Folios ccxi - ccxx: Nov 1386 -

Folio ccxi.

Proclamacio facta contra injactantes fimos arenam et alias sordes in aqua Thamisie.

Proclamation forbidding the casting of any kind of "lastage," when loading or unloading vessels, into the Thames, under penalty of paying £10 to the Chamber of the Guildhall and imprisonment for forty days.

Also forbidding the carrying of arms except by lords and knights.

Also forbidding the sale of lambs by butchers at a price higher than that specified.

L'ra palens ad levand' medie tatem unius decime.

Letters patent appointing William Shiryngham, Geoffrey Crymelford, Henry Bamme, and William Badby collectors in the City of the half a tenth and half a fifteenth granted to the King in the Parliament held at Westminster on the 1st October last. (fn. 1) Witness the King at Westminster, 28 Nov., 10 Richard II. [A.D. 1386].

Folio ccxi b.

Precept to levy in the City an amount equal to half a fifteenth, and to bring the money to the Guildhall by the 1st March next.

Custodia Con stancic nuper servientis Will in Vyne civis et lanarii London'.

13 Feb., 10 Richard II. [A.D. 1386-7], the guardianship of Constance, late servant to William Vyne, woolmongere, together with the sum of 10 marks bequeathed to her by her said master, committed by Nicholas Extone, the Mayor, and Richard Odyham, the Chamberlain, to Henry Reede, cordwainer, the father of the said orphan Sureties, viz., Thomas Chapman, John Nortfolk, John Roket, and Ralph atte Castelle.

Folio ccxii.

Letters patent granting murage to the Mayor, Aldermen, and Citizens, according to schedule as set out, for a term of ten years, for the purpose of keeping the City's walls, ditches, &c., in good order, more especially in this present time of war. (fn. 2) Witness the King at Westminster, 18 Sept., 10 Richard II. [A.D. 1386].

Schedule of murage chargeable on divers goods. (fn. 3)

For every hundred (centena) of wax 4d.; for the same of almonds 2d.; for every bale of rice 1d.; for a hundred of pepper, ginger, "setewalle," cinnamon, frankincense, brasil, quicksilver, vermilion, "vertegrece," and sugar 6d.; for a hundred of sulphur, "argoil," gall (attramenti), rosin, copperas, and calamel (fn. 4) (calamenti) 1d.; for a frail of figs and raisins 1d.; for a pound of clove, "galyngale," nuts, muscatels, maces, cubebs (quibibis), saffron, and silk ½d.; for every "bale" of "mader" 2d.; for every thousand of best grey-work 2s.; for the same of red work (de rubio opere) 12d.; for every thousand of work of "Ruskyn" 4d.; for every "tymber" of "ermyns" 2d.; of "letuse" (fn. 5) 1d.; of "calaber" ½d.; of cats (catorum) ¼d.; of foxes ½d.; of "bever" 4d.; of "ottres" 2d.; of "fycheux" ½d.; for every dozen of "foyns" 1d.; every dozen of genetskins (pellium de genett') 1d.; for every hundred of coney-skins 1d.; of sheep-skins 1d.; of "buge" ½d.; for every dozen of cordwain 1d.; of "baseyns" ½d.; for every "dyker" of hide tanned 2½d.; for every cask of woad 12d.; for every "bale" of the same 2d.; for every barrel of honey 1d.; for every quarter of salt ½d.; for every mill-stone (mola) for a mill 4d.; for every pair of hand-mill cranks (de turnis manumolarum (fn. 6) ) ½d.; for every mill-stone for smiths (fabris) called "grindston" ½d.; for every barrel of wood-ash (cinerum de wood) ½d.; for every hundred of "waynescote" 2d.; for every hundred of "Rygold" 4d.; for a barrel of steel 20d.; for every hundred of "deles" 10d.; for a hundred of "longhores" 4d.; for every hundred of "bowestaves" 2d.; for every last of "piche" and tar 3d.; for every barrel of "Osemond" 1d.; for every hundred of "pontandemer" (fn. 7) 2d.; for every cloth of Flanders dyed and refined (afforciato) 4d.; for every entire cloth coming to London for sale 4d.; for every dozen of cloth 2d.; for every bale of "Kereseye," 'Walsshrusset," and mantle of Ireland (mantell' durland) 12d.; for every entire cloth of scarlet 12d.; for a dozen of black or white monks' cloth (panni monachalis) 2d. a pound (de libra); for every worked cloth in London 8d.; for every "chaldre" of coals ½d.; for every "fother" of coals ½d.; for every horse-load of serges, "stamyns," grey cloths, and linen cloths 2d. a pound, for a hundred of canvas 4d.; for a dozen wimples (peplorum) ½d.; for every cloth of silk or gold "Ragemas" [sic] 4d.; for every samite (sametto) and cloth worked with gold 8d.; for every entire piece of "fustian" 1½d.; for every cendal refined (sendillo afforciato) 2d. a pound; for two other cendals not refined 2d. a pound, for every hundred of woven cloth (tele) from foreign parts 8d.; for a dozen of all kinds of sail cloth (velaminibus) 4d.; for every dozen of "double worstede" 8d.; for the same of "sengleworstede" 4d.; for every bed with "keverlit" and "testour" of the greater assize 4d.; for a bed with the same of the middle assize 2d.; for every thousand (millena) of "talwode" 4d.; for the same of "faget" 2d.; for the same of "bilet" ½d.; for every cartload of hay ½d.; for every shipload of hay at the same rate; for every quarter of corn 2d.; for a quarter of barley 2d.; for a quarter of any other grain 1d.; for a cask of oil 12d.; of wine, 6d.; for a hundred-weight (centena ponderis) of "baterie," (fn. 8) viz., basins, dishes, pots, and caldrons, 4d.; for a horse worth 40s and more 2d.; and for one of less value 1d.; for an ox 1d.; a cow 1d.; a sheep ½d.; for five pigs (baconibus) 2d.; for a calf ¼d.; for a porker (porco) ½d.; for the hull of a big ship laden with merchandise other than aforesaid 4d.; for the hull of a lesser ship similarly laden 2d.; for a boat laden 1d.; for every dozen of salted salmon 4d.; for twenty-five mulvel 4d.; for a barrel of "haddok" 1d.; for a hundred of salted mackerel ½d.; for a thousand of herring 2d.; for a barrel of herring 2d.; for a dozen salted lampreys 2d.; for a thousand eels 10d.; for a hundred of coarse fish (grasci piscis) 4d.; for a barrel of sturgeon 6d.; for a hundred of "Stokfisshe" called "Raclefisshe" and "Coursfisshe" 4d.; for a hundred of other "Stokfisshe" called "halfwoxefisshe" 2d.; for a hundred of other "Stokfisshe" called "Croplyng" and "Titlyng" ½d.; for a hundred "bunches" of garlick (allei) 3d.; for twenty-five bushels of sand-eels (ceparum) 1d.; for every "dosser" of fish 1d.; for every thousand of iron 4d.; for armour, viz., "hauberjons" and other armour of the value of 20s., 2d.; and for all other merchandise of the value of 20s. not here specified, except wool, hides, and woolfells, 2d.

