Misc. MSS Box 91 [C]: 1556-58 (nos 363-404)

London Viewers and their Certificates, 1508-1558: Certificates of the Sworn Viewers of the City of London. Originally published by London Record Society, London, 1989.

This free content was digitised by double rekeying. All rights reserved.

'Misc. MSS Box 91 [C]: 1556-58 (nos 363-404)', in London Viewers and their Certificates, 1508-1558: Certificates of the Sworn Viewers of the City of London, (London, 1989) pp. 135-150. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/london-record-soc/vol26/pp135-150 [accessed 19 March 2024]

1556-58 (nos 363-404)

363. [C.158] (fn. 1) 14 February 1556.

Parish of St. [Olave], borough of Southwark. Variance between William Shakylton, grocer, pl., and . . . Johnsby, haberdasher, def. The viewers say that the variance is of and for a little house of def. set at the W end of the house of pl.; it stands N and S over a water course there and of right so ought to continue as it is now built and has continued of old time. Pl. has there an entry lying N and S which ought of right to be and contain in breadth 10 ft. 2 in. E and W. Except etc.

Endorsed: [14]/4 A[nn]is 2&3° etc. infert[ur] istud Recordum etc.

364. [C. 159] 9 March 1556.

Parish of St. Botolph without Aldrichgate in the suburbs of the city of London. Variance between Cuthbert Hoop, yeoman of the Queen's larder, and Margaret his wife, pls., and Richard Standfeld of London, skinner, def. The viewers say that the variance is for the making of a certain fence on the S side of the garden of pls. Pls. ought of right to make it line right and plumb from their dwelling place stretching E line right and plumb to a stake set by the viewers. Also, def. ought of right to make the fence on the N side of pls.' garden line right and plumb from the SE corner post of def.'s house stretching E to a stake there also set by the viewers, and from that stake with a splay stretching N to a corner post of a jakes, to a nail there driven by the viewers. Further, the viewers say that the ground or garden of pls. contains 10 yards and a half in breadth from the N of the E end to the S [of the E end]. Finally, the viewers find that pls. have there a piece of a jakes containing 4 ft. in breadth and 9 ft. in length N and S, which pls. ought to have and enjoy as now he [sic] occupies and enjoys the same, as more plainly appears by a certain deed showed to the viewers. Either of the parties to have their commodities as they had at the time of their purchase of their grounds and from henceforth to bear their own water according to the ancient and laudable custom of the city of London. Except etc.

365. [C.160] (fn. 2) 15 April 1556.

Parish of St. [Olave], Southwark. Variance between Henri Leke, alias Hocke, pl., and Richard Meriote, clothworker, def. The viewers say that the variance is for a fence where a pale now stands which ought of right to . . . N and S line right and plumb between two brick walls and between the grounds of . . . which pale or fence is pl.'s; after he has made a brick wall where the . . . he may build upon it, so long as he does not sail over the same towards def. . . . Except etc.

366. [C.161] (fn. 3) 16 April 1556.

Parish of Christ Church within Newgate. Variance between John Hill, ironmonger, pl., and John Marten, haberdasher, def. The viewers say that def. has built a new frame on the W side of pl.'s house, which is set and stands upright as of right it ought to be, and def. has taken away a lead gutter between the houses of the parties, which he ought of right to cause to be new cast and laid again, to convey water there descending in the houses of the parties. After that the gutter is to be upheld, repaired, and maintained at equal costs and charges of the parties. Except etc.

367. [C.162] [16] April 1556.

Duplicate of certificate 366, in bad condition, with many words and endorsement illegible.

368. [C. 163] 2 May 1556.

Parish of St. Michael in Wood Street. Variance between John Pettytt, draper, pl., and William Austen and John Casie, saddler[?s], defs. The viewers say that pl. ought of right to have all lights, entries, and rooms with free ingress and egress, as he purchased the same. Also, there is a little gallery S of the house of Austen that sails over into the ground of pl.; it ought of right to be and remain as it is now built there. Pl. ought to uphold the same below and Austen to keep it tight and dry above. The gallery is to be built no higher, broader, or longer than it now is. Further, there is a privy or jakes at the E end of the gallery which serves the house of Austen as well as pl. They ought to cleanse the jakes as often as need shall be at their equal costs and charges and, the same [so cleansed, they] may sever the vault of the jakes if they can so agree, so [long as] pl. and his house are not withall annoyed by Austen. Except etc.

