I would be grateful if a lister could explain the following record: Calender of Close Rolls, Henry lV, page 270. 1404, memebrane 32. Jan 6, Westminster; To the sherrifs of London. Like writ, mutatis mutandis, by mainprise of Thomas Bower "sadeler", Robert Asshe "lymnour", John Wygaun "glover" and John Coventre "glover" of London, in favour of William Dryffelde "taillour", Robert Thomekysone "taillour", William Nesham "taillour" and Isabel Brereley of London at suit of John Freeton and Joan his wife. I assume that all the parties mentioned are of London. I'm surprised to find a "Thomekynsone" or Tomkinson there at such an early date. Don Tomkinson

<<I would be grateful if a lister could explain the following record: Calender of Close Rolls, Henry lV, page 270. 1404, memebrane 32. Jan 6, Westminster; To the sherrifs of London. Like writ, mutatis mutandis, by mainprise of Thomas Bower "sadeler", Robert Asshe "lymnour", John Wygaun "glover" and John Coventre "glover" of London, in favour of William Dryffelde "taillour", Robert Thomekysone "taillour", William Nesham "taillour" and Isabel Brereley of London at suit of John Freeton and Joan his wife. I assume that all the parties mentioned are of London. I'm surprised to find a "Thomekynsone" or Tomkinson there at such an early date.>> Hello Don, It's difficult to provide a full explanation without the text of the earlier entry referred to in the phrase 'Like writ, mutatis mutandis'. That phrase means 'the same writ as before, but with appropriate changes' (mutatis mutandis is Latin for 'that being changed which ought to be changed') - so this is one of a pair, or perhaps a series, of entries all of the same sort but relating to different cases. Mainprise means 'guarantee' or 'surety'. What is clear is that John and Joan Freeton have sued Dryffelde, Thomekysone, Nesham and Brereley, and that Bower, Asshe, Wygaun and Coventre have stood surety for the defendants. I suspect the defendants had been arrested or had had goods seized to ensure that they answered the suit, and the writ is probably an order releasing them or their goods because they have obtained a guarantee from Bower et al that they will answer the suit. If you have the earlier entry to which 'like writ' refers I'd be interested to hear what it says. Matt Tompkins

> I would be grateful if a lister could explain the following record: > > Calender of Close Rolls, Henry lV, page 270. > 1404, memebrane 32. > Jan 6, Westminster; > To the sherrifs of London. Like writ, mutatis mutandis, by mainprise > of Thomas Bower "sadeler", Robert Asshe "lymnour", John Wygaun > "glover" and John Coventre "glover" of London, they are offering support, possible as character witnesses, in the case the Freetons are bringing against the three tailors. Often it was more a matter of how many people spoke kind words about you that if you were really innocent of whatever was charged. in favour of William > Dryffelde "taillour", Robert Thomekysone "taillour", William Nesham > "taillour" and Isabel Brereley of London at suit of John Freeton and > Joan his wife. > > I assume that all the parties mentioned are of London. I'm surprised > to find a "Thomekynsone" or Tomkinson there at such an early date. I am not surprised. Thomas was a very common forename, and surnames derived from it include simple patronymics like Thomason, Thom(p) son and double diminutives like T(h)omlin, T(h)omkin + son.