Folios 121 - 130: July 1476 -

Calendar of Letter-Books of the City of London: L, Edward IV-Henry VII. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1912.

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'Folios 121 - 130: July 1476 - ', in Calendar of Letter-Books of the City of London: L, Edward IV-Henry VII, (London, 1912) pp. 142-153. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/london-letter-books/voll/pp142-153 [accessed 18 March 2024]

In this section

Folio 121.

Custod' pueror' Will'i Pounde sen' carnificis.

17 July, 16 Edward IV. [A. D. 1476], came Thomas Sonnyf, "tiler," William Stephyns, Robert Broke, bakers, and Robert Walpole, "bruer," before the Mayor and Aldermen, and entered into bond in the sum of 80 marks for payment into the Chamber by the said Thomas of a like sum to the use of William Pounde, junior, John Pounde, senior, John Pounde, junior, Richard Pounde, Giles Pounde, and Robert Pounde, sons of William Pounde, senior, late butcher, when they reach the age of 24 years, and of Margaret, daughter of the same, when she reaches the age of 16 or marries. (fn. 1)

Folio 121 b.

Custod' pueror' Joh'is Dey cultell' or phan' Civi tatis.

19 July, 16 Edward IV. [A. D. 1476], came John Pikton, Thomas Burgoyn, Nicholas Alwyn, Richard Haynes, mercers, before the Mayor and Aldermen, and entered into bond in the sum of £143 5s. 8d. for payment into the Chamber by the said John Pikton of a like sum to the use of Richard and John, sons of John Dey, late cutler, when they come of age or marry.

Folio 122.

Jud'm Pillor' super Will'm Hubert pro pane deficient'.

18 July, 16 Edward IV. [A. D. 1476], William Hubert, baker, condemned to stand on the pillory for making bread that was deficient in weight.

Ordinaciones Pistorum.

6 Sept., 16 Edward IV. [A. D. 1476], came good men of the Mistery or Art of Bakers into the Court of the lord the King in the Chamber of the Guildhall, before Robert Basset, the Mayor, and the Aldermen, and presented a petition to the following effect :—

That every livery-man of the Fraternity obey the summons of the Mayor, and every brother attend the burial of a brother or sister of the Fraternity, under penalty.

That every brother pay his quarterage of 3d.

That the Master and Wardens shall not present any one to the Chamberlain for admission to the freedom by redemption until they have called into counsel others who have been Masters and Wardens in order to learn if he be of "able condicions or not."

That no brother rebuke any member of the Fellowship by "fasyng," (fn. 2) "brasyng," (fn. 3) making affray or otherwise, under penalty.

That no member enhance the price of wheat.

That the Masters render account of money and jewels received by them on entering office to the new Masters at the end of their term of 3 years, and that the Wardens render their accounts yearly.

That no apprentice be made free without its being reported to the Master and Wardens.

That an assize of bread of members of the Fellowship be made at least twice a week, and the Mayor be informed of the discovery of bread lacking in weight or unseasonable.

Petition granted.

Folio 122 b.

Eleccio vicecomitum.

The Feast of St. Matthew [21 Sept.], 16 Edward IV. [A. D. 1476], in the presence of Robert Basset, the Mayor, Humphrey Starky the Recorder, Ralph Verney, Knt., William Taillour Knt., John Tate, Robert Drope, Humphrey Hayford, Thomas Stalbroke, Knt., Bartholomew James, Knt., William Heriot, William Stokker, Knt., Robert Billesdone, John Broun, Thomas Bledlowe, Edmund Shaa, Thomas Hille, Richard Rawson, Robert Colwiche, and Hugh Brice, Aldermen, and very many Commoners summoned to the Guildhall for the election of Sheriffs—William Horne, salter, was elected one of the Sheriffs of London and Middlesex by the Mayor, and Richard Rawson, mercer, was elected the other Sheriff by the Commonalty.

Folio 123.

