Cambridge mapping project solves a medieval murder

Summary

A brazen killing A page from the Archbishop of Canterbury's letters to the Bishop of Winchester on the subject of Ela Fitzpayne, from the register of John de Stratford. Hampshire Archives/Hampshire County Council A page from the Archbishop of Canterbury's letters to the Bishop of Winchester on the subject of Ela Fitzpayne, from the register of John de Stratford. Hampshire Archives/Hampshire County Council Another page from the Archbishop of Canterbury's letters to the Bishop of Winchester on the subject of Ela Fitzpayne, from the register of John de Stratford. Hampshire Archives/Hampshire County Council Another page from the Archbishop of Canterbury's letters to the Bishop of Winchester on the subject of Ela Fitzpayne, from the register of John de Stratford. Hampshire Archives/Hampshire County Council A page from the Archbishop of Canterbury's letters to the Bishop of Winchester on the subject of Ela Fitzpayne, from the register of John de Stratford. Hampshire Archives/Hampshire County Council Another page from the Archbishop of Canterbury's letters to the Bishop of Winchester on the subject of Ela Fitzpayne, from the register of John de Stratford. Hampshire Archives/Hampshire County Council The murder of Forde was one of several premeditated revenge killings recorded in the area of Westcheap. Forde was walking on the street when another priest, Hascup Neville, caught up to him, ostensibly for a casual chat, just after Vespers but before sunset. As they approached Foster Lane, Neville's four co-conspirators attacked: Ela Fitzpayne's brother, Hugh Lovell; two of her former servants, Hugh of Colne and John Strong; and a man called John of Tindale. One of them cut Ford's throat with a 12-inch dagger, while two others stabbed him in the stomach with long fighting knives. At the inquest, the jury identified the assassins, but that didn't result in justice. “Despite naming the killers and clear knowledge of the instigator, when it comes to pursuing the perpetrators, the j...