369. [C.164] (fn. 4) 9 May 1556.

Parish of St. Olave in the borough of Southwark. Variance between John Dawes, grocer, pl., and William Shakilton, grocer, def. The viewers say that the variance is of and for a certain way or entry stretching from the king's highway there N into the tenements of pl. Pl. ought of right to have it as it was granted by King Henry VIII: 3 ft. in breadth all the length of the entry, with ingress and egress to and from the same to his land and tenements there. Pl. ought of right to make a lawful fence or pale on the W side of the entry, line right and plumb from the corner post of the house of pl. to a corner post of the house of def. Finally, at the N end of the house of pl., abutting the dyehouse of def., pl. ought of right to have 6½ ft. stretching N toward the dyehouse, and 15 ft. E and W. Either party to have and enjoy all other commodities in their ground as they are expressed in their several leases of the same. Except etc.

370. [C.165] 11 June 1556.

Parish of St. Stephen in Walbrook. Variance between Thomas Alsoppe, citizen and grocer, pl., and the Right Worshipful Lady Dame Johanne Warren, def. The viewers say that the variance is of and for a certain cellar or warehouse directly under a house of pl., which cellar or warehouse as well as the houses of both parties at one time belonged to the College of Acon of the said City of London. At the time of pl.'s purchase, the cellar or warehouse was in tenure of def. or her predecessors. Because it appears by an old door going from the house of def. that the said cellar was long occupied as parcel of def.'s house, and from diverse other plain and probable things seen by the viewers, they say that the cellar belongs to def. and is and ought to be taken as parcel of the same house and def. ought of right to uphold and maintain the cellar or warehouse below and pl. ought of right to keep it tight above. Except etc.

371. [C.166] 10 [?July] 1556.

Parish of St. Bride in Fleet Street. Variance between Edmund Bragg, haberdasher, pl., and John Gilman, gentleman, def. The viewers say that the variance is of and for a certain garden plat and buildings in the same set on the N side of the house of def., which plat and all the buildings standing within the same up close to and with the plate and frame of the house of def. belong of right to pl. and is [sic] his proper ground and building. Further, a chimney and certain shed set on the N side of the house of def. stand within the ground of pl., which of right they ought not to do, as more plainly appears by certain deeds of pl. Except etc.

372. [C.167] (fn. 5) 14 July 1556.

Parish of St. Leonard in [the precinct of] St. Martins le Grand within the city of London. Variance between John Mody, citizen and grocer, pl., and John Roper, merchant taylor; Robert Stuard, saddler; Richard Harding, leatherseller; and Thomas Butler, haberdasher, also citizens of London, defs. The viewers have viewed, searched, seen and adjudged that pl. has pulled down a certain room of Roper's; of right he ought to make it again in as large and ample manner and form with the same commodities as it was when he plucked it down. Pl. shall bear two (twice) parts of the charges toward the building of it and defs. the third part. Defs., every one of them, shall have and enjoy all their said rooms in as large and ample manner as they have now of the tenure of the Bishop of London, without any let, trouble, vexation, or hinderance by pl. Pl. shall have and enjoy all that he now has of his tenure of the Dean and Chapter of Westminster, without any let, trouble, vexation, or hindrance of defs. Except etc.

Endorsed: Gerrard M[aior] 18/9 Annis s[e]c[un]do & quarto Phi[lippi] & Marie Regis et Regine etc. infert[ur] hoc Record[um]

Subscribed: a Thomas

373. [C.168] (fn. 6) 17 November 1556.

To the right honorable Lord Maire of the cytie of London and to his worshipfull brethren thaldermen of the same

