Patent Rolls (PRO C66/931)

12.5.1558 (Thursday 12 May 1558)

document 12600623

whereas it appears by inquisition of Clem Tusser one of the coroners of Essex upon the body of Jn Strutte late of Earls Colne bocher (sic) that is happened at Earls Colne that one Jn Myddleton of that place sawyer on 15.12.1557 went into Strutte's shop about ten am and asked him for monies which Strutt owed him Strutt not only denied the debt with many opprobrious words but violently struck Myddleton on the mouth with his fist and whilst they were then wrangling a certain woman separated them and Myddleton immediately went out of the shop into the high road where Strutt made an assault on him with a staff 5ft in length value 1d which he had in his hands and gave him many heavy blows upon his body and Myddleton fled from him to a hill in the high road beyond which he could not escape and in self defence he struck him with a dagger value 12d which he had in his right hand under the left breast and gave him a mortal wound 6in in depth and 1in in breadth of which Strutt instantly died as Francis Morgan one of the justices of the king and queen's bench and Jn Prydeaux their serjeant at law justices of gaol delivery at Colchester Castle have certified in chancery pardon to Myddleton of the said death so that he stand to right etc