Folios 31-40: Aug 1425 -

Calendar of Letter-Books of the City of London: K, Henry VI. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1911.

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'Folios 31-40: Aug 1425 - ', in Calendar of Letter-Books of the City of London: K, Henry VI, (London, 1911) pp. 42-56. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/london-letter-books/volk/pp42-56 [accessed 24 April 2024]

In this section

Folio 31.

Exon'acio Andree Hunte civis et zonarii London' ab assisis.

21 Aug., 3 Henry VI. [A.D. 1425], Andrew Hunte, girdler, discharged by John Michell, the Mayor, and the Aldermen from serving on juries, &c., owing to increasing old age.

Exon'acio cur' de cc li pertinent' Elizabet filie Will'mi Staundone.

3 Aug., 3 Henry VI. [A.D. 1425], came Elizabet, daughter of William Staundone, late grocer, being twenty-one years of age, before John Michell, the Mayor, John Fray, the Recorder, Thomas Knolles, Henry Barton, William Sevenok, and Simon Seman, Aldermen, and with the assent of Robert Chichele and William Rokesborugh, her said father's executors, received the sum of £200 from John Bederenden, the Chamberlain, the said patrimony having been delivered to John Hille, a former Chamberlain, on her father's death, and afterwards to Sir William Porter, Knt., who married her mother Agnes, late wife of the said William Staundone. (fn. 1)

Ordinacio Mistere de Pynners et de Cardemakers.

24 July, 3 Henry VI. [A.D. 1425], came all the folk of the Misteries of Pynners, Irenwirdrawers, and Cardmakers (fn. 2) free of the City before John Michell, the Mayor, and the Aldermen, and complained that within the last six or seven years some freemen of the Mistery of Pynners had employed and coloured (fn. 3) (coloures) strange Wirdrawers and Cardemakers, thereby depriving free Irenwirdrawers and Cardemakers of their livelihood; also that certain freemen of the said Mistery of Irenwirdrawers and Cardemakers had employed and coloured foreign Pynners, whereby many free Pynners were deprived of their livelihood, and thus dissension had oftentimes arisen. They pray therefore that the Court would authorize the following ordinances, viz.:-

(1) That no one of the Mistery of Pynners within the City shall do any work belonging to the Mistery of Cardemakers, or put to work any Wirdrawer of iron on anything appertaining to the Mistery of Pynners, either secretly or openly, under penalty prescribed.

(2) That no one of the Mistery of Cardemakers shall do any work appertaining to the Mistery of Pynners, or put any Pynner to work, under similar penalty.

The above ordinances approved.

Folio 31 b.

[Masters of Misteries sworn.]

Cordwainers: Thomas Burgate, John Champeney, Thomas Robinett, William Trumpyngton, sworn 2 July, 3 Henry VI. [A.D. 1425].

Lorimers: John Parys, John Mylkedale, William West, sworn the same day.

Coupers: John Golinge, John Longe, sworn 20 June, the same year.

Sporiers: William Kighle, John Prowde, sworn the same day.

Writers of Court-letter: John Chesham, Richard Lyndesey, sworn Masters of the Faculty 18 July, the same year.

Linwevers: John Chirche, Richard Herbard, sworn 27 July, the same year.

Bladsmithes: Thomas Racton, William Lister, sworn 30 August, the same year.

Copersmithes: Thomas Bedell, William Spicer, sworn 31 August, the same year.

Licencia dat' Rectori et paroch' Sc'i Martini inf a Ludgate ad edificand' campanile super co'i solo.

21 Sept., 4 Henry VI. [A.D. 1425], licence granted by John Michell, the Mayor, and an immense Commonalty assembled at a Common Council in the Guildhall, to William Downe, the Rector, and the parishioners of St. Martin within Ludgate, of a parcel of land of the common soil of the City at the west end of the church, 28 ft. in length and 24 ft. in breadth, whereon to build a belfry in the shape of a tower, the said Rector and parishioners and their successors paying annually into the Chamber the sum of 2s.; provided that at the discretion of the Mayor and Aldermen the said belfry have two gates or ways whereby the Mayor and Commonalty or their deputies can pass through whensoever and as often as they will in order to do what they see to be necessary.

