Folios l - lix

Folio l.

Breve Reg' pro Richero de Refham.

Writ to the Sheriffs of London enjoining them to cause Henry le Galeys to appear before the Barons of the Exchequer three weeks after the Feast of St. John the Baptist to answer Richer de Refham and Thomas Sely touching 50 marks which the said Henry, at the time when he was Mayor and the aforesaid Richer and Thomas were Sheriffs of the City, (fn. 1) levied on the goods and chattels of the merchants of Amyas, Corbye, and Neyle, and unlawfully retains, which money appertains to the City's ferm, and as such should have been received by the said Richer and Thomas and accounted for to the Exchequer. Witness, W. de Carltone, at York, 14 June, 28 Edward I. [A.D. 1300].

Ordinacio de comp' Camerariorum.

Be it remembered that on Saturday after the Feast of Exaltation of H. Cross [14 Sept.], 28 Edward I. [A.D. 1300], it was agreed by Elyas Russel, the Mayor, Geoffrey de Nortone, William de Leyre, John le Blund, William de Bettoyne, Richard de Gloucestre, Salamon le Coteler, Adam de Fulham, John de Donestaple, Henry de Gloucestre, Simon de Parys, Walter de Finch[ingfeud], Nicholas de Farndone, Ralph de Honilane, Nicholas Picot, [and] John de Canterbury, Aldermen, that all Chamberlains of the Chamber of the Guildhall for the time being should for the future, between the Feast of St. Michael and the Feast of SS. Simon and Jude, render an account for the time they had been Chamberlains before the Mayor for the time being, or some other person elected by him and the Aldermen. (fn. 2)

Ordinacio aprentic.

It was further agreed that the names of all apprentices who should not thenceforth be entered on the paper by their masters within their first year should be enrolled in a certain schedule and be exhibited at the next Husting to the Mayor and Aldermen, so that two Aldermen be elected by the Mayor and associated with the Chamberlain for the time being, so that the said two Aldermen and the Chamberlain have full power to hear and determine and receive the fines of the said apprentices.

Litera consignata de sigillo communitatis facta executor' custodum Pont' Lond' de comp' dicti Pontis.

Acquittance under the common seal of the City to the representatives of T[homas] Cros, Richard Knotte, and Edmund Horn, late Wardens of London Bridge, on their accounts. Dated Tuesday the eve of the Exaltation of H. Cross [14 Sept.], 28 Edward I. [A.D. 1300].

Litera com' Cornub'.

Edmund, Earl of Cornwall, to the citizens and Sheriffs of London, enjoining them to pay a life annuity of 8 marks out of the ferm of Queenhithe to William de Cippeham. Dated "Assecherugg," 19 Feb., 28 Edward I. [A.D. 1300-1].

(And be it remembered that the above letter is delivered to Nicholas Pecot, the Chamberlain, for safe keeping until, &c.)

Folio 1. b.

Admissio vicecomitum.

Be it remembered that on Friday the morrow of St. Michael, 28 Edward I. [A.D. 1300], Richard de Caumpes and Luke de Havering were presented for the Shrievalty of London and Middlesex by Elyas Russel, the Mayor, and the whole Commonalty of the said City, before Sir Ralph de Sandewych, the Constable of the Tower, and were admitted according to the terms of the charter of the City.

Ordinacio coureariorum.

The following Monday it was agreed and granted by Elyas Russel, the Mayor, and the Aldermen there present, and by good and lawful men of the craft of peltry and of the curriers, that thenceforth workmen of the craft of curriers should not for the future take, viz., for every thousand of grisevere, (fn. 3) more than 5s.; also for stranglin (fn. 4) and polan (fn. 5) and every kind of black work (et cujuslibet alterius nigri operis), more than 5s. 6d.; and for Roskyn, (fn. 6) more than 3s. 6d.; and for a hundred of conies of England, more than 12d.; and for a hundred of conies of Spain, more than 8d.; and for a hundred of Scrimpyns, (fn. 7) more than 7d.

And the aforesaid curriers agree that if it shall happen in future, which God forbid, that any of the said craft of curriers contravene this ordinance in any particular and thereof be convicted, they shall make amends according to the amount of their trespass as shall be adjudged by three men of the craft of peltry and one man of the craft of curriers elected and sworn for the purpose. And for the observance of this ordinance there were elected by men of each craft, viz., Philip de Northone, Simon de Bruchtone, John de Cornewaille, skinners, and Martin le Coureour.

Breve pro mercatoribus ae Bordegal'.

Writ of certiorari addressed to the Mayor and Sheriffs of London desiring further information as to whether merchants of Bordeaux were allowed to reside on the premises which they hired for the purpose of storing their wine and other merchandise, and if so, whether they were allowed to receive other foreign merchants, and for how long, &c. Dated at Carlaverok, (fn. 8) 29 August, 28 Edward I. [A.D. 1300].

Return'.