The following elected by the Common Council to carry the above into effect in conjunction with the Mayor and Aldermen, viz., Nicholas Brembre, Knt., John Hadle, Robert Warbultone, John Bosham, John Shadworth, Henry Vannere, John Organ, John Fresshe, Thomas Wilford, William Venour, William Shiryngham, William Tonge, John "Kirtone," Thomas Rolfe, Henry Herbury, Adam Bamme, Thomas Extone, Thomas Girdeler, Henry Stacy, William Ancroft, John Mokkynge, John Trigge, Thomas Austyn, Richard Willesdone, John Pountffreit, John Burwelle, John Loveye, Geoffrey Walderne, John Wyltschire, Thomas Makwylliam, William Baret, and John Colshulle.

Commission under the Mayoralty seal appointing Thomas Girdeler and Thomas Garnet to collect the above murage, and to deliver the same by indenture to William Baiet, John Kirtone, William Ancroft, and Thomas Austyn, or to one of them. Dated 1 March, 10 Richard II. [A.D. 1386-7].

Folio ccxiii.

A similar commission sent by the Common Council to the following as collectors for the places prescribed, viz.:—

For Bridge John Mokkyng, John Burwelle.

Between Bridge and the Preaching Friars: John Trigge, John Warener.

For Templebarre and Ludgate: Simon atte Nax, Roger Payn.

For the suburbs without Neugate and for Neugate: Elias Westone, Robert Malteby.

For the suburbs without Aldrichesgate and for Aldrichesgate: John Bathe, Thomas Extone.

For the suburbs without Crepulgate and for Crepulgate: Adam Bamme, John Loveye.

For the suburbs without Bisshopesgate and for Bisshopesgate: Henry Herbury, John Sibille.

For the suburbs without "la posterne" and for "la posterne": William Tonge, Richard Morell.

Surveyors of murage sworn, viz.: Nicholas Extone, Henry Vanner, John Shadworth, and Thomas Wylford.

Consimiles bille misse fuerunt cuil't Aldr'o proxiid levand' de libra omnium reddituum civitatis.

