Proceedings, mostly depositions, made on behalf of Thomas, Lord Morley, in a cause...

Proceedings, mostly depositions, made on behalf of Thomas, Lord Morley, in a cause of arms between John, Lord Lovell and Thomas, Lord Morley; with schedules of deponents 44mm (1m added in 1975)., 9-10 Ric II

For another roll relating to the same suit, see: PRO 30/26/69

Topics

Litigation

Navy

Armed Forces (General Administration)

Although the actual dispute was about blazon and the right to bear arms the depositions bear on a wide range of topics. They produce evidence concerning the bearing of arms and banners in time of war, and effectively provide a narrative of campaigns on which Morley served, and a circumstantial listing of those whom served under or with him and his ancestors, going back to the siege of Calais (1345-1347) and the last campaign of Edward III in France.

They provide references to earlier judgement of constable and marshal at time of siege of Calais. They also furnish concrete evidence on the use of heraldry both in social display, as at tournaments, and in ornamentation of table plate, and also in matters such as the decoration of tombs, gifts of copes, and the like, and show the court inspecting some of the cited examples in situ. Most recently, these records have been used for an analysis of the composition of armies and the important role of the gentry both in sustained military service and the maintenance of the chivalric ideal.

PRO 30/26/69 is an imperfect roll of depositions in the same case, making extensive reference to a judgement made at the time of the siege of Calais, when Nicholas de Burnell challenged the right of Robert de Morley to bear the arms : the arms were adjudged to Morley on this occasion, who was to bear them for life, but after his death the use was to pass to Burnell without challenge of the heirs of Morley. The roll includes some of the narrative acta and judgement of the court. This appears to be roll compiled on behalf of Lovell.

Further documents concerning this case are preserved among the manuscripts of the College of Arms