Ralph Crepyn
Encyclopedia
Ralph Crepyn also known as Radulphus de Alegate who was the first documented Town Clerk of London
in 1274 and a lawyer in that city. His birth was probably circa 1245 and he was well educated for his day. His death was certain by 1331.
.
This event excited local society because Ralph Crepyn defended the honor of his mistress and lover 'Alice Atte-Bowe' who cried out in distress when her lover was carried home close to death. The villain then fled to St Mary-le-Bow
to seek sanctuary. Within days, Laurence Duket was found hanging from the 'mullion
' of one of the church's windows in what was believed to be a suicide. In an official inquest, the Sheriff and others declared the incident closed and that justice served. However, a young lad, who was closeted within the church, saw what had really happened. However, in time, the truth came out.
John de Bauquell was the listed town clerk or "clerk of the city" on 21 November 1284 during Ralph Crepyn's long recovery in which he had to 'vacation' his 'Alermanry' for most of 1285.
) pleasure. This was due to a Royal inquest that seized all of Crepyn's lands in Borham, and also in Ware, in the county of Hertford, along with lands and estates in Stepney and Hackney. Richard de Gravesend, Bishop of London, took care of the slow recovering Ralph Crepyn during the Royal inquest into the vile murder of 'Laurence Ducket' who had been given Church sanctuary. It is unknown if Ralph served within the gaol or jail during this period.
After the Royal inquest and the sentence given, 'Alice Atte-Bowe' was burnt at the stake, which was the common execution for women. Fifteen, so called 'ruffians', who she excited to commit such a vile deed within the Bow Church were hanged. Sheriff Jordan Godchepe, a friend of Ralph Crepyn, along with others were detained and imprisoned during the months of the inquest. Finally they, along with Crepyn, were released after stiff paying fines.
In 1294 Richard Crepyn (Richard de Gloucester) and in 1306 Walter Crepyn (Walter de Gloucestre) were documented as sons of Ralph Crepyn, the clerk. By 1331 Ralph Crepyn is reported as deceased.
"Building on an actual murder in 1284, Doherty (The Death of a King) auspiciously begins a mystery series featuring Hugh Corbett, clerk of the King's Bench. Lawrence Duket, goldsmith, kills Ralph Crepyn, moneylender, and flees to London's St. Mary Le Bow for sanctuary. The next day Duket is found hanged inside the locked church, an apparent suicide. Bishop Burnell, Chancellor for King Edward I, assigns Corbett to investigate. Burnell fears that the antiroyal Populares party will join with practitioners of devil worship at this time, Christianity is only skin deep. Hugh Corbett is threatened and attacked while probing a suicide which was really murder which . . . masked treason, sorcery and rebellion. The satanist group seems to be centered at The Mitre, a tavern owned by the beautiful Alice atte Bowe, with whom Corbett falls in love. The mystery is neatly done and Doherty's ease of scholarship in giving us the rich sights, sounds and smells of medieval London is masterful."
http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/d/p-c-doherty/satan-in-st-marys.htm
Town Clerk of London
The Town Clerk of London is an important position that has existed since the 13th century within the City of London, England. Originally the position was to take the minutes of London council meetings, but over the years the holder has gathered responsibility which requires staff and executive...
in 1274 and a lawyer in that city. His birth was probably circa 1245 and he was well educated for his day. His death was certain by 1331.
Town clerk service
He served from 1274 to November 1284, then after an absence due to a Royal Inquest, he was restored to office in 1286 and served until at least 1306. During this time period, the term "clericus" or "common clerk" was used for the Town Clerk of LondonTown Clerk of London
The Town Clerk of London is an important position that has existed since the 13th century within the City of London, England. Originally the position was to take the minutes of London council meetings, but over the years the holder has gathered responsibility which requires staff and executive...
.
Attack and aftermath
In November of 1284, he suffered grave injury when attacked in the street by one 'Laurence Duket'.This event excited local society because Ralph Crepyn defended the honor of his mistress and lover 'Alice Atte-Bowe' who cried out in distress when her lover was carried home close to death. The villain then fled to St Mary-le-Bow
St Mary-le-Bow
St Mary-le-Bow is an historic church in the City of London, off Cheapside. According to tradition, a true Cockney must be born within earshot of the sound of the church's bells.-Bells:...
to seek sanctuary. Within days, Laurence Duket was found hanging from the 'mullion
Mullion
A mullion is a vertical structural element which divides adjacent window units. The primary purpose of the mullion is as a structural support to an arch or lintel above the window opening. Its secondary purpose may be as a rigid support to the glazing of the window...
