Folios lxx - lxxix

Folio lxx.

Eleccio vic' London.

Friday the eve of St. Michael [29 Sept.], 30 Edward I. [A.D. 1302]-by John le Blunt, Mayor of London, Elyas Russel, Geoffrey de Nortone, William de Betoyne, William de Leyre, Thomas Romeyn, Adam de Fulham, Richard de Gloucestre, Richer de Refham, Nicholas de Farndone, Henry de Gloucestre, John de Canterbury, Walter de Finchingfeld, Salamon le Coteler, John de Dunstaple, Ralph de Honilane, [and] Nicholas Pycot, Aldermen, and Peter de Bosenho and Robert le Callere, then Sheriffs, in the presence of twelve men from each Ward summoned to receive (ad recipiendum) their Sheriffs, &c. -Simon de Paris and Hugh Pourte, Aldermen, were elected Sheriffs of London, &c. And Simon came and was sworn, &c. And Hugh came not He is therefore distrained, &c. And afterwards he was mainprised by Adam de Fulham, Alderman, to come on the morrow of St. Michael, and to do and receive what the Mayor and Aldermen should impose upon him, &c. And the said Hugh came on Sunday the morrow of St. Michael and was sworn, &c. Therefore the said Adam is thereof quit.

Admissio vicecomitum.

And on Sunday the morrow of St. Michael the said Simon and Hugh were presented by the said Mayor and Aldermen and Commonalty of the said City to Sir Ralph de Sandwych, the Constable of the Tower of London, who admitted and received them without the outer gate of the aforesaid Tower according to the terms of the charters of the liberties of the City, &c, and by writ of the King which came to him thereon, &c.

Elecciosecunda dn't Joh'is le Blunt in Mawiem London' et admissio ejusdem.

Sunday the Feast of SS. Simon and Jude [28 Oct.], 30 Edward I. [A.D. 1302], John le Blunt was for the second time elected Mayor of London by Thomas Romeyn, John de Canterbury, Geoffrey de Nortone, Richard de Gloucestre, William de Leyre, Walter de Finchingfeld, Nicholas de Farndone, Nicholas Pycot, Adam de Fulham, Hugh Pourte and Symon de Paris, then Sheriffs, Henry de Gloucestre, William le Mazerer, John Darmenters, Ralph de Honilane, John de Dunstaple, Richer de Refham, Salamon le Coteler, Aldermen, and twelve men of each Ward. And afterwards, viz., on the following Monday, he was presented by the said Aldermen, and Elyas Russel and Adam de Rokesle, Aldermen, and also by the Commonalty, to the lord the King at Westminster, &c., and was admitted and sworn before Sir John [Plantagenet or de Warren], Earl of Surrey and Sussex, and Henry de Lacy, Earl of Lincoln, and the King's whole Council in the chamber of the Archbishop of York by precept of the King, &c.

Jur' pro scrutinio faciendo de vinis Vasconum, etc.

Tuesday before the Feast of St. Andrew, Ap. [30 Nov.], 31 Edward I. [A.D. 1302], William de Beverlee, Alan de Suffolk, Geoffrey Scot, Peter de Monkut, Peter Fraunzoun, and Bydan Manent were sworn to make scrutiny of the wines of Gascons, &c., and that they would justly condemn all such wines as they found putrid, &c.

Jur' pro pavimento juste faciend'.

Saturday after the Feast of St. Edmund, K [20 Nov.], 31 Edward I. [A.D. 1302], John de Brimmesgrave, Robert de Harewe, Walter Stedeman, and Nicholas de Brackele, paviors of London, were sworn to make the pavement throughout the streets and places of the City only in the manner most commodious for the public, and according to the ordinance of old approved, &c.

De attornato in Banco jur'.

Wednesday after the Feast of the Circumcision [1 Jan.], 31 Edward I. [A.D. 1302-3], before Sirs John le Blund, Mayor, Elyas Russel, Thomas Romeyn, William de Leyre, William de Betoyne, Walter de Finchingfeld, Nicholas de Farndone, John Darmenters, William le Mazerer, Salamon le Coteler, John de Vintry, Simon de Paris, Nicholas Pycot, [and] Richer de Refham, Thomas le Paumer de Cornhulle was sworn to be the attorney of the Commonalty of London in the King's Bench, and according to his ability well and truly to keep, maintain, and challenge the liberties and free customs of the City of London, and to instruct and inform the Serjeant of the City as often as is necessary, &c., for 26s. 8d. per annum, &c.

