Sir Robert Belknap (about 1330-1401)

Gathered here is the most comprehensive repository of materials on the life of Sir Robert Belknap (about 1330-1401), who served as Chief Justice of the Court of Common Pleas in England during the 14th Century.  Click on the links below to access biographical and historical information about this individual:

Biographies and Related Materials

Calendar of Entries in the Papal Registers

Calendar of Patent Rolls: Edward III

Calendar of Patent Rolls: Richard II

Assize Commissions, Circuit

Special Assize Commissions

Gaol Delivery Commission, Circuit/Other

Calendar of Patent Rolls: Henry IV

Calendar of Patent Rolls: Henry VI

Calendar of Close Rolls: Edward III

Calendar of Close Rolls: Richard II

  • CCR, Richard II, Vol. 1, pp. 40-41: 6 Nov 1377  [ADD PDFs]
  • CCR, Richard II, Vol. 1, p. 74  [REF?]
  • CCR, Richard II, Vol. 1, p. 214: 22 Sep 1378
  • CCR, Richard II, Vol. 1, p. 112: 19 Nov 1378
  • CCR, Richard II, Vol. 1, pp. 177-78: 18 Jan 1379
  • CCR, Richard II, Vol. 1, pp. 372-73: 6 Apr 1380
  • CCR, Richard II, Vol. 1, pp. 459-60: 28 Jun 1380
  • CCR, Richard II, Vol. 1, p. 419: 17 Oct 1380
  • CCR, Richard II, Vol. 1, p. 493: 10 Feb 1381
  • CCR, Richard II, Vol. 1, p. 504: 10 Feb 1381
  • CCR, Richard II, Vol. 1, p. 506: 15 Mar 1381
  • CCR, Richard II, Vol. 1, p. 515: 15 May 1381
  • CCR, Richard II, Vol. 1, p. 458: 15 Jun 1381
  • CCR, Richard II, Vol. 2, pp. 77-78: 1 Aug 1381
  • CCR, Richard II, Vol. 2, pp. 85-86: 20 Sep 1381
  • CCR, Richard II, Vol. 2, p. 115: 1 Mar 1382
  • CCR, Richard II, Vol. 2, pp. 210-11: 9 Aug 1382
  • CCR, Richard II, Vol. 2, pp. 177-78: 18 Nov 1382
  • CCR, Richard II, Vol. 2, pp. 246-47: 7 Jan 1383
  • CCR, Richard II, Vol. 2, p. 258: 12 Feb 1383
  • CCR, Richard II, Vol. 2, p. 274: 15 Jun 1383
  • CCR, Richard II, Vol. 2, p. 317: 12 Jul 1383
  • CCR, Richard II, Vol. 2, pp. 390-91:  20 Aug 1383
  • CCR, Richard II, Vol. 2, p. 322: 22 Sep 1383
  • CCR, Richard II, Vol. 2, pp. 392-93: 26 Sep 1383
  • CCR, Richard II, Vol. 2, p. 411: 14 Oct 1383
  • CCR, Richard II, Vol. 2, p. 406: 29 Nov 1383
  • CCR, Richard II, Vol. 2, p. 430: 26 Feb 1384
  • CCR, Richard II, Vol. 2, pp. 437-38: 3 Mar 1384
  • CCR, Richard II, Vol. 2, p. 428: 4 Mar 1384
  • CCR, Richard II, Vol. 2, pp. 443-44: 26 May 1384
  • CCR, Richard II, Vol. 2, pp. 447-48: 16 Jun 1384
  • CCR, Richard II, Vol. 2, p. 562: 26 Jul 1384
  • CCR, Richard II, Vol. 2, pp. 586-87: 28 Sep 1384
  • CCR, Richard II, Vol. 2, pp. 597-98: 5 Dec 1384
  • CCR, Richard II, Vol. 2, p. 525: 14 Feb 1385
  • CCR, Richard II, Vol. 2, p. 617: 18 Feb 1385
  • CCR, Richard II, Vol. 2, p. 530: 27 Feb 1385
  • CCR, Richard II, Vol. 2, p. 530: 28 Feb 1385
  • CCR, Richard II, Vol. 2, pp. 633-34: 26 Mar 1385
  • CCR, Richard II, Vol. 2, p. 556: 20 Jun 1385
  • CCR, Richard II, Vol. 3, p. 80: 28 Jun 1385
  • CCR, Richard II, Vol. 3, pp. 83-84: 3 Sep 1385
  • CCR, Richard II, Vol. 3, p. 23: 16 Oct 1385
  • CCR, Richard II, Vol. 3, p. 90: 15 Nov 1385: Manor of Knelle, etc.
  • CCR, Richard II, Vol. 3, p. 25: 18 Dec 1385
  • CCR, Richard II, Vol. 3, p. 128: 26 Dec 1385
  • CCR, Richard II, Vol. 3, pp. 92-93: 1385
  • CCR, Richard II, Vol. 3, p. 130: 20 Feb 1386
  • CCR, Richard II, Vol. 3, p. 61: 23 Mar 1386
