Thomas Merson 1592

This document acknowledges that Edward Rigby, Lord of the Manor of Coppull has made early payment of a bigger debt and is therefore released from his debt, by Thomas Merson alias Harryson. The use of the word "alias" in his surname suggests that he or a forebear was illegitimate. The original document is at Lancashire Records office in the Lilford collection (DDLi 238).

This bill made the eighteenth day of September in the thirty fourth year of the reign of our sovereign Lady Elizabeth by the grace of god queen of England France and Ireland defender of the faith &c. Witnesseth that I Thomas Merson alias Harryson of Coppull in the county of Lancaster husbandmen have received and hold [?] of Edward Rigby of Burgh in the county of Lancaster esquire the sum of twelve pounds of lawful English money in full satisfaction and payment of a more sum to be due by several obligations to me at several days not yet comen and unexpired. In consideration of whereof I the said Thomas Merson alas Harryson by these presents acquit release and a discharge the said Edward Rigby his heires executors or administrators and assignes of and from all all manner of actions suitese demands which my heires my executors and administrators or assignes or any persons have or may have against the said Edward Rigby his heires executors or administrators or assigns or any of them by reason of any bonds debts or bills or presents from the beginning of the world unto the day of the date hereof. In witness whereof I have set my hand and seal the day and year first above written

Thomas Merson X als Harryson

Sealed and delivered in presence of
John Baley
Willia