Return to the above writ to the effect that it was not permitted to merchants of Bordeaux or any other foreign merchants to reside on premises hired for storing merchandise, nor to receive others therein, but they ought to reside in the houses of citizens and within their close (clausum), and this for the space of forty days and no more, so that they sell their wares within that time.

Folio li.

Eleccio Maior' London'.

Friday the Feast of SS. Simon and Jude [28 Oct.], 28 Edward I. [A.D. 1300], by the common consent and assent of Elyas Russel, then Mayor, Geoffrey de Nortone, John le Blund, William de Leyre, Walter de Finchingfeld, Richard de Gloucestre, Nicholas de Farndone, Thomas Romeyn, William le Mazerer, John de Donestaple, John de Vintry, John de Canterbury, Martin Box, Hugh Pourte, Nicholas Pycot, Simon de Paris, Henry de Gloucestre, Adam de Fulham, Aldermen, and the whole Commonalty of the City, Elyas Russel was elected to the office of Mayor of the said City and sworn, and on the morrow was received by the Constable of the Tower of London, viz., Sir Ralph de Sandwych, without the outer gate of the Tower, according to the terms of the charter granted to the City by the aforesaid King.

Litera Archiep'i Cant' directa vic' Midd'.

Robert [Winchelsey], by Divine permission Archbishop of Canterbury, Primate of all England, to his beloved son the Sheriff of Middlesex greeting, &c. By frequent complaint of officers of our manor of Harewes, (fn. 9) we have heard that you voluntarily withdraw pleas of men and tenants of us and our church in the said manor, which ought and were accustomed to be tried in our court there within our franchise, to the county of Middlesex beyond our said franchise, by releasing and setting free distresses and attachments made by our bailiffs there, whereby you have incurred the sentence of the greater excommunication as a wilful violator and disturber of the rights and liberties of our church of Canterbury. Wherefore we bid you, on peril of your soul's health, henceforth not to presume to attempt such things to the prejudice of our franchise and that of our aforesaid church, but by asking pardon for offences committed, to give a suitable satisfaction to us and the church you have offended, thereby consulting your soul's health as speedily as possible, otherwise we shall not hesitate to exercise due vengeance upon you for the defence of ecclesiastical law and liberty. You will not delay informing us what you purpose doing in the matter before the Feast of All Saints. Dated at Otteford, viii Ides Oct, A.D. 1300, the seventh year of our consecration.

Custodia et manuc' Joh'nis de Gildeford pro Alicia fil' Will'i de Thele infra etatem.

Et dedit Cam'e pro ingressu ijs. vjd.

Thursday the morrow of All Souls [2 Nov.], 28 Edward I. [A.D. 1300], the wardship of Alice, daughter of William de Thele, was granted by the Mayor and Aldermen to John de Gildeford, who found the following mainpernors-viz., John Heyron, junior, Simon Gut, Simon de Northamtone, and William le Brewere-that he would maintain, treat, and instruct the said Alice as he ought, would not let her suffer disparagement nor marry without the consent of the Mayor and Aldermen and of her parents, and would faithfully answer to her, on her coming of age, for her property, valued at 12 marks by the year.

Litera communi sigillo signata directa Archiep'o Cant'.

Letter from the Mayor and Aldermen of the City of London to Robert [Winchelsey], Archbishop of Canterbury, praying him to excuse their attendance on the day named in his summons, on account of their being engaged on various and pressing business of the King, and asking for an appointment with him after the next Parliament, (fn. 10) according to his convenience. Dated 18 Nov., A.D. 1300.

Folio lib.

Manucapcio Agnet' de Frowyk pro custoata Henr' filii Reginald' de Frowyk.

In full Husting of London for Common Pleas held on Monday after the Feast of St. Martin [11 Nov.], 28 Edward I. [A.D. 1300], the wardship of Henry, son and heir of Reginald de Frowyk, being under age, was granted-by Elyas Russel, the Mayor, Richard de Caumpes, Sheriff, John le Blund, Geoffrey de Nortone, Thomas Romeyn, John de Donestaple, Nicholas de Farndone, William de Leyre, Hugh Pourte, John de Canterbury, William de Betoyne, Walter de Finchingfeld, Richard de Gloucestre, [and] Nicholas Pycot, Aldermen-to Agnes his mother, who found mainpernors-viz., Manekyn le Heumer, Odo de Essex, William Walraund, John Heyron, junior, Robert de Kellesseye, Peter Adrian, William Passemer, John Sharp, tailor, Nicholas Beaubelot, [and] Richard de Boningtone-that she would properly maintain and instruct the said Henry, and would not let him be disparaged or marry without the consent of the Mayor and Aldermen and of his parents (parentum) on his father's side, and would render true account of his property on his coming of age.

Carta libertat' de Radingg' R' Henr' tercii patris R' Edwardi nunc.

