> > 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.>> > > > Mainprise related to getting the defendant into court, rather than > speaking on his behalf (and was much more serious than just saying a > good word for him) - it meant giving your personal legal guarantee > that the defendant would turn up in court, with personal liability on > your part if he did not. But those who undertook this had to ensure that he stayed put and only did this if they were close enough to ensure it - usually the same men who acted as compurgators in court later. The two are often different stages of the same thing.