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Legal cases: Archer of Tanworth

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Papers in Chancery Case Andrew Archer v. Edmund Hawes: 16 Nov 1604 Answer of Edmund Hawes, gent., one of defendants, to Bill of Complaint of Andrew Archer, esq. re purchase of manor of Solihull [see VCH, iv, 220 DR 37/2576-2585] Edmund Hawes of Solihull Humphrey Colles of Middle Temple bought the manor of Solihull from Thomas Throckmorton of Coughton in May 1604 Hawes claims that Archer's intent is to force him to sell the manor to Archer: recites ownership of Thomas Throckmorton who, `about three yeares laste past' through his agent Thomas Averell alias Taylor, offered manor of Solihull for sale to William Hawes, father of Edmond, the Hawes family having been stewards of Throckmortons for generations. Hawes accepted offer `in Lent paste'. Heard that at about the same time the Manor of Tanworth was offered to Archer who agreed to buy. Archer suggested to Hawes that he (Archer) should also join in Solihull purchase - Hawes agreed, provided he received the benefit of whatever reduction in price Throckmorton had offered to him as family ancient retainers - agreed. Price settled at £1080 when Archer started campaign to get Hawes to allow sale to him only - stressed responsibility of holding `in capite', finding money to pay instalments of price - Hawes eventually agreed to resell to Archer believing he should be recompensed for his time and trouble thus far. Hawes claims Archer led him on with promises of recompense hoping that when time for payment came Hawes would default and Archer would take over sale at preferential price. Hawes proceeded with transaction and presented Archer with articles of agreement between them, which Archer refused to agree to. Hawes thus regarded himself as no longer bound in any way to Archer and informed him he would purchase manor alone. By these delays Hawes found himself unable to secure sum required in time so Edmund agreed to purchase manor, which he did in the names of himself and Humphrey Colles. Hawes intends selling parts of land and refuses to convey any to Archer. Since purchase Archer has `slaundered the tytle of this defendaunte in the said Mannor by offering the same to be sold to the great hinderance of' Hawes.