' of one of the church's windows in what was believed to be a suicide. In an official inquest, the Sheriff and others declared the incident closed and that justice served. However, a young lad, who was closeted within the church, saw what had really happened. However, in time, the truth came out.
John de Bauquell was the listed town clerk or "clerk of the city" on 21 November 1284 during Ralph Crepyn's long recovery in which he had to 'vacation' his 'Alermanry' for most of 1285.
Royal inquest
On the 2nd of July, 1285, Crepyn's "houses" in Cornhill were given to Ralph de Sandwych to hold for King Edward's (Edward I of EnglandEdward I of England
Edward I , also known as Edward Longshanks and the Hammer of the Scots, was King of England from 1272 to 1307. The first son of Henry III, Edward was involved early in the political intrigues of his father's reign, which included an outright rebellion by the English barons...
) pleasure. This was due to a Royal inquest that seized all of Crepyn's lands in Borham, and also in Ware, in the county of Hertford, along with lands and estates in Stepney and Hackney. Richard de Gravesend, Bishop of London, took care of the slow recovering Ralph Crepyn during the Royal inquest into the vile murder of 'Laurence Ducket' who had been given Church sanctuary. It is unknown if Ralph served within the gaol or jail during this period.
After the Royal inquest and the sentence given, 'Alice Atte-Bowe' was burnt at the stake, which was the common execution for women. Fifteen, so called 'ruffians', who she excited to commit such a vile deed within the Bow Church were hanged. Sheriff Jordan Godchepe, a friend of Ralph Crepyn, along with others were detained and imprisoned during the months of the inquest. Finally they, along with Crepyn, were released after stiff paying fines.
Summary
Ralph Crepyn was noted as a "clerk in the service of the mayor of London" in 1286 and his lands were restored by the King due to his incapacity during the murder of his assailant.In 1294 Richard Crepyn (Richard de Gloucester) and in 1306 Walter Crepyn (Walter de Gloucestre) were documented as sons of Ralph Crepyn, the clerk. By 1331 Ralph Crepyn is reported as deceased.
Portrayal in fiction
- Satan in St Mary's - Paul Doherty, 1986, www.revealweb.org.uk - ISBN 0747234922 - McArthur & Company - 1990 Paperback ISBN 0747234922 and ISBN 978-0747234920
- This is a work of fiction based on events in the life of the first Town Clerk of LondonTown Clerk of LondonThe Town Clerk of London is an important position that has existed since the 13th century within the City of London, England. Originally the position was to take the minutes of London council meetings, but over the years the holder has gathered responsibility which requires staff and executive...
. The blurb describing this book reads,
"Building on an actual murder in 1284, Doherty (The Death of a King) auspiciously begins a mystery series featuring Hugh Corbett, clerk of the King's Bench. Lawrence Duket, goldsmith, kills Ralph Crepyn, moneylender, and flees to London's St. Mary Le Bow for sanctuary. The next day Duket is found hanged inside the locked church, an apparent suicide. Bishop Burnell, Chancellor for King Edward I, assigns Corbett to investigate. Burnell fears that the antiroyal Populares party will join with practitioners of devil worship at this time, Christianity is only skin deep. Hugh Corbett is threatened and attacked while probing a suicide which was really murder which . . . masked treason, sorcery and rebellion. The satanist group seems to be centered at The Mitre, a tavern owned by the beautiful Alice atte Bowe, with whom Corbett falls in love. The mystery is neatly done and Doherty's ease of scholarship in giving us the rich sights, sounds and smells of medieval London is masterful."
http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/d/p-c-doherty/satan-in-st-marys.htm
See also
- Town Clerk of LondonTown Clerk of LondonThe Town Clerk of London is an important position that has existed since the 13th century within the City of London, England. Originally the position was to take the minutes of London council meetings, but over the years the holder has gathered responsibility which requires staff and executive...
- John Carpenter, town clerk of LondonJohn Carpenter, town clerk of LondonJohn Carpenter, the younger , was a noted Town Clerk of London. He was elected as Town Clerk to the City of London during the reigns of Henry V and Henry VI. He was the author of the first book of English common law, called Liber Albus . He was a member of the English Parliament from London in 1425...
- John Sadler (1615-1674), town clerk of London
- John Monckton (town clerk)John Monckton (town clerk)Sir John Braddick Monckton FSA was a British lawyer and civil servant, then Town Clerk of London for 30 years until his death. He was elected Town Clerk of London after the death of Frederick Woodthorpe on 17 July 1873 and served until 3 February 1902, his death date...
of London