The interpretation of the data here is an impossibility. The
Richard here is an old man, probably a trade-carpenter who had
been in royal service. The language of such documents always concerns
old men while the terms for orphaned children is of a different
kind. The orginal letter is reproduced here.
Bruce Carpenter
(original)
In 1348 the Black Plague was on the English coast. Three months later the
horror was in London, where estimates have it that between a third to a half
of all souls in the city perished. Previously I published the account of a
Thomas Carpenter, son of a wealthy merchant Rodger Carpenter, was put under
the care of city officials in 1349. We can assume Rogers demise was plague
related. Thomas was put under the care of the powerful, because such was the
custom of England, to protect the property and asset rights of the young.
Was Richard Carpenter a plague orphan? In this sad document King Edward III
takes responsibility for a Richard Carpenter at the height of the plague.
Richard must have had family means to warrant such consideration from the
King himself. From CLOSE ROLLS, Edward III, 1349.
Richard Carpenter sent to the prior and convent of Caresbrok to receive
such maintenance in that house for life as John de Modesprot, deceased, had
there at the Kings request.
Sincerely,
Bruce E. Carpenter