Folios lx - lxix

Calendar of Letter-Books of the City of London: C, 1291-1309. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1901.

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'Folios lx - lxix', in Calendar of Letter-Books of the City of London: C, 1291-1309, (London, 1901) pp. 96-114. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/london-letter-books/volc/pp96-114 [accessed 17 March 2024]

In this section

Folio lx.

Litera dn'i Joh'is de Drokenesford pro deliberandis et allocand' in xva

Letter from John de Drokenesford, Keeper of the King's Wardrobe, to the Mayor and Aldermen of London, desiring them to become surety for the payment of divers harness bespoken by Philip de Leghtone for the King's service in Scotland, or to persuade the owners of the harness to lend the same to the King on the security of certain fifteenths, so that the said Philip might be at Berewyk with the harness at the octave of St. John at the latest. Dated at "Pokeriche," (fn. 1) 17 June [29 Edward I., A.D. 1301].

By reason of the above letter there were delivered to the said Philip de Leghtone for the King's use, 28 June, 29 Edward I. [A.D. 1301], horses' bridles and other necessaries taken of Thomas de Gloucestre, saddler, for which the Commonalty of London owes the said Thomas 108s.

(Whereof he received 40s., and 28s., and 40s., and therefore is quit.)

Also it owes Nicholas le Ropere, for traces and other necessaries taken of him and delivered to the said Philip, 60s.

(Whereof he received 20s., and 13s. 4d., and 26s. 8d., and therefore is quit.)

Also to Dyonisia la Rowere, for wheels, &c., £6 17s. 4d.

(Received 40s., and 37s. 4d., and 20s., and 40s., and therefore is quit.)

Also to Henry le Haltrehere, for halters for horses, &c., 62s.

(Received 22s., and 13s. 4d. and 26s. 8d., and therefore is quit.)

Also to William le Smyth, for iron for carts, &c., 33s. 10d.

(Received 13s. 10d. and 20s., and therefore is quit.)

Also to Robert le Haltrehere, for halters, &c., 42s.

(Received 22s. and 20s., and therefore is quit.)

Also to Robert de Teye, for cords, &c., delivered to the said Philip, 2 July, 56s. 6d.

(Received 56s. 6d., and therefore is quit.)

Also to Luke de Haveryngge, for money given for freight by the ship of Geoffrey Brun of the above articles, 3 July, 13s. 4d.

Also to Richard de Campes, for money given the same day for like purpose, 24s.

(Received 20s. in tallages allowed, and 4s. by the hands of Hugh de Wautham, clerk.)

Total, £26 17s.

Folio lx b.

Proteccio domini Reg' promercatoribus de societate Mozorum.

The King's letters of protection in favour of Cambin Falconar' and Philip Borgy and their fellows, merchants of the company of Mozi of Florence, travelling in England on the business of Henry de Lacy, Earl of Lincoln. Dated at Kenylleworth, 2 June, 29 Edward I. [A.D. 1301].

Litera R' patens quod mercatores de societate Mozorum sint quieti a talliag', etc.

Letters patent granting the above merchants immunity from contribution to aids in return for services rendered to the King by the above Earl of Lincoln. Dated at Kenilleworth, 1 June, 29 Edward I. [A.D. 1301].

Breve R' pro Comitissa Cornubie.

Edward, by the grace, &c., to the Sheriffs of London greeting. Whereas among the lands and tenements which belonged to Edmund, late Earl of Cornwall, deceased, who held them of us in capite, and which at his death came to our hands, we assigned to Margaret his wife 21 librates (fn. 2) of annual rent with appurtenances in the City aforesaid, to be derived from the Queenhithe there by way of dower, and therefore we commanded our beloved and trusty Walter de Gloucester, our escheator beyond the Trent, to deliver the said rent to the said Margaret in form aforesaid, and the said escheator signified to us that the rent was in your hands so that he could not execute our aforesaid command; we, wishing to give effect to the assignment of dower aforesaid, command you to pay the said rent to the said Margaret, to hold as dower according to the assignment aforesaid And this by no means omit. Witness ourself at Tynemuth, 22 June, 29 Edward I. [A.D. 1301].

Folio lxi.

Commissio Regin' de Thunderle de assisa pannorum.

Letters patent appointing Reinald (or Reginald) de Thunderlee Keeper of the Assize of foreign cloth (fn. 3) put to sale throughout the realm, to hold during the King's pleasure, he answering to the Exchequer for the same in manner prescribed. Dated at Morpath, 28 June, 29 Edward I. [A.D. 1301].

Writ to all Sheriffs, bailiffs, &c., notifying the above appointment. Same date.

Folio lxi b.

Commissio Hugonis Pourte et aliorum in Nundinis S. Botulphi.

To all stewards, bailiffs, and officials of the Fair of St. Botolph and all other faithful in Christ to whom the present letters shall come, Elyas Russel, Mayor of the City of London, as well as the whole Commonalty of the said City, greeting. Know ye that we have ordained, made, and constituted our beloved in Christ Hugh Pourte, John de Armenters, John de Lincoln, and John de Burreford, citizens, our wardens and attorneys at the present Fair of St. Botolph jointly and severally to demand, challenge, and claim all our citizens attached for any cause whatsoever or impleaded in any of our courts, (fn. 4) and to execute plenary justice to all complaining of them according to the law merchant; ratifying and confirming whatever the said Hugh, John, John, and John, or any of them may have done in the premises and in all other things which they or any of them may think fit to do appertaining in any way to the liberty of the aforesaid City and our citizens. In testimony whereof we have affixed our common seal to these presents. Dated London, Thursday after the Feast of St. Mary Magdalen [22 July], 29 Edward I. [A.D. 1301].