Charter of Henry III. to the burgesses of Reading. Witnesses, B[oniface], Archbishop of Canterbury, Richard, Earl of Cornwall, Peter de Savoy, Ralph son of Nicholas, Bertram de Crioillis, John de Grey, Master William de Kilkenny, Archdeacon of Coventre, Henry de Wengham, Henry [de] Baton', &c. Dated at Portesmuh', 5 July, 37 Hen. III. [A.D. 1253]. (fn. 11)

(Afterwards, viz., on Tuesday before the Feast of Annunciation B. M., anno 11 Edward II., came John le Acatour, Mayor of the town of Radyng', before John de Wengrave, the Mayor of London, and the Aldermen, and complained that the Sheriffs had distrained Thomas le Clerk of Walyngford, a fellowburgess, for toll and custom on his merchandise, contrary to the above charter, which being read, precept was issued to the Sheriffs to surrender the distress so taken and allow the said Thomas and all burgesses of the aforesaid town to be quit of toll.)

Bona legata

Johanne fil' Walteri le Blund.

Inventory of goods bequeathed to Johanna, daughter of Walter le Blund and wife of Stephen de Abyndone, and delivered to the said Stephen on Tuesday the eve of St. Andrew, Ap. [30 Nov.], 29 Edward I. [A.D. 1300]. (fn. 12)

Folio lii.

Bona legata Johanni fil' Walteri le Blund juniori existencia in custodia H. Pourte.

Inventory of goods bequeathed to John, son of Walter le Blund, junior, and remaining in the charge of Hugh Pourte, and surveyed on Tuesday the eve of St. Andrew [30 Nov.], 29 Edward I. [A.D. 1300], by Elyas Russel, the Mayor, and Geoffrey de Nortone, William de Leyre, Symon de Paris, Henry de Gloucestre, [and] Nicholas Pycot.

Breve Reg' pro proclamacione et custodia facienda pro moneta veniente de partibus transmarinis.

Writ to the Mayor and Sheriffs of London complaining that the orders made in the Parliament at Stebenhethe (fn. 13) for the prevention of the importation of base money into the kingdom had been imperfectly carried out, and enjoining that greater care be taken in future. Dated Carlisle, 3 Nov., 28 Edward I. [A.D. 1300].

Proclamation thereon.

Folio lii b.

Manucapcio Laur' le Poleter.

Thursday after the Feast of St. Thomas, Ap. [21 Dec.], 29 Edward I. [A.D. 1300], Adam de Fulham, Alderman, Manekin le Heumer, Richard de Welleford, and William Trente mainprised Laurence le Poleter to produce him before the Mayor and Aldermen on the morrow of St. Hillary next, to hear their judgment upon him for having beaten Thomas Atte Welle, the King's serjeant, &c.

Litera Archi episcopi Cant' missa off' London' de citacione.

Letter from Robert [Winchelsey], Archbishop of Canterbury, to the official of London bidding him see that the bailiffs of London Bridge restored the pledges they had unlawfully taken for pontage from John and Geoffrey Beauly, Richard Wytegos, Thomas le Espicer de Sevenak, and John le Curceys, tenants of his church of Canterbury, and that they cease from such exactions in future, and citing the offenders to appear before him on the next law day after the Feast of St. Vincent the Martyr. Dated at "Cringdone," (fn. 14) v Ides January, A.D. 1300.

Litera Archiepiscopi Cant' missa off' London' de cutando custod' pontis..

A similar letter touching a distraint made on Walter de Hull, a tenant of the church of Canterbury at Orpingtone, for pontage, and citing the offenders to appear on the next law day after the Feast of St. Hillary next. Dated at "Croingdone," vii Ides January, A.D. 1300.

Vad' Rogeri de Rokesle appreciata ad xjs.

Thursday after Ash Wednesday [15 Feb.], 29 Edward I. [A.D. 1300-1], before Elyas Russel, the Mayor, and Aldermen, there were appraised, viz., nine silver spoons weighing 8s. 6d., at 8s.; and a mantle of Bluet (fn. 15) furred with Bisses (fn. 16) at 3s., the same being taken from Roger de Rokesle for 20s. of a tallage made in London for £1,048, to be paid to the lord the King for divers debts of the City of London, as the proportion due from the said Roger, taken by Paul le Boteler and his fellow-collectors of the tallage aforesaid in the Ward of Douegate. Which pledges were delivered to Nicholas Pycot, the Chamberlain, to answer to the Commonalty, &c.

[cedula.]

Wednesday next before the Feast of Pentecost [17 May], 10 Edward I. [A.D. 1282], in the presence of H[enry] le Galeys, Mayor of London, Stephen Assewy, Robert de Basinge, John de Gisorz, Ralph [le] Blund, William de Durham, John Fitz Peter, William de Farendone, Robert de Rokesle, Robert de Araz, Nicholas de Winchester, John Addrian, William de Essex, Ralph de Alegate, Robert de Meldeburne, Henry de Frowyk, and Simon de Hadestoke, Aldermen, and Hugh Motun, then Chamberlain at the Guildhall, the underwritten ordinances were made:

Md ae provisione fac' qualiter suspecti inventi aebeant amoveri vel sub qua securitate morari.

