Folios cci - ccx: Sept 1417 -

Calendar of Letter-Books of the City of London: I, 1400-1422. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1909.

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'Folios cci - ccx: Sept 1417 - ', in Calendar of Letter-Books of the City of London: I, 1400-1422, (London, 1909) pp. 186-195. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/london-letter-books/voli/pp186-195 [accessed 18 April 2024]

In this section

Folio cci.

Exon'acio Joh'is Whit bred civis et Sellar' London'.

27 Sept., 5 Henry V. [A.D. 1417], John Whitbred, saddler, discharged by Henry Bartone, the Mayor, and the Aldermen from serving on juries, &c., owing to increasing old age.

Exon'acio Joh'is Mede civis London'.

2 Oct., 5 Henry V. [A.D. 1417], John Mede similarly discharged for like cause.

Exon'acio Joh'is "Bailly" civis et Pouchemaker London'.

12 Oct., 5 Henry V. [A.D. 1417], John "Bayli," "pouchemaker," similarly discharged for like cause.

Exon'acio Rob'ti Underwode civis et Pheliparii London'.

20 Oct., 5 Henry V. [A.D. 1417], Robert Underwode, skinner, similarly discharged for like cause.

Exon'acio Will'i Hakeney civis et Cissoris London'.

21 Oct., 5 Henry V. [A.D. 1417], William Hakeneye, tailor, similarly discharged for like cause.

Folio cci b.

Ordinacio Mistere de Latoners.

Saturday, 20 Sept., 5 Henry V. [A.D. 1417], ordinance by Henry Bartone, the Mayor, and the Aldermen, that the good men of the Mistery of Latoners may thenceforth elect two, three, or four Masters or Wardens to supervise those exercising the said mistery, and to present defective work to the Chamberlain for the time being, &c. Pursuant to which ordinance William Constantyn and Roger Mabbe were afterwards elected Masters or Wardens, and on the 14th October were presented and sworn.

Judicium et combustio zonarum.

20 Sept., 5 Henry V. [A.D. 1417], came John Nasyng, Walter Colrede, William Penne, and Richard "Mochet," (fn. 1) Masters of the Mistery of Girdlers, before Henry Bartone, the Mayor, and the Aldermen, and presented 47 girdles harnessed with tin (stanno) contrary to the ordinances, (fn. 2) belonging to Thomas Rouse, Andrew Hunt, Walter Holme, John Solere, Katherine Elingham, and Laurence Proude, and prayed that they might be burnt. Judgment accordingly.

Folio ccii.

Consi'lis l'ra missa fuit cuilibet Aldermanno.

Precept to the several Aldermen to cause a sum equal to half a fifteenth to be levied in their Wards, and to bring the money to the Guildhall on the Feast of SS. Simon and Jude [28 Oct.]. Dated 12 Oct., 5 Henry V. [A.D. 1417].

Br'e de con servaco'e ordinaco'is mister' Allutarior' et Cobelers.

Writ to the Mayor and Aldermen that they take measures for the strict observance of the ordinance or agreement (compositio) made temp. Drew Barantyn, Mayor, prescribing the particular kind of work to be executed severally by Cordewaners and Cobelers, (fn. 3) and that they punish offenders in accordance with the terms of the said ordinance and the custom of the City. Witness the King at Westminster, 5 Feb., 4 Henry V. [A D 1416-17].

Returnum br'is predicti.

Return made by Richard Merlawe, the Mayor, and the Aldermen to the above writ to the effect that by immemorial custom of the City the Mayor and Aldermen were in the habit of causing any ordinance affecting artificers in the City which proved to be prejudicial to the common good to cease to be observed. (fn. 4)

Folio ccii b.

Confirmacio ordinacionis facte tempore Thome Fauconer contra fraternitatem valettor' Cissor' etc.