Shewen unto your good lordshipp and maysterships the xviith day of november in the thirde and fourth [yeres of the] Reignes of our soveraigne lorde and Lady Phillippe and Mary, John Russell, Thomas Pecock, and [Walter] Cowper, the three (fn. 7) maysters of Fremasons, Carpenters, and Tylers, viewers indyfferente sworne to the said cytie, That whereas they were of late charged by your lordships commaundement to view and oversee a varyaunce in the parishe of Saint Marten in Bowyer Row of London betwene John Warren, Barbersurgeon, and George Warre[n], goldsmith, citizens of London, plaintyffes, on the one partie and the worshipfull mayster Willm Armested, Doctor in Divinitie and one of the maysters of the chauncery of our soveraigne Lord and lady the kynge and quene's majesty, defendaunte, on the other partie. Whiche thing and varyaunce thereof we the said three sworne viewers have viewed, serched, and sene and thereuppon we saye that there is a great Brick and stone wall sett betwene a great capytall mesuage belonging to the Deane and Chappyter of the Cathedrall churche of Sainte Paule within the citie of London and now in the tenure and occupacion of the said mayster Armested and [in] the precinct of the late dyssolved Black Fryers wythyn the said Citie. Which wall we say is belonging and parcell of the said Capytall Mesuage and that the said Deane and Chapyter for the tyme beynge or their assignes may buylde in and uppon the same at their pleasure. And that they ought of right to bere the water dyscending from their houses now there Buylded wythoute the hurte or annoyance of the said plaintyffes. And further we say that there are certen Butteries of Brick Joyned and sett unto the southsyde of the wall some of which Buttries the said parties plaintyffes have taken downe as they might lawfully Doo for that they stande uppon their owne grounde. And fynally we saye that the said parties plaintyffes may buyld close uppe unto the said wall soo that they sett no parte of their Buylding into or uppon the said wall. All which thinges we saye of right ought to be done, Except therebe any wryting, Evidence or Especialtie to the contrary to be shewed.

Endorsed: Offley [Maior] 21/12 A[nn]is 4 and 5 [sic] etc infert[ur] iste visus

374. [C.169] (fn. 8) 3 February 1557.

John Russell, Thomas Peacock, Walter Cowper, and John Humfrey, viewers.

Parish of St. Michael at Queenhithe. Variance between Francis Goldsmyth, gentleman, and Henry Bartelett of Windsore, draper, pls., and Cristopher Skenington, gentleman, and Roger Pillesworth, cook, defs. The viewers say that pls. ought of right to have and enjoy the ground on the E side of the kennel passing through a lane there called Dibbles Lane, S down to the river of Thames and down to the said kennel so far as his [sic] ground goes along by the same land and kennel, according to a lease dated the 27th year of the reign of King Henry the Eighth [1535–6] and now in custody of Bartelett. Except etc.

375. [C.170] (fn. 9) 11 February 1557.

Parish of St. Ethelburga in the Ward of Bishopsgate. Variance between the master and wardens of the Leathersellers, pls., and Sir Robert Chester, knight, def. The viewers say that the variance is of and for a brick wall whereupon the E side of the hall sometime occupied by the parish clerks of the City of London stood. The wall of right is the proper wall of def. Furthermore, if def. takes down the wall he ought to make a sufficient fence in place thereof. Finally, there is a wall on the S side of the ground of def. which wall is also def.'s; if he takes away the wall, he ought of right to make another sufficient fence there. Except etc. (fn. 10)

376. [C.171] (fn. 11) 27 April [?1557]

Parish of St. Ethelburga in the Ward of Bishopsgate. Variance between Ellice Lewys, Robert Lewys, citizen and joiner of London, her son, pls., and Thomas Wygett, citizen and vintner of London, def. The viewers say that the variance is of and for a vault containing within its walls 15 ft. E and W and 16 ft. N and S. The vault is under a parcel of the house of pls. The variance is also of and for a water course descending from the houses of the parties and issuing by a pipe made of lead under the house of pls. The vault was appurtenant and belonging to the house of def. at the time of his purchase and ought of right so to remain to him, his heirs or assigns forever, according to the tenor of his purchase. Forasmuch as the water course at the time of purchase of both parties was current and commodious from and for both their houses and issued as it now does through and under the house of pls. and conveyed the water descending from both their houses, it ought of right so to continue and remain. Also the back of the kitchen chimney of def. rests and bears upon a plate of the house of pls., which of right it ought not to do, but ought to stand upright and plumb upon def.'s own ground forasmuch as it was so built since the time of def.'s purchase. Finally, pls. ought of right at their own proper costs and charges to make up and build a piece of wall in a door that they have broken into the vault, as good as it was at the time that they broke it down. Either of the said parties ought of right to have and enjoy all their own water courses, lights, and commodities as they occupied and enjoyed the same at the time of their purchases. Except etc.

Endorsed: Offley M[aiore] 15/7/Anno 1557 infert[ur] iste visus

377. [C.172] (fn. 12) 7 May [?1557]. (fn. 13)

Parish of St. Peter in Westcheap. Variance between John Bell, goldsmith, pl., and Humphrey Jones, goldsmith, def. The viewers say that the variance is of and for a counting house now being built S of the house of def., which counting house contains 6 ft. 4 in. N and S and 7 ft. E and W, which counting house def. now builds over the house and ground of pl., which he ought not to do. Except etc.

