In the Introduction in Volume I., will be found a document entitled ‘A remembrance of the worshipful kin and ancestry of Paston, born in Paston in Gemyngham Soken.’ This paper, which was printed in the preface to vol. v. of the original edition, p. xliv., appears to have been composed during the lifetime of John Paston by some one who owed the family no good will, not unlikely by Sir William Yelverton. The contents agree very well with the imputation made on John Paston, for which he was imprisoned in 1465, that he was a bondman to the King. The original of this document I have not met with.
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ABSTRACT[181.1]
Examinations Touching Fastolf’s Will
1465
AUG.
John Paston examined by a commission of Thomas, Archbishop of Canterbury, addressed to John Druell, LL.D., in the cause between Sir William Yelverton, Knight, and William Worcester, pretensed executors of Sir John Fastolf, and John Paston, Esq., and Thomas Howys, executors, as is said, dated 8 July 1465.
1. Whether Sir John Fastolf made his will, dated 14 June 1459, in English, and sealed by him with his seal of arms? Answer. He made a note of articles in his will, deponent thinks in Latin, probably on that day, but it was not then sealed, and no executor was named.
2. Whether before the will was fair copied an original note of it was made on paper, and corrected and interlined by Paston? And whether that note fair copied was the true will which was sealed by Fastolf?—There was such a note, which being made, Paston went to London and waited some time, when William Worcester informed him it had been fair copied in the beginning of July. Had seen an old will long before, in which some of the articles were the same, but Fastolf altered them from time to time in consultations held with this deponent. Does not know if he did interline, but the note will show, which was then in the keeping of William Worcester, Fastolf’s clerk; nor does he know if the will was drawn up from it, as he was not present at the engrossing or sealing, but hears there were several things altered.
3. Where the will is, in whose custody, and whether he have power to execute it?—The parchment sealed by Fastolf, which Worcester says was his will, was kept some time after his death at Caister, and afterwards produced in audience of the Archbishop, and there remains.
28 Aug. Examined in the Fleet.—Said he was a prisoner, wished first to speak with his counsel, and desired another notary joined with Nicholas Parker, who was not indifferent.
10, 11, 12 Dec. Appeared before the commissary in the treasurer’s house of St. Paul’s Cathedral, London. Examination continued.