAS CARLETON
272 Writ for proof of age. ‡ 26 May 1419. [Wymbyssh]. Teste John,
duke of Bedford.
... Thomas Reve, aged 44 years, says that on 13 April 1393 he married
his wife Margaret in the church of St. Mary `Crakepole', and on that day
Walter was baptized by John Berne, the vicar, who is still alive. ...
Thomas Sese, aged 50 years, says that Alexander Meryng at the wedding on
13 April ascending a step below Thomas was hit by a spur in his left
eye, and lost his sight.
... C 138/40/54 mm. 6-7
On 28 April 1409, Alexander and Agnes, bought land in Radclyf. The fine
gives us the names of their two sons and a daughter.
Feet
of Fines: CP 25/1/186/37
CP 25/1/186/37,
number 30.
Link: Image
of document at AALT
County: Nottinghamshire.
Place: Westminster.
Date: Three weeks from
Easter, 10 Henry [IV] [28 April 1409].
Parties: Alexander
Meryng' and Agnes, his wife, querents, and Adam Galewey,
chaplain, and Thomas Shelford', chaplain, deforciants.
Property: 4 messuages and 6
bovates of land in Radclyf' and Lamcote sup[er] Trentam.
Action: Plea of covenant.
Agreement: Alexander and
Agnes have acknowledged the tenements to be the right of Thomas, as those
which Thomas and Adam have of their gift.
For this: Adam and Thomas
have granted to Alexander and Agnes the tenements and have rendered them
to them in the court, to hold to Alexander and Agnes, of the chief lords
for the lives of Alexander and Agnes. And after the decease of Alexander
and Agnes the tenements shall remain to Thomas, son of the same
Alexander and Agnes, and the heirs of his body, to hold of the chief lords
for ever. In default of such heirs, successive remainders (1) to William,
son of the aforesaid Alexander and Agnes, and the heirs of his body, (2)
to John Burdet and the heirs of his body, (3) to Elizabeth,
daughter of the aforesaid Alexander and Agnes, and the heirs of her body
and (4) to the right heirs of Agnes.
This fine documents that Agnes was previously married to John Burdet.
Feet
of Fines: CP 25/1/291/63
CP 25/1/291/63,
number 2.
Link: Image
of document at AALT
County: Leicestershire.
Nottinghamshire.
Place: Westminster.
Date: One week from the
Purification of the Blessed Mary, 14 Henry [IV] [9 February 1413]. And
afterwards two weeks from Easter, 1 Henry [V] [7 May 1413].
Parties: Robert White,
querent, and Alexander Meryng [and] Agnes, his wife,
deforciants.
Property: The manor of Thurshyngton'
in the county of Leicester and 1 messuage, 3 tofts, 50 acres of land and
12 acres of meadow in Korthyngstoke in the county of Nottingham.
Action: Plea of covenant.
Agreement: Alexander and
Agnes have acknowledged the tenements to be the right of Thomas, as those
which Thomas and Adam have of their gift.
For this: Robert has
granted to Alexander and Agnes the manor and has rendered it to them in
the court, to hold to Alexander and Agnes and the heirs of the body of
Agnes begotten by John Burdet, formerly her husband, of the chief
lords for ever. In default of such heirs, successive remainders (1) to William
Meryng, son of the aforesaid Alexander and Agnes, and the heirs of
his body, (2) to [Thomas ..., brother?] of the aforesaid William,
[and the heirs] of his body, (3) to Elizabeth, daughter of the
aforesaid Agnes, and the heirs of her body and (4) to the right heirs of
the aforesaid Agnes. Robert has also [granted] to Alexander and Agnes the
tenements and has rendered them to them in the court, [to hold to
Alexander and Agnes, of the chief lords] for the life of Agnes. And after
the decease of Agnes the tenements [shall remain to the aforesaid?
William? Meryng? and Millicent, ...,] and the aforesaid heirs of
the same William, to hold of the chief lords [for ever]. In default of
such heirs, successive remainders (1) [to John ... ... ... ...
...], (2) to the aforesaid Thomas and his aforesaid heirs, (3) to the
aforesaid Elizabeth and her aforesaid heirs and (4) [to the right heirs of
the aforesaid] Agnes.
In 1369, Alexander's brother, Francis sold a third of the manor of Little
Markham, with some land excepted, to John de Sutton with a series of
remainders. When both John and his brother Gilbert died without issue, the
manor reverted their sister Katharine, who married John de Tuxford.
Alexander claimed, more than 40 years later, that Francis's sale of the
manor to John de Sutton was invalid because the manor was entailed, and that
he was the rightful owner, leading to a long and complicated lawsuit, which
was finally resolved by arbitration. The resolution was that the manor was
split between Alexander and his heirs, and John de Tuxford and Katherine and
her heirs.
Calendar of the Patent Rolls Edward III 1367-1370
p257 (1913)
1369. June 4.
Westminster.
Licence, for 2 marks paid to the king by
John de Sutton of Houton, for Francis de Meryng to grant to him,
Gilbert, his brother, and the heirs of the body of Gilbert, a third part
of the manor of Little Markham, held in chief (10 acres of land and 10
acres of pasture therein excepted); with remainders to Katharine Sutton,
the younger, and the heirs of her body, and to the right heirs of the
said John.
Calendar of Inquisitions Miscellaneous vol 7
1399-1422 pp240-1 (1968)
443.
Fragment of a writ [? de causa capcionis to the escheator in cos.
Nottingham and Derby concerning one-third of the manor] of Markham
Clinton, [taken] by him into the king’s hand. ...
Inquisition (indented) taken virtute officii
before William Ulkerthorpp, escheator. Nottingham. Saturday, the morrow
of the Annunciation 13 Henry IV [1412].
John de Tuxford and Katherine his wife held one-third of the said
manor of the king in chief by service of one-twentieth of a knight’s
fee, to them and the heirs of the body of Katherine, with reversion to
John de Sutton in fee simple, of the feoffment of Francis de Meryng, and
alienated it for her life without licence to Thomas and John the king’s
sons, Henry Perepount and Robert de Strelley on Tuesday after the
Invention of the Holy Cross 12 Henry IV, to the king’s prejudice and
disherison. John de Sutton died without heir, and the said third part
falls to the king as an escheat if Katherine should die without heir of
her body. It is worth 50s. net yearly. Cf. Calendar of Patent
Rolls, 1408-1413, pp. 431-2; Calendar of Close Rolls,
1409-1413, p. 397.
C. Inq. Misc.
File 290 (15).
Calendar of the Patent Rolls Henry IV 1408-1413
pp431-2 (1909)
1412. July 12.
Westminster.
Commission to the sheriff and escheator in the county of Nottingham to
enquire whether John de Sutton of Houton died without heir or has any
heir still surviving, and if so who is his heir, and to send their
inquisition into Chancery before the quinzaine of Michaelmas. Alexander
Meryng before Robert Tirwhit and his fellows, justices, arramed an
assize of novel disseisin against John de Tuxford and Katharine his wife
touching a tenement in Little Markham, Tuxford, Mylton and Bevercote,
complaining that they disseised him of a third part of the manor of
Little Markham; and John appearing in person and Katharine by him as her
attorney pleaded that one Francis de Meryng was lately seised of the
said third part in his demesne as of fee and held it of Edward III by
the service of the twentieth part of one knight’s fee and suit at the
court of the wapentake of Bassetlowe twice yearly, and by charter
granted it, with the exception of 10 acres of land and 10 acres of
pasture, to the said John de Sutton and Gilbert his brother and the
heirs of the body of Gilbert by licence of Edward III, with successive
remainders of the whole third part to Katharine Sutton the younger, now
the wife of the said John de Tuxford, and the heirs of her body and the
right heirs of John de Sutton, and John de Sutton afterwards died and
Gilbert died without heir of his body and Katharine entered on the said
third part and is still in possession, and John de Sutton died without
heir, by which the king is now seised of the reversion by escheat.
Calendar of the Close Rolls Henry IV 1409-1413
p397 (1932)
1412. Oct. 22.
Westminster.
Bartholomew Brokesby, of Leycestershire, Thomas Gower of Yorkshire and
William Merynge of Notynghamshire to Richard Stanhope knight and John
Tuxforde. Recognisance for 500 marks, to be levied etc. in the said
counties.
Condition, that Alexander de Merynge shall abide and perform the
award of William lord Roos, William Gascoigne chief justice and Robert
Tirwhit one of the king’s justices touching the title and possession of
a third part of the manor of Little Markham, whereof a plea is pending
before the said Robert and his fellows, justices appointed to take an
assize of novel disseisin between the said Alexander and the said John
and Katherine his wife, so that the same be made before the octaves of
St. Hilary next.