Commissio Elye Russel et alior' in Nundinis Sc'i Botulphi.

Thursday (fn. 5) the eve of St. Laurence [10 Aug.], 30 Edward I. [A.D. 1302], a similar commission to Elyas Russel, John de Armenters, Hugh Pourte, and John de Burreford was sealed.

Alia Commissio.

Tuesday after the Feast of St. Peter ad Vincula [1 Aug.], 31 Edward I. [A.D. 1303], a similar commission to John de Burreford, William Cosin, Richard de Meldeburne, and Stephen de Abyndone was sealed.

Communis litera facta Ricai do Swerre.

Promissory note under the Common Seal of the City of London for payment to Richard Swerre, merchant of Almaine, of the sum of £23 3s. 9d. at Christmas next, that sum being due for wax bought by Elyas Russel for the King's use. Dated Wednesday after the Feast of St. Peter ad Vincula [1 Aug.], 30 Edward I. [A.D. 1302].

Commissio pio Nundinis S. Botulphi Anno xxxij.

Saturday the Feast of St. James, Ap. [25 July], 32 Edward I. [A.D. 1304], a commission to William de Bettoyne, Hugh Pourte, William de Coumbemartin, William Cosin, Richard de Meldebourne, and Robert Persone for St. Botolph's Fair, sealed.

Commissio pro Nundinis S. Botulphi a° regni Regis E. xxxiij°.

Friday after the Feast of St. Mary Magdalen [22 July], 33 Edward I. [A.D. 1305], a commission to William de Coumbemartin, John de Burreforth, William Cosyn, and Reginald de Thunderlee for St. Botolph's Fair, sealed.

Breve Regis.

Writ to the stewards and bailiffs of the Duke of Brittany confirmatory of the privileges of the citizens of London at St. Botolph's Fair. Dated at "Wymelingweld," (fn. 6) 13 July, 33 Edward I. [A.D. 1305]. (fn. 7)

Commissio pro Nundinis S. Botulphi ao regni Regis E. xxxiiij°.

Saturday after the Feast of St. Laurence [10 Aug.], 34 Edward I. [A.D. 1306], a commission to John de Burreford, Stephen de Abyndone, Richard de Meldebourne, John le Mire, and William de Bydik for St. Botolph's Fair, sealed.

Commissio pro Nundinis S. Botulphi a° regni Regis E. xxxv°.

Sunday before the Feast of St. Margaret [20 July], 35 Edward I. (fn. 8) [A.D. 1307], a commission to William Cosyn, John de Burreford, Stephen de Abyndone, Richard de Meldebourne, and William de Hedersete for St. Botolph's Fair, sealed.

Folio lxii.

Friday after the Feast of St. Bartholomew [24 Aug.], 29 Edward I. [A.D. 1301], a day was given to the Mayor of Bristol, who prosecutes on behalf of his Commonalty for custom and toll taken from men of Bristol unjustly, as he declares, until the octave of St. Michael next. In the meantime he is to treat with the Sheriffs and other officers of the City [to see] if they ought to be quit, or whether his men had paid custom or toll from time immemorial, &c.

Commissio pro Nundinis S. Botulphi de a° regni Regis E. fil' E. primo.

Wednesday after the Feast of SS. Peter and Paul [29 June], 1 Edward II. [A.D. 1308], a commission to Richard Wylehale, John de Burreford, Richard de Meldebourne, William de Bydik, William de Hanigtone, and Simon de Corp for St. Botolph's Fair, sealed.

Breve R'.

Writ to the bailiffs of John of Brittany, Earl of Richemund, confirmatory of the privileges of the citizens of London at St. Botolph's Fair. Dated at Stanleye, 22 June, 1 Edward II. [A.D. 1308]. (fn. 9)

cognicio.

Wednesday after the Feast of Nativity B. M. [8 Sept.], 29 Edward I. [A.D. 1301], came Nicholas, the baker of Cornhulle, before the Mayor and Aldermen and delivered to Thomas de Kent, serjeant of the Mayor and of the Chamber of the Guildhall, a pipe of wine of the value of 20s. for a trespass he had done the said Thomas, as appeared by verdict of an inquest upon which he put himself. The said pipe or its value is put in respite, so that if the said Nicholas be found a delinquent at another time towards the said Thomas, or any other of the King's serjeants in the City, in a matter which can be supported by the testimony of two trustworthy men, he shall then pay the said 20s. to the fabric of London Bridge; for the faithful payment of which the said Nicholas binds himself and all his goods, &c. (fn. 10)

cognicio.

Friday the morrow of the Exaltation of H. Cross [14 Sept.] came Walter Swan before Sir Elyas Russel, the Mayor, and the rest of the Aldermen, and delivered a cask of wine of the value of 40s., to be paid on demand to William de Leyre, Alderman, for a despite done to him And therefore found pledges, viz., Walter de Wanlok and Robert de Kelleseye, &c. (fn. 11)

Commissio Johannis de Boreford et alior' in Nundinis S. Botulphi.