  • CCR, Richard II, Vol. 3, p. 171: 16 Jul 1386
  • CCR, Richard II, Vol. 3, p. 165: 17 Jul 1386
  • CCR, Richard II, Vol. 3, p. 174: 6 Aug 1386
  • CCR, Richard II, Vol. 3, p. 174: 8 Aug 1386
  • CCR, Richard II, Vol. 3, pp. 259-60: 8 Aug 1386
  • CCR, Richard II, Vol. 3, pp. 179-80: 24 Oct 1386
  • CCR, Richard II, Vol. 3, pp. 183-84: 8 Nov 1386
  • CCR, Richard II, Vol. 3, pp. 232-33: 13 Feb 1387
  • CCR, Richard II, Vol. 3, pp. 229-30: 4 May 1387
  • CCR, Richard II, Vol. 3, pp. 340-41: 14 Jul 1387
  • CCR, Richard II, Vol. 3, pp. 456-57: 17 Dec 1387
  • CCR, Richard II, Vol. 3, pp. 437-38: 1387
  • CCR, Richard II, Vol. 3, p. 462: 1387
  • CCR, Richard II, Vol. 3, pp. 382-83: 1 Feb 1388: delivery to the Tower of London
  • CCR, Richard II, Vol. 3, p. 392: 27 Feb 1388: order to appear before parliament 
  • CCR, Richard II, Vol. 3, p. 479: 6 Mar 1388
  • CCR, Richard II, Vol. 3, p. 474: 21 Mar 1388: order to cause proclamation to be made of an order made in parliament that all goods and chattels of Robert Belaknap and others on 6 Mar last and after are forfeit to the king, together with any demise of goods and chattels transferred between 25 Aug and 6 Mar by fraud or collusion; that anyone with such goods shall have two months to come forward; like proclamation to the sheriffs throughout England, to John King of Castille, Leon Duke of Lancaster, and John Bishop of Durham
  • CCR, Richard II, Vol. 3, pp. 403-04: 5 May 1388
  • CCR, Richard II, Vol. 3, p. 410: 17 Jun 1388
  • CCR, Richard II, Vol. 3, pp. 507-08: 4 Jul 1388: order to justices of assize in Southampton [Hampshire]
  • CCR, Richard II, Vol. 3, p. 510: 10 Jul 1388: order to justices of assize in Devon
  • CCR, Richard II, Vol. 3, pp. 515-16: 12 Jul 1388:  order to cause no hurt, violence, hindrance or grievance upon passage to Ireland, etc.; Robert Bealknap to dwell in Drouda [Drogheda] and within three leagues, passing in port of Cestre [Chester?] and taking 40 pounds
  • CCR, Richard II, Vol. 3, p. 521: 18 Jul 1388: order to constable of the Tower of London or to his lieutenant to deliver Robert Bealknap and others for safe conduct to the port of “Cestre” “as they are convicted of treasons for which they were impeached in the parliament last holden at Westminster”; order that “they shall dwell in Ireland for the term of their lives, and shall have their passage thither in the said ports, being there at St. Peter’s Chains [1 Aug] for the purpose.”
  • CCR, Richard II, Vol. 3, p. 522: 18 Jul 1388: order to certify to Robert Belknap “late one of the justices of the Common Bench”various manors in Kent and Dorset
  • CCR, Richard II, Vol. 3, p. 553: 20 Nov 1388: order to escheator in Cambridgeshire regarding manor of Caldecote
  • CCR, Richard II, Vol. 3, p. 547: 28 Nov 1388: assize of novel disseisin of matter that was before Robert Bealknap
  • CCR, Richard II, Vol. __, p. ___: 17 Dec 1388: ____
  • CCR, Richard II, Vol. 3, p. 559: 23 Jan 1389: order to escheator in Sussex regarding manor of Knelle “and of all the lands of Robert Belknap knight deceased in Beckelee [Beckley], Northihamme [Northiam] and Wyghtresham [Wittersham, Kent]” to deliver to Agnes daughter of Edmund de Knelle prior “rent for life”
