The celebrated writer A.L.Rowse, wrote of a character from the 15th century, who caused quite a stir amongst his contemporaries, by acting in a totally un-gentlemanly way for a knight of the realm.
The article was entitled ‘The Turbulent Career of Sir Henry de Bodrugan’
A complete and utter rogue, he appeared before parliament on numerous occasions charged with all manner of crimes including Piracy. Forget the high seas, far too dangerous, Sir Henry did it in Falmouth harbour of all places! 3 miles from his country seat.
Anyway, in Rowse’s MSS he describes one of this miscreants escapades, stealing tin from a mine circa 1473.
From the text -
Thomas Nevill complained that he had spent £100 in working a mine called the Cleker and wrought it to a depth of twelve fathoms before coming to its “proper beam, which found and the likelihood of the avail therefore being perceived by Henry Bodrugan, esquire, and Richard Bonython, gentleman,” they seized the work by force, parted the ore between them and their companions, and took £40 worth of tin stuff. Nevill petitioned parliament that he could obtain no remedy at common law, “for if any person would sue the law against the said Henry and Richard, or against any of their servants, anon they should be murdered and slain, and utterly robbed and despoiled of all their goods, so that no man dare sue, nor any man pass against the said county, whereby the said county is as lawless and like to be utterly destroyed”
The 'beam' mentioned, tallies with Rick’s post of the work being a coffan, goffan, goghan (whatever spelling you wish) openwork.
It has been suggested by at least one historian, that the Cleker referred to, could be Cligga.
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