Poaching at Soterlund
23
June 1325
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On 23 June
1325 John (WES00004), son of Richard de Westgil of
Farndale (WES00001), and Robert
(WES00005), his brother came into Pickering Forest in a certain place
called Soterlund, with one mastiff, and bows and
arrows, and they took there one fawn and carried away the game with them and
thereupon did their will. They were ordered to appear at a hearing of the
matter on 3 October 1334, but although they were living in the country, they
did not appear. Therefore the sheriff was ordered to apprehend them. Afterwards
John and Robert came before the justices, and asked to pay for a licence to
make concord, in order that they would be redeemed. They both paid 30s and they
found mainpernors (guarantors) for the fines. It was
acknowledged that from henceforth they would not forfeit anything in the said
forest (The Great Cowcher of the Duchy
of Lancaster, The National Archives, DL42/1 Folio 218v, DL 42/1/23/U22 folios 217 to
218v, North Riding Records Yorks,
The Honour and Forest of Pickering, 1894, Volume
II at page
100).
Under the
Pleas of the Forest there was a hearing on the Monday next after Michaelmas 8
Edw. III (1334 to 1335). Michaelmas is 29 September each year. The next Monday
in 1334 was 3 October 1334.
John, son
of Richard de Westgil of Farndale, and Robert, his
brother were the alleged offenders.
It is
presented that, on Sunday the eve of the Nativity of St John the Baptist 18
Edw. II (1324 to 1325), they came in the said forest in a certain place called Soterlund, with one mastiff, bows and arrows, and took
there one fawn and carried away the game with them and thereupon did their
will. They do not now come, nor were they previously attached, but it is
witnessed that they are staying in the country. Therefore the sheriff is
ordered to cause them to come.
The
Nativity of St John the Baptist is observed annually on 24 June. Sunday, on the
eve of that feast was 23 June 1325.
Afterwards
John and Robert came before the justices, and upon this sought licence to make
concord, and they are redeemed, namely both at 30s. And the found mainpernors for their redemption, and from henceforth they
will not forfeit anything in the said forest.
There is a separate page about poaching in Pickering Forest.