  • CCR, Richard II, Vol. 3, p. 562: 28 Jan 1389: order to escheator of Cambridgeshire regarding manor of Caldecote “by “Kyngston”; reference to John Avenel; his daughter Elizabeth Avenel, nun of Elnestowe
  • CCR, Richard II, Vol. 3, p. 642: 1 Feb 1389: writ of supersedeas omnino regarding sea wrecks within the liberty of Cinque Ports
  • CCR, Richard II, Vol. 3, pp. 569-70: 4 Feb 1389: assize of novel disseisin of matter that was before Robert Bealknap  [ADD COMBINED PAGES]
  • CCR, Richard II, Vol. 3, p. 570: 12 Feb 1389: delivery of the great fee for the great seal letters patent previously with Robert de Bealknap
  • CCR, Richard II, Vol. 3, p. 584: 12 Apr 1389: Elizabeth Avenell “a nun of Elnestowe abbey” regarding manor of Holewelle, Bedfordshire, that was demised for a term of years to Robert Bealknap
  • CCR, Richard II, Vol. 3, pp. 681-82: 26 May 1389: writ of supersedeas regarding rent payable to Baldwin de Radyngton lord of the manor of Watlyngton relating ot the manor of Hoo in Watlyngton held by Robert Belknap on “1 August last before his like conviction”
  • CCR, Richard II, Vol. __, p. ___: 11 Oct 1389: Juliana [Belknap] petitioned to pay her arrears; she had Elmedoun [Elmdon], Essex, in her right; Juliana, daughter of Robert and Juliana, was her mother’s heir
  • CCR, Richard II, Vol. 4, p. 24
  • CCR, Richard II, Vol. 4, p. 113
  • CCR, Richard II, Vol. 4, p. 125
  • CCR, Richard II, Vol. 4, p. 234
  • CCR, Richard II, Vol. 4, p. 383
  • CCR, Richard II, Vol. 4, p. 587
  • CCR, Richard II, Vol. 4, p. 588
  • CCR, Richard II, Vol. 4, p. 741
  • CCR, Richard II, Vol. 5, pp. 67-68: 18 May 1393:  order to view exemplification under the great seal  [ADD COMBINED PAGES]
  • CCR, Richard II, Vol. 5, pp. 159-60: 5 Jul 1393: justice of assize in Devon
  • CCR, Richard II, Vol. 5, pp. 179-80: 16 Nov 1393: justice of assize in Gloucestershire  [ADD COMBINED PAGES]
  • CCR, Richard II, Vol. 6, pp. 275-77: 21 May 1398:  order to sheriff of Kent for restitution to Robert Bealknap of land in Estwelle [Eastwell], Asshetisforde [Ashford], Bocton Alulphi [Boughton Aluph], Kenyngton [Kennington] including a meadow called “Dovemerssh”, Wy [Wye], Broke, Haldene [Halden], Beatrichesdenne, Wodecherche (Berbodyndenne), Saltwode, Postlyngge, Newenton, Hethe “of all the lands etc. called ‘Sandelynks’ and ‘Slarebroke'”  [ADD COMBINED PAGES]
  • CCR, Richard II, Vol. 6, pp. 342-43: 6 Nov 1398: order to sheriff of Essex for restitution to Robert Belknap and Juliana his wife in her right of land in Elmedoun [Elmdon]  [ADD COMBINED FILES]
  • CCR, Richard II, Vol. 6, p. 369: 22 Jan 1399: order for restitution to Robert Bealknap and Juliana his wife”in her right” of 100 acres of land in Elmedoun [Elmdon], Essex
  • CCR, Richard II, Vol. 6, p. 373: 4 Feb 1399: restoration of various manors and lands to Robert Bealknap, including:  Hertfordshire (Baldoke [Baldock], Wylyen [Willian (or, less likely, Welwyn)], Weston, Cloothale [Clothall], Bygrave, 7 shops in Baldoke [Baldock], land in Rissden [Rushden], land in Sandoun [Sandon]); Essex (land in Elmedoun [Elmdon] called Leebury); Kent (Sentlynge [Sentling] in Seyntmariecraye [Saint Mary Cray]); Sussex (Knelle), by virtue of a judgment and statute rendered “in the last parliament”
  • CCR, Richard II, Vol. 6, pp. 500-01: 30 Apr 1399: writ of supersedeas omnino regarding lands seized by the king