The said Richard Stanhope and John Tuxforde to the said
Alexander. Like recognisance, mutatis mutandis, to be levied
etc. in Notynghamshire.
Like condition, mutatis mutandis.
Calendar of the Close Rolls Henry V 1413-1419
pp50-4 (1929)
1414. Feb. 12.
Westminster.
To
Robert Tirwhit and his fellows, justices appointed to take an assize of
novel disseisin concerning a third part of the manor of Little Markham
with appurtenances in Little Markham, Tuxforde, Mylton, and Bevercote,
by Alexander Merynge arraigned against John de Tuxforde and Katharine
his wife. Order, upon petition of the plaintiff, to proceed to take that
assize, the allegations hereinafter mentioned notwithstanding, so that
they proceed not to rendering of judgment without advising the king; as
the plaintiff has shewn the king that he arraigned the same by writ of
the late king, and that before the said Robert and William Nevylle
knight, two justices of assize, William Ludyngton for that king said
that the said third part was held of the late king in chief by the
service of the twentieth part of one knight’s fee, doing suit at his
court of the wapentake of Bassetlowe twice a year, that it was seized
into that king’s hand by William Ulcarthorp then escheator in
Notynghamshire for that before the date of the original writ of assize,
to wit 1 January 13 Henry IV, without that king’s licence the said John
made a feoffment thereof to Thomas de Lancastre knight son of that king,
John brother of the said Thomas, Henry Pirpount and Robert Strelley and
to their heirs, and that the feoffees were thereof seised by virtue of
the said feoffment, wherefore he took it that the justices would not
proceed without advising the king, craving that the escheator then
present in court should be examined, and has shewn that the escheator
was examined upon oath, and said that long before Tuesday in the fifth
week of Lent 13 Henry IV information was given him that the said third
part was held in chief by knight service, and that without licence John
de Tuxforde made the feoffment aforesaid, wherefore by virtue of his
office, without command or warrant to the sheriff or any bailiff he took
an inquisition, that thereby it is found that the same was so held by
the service aforesaid, that the said feoffment was made without licence,
and that the feoffees were seised by virtue thereof, and said that by
virtue of that inquisition on Monday in the said fifth week he seized
the same into that king’s hands, and it was then in his hands, and has
shewn that John de Tuxforde in person, and the said Katherine by him as
her attorney, appeared and said that Francis de Merynge was lately
seised of the said third part, and held it of King Edward III by the
service aforesaid, doing suit at the said court, and by charter
produced, dated Newerke 5 June 43 Edward III, with licence of that king
(likewise produced) gave that part, with the exception of 10 acres of
land and 10 acres of pasture, to John de Sutton of Houton and Gilbert
his brother and to the heirs of Gilbert's body, the licence being dated
Westminster 4 June 43 Edward III, with remainder of Katharine Sutton the
younger, then wife of the grantor, and to the heirs of her body,
remainder to the right heirs of John de Sutton, that by virtue of his
gift John de Sutton was thereof seised as of freehold, and Gilbert as of
fee tail, that John de Sutton died, and Gilbert died without issue, that
the said Katherine entered as in her remainder, and was then in
possession jointly with her husband, and that John de Sutton, on whom
was settled the remainder in fee simple died without issue, wherefore
the late king was then seised of the reversion by escheat, and that the
defendant and his wife are tenants in fee tail in her right with
reversion to that king, wherefore they took it that the justices would
not proceed without advising the king, and has shewn that as to the land
and pasture excepted they shewed no cause wherefore the assize ought not
to be taken, wherefore it was determined that it should be taken, and as
to the allegations of William Ludyngton for the late king, protesting
that he did not acknowledge that the said third part was held of the
king, or was seized as alleged, the plaintiff said that long before the
supposed feoffment he was thereof seised in demesne as of fee tail,
until unlawfully and without a judgment disseised by the defendants,
that after their disseisin they took the issues and profits until the
Tuesday aforesaid, that if any such feoffment was ever made, it was in
order to delay him in his suit, that he might have no knowledge of the
tenants of the premises, in which case it was of no force in law by the
statute, but the defendants ought to be adjudged tenants thereof, all
which he was ready to prove, craving judgment, and that the assize
should be taken, and as to the defendants’ plea in respect of the third
part with the exception aforesaid, he said that long before the said
Francis had aught therein John Fawne of Little Markham was thereof
seised, and by charter produced, dated Little Markham Monday after
Michaelmas 29 Edward III, by name of his manor of Little Markham in
Tuxforde, Mylton and Bevercote, gave the same to Adam de Clay then vicar
of Whalesby and to his heirs, that by charter produced, dated Little
Markham the day of St. Thomas the Apostle 30 Edward III, by name of his
manor of Little Markham, that grantee gave the same to Thomas Merynge,
by name of Thomas son of John de Merynge, and to Elizabeth his wife and
the now plaintiff and to the heirs of the plaintiff’s body, that the
said Thomas and Elizabeth were thereof seised as of freehold, and the
plaintiff as of fee tail, that Thomas and Elizabeth died so seised, and
the plaintiff was seised by virtue of the entail, and continued his
estate until the said Francis unlawfully and without a judgment
disseised him, that the said Francis after made a feoffment to John de
Sutton and Gilbert, that the plaintiff entered upon their possession in
the life time of the said Francis, and was thereof seised until the
defendants likewise disseised him, and further that John de Sutton died
not without issue as the defendants alleged, but had an heir then
living, all which he offered to prove, wherefore he craved judgment
forasmuch as the matters alleged by the defendants and William Ludyngton
were insufficient in law to delay the assize, and has shewn that,
process being continued, a day was given before the said justices of
assize, and the plaintiff was told to sue with the late king for licence
to proceed, if he should think fit, that being further continued to
another day, the cause remained without a day because of that king’s
death before the day set, that after by virtue of a command of the king
the said justices, before whom the plaintiff appeared in person,
commanded the sheriff again to summon the recognitors of that assize,
and again to attach the defendants, that process being further continued
before the said Robert and Thomas Bret knight, two justices of assize,
Nicholas Conyngston appeared for the king, and said even as did William
Ludyngton, and that the late king died seised of the said third part,
and after his death it came to the king’s hands, wherefore he took it
that the justices would not proceed without advising the king, and the
defendants said (as above recited), that John de Sutton and
Gilbert his brother were thereof seised etc. (as above) that the
defendants had continued their possession forty years and more without
any entry or claim being thereupon made, and said that John de Sutton
died without issue, wherefore King Richard II was seised of the
reversion by escheat, that the reversion came to the late king for that
King Richard demised the ruling of England, that he died thereof seised,
and after his death it came to the king’s hands, and so that they were
tenants in fee tail with reversion to the king, wherefore they took it
that the justices would proceed no further without advising the king,
craving aid of the king, and has shewn that as to the land and pasture
excepted it was determined that an assize should be taken, and as to the
allegation of Nicholas Conyngston, protesting that he did not
acknowledge that the said third part was held of the late king, or was
seized as alleged, the plaintiff said that the alleged feoffment of
Thomas de Lancastre and others, if ever made, was made after the
original writ of the assize was obtained, namely 1 January 13 Henry IV,
and while that writ was pending, in which case it was of no force in
law, and further said that by examination of the escheator it appeared
that he took an inquisition without any command or warrant to the then
sheriff or any bailiff, and by virtue thereof seized the premises, and
that an inquisition so taken was in law insufficient for such seizure
for that it was taken without warrant or authority of the law, and was
not indented, all which he was ready to prove, craving judgment whether
the matter so alleged was sufficient to delay the assize, and that as to
the plea of the defendants he said that on Tuesday in the fifth week of
Lent aforesaid they pleaded before the late justices, alleging that John
de Sutton died without an heir, wherefore the reversion pertained to the
late king as an escheat, that he replied that the said John had an heir
then living, offering to prove it as the court should determine, and
that he was told nevertheless to sue with the late king for licence to
proceed, that the parties appeared in chancery, and alleged the matters
aforesaid, that at their instance the late king commanded the then
sheriff and the escheator to make inquisition and certify in chancery
whether John de Sutton died without an heir or had an heir then living,
and if so who was his next heir and how, and of what age the heir was,
and that it was found by inquisition, taken before Ralph Makerell then
sheriff and William Ulcarthorp then escheator, that the deceased had
cousins and heirs, namely John de Carleton of Holme then of the age of
forty years, son of John de Carleton son of Maud Snell sister of Alice
Snell mother of John de Sutton, and Robert Sterke of the age of 22 years
and upwards, son of William son of Agnes Snell sister of Alice Snell,
which inquisition is now in chancery, and that the plaintiff said
further that John de Carleton and Robert Sterke were cousins and heirs
of John de Sutton, and were then living, all which he was ready to
prove, and has shewn that inasmuch as it was so found that John de
Sutton had two heirs living, in which case neither King Richard nor the
late king had, nor has the king any right or interest in the said
reversion, nor was or is any of them thereof seised, the plaintiff
craved judgment whether the defendants ought to be admitted a second
time to make allegation that he died without an heir contrary to the
allegation of the plaintiff and the content of that inquisition, and
that the court should proceed to take the assize those allegations
notwithstanding, and that it seemed to the said Robert and Thomas Bret
that they ought not to proceed without advising the king, wherefore they
have deferred so to do.