Appointment of John de Boreford, William Bidyk, Richard de Meldeburne, and Stephen Pencrich as commissioners at St. Botolph's Fair. Dated Monday the morrow of St. Laurence [10 Aug.], 3 Edward II. [A.D. 1309].

Folio lxii b.

Eleccio Vic' et admissio eorundem.

Monday after the Feast of St. Matthew, Ap. [21 Sept.], 29 Edward I. [A.D. 1301], by Elyas Russel, the Mayor, John le Blund, Geoffrey de Nortone, William de Betoyne, William de Leyre, William le Mazerer, Walter de Finchingfeld, Thomas Romeyn, John de Canterbury, John de Vintry, Richard de Gloucestre, Nicholas de Farndone, Simon de Paris, John de Dunstaple, Henry de Gloucestre, Ralph de Honilane, [and] Nicholas Pycot, Aldermen, [and] Luke de Haveringe and Richard de Caumpes, the Sheriffs, in the presence of twelve men of each Ward summoned to receive their Sheriffs, Peter de Bosenho, skinner, and Robert le Callere, mercer, were elected Sheriffs of London and sworn, &c.

And on Saturday the morrow of St. Michael next the said Peter and Robert were presented by the aforesaid Mayor, Aldermen, and Commonalty of the City to Sir Ralph de Sandwych, 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 charter of liberties of the City, &c.

Temp. J[ohn] le Blund, Mayor.

Eleccio domini Joh'is le Blund in Maiorem et admissio ejusdem, etc.

Saturday the Feast of SS. Simon and Jude [28 Oct.], 29 Edward I. [A.D. 1301], Sir John le Blund was elected Mayor of the City of London by the common counsel of Sirs Elyas Russel, the Mayor of London, William de Leyre, Walter de Finchingfeld, William le Mazerer, John de Canterbury, Adam de Fulham, Hugh Pourte, Salamon le Coteler, Simon de Paris, Nicholas de Farndone, Richard de Gloucestre, Henry de Gloucestre, Ralph de Honilane, John de Dunstaple, and Nicholas Pycot, Aldermen, Peter de "Boseho" and Robert le Callere, the Sheriffs of London, and by the assent of twelve good men of each Ward of the City, and was sworn, &c.

And on Sunday the morrow of the above Feast the aforesaid Sir John le Blund was presented for the office of the Mayoralty by the Aldermen aforesaid and the Commonalty of the aforesaid City to the Constable of the Tower without the outer gate of the Tower aforesaid, and was there admitted by him and sworn, &c., according, &c.

Concessio et particularis solucio facta Elye Russel de £xx.

Friday the morrow of the Ascension [31 May], 30 Edward I. [A.D. 1302], by Sirs John le Blund, the Mayor, Geoffrey de Nortone, Adam de Fulham, Richard de Gloucestre, Walter de Finchingfeld, Nicholas de Farndone, Thomas Romeyn, Richer de Refham, John de Armenters, Simon de Paris, Henry de Gloucestre, Salamon le Coteler, William de Leyre, Hugh Pourte, John de Donestaple, [and] Nicholas Pycot, it was agreed that Elyas Russel should be quit as well of the tallage of 2,000 marks as of the fifteenth granted to Sir Edward, the illustrious King of England, in the Parliament held at Lincoln the twenty-ninth year of his reign, for £10; which sum of £10 was allowed to the Commonalty of London in part payment of £20 in which they were bound to the said Elyas for payment made on their behalf to Sir Walter de Langetone, Bishop of Chester and Treasurer of the lord the King. And he (the said Elyas) received of William Servat £6 of the said William's portion of the 2,000 marks in part payment of the £20 aforesaid; and so the Commonalty owe him £4.

Folio lxiii.

Breve R' pro monetariis.

Writ to the Mayor and Sheriffs of London touching the privileges and exemptions from tallage, &c., enjoyed by the Wardens, moneyers, and officers of the King's Exchange. Dated at "Donypas," (fn. 12) 14 Oct., 29 Edward I. [A.D. 1301].

Returnum.

Return to the effect that the moneyers and others were not taxed as such, but as enjoying the privileges of the freedom of the City.

Aliud breve pro monetariis.

Another writ to the same, insisting upon the officers of the King's Exchange being held exempt from tallage, &c. Dated at "Lynliscu," (fn. 13) 21 Nov., 30 Edward I. [A.D. 1301]. (fn. 14)

Manuc' monetar'.

Wednesday after the Feast of Circumcision [1 Jan.], 30 Edward I. [A.D. 1301-2], in the presence of Sirs John le Blund, the Mayor, William de Leyre, Walter de Finchingfeld, Richard de Gloucestre, John de Armenters, Salamon le Coteler, Simon de Paris, John de Dunstaple, Nicholas Pycot, and the rest of the Aldermen [not named], came Sir Ralph de Sandwych, Constable of the Tower, and undertook that neither John de Kingestone, Ranulph de Cheleham, John atte Doune, William de Chigewelle, Henry de Chigewelle, nor Richard de Gloucestre, moneyers, nor any of their fellow moneyers of the King's Exchange, would prosecute the writ they had obtained against the Mayor and Sheriffs to answer for having distrained the said moneyers in aid of the fifteenth granted to the King; and thereupon the said John de Kyngestone, the Provost (prepositus) of the moneyers, destroyed the writ; and the distresses so taken were restored to them on the understanding that they would of their own goods give to the Mayor, Sheriffs, and citizens aforesaid to the value of £40, on account of the claim made upon the said moneyers at Carniprivium next ensuing, &c., unless, &c.