Calendar of Close Rolls: Henry IV

  • CCR, Henry IV, Vol. __, p. 277: 8 Oct 1400: ____
  • CCR, Henry IV, Vol. __, pp. 444-45, 448-50: 17 Nov 1401: ____
  • CCR, Henry IV, Vol. __, p. 394: 18 Jun 1408: ____

Calendar of Fine Rolls: Edward III

Calendar of Fine Rolls: Richard II

Calendar of Fine Rolls: Henry IV

Calendar of Fine Rolls: Henry V

  • CFR, Henry V, Vol. 14, pp. 62-63: 24 Jul 1414: order to escheator: Juliana late the wife of Robert Bealknap  [ADD PDF]
  • CFR, Henry V, Vol. 14, p. 79: 18 Oct 1414: order to escheator: mentions death of Juliana Belknap; sons Thomas, John, Hamon Belknap  [TO COME] [ADD PDF]
  • CFR, Henry V, Vol. 14, p. 208: 23 Sep 1417: order to escheator  [ADD PDF]
  • CFR, Henry V, Vol. 14, pp. 396-98: 12 Jul 1421: order to escheator  [ADD PDF]

Calendar of Fine Rolls: Henry VI

Feet of Fines

  • Plea of Covenant: Robert de Beleknappe, wife Julian, daughter Julian wife of Robert Avenell son of John Avenell for manors and advowsons in Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, Bedfordshire: Beach Manor, Banks Manor (both in Wimpole), Wimpole, Gamlingay, Guilden Morden, Caldecote, Toft, Hatley St George, Arrington, Kingston, Orwell, Hardwick, Salthouse, Kelling, Holwell, CP 25/1/289/54, number 119: 12 Nov 1384  http://www.medievalgenealogy.org.uk/fines/abstracts/CP_25_1_289_54.shtml#119
    • Image [ADD]
    • Summary [ADD PDF]
  • Plea of Covenant: William [of Wykeham], bishop of Winchester; Thomas, bishop of Ely; Robert Bealknap; etc., for the castle, manors, etc., in Shropshire: Chirk, Chirkland, CP 25/1/195/18, number 32: [DATE] http://www.medievalgenealogy.org.uk/fines/abstracts/CP_25_1_195_18.shtml#32
    • Image [ADD]
    • Summary [ADD PDF]

Inquisitions Post Mortem

Chancery: Inquisitions Post Mortem, Series I, Henry V

  • Belknap, Julia who was the wife of Richard, kt: Kent (should be Robert?), C 138/6/13: 2 Henry V [YEAR?]

Chancery: Inquisitions Post Mortem, Series I, Henry VI

  • Bealknap, Robert, kt, certiorari temp Richard II.: Hants (Note: “missing”), C 139/52/61: 1430-1431

Miscellaneous

  • [Calendar of Inquisitions Miscellaneous, Vol. __, #408, p. 221]
  • [Calendar of Inquisitions Miscellaneous, Vol. __, #332, pp. 54-56]

City of London Calendar of Letters

  • “Introduction.” Calendar of letter-books of the city of London: H: 1375-1399 (1907), pp. I-LVII  http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.asp?compid=33455
  • Folio xcvi. “Folios xci – xcix: Sept 1378 -.” Calendar of letter-books of the city of London: H: 1375-1399 (1907), pp. 97-111: 25 Nov 1378 http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.asp?compid=33464
  • Folio cxxii. “Folios cxxi – cxxx: March 1379-80 -.” Calendar of letter-books of the city of London: H: 1375-1399 (1907), pp. 147-61: 20 Apr 1380 http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.asp?compid=33467
  • Folio cxxix b. “Folios cxxi – cxxx: March 1379-80 -.” Calendar of letter-books of the city of London: H: 1375-1399 (1907), pp. 147-61: 7 Feb 1380/81 http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.asp?compid=33467
  • Folio cxxxiii b. “Folios cxxxi – cxl: March 1380-1 -.” Calendar of letter-books of the city of London: H: 1375-1399 (1907), pp. 161-79: 15 Jun 1381 http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.asp?compid=33468
  • Folio cxxxiv. “Folios cxxxi – cxl: March 1380-1 -.” Calendar of letter-books of the city of London: H: 1375-1399 (1907), pp. 161-79: 15 Jun 1381 http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.asp?compid=33468
  • Folio cxxxviii. “Folios cxxxi – cxl: March 1380-1 -.” Calendar of letter-books of the city of London: H: 1375-1399 (1907), pp. 161-79: 18 Nov 1381 http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.asp?compid=33468
  • Folio cxc. “Folios clxxxi – cxc: Sept 1384 -.” Calendar of letter-books of the city of London: H: 1375-1399 (1907), pp. 249-66: 9 Sep 1384 http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.asp?compid=33473

UK National Archives: Special Collections: Ancient Petitions: Legal Matters

UK National Archives: Special Collections: Ancient Petitions: Attainder and Properties

Issue Rolls

Colchester Red Oath Book

Parliament Rolls

Land Holdings: General

Include here are known land holdings of Sir Robert Belknap, including direct ownership, temporary rights and interests, etc. 

Google Map: Location of Sir Robert Belknap Land Holdings (map)  [UPDATE]

Land Holdings: Bedfordshire

Bedfordshire: Little Holwell

  • A History of the County of Bedford, Victoria County History, Vol. 2 (1908), pp. 293-99: “Parish: Shillington with Lower Stondon and Little Holwell”
  • A History of the County of Bedford, Victoria County History, Vol. 2 (1908), pp. 286-87: “Parish: Holwell”

Land Holdings: Cambridgeshire

Cambridgeshire: Arrington

  • A History of the County of Cambridge and the Isle of Ely, Victoria County History, Vol. 5 (1973), pp. 140-47:  does not mention Robert Belknap

Cambridgeshire: Barnwell/Guilden Morden

Cambridgeshire: Caldecote

  • A History of the County of Cambridge and the Isle of Ely, Victoria County History, Vol. 5 (1973), pp. 16-25: “Parish: Caldecote”

Cambridgeshire: Gamlingay

  • A History of the County of Cambridge and the Isle of Ely, Victoria County History, Vol. 5 (1973), pp. 68-87: “Parish: Gamlingay”:  Belknap-Avenel

