Abjuring the realm
This extract demonstrates the procedures followed when a criminal
opted to abjure
the realm ,
instead of standing trial for his crimes. John Baltre - who had confessed,
among other things, to stealing a horse from the Abbot of Waltham,
in Essex - preferred to avail himself of this option rather than surrender
to the authorities. Consequently, the coroner, John atte Church, came
to take Baltre's oath of abjuration. However, the story did not end
there. As the record shows, Baltre - in common with a significant
number of other abjurers - foolishly returned without the king's licence,
and was apprehended and sentenced to be hanged.Catalogue reference: KB 27/467, m. 9d (1377) |
Transcript
|