Novum opus Guyhalde.

Friday the eve of St. Michael [29 Sept.], 4 Henry VI. [A.D. 1425], ordinance by John Michell, the Mayor, the Aldermen, and Commonalty, that all fines and fees touching enrolment, &c., of apprentices, the enrolment of deeds and wills, the sealing of letters patent and close with the seal of the Mayor, shall continue to be levied to the use of the Guildhall until Michaelmas, 1426. (fn. 4)

Folio 32.

Eleccio Will'mi Melreth et John Brokle Vic'.

Friday the Feast of St. Matthew [21 Sept.], 4 Henry VI. [A.D. 1425], in the presence of John Michell, the Mayor, John Fray, the Recorder, Robert Chichele, Nicholas Wottone, Henry Bartone, William Sevenok, William Cauntbrigge, John Reynwell, John Gedeney, John Perneys, Robert Widyngtone, Robert Tatersalle, Nicholas James, Ralph Bartone, John Coventre, John Welles, Robert Whityngham, Richard Gosselyn, William Estfeld, Simon Seman, and John Bithewater, Aldermen, and very many Commoners summoned to the Guildhall for the election of Sheriffs, William Melreth, mercer, was elected one of the Sheriffs for the year ensuing by the Mayor, and John Brokle, the other Sheriff, by the Commonalty.

The same day John Bederenden, draper, was elected Chamberlain; and ............, (fn. 5) and John Trymnell, mercer, Wardens of London Bridge; Robert Whityngham and John Welles, Aldermen, John Bacon, grocer, John Higham, draper, William Westone, draper, and John Olney, mercer, were elected Auditors of the accounts of the Chamberlain and Wardens of London Bridge.

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

Exon'acio Ed'i Twene Groceri ab assisis.

16 Oct., 4 Henry VI. [A.D. 1425], Edmund Twene, grocer, discharged by John Michell, the Mayor, and the Aldermen from serving on juries, &c., owing to increasing old age.

Exon'acio Ric'i Bawdewyn wodemongere ab assisis.

20 Oct., 4 Henry VI. [A.D. 1425], Richard Bawdewyn, wodemonger, similarly discharged.

Acquitance fait par le Mair.

Acquittance by John Michell, the Mayor, for the sum of £22 received from John Galet, merchant of Amiens, in part payment of the sum of £50 due to the City from merchants of Amiens, Corby, and Neell, pursuant to the "composition" made between the parties. Dated 6 Aug., A.D. 1425.

Friday, 26 April, 15 Henry VI. [A.D. 1437], ordinance by John Michell, the Mayor, John Fray, the Recorder, John Brokkle, William Gregory, William Estfeld, Thomas Chalton, John Welles, John Hatherle, Stephen Broun, John Gedney, Thomas Wandesford, John Pattesle, John Sutton, John Olney, and Robert Large, Aldermen, that foreign bakers bringing foreign bread for sale shall stand at the following five places, and not elsewhere, viz., Billingesgate and Quenehithe with neighbouring vacant places, at Fletebrige between the gate of the common latrine and the outer gate of the prison of the Flete with intervening lane, in Chepe between the High Cross and the Conduit, and in Cornhylle between the Conduit and Ledynhalle, under penalty of forfeiture of the whole of their foreign bread.

Folio 32 b.

Ordinances by the King, with the assent of the Parliament held at Westminster, 30 April, 3 Henry VI. [A.D. 1425], (1) forbidding masons to hold assemblies and prevent the operation of the Statutes of Labourers; (fn. 6) (2) forbidding the exportation of sheep except for the purpose of victualling Calais; (3) prescribing the punishment of customers, &c., convicted of defrauding the King; (4) permitting the exportation of butter and cheese to other places than the Staple of Calais by licence from the Chancellor; and (5) authorizing the Chancellor to redress all grievances touching the conservancy of the river Lee. (fn. 7)

4 June [A.D. 1426], Thomas "Chaucers," the King's Chief Butler, claims prisage of wine discharged in the port of Bristol by William Knolles of Bristol, merchant, in January last, anno 4 Henry VI. [A.D. 1425-6]. The said William appears by Robert Mildenhale, his attorney, and says that he is not liable, inasmuch as the King's officers were forbidden to take prises from citizens of London by letters patent dated 6 March, 1 Edward III. [A.D. 1327-8], confirmed by his successors. [Ends abruptly.]

