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Legal cases: Archer of Tanworth

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Papers in case of John Lucas v. Sir Simon Archer and Joyce Hunt [this is a continuation of DR 37/2/125/16 to the next generation] 12 May 1633: Petition of John Lucas of Tanworth, gent. to Lord Coventry, the Lord Keeper: recites claim of lease for 3000 years from Thomas Archer to Thomas Lucas of Stratford-upon-Avon for £50 of his moiety of lands in occupation Alice Hunt. Dates lease as July 1608 and gives condition of Archer's re-entry the payment of £52 due on a bond for £100 [? Mortgage] Archer never paid but died before Lucas could gain possession of the premises. Andrew Archer claimed possession [see above] Lucas brought case [DR 37/2/125/16] but Andrew Archer died before cause could be heard, leaving Simon Archer his son heir and who had been joint tenant with Thomas. Thomas Lucas made his will 30 April 1625 leaving his interest in the 3000 year lease to his cousin John Lucas who was at that date aged 14. The executors renounced letters of administration were granted to John Lucas, father of petitioner. John Lucas junior claims premises formerly in occupation Alice Hunt. Also recited that Thomas Archer became bound to Thomas Lucas in c.1610 [`23 yeares paste']for payment of £52 long overdue for which Thomas Lucas had also commenced suit and obtained judgement in Trinity 5 James [1608] but Archer died intestate before could recover, which debt was also bequeathed to John Lucas. Simon Archer refuses to acknowledge lease or make division of lands to Lucas. During Lucas' minority Archer got possession of all relevant documents and refuses to produce. Has combined with Joyce Hunt and James Lewes the intermediate tenants to defraud Lucas of his rents c. Lucas petitions for writ of ejectment against Archer, Hunt Lewes. Writ attached dated 7 June. Simon Archer's answer denies Lucas' claim and reiterates facts as in 1613. Further states that Thomas Lucas died before Andrew Archer and had no serious intention to proceed with case - was threatening, to secure money.