First, touching search for suspected persons-by trades, viz., that each trade shall present the names of all members of the trade and of all who serve the same trade, setting out where they live and in what Ward. Also search to be made by Aldermen and two of the best men of their Ward touching those who keep hostels and those residing in them separately from hostel to hostel, that they may know who and of what kind or condition they may be, whether cleric or lay, residing in their Ward of the age of twelve years and more.

Secundo de custod' civit'.

Secondly, touching the safe custody of the City. All gates of the City shall be open by day, and at each gate there shall be two serjeants of experience and eloquence (scientes et eloquentes), who shall keep careful watch over those that go in and out lest evil befall the City.

At each parish church curfew shall be tolled the same hour as at St. Martin, beginning and ending at the same time, and then all gates as well as taverns, whether of wine or ale, shall be closed, and no one shall walk the streets or places. Six competent persons shall keep watch by night by view of two of each Ward, and two serjeants keep guard over the gates by day, lying by night in or near the gates.

Serjeants of Billingesgate and Queenhithe shall see that all boats lie on the City's side [of the river] by night, and shall keep the names of all boatmen, and no one shall cross the Thames by night. And each serjeant shall have his boat and four men to watch the river by night on either side of the bridge. Serjeants at the gates shall each receive 4 pence per day, and each boatman by night a penny (?).

Tercio, etc.

Thirdly, touching the punishments and chastisement of malefactors and trespassers......[blank].

Folio liii.

Litera communi sigillo signata missa duci Brebann' pro Petro de Blakeneye et sociis suis.

Letter from Elyas Russell, the Mayor of the City of London, and Aldermen of the same to J[ohn], Duke of Louvain, Brabant, and Lemburgh, (fn. 17) praying him to cause a sum of money due to Peter de Blakeneye, John de Dene called "Gombard," and John de Fulmere, citizens of London, to be paid according to promise. Dated 19 Jan., A.D. 1300.

Breve Reg' pro civibus de Nova Sarum quoa sint quieti de pontagio, etc.

Solii' pro inrotulacione, ijs. vjd.

The King's writ to the Mayor and Sheriffs of London bidding them restore distresses unlawfully taken from merchants of New Sarum for toll, pontage, and passage charged on their merchandise coming to London, and to cease exacting such tolls in future, as the said merchants were quit of them by charter of King Henry III. Dated at Northampton, 6 Jan., 29 Edward I. [A.D. 1300-1].

By reason of the above mandate, precept was sent to the Wardens of the Bridge on Thursday after the Conversion of St. Paul [25 Jan.], the year aforesaid, that they should deliver up any distresses they might have taken for pontage from citizens of New Sarum, and cease from further exactions, &c.

Cementar' et Carpentar' jur' pro hiis que tangunt assisam.

Monday before the Feast of Conversion of St. Paul [25 Jan.], 29 Edward I. [A.D. 1300-1], before Elyas Russell, the Mayor, and the Aldermen, Richard de Wytham, mason, was sworn to give due consideration to all men in the City and suburbs touching stone walls between neighbours, party-walls and others in a bad condition, &c., as often as requested, &c.

Monday before the Purification B. M. [2 Feb.], the same year, Robert Osekyn and John de Wrytele, carpenters, were similarly sworn touching boundary walls in bad condition, gutters, &c.

Folio liii b.

Extenta de tenementis Thome Prest pro recognicione.

Monday before the Feast of Purification B. M. [2 Feb.], 29 Edward I. [A.D. 1300-1], Richard de Caumpes, Sheriff of London, by precept of Elyas Russell, the Mayor, caused an extent to be made of the lands and tenements of Thomas Prest, goldsmith, for money due on a recognizance to William Everard The jurors-viz., John de Lyndesseye, Robert de Pampesworth, William de Stanmere, William le Coteler, Roger de Laufare, Hugh le Chaundeler, William de Cycestre, Stephen the Cordwainer, John Plot, Geoffrey de Chelchehethe, Roger atte Stoples, and John de Rommesseye-say that at the time he made the recognizance the said Thomas had, and still has, a house in the parish of St. Sepulchre without Neugate of the clear yearly value of 20s., of which 10s. is paid to Johanna, his wife's sister, as his partner, and he had and has no other tenement in the City or suburb. Dated Tuesday before the Purification, 29 Edward I. [A.D. 1300-1].

Judicium pro Nautis.