(Afterwards they came and paid their shares, as appears in the Rolls of the Assize aforesaid. (fn. 15) )

[Folios lxiii b blank.]

Folio lxiv.

Preceptum super statutum mercator'.

Thursday before the Nativity of St. John the Baptist [24 June], 29 Edward I. [A.D. 1301], precept issued to Richard de Caumpes, the Sheriff, to take the body of Henry de Wavendone, called "le Coupere," baker, and keep him in custody until he had paid William Everard, goldsmith, the sum of 43 marks due under a recognizance in form of a statute merchant. And because Peter de "Boseho," the Sheriff of London, came on Monday after the Feast of St. Andrew [30 Nov.], 30 Edward I. [A.D. 1301], and testified that the debtor had been in prison a quarter of a year and more and had not satisfied the debt, an extent of his property was ordered. The jurors, viz., John Heyron, senior, Hugh le Taverner, John Trentemars, Gilbert de Lesnes, William de Sarum, Henry de Baumbiry, Robert de Wircestre, John de Staundone, Richard le Barber, Stephen de Harewe, Robert de Crokesle, and Richard le Chaundeler, say that the debtor has no goods or chattels in the City, but he has, by inheritance of his wife, a tenement of the clear yearly value of 26s. 8d. when let. Precept for the delivery of the tenement to the creditor until the debt be satisfied, &c.

De uno pari platarum liberatarum Willelmo de Sko Vasconi.

Friday before Palm Sunday [15 April], 30 Edward I. [A.D. 1302]-in the presence of Sirs Elyas Russel, William de Bettoyne, and Salamon le Coteler-Nicholas Pycot, the Chamberlain, delivered to William de Sko, of Gascony, a pair of plates which had been delivered by Stephen le Potter to John de Dunstaple, then Chamberlain, for delivery to the said William, &c.

Folio lxiv b.

Preceptum super statutum mercator'.

Friday the Feast of St. Scolastica, V., in the month of February [10 Feb.], 29 Edward I. [A.D. 1300-1], precept by Sir Elyas Russel, the Mayor, to Luke de Haveryngge, the Sheriff of London, to take the body of John de Nortone and keep him in custody until he had paid Roger le Blund, woodmonger, the sum of 14 marks due under a recognizance in form of a statute merchant. And because Robert le Callere and Peter de "Boseho," Sheriffs of London, came on Thursday the morrow of St. Nicholas [6 Dec.], 30 Edward I. [A.D. 1301], and testified that the debtor had been in prison a quarter of a year and more and had not satisfied the debt, an extent of his property was ordered. The jurors, viz., Richard Poterel, Walter de Hakeneye, Adam Apsolon, Nicholas de Cantebrige, Robert "Boliner," Richard de Bernes, Thomas de Hales, Geoffrey de Hales, Henry le Parcheminer, William le Feyner, Simon Wastel, and Richard de Totingge, say that the debtor has no goods or chattels except 2s. 5¼d. due to him from Thomas de Hales, but he has on the part of his wife certain rents of tenements held by Thomas de Hales and Thomas de Brauncestre in the Ward of Castle Baynard, and of a house, wharf, &c., amounting in all to 44s. 3¾d. yearly. Precept for the delivery of the said rents to the said Roger until the debt be satisfied.

Folio lxv.

Judicium de W. Amiz.

Friday the morrow of St. Thomas, Ap [21 Dec.], 30 Edward I. [A.D. 1301], came William Amiz before Sirs John le Blund, the Mayor, Elyas Russel, William de Leyre, Adam de Fulham, Salamon le Coteler, Nicholas Pycot, and the rest of the citizens, and was convicted of having received of the tallage of the fifteenth granted to the King last year in his Parliament at Lincoln from divers persons of the Ward of Langebourne, of which he was collector, 21s. 8d., which formerly he denied having received Therefore he is committed to prison, &c. And it was adjudged that he should no longer be in the assize of law (in assisa jur'), &c.

Afterwards came Gilbert le Mareschal, Richard de Hormede, Clement le Pestour, and Richard le Convers, and mainprised the said William to produce him before the Mayor and Aldermen at the next Husting after the Feast of St. Hillary next, &c., to satisfy the lord the King of contempt, &c.

Obligacio Thome Bat.

Friday before the Feast of St. Hillary [13 Jan.], 30 Edward I. [A.D. 1301-2], came Thomas Bat before John le Blund, the Mayor, and the Aldermen, and bound himself and all his rents, lands, and tenements to save the City of London harmless from perils of fire and other losses arising from his houses being covered with straw in the parish of St. Laurence de Candelwykstrete, &c.; and that he would cover the said houses with tiles (fn. 16) before the Feast of Pentecost next ensuing, &c.; and unless he did so he allows the Mayor, Sheriffs, and bailiffs of London to cause the said houses to be covered with tiles out of the issues of his rents aforesaid, &c. (fn. 17)

Breve Reg' pro Burgens' Oxon'.

