it relates to

WYLLUNHALE.

De s. d.
Adam M-- -- --
Andr' atte Mere xviij
Joh'e le Bakere -- --
Ric'o Odys ij
Ric'o filio Radulfi ij vj
Joh'e filio Rogeri -- --
Ric'o filio Ade ij
Will'o filio Roberti iij
Will'o atte Pirye vj
Ric'o Chollettes ij
Agnete Odys iij
Hugone le Gardiner ij
Adame atte Mere ij
Joh'e Hopkynes xij
Agnete atte Wode xij
Will'mo Newemon xij
Symone Levesone vj
Summa xxviij vj Pb.

It will be seen that this fragment is imperfect, as the various amounts
set down will not add up to the "summa" or total given, notwithstanding
that it has been audited--the abbreviation "Pb." standing for probata, or
proved.

But more interest will be found in a brief study of the names of
Willenhall's inhabitants, who were men of substance seven hundred years
ago.

It will be observed that Simon is the only member of the Leveson family
assessed, and that he pays the least sum, except that paid by the man
Hugh, described as "the Gardener" (the amount paid by "John the Baker"
has been obliterated from the roll).

The strange surname Odyes, appearing twice in this list, occurs in
another record of the year 1422, and seems to belong to a gentle family,
resident in Willenhall, and owning lands in Bentley.

As but few people then bore recognised surnames, we find taxpayers here
officially set down as "Richard the son of Ralph," "John the son of
Roger," "Richard the son of Adam," and "William the son of Robert."
Besides these named according to their parentage, we have those described
according to their place of residence; as thus, "Andrew at the Mere," and
"Adam at the Mere"; "Agnes at the Wood," and "William at the Pear Tree."
William Newman was probably so-called because he was a new-comer, or was
lately emancipated from serfdom as a "new man."

From the Patent Rolls of November, 1334, may be gleaned the bare facts of
what seems to have been an extraordinary assault at Willenhall, which was
committed upo