The same day William Philippe, goldsmith, was elected Chamberlain of the City for the year ensuing; William Galle and Henry Bumpstede were elected Wardens of the City Bridge; John Broune, William Stokker, Knt., Aldermen, and Robert Hille, goldsmith, John Warde, grocer, Henry Colet, mercer, and John Stodard, tailor, Commoners, were elected Auditors of the account of the Chamberlain and Wardens in arrear.

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

Proclamacio fc'a super Joh'em Chaun deler Capell'm capt' in adul terio etc.

"Forasmoche as Sir John Chaundeler Preest and Sir John Silbard oþerwise called Banbury of their propre confession bene lawfully atteint that thei on Monday at night last passed in the parissh of Aldermary of London lay in bed wt oone Johan Bawdewyn and hir flesshly knowe. Therefore it is awarded that no maner of persone from hensfurþe Reteyne ne kepe nor Receive the same John and John nor any of theym in any maner of service nor salarye wtin the libertie of this Citee uppon payne of Forfaiture of the double salary to theym or any of theym in any maner wise to be yoven." (fn. 4)

The above proclamation made Thursday, 26 Sept., 16 Edward IV. [A. D. 1476].

Exor 'acio Rob'ti Broun Inholder ab assis'.

25 Oct., 16 Edward IV. [A. D. 1476], Robert Broun, "inholder," discharged by the Mayor and Aldermen from serving on juries &c., owing to increasing age and blindness.

Eleccio Maioris.

Sunday the Feast of Translation of St. Edward [13 Oct.], 16 Edward IV. [A. D. 1476], in the presence of Robert Basset, the Mayor, the Prior of Christchurch, Ralph Josselyn, Knt., Ralph Verney, Knt., John Yonge, Knt., William Taillour, Knt., William Hamptone, Knt., John Tate, Robert Drope, Humphrey Hayford, Bartholomew James, Knt., Thomas Stalbroke, Knt., Richard Gardyner, William Heriot, William Stokker, Knt., Robert Billesdone, John Broune, Thomas Bledlowe, Edmund Shaa, Thomas Hille, and Robert Colwiche, Aldermen, and an immense Commonalty summoned to the Guildhall for the election of a Mayor—Ralph Josselyn, Knt., was elected for the year ensuing.

Afterwards, viz., on the Feast of SS. Simon and Jude [28 Oct.], the said Mayor was presented, admitted, &c., before the Barons of the Exchequer.

Custod' Elizabeth' Gregory filie Rob ti Gregory merceri.

29 Oct., 16 Edward IV. [A. D. 1476], came Richard Muston, Thomas Unton, Thomas Kippyng, and Christopher Colyns, drapers, before the Mayor and Aldermen, and entered into bond in the sum of £52 10s. for the payment into the Chamber by the said Richard Muston of a like sum to the use of Elizabeth, daughter of Robert Gregory, late mercer, when she comes of age or marries.

Folio 123 b.

Custod' Elizabeth' Gregory filie Rob'ti Gregory mer ceri.

1 Dec., 16 Edward IV. [A. D. 1476], came John Petite, Edward Bowdon, Thomas Vandernak, John Polyngton, goldsmiths, and John Pelet, skinner, and entered into a similar bond for the same purpose as the foregoing.

Folio 124.

Ordinac' conc'nen' allutar' et lez Coblers.

Petition of the "Coblers" of the City of London to the following effect :—

That 44 Cobblers (whose names could be disclosed), then householders in the City, may be allowed to continue their occupation according to ordinances made temp. Richard Whityngton, Thomas Knolles, and John Frenssh, (fn. 5) Mayors of London, and that their number be not increased.

That every such householder of the occupation of Cobblers shall have two servants in their shop, viz., a man and a child, and no more (the child not to exceed the age of 16 years), without disturbance by the Cordwainers.

