‹ E-CIPM 24-270: JOHN BEALKNAP ›

Holdings

The jurors say that John was aged 21 years on 14 November last because he was born in the parish of St Helen in Bishopsgate, London, baptised in the church of St Helen , and Adam Fraunceys, knight , Thomas Knolles , alderman of London, and the lady Alice Boteler acted as his godparents on 14 November 1412. They give the following recollections of events 21 years ago, on the day of the baptism. John Draper , aged 62 years and more, moved his home from the parish of St Augustine Watling to that of St Helen and has since continued there. Robert Frensh , 60 years and more, betrothed Avice his wife. Thomas Bate , 42 years and more, placed himself an apprentice with Robert Wraton in the craft-guild of tailors in that parish. John Ascell , 44 years and more, John Baynard , 43 years and more, and John Pole , 48 years and more, were in the churchyard of St Helen and saw a woman carrying John to church wrapped in a cloth of gold. William Staundon , 44 years and more, and Lawrence Hierde , 49 years and more, were both at the church door and saw a youth elaborately adorned with scented flowers, following the purple-clad Thomas Knolles and carrying in his arms Thomas’ cloak richly furred with miniver. Richard Hobell , 42 years and more, William Brounyng , 49 years, Thomas Broun , 46 years and more, and Philip Jakes , 42 years and more, were by the font in the church and, having solemnly observed the acts of baptism with their own eyes, a youth wearing a green gown ministered, with fitting reverence, water in a silver basin to Adam Fraunceys , Thomas Knolles and Lady Alice to wash their hands.