Order concerning tenants of Abbot of St Albans in Watford and Rickmansworth
Details
To the sheriff of Hertford. Order, upon petition of the abbot of St Albans, to take of his tenants of Watford and Rickmansworth whatsoever, who withdrew themselves for fear of being imprisoned at the procurement and untrue averment of certain their enemies that they were guilty of the late insurrection in divers counties, and were not indicted for the same, security or a mainprise for which he will answer at his peril that they shall stand to right in the king's court touching matters that shall be laid against them when and wheresoever the king will, and to answer to the king for their goods and chattels if they shall be convicted, and then to suffer those not indicted to return to their own and there dwell and make their advantage until the king or others will bring a cause against them, making inquisition meanwhile concerning the said goods and chattels, their description and ownership, causing them to be appraised, and certifying in chancery all his action in the matter; as the said petition shows that great number of the said tenants have withdrawn themselves from their houses and holdings, not daring to dwell there, although not guilty.