That if any of the said 44 Cobblers leave the City for debt or other cause, his shop shall not be occupied by nor his stuff disposed of to another Cobbler.

That no Cobbler make "no newe shoon ne sole no old Galages," nor "vampay any botes nor boteux wt soles of newe lether," under penalty.

That whenever the Cobblers appoint new Governors of their occupation, notification be made to the Wardens of the Cordwainers, and the new Governors be sworn before the Mayor to observe the laws and customs of the City and the ordinances aforesaid, and inform the Wardens of the Cordwainers of any infringement.

That they shall make no assemblies of more than 8 persons without permission of the Mayor, under penalty, according to an Act made by Common Council, 24 Sept., 13 Edward IV. [A. D. 1473].

The above petition granted by Ralph Josselyn, Knt and Mayor, and the Aldermen, 19 Feb., 16 Edward IV. [A. D. 1476-7].

Folio 124 b.

Sacr'm Guber nator' Picta ciar' London'.

Form of oath to be taken by the Governors of the Cobblers for the due observance of rules made temp. Richard II. and Henry IV., &c.

Folio 125.

Q'd execut' post mortem testator' et tenent' ad voluntatem debent h'ere talem premunico' em qualem testator' in vita h' erent.

6 March, 17 Edward IV. [A. D. 1476-7], ordinance by Ralph Josselyn, Mayor, and the Aldermen that the executors of a tenant-at-will, according to the custom of the City, ought to have a half-year's notice if the yearly value of the tenement exceed 40s., and, if less, a quarter's notice, like a tenant for life.

De securitat' capiend' in Forinseco attachiamento in absenc' de fend'.

11 March, 17 Edward IV. [A. D. 1476-7], ordinance by the same that, by ancient custom, if a defendant in his own person in foreign attachment, or at the instance of some other person in his own absence, at the discretion of the Mayor for the time being, do put in security (imponat securitatem), whether in the Mayor's Court or Sheriffs' Court, although there be other actions pending against the same defendant in either of those Courts, the said defendant shall not be bound, provided he be not a prisoner, to put in security for other actions, &c.

Si quis pl'it averit sup' scire fac' in forins' attach' debet invenire securitat'.

The same day another ordinance by the same that, by ancient custom of the City, a defendant in a bill of scire facias upon foreign attachment in any Court of the City, immediately after he has appeared in plea of that bill and shall have pleaded, shall be bound to find sureties and pledges in the Court where the bill is being prosecuted to answer the plaintiff in the said bill until the plea of that bill be determined, according to the custom of the City, &c.

Combust' Allec' false et fraudilent' paccat'.

Certain fishmongers of "Flisshyng" and "Alkmer" in "Celand" convicted of having brought barrels of herring to the City for sale which were "falsly and deceivably pakked that is for to sey thei have laied and pakked in the mustre (fn. 7) in the endes of the said barrelles goode heryng and wtin corrupte heryng which is poison and unholsome for mans body. " Order by the Mayor and Aldermen that the bad fish be burnt, some in Billingsgate Street and the rest in Cheap, and the inhabitants of "Flisshyng" and "Alkmer" and others be warned against sending unwholesome herring and victual, under penalty of being put on the pillory and their fish, &c., burnt.

Folio 125 b.

Custod' pueror' Joh is Riches male maler.

12 April, 17 Edward IV. [A. D. 1477], came Marion Richer, widow, John Fayerford, tailor, Richard Griston, tailor, and Henry Asshbourne, scrivener, before the Mayor and Aldermen, and entered into bond in the sum of £72 5s. 4d. for the delivery into the Chamber by the said Marion of divers sums of money and certain chattels to the use of Agnes, John, Isabella, and Alice, children of John Richer, late "malemaker," when they come of age or marry.

Folio 126.

Custod' pueror' Thome Rawson mer cer.