Folio 33.

Carta Theutonicor' eis per co'itatem London' concess'.

20 Feb., 5 Henry VI. [A.D. 1426-7], grant by John Reynwell, the Mayor, Aldermen, Sheriffs, and Commonalty to the merchants of the Hanse of Almaine within London to have their Aldermen and all their liberties as formerly granted by Henry Waleys, sometime Mayor, and the Commonalty by letters patent under the City's seal and the seal of the King, dated June, 10 Edward I. [A.D. 1282]; (fn. 8) and further that the said merchants shall be quit of all custom, &c., payable on merchandise, on condition that they pay yearly to the Sheriffs for the time being the sum of 40s., and to the Mayor for the time being two barrels of best herring, one barrel of sturgeon, and a hundredweight of good and clean Polish wax, or their value in money as prescribed.

Folio 33 b.

Letters patent assigning to the Mayor and citizens a certain portion of the subsidy on wool and woolfells in the ports of London and Ipswich granted in Parliament, (fn. 9) for the repayment of a City loan of £3,000. Witness the King at Westminster, 10 June, 3 Henry VI. [A.D. 1425].

Folio 34.

Acquittance under the Common Seal by the Mayor and citizens for the sum of £900 received from John Norton, esquire, and John Botiller, collectors of the King's subsidy on wool and woolfells, in part repayment of the above loan. Dated 12 Nov., 4 Henry VI. [A.D. 1425].

A similar acquittance for the sum of £400. Dated 5 Sept., 4 Henry VI. [A.D. 1425].

A similar acquittance for the sum of £300 received from John Norton, esquire, and John Chalton, collectors of the subsidy. Same date.

Folio 34 b.

A similar acquittance for the sum of £500. Dated 7 Dec., 5 Henry VI. [A.D. 1426].

A similar acquittance for the sum of £200. Dated 7 April, 5 Henry VI. [A.D. 1427].

A similar acquittance for the sum of £200. Dated 16 May, 5 Henry VI. [A.D. 1427].

Folio 35.

Custodia corporum Ric'i Will'i Agnetis et Elianore pueror' Will'i Walderne.

Recital of terms of the will of William Walderne, late mercer, to the effect that his lands, tenements, &c., in the parish of St. Benedict Shorhogge should be sold by his executors, and the proceeds, together with the residue of his property, divided into three equal parts, whereof one part was to be devoted to pious uses, another to be bestowed on Margaret (fn. 10) his wife by way of dower, and the third divided among his children; further, how on the 24th Oct., 3 Henry VI. [A.D. 1424], the guardianship of Richard, William, Agnes, and Elianora, his children, had been committed by John Michell, the Mayor, the Aldermen, and John Bederenden, the Chamberlain, to John Roys, of co. Norf., gentleman, and Margaret his wife, widow of the said William Walderne, Robert Otley, William Burtone, Thomas Catworth, grocers, and John Paddesley, goldsmith, becoming sureties, &c. [Ends abruptly.]

Folio 35 b.

[Here is entered the concluding portion of the statute 2 Henry VI. recorded on fos. 23 b-25 b.]

Folio 36.

Eleccio Joh'is Coventre in officium Maioratus.

Saturday the Feast of Translation of St. Edward [13 Oct.], 4 Henry VI. [A.D. 1425], in the presence of John Michell, the Mayor, the Prior of Christchurch, John Fray, the Recorder, Thomas Knolles, Thomas Fauconer, Nicholas Wottone, Henry Bartone, William Sevenok, William Cauntbrigge, John Reinwell, John Gedney, Ralph Bartone, John Perneys, Robert Tatersall, Nicholas James, John Bithewater, John Coventre, John Welles, Richard Gosselyn, William Estfeld, Henry Frowik, and Simon Seman, Aldermen, and an immense Commonalty summoned to the Guildhall for the election of a Mayor, John Coventre was elected for the year ensuing.