Complaint made to the King by the Barons of the Cinque Ports, by mariners of Yarmouth, and others, that Gregory de Rokeslee, Henry le Waleys, and other merchants of England, Gascony, and Ireland, had compelled the said Barons, &c., to appraise their ships, together with all tackle and rigging to such ships appertaining, and the wine and other goods on board, towards making good what had been lost by jettison, contrary to immemorial custom. The parties heard. Judgment by the King and his Council to the effect (inter alia) that the ship and cargo should, for the future, be appraised-exception being made of the ship-master's ring worn by him upon his finger, the victuals of the sailors, the utensils in common use for preparing their meals, the neck-chain, belt, and silver drinking-cup (if there be one) belonging to the ship-master-for making good the loss by jettison through stress of weather. (fn. 18)

[Here follows an account of an inquisition held on Saturday after the Feast of Conception B. M. [8 Dec.], 29 Edward I. [A.D. 1300], as to charges customarily made at Queenhithe for measuring and carrying corn. The record is incomplete. See 'Liber Albus' (Rolls Series), i. 241-2.]

Folio liv.

Recognicio Richeri de Refham mercer'.

Friday the morrow of the Purification B. M. [2 Feb.], 29 Edward I. [A.D. 1300-1], came Richer de Refham, mercer, before Elyas Russell, the Mayor, John le Blund, Geoffrey de Nortone, Thomas Romeyn, Walter de Finchingfeld, William de Betoyne, Salamon le Coteler, John de Canterbury, and Nicholas Pycot, and testified and acknowledged that he had no right or claim, nor made any claim, in that parcel of land containing the space of two aumbries (armariolorum) in the corner of the great seld of Roysia de Coventre (fn. 19) in the mercery of London, except a term up to the Feast of St. John the Baptist next, up to which time Peter de Sparham holds it to the joint profits of the said Peter and Richer, and at the end of the term he will deliver up the said place at the [said] hour and time so that he for whose benefit Dame Johanna de Breaunzon has hired and taken the seld for a term of years of the aforesaid Roysia de Coventre may enjoy the benefit of it as he will at the said Feast.

Vad' app'c' Tres furrure capte super Robertum Persone app'c'.

Three furs, one of croppes (fn. 20) and two of squirrel, which had been seized upon Robert Persone, skinner, for 8s. of the tallage of 6d. in the pound, and which had been delivered to Nicholas Pycot, the Chamberlain, by indenture made between him and John de Dunstaple, were appraised on Wednesday next before the Feast of St. Martin [11 Nov.], 29 Edward I. [A.D. 1301], by the oath of William de Nettlestede and Richard de Lungevile, at 13s. 4d., &c. The aforesaid Robert Persone was summoned to see the furs appraised, but did not appear, &c. Therefore they are appraised by his default, &c. And he was warned to acquit them within fifteen days or they would be sold, &c. And because he did not acquit, &c., sold.

Folio liv b.

Manuc' executorum Testamentorum Thome Box et Cristiane uxoris ejus.

Monday before the Feast of St. Peter in Cathedra [22 Feb.], 29 Edward I. [A.D. 1300-1], came Stephen de Prestone and Richard de Dorsete before the Mayor and Aldermen in full Husting for Common Pleas and mainprised Richard de Wandlesworth and William Hardel, executors of Cristiana, late wife of Thomas Box, formerly a Sheriff of London, to keep the City harmless in respect of 20 marks deposited with the said executors in case of any action in connexion with the late Sheriff's term of office, &c.

At the same court came James le Botiller, Walter de Wenlok, and Richard de Hodesdone and similarly mainprised Thomas de Brencheslegh and Walter de la More, Vicar of the church of Wandlesworth, executors of Thomas Box, in respect of 20 marks.

De mensuris stricorum de rotis ad carect', etc.

On the grievous complaint made by ironmongers of the City of London to Elyas Russell, then Mayor of London, and to the Aldermen of smiths of the Wealds (de Waldis) and other merchants bringing strakes of wheels (feruras rotarum) for carts to the City of London of much shorter length than they were accustomed to be, to the grievous loss and scandal of the whole trade of ironmongers of the City aforesaid, and demanding a remedy for the premises, an inquisition was held by lawful and trustworthy men, who presented three iron rods of just and of old accustomed length of strakes, and also of the length and breadth of skids (groporum) for the wheels of carts, which rods [were] marked with the mark of the Chamber of the Guildhall, London; whereof one remains in the aforesaid Chamber, and another rod was delivered to John Dode and Robert de Padingtone, ironmongers of Chepe, on Monday next before the Feast of the Purification of the Blessed Mary [2 Feb.], 29 Edward I. [A.D. 1300-1]; and the third rod was delivered on the Monday aforesaid to John de Wymondham, ironmonger of Bridge. The said John, Robert, and John swore upon the Holy Gospels that from day to day they would warn all merchants bringing such iron rims (ferramenta) to the City of London, as well from the Wealds as elsewhere, to bring thenceforth no such iron rims unless they be of the length and breadth aforesaid, upon pain of forfeiting the said rims; and that such rims as should be found contrary to the assize aforesaid after the Feast of Easter next would be altogether forfeited, &c. (fn. 21)

Breve Regis.

