Catalogue description ALVERDISCOTT, BRATTON FLEMING, BRAUNTON, GEORGEHAM.

Exemplification, by Richard Mapowe, doctor of letters, president of the Consistory Court of Exeter Diocese, of a sworn confession by Richard Hey, late of Dublin, and formerly a servant of James Fleming, knight, that James Fleming, Richard Hey, and Richard Dexter of Slane, gent., did forge a charter and a power of attorney, in the house of Richard Dexter at Carek [? Carrick], on 16 January 1472/73, 11 Edward IV. [Note, 16 January, 11 Edward IV, is 16 January, 1471/72].

Recites that Richard Hey was travelling from Ireland by ship, with the forged documents, but was caught by a tempest in the Severn Sea, and he, being then in great peril, was induced to confess by a certain cleric of Bridgwater. The ship was driven into Ilfracombe, and Richard Hey now places his confession on record.

The forged charter is recited. It purports to be a grant from David Flemyng, Baron of Slane, to Richard Begg, priest, Robert Rochefort, priest and Christopher White, yeoman, of the manors of Croyde [in Georgeham], Bratton Fleming, Highbray, Alverdiscott, Ash Rogus, South Molton, Haxton, and Licheton, dated 20 July, 1460.

The exemplification is a notarial instrument, bearing the notarial sign of Thomas Gill, clerk, papal and imperial notary.

At the foot of the document is a note that John Atwell, Mayor of Exeter, has for further confirmation of the exemplification, and at the special request of Richard Hey, affixed his seal.

Attached are the following seals:-

(a) a fragment of a vesica shaped seal, probably that of the Exeter Consistory Court.

(b) Seal of the Moyaralty of Exeter (damaged).

Also the following 4 seals depicting a bird, probably those of witnesses:-

(c) Small circular seal depicting a bird, probably a pelican.

(d) Seal showing a merchant's mark (damaged).

(e) Seal showing a merchant's mark surrounded by a legend (not decipherable).

(f) Seal showing a grotesque face.