Afterwards, viz., on the Feast of SS. Simon and Jude [28 Oct.], he was sworn at the Guildhall, and on the morrow was presented, admitted, and accepted, &c., before the Barons of the Exchequer. (fn. 11)

Exon'acio Will'mi Fox ab assisis.

26 Nov., 4 Henry VI. [A.D. 1425], William Fox, butcher, discharged by John Coventre, the Mayor, and the Aldermen from serving on juries, &c., owing to increasing old age.

Consimilis billa miss' fuit cuilibet Aldermanno.

Precept to the Aldermen to hold their several Wardmotes, and make a return of matters they are themselves unable to correct to the Mayor's General Court, to be held on Monday after the Epiphany [6 Jan.]; and further, to take steps for guarding and cleansing the streets, and to cause a certain number to be elected for the Common Council, (fn. 12) &c. Dated 6 Dec. [A.D. 1425].

Folio 36 b.

Custodia filior' Joh'is Vanne nup' civis et braciatoris London'.

20 Nov., 4 Henry VI. [A.D. 1425], the guardianship of John, John, and Thomas, sons of John Vanne, brewer, together with their patrimony, committed by John Coventre, the Mayor, and the Aldermen, and John Bederenden, the Chamberlain, to Katherine, widow of the said John Vanne, for a term of four years. Sureties, viz., Master Richard Waltham, text-writer (scriptor texti), William Forster, tailor, John Ossegoby, hosteler, and John Jacowe, brewer.

Exon'acio Will'mi Aspelond civis et Pelliparii London'.

23 Jan., 4 Henry VI. [A.D. 1425-6], William Aspelond, skinner, discharged by John Coventre, the Mayor, and the Aldermen from serving on juries, &c., owing to increasing old age.

Custodia pueror' Joh'is Norman nup' civis et Corser London'.

16 Jan., 4 Henry VI. [A.D. 1425-6], the guardianship of John, William, Thomasia, and Agnes, children of John Norman, late "corser," (fn. 13) together with their property, committed by John Coventre, the Mayor, the Aldermen, and John Bederenden, the Chamberlain, to Johanna, late wife of the said John Norman, for a term of four years. Sureties, Ralph Spayne, Thomas Spayne, tapicers, John Chesham, scrivener, and "Ammonius Countis," "wodemonger."

Hokkyng defenduz.

Proclamation forbidding compulsory "hokkyng" on Monday or Tuesday next, called "les hokkedays," under penalty of fine and imprisonment. [No date.]

Folio 37.

Commissio ad delib' and prison'.

Letters patent appointing John Coventre, the Mayor, William Cheyne, William Babyngtone, John Juyn, (fn. 14) Robert Tirwhit, John Hals, John Cokayne, John Prestone, John Martyn, and John Fray, or any nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three, or two (the Mayor being one), to be Commissioners for delivery of prisoners out of the Sheriffs' Compters, where they had been placed pending the rebuilding of Newgate, pursuant to the will (voluntas) of Richard Whityngtone, late mercer. (fn. 15) Witness the King at Westminster, 18 Jan., 4 Henry VI. [A.D. 1425-6].

Ordinacio fact' pro anguillis.

Saturday, 7 March, 4 Henry VI. [A.D. 1425-6], it was ordained by John Coventre, the Mayor, and the Aldermen that all fresh eels brought by water to the City to be sold shall be sold by weight, and not otherwise, as was ordained during the Mayoralty of Robert Chichele. (fn. 16)

The above ordinance was first agreed to by John Coventre, the Mayor, John Symond, the Recorder, (fn. 17) Thomas Knolles, Thomas Fauconer, Nicholas Wottone, William Cauntbrigge, John Reynwell, John Gedney, Ralph Barton, Robert Tatersall, John Bithewater, Simon Seman, Richard Gosselyn, and William Estfeld, Aldermen, and John Brokley and William Milreth, the Sheriffs; and afterwards by William Crowmere, John Michell, Henry Frowyk, Thomas Wandesford, and Nicholas Wottone, &c. [sic].

