[246.2] We have placed the words ‘Edward the Fourth’ in parentheses, though they are not so printed by Mr. Worship, and are probably not so written in Sandford’s MS., because we suspect that they were not in the text of the original document, but were added by Sandford by way of explanation.
[642]
ABSTRACT[247.1]
1466(?)
JULY 20
Latter clause of a writ of supersedeas to an escheator directing him not to make inquisition post mortem on the lands of John ——, until further notice.
Westminster, 20 July.
[From the time of year at which this writ is dated, it may have been issued after the death of John Paston, who died in May 1466, the inquisition on his lands not having been taken till October following. But it may possibly have applied to the lands of Sir John Fastolf, who died in November 1459, the inquisition after his death not having been taken till October 1460.]
[247.1] [From Paston MSS., B.M.]
[643]
ANCESTRY OF THE PASTONS
The following document is derived from a transcript made by Sandford in the Genealogy mentioned in [No. 641], and some previous papers, and is likewise reprinted from Mr. Worship’s article. Prefixed to it in Sandford’s MS. are these words:— ‘The Briefe followinge was delivered to Edward Paston, Esq., amonge other evidence, by his uncle Clement Paston, and it is written in an old hand.’ It would appear, however, from the wording, not to be a ‘brief’ or abstract, as Sandford considered it, but an extract from some certificate made in the King’s name in behalf of Sir John Paston, setting forth what had been proved on examination as to the gentility of his ancestry.
They shewed divers great evidences and court rolles, how that they and their ancetors had been possessed of a court and seniory in the town of Paston, and of many and sundry bondmen, sithen the time that no mind is to the contrary; and how that Agnes Paston, wife to the said William Paston, father to the said John, William, and Clement, in title of her dower, is in possession of bondholders, and also of bondmen, whose ancetors have been bondmen to the ancetors of the said John Paston sithen the time that no minde is to the contrary. And they shewed divers fines, some leavyed in the time of the begining of the reigne of our noble progenitor, Edward the First, son of Kinge Henry, son of King John, of liveloude whereof they and theire ancetors have been possessed ever since to this day.