And it was granted to him that he should be quit of tallage, &c., the whole time he was in the service of the City as aforesaid, &c.

De attornato in Scaccario Regis.

"Harsculphus" (fn. 1) de Whytewelle is attorney of the Commonalty of the City of London in the King's Exchequer from the Feast of St. Michael, 34 Edward I. [A. D. 1306], taking yearly 40s.

[Folios lxx b blank.]

Folio lxxi.

Inventory of pledges sold A.D. 1303 by order of the Mayor and Aldermen for arrears on the King's tallage. (fn. 2)

Folio lxxi b.

Breve R' pro coronatore admittend'.

Edward, by the grace of God, &c., to the Mayor and Sheriffs of London greeting. Whereas our beloved servant William Trente, our Chamberlain, to whose bailiwick the office of Coroner in our City aforesaid appertains, (fn. 3) on account of our business on which at present he is actively engaged, is unable to spare time personally to execute that office, and has by his letters patent deputed under him John le Clerk to do those things which there appertain to that office; we bid you admit the said John in the place of the aforesaid William to that office, and be favourable and obedient to him in all things appertaining thereto in the City aforesaid, as heretofore has been accustomed to be done in like case. Witness ourself at Odyham, 27 Dec., the thirty-first year of our reign [A.D. 1302].

Breve R' procoronatore admittend'.

Edward, &c., to the Mayor and Sheriffs of London greeting. Whereas our beloved servant Walter de Waldeshef, our Butler, to whose bailiwick the office of Coroner in our City aforesaid appertains, (fn. 4) having not sufficient leisure to attend personally to that office, has appointed Robert de Gunthorp his deputy; we bid you, &c. Dated at Westminster, 9 Sept, 3 Edward II. [A.D. 1309].

Manucapcio executor' Anneatte Brigge pro Oseber to de Suff' etejusdem absolucio.

Richard de Welleford and Richard Wolmere came before John le Blunt, Mayor of London, and the Aldermen in the Husting of London for Common Pleas, held on Monday next after the Feast of the Purification B. M. [2 Feb.], 31 Edward I. [A.D. 1302-3], and became surety for the executors of the will of Anne atte Brigge to answer and satisfy the Commonalty of London of £21 sterling if it be found that Osebert de Suffolk, late husband of the said Anne, was so indebted to the Commonalty aforesaid or to the King in respect of his Shrievalty or any other cause whatsoever, (fn. 5) &c. And to keep the said Commonalty harmless to that amount they extend themselves (se extendunt (fn. 6) ), &c.

(Afterwards, viz., on Wednesday after the Feast of St. Edward the King, the same year, the aforesaid mainpernors were absolved of their mainprise, inasmuch as it was evident to the Mayor and Aldermen that the said Osebert was in no way indebted to the King or Commonalty, so far as they could learn.)

Folio lxxii.

[Marginal note: Commissions of Elyas Russel, Richer de Refham, Albric de Fecamp, and Matthew de la Tour; but the text of the commissions is not recorded, a blank page being left.]

Folio lxxii b.

Breve Reg'.

Writ to the Mayor, Sheriffs, Aldermen, and Commonalty of the City of London, that they assist Richer de Refham and Hugh Pourte, recently appointed collectors of the new and old Custom (fn. 7) in the City for the King's use. Witness, W[alter de Langton], Bishop of Coventry and Lichfield, the King's Treasurer, at York, 27 June, 32 Edward I. [A.D. 1304]. (fn. 8)

Breve Reg'.

Writ to the Mayor and Sheriffs of London, straitly charging them to summon before them Richer de Refham and Hugh Pourte, the Wardens of the King's ancient custom of wools, wool-fels, and leather in the City, and in the presence of the said Wardens to take sufficient security for Richard Cristesmesse, the King's Troner (tronatore nostro), that he will behave himself well and faithfully in the said office, and suffer no loss to happen to the King nor to the merchants coming to him with their goods. Information touching the said security to be sent to the Treasurer and Barons of the Exchequer at York on the morrow of St. Michael. Witness, W[alter de Langton], Bishop of Coventry and Lichfield, at York, 25 May, 32 Edward I. [A.D. 1304].