5 Aug., 5 Henry V. [A.D. 1417], came William Devenissh, John Elys, John Spencer, and John Cobbe, and others of the Mistery of Tailors, commonly called "yomen taillours," and prayed Henry Bartone, the Mayor, and Aldermen to be allowed to meet yearly on the Feast of the Decollation of St. John Bapt. [29 Aug.] in the church of St. John of Jerusalem, (fn. 5) near Smithefeld, to make offering for the brethren and sisters of the fraternity of "yomantaillours," and perform other rites (alia rita) hitherto accustomed. Thereupon the said Mayor and Aldermen, having first inspected a certain record touching the government of the said mistery and of the serving-men and valets of the same temp. Thomas Fauconer, Mayor, entered supra, fo. cli, and finding that the petition, which had the appearance of good-fellowship, would, if granted, lead to disturbance, as similar assemblies of the same mistery had done before—it was ordained that thenceforth the serving-men or journeymen should not presume to hold conventicles in the said church or elsewhere except in the presence of the Masters of the mistery, under penalty of fine and imprisonment; but that the aforesaid ordinance and other ordinances made for peace and quiet in the said mistery should remain in force.

Folio cciii.

Q'd Rector sc'i Petri de Corn hulle in post' iori et digniori loco processionis die lune in ebdo a Pentecost' fact' annuatim incedat p' omnib' aliis Rectorib' London'.

27 May, 5 Henry V. [A.D. 1417], ordinance by the Mayor and Aldermen that the Rector of the church of St. Peter, Cornhill, for the time being shall thenceforth take the place of honour (i.e., the last place) in processions by the Rectors of the City on Whit Monday—a place that had been claimed from time to time by the Rectors of the several churches of St. Magnus the Martyr and St. Nicholas Coldabbey. (fn. 6)

Proclamacio de victualib' usq' villam de Caen traducend'.

Writ to the Sheriffs to make proclamation that all who were willing to send victuals for the army at Caen (fn. 7) might do so without payment of custom, on their giving security as to the destination of the same. Witness John, Duke of Bedford, Warden of England, at Westminster, 18 Oct., 5 Henry V. [A D 1417].

Folio cciii b.

Dimissio cujusdam vacue placee super Houndesdiche.

19 Aug., 5 Henry V. [A.D. 1417], ordinance by Henry Bartone, the Mayor, Thomas Knolles, Richard Merlawe, Robert Chichele, Thomas Fauconer, William Louthe, John Penne, Alan Everard, Thomas Pyke, William Nortone, John Gedney, John Perneys, John Reinewelle, Ralph Bartone, Aldermen, Robert Widyngtone and John Coventre, Sheriffs, and an immense Commonalty specially summoned for a Common Council and to transact the business of the City, that a grant made by the Chamberlain to Henry Hornittstede of a plot of vacant land on Houndisdiche for a term of sixty years at an annual rent of 10s. should hold good, and be sealed with the Common Seal.

Concessio officii co'is servientis ad clavam Lon don' Joh'i Combe.

The same day John Combe, of London, admitted by the Mayor, Aldermen, and Common Council to the office of Common Serjeant-at-mace (ad clavam), (fn. 8) he to receive yearly the clothing, fee, and reward appertaining to such office as fully as was enjoyed by John Pichard, who lately held the office. (fn. 9)

Eleccio Johannis Ged ney et Henrici Rede vicecomitum Civitatis London'.

Tuesday the Feast of St. Matthew [21 Sept.], 5 Henry V. [A D 1417], in the presence of Henry Bartone, the Mayor, John Bartone, the Recorder, Richard Whityngtone, Thomas Knolles, William Crowmer, Richard "Melawe," Nicholas Wottone, Thomas Fauconer, John Penne, Thomas Pyke, John Reynwelle, John Perneys, William "Caunbrigge," William Sevenok, and William Chichely, Aldermen, and very many Commoners summoned to the Guildhall for the election of Sheriffs, Henry Rede, armourer, Commoner, was elected one of the Sheriffs by the Mayor, and John Gedney, draper, Alderman, was elected the other Sheriff by the Commonalty.

The same day John Hille, fishmonger, was elected Chamberlain (fn. 10); and John Reinwelle and John Perneys, Aldermen, William Burtone, grocer, Nicholas James and Richard Style, fishmongers, and John Boteler, draper, Commoners, were elected Auditors of the Chamberlain's account.

Afterwards, viz., on the eve of St. Michael [29 Sept.], the aforesaid Sheriffs were sworn at the Guildhall, and on the morrow of the said feast were presented and admitted before the Barons in the Exchequer, &c.

Folio cciv.

Eleccio Ricardi Merlawe Maioris Civitatis London'.