Novum opus Guyhalde.

21 Jan., 4 Henry VI. [A.D. 1425-6], ordinance by John Coventre, the Mayor, the Aldermen, and Commonalty, that all fees, fines, &c., granted during the Mayoralty of John Michell for the work of the Guildhall until Michaelmas, 1426, shall be continued for one year.

6 April, 4 Henry VI. [A.D. 1426], ordinance that the same shall be continued until Michaelmas, 1428.

Folio 37 b.

Acquitance fait par le Mair as merchantz des villes Damieux Corby et Neell.

Acquittance under the Mayoralty seal for the sum of £4 13s. 4d. from the merchants of Corbi, Amyas, and Neel, in part payment of the sum of 50 marks due from them to the Mayor under a "composition" made between the said towns and the City. (fn. 18) Dated 8 Feb., 1425[6].

Custodia Joh'is filii Roberti Eland nup' civis et pannar' London'.

28 Feb., 4 Henry VI. [A.D. 1425-6], the guardianship of John, son of Robert Eland, late draper, together with his patrimony, committed by John Coventre, the Mayor, the Aldermen, and John Bederenden, the Chamberlain, to Thomas Chymbeham, cutler, for a term of four years. Sureties, viz., Gilbert Page, cook, Michael Salman, "steynour," (fn. 19) Henry Fansted, skinner.

Afterwards, viz., on the 12th Oct., 13 Henry VI. [A.D. 1434], the said orphan came and acknowledged satisfaction.

Exon'acio Thome Broun civis et Groceri London' ab assisis.

5 April, 4 Henry VI. [A.D. 1426], Thomas Broun, grocer, discharged by John Coventre, the Mayor, and the Aldermen from serving on juries, &c., owing to increasing old age.

Exon'acio Andree Totyng ab assisis.

The same day, Andrew Totyng, "stokfysshmongere," similarly discharged for like cause.

Consimila [sic] billa miss' fuit cuil't Aldr'o.

Precept for watch to be kept on the nights and eves of St. John Bapt. [24 June] and SS. Peter and Paul [29 June], and for taking the customary precautions against fire. Dated 12 June, 4 Henry VI. [A.D. 1426].

Folio 38.

Commissio ad levand subsidium tonagii et pondagii etc.

Letters patent appointing Thomas Walsyngham and William Estfeld to collect the subsidy of tonnage and poundage (viz., 3s. on every cask of wine and 12d. in the pound on other merchandise) in the Port of London granted by the last Parliament held at Westminster (fn. 20) for safeguarding the sea. Witness the King at Westminster, 24 April, 4 Henry VI. [A.D. 1426].

Transmutacio Rob'ti Cristemesse ab Mistera de "Texwriters" in Misteram Pannar'.

28 April, 4 Henry VI. [A.D. 1426], came Robert Cristemesse, of co. Kent, text-writer, before John Coventre, the Mayor, and Aldermen in the Chamber of the Guildhall, and showed that whereas he had been admitted to the freedom of the City in the Mistery of "Textwriters," temp. Henry Bartone, Mayor, and John Hille, Chamberlain, he had long since used, and was now using, the mistery or art of Drapers, and not that of Textwriters. He prayed therefore that he might be admitted to the freedom of the City in the Mistery of Drapers. His prayer granted.

Exon'acio Joh'is Stile ab assisis.

20 April, 4 Henry VI. [A.D. 1426], John Style, vintner, discharged by John Coventre, the Mayor, and the Aldermen from serving on juries, &c., owing to increasing old age.

Folio 38 b.

Transmutacio Joh'is Wynne ab Mistera Pannar in Misteram Aurifabr'.