Afterwards a precept was sent to each Alderman bidding them inquire in their several Wards as to the amount of rent in the City each individual owns, and to levy the sum of 12 pence on every 20s. of such rent, and pay one-half of the proceeds at the Guildhall by Easter next, and the other half at the Feast of the Nativity of St. John Bapt. [24 June]: furthermore, to elect an Alderman for their several Wards, as well of those who are now Aldermen as of those who had been Aldermen, or any others as seemeth best, and also cause two, four, or six of the more sufficient persons in their Wards to be elected to the Common Council, and return the names of those so elected on Saturday next before the Feast of St. Gregory [12 March] next.

Folio ccxiii b.

Proclamacio de oleo vendend' et de oistreis et musculis in nullo loco ccrto infra lib'tatem civitat' vendend'.

Proclamation regulating the price of oil and forbidding birlsters (fn. 9) of oysters and mussels to stand and sell their wares in any one place, but walk from place to place and serve the Commonalty, under penalty of forfeiture of the same. [No date].

Proclamacio q'd null' pannar' forens' vendat ali quem pannum infra lib'tatem civitatis nisi fuerit integ' pan' vel d'i et hoc in loc limtatis.

Proclamation to the effect that no foreign draper shall sell his cloth elsewhere than at places appointed, viz., at the Stokkes, at the house where John Yonge, grocer, lives near the church of St. "Auntelyn," and at a place opposite the churchyard of the said church lately belonging to John Aubrey; and this between midday of Thursday and the same hour of the Saturday following in every week and not otherwise; and further, that no one bring into the City any cloth except whole and half cloth with lists at both ends. [No date.]

Breve progross' bestiis in civitate London' non mactandis.

Writ to the Mayor and Sheriffs for the due observance of an ordinance made by King Edward III. with the assent of Parliament in the thirty-fifth year of his reign, to the effect that great beasts intended for food for the inhabitants of the City should be slaughtered at Stratford or Knightsbridge, and not nearer the City, which ordinance had been confirmed in the Parliament held at Westminster, anno 3 Richard II. [A.D. 1380]. (fn. 10) Witness the King at Westminster, 23 Feb., 10 Richard II. [A.D. 1386-7].

Judicium Thome Wytte man Bedelli pro delibera cione uni' eq'astriati aldr'o de Portsokne in prejudicium vic' London'.

Thomas Wytteman, beadle of the Ward of Portsokne, convicted, on his own confession, of having delivered to the Prior of Christchurch, Alderman of the said Ward, a horse which he found astray on Wednesday before the Feast of St. Matthias [24 Feb.], 10 Richard II. [A.D. 1386-7], instead of delivering it to the Sheriffs, to whom it rightly belonged by charter, and committed to Neugate by order of Nicholas Extone, the Mayor, and the Aldermen, until the Court should be advised on the matter. Thereupon the said Prior caused divers writs of certiorari to be issued against the liberties and customs of the City to the said Mayor and Sheriffs, contrary to his oath as an Alderman, pursuant to which the said Mayor, Aldermen, and Sheriffs appeared before [Thomas Arundel], Bishop of Ely, the Chancellor, on Friday the 1st March, when the said Prior claimed equality by men of his counsel and others (contra eos pareiam per homines de consilio suo et alios fecit (fn. 11) ), resisting them with all his might, &c. After dinner on the same day the said Mayor, Aldermen, and Sheriffs went to the King's Council at the house of the Preaching Friars on the same matter, when divers lords and magnates asked for greater favour to be shown to the Prior. Thereupon, on the following Saturday, came the aforesaid Prior into the Chamber of the Guildhall before the said Mayor, Aldermen, and Sheriffs, and asked pardon for his contempt, and it was granted. Furthermore, the said Thomas was released at the Prior's request and the horse was delivered up to William More and William Staundone, the Sheriffs, as belonging to them by right of office.

Folio ccxiv.

Judicium Ric'i Arderne pelli par' pro che vancia sua facta in dicto mistere contra ordinacionem dicti misteri.

Friday the 1st March, 10 Richard II. [A.D. 1386-7], Richard Arderne, skinner, charged before Nicholas Extone, the Mayor, and the Aldermen, by Thomas Lakford, John Huwet, Thomas de Kent, and Peter Pountfreyt, the Masters and other good men of the Mistery of Skinners, with having made a certain "chevance" by way of usury (per viam usure) with Herman Taillour to the extent of £20, for which sum he covenanted to deliver to the said Herman certain furs, whereby it was agreed between them that the said Herman should lose for certain a sum of £3, to the great scandal of the mistery, and contrary to an ordinance formerly made and recorded supra, fo. clxxxviii [b]. They therefore asked for judgment according to the said ordinance. Thereupon the said Richard said he would acquit himself by five men of the mistery according to the same ordinance, and a day was given for the purpose; but he failed to produce the men. Cur. ad. vult. On Friday after the Feast of SS. Perpetua and Felicitas [7 March] it was adjudged that the said sum of £20, by way of "chevance" and usury so promised for accommodation, should be forfeited, one moiety to the use of the Chamber and the other to the use of the Masters and good men of the said mistery, according to the ordinance. Cur. ad. vult, the said Richard being in the meantime mainprised by Richard Sparke, Edward Caumbre, William Wiltshyre, and John Leve, quousque etc.