Returnum.

Return made that Richard Cristesmesse was unable to find security according to the above writ. Accordingly nothing was done.

[cedula.]

Writ to the Mayor, Sheriffs, Aldermen, and the whole Commonalty of the City of London, notifying the appointment of Richer de Refham and Hugh Pourte as collectors of the King's new and old Custom in the City, and bidding the said Mayor, &c., to assist the said collectors in the exercise of their duty whenever required. Witness, W[alter de Langton], Bishop of Coventry and Lichfield, the King's Treasurer, at York, 27 June, 32 Edward I. [A.D. 1304].

Folio. lxxiii.

Cogn' pro executor Thome de Oxonia.

Thursday before the Feast of St. Gregory [12 March], 30 Edward I. [A.D. 1301-2], came Thomas, son of Thomas de Oxford, and Thomas de Farndone, goldsmith, before John le Blunt, Mayor, Walter de Finchingfeld and Nicholas Pycot, the Chamberlain, and jointly and severally bound themselves to indemnify William de Rede, Thomas de Suffolk, and Peter the rector of the church of St. Stephen de Walebroke, executors of Thomas de Oxford, deceased, touching the dower of Johanna, daughter of the aforesaid Thomas, or her patrimony, and legacies to Peter, John, and Agnes, children of the aforesaid Thomas, who are now dead.

Breve Reg' ad pro[ro]gand' Tieugas inter Regem Francie et Regem Angie.

The King's writ to the Mayor and Sheriffs of London notifying the prorogation of the truce between France and England. Dated at Huntingdon, 22 March, 31 Edward I. [A.D. 1301-2]. (fn. 9)

Proclamacio facta per predictum breve.

Proclamation thereon made Monday the morrow of Palm Sunday [15 April], 31 Edward I. [A.D. 1302].

Veredictum Alderm' super testamentum Oseberti de Suff'.

Wednesday the eve of the Ascension [16 May], 31 Edward I. [A.D. 1303], it was adjudged by John le Blund, the Mayor, Elyas Russel, Adam de Rokesle, Richard de Gloucestre, William de Beton', Thomas Romeyn, John de Wangrave, John de Vintry, Richer de Refham, Ralph de Honilane, Nicholas Pycot, John Darmenters, John de Dunstaple, Nicholas de Farndone, Henry de Gloucestre, Walter de Finchingfeld, and Hugh Pourte, Aldermen, that the heirs of the blood of Osebert de Suffolk should be excluded from hereditary rights in the houses which belonged to the said Osebert in Cordwanerstrete, in the parishes of St. Mary le Bow and St. Mary de Aldermarichirche, by testament of the said Osebert, proved and enrolled in the Husting of London held on Monday after the Feast of Invention of H. Cross [3 May], 12 Edward I. [A.D. 1284]. Except Walter de Finchingfeld and Henry de Gloucestre, who did not altogether agree, but said that all that was enrolled in the said testament was the will of the testator, and is good and acceptable, &c.

Afterwards, viz., on Friday after the Feast of St. Valentine [14 February], 33 Edward I. [A.D. 1304-5], it was ordered by John le Blound, the Mayor, John de Wangrave, William de Leyre, Walter de Finchingfeld, Richer de Refham, John de Dunstaple, Hugh Pourte, Adam de Fulham, Adam de Rokesle, John de Vintry, Salamon le Cotiller, Aldermen, and Roger de Paris, Sheriff, that Ralph Godchep, John de Wrytele, Stephen Uptone, and William le Barber, spicer, parishioners of the church of St. Mary le Bow, being sworn on the Holy Gospels, shall, by view, ordinance, and consent of the said Mayor, sell the aforesaid houses at the best price possible, and that a chantry be provided out of the proceeds for the good of his soul and the soul of "Anne" his wife, and the residue devoted to the fabric of London Bridge. (fn. 10)

Folio lxxiii b.

Custodia Johannis filii Henr' de Waldegrave tradita Rogero de Evere.

