Family and Education

Offices Held

Bailiff, Kingston-upon-Hull Mich. 1420-1; mayor 1435-6.2

Biography

Shortly after becoming bailiff of Hull, in late September 1420, Kirkton was called upon to hold the borough elections to the December Parliament, and duly returned himself to the House of Commons. He represented Hull at least three more times over the next 13 years, and subsequently served a term as mayor, but little is known about his personal affairs. That he was involved in overseas trade is evident from a royal licence of September 1427 permitting him to export grain. He enjoyed the particular confidence of another Hull merchant named John Gregg, who bequeathed 100s. to him in his will of October 1437, and gave him power of attorney a few days later to deliver certain property to his trustees. Gregg’s widow, Joan, drew up her own will just over a year later, leaving Kirkton a piece of silver plate worth 40s. and a small sum of money.3

Ref Volumes: 1386-1421

Author: C.R.

Notes

Variant: Kyrketon.

• 1. W. Prynne, Brevia Parliamentaria Rediviva, iv. 1020.
• 2. C219/12/4, 5; Cal. Hull Deeds ed. Stanewell, D315.
• 3. DKR, xlviii. 252; Cal. Hull Deeds, D317; Borthwick Inst. York, York registry wills iii, ff. 507v, 556.