Cambridgeshire: Toft

  • A History of the County of Cambridge and the Isle of Ely, Victoria County History, Vol. 5 (1973), pp. 127-36: “Parish: Toft”

Cambridgeshire: Wimpole

  • A History of the County of Cambridge and the Isle of Ely, Victoria County History, Vol. 5 (1973), pp. 263-272: “Parish: Wimpole”:  does not mention Robert Belknap; mentions Avenel family

Land Holdings: Essex

Essex: Elmdon

Essex (now Cambridgeshire): Great Chishall (Great Chishill)–Belknaps

Essex: Leebury

Land Holdings: Hampshire

Hampshire: Crux Easton (Crokkeston)

  • A History of the County of Hampshire, Victoria County History (1911), Vol. 4, pp. 311-14: “Parish: Crux Easton”

Hampshire: Penton Mewsey

  • A History of the County of Hampshire, Victoria County History, Vol. 4 (1911), pp. 381-84: “Parish: Penton Mewsey”

Hampshire: Winsor

  • [SEE ABOVE]

Land Holdings: Hertfordshire

Hertfordshire: Baldock

  • [TO COME]
  • A History of the County of Hertford, Victoria County History (1912), Vol. 3, pp. 65-73: “Parish: Baldock” 

Hertfordshire: Bygrave

  • [TO COME]
  • A History of the County of Hertford, Victoria County History (1912), Vol. 3, pp. 211-17: “Parish: Bygrave”  

Hertfordshire: Clothall

  • [TO COME]
  • A History of the County of Hertford, Victoria County History (1912), Vol. 3, pp. 220-26: “Parish: Clothall”

Hertfordshire: Rushden

  • A History of the County of Hertford, Victoria County History (1912), Vol. 3, pp. 265-70: “Parish: Rushden”

Hertfordshire: La More, Sandon

  • A History of the County of Hertford, Victoria County History (1912), Vol. 3, pp. 270-76: “Parish: Sandon”

Hertfordshire: Sawbridgeworth

Hertfordshire: Weston

  • [TO COME]
  • A History of the County of Hertford, Victoria County History (1912), Vol. 3, pp. 171-77: “Parish: Weston” 

Hertfordshire: Willian

  • [TO COME]
  • A History of the County of Hertford, Victoria County History (1912), Vol. 3, pp. 177-81: “Parish: Willian” 

Land Holdings: Kent

Kent: Aldons / Pirrie (Perry Court)

Kent: Barbinden or Barbodindenne

Kent: Baston

Kent: Beachborough

Kent: Benenden

  • [TO COME]

Kent: Old Romney: Bere/Berry Court

Kent: Cowdham

Kent: Crofton (Crawton), Orpington (Sentling and Ackmere (Okemere))

Kent: Ditton

Kent: East Malling

Kent: Keston (alias Southcourt)

Kent: Kingsnoth (Kingsnode) (also Knygessnode, Kyngesnoth)

Kent: Lidsing (located within Gillingham)

Kent: Rochester: Cathedral Prior of St. Andrew

  • A History of the County of Kent (1926), Vol. 2, pp. 121-26: “Houses of Benedictine monks: The cathedral priory of St Andrew, Rochester”

Kent: Seintlyng (Sentling), Saint Mary Cray

Kent: Sharsted (located within Chatham)

Kent: Southcourt

  • Blomefield, Francis. An Essay Towards a Topographical History of the County of Norfolk, Vol. VI Containing the Hundreds of South Greenhow and South Erpingham (1807), p. 506 [ADD PDF]

Kent: Tubbenden, Farnborough

Kent: Westcombe, Greenwich

Kent: West Greenwich

Kent: West Wickham

Kent [Middlesex?]: Hempste[a]d

Kent: Ringwold, Walmer

  • Hasted, Edward. The History and Topographical Survey of the County of Kent, Vol. 10 (1800), pp. 29-34: “Parish: Ringwold”  [TO COME]

Kent: Wouldham

  • [TO COME]

Kent: (multiple properties)

  • Quitclaim by William Barroc de Wy to Robert de Beleknappe of all rights and claims to lands and tenements in Wy [Wye–see Kingsnoth], Bacton, Alulph, Broke, Old Romney [Berry Court?], Romney, Lude, Hope All Saints, Hope St Peter, Blakemanneston, Snave, and any other place in Kent that belonged to John Baroc his father 1360 M1360 L https://uh.edu/waalt/index.php/Writings_1360-1369
    [Wiki for the Anglo-American Legal Tradition Website; University of Houston]

Land Holdings: Lincolnshire

Lincolnshire

  • [TO COME]

Land Holdings: Middlesex

Middlesex: Edmonton

Land Holdings: Norfolk

Norfolk: Kelling

  • Blomefield, Francis. An Essay Towards A Topographical History of the County of Norfolk, Vol. 9 (1808), pp. 403-07: “Holt Hundred: Kelling”: does not mention Robert Belknap; mentions Avenel family