Wednesday the Feast of Translation of St. Edward [13 Oct.], 5 Henry V. [A.D. 1417], in the presence of Henry Bartone, the Mayor, John Bartone, the Recorder, Sir John (fn. 11) the Prior of Christchurch, Richard Whityngtone, Thomas Knolles, Richard Merlawe, Robert Chichele, William Walderne, William Crowmere, Thomas Fauconer, Nicholas Wottone, William Sevenok, John Penne, William Nortone, Thomas Aleyn, Alan Everard, Thomas Pyke, William Chichele, John Reinwelle, William Cauntbrigge, William Louthe, John Michell, John Perneys, and Ralph Bartone [Aldermen], John Gedney and Henry Rede, Sheriffs, and an immense Commonalty summoned for the election of a Mayor, Richard Merlawe was elected Mayor 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 sworn before the Barons in the Exchequer.

Licencia Joh'is Spencer civis et Peautrer London' prosequendi ad comunem legem.

5 Nov., 5 Henry V. [A.D. 1417], permission granted by Richard Merlawe, the Mayor, and the Aldermen to John Spencer, "peautrer," to prosecute Simon Rokeland, "wexchaundeller," at common law, wherever he may be found, as the said Simon was not residing within the City.

Exon'acio Roberti Man civis et Bocher London'.

20 Dec., 5 Henry V. [A.D. 1417], Robert Man, "bocher," discharged by Richard Merlawe, the Mayor, and the Aldermen from serving on juries, &c., owing to increasing old age.

Folio cciv b.

L're Burgi magistrer' Scabinor' et Consulum ville Brugen' Reg' direct'.

Letter from the Burgomasters, Echevins, &c., of the town of Bruges to the King and his Council, praying that certain merchandise belonging to burgesses of Bruges, which had been seized in England contrary to the terms of the truce existing between England and Flanders, (fn. 12) might be given up. Dated at Bruges, 20 May, A.D. 1417.

Folio ccv.

Ad huc l're eorumdem misse d'no Regi.

A power of attorney granted by the owners of the above merchandise to certain burgesses to take legal steps for the recovery of the same. Dated at Bruges, 13 Sept., A D 1417.

Item l're eorumdem misse d'no Regi.

Another letter from the Burgomasters, Echevins, &c., of the town of Bruges to the King, and in his absence to the Chancellor and other lords of the Council, praying that the merchandise belonging to certain other burgesses of Bruges might be restored to them in the same manner as they, the writers, would restore the merchandise of English merchants under similar circumstances. Dated 7 Nov. [A.D. 1417].

Folio ccv b.

L're Burgimag'ror' Scabin' et Consul' ville Brugen' miss' d'no Regi et Consilio suo.

Another letter from the same to the same on behalf of other merchants to the same effect. Dated 7 Nov. [A.D. 1417].

Folio ccvi.

Commissio Gaole de Newgate.

Letters patent appointing Richard "Merlowe," the Mayor, William Hankeford, Richard Nortone, William Lasyngby, Robert Tirwhit, Robert Hulle, John Cokayn, Roger Hortone, William Lodyngtone, William Cheyne, John Prestone, and John Bartone, senior, or any eleven, ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three, or two (the Mayor being one), to be Justices for gaol-delivery of Newgate. Witness John, Duke of Bedford, at W[estminster], 28 Nov., 5 Henry V. [A.D. 1417].

Folio ccvi b.

Consi'lis billa missa fuit cuil't Aldr'o.

Precept to the several Aldermen to hold their Wardmotes and report such matters as they could not themselves redress to the Mayor's General Court to be held at the Guildhall on Monday after the Epiphany [6 Jan.]; and further, to take steps for lighting and cleansing the streets, keeping watch and ward, the election of Alekonners, &c. Dated 12 Dec. [A.D. 1417].

Consi'lis billa missa fuit cuilt Aldr'o.

Precept to the several Aldermen to cause a sum equal to a whole fifteenth to be levied in their Wards and to bring the money to the Guildhall by the 20th January. Dated 8 Jan. [A D 1417-18 ?].

9 Feb., 5 Henry V. [A.D. 1417-18], came William Lomeley, Esquire, of co. York, who married Johanna, one of the daughters of John Wodecok, late mercer, and acknowledged the receipt of a portion of his wife's patrimony from John Bacon, "wolman." (fn. 13) On 19 Feb. the said William came and acknowledged the receipt of the balance.

Folio ccvii.

De custodia pueror' Ric'i Fitz Andrew nup' civis et Piscenar' London'.