Folio ccxiv b.

Combustio libri vocati Jubile.

Saturday after the Feast of St. Gregory [12 March], 10 Richard II. [A.D. 1386-7], a book called "Jubile," containing ordinances repugnant to the ancient customs of the City, ordered to be burnt by a Common Council summoned by Nicholas Extone, the Mayor, and composed not only of those elected from the Wards to be a Common Council, but also of the more reputable and substantial men of the same, in such numbers that the Council had to remove from the Upper Chamber of the Guildhall to the Hall below. (fn. 12)

Proclamaciode vendicionevini et q'd q'libet possit intrar celarium ad vidend' vinum suumtractum.

Thursday after the Feast of Annunciation B. M. [25 March], 10 Richard II. [A.D. 1387], proclamation made regulating the sale of "Osoye" or any other wine of Spain, "Grek," and "Malvesye"; and for customers to be allowed to see their wine drawn.

De amocione a co'i concilio et restitucio.

Recital of proceedings having been taken by Nicholas Brembre, the Mayor, the Aldermen, and good men of the Common Council, against William Essex, draper, John More, mercer, Richard Norbury, mercer, and others who had been removed from the Common Council, and of the election of others in their place, as appears on fo. lxi [b]; of the record having been withdrawn, and of their having been restored to their offices during the Mayoralty of John Norhamptone without the assent of the better and wiser citizens, as appears supra on fo. cxxxix [b]. And whereas the said John Norhamptone as well as the said John More and Richard Norbury had been convicted and sentenced to death by the Justices at the Tower (fn. 13) on Monday after the Feast of the Nativity B. M. [8 Sept.], 8 Richard II. [A.D. 1384], and the said William Essex had escaped and fled; it was now agreed, on Wednesday the 17th April, 10 Richard II. [A.D. 1387], by Nicholas Extone, the Mayor, the Aldermen, and the Common Council, that the said John Norhamptone, John More, Richard Norbury, and William Essex, for the causes aforesaid, be for ever deprived of the freedom of the City, and that their aforesaid restitution be and is hereby cancelled.

Folio ccxv.

Election of Aldermen.

Billinggesgate: Nicholas Extone.
Bredstret: Monsieur [sic:] Nicholas Brembre.
Lymstret: John Hadle.
Langebourne: John Organ.
Crepulgate: Robert Warbultone. (fn. 14)
Candelwykstret: John Hende.
Bridge: Hugh Fastolf.
Vintry: Henry Vanner.
Castelbaynard: William More.
Walbroke: William Oliver.
Cornhulle: John Rote.
Bisshopesgate: John Chircheman.
Bradstret: Adam St. Ive.
Colmanstret: John Estone. (fn. 15)
Bassieshawe: John Shadworth.
Cordewanerstrete: John Fresshe.
Chepe: [No name recorded. (fn. 16) ]
Farndone: John Fraunceys.
Aldrichesgate: Roger Elys.
Douegate: Richard Preston. (fn. 17)
Algate: William Staundone.
Tower: William Venour.
Queenhithe: Thomas Wylford.

Compot' Walt'i' Blakeneye" pro Thoma Stable orphano.

5 March, 10 Richard II. [A.D. 1386-7], account rendered by Walter "Blankeneye," mercer, before John Bosham and Thomas Wilford, Aldermen, and John Loveye, Commoner, as auditors appointed by Nicholas Extone, the Mayor, and the Aldermen, in the presence of Richard Odiham, the Chamberlain, and John Reche, the Common Pleader, for the time when the said Walter was guardian of Thomas and Isabella, children of John Stable, mercer.

Folio ccxv b.

Cancellat' quia partes concordate sunt.

The said Walter found to be in arrears and committed to prison. Afterwards, viz., on the 27th March, the said Walter was committed to the custody of John Leenge and Richard Boneby, mercer, who gave bond for his appearance before the Mayor and Aldermen on Monday the 29th April following.

Co'e consilium pro eo q'd dn's de la Souche fecit instanciam pro re consiliacione Joh'is Northt' et alior' ad pristinum statum civium.