Calendar of the Close Rolls Henry V 1413-1419
pp373-4 (1929)
1416. Nov. 21.
Westminster.
John de
Tuxforde to William Meryng of Notynghamshire esquire. Recognisance for
200 marks, to be levied etc. in Notynghamshire.
Condition, that the said John and Katherine his wife shall keep
and perform the award of John de Assheton knight and Nicholas
Conyngeston arbitrators chosen on their behalf and Thomas Rempston
knight and John Flete on behalf of the said Alexander (sic)
touching the title and possession of a third part of the manor of Little
Markham with appurtenances in Little Markham, Tuxforde, Milton and
Bevercote, concerning which the said Alexander did arraign against them
an assize of novel disseisin before Robert Tirwhit and his fellows
justices of assize, now determined by his non-suit.
Nov. 20.
Westminster.
William Meryng (as above) to John de Tuxforde. (Like)
recognisance.
Condition that Alexander Meryng and William Meryng shall keep
etc. (as above).
Calendar of the Patent Rolls Henry V 1416-1422
pp54-5 (1911)
1416. Nov. 21.
Westminster.
Licence,
for 2 marks paid in the hanaper, for John de Tuxford and Katharine his
wife to enfeoff William Smyth, vicar of the church of Great Markham,
John Reyner, chaplain, William Tuxford, chaplain, and John Kelhome,
chaplain, of a third part of the manor of Little Markham with
appurtenances in Little Markham, Tuxford, Milton and Bevercote, held of
the king in chief, except 10 acres of land and 10 acres of pasture in
the same third part, and for them to grant one moiety thereof to
Alexander Meryng and William his son and the heirs and assigns of
William, and the other moiety to John de Tuxford and Katharine his wife,
in tail, with remainder to the said Alexander and William and the heirs
of William.
Feet
of Fines: CP 25/1/186/38
CP 25/1/186/38,
number 6.
Link: Image
of document at AALT
County: Nottinghamshire.
Place: Westminster.
Date: One week from St John
the Baptist, 5 Henry [V] [1 July 1417]. And afterwards one week from St
Hilary in the same year [20 January 1418].
Parties: William Smyth',
the vicar of the church of Magna Markham, John Reyner,
chaplain, William Tuxford', chaplain, John Kelhome,
chaplain, and Alexander Meryng' and William, his son,
querents, and John de Tuxford' and Katherine, his wife,
deforciants.
Property: A third part of
the manor of Parua Markham in Parua Markham, Tuxford',
Mylton' and Beuercote, excepting 10 acres of land and 10
acres of pasture in the third part.
Action: Plea of covenant.
Agreement: John de Tuxford'
and Katherine have acknowledged the third part to be the right of William,
John Reyner, William and John Kelhome, as that which William, John Reyner,
William and John Kelhome have of their gift.
For this: William, John
Reyner, William and John Kelhome have granted to Alexander and William,
his son, a moiety of the third part, and have rendered it to them in the
court, to hold to Alexander and William, his son, and the heirs of
William, of the lord king and his heirs for ever. And they have also
granted to John de Tuxford' and Katherine the other moiety, and have
rendered it to them in the court, to hold to John de Tuxford' and
Katherine and the heirs lawfully begotten between them, of the lord king
and his heirs for ever. In default of such heirs, the same moiety of the
third part shall remain to Alexander and William, his son, and the heirs
of William the son, to hold of the lord king and his heirs for ever.
Note: This agreement was made by the command of the lord
king.
The Antiquities of Nottinghamshire pp188-9
(Robert Thoroton, 1677)
Thomas de Mering, who was Tenant
by the Courtesie of England, after the death of Elizabeth
his wife, of the third part of the third part of the Mannor of Tuxford,
&c. which her Father Peter Foun had by Margery her
mother, one of the three daughters of Agnes, one of the three
daughters of Robert de Marcham, son of Cecilia, one of the
sisters and heirs of Lord Lexington, left a son about 42 E. 3.
called Francis de Mering, who was his heir; but it seems he died
without issue, because Alexander Mering, another of his sons, had
a son called William Lord of this Mannor
The History of Parliament: the House of Commons
1386-1421, ed. J.S. Roskell, L. Clark, C. Rawcliffe, 1983, entry
for MERYNG,
Sir William (d.1449), of Meering, Notts.
This MP’s
ancestors are known to have lived at Meering from the reign of Henry II
if not before; and both his uncle, Francis, who was escheator of
Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire in 1397, and his father, Alexander, were
actively involved in the business of local government. William himself
is first mentioned in January 1408, when he obtained a grant for life
from the Crown of dead wood in the forest of Galtres in Yorkshire with
which to make charcoal. In the following year his parents conveyed to
him a reversionary interest in the land at Radcliffe-on-Trent
(Nottinghamshire) which constituted the inheritance of his younger
brother, Thomas. His father’s legal affairs were at this time in a
somewhat confused state as a result of a protracted dispute with John
Tuxford and his wife over property in the Nottinghamshire manor of
Little Markham. The Tuxfords had enlisted the support of Sir
Richard Stanhope*, one of the most powerful landowners in the
area, so in retaliation Alexander and William called upon Sir
John Zouche* and Sir
John Leek* to help them. Violence was narrowly averted after an
abortive ‘love-day’, held in August 1411; and it was only through the
timely intervention of William, Lord Roos, that both parties were forced
to seek a more peaceful solution. Most of the chief protagonists,
including William, were subsequently indicted for various crimes arising
from the general mobilization of forces, although the majority secured
royal pardons. Meanwhile, in October 1412 the Meryngs offered joint
securities of 500 marks to abide the award of Lord Roos and two eminent
judges, but all attempts at mediation proved useless, and two years
later a special assize had to be arraigned to determine the ownership of
the estate, again without much hope of success. However, a grant of
royal letters patent in November 1416 permitted an equal division
between the rival claimants, clearly in accordance with the terms of
another arbitration award by Sir
John Assheton II* and Sir
Thomas Rempston II* (this time under mutual guarantees of 200
marks and upon the urging of Parliament). Eventually, at the beginning
of 1418, a final agreement was reached whereby the Tuxfords entailed
their half of the premises upon William and his heirs in the event of a
failure of their own issue.3
Although his father lived on for some years, in possession of
estates worth at least £22 p.a. in Nottinghamshire alone, William had
already become a figure of consequence in his own right.
Don’t Bring an Army to an Arbitration (England, 1411)
p7 (David J. Seipp, 2021)
In 1411,
Alexander Meryng and John Tuxford disputed over part of the manor of
Little Markham in Nottinghamshire. Tuxford brought in a powerful
neighboring landowner, Sir Richard Stanhope, on his side, and in
retaliation Meryng enlisted Sir John Zouche and Sir John Leek to help
him. The confrontation ended just short of bloodshed. Early in 1412,
Meryng then brought an assize of novel disseisin against Tuxford, and
this they brought before the assize justices for the Midland circuit,
who were still headed by Justice Tyrwhit. In October 1412, while the
action was still pending, both sides submitted their dispute to the
arbitration of three men. The three arbitrators, just one year after the
Wrawby ambush, were Justice Robert Tyrwhit, Chief Justice Gascoigne and
William, Lord Ros of Helmsley – that is to say, the two opponents in the
October 1411 loveday ambush and their arbitrator. It took four years for
these three to complete their arbitration for Meryng and Tuxford, and
Meryng had to get a royal order to proceed with the assize. In the end,
however, Tyrwhit, Gascoigne and Lord Ros were sufficiently reconciled to
agree that the disputed lands should be divided equally between the two
parties.