Writ to the Mayor and Sheriffs of London to restore the distresses taken from John de Beverley, William de Burencestre, Robert de Wormenhall, and William de Burencestre [sic], burgesses of Oxford, for toll on merchandise coming to London, and to cease to demand such toll in future, inasmuch as burgesses of Oxford were by charter quit of all toll throughout the realm. Dated at "Linliscu," 5 Dec., 30 Edward I. [A.D. 1301].

[Return not entered.]

Folio lxv b.

Writ to similar effect addressed to the Coroners of the City of London. Dated at Balsham, (fn. 18) 5 April, 30 Edward I. [A.D. 1302].

[Folio lxvi blank.]

Folio lxvi b.

Abrocar' jur' pro vinis.

Brokers of wine elected by vintners and taverners and sworn before John le Blund, the Mayor, Elyas Russel, William de Leyre, Walter de Finchingfeld, Salamon le Coteler, John de Dunstaple, Richer de Refham, and Nicholas Pycot, Aldermen, on Saturday after the Feast of St. Valentine [14 Feb.], 30 Edward I. [A.D. 1301-2], viz., Andrew Pavely, John le Murager, William de Portesmuwe, Godfrey le Gaugeour, Bernard de la Rochele, Peter Drynkewater, John de Winchester, Roger Belyn, Cristian le Taverner.

[Folio lxvii blank.]

Folio xvii b.

Ordinacio renovata.

Monday after the Feast of St. Matthias, Ap. [24 Feb.], 30 Edward I. [A.D. 1301-2], ordinance that the Sheriffs for the time being shall provide clerks for the due enrolment of pleas in the Husting. (fn. 19)

cognicio.

Agreement between John de Pateshulle, taverner, and Thomas de Kent, serjeant of the Chamber, concerning a trespass, by permission of the Mayor, viz., the said Thomas pardons all trespasses, &c.; and the said John pledges a pipe of wine of the value of 20s., to be paid on demand Edmund le Taillour becomes surety. The pipe of wine or the money is placed in respite until the said John should commit another trespass either against the said Thomas or some other serjeant of the Commonalty, &c.

Proclamacio.

Friday after the Feast of St. Gregory, Pope [12 March], 30 Edward I. [A.D. 1301-2], public proclamation made that all who had pledges in the Chamber of the Guildhall as well for the tallage of a fifteenth as the tallage of 2,000 marks for obtaining the City's franchise, as also for any other debt, should redeem them within the next fortnight, otherwise the said pledges would be sold.

Jur' pro muragio collig'.

Monday after the Nativity B. M. [8 Sept.], 30 Edward I. [A.D. 1302]-before Sirs John le Blunt, Mayor, Geoffrey de Nortone, William de Leyre, Thomas Romeyn, Richard de Gloucestre, John de Dunstaple, Salamon le Coteler, and Nicholas Pycot, Aldermen, &c.-Ralph Pecok, Walter le Hechereve, Michael le Waterwantere (Waterwautere ?), and Ralph Ratespray were sworn to collect well and faithfully the murage (fn. 20) and deliver it to the Chamberlain of the Guildhall, &c.

De Receptore muragii jur'.

Saturday the Feast of St. Michael [29 Sept.], 30 Edward I. [A.D. 1302], before John le Blunt, Mayor, and the Aldermen, John de Lincoln was elected and sworn to receive the murage money, and to spend it and render a true account where and when, &c.

De murag' Receptore.

Afterwards, in an assembly held on Saturday after the Feast of St. Bartholomew [24 Aug.], 33 Edward I. [A.D. 1305], it was agreed, and by common assent ordained, that Richer de Refham, mercer and Alderman, should for the future have charge of the murage granted to the City of London, receiving all the issues arising therefrom to the use of the City, and rendering true account thereof where and when, &c. And the said Richer received it in form aforesaid, &c. And John de Lincoln was absolved thereof, &c. On 2 Sept. the aforesaid Richer received it, &c.

Folio lxviii.

Ordinacio de Judicio reddendo in Hustengo et de testamentis admittendis.

Ordinances made on Wednesday after the Annunciation B. M. [25 March], 30 Edward I. [A.D. 1302], as to judgment in the Court of Husting being given in the presence of the Mayor and Aldermen, and as to probate of wills. (fn. 21)

Pleas of land held in the Husting, London, Monday after the Feast of St. Edmund, K., viz., 22 Nov., 6 Edward I. [A.D. 1277].

Ordinance touching plaintiffs making default in appearance. (fn. 22)

Ordinacio de Rotulis Vic' de intrusionibus.

Friday next after the Feast of St. Martin in Yeme [11 Nov.], 32 Edward I. [A.D. 1304], ordinance that Sheriffs should present their Rolls of Pleas of Novel Disseisin and Mort d'Ancestor on leaving office. (fn. 23)

Common Pleas held on Monday before the Feast of St. Gregory [12 March], 43 Henry III. [A.D. 1258-9].

Ordinacio.