Writ of certiorari touching the arrest of John son of Andrew, Robert (le) Clutere, and John Cumbier, and also of a ship of John Murs, burgesses and merchants of the town of "Bicrultet" (fn. 22) (?). Dated at Wodestoke, 18 March, 29 Edward I. [A.D. 1300-1].

Returnum.

Return to the above to the effect that the aforesaid John son of Andrew, Robert le Clutere, John Cumbier, together with Walter Jolyf, not named in the writ, were found carrying the King's money, viz., 45s. sterling and 7s. of white Tournois, out of the kingdom, contrary to the King's ordinance, and thereupon Walter le Mouner and John de Romeneye, who had been deputed to make scrutiny thereof in the City of London, arrested them and committed them to prison until the King's further orders, according to the terms of the statute recently put forth by the King and his Council at Stebenhuthe. (fn. 23)

Folio lv.

Literasigillata communi sigillo Ricardo de Caumpes pro debit' Vasconum.

Acknowledgment under the Common Seal of the City of the receipt of the sum of £46 6s. of the City's ferm from Richard de Caumpes, one of the Sheriffs of London, the King having assigned the ferm of the City, &c., to the Mayor, Aldermen, and citizens in order that they might recoup the money paid in discharge of the King's debts to certain Gascon creditors to the extent of £1,049 13s. 11d. (fn. 24) Dated Saturday before Easter [2 April], 29 Edward I. [A.D. 1301].

The same day a similar acknowledgment for £47 15s., received from Luke de Haveringe, one of the Sheriffs, was sealed.

Tuesday after the Feast of St. John ante Portam Latinam [6 May], the same year, a similar acknowledgment for £45 7s., received from the aforesaid Luke, was sealed.

Saturday the eve of the Purification B. M. [2 Feb.], the same year, a similar acknowledgment for £19 8s. 11d., received from Richard de Caumpes, one of the Sheriffs, was sealed.
****

Folio lv b.

Breve Regis sub privato sigillo ad manuc' de De libr'.

Writ of Privy Seal addressed to the Mayor, Aldermen, and other good men of the City of London notifying them that merchants were refusing to supply the royal wardrobe with wax, grocery, drapery, furs, linen, canvas, and other necessaries because of the risk they ran of not being paid, and begging the said Mayor, &c., to become surety for the payment of such necessaries to the extent of £500 payable at Michaelmas next; the said Mayor and citizens recouping themselves out of the ferm due for the City and other debts to the King. Dated at "Feckeham," 4 April, 29 Edward I. [A.D. 1301].

Responsio communi sigillo signat.

Reply signifying the consent of the Mayor, Aldermen, and other good men of the City, to become surety for the above sum of £500, conditional on the tallages and other issues of the said City and county of Middlesex being assigned to the Commonalty to that amount, and praying the King to execute a letter according to the form enclosed, as was usual in such cases.

Quere infra in secundo folio literam Regis obligatoriam de Dc libris. (fn. 25)

Folio lvi.

Cognicio facta Johanni le Blund.

Saturday after the octave of Easter [2 April], 29 Edward I. [A.D. 1301], came Giles Jordan before the Mayor and Aldermen and delivered to Sirs John le Blund and Henry de Gloucestre six casks of wine for a trespass committed against them, to be disposed of by them as they liked. The said John and Henry pardoned the said Giles four of the casks, and desired that the remainder should be retained in case he should commit another trespass.

Breve Reg' pro victualibus ducend' apud Berewycum.

Writ to the Mayor, Sheriffs, Aldermen, and the rest of the citizens and good men of the City of London, for supplying the King and army with food and other necessaries, to be delivered at Berewyk by Midsummer Day. (fn. 26) Dated at "Fekenham," 12 April, 29 Edward I. [A.D. 1301].

By reason of the above writ, twelve good men were summoned before the Mayor and Aldermen from each Ward, and the writ was read to them, and they were bidden to proceed to Berewyk with their merchandise, &c.

Deliberacio £xv per Eliam Russel facta Thome filio Ricardi de Waledene.

Friday after the Feast of St. Mark [25 April], 29 Edward I [A.D. 1301], before Elyas Russel, the Mayor, John le Blund, Geoffrey de Nortone, William de Leyre, Adam de Fulham, Walter de Finchingfeld, Richard de Gloucestre, John de Armenters, John de Dunestaple, Thomas Romeyn, William le Mazerer, John de Vintry, Symon de Paris, and Nicholas Pycot, Aldermen-came Thomas, son of Richard de Waledene, and received from the said Mayor the sum of £15, bequeathed to him by his said father and Margery, wife of the same, the money being in charge of the said Elias Russel.

Proclamacio pro sigillo Richeri de Refham amisso.

Monday before the above Feast, in full Husting, public cry was made that Richer de Refham, taverner, had lost his seal with the impression of a cask thereon and his name written around it, and that the said Richer would no longer be bound by the seal aforesaid, and if an obligation were made therewith it would be held as null, &c.

Folio lvi b.

