BECHE, John (d.?1457), of Colchester, Essex.

?Attestor, parlty. elections, Essex 1427, 1429, 1432. Given the existence of namesakes, it is not certain that the MP attested any of these elections.

Bailiff, Colchester Sept. 1428–30, 1431 – 32, 1433 – 34, 1437 – 38, 1440 – 41, 1442 – 43, 1444 – 45, Oct. 1445 John Beche took over as bailiff from Thomas Oskyn*, who died a few days after his election: ‘Oath bk.’, D/B 5 R1, f. 92.-Sept. 1446, 1447 – 48, ?1456 – d.; alderman 1432 – 33, 1434 – 37, 1438 – 40, 1443 – 44, 1448 – 49, 1455 – 56; claviger 1432 – 33, 1434 – 37, 1438 – 39, 1443 – 44, 1448 – 49; coroner 1439 – 40, 1448 – 49; councillor 1451–3. VCH Essex, ix. 377; Colchester bor. recs., ct. rolls, D/B 5 Cr51, m. 1; 52, m. 1; 53, m. 1; 54, m. 1; 56, m. 1; 57, m. 1; 59, m. 1; 63, m. 1; 64, m. 1; 65, m. 1; 66, m. 1; 67, m. 23d; ‘Oath bk.’, D/B 5 R1, f. 92. But more than one John Beche may be conflated here.

Commr. of gaol delivery, Colchester castle July 1429, Feb., June 1434, July 1438, Colchester June 1439, May 1444; C66/424, m. 6d; 435, m. 7d, 16d; 442, m. 21d; 443, m. 19d; 458, m. 28d. to send victuals and ships from Essex to Sandwich July 1435.