By common consideration it was provided and orders were given to the Sheriffs that when at any time they were about to levy a distress, and were prevented from so doing by obstruction or lock, they might by virtue of their office open the lock in the presence of good men and execute their office. (fn. 24)

Also it was considered that in probates of testaments, if any one challenge any testament in its probate, probate shall be admitted of every testament, provided witnesses depose as to it being the last will of the testator, saving nevertheless to the claimant his right of challenge in respect of such testament. (fn. 25)

Ordinaciones.

In a congregation held on Saturday next after the Feast of St. Bartholomew, Ap. [24 Aug.], 33 Edward I. [A.D. 1305], it was ordained and by common consent agreed-by Sirs John le Blound, the Mayor of London, John de Wengrav e, William de Leyre, Richer de Refham, Richard de Gloucestre, John of the Vintry, Coroner, Nicholas de Farndone, Nicholas Pycot, Hugh Pourte, and John de Dunstaple, Aldermen, and Roger de Paris, Sheriff, and four men of each Ward, &c.-that when a sequestration has been made by a bailiff of the City upon any citizen of London by closure of his doors or any other way for a City debt, and such citizen allows the sequestration, but remains in contempt as to making satisfaction and declines to be amenable to justice, such sequestration and obstruction may be removed by view of the neighbours and the lock opened and removed by the bailiff, and he may execute his office and make due execution thereof, &c.

Also that no one shall enjoy free summons to plead according to the usage of the City who is seen and proved to have removed and withdrawn his goods in deceit of the demandant and to the delaying and nullification of the debt due from him, &c.

Also that all men who have appraised pledges in the Court of the Mayor [or] Sheriffs or before the Chamberlain, shall have the goods appraised for the price assessed unless the demandant shall be willing to take them at the same price. (fn. 26)

Folio lxviii b.

Breve R' ad castigandum malefactores.

Writ to the Mayor and Sheriffs of London for search to be made for disturbers of the peace in the City and their speedy punishment. Dated at Canterbury, 16 June, 30 Edward I. [A.D. 1302].

Breve R' liber' Willelmo de Esthalle liber' Justiciar' de Banco pro placitis de utrum.

The King to his Justices of the Bench greeting. Whereas among the liberties and acquittances granted to the citizens of London by charters of our progenitors formerly kings of England, which we have of late of our special favour renewed by our charter to the said citizens and granted for us and our heirs that they shall for ever be in force, it has been granted to the same that none of them shall plead or be impleaded without the walls of the said City in any plea except pleas of foreign tenures; (fn. 27) we command you that you permit the citizens aforesaid to use and enjoy the liberty aforesaid before you according to the terms of our charter aforesaid, not molesting in anything or aggrieving them or any one of them contrary to the said terms. Witness ourself at Westminster, 2 July, 30 Edward I. [A.D. 1302]. (fn. 28)

Manuc' Simonis de Paris.

Wednesday after the Feast of St. Matthew, Ap. [21 Sept.], 30 Edward I. [A.D. 1302], came William de Betoyne and Nicholas Pycot before Thomas Romeyn and Walter de Finchingfeld, deputies of J[ohn] le Blunt, the Mayor, and mainprised Simon de Paris, who had been elected Sheriff, that he would appear in the Guildhall on Friday the eve of Michaelmas Day next before the Mayor and Aldermen to submit to their judgment.

The said mainpernors produced the said Simon on the day named. Therefore they are quit, &c.

Ordinaciones de Clavibus de Neugate et koketto.

Tuesday after the Feast of St. Michael [29 Sept.], 33 Edward I. [A.D. 1305], it was ordained and by common consent established-by John le Blound, the Mayor of London, John de Wengrave, Walter de Finchingfeld, William de Leyre, Richard de Gloucestre, Salamon le Cotiller, Adam de Folham, John de Dunstaple, Thomas Sely, [and] Henry de Gloucestre, Aldermen, and Reginald de Thunderlee, Sheriff-that the Sheriffs of London for the time being should from that hour in future on the eve of St. Michael, on their leaving their bailiwick, place in the hands of the Mayor for the time being the keys of Newegate, the cocket, (fn. 29) and all other things appertaining to the aforesaid Shrievalty; and that the Mayor, with the assent of the Aldermen, should deliver them to whichever of the [new] Sheriffs it seemed expedient, &c. (fn. 30)

Pro homimbus de Alemania quiet' apud Bisshopesgate.

The same day it was agreed that the merchants of the Hanse of Almaine should be quit of payment of 2s. on going in or out of Bishopesgate with their goods, seeing that they are charged with the custody and repair of the said gate. (fn. 31)

And they paid 2s. 6d. for the enrolment.

Folio lxix.

Wyndrawerii jur'.

Tuesday after the Feast of St. Edmund, K. [20 Nov.], 30 Edward I. [A.D. 1301], the underwritten wine - drawers were summoned before Sirs John le Blunt, the Mayor, William de Leyre, and the rest of the Aldermen and others, viz., John le Palmere, Master of "la Newemeyne," Adam Sharp, "Littele Hobbe," John Bereholt, Hugh Hulle, John Byker, Robert Wodecok, Hugh de Bamborou, Hugh de Abyndone, William le Ireys.

Geoffrey de Rotherhethe, Master......, and his companions, viz., John le Clerk, Thomas le Lung, Robert Clermatyn, Alfred......, John de Abyndone, Richard Brid, Joce......, Richard le Fisshere.

