Medieval Murder in Tempsford
Volume XLI of Bedfordshire Historical Records Society is a series of translations by R. F. Hunnisett of medieval coroner's rolls for the county, entry 136 reads:
"At
nones on 10 July 1274 as Robert of Barrington of Yorkshire and William of ?Bucklesham (
Buskleham, Busklesham), son of Robert le Erl, came towards Little Barford in the highway which leads towards Little Barford and Tempsford opposite a piece of cultivated land called ‘Walefurlong’ in Tempsford field, an unknown stranger called William of Garthorpe of Leicestershire came and assaulted them. He struck Robert to the heart with a lance and have him another would in the throat, so that he immediately died, wounded William to the point of death and then fled. He was arrested at flight at ?Basmead (
Bas---) and was taken to Eaton Socon castle after the
hue had been raised and was later delivered to Bedford gaol in the time of T. of Bray [sherrif]. The felon’s chattels consisted of a lance worth 4d.”