Tuesday the morrow of the Annunciation B. M. [25 March], 31 Edward I. [A.D. 1303], the wardship of John, son of Henry de Waldegrave, and of his rents and tenements, was delivered by Sir John le Blount, the Mayor, William de Leyre, Thomas Romeyn, William de Beton', Walter de Finchingfeld, Richer de Refham, and Nicholas Pycot, the Chamberlain, Aldermen, to Roger de Evere, ironmonger, at the request of Walter de Waldegrave, uncle and former guardian of the said John. The tenements, of the value of £9, are situate in the parish of St. Nicholas Olof, near the tenements of William de Arderne, tailor, and John de Spayne, and between Bredstrete and Sporoneslane The guardian is to provide reasonable maintenance for his ward and for Margaret his ward's mother; and if the said Margaret be dissatisfied with the maintenance found her, she is to receive an annuity of 26s. 8d. in lieu thereof and for her dower, &c. Various sums are to be paid to the Abbot and Convent of Certesseye, the Hospital of St. John de Clerkenewelle, St. Paul's Church, the Prior of H Trinity, the churches of St. Nicholas Olof and St. Michael atte Quenehithe, and to Thomas de Peulesdone and John de Wylehall. Sureties for the said guardian, viz., Henry de Merlawe, "cotiller," and Adam de Boctone, coffrer.

[Folios lxxiv blank.]

Folio. lxxii b.

Compot' Joh' is de Sheperede clerici Will'i de Leyre.

Thursday after the octave of Easter [7 April], 31 Edward I. [A.D. 1303], Walter de Finchingfeld and John de Wyndesore- auditors of the account of John de Sheperede, clerk of William de Leyre, rendered in the Court of Simon de Paris, Sheriff of London, touching rents of the said William received between Michaelmas, anno 30 Edward I., and the following Easter- find that the said John de Sheperede still owes the said William the sum of 46s. 2d., and he is committe d to the custody of the Sheriff until the money be paid.

Litera Baldewyni le Flemeng' de attorn'.

Tuesday before the Feast of Ascension [16 May] came Baldewyn, son of Richard le Fleming de Hirlaunde, before John le Blunt, the Mayor, and the Aldermen, and acknowledged as his a letter appointing Nicholas Pycot his attorney to receive rents of the heirs of Sir Nicholas de Wyncestre in the parish of St. Christopher in London, &c.

Proclamacio de pace inter Regem Anglie et Regem Francie.

Order under seal of Aymer de Valence for proclamation of peace between England and France to be made by the Mayor and Sheriffs of London on Trinity Sunday [2 June]. (fn. 12)

Folio lxxv.

Breve Reg' pro pace proclamanda inter Reges Angl' et Francie.

The King's writ to the Sheriffs of London for proclamation of terms of the peace. Dated at the vill of St. John "de pert," (fn. 13) 10 July, 31 Edward I. [A.D. 1303].

Concordia inter Richerum de Refham et Joh'em de Lincolnia. Et pena super eam.

Agreement and settlement of disputes made on Monday the eve of St. Michael [29 Sept.], 32 Edward I. [A.D. 1304], between Richer de Refham, Alderman, and John de Lincoln, in the presence of Sirs John le Blound, Mayor, John de Wangrave, Walter de Finchingfeld, William de Leyre, Hugh Pourte, William le Mazerer, Simon de Paris, Henry de Gloucestre, Salamon le Cotiller, John de Armenters, Thomas Sely, and Nicholas Pycot, Aldermen, and John de Burreforth, Sheriff, and Sir John de Banquelle, Knt. The said John de Lincoln pledges himself and his property to pay the sum of £40 to the fabric of London Bridge in case of his being convicted of offering an injury to the aforesaid Richer.

Cognicio Rog'ile Viroler de muro dn'i Joh'is de Banquelle.

Roger le Viroler summoned to answer Sir John de Banquelle, Knt., on a charge of having broken down a party wall between their respective tenements near the Guildhall at a time when the said Sir John was engaged in the King's service beyond the seas and was under royal protection. The said Roger duly came and declared before the aforesaid Mayor and Aldermen that he understood from Henry le Waleys his feoffor that the wall was his property. He now acknowledged the wall to be the property of Sir John de Banquelle, and he himself laid no claim to it, but made amends to the said Sir John and submitted to the judgment of the Mayor and Aldermen.

Folio lxxv b.

Breve Regis.

Writ to the Mayor and Sheriffs of London to cause two or three citizens to attend at the Exchequer at York on the morrow of St. John the Baptist to consult upon the new payments and customs (fn. 14) which divers merchants had agreed to pay in order to be quit of prisage. Dated at Newcastle-on-Tyne, 7 May, 31 Edward I. [A.D. 1303].