Compot' executor' Gilberti de la Marche de bonis pueror' Johannis de Stertford.

Monday before the Feast of St. Peter in Cathedra [22 Feb.], 29 Edward I. [A.D. 1300-1], before Elyas Russel, the Mayor, and the Aldermen-at the suit of John de Canterbury, Alderman, William "Walraund," and Ralph de Stertford, executors of John de Stertford and friends of his children under age-were summoned Margery, late wife of Gilbert de la Marche, John le Botoner, junior, and their fellow-executors of Gilbert de la Marche to render account of the goods and rents of the children of the said John de Stertford, being under age, and the guardianship of whom belonged to the aforesaid Gilbert, as appears supra, anno 27 Edward I.

[Here follow particulars of the property of Gilbert de Stertford, Adam, Cecilia, Margery the elder, and Margery the younger, children of John de Stertford.]

Folio lvii.

Custodia Gilberti fil' Johannis de Stertford et Marg'ie filie junior' ejusd' J. tradita Johanni Lucas.

Monday before the Feast of St. Mark [25 April], 29 Edward I. [A.D. 1301], in full Husting, the guardianship of Gilbert, son of John de Stertford, aged twelve years, and Margery the younger daughter, aged four years, was granted-together with their property, comprising (inter alia) houses and shops in the parish of St. Katherine, near the church of H. Trinity the Great, and in Grobbestrete, in the parish of St. Giles without Crepelgate-to John Lucas, "stokfishmongere," his sureties being William de Braye and Gilbert de Mortone, stockfishmongers.

Manuc' Johannis le Botoner junior' pro custodia Ade fil' Johannis de Stertford et Marg'ie fil' senior' ejusdem et bonis, etc.

Wednesday after the Feast of St. Mark [25 April] came John le Botoner, senior, and Robert de Biry, mercer, before the Mayor and Aldermen, and mainprised John le Botoner, junior, who had been appointed guardian of Adam, son of John de Stertford, aged three years, and Margery, elder daughter of the same, aged nine years.

(Afterwards, viz., on Wednesday after the Annunciation B. M. [25 March], 34 Edward I. [A.D. 1306], the said John le Botoner came before Richard Poterel, the Chamberlain, and paid William "Walram" and Ralph de Stertford the sum of £10 of the goods of the said Margaret, and on the Feast of St. Barnabas [11 June] following the said William and Ralph acknowledged the receipt of £4 5s. 7d.)

Folio lvii b.

Breve Reg' pro burg de Walingford.

Writ to the Coroners of the City of London to attach Elyas Russel, the Mayor, and Luke de Haveringge and Richard de "Caumpes," the Sheriffs, to appear before the King in the octave of H. Trinity to show cause why they have paid no heed to former orders and continue to exact toll and other customs from merchants of Walingford, co. Berks, contrary to the charter granted to that town by King Henry III. Dated at "Kemesseye," (fn. 27) 4 May, 29 Edward I. [A.D. 1301].

By virtue of the above writ the said Mayor and Sheriffs were attached to appear at the time named. They appeared and had a day by essoin in the octave of St. Michael, on which day they made default.

Breve R Coronator'.

Another writ to the Coroners aforesaid to distrain the said Mayor and Sheriffs by all their lands and chattels, and to have their bodies before the King in the octave of St. Hillary to answer the Mayor and burgesses of Walingford in a plea of trespass, and to hear judgment on their many defaults Witness, R[oger] le Brabanzon, (fn. 28) at York, 6 Nov., 29 Edward I. [A.D. 1301].

Retornum.

Return made to the effect that the above writ arrived so late that it could not be executed.

And Sir John le Blund, the Mayor of the City, Elyas Russel, Walter de Finchingfeld, William de Leyre, Richard de Gloucestre, Geoffrey de Nortone, Nicholas Pycot, Luke de Haveryngge, and Richard de "Campes" undertook on behalf of the Commonalty to save harmless John de Vintry, the Coroner, his heirs and executors, from all costs, fines, amercements, trouble, shame, &c., accruing by reason of the above return, &c., inasmuch as the return was made by common consent.

Folio lviii.

Litera Regis obligatoria de Dc libr'.

Letters patent assigning to the Mayor, Aldermen, Sheriffs, and citizens of London the ferm of the City and other issues within the said City and county of Middlesex payable to the King, as security for their undertaking to pay merchants finding necessaries for the King's wardrobe to the amount of £500 up to Michaelmas next. Dated at "Kemesseye," 8 May, 29 Edward I. [A.D. 1301].

Letter from John de Drokenesford, Keeper of the King's Wardrobe, to the Mayor and Aldermen of the City of London, nominating "Elys" Russel, the Mayor, and Ralph de Stokes to be his deputies to receive the goods for the King's wardrobe. Dated 14 June, 29 Edward I. [A.D. 1301].

Litera Ric'i de Caumpes communi sigillo signata de xxxj libr' xix solid' et iijd.

