Legal Definitions - essoin roll

An essoin roll was a historical document, typically a parchment scroll, used in medieval English courts to formally record "essoins." An essoin was a legitimate excuse presented to the court by or on behalf of a party who could not appear on a scheduled court date. The essoin roll would detail the reason for the absence, the name of the person excused, and the new date to which their case was postponed or "adjourned." It served as an official record of these excused absences and their resulting delays in legal proceedings.

• Imagine a knight, Sir Reginald, is involved in a dispute over a parcel of land and is summoned to appear before the King's court. However, Sir Reginald has recently departed on a crusade to the Holy Land. His steward presents a formal excuse, an essoin, to the court, explaining Sir Reginald's unavoidable absence. The court clerk would then record this information on the essoin roll, noting Sir Reginald's name, the reason for his absence (being on crusade), and the new date, perhaps many months or even a year later, when his case would be heard upon his anticipated return. This entry on the roll ensured the court officially acknowledged the delay and rescheduled the proceedings.

• Consider a wealthy merchant, Master Thomas, who is being sued for an unpaid debt. On the day he is due to appear in court, Master Thomas falls gravely ill, rendering him unable to travel or attend. His wife, Lady Eleanor, brings a sworn statement to the court, presenting an essoin on his behalf. The court official would then meticulously enter Master Thomas's name, the nature of his illness, and the new, postponed court date onto the essoin roll. This record would legally validate his absence and prevent the case from proceeding without him, ensuring he had a fair opportunity to defend himself once recovered.

• Suppose a villager, Elara, is accused of a minor transgression, such as poaching on the lord's land. She is summoned to the local manorial court. However, on the appointed day, Elara is away, having been commanded by the local lord to assist with a harvest on a distant estate. Her neighbor, acting on her behalf, informs the court of her unavoidable service to the lord, presenting an essoin. The court scribe would then record Elara's name, the reason for her absence (serving the lord), and the new date for her appearance on the essoin roll. This entry would formally acknowledge her legitimate reason for not attending and ensure her case was not dismissed or judged in her absence.