Roger de la Roperie, Master of the King's Company, Peter le Coupere, Philip de Laundone, Geoffrey de Roucestre, John Wyting, William Delveday, William Etebred, Walter de Bristoll, Thomas de Herford, William de Ho, Ralph de Leke, Henry le Clerk.

John le Botere, Master of the Company of "Skipup," Richard le Cartere, Henry Squier, John le Pypere, John Wryngetayl, Robert de Aldewych, James de Canterbury, Richard de Ho, John Edmond, Henry Fresel, John Stelfot-

All of whom took corporal oath, touching the Holy Bible, that they would well, faithfully, and peacefully serve the men of the City and all others of the people and not take more for a tun full of wine or two pipes of wine than below is written, viz., for drawing out of vessels on to the wharf and as far as the cellar on the wharf, 2d.; and from the vessels to a cellar in any lane towards the Thames, 2½d.; and from the vessels to a cellar in the high street of Tamysestrate in the parish of St. Martin (fn. 32) and elsewhere in the neighbourhood (alibi conjunctim), 3d.; and from the vessels to a cellar in lanes running into the aforesaid street of Tamysestrate, 4d.; and from the vessels to a cellar in the Ropery (fn. 33) (Corderia), 6d.; and from the vessels to a cellar through all streets and lanes within the City's gates, 8d.; and from the vessels to a cellar through all streets and lanes without the City walls as far as the Bars of the suburb, 10d.; and for the carriage of one tun or two pipes in a strange cart, 4d. And it is forbidden the aforesaid John le Palmere, Geoffrey de Rotherhethe, Roger de la Roperie, John le Botere, masters, and their aforesaid associates, to meddle with or handle any tun unless there be [present] twelve associates instructed and skilled in the business, &c. And that they should be sworn as above, &c.

[Here follow directions issued by the King, in the thirtieth year of his reign, as to the extent of the authority in future to be exercised by the Steward and Marshals of his household, with memorandum of ratification thereof by the King in Parliament, commencing Ad peticionem civium London', and ending et inrotulatur in Rotulo domini Gilberti de Robiry, &c. Printed in 'Liber Cust.,' i. 111, 112.]

Folio lxix b.

Litera communi sigillo signata executoribus Henr' le Waleys.

Friday the eve of St. Michael [29 Sept.], 30 Edward I. [A.D. 1302], a letter sealed with the Common Seal to the effect that whereas Henry le Waleys, now deceased, and Theobald de Conygesby, Walter de Leghe, Adam de Hallingesbery, and Stephen de Schelphangre, his executors, were bound to the Mayor and Commonalty of London in divers ways, a general acquittance is hereby granted, the sum of £30 having been paid by the said executors, saving a right of action, if any there be, against such executors under a letter obligatory of the King upon a loan of 6,000 marks by the Mayor and Commonalty. Dated 26 Sept., 30 Edward I. [A.D. 1302].

Wednesday after the Feast of St. Michael [29 Sept.], 30 Edward I. [A.D. 1302], before Sirs John le Blunt, the Mayor of London, Elyas Russel, William de Leyre, Richard de Gloucestre, and Nicholas Pycot, Aldermen, Richard de Portesmuhe was elected by Walter le Fullere, William le Fullere, Elyas de Bristoll, Peter de Blakeneye, John Beauflour, John de Dorking, Thomas Cros, William de Gillingham, William Buhs, William de Lutone, Richard Cristesmesse, John de Dene, William atte Vyne, Richard Buhs, Robert de Low, William de Basinge, Robert le Fullere, Adam Hunteman, Vincent de Stertford, and others [not named], as a good and faithful man, and one to do justice alike to poor and rich as custodian of the Tron, &c.; and he was sworn, &c., and the Tron, which had been approved good and true before the aforesaid persons, was delivered to him, &c.

Elyas de Bristoll, Richard Cristesmesse, and Richard de Portesmuhe were similarly elected to examine trons or aunsers, (fn. 34) and for marking those that were good and fair with the seal of the Chamber of the Guildhall, and were sworn to do justice to all, as appears above, &c.

De Tronis sigill'.

xijd.

Friday after the Feast of St. Barnabas [11 June], 31 Edward I. [A.D. 1303], three trons were examined by Elyas de Bristoll, Walter le Fullere, and Thomas the maker of Aunsers (factorem Aunserorum (fn. 35) ) and sealed, one in the possession of John de Gysors being of five weys (wagis (fn. 36) ) and a half, another belonging to the same being of three weys and a half and three pounds. And he gives for sealing 9d. Also a third tron belonging to Robert de Blaby, plumber, was of two weys and twenty pounds. And he gives for sealing 3d.

De Tronis sigillat' pro Rege in Civitate deserviend'.

Saturday before the Feast of St. Laurence [10 Aug.], 32 Edward I. [A.D. 1304], two trons were sealed in the presence of Sir John le Blund, the Mayor of London, John de Wangrave, Nicholas Pycot, the Chamberlain, and Hugh Pourte, and assayed by Thomas "le Aunsermakere," Walter le Fullere, Thomas the Apprentice, William atte Vine, [and] William de Hakeney, woolmen, sworn; one tron being of the weight of two sacks and twenty-two cloves (clavorum (fn. 37) ); another of the weight of one wey and ten cloves. And they were delivered to Sir Hugh Pourte, Collector of the King's Custom, for the King's service in the City of London, &c.