At a meeting of Nicholas Extone, the Mayor, the Aldermen, and the whole Common Council on the 17th April, 10 Richard II. [A.D. 1387], it was announced by the said Mayor that the Lord de la Souche was urging the King to grant charters of pardon to John Northampton, late draper, John More and Richard Northbury, mercers, and late citizens of London, and to restore them to their former state of citizenship.

L'ra eidem d'no de la Souche sub co'i sigillo directa.

Thereupon a letter was sent to the Lord de la Souche under the Common Seal, expressing surprise at his action, and declaring that the City would know no peace so long as any of the aforesaid individuals remained in it, for during the reign of the King's grandfather they caused so much dissension that they were expelled from the Council and assemblies of the citizens for ever, (fn. 19) and during the present reign they had been convicted of high treason on their own confession before the King's Justices, (fn. 20) and the proceedings against them had by the King's orders been publicly proclaimed throughout the City. If such proclamation were to be rendered void, it would redound greatly to the King's dishonour and the City's destruction. They pray him therefore not to allow himself to be led into error by gifts or promises, and to stay his suit. Dated 27 April, 10 Richard II. [A.D. 1387].

The above letter was delivered to the said Lord de la Souche at his hostel by John Reche, the Common Pleader, Ralph Strode, and John Harwell, Serjeant-at-arms.

The same day it was agreed that the Mayor and the rest of the Aldermen and citizens should ride to meet the King at Esthamstede (fn. 21) to ask his favour for the City, and pray that his charters granted to the citizens, and especially that touching the judgment passed on Northamptone, More, and Northbury, might remain in force.

Afterwards, viz., on the 4th May, in a great congregation of Nicholas Extone, the Mayor, the Aldermen, the entire Common Council, and very many of the better citizens, sitting in the Upper Chamber of the Guildhall, report was made by William Cheyne, the Recorder, how graciously the Mayor, Aldermen, and citizens had been received by the King at Esthamstede, and with what force and wisdom the Mayor had represented to the King the risk that would be incurred by the City if charters of pardon were granted to Northamptone, More, and Northbury, and how the King had replied that he would be very cautious before showing favour to the prisoners. (fn. 22)

Folio ccxvi.

At the same meeting it was agreed, on the petition of the whole Commonalty, with the assent of the Aldermen, that in the event of Northamptone, More, and Northbury thereafter being pardoned, they should never be restored to the freedom of the City, and that William Essex, draper, who had failed to appear to answer charges of sedition, (fn. 23) should be deprived of the said freedom. It was further agreed that the King's charter to the citizens containing an account of the proceedings against Northamptone, More, and Northbury should be entered in this book, and it is recorded on this folio; also that the Mayor make diligent inquiry in whose hands the property of the said Northamptone, More, and Northbury remained, in order that it might be seized for the King's use; and, further, make inquiry if any citizens had exerted themselves to obtain their release, or if any wife, offspring, or kinsman had so acted after the date of the aforesaid charter; and lastly, that at the next coming of the said Lord de la Souche to the City the Mayor and Aldermen should send for him and persuade him, as well as the Minister (Ministro) of the Friars Minors and Brother of the same, to cease from urging reconciliation with the said Northamptone, More, and Northbury.

Carta recita [sic] condempacionis Joh'is Northamptone Joh'is More et Ric'i Northbury (cum abbreviacione et re missione qua rundam puncionium adjudicatar' etc. (fn. 25) )

Letters patent reciting former letters patent of the 26th Sept., 8 Richard II. [A.D. 1384], (fn. 24) to the effect that the judgment passed on Northamptone, More, and Northbury should not be disturbed, and that after the expiration of their ten years' imprisonment they should not be allowed to return within 100 miles of the City. Nevertheless, at the urgent prayer of John, Duke of Lancaster, the King now grants pardon and freedom to the said prisoners on their finding surety for good behaviour and subject to the proviso that they do not approach within 80 miles of the City, on pain of loss of life. The Mayor and Commonalty, having assented to this remission, (fn. 26) are not to suffer the pains and penalties attached by former letters patent to those who should make suit in favour of the prisoners. Witness the King at Westminster, 3 June, 9 Richard II. [A.D. 1386].

Folio ccxvi b.

Custodia Ric'i Hervyle.

22 May, 10 Richard II. [A.D. 1387], the guardianship of Richard, son of Walter Hervyle, together with a sum of £60 and divers implements appertaining to the mistery of "Peautrers," &c., committed by Nicholas Extone, the Mayor, and Richard Odyham, the Chamberlain, to Thomas Baktone, fishmonger, and Matilda his wife, widow of the said Walter. Sureties, viz., Thomas Fretone and Master Thomas Baktone, Archdeacon of London.

Folio ccxvii.

Custodia Joh'is filii Henr' Padyngtone.

