English historical records of the 1200s are full
of the names of murdered Carpenters (Charpenters) and
Carpenters that murdered. Two important proclaimations
were made that shed light on this; first, "Appointment
of..........to hear the plaints of merchants of Flanders
touching robberies,tolts and other injuries committed
against them in the said realm and to take inquisitions
and do justice thereon" (Patent Rolls, Nov. 16, 1265),
and "Commission to.............appointing them to be wardens
of the sea shore..........as many homicides have been commmited
..........and against merchants from beyond the seas" (Dec. 12,
1265).
The names connected to these incidents are many. Here I
will quote two, concerning two Williams. First, "Pardon
at the insistance of Simon Passelewe, Kng's clerk, to
Richer Son of Ernald de Hermingland for the death
of William le Charpenter of Owelton" (Feb. 15, 1266) and
second, "Pardon at the instance of William de Say, to
Simon Not for the death of William le Charpenter" (May
4, 1266).
Sincerely,
Bruce Carpenter