Returnum.

Walter de Finchingfeld, John de Lincoln, and Henry de Durham are assigned by the Commonalty of the City of London to come before the Barons of the Exchequer at the time and place named in the writ, and to them commission has been granted by the Commonalty of the City aforesaid to treat on behalf of the same, &c.

Commissio communi sigillo signata.

Commission under the seal of the Commonalty appointing the above to represent the City at York. Dated Wednesday after the Feast of St. Botolph [17 June], 31 Edward I. [A.D. 1303], which commission was returned into the Chamber by the said representatives on Tuesday after the Feast of Translation of St. Thomas the Martyr [7 July] next ensuing.

Names of the representatives of forty-two other towns who came on the 25th day of June before the Council of the lord the King at York by summons of the writ aforesaid, and with one consent and will declared, as well for themselves as for the commonalties of the cities and boroughs aforesaid, that they would in no wise consent to the increase of maletote (maltollie (fn. 16) ), nor to the customs mentioned in the aforesaid writ [and] granted to the lord the King by foreign and strange merchants, save only to the customs due and accustomed of old.

Folio lxxv.

Quieta clamacio Alicie Martin facta Warino Fattingde maemio.

cognicio iiijd.

Wednesday after the Feast of Nativity of St. John Bapt. [24 June], 31 Edward I. [A.D. 1303], Alice Martin, "Gildestere," came before Sir John le Blund, Mayor, Hugh Pourte, Sheriff, and Thomas Romeyn, Nicholas de Farndone, Richard de Gloucestre, and Nicholas Pycot, the Chamberlain, Aldermen, and quitclaimed and pardoned Warm Fatting, an apprentice of Matilda Fatting, touching a maiming she had recently suffered on the index finger of her right hand; the said Matilda in return giving a recognizance for 35s., of which she paid 20s., and promised to pay the remainder at Michaelmas next, &c., and unless, &c.

(Afterwards, viz., on Wednesday after the Feast of St. Michael, the said Alice came and acknowledged satisfaction.)

Breve R' pro executore Roberti de Bree.

Writ to the Mayor of London for the attachment of Peter de Bosenho, late Sheriff, and Simon de Paris, one of the present Sheriffs of London, to answer a charge of negligence in permitting James le Reve, who had been called upon to furnish an account of money to Nigel le Brun, executor of Robert de Bree, to abscond Dated at "Linlyscu," 6 June, 31 Edward I. [A.D. 1303].

Returnum.

Return to the effect that Peter de Bosenho had been attached by William Reyner and Thomas de Lentone, and Simon de Paris by John Scarlet and Peter de Grenewyche; that the plea mentioned in the writ had been, and still was, before the Sheriffs of London, who had cognizance of it, and in whose possession the record and proceedings remained; and that whenever that plea or any other plea pleaded in the City had to be recorded, it ought and was accustomed to be recorded within the liberty of the said City and not without the same, viz., at St. Martin le Grand, London, and this according to the custom of the aforesaid City.

The above return was made and ordained on Thursday after the Feast of SS. Peter and Paul [29 June], the year aforesaid, by the Mayor and Aldermen.

Folio lxxvi b.

Breve Reg' pro civibus Januens'.

Writ to the Mayor and Sheriffs of London for the arrest of goods found in the City belonging to Flemish merchants to the value of 522 marks and more, by way of retaliation for the seizure of Guy and "Johanot" Spinul, merchants of Genoa, and their ship, merchandise, servants, &c., near Sandwich by men of Flanders, who carried them away to Ipre as was understood, and there kept them in prison. Dated at Edenburg, 4 June, 31 Edward I. [A.D. 1303].

Returnum.

Return made to the effect that the Mayor and Sheriffs had arrested some cloth of the value of 300 marks and more in the possession of Walter le Clerk de Brabant and John de Brusseles, and other cloth of the value of 120 marks in the possession of Henry Scof de Malins. They had also arrested some wine of the value of 100 marks found in the possession of Lambert de Selande, a partner with Ingelram le Fauconer, a burgess of Bruges, which wine is claimed as the property of William Julian, merchant of Burdeus. And the aforesaid Walter, John, and Henry, in the presence of Sirs John de Drokenesford, John de Berewyc, and Henry Spigornel, claimed the aforesaid cloth as their own property at the time of the arrest and offered to prove the same. But as they (the Mayor and Sheriffs) were given to understand that this offer was made in bad faith, they had postponed further proceedings until they had received the King's further orders.

