Master and scholars of University College, Oxford. King and [lords] of parliament....

Petitioners

Master and scholars of University College, Oxford.

Addressees

King and [lords] of parliament.

Nature of request

[This petition is damaged and badly faded] The Master and scholars of University College, Oxford, petition about a suit between them and Edmund Fraunceys and Idonia his wife, concerning lands and tenements in Oxford, in which, although the judgment in Oxford went against Edmund and Idonia, they were able by collusion and machination to reverse it in the king's Bench. They also sued a writ in Common Pleas against certain tenants for term of life, concerning the reversion of their tenancies, again by collusion, and, although they have no right, the Master and scholars do not know how they will defend themselves. They ask that Edmund and Idonia might be summoned before the king and council, and the evidence on one side and the other examined, so that, if they cannot show their right before the council, they might make restitution to the college.

Nature of endorsement

Because the petitioning party is so poor that he cannot . . . the common law, it is agreed and assented by the king himself . . . parliament, that this petition should be sent before the council and there, when the justices and also the parties have been called, and the evidence, claims, and challenges on the one side and the other have been heard, seen and examined, there is further to be done by the said council and by authority of parliament what good faith and conscience demand in this case.

Places mentioned

Oxford, [Oxfordshire]

London.

People mentioned

Alfred, King of England

Edmund Fraunceys (Francis), citizen and grocer of London

Idonia [Fraunceys (Francis)], wife of Edmund Fraunceys

Mayor and bailiffs of Oxford.

For a related petition by the same petitioners is SC 8/19/915A

Another petition by the same petitioners is SC 8/20/978

A writ occasioned by this petition is SC 8/19/915B