14 May, 4 Henry VI. [A.D. 1426], came John Wynne, draper, before John Coventre, the Mayor, and Aldermen in the Guildhall Chamber, and showed that whereas he had been admitted into the freedom of the City in the Mistery of Drapers, and sworn when William Staundone was Mayor and Stephen Speleman was Chamberlain, viz., on the 14th May, 16 Richard II. [A.D. 1393], he had long time past used, and was now using, the mistery of Goldsmiths, as the Masters of the said Mistery testify. He prays therefore that he may be admitted into the freedom of the City in the said Mistery. His prayer granted.

Acquietanc' de l marc' fact' per Joh'em Coventre Maiorem mercatorib' de Amias.

17 June, 1426, acquittance under the Mayoralty seal for 50 marks paid by John Wally, merchant of Amiens, due from the merchants of Amiens, Corby, and Neell to the Mayor for the time being, pursuant to a "composition" made between them.

Exon'acio Joh'is Snappe ab assisis.

20 June, 4 Henry VI. [A.D. 1426], John Snappe, skinner, discharged by John Coventre, the Mayor, and the Aldermen from serving on juries, &c., owing to increasing old age.

Proclamacio.

Proclamation forbidding hostelers and others to keep open house after 10 o'clock at night on the eves of St. John Bapt. [24 June] and SS. Peter and Paul [29 June], or to sell wine, beer, or victual before 6 o'clock on the following morning. [No date.]

Exoneracio Georgii Benet allutarii ab assisis.

4 July, 4 Henry VI. [A.D. 1426], George Benet, cordwainer, discharged by John Coventre, the Mayor, and the Aldermen from serving on juries, &c., owing to increasing old age.

Folio 39.

Masters of Misteries sworn.

Glasyers: John Wyttelesey, John Greylond, sworn 22 Sept., 4 Henry VI. [A.D. 1425].

Shethers: William Gilbert, Ralph Sandone, sworn 4 Oct., the same year.

Fullers and Frisers: (fn. 21) John Felton, Thomas Hull, John Campedene, sworn 19 Dec., the same year.

Cooks: Robert Kyng, Thomas Gerard, John Hardyng, John Woderove, sworn 23 Dec., the same year.

Lorimers: Thomas Kyng, Nicholas Fuller, John Medrest, sworn 3 July, 4 Henry VI. [A.D. 1426].

Coupers: John Broun, John Trendeler, sworn 11 July, the same year.

Text-writers and Limners: Peter Biltone, Gilbert A Miltone, sworn 22 July, the same year.

Lynnynwevers: John Staumford, William Edward, sworn 17 July, the same year.

Lethersellers: John Fyssh, John Arnold......[blank].

Juynours: John Derk, John Welles, sworn 21 Aug., the same year.

Concess' co'is soli fact' exec' R. Whityngton' in escambium pro alio solo quod fuit ipsius Ric'i.

The following grant was made on petition of John Coventre, John Carpenter, and William Grove, executors of the will of Richard Whityngtone :-

Whereas the executors of Richard Whityngtone have granted certain parcels of land for the enlargement and improvement of the high street of Bassieshawe, near the tenement formerly belonging to Simon Fraunceys and the tenement which the said executors lately bought of John Padyngtone-there was granted in exchange, on the 27th Sept., 4 Henry VI. [A.D. 1425], by John Michell, the Mayor, the Aldermen, and the Commonalty, to the said executors, and at their request, a parcel of the common soil of the City in the same vicinity, to hold the same to them, their heirs and assigns for ever.

Disposicio nove librarie ad Guyhaldam concess' exec' R. Whityngtone et W. "Byry."

The same day it was granted by the said Mayor, Aldermen, and Commonalty that the new house or library which the said executors and the executors of William Bury lately made near the Guildhall, and the custody of the same, together with the chambers built under the same, be at the disposal and orders of the said executors, so that everything and anything that they may think fit to be ordained therein, or touching books to be placed or other things to be done there, shall be done and executed in such a way as if ordered by the said Mayor, Aldermen, and Commonalty on their own authority, or by authority of the liberties of the City, without any reclaim or opposition. (fn. 22)

Folio 39 b.

Exon'acio Joh'is Bartheu turnour ab assisis.

