Claiming English citizenship, 1482
| Being able to prove one's nationality mattered as much in medieval
and early modern times as it does now - especially during periods
of domestic or international crisis. In 1482, when England and Scotland
were on the brink of war, John Fortescue apparently took advantage
of the conflict to pursue a personal grudge against Richard Whele,
alias Pierson, on the grounds that he was Scottish. Whele vehemently
denied being of Scottish origin and was able to demonstrate that he
was born in Newcastle upon Tyne. Fortunately for Whele, the Royal
Council upheld his claim and ordered Fortescue to stop victimising
him. Catalogue reference: E 28/92/20 (1482) |
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