Verdict of the Aldermen of London.

[cedula.]

They say on their oath that Adam de Warfeld, sacristan of Westminster, Alexander de Persore and Thomas de Dene, monks of the said church, were ordainers and contrivers of the burglary (burgerie) of the Treasury of the lord the King. And John Albon, "mazoun," and a certain John, servant of the aforesaid John, and Richard de "Podelescote" broke into the Treasury aforesaid and entered it, and carried away the treasure and jewels found therein. (fn. 18) They say also that Roger de Perstoke, the drawer of beer (tractator cervisie) in the cellar for the use of the convent, Robert de Cherringe, John de Nottele, John de Prescote, Thomas de Lichefeld, Walter, valet of Sir Arnold de Campan', William, valet of John Shenche, Keeper of the King's Palace, Roger and Adam, valets of the aforesaid sacristan of Westminster, were aiders and abettors of the said robbery. They say, moreover, that the aforesaid Richard de "Podelicote" was found seized of part of the jewels aforesaid, comprising coronets, fermails of gold, girdles, cups, and scuttles (scutellis) of silver to the value of £2,200. And that the aforesaid sacristan was seized of a bowl and cup of silver the value of which they knew not. They say also that John de Neumarche, a goldsmith residing at Billingesgate, was found seized of gold weighing 6s. and three precious stones, and they hold him suspect. And they say that Walter de Walepol bought in good faith and unsuspectingly of the aforesaid Richard de Podelicote three gold rings, and William Torel in like manner two gold rings. And Geoffrey de Bradele, girdler, in like manner bought of the said Richard a plate of silver weighing £14 15s. And that John de Brigeford, goldsmith, likewise bought a fermail of gold and Oriental "perles" of the value of 70s. And that Thomas de Frowyk, goldsmith, in like manner bought of Imayna la Berestere precious stones of the value of 42s., and likewise Nicholas de St. Botulph, goldsmith, stones of the value of 20s., which stones the said Imayna had received from John de Neumarche They say also that about the Feast of the Invention of H. Cross [3 May] last past John de Uggele, William de Kinebautone and John his brother, and Chastanea la Barbere and Alice her sister met in a certain house within the close of Flete Prison, together with a horseman (homine equestro) and four other ribalds unknown, for two nights, and there spent the time until midnight eating and drinking, and then withdrew with arms towards Westminster, and in the morning returned; and this they did for two nights, and afterwards never returned again. And because about the same time the Treasury was broken into, they hold these suspect of the robbery and felony aforesaid.

This verdict was given on Saturday after the Feast of SS. Peter and Paul [29 June], 31 Edward I. [A.D. 1303], by oath of William de Leyre, William de Betoyne, Thomas Romeyn, John de Wangrave, John de Armenters, John de Canterbury, Adam de Fulham, Hugh Pourte and Simon de Paris, the Sheriffs, Richer de Reffham, John de Vintry, Coroner, William le Mazerer, John de Dunstaple, Nicholas Picot, Salamon le Cotiller, Nicholas de Farndone, Henry de Gloucestre, Aldermen, &c.

[cedula dors.]

Friday after the Feast of St. Martin in Yeme [11 Nov.], 32 Edward I. [A.D. 1304], Joce Botedieu was sworn Serjeant of the Chamber before John le Blound, Mayor, John de Wangrave, William de Leyre, Walter de Finchingfeld, Nicholas de Farndone, Nicholas Pycot, John de Dunstaple, Henry de Gloucestre, John de Vintry, Ralph de Honilane, Adam de Rokesle, Salamon le Cotiller, Aldermen, and John de Lincoln and Roger de Paris, Sheriffs, &c. And the aforesaid Mayor and John de Wangrave mainprised for the said Joce that he would well and faithfully conduct himself in all matters touching the said Chamber, &c.

Saturday after the Feast of St. Michael [29 Sept.], 31 Edward I. [A.D. 1303], John Juvenal was sworn Serjeant of the Chamber before John le Blund, Mayor, William de Leyre, Ralph de Homlane, and Nicholas Pycot, the Chamberlain, &c.