Bertram de Meryng
Thomas de Meryng
This purchase of the manor of Meryng by Thomas de Meryng and Elizabeth his
wife documents the fact that the manor is held to the male heirs of the body
of Thomas and Elizabeth with provision made for remainders in the default of
such heirs, indicates that Thomas and Elizabeth did not have children at
this point, and the three named sons of Thomas (Bertram, Thomas and John),
must therefore have been from a previous wife of Thomas's.
Feet
of Fines: CP 25/1/185/29
CP 25/1/185/29,
number 164.
Link: Image
of document at AALT
County: Nottinghamshire.
Place: York.
Date: Three weeks from
Easter, 11 Edward III [11 May 1337].
Parties: Thomas,
son of John de Meryng', the elder* and Elizabeth, his
wife, querents, by Nicholas Martel, put in the place of Elizabeth,
and Richard de Kelm of Sutton', chaplain, deforciant.
Property: The manor of Meryng'.
Action: Plea of covenant.
Agreement: Thomas has
acknowledged the manor to be the right of Richard, as that which Richard
has of his gift.
For this: Richard has
granted to Thomas and Elizabeth the manor and has rendered it to them in
the court, to hold to Thomas and Elizabeth and the male heirs of their
bodies, of the chief lords for ever. In default of such heirs, successive
remainders (1) to Bertram, son of the same Thomas, and the male heirs of
his body, (2) to Thomas, brother of the same Bertram, and the male heirs
of his body, (3) to John, brother of the same Thomas, brother of Bertram,
and the male heirs of his body and (4) to the right heirs of Thomas, son
of John.
Note: [* Refers to the
son.]
The Antiquities of Nottinghamshire p188
(Robert Thoroton, 1677)
A Fine
was levied at York, 11 E. 3. of the Mannor of Mering,
between Thomas the elder son of John de Mering, and Elizabeth
his wife, Quer. and Richard de Kelum of Sutton
Chaplain, Deforc. whereby it was settled on the said Thomas and
Elizabeth, and the heirs Males of their bodies; remainder to Bertram,
Thomas and John, sons of the said Thomas, and the
heirs Males of theirs successively; remainder to the right heirs of the
said Thomas, son of John.
Frances de Meryng
Thomas de Meryng
possibly Elizabeth (Foun) de Meryng,
but more likely Thomas's first wife, whose name has not yet been discovered.
Thomas de Meryng had children by two wives, one of whom is unknown, and the
second was Elizabeth Foun. It is not documented which was the mother of
Frances, but the timing leads me to believe it was the first wife: Frances's
daughter, Elizabeth Maulovel, was married to John Stanhope by 1365 (when the
manor of Rampton was settled on "John de Stannop, and Elizabeth his wife" (The
Antiquities of Nottinghamshire p393)) so it seems to me that
Frances must have been born at the very latest by 1335 or so, placing her
birth before the document Feet
of Fines: CP 25/1/185/2/9 #164, dated 13 May 1337, which indicates
that Thomas had, at that date, no male heirs by Elizabeth, although not
making any statement about possible female issue. Against this, Robert
Thoroton, assigns Frances's mother to be Elizabeth Foun in The Antiquities of Nottinghamshire p381
(Robert Thoroton, 1677)
Stephen
Maulovel
The
History of the Manor of Rampton, in Nottinghamshire printed in Transactions
of the Thoroton Society vol 24 (Rev. H. Chadwick, 1920)
states that Stephen "married Frances, daughter of Thomas de Mering"
Francis de Meryng
1343/4
Francis is stated to be 24 years old in Thomas's IPM held in July 1368.
Thomas de Meryng
Elizabeth (Foun) de Meryng
Escheator
and tax collector
Francis was appointed escheator of the counties of Nottinghamshire and
Derbyshire on 21 February 1396 (Calendar of the Fine Rolls vol 11 1391-1399
p198), and we find references to him holding this office in 1397, 1398, 1399, 1400 and 1403.
On 2 March 1404, Francis was commissioned as one of the tax collectors for
Nottinghamshire (Calendar of the Fine Rolls vol 12 1399-1405
p257).
In 1362, Thomas and Francis sold most of their share of the manor of Tuxford
to Robert de Dalderby, retaining the manor of Meering.
List of Inquisitions ad quod damnum part 2 19
Edward III-2 Richard III p524 (1906; reprint 1963)
36 EDWARD III
15
Thomas de Meryng and Francis his son to grant one-third of one-third of
the manor of Tuxford, with appurtenances in Tuxford, Little Markham,
Ollerton, Bevercotes, and Carlton by Sutton-on-Trent, to Robert de
Dalderby of Lincoln, Roger his son, and William brother of the said
Roger, retaining the manor of Meering.
John is stated to be the heir of John Foun, his uncle.
Calendar of the Patent Rolls Edward III 1364-1367
p337 (1912)
1366. Nov. 23.
Westminster.
Pardon in like terms to Francis Meryng,
kinsman and heir of John Foune of Litelmarkham, of his outlawry in the
county of York for non-appearance to answer John de Neusom touching a
plea that he render 20l.
Francis is stated to be 24 years old , and was the son and heir of Thomas de
Meryng in Thomas's IPM held in July 1368.
Calendar of Inquisitions Post Mortem vol 12
Edward III [1365-1370] p217 (1938)
238. THOMAS
DE MERYNG.
Writ, 7 May, 42 Edward III
NOTTINGHAM. Inq.
taken at Retford, Saturday after St. James, 42 Edward III.
Little Markham. The site of a
messuage, with 40a. land in Little Markham and Tuxford, held by
the courtesy of England, of the right and inheritance of Elizabeth his
wife, lately deceased, of the king in chief by service of a twentieth
part of a knight’s fee. The messuage is worth nothing because it is
entirely waste and no profit can be levied therefrom.
Meryng. The manor, held to himself
and his heirs in his own right, with 10a. land and 5a.
meadow, of the duke of Lancaster, as of the honor of Richmond, by
knight’s service. The manor within the walls is worth nothing beyond
expenses and the maintenance of the houses. He held no other lands
&c. in the escheator’s balliwick.
He died on Monday, 14 February, 42
Edward III. Francis de Meryng, son of Thomas and Elizabeth, aged 24
years and more, is their heir.
C. Edw. III. File 201. (10.)
E.
Inq. P.M. File 28. (1.)
Calendar of the Close Rolls Edward III 1364-1368
p444 (1910)
1368. Oct. 30.
Westminster.
To
Edmund Savage escheator in Notyngham-shire. Order to take of Francis de
Meryng, son of Thomas de Meryng and Elizabeth his wife, security for
payment of his relief at the exchequer, and to cause him to have seisin
of the site of a messuage in Little Markham and 40 acres of land in the
said town and in Tuxford taken into the king’s hand by the death of the
said Thomas, but not to meddle further with the manor of Meryng, 10
acres of land and 5 acres of meadow in Meryng likewise taken into the
king’s hand; as the king has learned by inquisition, taken by the
escheator, that the said Thomas at his death held the premises in Little
Markham and Tuxford in chief by knight service by the courtesy of
England after the death of the said Elizabeth, and the said manor and
premises in Meryng of others than the king, and that the said Francis is
next heir as well of the said Thomas as of the said Elizabeth and of
full age; and the king has taken his homage and
fealty. By p.s. [27655.]
Vacated because upon the Fine Roll.
Calendar of the Fine Rolls vol 7 Edward III 1356-1368
p395 (1913)
1368. Oct. 30.
Westminster.
Order to
Edmund Savage, escheator in the county of Nottingham,—pursuant to an
inquisition made by him shewing that Thomas de Meryng held in chief by
the courtesy of England after the death of Elizabeth, late his wife, the
site of a messuage in Little Markham and 40 acres of land in that town
and Tuxford, by knight service, and also held the manor of Meryng and 10
acres of land and 5 acres of meadow in Meryng to him and his heirs of
others than the king, and that Francis de Meryng, son of the said Thomas
and Elizabeth, is their next heir and of full age,—to deliver the
premises in Little Markham and Tuxford to the said Francis, as the king
has taken his homage and fealty, and to meddle no further with the
premises in Meryng. By p.s. [27655.]
In 1369, Francis sold a third of the manor of Little Markham, with some land
excepted, to his brother-in-law, John de Sutton. When both John and his
brother Gilbert died without issue, the manor reverted to Francis's wife
Katharine and the heirs of her body, but was claimed by Francis's brother,
Alexander on Francis's death, leading to a long and complicated lawsuit
which is described further in the entry for Alexander.
Calendar of the Patent Rolls Edward III 1367-1370
p257 (1913)
1369. June 4.
Westminster.
