page 56 note 1 The case for Yevele's design of work at the Abbey prior to the rebuilding of the nave, suggested by Lethaby (Westminster Abbey Re-examined, 1925, p. 137), rests upon two factors: the date of Yevele's arrival in London, or emergence as a mason of standing; and the evidence of his connexion with the Abbey. It has long been known that on 1st February 1355/6 Henry Yevele was already one of the most skilful mason-hewers of London, but no evidence of his previous career has been forthcoming. In fact, an earlier item has been preserved in connexion with the last scene of all—the grant of probate of his will. This, long known from the enrolment of a portion only upon Husting Roll 129(7), is also registered in its entirety in the Commissary Court of London, 453–5 Courtney. As evidence of Yevele's privilege, as a citizen of London, to dispose of lands by will, the entry of his admission to the Freedom was copied into the register, as follows: Copia libertatis Henrici Yeuele. Henricus Yeuele Masoun admissus fuit in libertate Ciuitatis London. Et iuratus tempore Ade ffranceys Maioris et Thome Maryns camerarij et intratur in viridi papiro de empcionibus libertatum et apprenticiorum videlicet die martis proxima post festum Sancte Andree Apostoli Anno regni Regis Edtoardi tercij post conquestum vicesimo septimo. [i.e. on 3rd December 1353].
Yevele's first documented connexion with the Abbey (referred to by Jervoise, E., The Ancient Bridges of Mid and Eastern England, 1932, p. 134Google Scholar) seems to be the following entry in the Treasurer's Roll for Michaelmas 1371–2 (W.A.M. 19,866): Et in factura vnius noui pontis apud Moulsham per conuencionem factam cum magistro Henrico de Yeuele in grosso lxxiij.li. vj.s. viij.d. Et pro factura indenture de conuencione dicti pontis ij.s. Et in j. Roba empta pro dicto cimentario ex conuencione facta cum eodem per Dominum Priorem xvij.s. iij.d.