Whereas on the 19th Dec., 1 Richard II. [A.D. 1377], William Whetele, cordwainer, received in Court the sum of £55 in trust for John, son of Henry Padyngtone, and on the death of the said William the sum of £48 and 13 pence was delivered to Richard Odyham, the Chamberlain, as appears supra, fo. lxxviii, which sum together with other money was paid by Walter Gyngivere and Benedict Wakelyn, executors of the said William, to John Basse, draper, in trust for the said orphan— the said John Basse now comes and gives bond. [No date].

Afterwards, viz., on the 14th Nov., 17 Richard II. [A.D. 1393], the said John came and delivered to Stephen Speleman, the Chamberlain, the aforesaid sum of £55 in trust for the said orphan, and he is quit.

Folio ccxvii b.

Afterwards, viz., on the 10th Nov., 17 Richard II. [A.D. 1393], (fn. 27) came the above orphan, being now of full age, and asked that his property might be delivered to him, and this was done after an account had been taken by certain auditors, viz., Thomas Knolles and William Evote, Aldermen, Stephen Speleman, the Chamberlain, and Robert Peek, the Common Pleader.

Folio ccxvii.

L'ra d'ni Regis pro gubernacione civitatis.

Letter of Privy Seal to the Mayor, Aldermen, and Common Council of the City, urging them to safeguard the City and to see that only fit and proper individuals take part in the government of the same. Dated at the King's manor of Wodestok, 3 June [year omitted].

Billa pro vigiliis faciend'.

Precept for a proper watch and ward to be kept on the eves of the Nativity of St. John Bapt. [24 June] and the Feast of SS. Peter and Paul [29 June], and for precautions to be taken against fire.

Folio ccxvii b.

Perdonacio vinetariorum.

Letters patent granting pardon (at the request of Nicholas Extone, the Mayor) to those vintners and taverners who had sold wines of Gascony, Rochelle, "Oseye," and of Spain contrary to various statutes. Witness the King at Westminster, 17 Feb., 10 Richard II. [A.D. 1386-7].

Folio ccxviii.

Concessio officii co'is venatoris.

Thursday before the Feast of St. Margaret [20 July], 11 Richard II. [A.D. 1387], Thomas Biringtone appointed Common Hunt of the City by the Mayor, Aldermen, and Common Council in the place of John Charneye (fn. 28) for one year, receiving for his pains the profit arising from the "stations" around the Crosses in Chepe if it so please the Commonalty.

Ordinacio contra nativos q'd nonsint recepti in lib'tatem civitat' nec ad statum judi cialem in eadem.

18 July, 11 Richard II. [A.D. 1387], ordinance by Nicholas Extone, the Mayor, and the Aldermen, with the assent of the Common Council, to the effect that thenceforth no foreigner should be enrolled as an apprentice nor be received into the freedom of the City by apprenticeship unless he first swear that he is a freeman and not a bondsman (nativus); and any one admitted in future to the freedom by redemption, or any other way except apprenticeship, shall make the same oath and find six sureties according to ancient custom. (fn. 29) Also that if it happen that any such bondsman shall have been admitted to the freedom on false pretences without the knowledge of the Chamberlain, as soon as it be known to the Mayor and Aldermen, he shall lose his freedom and pay a fine for his deception at the discretion of the Mayor and Aldermen, saving always the liberty which appertains to the soil of the City. (fn. 30)

Also if it happen (which God forbid) that any one born whilst his father was a bondsman be elected to judicial office in the City as Alderman, Sheriff, or Mayor, and do not notify his servile condition previously to the Mayor and Aldermen, he shall pay to the Chamberlain £100 to the use of the Commonalty and nevertheless lose his freedom. (fn. 31)

Q'd vendi cantes lib' tatem civitatis per nascenciam suam per juramentum suum admit tantur.

Also it was unanimously agreed and ordained that those claiming the freedom of the City by birth (per nascenciam suam (fn. 32) ) within the year next ensuing, or within the first year after they come of age, if they be at large (ad suum largum) within the realm, and are not already sworn to the City, shall inform the Chamberlain for the time being of their birth, and, further, make the same oath as other freemen are wont to make, to the end that no one be admitted to judicial office in the City in future, wheresoever he may have been born, whose father was a bondsman as aforesaid; and after the term now prescribed those claiming the freedom by birth shall not enjoy the freedom of the City until they shall have made the oath as aforesaid before the Chamberlain and it be enrolled; so that whensoever they shall offer to make such oath, they shall be received to do the same, and when they shall have shown that they ought to be freemen of the City by birth as aforesaid, they shall be accepted as freemen of the City, and for such acceptance and entrance they shall pay nothing.

