C3/305/14

Bill of Complaint of Edmund Clay,

29 November 1619,

Citizen and Merchant Taylor of London and Dionise, his wife, one of the daughters of Anthony Burgis, deceased. John Page was seized in fee simple of premises in the town and county of Nottingham. He lawfully conveyed the same to Anthony Samon, Gent, one of his heirs, who conveyed the same to John Samon, the younger son of Anthony, who conveyed the same to Anthony Burgis, who shortly afterwards died, and the lands descended to Dionese and her sister Mary, now the wife of John Shore. Edmund Clay entered the premises and is rightfully owner of one half. The Shores sold their half to Richard and Robert Parker who, about two years ago, conveyed it to Clay. Their title is being challenged by Henry Ballard of Southwell, as descending to him from Edward Samons who is preventing the plaintiffs from seeing the deeds which would prove their title. They have asked him in a friendly manner to deliver them. Ask he be ordered to answer the charges.

Answers of Henry Ballard,

5 January 17 James I [1619/20]

About 33 years ago William Ballard, now deceased, the plaintiff’s father, by several deeds, purchased, at several times, various messuages and tenements in the Town of Nottingham and in the County of Nottingham from Edward Samon Esq. William died about 14 years ago and the land descended to the defendant as his son and heir. Denies he has ever had deeds etc. relating to the property of the plaintiffs sometimes in the hands of John Page or Anthony Burgess.