LORKYN, Richard, of Rochester, Kent.

Lorkyn witnessed a deed at Rochester in 1408, and is mentioned as being a parishioner of the newly-built church of St. Nicholas near the cathedral in 1423. In April 1425 he was present when an indenture of agreement was signed between the prior of St. Andrew’s, Rochester, and John Potager, after Bishop Langdon had arbitrated in their dispute over a certain rent. He attested the electoral return drawn up at the shire court held at Rochester on Christmas day 1430, recording the names of the elected representatives for Kent and its two boroughs for the following Parliament. At an inquiry held at Rochester in August 1444 regarding the foundation of the priory, Lorkyn acted as a juror.Harl. Ch. 49A 36; Reg. Roffense ed. Thorpe, 137, 568, 588; C219/14/2. There is no evidence to identify him with either of the two Richard Lorkyns who made wills in 1465. Richard Lorkyn of Frindsbury, whose will was dated 26 Mar., left a widow named Juliana; his namesake of Chatham, whose will was dated 21 Dec. 1465 and proved on 7 Jan. following, was survived by a widow named Joan and five children: Rochester consist. ct. wills, 2, ff. 322-3, 333-4.