[2] Following the abolition of the Monarchy and the establishment of a republic (the Commonwealth of England), the office of Clerk of the Crown in Chancery was abolished; John Bolles was the last known Clerk of the Crown, but disappeared after April 1654.

[3] On 15 November 1655, Nathaniel Taylor was granted during good behaviour of the office of Clerk of the Commonwealth, in direct disregard with the grant previously given to Valentine Willis, who was entitled to the office following his father's death in 1656.

This started a years long legal battle between the 2 for the said office; Taylor was admitted on the next day.

[4] Valentine, who at this time was a claimant to the office of Clerk in Chancery, attended the Committee of Safety on 13 June 1659.

Following the restoration of the monarchy, Willis was recognized as Clerk of the Crown in April 1660.