Norfolk: Salthouse

  • Parkham, Charles. An Essay Towards A Topographical History of the County of Norfolk, Vol. 9 (1808), pp. 429-431: “Salthouse”  [ADD PDF]

Land Holdings: Oxfordshire

Oxfordshire: Hoo

  • A History of the County of Oxford, Victoria County History, Vol. 8: Lewknor and Pyrton hundreds (1964), pp. 210-252: “Parish: Watlington”

Land Holdings: Sussex

Sussex: Knelle

  • Research of Knelle Manor and Family http://www.telefonica.net/web2/kenello/index.htm
  • VCH Sussex  [TO COME]

Sussex: Wilting

  • VCH Sussex  [TO COME]

Legal Proceedings (Unsorted)

UK National Archives: Miscellaneous Legal Service Records

Gaol Delivery Rolls and Files

  • Counties: Kent, Herts, Surrey, Sussex Justices, Gaols, Nature: Robert Bealknap; Canterbury castle and town; hertford, St. Albans; Guildford (co. Surrey and Sussex prisoners); Battle; File. (Note: mm or rots: 261 The enrolment of 216/5 is Just. Itin. 3/163.) 1374, 1376-1380, 1382-1384 JUST 3/216/5
  • Counties: Corn, Devon, Dorset, Som, Wilts Justices, Gaols, Nature: Robert Bealknap; Launceston; Exeter castle; Dorchester; Ilchester; Old Salisbury; File. (Note: mm or rots: 87 The enrolment of 217/2 is Just. Itin. 3/170, but some deliveries in that roll are not represented in this file.) 1381 JUST 3/217/2
  • Counties: Berks, Glos, Heref, Oxon, Staffs, Worcs Justices, Gaols, Nature: Robert Bealknap; Gloucester castle; Hereford city; Oxford castle (cos. Berks and Oxford prisoners); Stafford; Worcester shire and city; Roll. (Note: mm or rots: 11) 1382-1384, 1386 JUST 3/172
  • “Counties: Corn, Devon, Dorset, Hants, Som, Wilts Justices, Gaols, Nature: Robert Bealknap; Launceston castle; Exeter castle; Dorchester; WInchester; IIchester; New Salisbury; Roll.
    Note: mm or rots: 15 In roll 174 at m. 3 are proceedings of an inquest held at New Salisbury on 26 July 1386 by Bealknap and his fellow justices of the peace for c. Wilts., concerning William Carleton, accused of theft from his master, John Elcombe.” 1385-1387 JUST 3/174

Court of Common Pleas: Essoin Rolls

  • Bealknap (Note: formerly KB 121/46) “[Edward III or Richard II] Trinity” CP 21/4/54
  • Bealknap (Note: formerly KB 121/49) “51 Edward III Hilary” CP 21/4/44
  • Bealknap (Note: formerly KB 121/59) “2 Richard II Trinity” CP 21/4/45
  • Bealknap (Note: formerly KB 121/53) “3 Richard II Michaelmas” CP 21/4/46
  • Bealknap (Note: formerly KB 121/55) “8 Richard II Michaelmas” CP 21/4/48
  • Bealknap (Note: formerly KB 121/44) “11 Richard II Michaelmas” CP 21/4/50
  • Bealknap (Note: formerly KB 121/64) “[Edward III or Richard II] Easter” CP 21/4/52
  • Bealknap (Note: formerly KB 121/67) “[Edward III or Richard II] Easter” CP 21/4/53
  • Bealknap (Note: formerly KB 121/70) “[Edward III or Richard II] Hilary” CP 21/4/51

Justices in Eyre, of Assize, of Oyer and Terminer, and of the Peace, etc: Rolls and Files

  • Assize roll of Robert Bealknap and Henry Asty for Kent, Essex, Hertfordshire, Sussex and Surrey, including essoins and attorneys; 48-51 Edward III JUST 1/1484
  • Assize roll of Robert Bealknap and others for Kent, Surrey, Sussex, Hertfordshire and Essex, including essoins and attorneys; 2-8 Richard II JUST 1/1491
  • Assize roll of Robert Bealknap and others for Hampshire, Wiltshire, Dorset, Somerset, Devon and Cornwall, including essoins and attorneys; 4 Richard II JUST 1/1492
  • Assize roll of Robert Bealknap and others for Staffordshire, Shropshire, Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire, including essoins and attorneys; 5-10 Richard II JUST 1/1493
  • Assize roll of Robert Bealknap and others for Hampshire, Wiltshire, Dorset, Devon, Cornwall and Somerset, including essoins and attorneys; 8-11 Richard II JUST 1/1495
    Court of King’s Bench and Other Courts: Various Writs and Returns
  • Transcript of assize of novel disseisin before Thomas de Ludlow and Robert Bealknap, justices of assize, at Stratford Langthorne, Thomas Tirell, kt, and wife v John de Guldesburgh and others, tenement in Widford, Great Baddow and Moulsham; Edward III KB 138/11

