Margaret Paston to her Husband

THE PASTON LETTERS

77

ABSTRACT¹

MARGARET PASTON TO HER HUSBAND (not addressed).

     On Friday last, the Parson of Oxened ‘being at messe in one Parossh
Chirche, evyn at levacion of the sakeryng, Jamys Gloys had been in the town,
and come homeward by Wymondam’s gate,’ when he was attacked by Wymond-
ham who had two of his men with him, and driven into ‘my mother’s place’
for refuge. With the noise of this, my mother and I came out of the church
from the sakeryng, and Wymondham ‘called my mother and me strong whores,
and said, ye Pastons and all her kin were . . . . . . . yngham said he lied, knave
and churl as he was.’ After noon my mother and I reported this to the Prior
of Norwich, who sent for Wymondham; and Pagrave came with us. While
Wymondham was with the Prior, and we at home, Gloys was assaulted again in
the street, ‘as he stood in the Lady Hastyngs’ chamber,’ by Thomas Hawys,
one of Wymondham’s men. This last assault the Parson of Oxened saw.
Sends Gloys to her husband for fear of further trouble. The Lady Morle
‘would have the benefice of her obligacion,’ as her counsel tells her it is forfeit,
and she would not have the relief till she have your homage. The Lord
Moleyns’ man is collecting the rent at Gresham ‘a great pace,’ as James
Gresham will report to you.

     Trinity Sunday, at even.

     Further statement about the assault added in a different hand (qu. Agnes
Paston’s ?).

     [From the fact of Lord Molyns being in possession of Gresham, and collecting
rents there, it is clear that the date of this letter is 1448. This date also agrees with
what is said in Letter 75 about a relief claimed by Lady Morley.]

     ¹ [From Phillipps MS. 9735, No. 256.]

1448
MAY 19