378. [C.173] (fn. 14) 29 July 1557.

Parish of Aldermary. Variance between John Pettingar, clothworker, pl., and Richard Castelen, skinner, def. The viewers say that the variance is of and for a gutter lying between the houses of the parties, which is a party gutter and ought of right to be repaired at equal cost and charges of the parties. Except etc.

379. [C.174] (fn. 15) 29 July 1557.

Parish of All Hallows Barking. Variance between Thomas Pyk, skinner, and John Howlat, salter, citizens, 'being a partie view of the assents of bothe the said parties and for the satisfying, unitie and tranquilitie of both the said parties.' The viewers say that there is a stone wall or fence stretching E and W between the grounds of the parties which bears one side of the house of Howlat. The wall is very dangerous, ruinous, and in great decay; forasmuch as it is the wall and fence of Howlatt, he ought of right to new-build the wall or another sufficient fence where it is now set, from a house of Pyke on the E, line right and plumb, at his proper costs and charges. The sheds and buildings of Pyke ought not to rest upon the wall or fence. Either of the parties to bear their own waters according to the ancient custom of London. Except etc.

380. [C.175] 17 September 1557.

To the ryght honorable lorde Maire of the Citie of London and to his worshipfull brethren thaldermen of the same

Shewen unto your good lordshipp & mastershipps the xviith day of September in the iiiith and vth yeres of the reignes of our soveraigne lorde & lady Phillip and Mary, by the grace of god kinge and quene of England etc., John Russell, Thomas Peacock, Water Cowper, and John Humfrey, the foure masters of fremasons, carpenters and Tylers, viewers indifferent sworne to the said citie, that whereas they were of late charged by your lordships comaundement to viewe & overse a varyance in the parishe of saint Margaret in Pudding Lane within the Citie of London Betwene Roger Paddy, gent, and Margery, his wyfe, plaintiffes on thone partie and Willm Froke, haberdasher, defendant, on the other partie, which thing & varyance therof we the said Foure sworne viewers have viewed, serched, measured, and sene and thereuppon we saye That the said varyaunce is of & for the reparacions of a great Capitall mesuage of the said parties plaintyffes of the which house & reparacions therof we say that there is first in the hall defaced with taking down away of an entrie south of the same & a Doore towardes saint Margarettes churcheyard thorow a stonewall there. Also we saye That there was a stone wall in thyknes ii fote and a half and in lengthe north and south xxt1 foote which wall the said partie defendant hath taken awaye and in place thereof hath set a slender [?skor . . . ] of timber which of right he ought not to doo. And further we saye that there are dyvers Rofes of leade in sondry places within the said Capitall mesuage which are very ruynous & in great decay & ought not of right to be taken away but to be kept in reparacion & amended & remayne in lede Rofes as they nowe be. And also the same mesuage is ruynous and in decaye in timber worke in dyvers other thinges of reparacions as doth appere. And finally we say there is within the same Capitall mesuage dyvers selinges of waynscott, glasse, flores of bordes which of ryght the said partie Defendant ought not to take awaye by Custome of the citie of London and which Capitall mesuage by estymacion to be made Tenantable will coste forty markes as we now esteme. All which thinges we say of ryght out to be done.

381. [C.176] 20 September 1557.

Parish of St. Michael in Wood Street. Variance between Launcellot Yonge, clothworker, pl., and William Prior, latener, def. The viewers say that the variance is of and for the stopping up of a [?light] in a party gutter between the houses of the parties. Of right he ought not to do so, nor ought to meddle towards the house of pl. any further than the middle of the gutter. Further, the parties ought to have their waters falling from the houses into the said gutter, to have course and pass as they did at the time of the purchase of their houses, into a gallery there and so into the street. The said parties at their several costs and charges ought to repair, uphold, and maintain the gutter as often as need shall require. Except etc.

382. [C.177] 29 October 1557.

Parish of St. Ethelburga in the Ward of Bishopsgate. Variance between Thomas Wygat, vintner, pl., and Ellys Lewys, widow, and Robert Lewys, joiner, defs., 'which thing and variance thereof we the said four sworn viewers have viewed serched and sene and thereupon we say that the said . . .' [end of certificate].

See 375 above, involving the same parties, probably six months earlier.

383. [C.178] 2 December 1557.