15 Nov., 14 Edward IV. [A. D. 1474], came Richard Rawson, Thomas Ilome, John Fissher, and John Rawson, mercers, before the Mayor and Aldermen, and entered into bond in the sum of 700 marks for payment into the Chamber by the said Richard of a like sum to the use of Thomas, Margaret, "Amea," Ursula, and John, children of Thomas Rawson, late mercer, when they come of age or marry.

Custod' puer or' Thome Rawson mercer'.

10 May, 17 Edward IV. [A. D. 1477], came Christopher Colyns, Robert Brigges, Thomas Unton, Thomas Kippyng, drapers, and John Gybbes, "sherman," before the Mayor and Aldermen, and entered into bond in the sum of £200 for the payment into the Chamber by the said Christopher of a like sum to the use of the above children of Thomas Rawson.

Folio 126 b.

Custod' Will'i Mugge filii Rob'ti Mugge Talough chaundler.

20 May, 17 Edward IV. [A. D. 1477], came William Chaunce, "stacioner," William Maryner, salter, James Welles, draper, and William Briertone, "stacioner," before the Mayor and Aldermen, and entered into bond in the sum of 20 marks for payment into the Chamber by the said William Chaunce of a like sum to the use of William, son of Robert Mugge, late "taloughchaundler," on his coming of age.

Folio 127.

Exon'acio Hugonis Palmer ab assis'.

23 May, 17 Edward IV. [A. D. 1477], Hugh Palmer, tailor, discharged by Ralph Josselyn, the Mayor, and the Aldermen from serving on juries, &c., owing to deafness.

De mundac'oe Fossat' etc.

At a Common Council held 23 May, 17 Edward IV. [A. D. 1477], ordinance by Ralph Josselyn, Knt and Mayor, Humphrey Starky the Recorder, William Edward, Robert Drope, Robert Basset, Humphrey Hayford, Richard Gardyner, Bartholomew James, Knt., William Heriot, William Stokker, Knt., John Broune, Robert Billesdone, Edmund Shaa, Thomas Hille, Robert Colwiche, Hugh Brice, and Henry Colet, Aldermen, that a sum of 5 pence should be levied on all householders in the City for payment of a man [in each Ward] to clean the City's ditches; and that two Commoners in each Ward should be elected to receive the money, and pay the labourers' wages by the week, special consideration being given to the poor.

Precept' super eodem.

Form of precept to the Aldermen on the above.

De mundac' Fossat' de Walbroke et de latrin' ib'm destruend' etc.

At a Common Council, 12 July, 17 Edward IV. [A. D. 1477], ordinance forbidding the making of "any priveye or sege" over the Walbrook or upon any of the town ditches, and ordering the abatement of those already in existence.

Folio 127 b.

Also forbidding "White Tawiers" (fn. 8) and others to cast any dung, rubbish, or other filth into the said brook or ditches.

Concessio fc'a Rad'o Josselyn Maiori.

Robert Cobold, mercer, John Hungerford, draper, John Warde, grocer, William Wykyng, skinner, Robert Hardyng, goldsmith, John Philip, tailor, John Catell, "vynter," and "Edmond" Newman, fishmonger, elected by the Common Council to sell superfluous brick and lime, originally bought by Ralph Josselyn, then Mayor, for repair of the City walls, and reimburse him his expenses.

Folio 128.

Custod' Anne Lok filie Will'i Lok zonarii.

16 July, 17 Edward IV. [A. D. 1477], came Agnes Lok, widow, Thomas Mower, Walter Milson, and John Cole, "curriours," before the Mayor and Aldermen, and entered into bond in the sum of £40 for payment into the Chamber by the said Agnes of a like sum to the use of Anne, daughter of William Lok, late girdler, on her coming of age or marriage.

Ordinacio super domibus conduct' sive conducend' apud Leden hall.