Licence, for 2 marks paid to the king by
John de Sutton of Houton, for Francis de Meryng to grant to him,
Gilbert, his brother, and the heirs of the body of Gilbert, a third part
of the manor of Little Markham, held in chief (10 acres of land and 10
acres of pasture therein excepted); with remainders to Katharine Sutton,
the younger, and the heirs of her body, and to the right heirs of the
said John.
On 25 February 1394, Francis gave land in Sheepy Magna to the nunnery of
Fosse.
Calendar of the Patent Rolls Richard II 1391-1396
p377 (1905)
1394. Feb. 25.
Westminster.
Licence for the alienation in frank almoin
by Francis Meryng of a toft in Great Shepeye and the advowson of a
mediety of the church there, not held in chief, to the prioress and
convent of Fosse; provided that the vicar is endowed with a sufficient
portion and a sum [of money] by the advice of the ordinary is ordained
for distribution yearly among the poor parishioners in accordance with
the statute of the fifteenth year. By p.s.
List of Inquisitions ad quod damnum part 2 19
Edward III-2 Richard III p691 (1906; reprint 1963)
17 RICHARD II
14
Francis de Meryng to grant a toft in Sheepy Magna, and the advowson of
half the church there, to the prioress and convent of Fosse, who may
appropriate the mediety, the grantors retaining the manor of Meering
(Notts.).
The Antiquities of Nottinghamshire pp188-9
(Robert Thoroton, 1677)
Thomas de Mering, who was
Tenant by the Courtesie of England, after the death of Elizabeth
his wife, of the third part of the third part of the Mannor of Tuxford,
&c. which her Father Peter Foun had by Margery her
mother, one of the three daughters of Agnes, one of the three
daughters of Robert de Marcham, son of Cecilia, one of the
sisters and heirs of Lord Lexington, left a son about 42 E. 3.
called Francis de Mering, who was his heir; but it seems he died
without issue, because Alexander Mering, another of his sons, had
a son called William Lord of this Mannor
Idonia (_____) de Meryng
John de Meryng
Idonia, was indicted and jailed on 25 July 1316 for the death of her
husband, as well as that of Walter de Pettesore and Richard de Eykeryng.
Calendar of the Patent Rolls Edward II 1313-1317
p584 (1898)
1316. July 25.
Westminster.
Commission to W. de Goushille, R. de
Wyleghby and R. de Whatton to deliver the gaol of Nottingham of Idonia,
late the wife of John de Mering, detained there for the death of her
said husband and of Walter de Pettesore and Richard de Eykeryng killed
at Mering, whereof she has been indicted.
In 1327, Idonia, and her sons, Thomas and Robert, were investigated for
assaulting John Bozun of Orston.
Calendar of the Patent Rolls Edward III 1327-1330
p220 (1891)
1327. Dec. 6.
Leycestr’.
Commission of oyer and terminer to Robert de
Perepount, Robert Jorz and Richard de Wilughby, on the complaint of John
Bozun of Orston that Thomas son of John de Meryng, the elder, Robert,
his brother, Idonia de Meryng, and others, assaulted him at Morton, co.
Nottingham. By K.
Thomas de Meryng sold his right of reversion in the manor of Polangre, which
manor Idonia held in dower, on 30 April 1335. The document identifies Idonie
as John's widow.
Feet
of Fines: CP 25/1/4/55 #1
CP 25/1/4/55,
number 1.
Link: Image
of document at AALT
County: Bedfordshire.
Place: York.
Date: Two weeks from
Easter, 9 Edward III [30 April 1335]. And afterwards one week from St
Hilary in the same year [20 January 1336].
Parties: Richard de
Wylughby, querent, and Thomas, son of John de Meryng',
deforciant.
Property: The manor of Polangre, which Idonie, who
was the wife of John de Meryng', holds in dower.
Action: Plea of covenant.
Agreement: Thomas has
acknowledged the manor to be the right of Richard, and has granted for
himself and his heirs that the manor - which Idonie held in dower of the
inheritance of Thomas on the day the agreement was made, and which after
the decease of Idonie ought to revert to Thomas and his heirs - after the
decease of Idonie shall remain to Richard and his heirs, to hold of the
chief lords for ever.
Warranty: Warranty.
For this: Richard has given
him 100 marks of silver.
Note:
This agreement was made in the presence of Idonie, and she did fealty to
Richard in the court.
John de Meryng
Robert de Meryng
Idonia _____
Calendar of the Close Rolls Edward II 1313-1318
p199 (1893)
1314. Oct. 29.
Ely.
John de
Merynge acknowledges that he owes to the prior of Chikesand 600 marks;
to be levied, in default of payment, of his lands and chattels in the
counties of Bedford and Nottingham.
Thomas de Meryng sold his right of reversion in the manor of Polangre on 30
April 1335. The document identifies Idonie as John's widow.
Feet
of Fines: CP 25/1/4/55 #1
CP 25/1/4/55,
number 1.
Link: Image
of document at AALT
County: Bedfordshire.
Place: York.
Date: Two weeks from
Easter, 9 Edward III [30 April 1335]. And afterwards one week from St
Hilary in the same year [20 January 1336].
Parties: Richard de
Wylughby, querent, and Thomas, son of John de Meryng',
deforciant.
Property: The manor of Polangre, which Idonie, who
was the wife of John de Meryng', holds in dower.
Action: Plea of covenant.
Agreement: Thomas has
acknowledged the manor to be the right of Richard, and has granted for
himself and his heirs that the manor - which Idonie held in dower of the
inheritance of Thomas on the day the agreement was made, and which after
the decease of Idonie ought to revert to Thomas and his heirs - after the
decease of Idonie shall remain to Richard and his heirs, to hold of the
chief lords for ever.
Warranty: Warranty.
For this: Richard has given
him 100 marks of silver.
Note:
This agreement was made in the presence of Idonie, and she did fealty to
Richard in the court.
The Antiquities of Nottinghamshire p188
(Robert Thoroton, 1677)
After
the said Robert, succeeded John de Mering his son, whose
son and heir Thomas married the daughter of Peter Foun
of Marcham, who had the custody of the said Thomas
under age. Peter Foun had a son and heir called John,
who died without issue, and Thomas Mering became his heir in
right of his wife.
Alice, who had been the wife of Nicolas de Widmerpole,
and Robert, son of Nicolas de Widmerpole, had a Suit
against Sir Thomas, son and heir of John, son of Robert
de Mering, 3 E. 3.
before 25 July 1316, in Meering,
Nottinghamshire, England.
John's wife, Idonia, was indicted and jailed on 25 July 1316 for the death
of her husband, as well as that of Walter de Pettesore and Richard de
Eykeryng.
Calendar of the Patent Rolls Edward II 1313-1317
p584 (1898)
1316. July 25.
Westminster.
Commission to W. de Goushille, R. de
Wyleghby and R. de Whatton to deliver the gaol of Nottingham of Idonia,
late the wife of John de Mering, detained there for the death of her
said husband and of Walter de Pettesore and Richard de Eykeryng killed
at Mering, whereof she has been indicted.
A chaplain, Thomas de Bulcote, was also accused of John's death.
Calendar of the Close Rolls Edward III 1330-1333
pp435-6 (1898)
1332. Feb. 6.
Waltham.
To the
sheriff of Nottingham. Order to restore to Thomas de Bulcote, chaplain,
all his lands, goods and chattels, which the sheriff took into the
king’s hands on his being accused at Notingham before William de Herle
and his fellows, justices in eyre in co. Nottingham, of the death of
John Meryng’, who was slain at Meryng’, as he has purged his innocence
before W. archbishop of York, the ordinary of the place, to whom he was
delivered in accordance with the privilege of the clergy.
Other documents relating to Thomas de Bulcote's purgation can be found at
York's Archbishops Registers Revealed, Register
9B f.453 (recto) entry 8 and CCR
1330-3, p.435.
In the Feudal Aids of 1316 (Inquisitions and Assessments Relating to Feudal Aids 1284-1431
p104), the lord of the villages of
Gretton and Mering is listed as the Bishop of Lincoln and the heirs of John
Meryng, confirming John's death by this date.
John de Meryng
Thomas de Meryng
This purchase of the manor of Meryng by Thomas de Meryng and Elizabeth his
wife documents the fact that the manor is held to the male heirs of the body
of Thomas and Elizabeth with provision made for remainders in the default of
such heirs, indicates that Thomas and Elizabeth did not have children at
this point, and the three named sons of Thomas (Bertram, Thomas and John),
must therefore have been from a previous wife of Thomas's.
Feet
of Fines: CP 25/1/185/29
CP 25/1/185/29,
number 164.