Acknowledgment under the Common Seal of the receipt of £31 19s. 3d. from Richard de "Caumpes," one of the Sheriffs of London and Middlesex, being part of the City's ferm, and retained by the City in part satisfaction of the sum of £500 to be expended on the King's wardrobe. Dated 19 May, 29 Edward I. [A.D. 1301].

Folio lviii b.

Solucio facta Marg'ie fil' Johannis de Storteford.

Be it remembered that on Saturday after the Feast of St. Hillary [13 Jan.], 10 Edward II. [A.D. 1316-17], came Margery, daughter of John de Storteford, before J[ohn] de Wengrave, the Mayor, and the Aldermen, and demanded delivery of her chattels which had been entrusted to John Lucas, fishmonger, during her minority. After account rendered and audited, the said John, on the judgments of the Mayor and Aldermen, paid the said Margaret the sum of £20 and received an acquittance.

Folio lix.

Precept to Richard de "Campes," Sheriff of London, to take the bodies of James Copyn, Isabella his wife, and Hanekyn Copyn, and keep them in custody until they paid Odo de Essex, apothecary, the sum of £10 16s. 8d., due under a recognizance of debt.

The Sheriff returned that he had the body of the said Hanekyn in custody, but that the bodies of the above James and Isabella were not found in his bailwick.

Breve R' Ballivis Nundinarum Sancti Botulphi pro civibus London'.

Writ to the bailiffs of the Fair of St. Botolph confirmatory of the chartered privileges of the citizens of London. Dated at Kenilworth, 2 June, 29 Edward I. [A.D. 1301]. (fn. 29)

Placitum civium Norwici versus Vicecomites London'.

Wednesday before the Feast of St. Barnabas [11 June], 29 Edward I. [A.D. 1301], Richard de "Campes" and Luke de Haveringge, the Sheriffs of London, were summoned before William de Leyre and Walter de Finchingfeld, the deputies of Elyas Russel, the Mayor, and Geoffrey de Nortone and the rest of the Aldermen, to answer the citizens of Norwich in a plea of trespass, for that, whereas the said citizens were by charter of King John and his successors quit of toll, pontage, passage, &c., the said Sheriffs had exacted the sum of 3 pence from Adam Cadewold as toll on half a load of mercery imported from beyond the seas, to their damage of 100s., and this they offer, &c.

The Sheriffs come and say that when they received their bailiwick they found the King seized from time immemorial of 6 pence for custom on every load of mercery imported by the said citizens, and they had continued the seisin, &c. And if the aforesaid citizens, &c., demand an inquiry by jury, &c. And the said citizens say that they neither can nor wish to put their liberties to judgment, &c.

Folio lix b.

Friday before the Feast of H. Trinity [28 May], 29 Edward I. [A.D. 1301], election made, by assent of the Commonalty, of men to go with Elyas Russel, the Mayor, to the King at Kenylleworth, to treat with the King and Council of the stay of foreign merchants and other matters touching the City, &c., viz., John le Blund, Geoffrey de Nortone, William de Bettoyne, Aldermen, John de Douegate, John de Lincoln, Roger le Paumer, &c.

Breve R' promercator' extraneis.

The King to the Mayor and Sheriffs of London greeting. Whereas we wish that the business touching you and the rest of the citizens of the City aforesaid on the one part and merchant strangers on the other part, by reason of the arrest made by you of their goods and merchandise, shall remain in statu quo until the quinzaine of St. John the Baptist next; we bid you not to molest or disturb in any way those merchants in the meanwhile. Witness ourself at Kenylleworth, 2 June, 29 Edward I. [A.D. 1301].

Thereupon precept was given to the Sheriffs to dismiss the said merchants in peace until, &c.

Breve R' pro mercatoribus extraneis.

Another writ suspending matters touching merchant strangers until the Feast of the Assumption B. M. [15 Aug.]. Dated at "Morpath," (fn. 30) 28 June, 29 Edward I. [A.D. 1301].

Cantebrig'.

Wednesday before the Feast of Nativity of St. John the Baptist [24 June], 29 Edward I. [A.D. 1301], a letter under the seal of the Mayoralty was sent to the Mayor and Bailiff of Cantebrig' on behalf of Roger Brunne and other citizens of London distrained at Cantebrig' for toll, pannage (panagio) and other customs, &c.

Litera communi sigillo signata missa Comitisse de Gloucestre.

Letter from Elias Russel, the Mayor, and citizens of London to Johanna, daughter of the King of England, Countess of Gloucester and Hertford, (fn. 31) complaining that merchant citizens repairing to Henlee were distrained and their merchandise seized whilst passing Merlawe (fn. 32) and other places within her jurisdiction, and praying her to instruct her bailiff at Merlawe to restore distresses so taken and to cease taking them in future. (fn. 33)

A similar letter under the Common Seal was sent to the Earl of Gloucester on Saturday before the Feast of St. Margaret [20 July], 29 Edward I. [A.D. 1301].