2 Aug., 4 Henry VI. [A.D. 1426], John Bartheu [Bartholomeu ?], "turnour," discharged by John Coventre, the Mayor, and the Aldermen from serving on juries, &c., owing to increasing old age.

Exon'acio Joh'is Benet webbe ab assisis.

14 Aug., 4 Henry VI. [A.D. 1426], John Benet, "webbe," (fn. 23) similarly discharged for like cause.

Exon'acio Thome Cressy irmonger ab assisis.

23 Aug., 4 Henry VI. [A.D. 1426], Thomas Cressy, "irmonger," similarly discharged for like cause.

Eleccio Vicecomitum London'.

Saturday the Feast of St. Matthew [21 Sept.], 5 Henry VI [A.D. 1426], in the presence of John Coventre, the Mayor, John Fray, the Recorder, Thomas Knolles, John Michell, John Reynwell, John Gedney, John Perneys, Ralph Bartone, Robert Tatersall, John Welles, [William] Estfeld, Nicholas James, John Bithewater, Simon Seman, Thomas Wandesford, and John Brokle, Aldermen, and very many Commoners summoned to the Guildhall for the election of Sheriffs-Robert Arnold, grocer, was elected one of the Sheriffs for the year ensuing by the Mayor, and John Higham, draper, was elected the other Sheriff by the Commonalty.

The same day John Bederenden, draper, was elected Chamberlain; Robert Colbrok, "irmonger," and John Trymnell, mercer, were elected Wardens of London Bridge; and John Welles and Robert Tatersall, Aldermen, William Westone, draper, John Olney, mercer, Everard Flete, mercer, and John Femell, draper, were elected Auditors of the accounts of the said Chamberlain and Wardens.

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

Eleccio Joh'is Reynwell in Maiorem London'.

Sunday the Feast of Translation of St. Edward [13 Oct.], 5 Henry VI. [A.D. 1426], after celebration of Mass in the Guildhall Chapel, and in the presence of John Coventre, the Mayor, the Prior of Christchurch, Thomas Knolles, Thomas Fauconer, Nicholas Wottone, Henry Bartone, William Cauntbrigge, John Michell, John Gedney, John Reynwell, Ralph Bartone, John Perneys, Robert Whitingham, [Robert] Tatersall, Nicholas James, John Bithewater, William Estfeld, John Welles, Richard Gosselyn, Thomas Wandesford, John Brokle, and Robert Otle, Aldermen, and an immense Commonalty summoned to the Guildhall for the election of a Mayor for the year ensuing- John Reynwell was elected.

Afterwards, viz., on the Feast of SS. Simon and Jude [28 Oct.], he was sworn at the Guildhall, and on the morrow was presented, admitted, accepted, &c., before the Barons of the Exchequer.

Folio 40.

Statutes made at the Parliament which sat at Leicester, 18 Feb., 4 Henry VI. [A.D. 1425-6]. (fn. 24)

Folio 40 b.

Custodia l marc' pertin' Nich'o uni filior' Thome Petwardyn commissa Will'o "Norhampton."

8 Feb., 5 Henry VI. [A.D. 1426-7], came Robert Colbroke, "irmonger," administrator of the goods of Thomas Mayneld, late grocer, and delivered to John Bederenden, the Chamberlain, a sum of money which the said Thomas had held in trust for Nicholas, son of Thomas Petwardyn, fishmonger.

Afterwards, viz., on the 18th Feb., the money was delivered by John Reynwell, the Mayor, the Aldermen, and the aforesaid Chamberlain, to William Northampton, draper, to whom the said Nicholas had become apprenticed.

Afterwards, viz., on the 16th Oct., 12 Henry VI. [A.D. 1433], came the above Nicholas, being of full age, and acknowledged satisfaction for his property.

Corpus cum causa pro Radulpho Holland.

Writ of habeas corpus cum causa to the Sheriffs touching Ralph Holland, "taillour," a prisoner. Witness the King at Westminster, 8 Oct., 5 Henry V. [A.D. 1426].

Returnum eiusdem.

