1482 PETER CURTEYS

1482 PETER CURTEYS,

(117)

(Gentleman).

Parentage and ancestry unknown but presumably a Londoner by birth. He was a man of considerable importance and influence in his day. As keeper of the royal wardrobe he was a favourite of Edward IV who, in consideration of his good services, granted him lands in Donington le Heath, co. Leic. in 1464, and also a messuage in High Street now Highcross Street, Leic., in 1467. He was born about 1430, was bailiff of the borough 1461 to 1498, M.P. for Leic. 1478 ; admitted a gildsman and member of the local authority 1481~2, appointed alderman of the twelfth ward in 1484, and again M.P. 1484, 1489, 1491 and 1495. His year of office as mayor was an eventful one. The king, Edward IV, died unexpectedly 9 April 1483 ; his son and successor, the youthful Edward V, was murdered within three months, and Richard, duke of Gloucester, brother of Edward IV, succeeded to the crown in June of the same year. These events were followed by a visit of Richard III with his Queen and retinue, who came to Leic. in royal state 16 August 1483 and stayed several days at the castle. Shortly after these happenings, AId. Peter Curteys was appointed Usher of the King's privy chamber and wardrobe at Westminster, an office he retained under Richard's successor, Henry VII, with the further appointment of keeper of the King's Palace at Westminster. During his absence from Leic. whilst mayor, AId. Roger Wigston acted as deputy. Eventually the important appointments he held necessitated his removal to London, where he died in 1505. He was buried either in the church of the Black Friars, London, or in the church of Kingston, Surrey. His great~niece, Alice Curteys, married Robert Whatton sometime of Ravenstone. The will of Peter Curteys, bearing date 24 February 1504~5, was proved in the P.C.C., London, 26 April 1505.