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KEMPSTON, Roger, of Bedford.
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Biography
Kempston, who is described in the local records (and his return to the second Parliament of 1388) as a ‘fyssher’, appears among the jurors at views of frankpledge held by the mayor of Bedford in 1385, 1386, 1391 and 1401. He was also listed on the roll of burgesses compiled in 1399; but despite the fact that he evidently ranked among the wealthiest residents of the borough—at least if the tax returns of 1417 are any guide—little else is known about him. He may well have been the father or grandfather of Thomas Kempston I*, one of the most influential figures to represent Bedford during our period.
C219/9/5; C.F. Farrar, Old Bedford, 111; Bedford Town Hall, views of frankpledge for 1385, 1391; Bedford ct. bk. 1400-1 passim; unnumbered lay subsidy roll, 1417; Beds. RO, DDW 19.