Parishes of St. Michael's in Bassishaw and St. Lawrence in the Old Jewry. Variance in the street called Kettleng Street (fn. 16) between Richard Rammesey, cobbler, pl., and Thomas Kyne, blacksmith spurrier, def. The viewers say that the variance is for a jakes which stands within the ground of pl. It is the proper jakes of pl., which of right he ought to have and enjoy as he now has and holds it. Further, there is another jakes within the house of def. which he ought of right to cleanse from time to time as need shall require at his proper cost and charges and without disturbance or disturping [sic] pl. in the cleansing. Also def. ought there to make a stone wall upon his own frame within his own ground, whereby he ought not to hurt or impair the wall of pl. Either party ought of right to bear their own water according to the ancient and laudable custom of the city of London. Except etc.

Endorsed: 4 Decembris A[nn]is 4to & 5to etc. infert[ur] his visus feod[um] nondum solut[um]

384. [C. 179] 8 January 1558.

To the reight honorable Lorde Maire of the Cytie of London and to his reight worshipfull Brethren the Aldermen of the Same Shewen unto your good Lordship & mastershippes the viiith day of Januarie in the fourth and fyfte yeres of the reignes of our soveraigne Lorde & Ladye Phillip & Marie by the grace of god kinge & quene of England etc., John Russell, Thomas Peacock, Water Cowper, and John Humfrey, the foure masters of fremasons, Carpenters, and Tylers, viewers indifferently [sic] sworne to the said Cytie, That whereas they were of late charged by your Lordships comaundment to viewe & overse a variance Betwene the inhabitantes of the Warde of Cordwaynerstrete on thone partie and the inhabitants of the Ward of Chepe on thother partie, That is to say, Willm Parker, Edward Lee, Richard Castell, and other inhabitantes of the foresaid Warde of Cordwanerstreet, playntyfes, on thone partie and George Barnes, John Barnard, Willm Malborne and others, inhabitantes of the said Warde of Chepe, Defendauntes on thother partie. Which variance we the said foure sworne viewers have viewed, serched, and sene and there uppon we say that the saide variance is of & for the north ende of Bowlane sometyme called Hosier Lane entering into chepesyde, which we say is and ought of reight to be a parte & parcell of the warde of Cordwaynerstret. Excepte therbe any wryting, evidence or especialtie to the contrarie to be shewed in that behalf.

Endorsed: 7/3 A[nn]is 4to & 5to infert[ur] iste visus etc. sed feodum non[dum] solut[um]

385. [C.180] (fn. 17) 13 January 1558.

Parish of St. Michael in Wood Street. Variance between John Pettyt, draper, pl., and . . ., haberdasher, def. The viewers say that the variance is of and for the alteration of a [?pair of stairs] altered by def. and the flooring (flowreng) of a piece of a chamber made by pl. . . . in tenure of def., which stairs, flooring, and chamber ought of right to be and remain as they are now occupied by the parties during the lease of def. pl. ought of right to have his way to his chamber forth from Wood Street as he now has and occupies the same and in no other way, without any let or trouble of def. Except etc.

Endorsed: 17/3A[nn]is 4to & 5to etc. infert[ur] iste visus sed feod[um] non[dum] sol[utum]

386. [C.181] 20 January 1558.

To the Right honourable Lorde maior of the Cytie of London and to his worshipfull brethren thaldermen of the same

Shewen unto your good lordship and mastershippes the xxth day of Januarie in the ivth and vth yeres of the reignes of our soveraigne lorde and lady Phillipp and Mary, John Russell, Thomas Peacok, Water Cowper, and John Humfrey, the foure maysters of Fremasons, Carpenters, and Tilers, viewers indyfferent sworne to the said Cytie, that whereas they were of late charged by your Lordships Comaundement to view in the parishe of saint Stephen in Walbrok within the Cytie of London of the groundes of Thomas Frank, gentilman, and Henry Mynge, grocer, on thone partie and John Howe, gentilman, on the other partie, Whiche specially was for the assignment of suche grounde and to certenly know how moche there belongeth to the said Henry Mynge. Whiche we the said foure sworne viewers have viewed, seerched, measured and sene and thereuppon we saye that the ground that ys most Doubtfull that belongeth to the said Henry Mynge ys and conteyneth as hereafter foloweth, That is to saye, From the kinge and quenes majesties strete called Bucklers bery and the plate of the house there on the northe partie stretchinge south to a mayne post there xxxiiit1 foote and a half of assyse, whiche post is in Thyknes xi ynches of assyse. And from that corner post stretchinge more southe alonge by a bryckwall there to the southwest corner of the same wall xiii foote vii ynches of assyse And from the southwest Corner of the same wall stretchinge east to a princypall post there ys and conteyneth xviiit1 foote and a halfe of assyse. And from that pryncypall post stretching south to an other princypall post there ys and conteyneth xxvi foote of assyse. And from that pryncypall post stretchinge west to an other princypall post there ys and conteyneth xvi foote and iii ynches of assyse. And fynally we saye that the said John How ought of right to have his Water Course as he hath and enioyeth the same there now. Except there be any wryttyng, evydence or specialtee to the contrary to be shewed.