Link: Image
of document at AALT
County: Nottinghamshire.
Place: York.
Date: Three weeks from
Easter, 11 Edward III [11 May 1337].
Parties: Thomas,
son of John de Meryng', the elder* and Elizabeth, his
wife, querents, by Nicholas Martel, put in the place of Elizabeth,
and Richard de Kelm of Sutton', chaplain, deforciant.
Property: The manor of Meryng'.
Action: Plea of covenant.
Agreement: Thomas has
acknowledged the manor to be the right of Richard, as that which Richard
has of his gift.
For this: Richard has
granted to Thomas and Elizabeth the manor and has rendered it to them in
the court, to hold to Thomas and Elizabeth and the male heirs of their
bodies, of the chief lords for ever. In default of such heirs, successive
remainders (1) to Bertram, son of the same Thomas, and the male heirs of
his body, (2) to Thomas, brother of the same Bertram, and the male heirs
of his body, (3) to John, brother of the same Thomas, brother of Bertram,
and the male heirs of his body and (4) to the right heirs of Thomas, son
of John.
Note:
[* Refers to the son.]
The Antiquities of Nottinghamshire p188
(Robert Thoroton, 1677)
A Fine
was levied at York, 11 E. 3. of the Mannor of Mering,
between Thomas the elder son of John de Mering, and Elizabeth
his wife, Quer. and Richard de Kelum of Sutton
Chaplain, Deforc. whereby it was settled on the said Thomas and
Elizabeth, and the heirs Males of their bodies; remainder to Bertram,
Thomas and John, sons of the said Thomas, and the
heirs Males of theirs successively; remainder to the right heirs of the
said Thomas, son of John.
John is possibly the John de Meryng who is recorded as married to an Emma,
in the sale of property in Derbyshire in 1322.
“Pedes Finium” for the
County of Derby published in Journal of the Derbyshire Archaeological and Natural
History vol 18 p15 (1896)
1322.
York. Within 3 weeks from S. Michael, 16 Edward II.
Between Roger de Weston, of Derby Plaintiff (by Peter
de Querndon his attorney), and John de Meryng and Emma
his wife, Impeding.
Grant by deforciants on the plea of warranty of charter of 2
messuages and 6s. rent in Derby for which Roger gave to the said John
and Emma £20 sterling. (No. 143.)
Robert de Meryng
Forty-Second Annual Report of the Deputy Keeper of the
Public Records p612 (1881)
Calendar of
Patent Rolls: 1 Edward 1. ...
m. 10d.
Mering (Notts); appointment of John de Oketon’ and Elias de Bekingham to
take the jury arraigned by Robert de Mering’ against Robert Fiz-Leue,
&c., touching common of pasture in.
m. 6. Mering’ (Notts); appointment of J.
de Oketon and E. de Bekingham to take the jury arraigned by Robert de
Mering’ against Radulph Fitz-Leva, &c., touching common of pasture
in.
Forty-Fourth Annual Report of the Deputy Keeper of
the Public Records p184 (1883)
Calendar of
Patent Rolls: 3 Edward 1. ...
m. 7 (48). Mering (Notts); appointment of Guichard de Charrun and
William de Northburgh to take the assise of novel disseisin arraigned by
Robert de Mering against Richard bishop of Lincoln and others, touching
a tenement in.
m. 4d.
(5).3 Mering (Notts); appointment of Guichard de Charrun and
William de Northburgh to take the assise of novel disseisin arraigned
by Oliver de Louetoft against Robert de Mering’, touching a tenement
in.
Robert purchased land in Meering in 1278.
Feet
of Fines: CP 25/1/183/14 #18
CP 25/1/183/14,
number 18.
Link: Image
of document at AALT
County: Nottinghamshire.
Place: Westminster.
Date: The day after All
Souls, 6 Edward I [3 November 1278].
Parties: Robert de
Meringe, querent, and Robert de Haringtone and Elizabeth,
his wife, impedients.
Property: 1 messuage and a
third part of 1 bovate of land in Meringe.
Action: Plea.
Agreement: Robert de
Harington' and Elizabeth have acknowledged the tenement to be the right of
Robert de Meringe, as that which he has of their gift, to hold to Robert
de Meringe and his heirs, of the chief lords for ever.
For this: Robert de Meringe
has given them 60 shillings sterling.
Robert de Meringg, knight, was a juror at the IPM of Jordan Folyot on 27
June 1299 (Abstracts of the Inquisitiones Post Mortem Relating to
Nottinghamshire vol 2 pp177-8 (ed. John Standish, 1914).
The Antiquities of Nottinghamshire p188
(Robert Thoroton, 1677)
Robert
de Mering, 32 E. 1. claimed the hearing of a Writ, which Guychard
de Charun (Lord of Sutton by Mary his wife,
one of the co-heirs) procured against him, for services at Mering,
due to the said Guichard: but it appeared by the date of the
Writ, that it was obtained eight daies before the fault was said to be
made, therefore he had nothing by it. But this Guichard, I take
upon further consideration to be son of him who married the co-heir, but
not by her, as in Sutton may be observed; for I find Sir
Robert de Mering, Knight, held of John de Muscam (son of
Gilbert and Agnes de Sutton another co-heir) all his
Tenements in Mering, by Foreign service; and that the
said Robert redeemed the said Service, and Ward of his heirs, of
the said John. After the said Robert, succeeded John
de Mering his son, whose son and heir Thomas married the
daughter of Peter Foun of Marcham, who had the
custody of the said Thomas under age. Peter Foun had a
son and heir called John, who died without issue, and Thomas
Mering became his heir in right of his wife.
Alice, who had been the wife of Nicolas de Widmerpole,
and Robert, son of Nicolas de Widmerpole, had a Suit
against Sir Thomas, son and heir of John, son of Robert
de Mering, 3 E. 3.
Robert de Meryng
John de Meryng
Idonia (_____) de
Meryng
In 1327, Robert, his brother Thomas and Idonia, presumably his mother, were
investigated for assaulting John Bozun of Orston.
Calendar of the Patent Rolls Edward III 1327-1330
p220 (1891)
1327. Dec. 6.
Leycestr’.
Commission of oyer and terminer to Robert de
Perepount, Robert Jorz and Richard de Wilughby, on the complaint of John
Bozun of Orston that Thomas son of John de Meryng, the elder, Robert,
his brother, Idonia de Meryng, and others, assaulted him at Morton, co.
Nottingham. By K.
Calendar of the Close Rolls Edward III 1339-1341
p103 (1901)
1339. March 23.
Berkhampstead.
Robert
de Meryng of co. Nottingham acknowledges that he owes to Peter de Campo
Veteri, prebendary of Southscarle in the church of St. Mary, Lincoln,
125l. 6s. 8d., to be levied, in default of payment,
of his lands and chattels in co. Nottingham.
Robert de Meryng of co. Nottingham acknowledges that he owes to
Master Bernard Vinentis, 35l. 6s. 8d.; to be levied
as aforesaid.
Robert bought a messuage in Dunham from Rob ert and Alice Clopp on 25 June
1340.
Feet
of Fines: CP 25/1/185/30 #216
CP 25/1/185/30,
number 216.
Link: Image
of document at AALT
County: Nottinghamshire.
Place: Westminster.
Date: Two weeks from Holy
Trinity, 14 Edward III [25 June 1340].
Parties: Robert de
Meryng', querent, and Robert Cloppe and Alice, his
wife, deforciants..
Property: 1 messuage in Dunham.
Action: Plea of covenant.
Agreement: Robert Cloppe
and Alice have acknowledged the messuage to be the right of Robert de
Meryng', as that which he has of their gift, to hold to Robert de Meryng'
and his heirs, of the chief lords for ever.
Warranty: Warranty by Robert Cloppe and Alice for themselves
and the heirs of Alice.
For this: Robert de Meryng'
has given them 10 marks of silver.
Calendar of the Close Rolls Edward III 1341-1343
p246 (1902)
1341. May 26.
Westminster.
Master
Bernard Viventis, puts in his place Richard de Skegnesse to prosecute
the execution of a recognisance for 35l. 6s. 8d.
made to him in chancery by Robert de Meryng of co. Nottingham.
Calendar of the Close Rolls Edward III 1343-1346
p490 (1904)
1345. Jan. 20.
Westminster.
Bernard
Viventis puts in his place William de Appelton and John de Codyngton the
younger, clerks, to prosecute the execution of a recognisance for 35l.,
made to him in chancery by Robert de Meryng of co. Nottingham.
p544
1345. Feb. 4.
Mortlake.