Footnotes

  • 1. Puckeridge (?).
  • 2. A librate of land represented land worth 20s. yearly.
  • 3. In 1270 it was ordained that cloth coming into England from parts beyond the sea should contain at least 26 ells in length and an ell and a half in breadth, under pain of forfeiture. An exception was made of "buiels" or "borels" of Normandy. 'Chron. of Mayors and Sheriffs,' pp. 130-1.
  • 4. In quibuscunque curiis nostris. In the abstract of this commission printed in the 'Liber Cust.' (i. 180) the words are in Nundinis Sancti Botulphi.
  • 5. Die Jovis. The version in the 'Liber Cust.' (i. 181) has Die Sabbati.
  • 6. Or "Wimlingswold," co. Kent, usually called "Womenjole" (Hasted, 'Hist. of Kent,' iii. 712), now corrupted into "Womenswould."
  • 7. Printed in 'Liber Cust.,' i. 181.
  • 8. The Feast of St. Margaret in the year 1307 falling on a Thursday, the date of this commission must be 16 July, by which time Edward I. had died and Edward II. had succeeded to the throne.
  • 9. Printed in 'Liber Cust.,' i. 182.
  • 10. 'Memorials,' p. 46.
  • 11. Id. ibid.
  • 12. Dunbar (?).
  • 13. Linlithgow.
  • 14. Both writs and return printed in 'Liber Cust.,' i. 183-5. Similar writ ao 4 Ed. II., Letter-Book D, folio 128 b
  • 15. Printed in 'Liber Cust.,' i. 185 6.
  • 16. The famous Assize of Building, known as Fitz-Alwyne's Assize, drawn up in 1189-the earliest English "Building Act," probably, in exist ence, as the editor of the 'Liber Albus' justly remarks-made no provision for the material to be used in roofing tenements in the City. This omission was however rectified in the Assize formulated after the great fire of London in 1212 under the auspices of the same Mayor, then on the verge of the grave. Thenceforth every one who built a house was straitly charged not to cover it with reeds, rushes, stubble, or straw, but only with tiles, shingles, boards, or lead. 'Liber Cust.,' i. 87.
  • 17. 'Memorials,' p. 46.
  • 18. Co. Cambr.
  • 19. A repetition of the ordinance recorded supra, p. 14. Printed in 'Liber Cust.,' i. 88, and 'Liber Albus,' i. 402.
  • 20. A tax levied for the maintenance of the City wall.
  • 21. Vide supra, p. 14.
  • 22. Printed partly in 'Liber Cust.,' i. 89, and partly in 'Liber Albus,' i. 403, 404.
  • 23. Vide supra, p. 14.
  • 24. Printed in 'Liber Albus,' i. 119, 120.
  • 25. Printed (with no date) in 'Liber Albus,' i. 120, and again i. 407. The ordinance as recorded in the City's 'Liber de Antiquis,' folio 78 b (see 'Chron. of Mayors and Sheriffs,' p. 44), reserves the right of every one on the ground "that such probate ratifies nothing save only the fact that it is the last will of the deceased." Consequently (the recoid continues) "every one who has a right in the tenement devised by such testament, through any other person than the testator, may demand the same by Writ of Right, or writ in the nature of a Writ of Entry, or in the nature of Writ of Mort d'Ancestor other than the testator, or by Plaint of Intrusion; provided always, however, that such plaints as are made without writ be made within the term by the usual customs of the City provided."
  • 26. This and the two preceding ordinances are printed in 'Liber Albus,' i. 120, 121, 407, 408.
  • 27. Cf. charter dated 26 March, 52 Henry III.; also writ dated 28 May, 26 Edward I. (supra, pp. 26, 27).
  • 28. Printed in 'Liber Cust.,' i. 112.
  • 29. A seal. In this instance the seal employed by the Sheriffs in reference to the custody and release of prisoners in Newgate (Riley). More commonly it is the seal used by officers of the Customs, as noted supra, p. 72.
  • 30. Printed in 'Liber Albus,' i. 121.
  • 31. Printed in 'Liber Cust.,' i. 112. The agreement to perform this duty is recorded supra, p. 41. Cf. 'Memorials,' p. 57. 'Cal. Letter - Book A,' Introd., p. x i.
  • 32. St. Martin Vintry or "Bermancherche" ('Cal. Letter-Book B,' 266n).
  • 33. Situate in Thames Street in the parish of All Hallows the Great.
  • 34. As to the etymology of "aunser" or "aunsel," see 'Cal. Letter-Book A,' p. 154n. It has been suggested (Athenoum, 1 Sept., 1900, p. 279) that "aunser" or "auncer" may be equivalent for "anchor," but this passage proves the surmise to be wrong.
  • 35. Probably Thomas Torgod (or Torgot), described as "ancer-maker" ('Cal. Letter-Book B,' p. 214). In February, 1312-13, Thomas "le Aunsere - makere" was called in to adjust the City's Tron with the standard weights at the Guildhall. Letter-Book E, folio ix b.
  • 36. A wey or weigh = 14 stone of 12 lb. (Riley).
  • 37. A weight anciently of 8 lb, and used more especially in weighing wool, now, it is either 7 lb or 8 lb, according to the commodity weighed (Riley).