UK National Archives: Chancery Records

Court of Chancery: Common Law Pleadings, Tower Series

  • “Parties: Rex v Bealknap; Subject: Land in Elmdon; County: Essex,” C 44/20/14: 21 Richard II [ADD YEAR]

Chancery: Certificates of Statute Merchant and Statute Staple

  • “Debtor: John Hanew of Marlcliff (Marleclyve) merchant of Warwickshire; Creditor: John le Rous, merchant of Warwickshire; Amount: £66 of legal money; Endorsement: Glouc’ Coram Justic’ xv Pas’. Aliud br’e f’c’m fuit postmod’ retornabile in xv mich’ p’ eo q’d primu’ br’e discontinuat’m fuit sicut p’ c’tificacione’ Rob’i Belknap’ plene liquet.” 3 Jan 1382; C 241/168/11

UK National Archives: State Papers

  • 15th-century copy of final concord made before Sir Robert Belknap, Sir William de Skipwith, Sir Roger de Fulthorpe, Sir John Holt and Sir William de Burgh, justices of the common bench, between Walter Trote, chaplain, plaintiff, and Sir Guy de Bryen and Sir William de Bryan, deforciants. Trote is to hold the manor of Hazelbury Bryan in Blackmoor, Dorset, with lands in Crockern Stoke and Stoke Turberville in trust for Sir Guy de Bryen with remainder to the heirs of de Bryen (named). May 1386; SP 46/183/fo 11

Medway Archives

Cathedral Priory of St.Andrew the Apostle, Rochester

  • DRc_Rochester_Priory_and_other_Religious_Houses_1080_1541/DRc_00_T070_T094_Intro DRc_00_T070_T094_Intro http://cityark.medway.gov.uk/query/results/?Mode=Search&PathList=%2F&SearchWords=belknap&x=17&y=9
  • DRc_Rochester_Priory_and_other_Religious_Houses_1080_1541/DRc_T066 DRc_T066 http://cityark.medway.gov.uk/query/results/?Mode=Search&PathList=%2F&SearchWords=belknap&x=17&y=9
  • DRc_Rochester_Priory_and_other_Religious_Houses_1080_1541/DRc_T094_01: Robert provides for “souls of John de Beleknappe, his father, Alice, his wife and his mother, all their children and all his own children” 1 Mar 1375/76 DRc_T094_01 http://cityark.medway.gov.uk/query/results/?Mode=Search&PathList=%2F&SearchWords=belknap&x=17&y=9
  • DRc_Rochester_Priory_and_other_Religious_Houses_1080_1541/DRc_T094_02_03 1 Mar 1379/80 DRc_T094_02_03 http://cityark.medway.gov.uk/query/results/?Mode=Search&PathList=%2F&SearchWords=belknap&x=17&y=9
  • DRc_Rochester_Priory_and_other_Religious_Houses_1080_1541/DRc_T094_04 27 Jan 1380/81 DRc_T094_04 http://cityark.medway.gov.uk/query/results/?Mode=Search&PathList=%2F&SearchWords=belknap&x=17&y=9
  • DRc_Rochester_Priory_and_other_Religious_Houses_1080_1541/DRc_T094_05 1 Dec 1382 DRc_T094_05 http://cityark.medway.gov.uk/query/results/?Mode=Search&PathList=%2F&SearchWords=belknap&x=17&y=9
  • DRc_Rochester_Priory_and_other_Religious_Houses_1080_1541/DRc_T094_06 29 Jun 1384 DRc_T094_06 http://cityark.medway.gov.uk/query/results/?Mode=Search&PathList=%2F&SearchWords=belknap&x=17&y=9
  • DRc_Rochester_Priory_and_other_Religious_Houses_1080_1541/DRc_T094_07_08 “11 Oct 1386;
    3 Oct 1387″ DRc_T094_07_08 http://cityark.medway.gov.uk/query/results/?Mode=Search&PathList=%2F&SearchWords=belknap&x=17&y=9
  • DRc_Rochester_Priory_and_other_Religious_Houses_1080_1541/DRc_T094_11 5 Jul 1399 DRc_T094_11 http://cityark.medway.gov.uk/query/results/?Mode=Search&PathList=%2F&SearchWords=belknap&x=17&y=9
  • DRc_Rochester_Priory_and_other_Religious_Houses_1080_1541/DRc_Elb1A 13 Oct 1441 DRc_Elb1A http://cityark.medway.gov.uk/query/results/?Mode=Search&PathList=%2F&SearchWords=belknap&x=17&y=9