Whereupon in the same congregation Thomas Girdeler, son of Robert Girdeler, corder, John Trig, son of William Trig, fishmonger, and Ralph Strode, son of Robert Strode, mercer, publicly made the oath accustomed to be made by those admitted to the freedom.

The above ordinances were proclaimed on the 2nd August, 11 Richard II. [A.D. 1387], together with the articles following:

Proclamacio q'domnes infra lib'tatem civitatis veniant ad essend' in lotto et scotto.

A proclamation for all who, being of the franchise of the City, live without the same, and use merchandise by themselves or others, to appear before the Mayor and Aldermen within fifteen days of the Feast of St. Michael [29 Sept.] next, either themselves or by their attorneys, in order to be in lot and scot with other commoners of the said City, under penalty of losing their franchise. (fn. 33)

Proclamacio q'd quil't possit h'ere suum pro prium lucrum supra mare.

A proclamation to the effect that those willing to send their vessels to sea with the King's ships of war may freely do so, and reap all the profit they may gain in the expedition against the King's enemies.

Procla° q'd canes non cii cun vagant in civitate ad largum.

A proclamation against allowing dogs to wander at large about the City except pet dogs (chiens gentilz), under penalty of a fine of 40d. (fn. 34)

A proclamation regulating the price of ale.

Folio ccxviii b.

Returnum in Cancellar' pro Ric'o Bailly capellano.

Recital of proceedings in error and writ to the Sheriffs to bring into the King's Chancery the body of Richard Bailly, a chaplain, against whom judgment in the sum of £20 had been obtained by Walter atte Chirche, brewer, in the Sheriff's Court for having abducted Matilda his wife, and taken goods belonging to the said Walter to the value of £40, and who, in default of payment of the said damages, had been committed to prison. At length, in obedience to a writ dated the 10th July, 11 Richard II. [A.D. 1387], William More and William Staundone, the Sheriffs, brought up the said Richard Bailly into the Chancery, and there he remained until Nicholas Extone, the Mayor, the Sheriffs, and the Aldermen went to claim him, that he might be recommitted to prison, according to the custom of the City.

Folio ccxix.

Judicium certor' allutar' covinas et congregaciones Jacrencium.

17 Aug., 11 Richard II. [A.D. 1387], John Clerk, Henry Duntone, and John Hychene, serving-men of the mistery of Cordwainers, attached on a charge made by Robert de York, Thomas Bryel, Thomas Gloucestre, and William Midenhale, Surveyors of the said Mistery, and others, of having formed an illegal assembly at the Friars Preachers, contrary to the ordinance recorded supra, fo. clxxii, and of having assaulted Richard Bonet of the same Mistery. The accused confessed their guilt, and, further, declared that Friar William Bartone had agreed, for a sum of money contributed by them, to make suit to the Court of Rome for a confirmation by the Pope of their fraternity. Such a proceeding being prejudicial to the civic authorities, the accused were committed to prison.

Afterwards, viz., on the 3rd Sept., the same year, came Nicholas Bosbury, Walter Hoggeslade, Adam Loseye, Walter Gyngyver, Roger Rabas, William Robyn, William Hare, Robert Suttone, cordwainers. [ends abruptly]. (fn. 35)

Judicium Joh'is Hunte.

The same day [17 Aug.] John Hunte was brought before Nicholas Extone, the Mayor, and the Aldermen in the Chamber of the Guildhall on a charge of having unlawfully attached (he not being an officer of the City) certain ships' carpenters and forcibly carried them with him, until meeting Richard Grinder, the Beadle of the Ward of Byllingesgate, they sought his assistance. Thereupon he remonstrated with the said John, who grievously assaulted him until overpowered by good men of the venue of the Ward and carried to Neugate. The said John confessed his guilt, and was committed to prison for a year and a day unless, &c.

Afterwards, viz., on the 23rd Aug., he was pardoned the rest of his term of imprisonment and released on sureties, viz., Roger Parys, Richard Merlawe, "ismongers," and John Seman, dyer.

Folio ccxix b.

Writ to Nicholas Extone, Mayor, to bring Peter Mildenale, skinner, who had been committed to prison, to the King at Nottingham Castle. Dated at Nottingham, 23 Aug. [A.D. 1387].

L'ra responsoria predictar' l'rar.

Return to the above setting forth the custom of the City, and praying that the production of the body of the above Peter at Nottingham pursuant to the writ may not be prejudicial to the City's liberties. Dated 26 Aug. [A.D. 1387].

Judicium col listrigii quia se finxit filium comitis de Ormound.