18 July, 17 Edward IV. [A. D. 1477], a "Sessyng" made of Ledenhall by Ralph Josselyn, Knt and Mayor, Humphrey Starky the Recorder, Ralph Verney, Knt., John Yonge, Knt., William Taillour, Knt., William Edward, William Hamptone, Knt., Robert Drope, Bartholomew James, Knt., Robert Billesdone, John Broun, Thomas Bledlowe, William Stokker, Knt., Edmund Shaa, Thomas Hille, Robert Colwiche, Hugh Brice, "Herry" Colet, and Richard Rawson, Aldermen, viz. :—

Each of the 8 houses on both sides of Ledenhall, viz., east and west, assessed at 14d. weekly.

Each of the 4 houses at both ends, viz., north and south, at 10d.

Folio 128 b.

Every occupier of the 4 houses over the Selde shall pay weekly 10d. for the two uppermost and 8d. for the lower.

Particulars of amount to be paid for warehousing "sarplers" (fn. 9) and fodders (fn. 10) of lead.

Custod' pueror' Joh'is Randolf mer cer'.

31 July, 17 Edward IV. [A. D. 1477], came Robert Erik girdler, Thomas Graungier, felmonger, John Erik and Richard Erik, upholders, before the Mayor and Aldermen, and entered into bond in the sum of £40 for payment into the Chamber by the above Robert Erik of a like sum to the use of John, Isabella, and Alice, children of John Randolf, meicer, when they come of age or marry. (fn. 11)

Folio 129.

Custod' pueror' Georgii "Knesworth" draper.

3 Aug., 17 Edward IV. [A. D. 1477], came Richard "Crakynthorp," tailor, John Prolle, brewer, Thomas "Crakenthorp," tailor, and Robert Holcome, vintner, and entered into bond in the sum of £34 13s. 4d. for payment into the Chamber by the said Richard of certain specific sums to the use of John, Thomas William, George, Cecilia, Margaret, Johanna, Elizabeth, and Agnes, children of George "Kneesworth," when they come of age or marry. (fn. 12)

Folio 129 b.

Exon'acio Joh'is Lety ab assisis etc.

19 Sept., 17 Edward IV. [A. D. 1477], John Lety, "powchemaker," discharged by Ralph Josselyn, the Mayor, and the Aldermen from serving on juries, &c., owing to his infirmities.

Exon'acio Ric'i Aleyn ab assis'.

20 Sept., 17 Edward IV. [A. D. 1477], Richard Aleyn, tailor, similarly discharged for like cause.

Eleccio Vice comitum etc.

Sunday the Feast of St. Matthew [21 Sept.], 17 Edward IV. [A. D. 1477], in the presence of Ralph Josselyn, Knt and Mayor, Humphrey Starky the Recorder, Ralph Verney, Knt., John Tate, Robert Drope, Humphrey Hayford, Bartholomew James, Knt., Thomas Stalbroke, Knt., Richard Gardyner, William Heriot, William Stokker, Knt., John Broun, Robert Billesdone, Thomas Bledlowe, Edmund Shaa, Thomas Hille, Robert Colwiche, Hugh Brice, Henry Colet, and Richard Rawson, Aldermen, and very many Commoners summoned to the Guildhall for the election of Sheriffs—John Stokker, draper, was elected one of the Sheriffs of London and Middlesex by the Mayor, and Henry Colet, mercer, was elected the other Sheriff by the Commonalty.

The same day William Philippe, goldsmith, was elected Chamberlain for the year ensuing; William Galle and Henry Bumpstede were elected Wardens of the City's bridge; William Stokker, Knt., and Robert Colwiche, Aldermen, John Stodard, tailor, Richard Chawry, salter, Richard Nayler, tailor, and Henry "Dauvers," mercer, Commoners, were elected Auditors of the account of the Chamberlain and Wardens in arrear.

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

Custod' pueror' Nich'i Hynde curriour.