Rymer’s Foedera

Registrum Roffense

Canterbury Cathedral Archives

  • Dean and Chapter Archive, Chartae Antiquae M. Commission from: Edward III, king of England To: Thomas de Ludlowe; Robert Bealknappe; William de Haldenne; Roger Dygge; William de Horne; Thomas Garwynton’; Simon Monyn about 1373 CCA-DCc-ChAnt/M/345
    The land drainage and sea defences in Kent between the vill (‘villa’) of ‘Newynton’ on the shore of the River Thames (‘aqua Thamis”) and Dover and from there along the shore of the marsh to Appledore in Romney Marsh are so damaged by the sea and fresh water flooding that great losses have occurred. The king, wishing to provide a remedy, assigns them to survey the walls and other defences to find out by whose fault the losses have occurred and who holds lands, pastures or fisheries there. They are to carry out distraints, amercements and anything else necessary to pay for the repair, renewal and clearing of the sea defences. They are to appoint wardens (‘custos’) for the protection of the sea defences, to hear the accounts of the collectors of money for repairing the defences, to distrain for arrears of these collections and to hear and determine any disputes. They are to compel any who resist to repair the defences. No date. [Date: handwriting.] Original dated 26 Oct 1373. ‘T xiii die Febr’ Ao xlviii’ [1374] written at bottom of document. Endorsed with ‘abbatissa’ in late 14th cent hands.

Hampshire Record Office

  • Jervoise family of Herriard: Sherfield Family Parliamentary Papers: Extract from Parliamentary Rolls, re. Robert Belknap, exile 1399-1400; 44M69/L39

Shakespeare Birthplace Trust Records Office

Records of the Stratford-upon-Avon Corporation

  • Records of the Guild of the Holy Cross: Fine levied at Westminster in the Octave of St. Michael 9 Richard II, before Robert Bealknapp, William de Skipwyth, Roger de Fulthorp, John Holt and William Burgh, justices, between Roger de Vlbarewe, plaintiff, and John Tailleur of Stretford upon Auene and Alice his wife, deforciants, of two ‘shopis’ with appurtenances, in Stretford, upon Auene. Consideration, 20 marks of silver; BRT1/2/17: 6 Oct 1385
  • Records of the Guild of the Holy Cross: “And afterwards in the Octave of Holy Trinity, 51 Edward III, the said Thomas de Panton and Alice his wife by a fine levied before Robert Beleknappe and other Justices of the King acknowledged “the fifth part of the Manor of Alspathe with the appurtenances to be the right of a certain John atte Welle then Vicar of Hampton, and those they quit-claimed from them the said Thomas de Panton and Alice and the heirs of the said Alice to the aforesaid John and Henry de Ardern, chivaler, John Worthe chivaler, John Wyarde, Thomas de Norton and Richard Botyller, Vicar of the Church of Alspathe by the name of Richard Botyller, chaplain, and the heirs of the said John atte Welle for ever.”; BRT1/3/174: 8 Oct 1403

Yorkshire Archaeological Society

H. L. Bradfer-Lawrence Collection

  • Pilkington of Chevet, Family and Estate Records: Deeds: 1. John Hewell, vicar of the church of Sandale, William Walton, chaplain, and John Woderoue, querents 2. Henry Dernele and Cecily his wife and Thomas Berneslay and Alice his wife, deforciants Fine at Westminster before Robert Bealknapp, William de Skipwyth, Roger de Fulthorp and Henry Asty, justices. Concerning two messuages, eighty acres of land, twelve acres of meadow, 3 s. 2 d. rent, and a third part of a messuage, forty six acres of land, and six acres of meadow, with appurtenances in Cheuet, Cregilston, Sandale and Walton; the deforciants recognized the tenements as the right of John Woderoue as those which the querents had of the grant of the deforciants, and quitclaimed them to him and his heirs from them and the heirs of Cecily and Alice. The querents gave 100 marks of silver. Two parts, joined by a tag with a seal of red wax, letter B. [Former ref: MD 335 Box 69 Clay vol VIII No 85: Series B No. 41: Dorse 506] 1382; MD335/3/1/5/ 152

Wills

  •  Kent Wills at Lambeth, Book 24, p. 471): Will of Nicholas de Loueyn: 20 Sep 1375 http://www.kentarchaeology.org.uk/Research/Libr/Wills/Lbth/Bk24/page%20471.htm
  • Nicolas, Nicholas Harris. Testamenta Vetusta, Being Illustrations From Wills, of Manners, Customs, &c. as well as of the Descents and Possessions of Many Distinguished Families, From the Reign of Henry the Second to the Accession of Queen Elizabeth, Vol. I (1826), pp. 98-99: Will of Sir Nicholas de Lovain, Knt.

Parliamentary Debates: Post-Contemporary References

Books/Periodicals mentioning Sir Robert Belknap

Battle Abbey

Peasants (Great) Revolt of 1381

Geoffrey Chaucer

William of Wykeham: Winchester College, Oxford (which has ties to son Laurence Belknap)

Belknap Hours

  • [TO COME]

Miscellaneous (Unsorted)

Burial Records

Web Links

Spouses

Children

Parents

Last update:  13 Jul 2023

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