Return made to the above writ by William Melreth and John Broklee, the Sheriffs, to the effect that whereas at a Court of the lord the King, held at the Guildhall by John Coventre, the Mayor, and the Aldermen, on Tuesday the 8th Oct., 5 Henry VI. [A.D. 1426], it was decreed that former ordinances touching those who had a right to be present at elections of Mayors and Sheriffs by virtue of their being sum moned should continue to be observed, the above Ralph Holland had wantonly declared that such ordinances were fabrications, and had threatened Thomas Coke with violence. Whereupon in due course he had been arrested and committed to prison until he should find surety for keeping the peace.

Footnotes

  • 1. From his will, proved and enrolled in the Husting in 1412 ('Calendar of Wills,' ii. 393). Agnes appears to have been the name of his second wife, a former wife being named Elizabeth, by whom he had no children. According to this will his daughter was to receive her patrimony if she lived beyond the age of fourteen and married (si ipsa vixerit ultra etatem quatuordecini annorum et maritata fuerit).
  • 2. The association of these misteries has been already noted. See 'Cal. Letter-Book G,' pp. 63-4 ; 'Cal. Letter-Book H,' pp. 50n., 291.
  • 3. Passed them off as freemen.
  • 4. Cf. ordinance of 1423, supra, p. 8.
  • 5. Blank space in record.
  • 6. The Duke of Gloucester sought to curry favour in the City by inciting artisans to disregard the Statutes of Labourers.
  • 7. The above (with the exception of No. 4) set out in 'Rot. Parl.,' iv. 292-4.
  • 8. Referring to the "composition" mentioned supra, p. 45. See 'Cal. Letter-Book C,' p. 41.
  • 9. 'Rot. Parl.,' iv. 275.
  • 10. A daughter of John atte Lee, chandler. See 'Cal. of Wills,' ii. 403.
  • 11. Gregory, the Alderman and chronicler, relates how the new Mayor, on his return from Westminster, was summoned with the Aldermen, in the middle of their dinner, by the Duke of Gloucester, and straitly charged to keep a good watch in the City that night, it being feared that a disturbance might arise through the ill-feeling that existed between Gloucester and Beaufort. 'Chron.,' p. 159. Cf. MS. Cotton, Cleopatra C. iv, folios. 33 b (Kingsford, 'Chron. of London,' p. 130).
  • 12. Vide supra, p. 19, note.
  • 13. Horse-dealer.
  • 14. Or Ivyn. Vide supra, p. 18 n.
  • 15. Cf. supra, p. 39.
  • 16. See 'Cal. Letter-Book I,' pp. 101-2.
  • 17. It is difficult to understand how John Symond could have been Recorder at or about this time, seeing that John Fray is recorded as filling that office both in Oct., 1425 (supra, p. 48), and in Sept., 1426 (infra, p. 54). Symond is recorded (Journal 2, folios. 77 or 86) as having been elected on Monday, 22 Oct. [5 Henry VI. ?]. He was probably elected on 22 Oct., 1426 (5 Henry VI.), although that day fell on Tuesday, as correctly recorded in the next entry in the Journal. He was present in his capacity of Recorder at the election of Sheriffs which took place in Sept. 1427 (infra, p. 63).
  • 18. See 'Lib. Cust.,' i. 64-6.
  • 19. Painter-stainer.
  • 20. 'Rot. Parl.,' iv. 276.
  • 21. Makers of "frise" or napped cloth. Cf. Stat. 8 Eliz. cap. vii., "An Act touching Drapers, Cottoners and Frizers of Shrewsbury."
  • 22. Printed in Price's 'Hist, Account of the Guildhall,' p. 127.
  • 23. Weaver.
  • 24. 'Stat. at Large,' i. 532-4. In the Letter-Book, cap. ii. is entered after caps. iii., iv., and v. This Parliament came to be known as the Parliament of "bats" or bludgeons, from the weapons secretly carried by the supporters of the rival parties of Beaufort and Gloucester. Gregory's 'Chron.,' p. 160. Amundesham, vol. i., Introd., p. xxiii n.