2 Oct., 17 Edward IV. [A. D. 1477], came Richard Golofer, Robert Burgeis, mercers, John Clerk and Thomas Norland, grocers, before the Mayor and Aldermen, and entered into bond in the sum of £96 13s. 4d. for payment into the Chamber by the said Richard of the sum of £53 6s. 8d. to the use of Thomas, son of Nicholas Hynde, late "curriour," and £43 6s. 8d. to the use of Isabella, daughter of the same, when they come of age or marry. (fn. 13)

Folio 130.

Eleccio Maioris.

Monday the Feast of Translation of St. Edward [13 Oct.], 17 Edward IV. [A. D. 1477], in the presence of Ralph Josselyn, the Mayor, the Prior of Christchurch, Ralph Verney, Knt., John Yonge, Knt., William Taillour, Knt., William Edward, William Hampton, Knt., John Tate, Robert Drope, Robert Basset, Humphrey Hayford, Bartholomew James, Knt., Thomas Stalbroke, Knt., William Heriot, Richard Gardyner, John Broun, Robert Billesdone, Thomas Bledlowe, Edmund Shaa, Thomas Hille, Hugh Brice, Richard Rawson, and Henry Colet, Aldermen, and an immense Commonalty summoned to the Guildhall for the election of a Mayor—Humphrey Hayford 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, &c., before the Barons of the Exchequer.

Folio 130 b.

Exon'acio Laurenc' "Wylkynson" ab assis'.

23 Oct., 17 Edward IV. [A. D. 1477], Laurence "Wilkynson," vintner, discharged by the Mayor and Aldermen from serving on juries, &c., owing to infirmity.

Exon'acio Joh'is Turnour ab assisis etc.

24 Oct., same year, John Turnour, draper, similarly discharged owing to deafness.

Combustio Recium.

27 Oct, same year, proclamation made for all nets of too narrow a mesh used in the Thames to be burnt.

Custod' Ric'i Banaster filii Ric'i Banaster groceri.

The same day came Roger Grove, John Broun, William Godfrey, grocers, and Maurice Moredone, draper, before the Mayor and Aldermen, and entered into bond in the sum of £65 13s. 4d. for payment into the Chamber by the said Roger of a like sum to the use of Richard, son of Richard Banaster, late grocer, on his coming of age.

Footnotes

  • 1. Margin. 28 Jan., 9 Henry VII. [A. D. 1493 4], came John Pounde, senior, one of the orphans, and acknowledged satisfaction for the above sum of 80 marks, his sister and brothers having died.
  • 2. Effronting or showing a bold face, a term still used in the United States of America.
  • 3. Using effrontery. Cf. "brazen faced", "to brazen it out."
  • 4. Cf. 'Cal. Letter-Book I,' p. 286, 'Memorials,' p. 567, note.
  • 5. See 'Cal. Letter-Book H,' p. 425, 'Cal. Letter-Book I,' p. 96.
  • 6. Journal 8, fo. 61 b.
  • 7. In the sample. Fr. monstre, that which is shown.
  • 8. Mention made of the "pittes" of the White Tawyers or tanners with alum, known also as "Megu cers."
  • 9. Bales of wool of an uncertain quantity, but usually half a sack. But see 'Cal. Letter-Book C,' p. 190, where 21 sarplers are recorded as containing 27 sacks.
  • 10. Usuallv, at the present day, 19½ cwt. ('N. E. D.)
  • 11. Margin. On the 28th Jan., 1 Henry VII. [A. D. 1485-6], came Richard Wodelake, haberdasher, who married the above Alice, and acknow ledged satisfaction for his wife s patrimony, and for money accruing to her by the decease of her sister Isabella.
  • 12. 24 March, 10 Henry VII. [A. D. 1494-5], came the above John, and acknowledged satisfaction for his patrimony and for money accruing to him by the decease of William his brother and Elizabeth and Agnes his sisters.
  • 13. Margin. John Pellet, skinner, who married the above Isabella, acknowledges satisfaction before Thomas Hille, Mayor [A. D. 1484-5].