Robert
de Meryng of co. Nottingham puts in his place John de Weston, clerk,
John de Staunton and Robert de Bekyngham to defend the execution of a
recognisance for 125l. 6s. 8d. made by him in
chancery to Peter de Campo Veteri, prebendary of Suthscarle in the
church of St. Mary, Lincoln.
In 1346, Robert in Brittany fought under Thomas
Dagworth in the War
of the Breton Succession. For his service there, he received a pardon
"for all homicides, felonies, robberies and trespasses in England, as well
as for bringing in false money called money of Lucenburgh"
French Roll, 20 Edward III
printed in Crécy And Calais p111
(George Wrottesley, 1898)
m. 1 Hugh de Thoresby, who was going abroad in the
King’s service, had letters of protection till the Nativity of St. John
the Baptist.
... m. 13. Robert de Merynge, of the County
of Nottingham, who was with Thomas de Daggeworth in Brittany, had the
same, 20th Oct. [1346]
Calendar of the Patent Rolls Edward III 1345-1348
p481 (1903)
1346. Nov. 20.
By Calais.
Pardon, at the request of Thomas de Dagworth
and for good service in Brittany, to Robert de Merynges of the king’s
suit for all homicides, felonies, robberies and trespasses in England,
as well as for bringing in false money called money of Lucenburgh and
any other false money, whereof he is appealed, and of any consequent
outlawries. By K.
Calendar of the Patent Rolls Edward III 1348-1350
p24 (1905)
1348. Feb. 19.
Westminster.
Pardon, for good service in Brittany, to Robert
de Meryng of the king’s suit for any homicides, felonies, robberies and
trespasses in England before 20 November, in his twentieth year, and of
any consequent outlawries. By p.s.
Thomas de Meryng
John de Meryng
Idonia (_____) de
Meryng
_____ _____
Elizabeth Foun
This marriage had occurred by 11 May 1337, when a fine (Feet
of Fines: CP 25/1/185/2/9 #164) documents Elizabeth of Thomas's wife,
and names Bertram, Thomas and John as existing sons of Thomas. The IPM of
Elizabeth's brother, John, in 1358, states that Thomas and Elizabeth married
"30 years ago", putting the marriage in 1327/8, but since the same document
lists Elizabeth as "aged 40 years and more", Elizabeth may have been very
young at this marriage date.
Elizabeth was born about 1318 - the IPM of her brother in 1358 states that
she is aged 40 years and more. She was the daughter of Peter Foun and
Margery.
Elizabeth inherited land from her brother, John Foun, on John's death in
1358.
Calendar of Inquisitions Post Mortem vol 10
Edward III [1352-1361] p336 (1921)
421. JOHN
FOUN.
Writ, 7 May, 32 Edward III
NOTTINGHAM. Inq.
taken at Tuxford, 13 May, 32 Edward III.
Tuxford and Markham. A messuage
&c., 60a. arable, 8a. meadow and 13s. rent of
free tenants held of the king in chief by knight’s service.
Tuxford. 6a. land and 6a. wood all thrown
down and wasted held of Thomas de Bekeryngge by service of 3s.
He died on Thursday the feast of the Invention of the Holy Cross
last. Elizabeth his sister, aged 40 years and more, is his heir, married
30 years ago to Thomas de Meryng.
C. Edw. III.
File 139. (14.)
Calendar of the Fine Rolls Edward III 1356-1368
p65 (1913)
1358. May 18.
Westminster.
Order to
Philip de Lutteleye, escheator in the county of Nottingham, to deliver
to Thomas de Meryng and Elizabeth, his wife, sister and heir of John
Foun, the lands late of the said John; as the king has taken his
homage. By p.s. [23833.]
The Antiquities of Nottinghamshire p382
(Robert Thoroton, 1677)
This
Mannor of Tuxford
was divided into three parts, by the forenamed three daughters
and heirs of Robert de Marcham,
... The third share which Agnes de
Sancta Cruce had, was likewise divided into three more parcels,
she having three daughters married, and two twins Cecily
and Margaret born sixteen or
seventeen years after the last of the former three, which twins I
suppose died unmarried. Joan
the eldest was first married to John
de Bayeux, and after to Robert
de Hakthorne; Margery
the second to Peter Foun, who
had issue John his son and
heir, but he had no Child, so that Elizabeth
his sister, wife of Thomas de Mering,
32 E. 3. was found heir of her brother the said John
Foun. And Elizabeth,
the third daughter of the said Agnes,
was married to John Barkworth,
Knight, who, 28 E. 3. left that share to John
Barkeworth his son and heir.
Elizabeth died shortly before Thomas, who died on on 14 February 1368(9), as
Thomas's IPM refers to the "inheritance of Elizabeth his wife, lately
deceased".
After the death of his father, Thomas, still a minor, was in the custody of
Peter de Foun, whose daughter he would eventually marry.
The Antiquities of Nottinghamshire pp188-9
(Robert Thoroton, 1677)
After
the said Robert, succeeded John de Mering his son, whose
son and heir Thomas married the daughter of Peter Foun
of Marcham, who had the custody of the said Thomas
under age. Peter Foun had a son and heir called John,
who died without issue, and Thomas Mering became his heir in
right of his wife.
Alice, who had been the wife of Nicolas de Widmerpole,
and Robert, son of Nicolas de Widmerpole, had a Suit
against Sir Thomas, son and heir of John, son of Robert
de Mering, 3 E. 3.
A Fine was levied at York, 11 E. 3. of the Mannor
of Mering, between Thomas the elder son of John de
Mering, and Elizabeth his wife, Quer. and Richard de
Kelum of Sutton Chaplain, Deforc. whereby it was
settled on the said Thomas and Elizabeth, and the heirs
Males of their bodies; remainder to Bertram, Thomas and
John, sons of the said Thomas, and the heirs Males of
theirs successively; remainder to the right heirs of the said Thomas,
son of John.
Thomas de Mering, who was Tenant by the Courtesie of England,
after the death of Elizabeth his wife, of the third part of the
third part of the Mannor of Tuxford, &c. which her
Father Peter Foun had by Margery her mother, one of the
three daughters of Agnes, one of the three daughters of Robert
de Marcham, son of Cecilia, one of the sisters and heirs
of Lord Lexington, left a son about 42 E. 3. called Francis
de Mering, who was his heir; but it seems he died without issue,
because Alexander Mering, another of his sons, had a son called
William Lord of this Mannor
In 1327, Thomas, his brother Robert and Idonia, presumably his mother, were
investigated for assaulting John Bozun of Orston.
Calendar of the Patent Rolls Edward III 1327-1330
p220 (1891)
1327. Dec. 6.
Leycestr’.
Commission of oyer and terminer to Robert de
Perepount, Robert Jorz and Richard de Wilughby, on the complaint of John
Bozun of Orston that Thomas son of John de Meryng, the elder, Robert,
his brother, Idonia de Meryng, and others, assaulted him at Morton, co.
Nottingham. By K.
Thomas sold his right of reversion in the manor of Polangre on 30 April
1335. The document names the widow of his father, presumably Thomas's
mother, as Idonie.
Feet
of Fines: CP 25/1/4/55 #1
CP 25/1/4/55,
number 1.
Link: Image
of document at AALT
County: Bedfordshire.
Place: York.
Date: Two weeks from
Easter, 9 Edward III [30 April 1335]. And afterwards one week from St
Hilary in the same year [20 January 1336].
Parties: Richard de
Wylughby, querent, and Thomas, son of John de Meryng',
deforciant.
Property: The manor of Polangre, which Idonie, who
was the wife of John de Meryng', holds in dower.
Action: Plea of covenant.
Agreement: Thomas has
acknowledged the manor to be the right of Richard, and has granted for
himself and his heirs that the manor - which Idonie held in dower of the
inheritance of Thomas on the day the agreement was made, and which after
the decease of Idonie ought to revert to Thomas and his heirs - after the
decease of Idonie shall remain to Richard and his heirs, to hold of the
chief lords for ever.
Warranty: Warranty.
For this: Richard has given
him 100 marks of silver.
Note:
This agreement was made in the presence of Idonie, and she did fealty to
Richard in the court.
This purchase of the manor of Meryng by Thomas de Meryng and Elizabeth his
wife documents Thomas's father, and the fact that the manor is held to the
male heirs of the body of Thomas and Elizabeth with provision made for
remainders in the default of such heirs, indicates that Thomas and Elizabeth
did not have children at this point, and the three named sons of Thomas
(Bertram, Thomas and John), must therefore have been from a previous wife of
Thomas's.
Feet
of Fines: CP 25/1/185/29 #164
CP 25/1/185/29,
number 164.