Record showing the disposal of a sum of money bequeathed by Richard Fitz Andrew, late fishmonger, among his children, viz., Robert, Roger, Johanna, Idonia, Richard, Thomas, Matilda, and Agnes, by Roger Fitz Andrew and Thomas Oswaldkirk, Rector of the church of St. George, his executors, and by the Chamberlain of the Guildhall.

Custodia Johannis filii Nich'i Stratton' nup' civis London'.

4 Nov., 5 Henry V. [A.D. 1417], the guardianship of John, son of Nicholas Strattone, committed by Richard Merlawe, the Mayor, the Aldermen, and John Hille, the Chamberlain, to Agnes Strattone, his mother. Sureties, viz., William Turnell, "wexchaundeller," and Richard Osborn, clerk.

Afterwards the above orphan, having come of age, came into court and prayed that his mother might continue to keep his property until the term of his apprenticeship with Stephen Broun had ended.

Afterwards the said orphan having died during his apprenticeship, his property was allowed to remain with his mother to dispose of for the good of his soul.

Folio ccvii b.

Exon'acio Johannis Swayn civis et Taillour London.

19 Feb., 5 Henry V. [A.D. 1417-18], John Swayn, "taillour," discharged by Richard Merlawe, the Mayor, and the Aldermen from serving on juries, &c., owing to increasing old age.

Mandatum de permittendo certos naves libere exire de Thamisia usque Southamptone.

Mandate issued by the Admiral to the Bailiffs and Surveyors of the Thames to allow certain ships called "cogshippes," laden with wool, to leave the river for the Port of Southampton to join the proposed expedition towards the sea, notwithstanding any embargo that may be laid on them. Dated under the seal of the Admiral, 24 Feb., 5 Henry V. [A.D. 1417-18].

Custodia Thome Roos filii Ric'i Roos nup' civis et merceri London'.

12 Feb., 5 Henry V. [A.D. 1417-18], the sum of £20, which had been brought in by Thomas Roos and Elias Davy, mercers, in 1416, for the use of Richard, son of Richard Roos, late mercer, and brother of the said Thomas, delivered to the said Elias Davy, who married the mother of the orphan, in trust. (fn. 14) Sureties, viz., Thomas Bataylle and Thomas Osbarne, mercers.

Folio ccviii.

L'ra d'ni pape pro Walt'o Medford Collectore suo.

Letter from Pope Martin (fn. 15) to the Mayor, Sheriffs, and Aldermen notifying his having (at the urgent request of the King of England) appointed Walter Medford, Dean of Wells, to be his Collector in England, in recognition of his services to the Roman Church at the Council of Constance. (fn. 16) Dated at Constance, vii. Ides December [7 Dec.], in the first year of his Pontificate [A.D. 1417].

Folio ccviii b.

L'ra e'pi London' Maiori et Aldr'is direct' de elecco'e d'ni pape.

Letter from Richard [Clifford], Bishop of London, to the Mayor, Sheriffs, and Aldermen of the City, notifying the election of Cardinal Otho "Columpna" to the Papal Chair under the title of Pope Martin V, and the appointment of Walter Medford, Dean of Wells, to be Papal Collector in England. Dated at Constance, 8 Dec. [A.D. 1417].

Folio ccix.

Responc'o l're precedentis.

Reply to the above. Dated 18 Jan. [A.D. 1417-18].

L'ra Angli cana Regidirect' per Maiorem et Aldr'os etc.

Letter from Richard Merlawe, the Mayor, and the Aldermen to the King, congratulating him upon his success abroad, and assuring him of their loyalty, and of the peace and tranquillity of the City since he last set out. Dated 20 Dec. [A.D. 1417]. (fn. 17)

Folio ccix b.

A General Court held at the Guildhall in the parish of St Lawrence, Jewry, Monday after the Feast of Epiphany [6 Jan.], 5 Henry V. [A.D. 1417-18], before Richard Merlawe, the Mayor, John Bartone, senior, the Recorder, Richard Whityngtone, Robert Chichele, William Walderne, William Crowmere, Thomas Fauconer, Henry Bartone, William Sevenok, William Norton, Thomas Pyke, Thomas Aleyn, John Penne, William Cauntbrigge, John Reinwell, William Louth, John Michell, Ralph Bartone, and John Perneys, Aldermen, John Gedney, Alderman and Sheriff, Henry Rede the other Sheriff, and an immense Commonalty of citizens specially assembled for what follows:—

Adnullacio cujusdam or dinacionis de Cobelers facte tempore Drugonis Barentyn.