[Folios lxxvii blank.]

Folio lxxvii b.

Ordinacio renovata pro cordwanar'.

(Here follow the Ordinances of the Cordwainers as renewed on Monday after the Feast of St. Bartholomew [24 Aug.], 31 Edward I. [A.D. 1303], by the Mayor and Aldermen, commencing Purceo qe plusurs bone gent Cordwaners......and ending sur peyne denprisonement. Cf. 'Liber Horn,' folio 309 b. Printed in 'Liber Cust.,' i. 83, 84; translation, id., ii. 540-1.)

Afterwards, on Monday the morrow of the Nativity B. M. [8 Sept.], 8 Edward II. [A.D. 1314], forasmuch as it was given to understand to Nicholas de Farndone, the Mayor, and the Aldermen that Daniel de Chiltre, (fn. 19) one of the wardens (custodum) of the said craft (officii), was dead, and that Peter de Sevecompe, cordwainer, was no longer a resident in the City, the said Mayor summoned Richard le Cordewaner de Grascherche, and Simon de Burghwelle, residing at Grascherche, cordwainer, and they were sworn to safeguard the said craft as above expressed.

Abrocar' altut' jur'.

Friday after the Feast of St. Michael [29 Sept.], 8 Edward II. [A.D. 1314], John de Lincoln, junior, and Henry Bonquer were presented to be brokers of leather and of the cordwainers by John Poyntel, Roger Poyntel, Ralph Pikot, William Smyngham, Walter Pecok, and other good men of the craft of leathersellers (mercatorum alluti) and cordwainers, &c., and were sworn, &c.

Also Peter de Evendene was admitted and sworn to the office of broker of leather and other merchandise coming from parts of Spain, on Wednesday next before the Feast of St. Ambrose [4 April], 11 Edward II. [A.D. 1318].

[Folios lxxviii-lxxix blank.]

Folio lxxix b.

Breve Reg' quod statera remancat in iqualr.

Edward, by the grace of God, &c., to the Mayor and Sheriffs of London. Whereas, among certain articles which we by our charter for us and our heirs have granted to merchant strangers and foreigners (fn. 20) coming with their goods and merchandise within our realm and power, we have ordained that in every merchant vill and fair within our said realm and power our weights should be kept in a fixed place, and that, before weighing, the balance (statera) should, in the presence of the buyer and seller, be seen to be empty and the arms of the said balance be equal, and that thenceforth the weigher should weigh equally, and that when he had placed the balance evenly he should remove his hands so that it remained even; we command you, as we have already commanded you, that you cause our aforesaid ordinance in all things to be straitly observed with the same merchants according to the terms of our charter aforesaid; or, otherwise, that you signify to us the reason why this our command already laid upon you you have failed to obey. Witness ourself at Westminster, the 14th day of October, the thirty-third year of our reign [A.D. 1305].

Returnum.

Return. The manner of weighing heavy goods (averia ponderis (fn. 21) ) coming to the City of London from time immemorial was, and still is, that the balance should always draw towards the better, that is to say, towards the thing bought, (fn. 22) and in that way the said goods are sold to archbishops, bishops, earls, barons, and others soever buying goods of that kind in the said City; and this custom and manner of weighing our ancestors have used, and we hitherto have used, and our lord the King has confirmed to us by his charter our liberties and free customs which we have hitherto used by grant of his predecessors, kings of England. Wherefore we cannot nor ought to change the customs of his City used and approved by reason of the grant now made to merchant strangers to the injury and prejudice of his citizens, and also of the magnates and Commonalty of his realm, especially since in the charter granted to them it is contained that weighing should be done in the manner in the said charter contained when it is not against the lord of the place, or contrary to the liberty granted by the lord the King himself or his ancestors, or contrary to the custom of the vills and fairs hitherto observed. (fn. 23)

Aliud breve Reg' pro eodem.

Another writ insisting upon the Mayor and Sheriffs executing the King's former command, otherwise they are to appear before him at Westminster on Monday after the Feast of Edmund, K. [20 Nov.], next to answer for their contempt. Dated at Stanes, 16 Nov., 33 Edward I. [A.D. 1305].

Returnum.

Return to the effect that they would appear on the day named.