‹ E-CIPM 21-882: RALPH LANGFORD ›

[In rubric] Nicholas Longford, knight , held by knight service of Humphrey de Stafford son and heir of Edmund, late earl of Stafford , a minor in the ward of Henry V. The jurors say that Ralph was born at Calwich and baptized in the church of Ellastone and was 21 years old on 27 Oct. 1421. They know for the following reasons: John Aston of Longdon , 52 years and more, was at the marriage of his daughter Joan and William Clynton . Hugh Bridde of Ashmore Brook , 48 years and more, carried a ewer and basin of silver from the manor of Calwich to the church to contain water in which Ralph's godparents could wash their hands after raising him from the font. John Coton of Tamworth , 45 years and more, carried a large candle from the manor of Calwich and held it in his hand during Ralph's baptism. William Halle of Stichbrook , 60 years and more, met many men and women coming from the church, who told him that Ralph had been baptized amid great rejoicing. John Ryeware junior , of Lichfield , 47 years and more, attended the burial at the church of his son Gilbert , who had been ill for a long time. Thomas Symondes of Great Wyrley , 58 years and more, carried 2 measures of silver containing `Clarreye' and `Malveseie' wines and 4 silver cups from the manor of Calwich to the church for the godparents and others standing around. John Alot of Stone , 49 years and more, saw his son John give water to the godparents to wash their hands in after raising Ralph from the font. Henry Burwey of Alrewas , 44 years and more, was bailiff of the manor of Calwich and was sent to fetch Katharine Malegrave to nurse Ralph. John Thiknes of Thickness , 45 years and more, says that a great wind arose and the inhabitants feared that their buildings would be damaged. Richard Bromley of Abbot's or King's Bromley, 45 years and more, was parish clerk of Ellastone and held a book before the priest at the font. Robert Marshall of Aston , 53 years and more, saw Ralph's godfather Ralph Weston give him a silver-gilt cup after his baptism and his nurse 6s. 8d. William Boydell of Meir , 51 years and more, saw Ralph's godmother Mary Fulham give him a little bell immediately after his baptism and his nurse 6s. 8d.