Ordinance annulling the ordinance or composition made between Cordwaners and Cobelers temp. Drew Barantyn, Mayor (fn. 18) (inasmuch as it was contrary to the common weal), notwithstanding any enrolment of it having been made at the Guildhall or proclamation of the same in the Husting.

Folio ccx.

Coniessio unius toge annuatim Joh'i Brigge water capellano.

The same day and at the same Court it was agreed that John Briggewater, Chaplain of the Chapel over the bones of the dead in St. Paul's churchyard, should have yearly at Christmas from the Chamberlain a gown of the same suit and livery as Serjeants of the Mayor and of the Chamber were wont to have, in recognition of his great services.

Proclamat' fuit tercio die Decembr'.

Proclamation to be made prescribing the price to be charged by "wodemongers" and "huksters" for "busshe" and charcoal, by the "fagot" and "pekke," &c.

Proclamacio.

Proclamation to be made forbidding any vintner, taverner, brewer, hosteler, "kiew" or "piebaker" to keep his house open after 10 o'clock in the evening of the vigils of St. John Bapt. [24 June] and SS. Peter and Paul [29 June], or to sell wine or victual before 6 o'clock of the morning following, under penalty of fine and imprisonment.

Proclamacio.

Proclamation to be made forbidding the forcing of persons to join in "hokkyng" on Monday and Tuesday next, called "the hokkedays," under penalty of fine and imprisonment.

Folio ccx b.

Letter from Richard [Clifford], Bp. of London, to Richard Merlawe, the Mayor, and the Aldermen, acknowledging the receipt of their letter, and commenting further upon the benefits that the Church enjoyed as a result of the Council of Constance [ends abruptly].

Footnotes

  • 1. "Michell," supra, p. 184.
  • 2. See 'Memorials, pp. 154-6, and supra, p. 158. Cf. 'Rot. Parl.,' iv. 73.
  • 3. Vide supra, p. 74. 'Memorials,' pp. 571-4. The ordinance was annulled by the Common Council in Jan., 1418. Infra, fo. ccixb.
  • 4. Vide infra, fo. ccix b.
  • 5. St. John's, Clerkenwell.
  • 6. 'Memorials,' pp. 651-3 The ordinance, as recorded in Journal 1, fo. 21 b, contains also a clause to the effect that the Masters of the Mistery of Fishmongers of the one street and the other (i.e., Old Fish Street and Bridge Street or New Fish Street) and the Rectors of the churches of St Magnus and St. Nicholas (Cold abbey) shall see that the ordinance be observed. This at least appears to be the meaning of the clause, but it is difficult both to read and interpret.
  • 7. The town had fallen on the 4th Sept. Vide supra, p. 185.
  • 8. Or Common Crier; more com monly known as Common Serjeant- -at-arms, whose duty it was, and is at the present day, to bear the City's Mace.
  • 9. In 1407 John "Pychard" appears as Serjeant of the Chamber. Supra, p. 54.
  • 10. Reverting to the practice of the Chamberlain being annually elected immediately after the election of Sheriffs. Vide supra, p. 76n.
  • 11. Probably a mistake for William, i.e., William Harewdon, who was Prior until 1420.
  • 12. The truce made with Flanders for a term of 5 years from June, 1411, had been prolonged for a year from June, 1416 (vide supra, p. 104; Rymer, 'Fœdera,' ix. 352-3).
  • 13. Cf. supra, p. 155.
  • 14. Cf. supra, p. 112.
  • 15. Cardinal Otho Colonna, elected Pope at the General Council of Con stance on the Feast of St. Martin [11 Nov.], 1417, and on that account assumed the title of Pope Martin V.
  • 16. The Council commenced to sit in November, 1414, and did not break up until April, 1418. Its primary object was to restore unity to the Church and end the schism that had so long prevailed. It con demned the teaching of Wycliffe, and ordered John Huss to the stake.
  • 17. In English See 'Memorials,' pp. 658-60. Henry had set sail at the end of July for Normandy, and had landed at Touques on the 1st August.
  • 18. Vide supra, p. 74 In Feb., 1417, the King had given orders for the ordinance to be observed, but the civic authorities had objected Supra, p. 187.