17 Sept., 11 Richard II. [A.D. 1387], William Frenkysshe, of co Staff., charged before Nicholas Extone, the Mayor, and the Aldermen in the Chamber of the Guildhall, with having pretended to be the son of the Earl of Ormund and with having fraudulently deceived John Tylneye, of co. Norfolk, and demoralized his daughter Katherine, aged seven years. Condemned to the pillory with a whetstone hung about his neck, &c. (fn. 36)

Folio ccxx.

Eleccio Vicecomitum.

Saturday the Feast of St. Matthew [21 Sept.], 11 Richard II. [A.D. 1387], in the presence of Nicholas Extone, the Mayor, Nicholas Brembre, Knt., Nicholas Twyford, Knt., John Hadle, William Cheyne, the Recorder, William More and William Standone, the Sheriffs, John Chircheman, John Fresshe, Henry Vanner, John Shadworth, John Organ, John Rote, Roger Elys, John Fraunceys, William Olyver, Adam de St. Ive, Thomas Wilford, and William Wottone, Aldermen, and very many commoners of the Wards, as well those elected for a Common Council as other good men of the same, summoned for the election of Sheriffs in the Guildhall—the said Mayor elected William Venour and the Commonalty elected Hugh Fastolf to be Sheriffs for the year ensuing.

In the same congregation there were elected as auditors of the accounts of the Chamberlain and Wardens of London Bridge, viz., Henry Vanner and John Fresshe, Aldermen, by the Mayor and Aldermen, and William Tonge, William Ancroft, Henry Herbury, and John Clenant by the Commonalty.

Afterwards, viz., on Saturday the eve of St. Michael [29 Sept.], the said Sheriffs were sworn at the Guildhall, and on the morrow were presented before the Barons at Westminster.

L'ra missa d'no Rege [sic] per Maiorem Aldrm' et co'item .

Letter under the Common Seal from the Mayor, Aldermen, and Commonalty to the King, expressing regret at his having been aggrieved with the City owing to the action of the heinous and horrible sect of John Norhamptone and his fellows, traitors to the King, and thanking him for recent expressions of favour towards them, signified by his letters and confirmed by the mouth of Nicholas Brembre. They pray him not to credit any evil report about the City without investigation, nor to pardon Northampton (fn. 37) or any of his followers without taking the evidence of officials connected with the government of the City, and lastly, that a citizen charged with any crime may not be judged otherwise than by the King's Justices within the City according to ancient law and custom, unless the civic authorities deem such a course to be dangerous. Dated 17 Sept. [A.D. 1387].

Folio ccxx b.

L'ra missa d'no Regi.

Letter under the seal of the Mayoralty to the King complaining of grants having been made of property as escheated to the King before the title to such escheats had been determined, and in such haste that innocent people had been made to suffer, and praying that in future such grants might not be made until the King's title to such escheats be proved and the Mayor, the King's Escheator, shall have certified the same. Dated the morrow of St. Matthew [21 Sept.].

Joh'es Be southe super visor Thamisie.

Grant by Nicholas Extone, the Mayor, the Aldermen, and Commonalty to John Besouthe, "sergeant," of the office of Keeper of the water of the Thames and Surveyor of nets for life (he receiving 100s. a year from the Chamberlain) in the same manner as the office was lately held by John Salesbury. Dated in the Chamber of the Guildhall, 20 Aug., 11 Richard II. [A.D. 1387].

Oath of allegiance [French]. (fn. 38)

Sacr'm quod Maior Aldr'i et co'itas fecerunt d'no Regi.

You swear that you will be faithful and loyal subject to our lord the King Richard (and his right heirs, Kings of England (fn. 39) ), and his counsel will keep, and with him his purpose and wishes will hold and maintain to your ability against all those who are or shall become rebels or opposed to his person or royalty, and ready shall you be to live and die with our said lord the King, to destroy all who have meditated, do meditate, or shall meditate treason against our said liege lord in any manner, without having regard to any person in the world; and well and honourably shall you always speak of him and of our most gracious lady the Queen; and if you hear any person, great or small, of whatever condition he may be, do or speak otherwise, you shall arrest him if you are able, and if unable you shall warn the Mayor and Sheriffs of such person and his speech without any delay; and ready shall you be and quickly come to your Mayor for the time being, when, and at what hour, you be required to resist, so long as life remains, all those who meditate or shall meditate any matter against our liege lord in any of the points aforesaid (And further you shall refuse the evil opinions of John Norhamptone, John More, Richard Norbury, and William Essex, who notoriously have confessed themselves to be guilty of high treason against our lord the King, and you shall resist with all your power the return of the said John Norhamptone, John More, Richard, and William within the bounds prescribed to them by letters patent of our lord the King (fn. 40) aforesaid, and all other things aforesaid you shall maintain (fn. 41) ) so God you help and the Saints.