By the 1400s in England all references in legal documents to foreign born,
or foreign connected, Carpenters have magically disappeared. Did the
Charpenters go home? Highly unlikely. They became English. Their descendants
fill the pages of history with land disputes and the like, as did their
foreign ancestors, excepting they were now in the time of Henry Vl,
Carpenters and citizens. It is uncanny. There is literally not a
Charpenter left in England by 1400. A remarkable transformation had taken
place, an ethnic transformation, and a remarkable transfer of wealth. Where
were the vast wealth and assets of Edward Charpenter in the 1400s? One needn
t look any further than Carpenter the Town Clerk, or Carpenter
the Bishop of Worcester. The usual version of history will fill
your eyes with their charitable efforts and good works, while
conveniently ignoring their lawsuits and landgrabbing. Oh, you might say,
the ancient Carpenters couldnt be businessmen, or involved in real-estate!
They must be descendants of some
knight somewhere, however hideous he might really be, or perhaps real
blue-collar carpenters with nails, or better yet
pegs, in hand. Let us review the real historical record.
In the Calendar of Close Rolls for 1427, a January 12th court case lists a
group of London individuals with John Carpenter
As having claim to the manor of Pembrokes and the issues thereof taken, and
of the manor of Bruses, both located in Middlesex.
In 1428, May 1st, John Carpenter clerk and another group, quitclaim
extensive church property in Hertfordshire. The implication here is they
sold the lands, which were very
extensive. John had good business partners, a Sir John
Newenden chaplain, being mentioned.
The following I want to quote completely. Some of the names are amusing. For
January 28, 1434. John Whitwell chaplain and John Tasburgh citizen and
stokfisshmonger of London to John Poutrell, Henry Barton citizen and
wolman and John Carpenter common clerk of London, their heirs and assigns.
Charter and warranty of all lands, rents and services etc. in the towns and
parishes of St. Stephen near Seynt Albons Watforde, Rykmersworth, Oxeye
Richard, Oxeye Wilronde or elsewhere in Hertfordshire and Harwe co.
Middlesex. Date June 12 Henry Vl
Sincerely,
Bruce E. Carpenter