Link: Image
of document at AALT
County: Nottinghamshire.
Place: York.
Date: Three weeks from
Easter, 11 Edward III [11 May 1337].
Parties: Thomas,
son of John de Meryng', the elder* and Elizabeth, his
wife, querents, by Nicholas Martel, put in the place of Elizabeth,
and Richard de Kelm of Sutton', chaplain, deforciant.
Property: The manor of Meryng'.
Action: Plea of covenant.
Agreement: Thomas has
acknowledged the manor to be the right of Richard, as that which Richard
has of his gift.
For this: Richard has
granted to Thomas and Elizabeth the manor and has rendered it to them in
the court, to hold to Thomas and Elizabeth and the male heirs of their
bodies, of the chief lords for ever. In default of such heirs, successive
remainders (1) to Bertram, son of the same Thomas, and the male heirs of
his body, (2) to Thomas, brother of the same Bertram, and the male heirs
of his body, (3) to John, brother of the same Thomas, brother of Bertram,
and the male heirs of his body and (4) to the right heirs of Thomas, son
of John.
Note:
[* Refers to the son.]
The extent taken for the IPM of John Lungvillers in 1361 documents
that Thomas was one of the parceners (co-inheritors) of the manor of
Tuxford.
Calendar of Inquisitions Post Mortem vol 11
Edward III 1361-1365 pp89-92 (1935)
117. JOHN
DE LUNGEVILLERS, knight
Writ,16 March, 35
Edward III
NOTTINGHAM.
Inq. taken
at Hoghton, 20 April, 35 Edward III.
Tuxford. A messuage, a ruined dovecot, a carucate of land, 5a.
meadow, 17s. 3½d. rent of free tenants and a third part of
1lb. pepper, 20s. rent of bondmen, 8l. rent of
tenants at will, and pleas &c. of court worth 5s. yearly,
held of the king in chief by service of a third part of half a knight’s
fee, and charged with yearly rents of 5 marks to a chaplain celebrating
in the church of Tuxford and 3s. 11½d. to John de
Bekeryng.
...
NOTTINGHAM. Extent made before Robert de
Morton, Richard de Pensax and John de Whetley at Retford, Saturday after
Ascension day, 35 Edward HI (much defaced and stained with gall).
Tuxford. A third part of the manor (extent given), held of
the king in chief, by service of a third part of half a knight’s fee, in
conjunction with John de Bekeryng, Richard de . . ., knight, Thomas de
Meryng and Edward Louftoft, parceners of the other two parts of the
manor. There is a weekly market on Monday and a yearly fair on the feast
of the Exaltation of the Cross. Charges as in the preceding Nottingham
inquisition; the rent of 3s. 11½d. to John de Bekeryng is
from certain tofts &c. in the extent.
In 1362, Thomas sold most of his share of the manor of Tuxford to Robert de
Dalderby, retaining the manor of Meering.
List of Inquisitions ad quod damnum part 2 19
Edward III-2 Richard III p524 (1906; reprint 1963)
36 EDWARD III
15
Thomas de Meryng and Francis his son to grant one-third of one-third of
the manor of Tuxford, with appurtenances in Tuxford, Little Markham,
Ollerton, Bevercotes, and Carlton by Sutton-on-Trent, to Robert de
Dalderby of Lincoln, Roger his son, and William brother of the said
Roger, retaining the manor of Meering.
14 February 1367(8)
Calendar of Inquisitions Post Mortem vol 12
Edward III [1365-1370] p217 (1938)
238. THOMAS
DE MERYNG.
Writ, 7 May, 42 Edward III
NOTTINGHAM. Inq.
taken at Retford, Saturday after St. James, 42 Edward III.
Little Markham. The site of a
messuage, with 40a. land in Little Markham and Tuxford, held by
the courtesy of England, of the right and inheritance of Elizabeth his
wife, lately deceased, of the king in chief by service of a twentieth
part of a knight’s fee. The messuage is worth nothing because it is
entirely waste and no profit can be levied therefrom.
Meryng. The manor, held to himself
and his heirs in his own right, with 10a. land and 5a.
meadow, of the duke of Lancaster, as of the honor of Richmond, by
knight’s service. The manor within the walls is worth nothing beyond
expenses and the maintenance of the houses. He held no other lands
&c. in the escheator’s balliwick.
He died on Monday, 14 February, 42
Edward III. Francis de Meryng, son of Thomas and Elizabeth, aged 24
years and more, is their heir.
C. Edw. III. File 201. (10.)
E.
Inq. P.M. File 28. (1.)
Calendar of the Close Rolls Edward III 1364-1368
p444 (1910)
1368. Oct. 30.
Westminster.
To
Edmund Savage escheator in Notyngham-shire. Order to take of Francis de
Meryng, son of Thomas de Meryng and Elizabeth his wife, security for
payment of his relief at the exchequer, and to cause him to have seisin
of the site of a messuage in Little Markham and 40 acres of land in the
said town and in Tuxford taken into the king’s hand by the death of the
said Thomas, but not to meddle further with the manor of Meryng, 10
acres of land and 5 acres of meadow in Meryng likewise taken into the
king’s hand; as the king has learned by inquisition, taken by the
escheator, that the said Thomas at his death held the premises in Little
Markham and Tuxford in chief by knight service by the courtesy of
England after the death of the said Elizabeth, and the said manor and
premises in Meryng of others than the king, and that the said Francis is
next heir as well of the said Thomas as of the said Elizabeth and of
full age; and the king has taken his homage and
fealty. By p.s. [27655.]
Vacated because upon the Fine Roll.
Calendar of the Fine Rolls vol 7 Edward III 1356-1368
p395 (1913)
1368. Oct. 30.
Westminster.
Order to
Edmund Savage, escheator in the county of Nottingham,—pursuant to an
inquisition made by him shewing that Thomas de Meryng held in chief by
the courtesy of England after the death of Elizabeth, late his wife, the
site of a messuage in Little Markham and 40 acres of land in that town
and Tuxford, by knight service, and also held the manor of Meryng and 10
acres of land and 5 acres of meadow in Meryng to him and his heirs of
others than the king, and that Francis de Meryng, son of the said Thomas
and Elizabeth, is their next heir and of full age,—to deliver the
premises in Little Markham and Tuxford to the said Francis, as the king
has taken his homage and fealty, and to meddle no further with the
premises in Meryng. By p.s. [27655.]
Thomas de Meryng
Thomas de Meryng
This purchase of the manor of Meryng by Thomas de Meryng, the elder, and
Elizabeth his wife documents the fact that the manor is held to the male
heirs of the body of Thomas and Elizabeth with provision made for remainders
in the default of such heirs, indicates that Thomas and Elizabeth did not
have children at this point, and the three named sons of Thomas (Bertram,
Thomas and John), must therefore have been from a previous wife of Thomas's.
Feet
of Fines: CP 25/1/185/29
CP 25/1/185/29,
number 164.
Link: Image
of document at AALT
County: Nottinghamshire.
Place: York.
Date: Three weeks from
Easter, 11 Edward III [11 May 1337].
Parties: Thomas,
son of John de Meryng', the elder* and Elizabeth, his
wife, querents, by Nicholas Martel, put in the place of Elizabeth,
and Richard de Kelm of Sutton', chaplain, deforciant.
Property: The manor of Meryng'.
Action: Plea of covenant.
Agreement: Thomas has
acknowledged the manor to be the right of Richard, as that which Richard
has of his gift.
For this: Richard has
granted to Thomas and Elizabeth the manor and has rendered it to them in
the court, to hold to Thomas and Elizabeth and the male heirs of their
bodies, of the chief lords for ever. In default of such heirs, successive
remainders (1) to Bertram, son of the same Thomas, and the male heirs of
his body, (2) to Thomas, brother of the same Bertram, and the male heirs
of his body, (3) to John, brother of the same Thomas, brother of Bertram,
and the male heirs of his body and (4) to the right heirs of Thomas, son
of John.
Note:
[* Refers to the son.]
The Antiquities of Nottinghamshire p188
(Robert Thoroton, 1677)
A Fine
was levied at York, 11 E. 3. of the Mannor of Mering,
between Thomas the elder son of John de Mering, and Elizabeth
his wife, Quer. and Richard de Kelum of Sutton
Chaplain, Deforc. whereby it was settled on the said Thomas and
Elizabeth, and the heirs Males of their bodies; remainder to Bertram,
Thomas and John, sons of the said Thomas, and the
heirs Males of theirs successively; remainder to the right heirs of the
said Thomas, son of John.
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