Endorsed: Curtis M[aior] debet pro imposic[ione] huius vis[us] 25/3 Annis 4 & 5 etc. infert[ur] hoc Record[um]

387. [C.182] 25 January 1558.

Parish of St. Giles without Cripplegate. Variance beside the Barbican there between Ralph Broke, citizen and goldsmith, pl., and John Berdon, poulter, and Richard Borne, merchant taylor, defs. The viewers say that the variance is of and for a fence that is now a pale being broken down at the NW end of the garden ground of pl. The fence and pale is a party fence between the parties and ought of right to be made up again at their several and equal costs and charges and so to be upheld and kept as often as need shall require. Further there is another pale there that stretches from a corner post of the house of defs., which ought of right to be set line right and plumb all along the said pale from the said corner post as far as the said pale stretches, at the costs of defs. Except etc.

Endorsed: Curtes M[aior] 7/4A[nn]o 1557 (fn. 18) infert[ur] iste visus

388. [C.183] 29 January 1558.

Parish of St. Andrew in the Ward of Castle Baynard. Variance between Thomas Reynold, citizen and draper, pl., and Robert Shurlok, citizen and woodmonger, def. The viewers say that the variance is for a lawful fence or pale between the parties from the SW corner post of the dwelling house of pl. stretching down to the Thames, to a principal post there standing which is the post of pl. Pl. ought to make the said fence line right and plumb from limit to limit at his own proper cost and charges. Finally, of right def. ought to deliver to pl. all such posts and boards as he has taken away there. Except etc.

389. [C.184] 7 February 1558.

Parish of St. Nicholas Coldabbey in Old Fish Street. Variance between the parson and churchwardens of the parish church of Cole Abbey, pls., and Edward Hall, citizen and fishmonger, def. The viewers say that the variance is for certain principals and principal posts in the house which def. now inhabits, that is to say, one principal plate that bears a kitchen above in the said house and two principal posts that bear a principal somer under the same kitchen. The principals and principal posts ought of right to be maintained and upheld at cost and charges of pls. as often as need shall be and require. Except etc.

390. [C. 185] 5 March 1558.

Parish of St. Dionis Backchurch. Variance between John Lute, clothworker, pl., and Rowland Richardson, carpenter, def. The view is a party view. The viewers say that the variance is for a piece of ground between the parties containing 9 ft. in length N and S and 2 ft. 9 in. in breadth E and W. pl. ought of right to have the ground to the first storey of def.'s house. From the said piece of ground beneath 9 ft. and 9 in. at the first floor, stretching S from the said piece of ground 9 ft. 9 in. [def.'s house] ought of right to jetty 2 ft. 9 in. over pl.'s yard by all the length of 19 ft. 1 in. Also, there is a water course that goes out of pl.'s ground and yard into the king's street there through def.'s house, which water course ought to pass from the [?wall] of pl. through the yard of def. into the street, and which water course pl. ought to maintain and keep, either in lead or hard stone of Kent, being hollow gutter stone; at the entry of the water course ought to be a sufficient iron grate so that nothing shall pass through except water. Moreover, def.'s house by the ground contains 28 ft. 10 in. in length N and S by the street called Philpot Lane to the middle of a party post between pl. and def. At the S of def.'s house, stretching E and W, it contains 17 ft. 2 in. Def.'s house ought to be and contain 19 ft. 8 in. in breadth at the N end thereof, E and W. Def. may build upon all his said ground, line right and plumb by all the length and breadth aforelimited. Except etc.

Endorsed: Curtes M[aior] 8 Marcii 1557 infert[ur] iste visus et sol[utum] feod[um]

391. [C.186] (fn. 19) 31 March 1558.

Parishes of St. Benet Sherehog and St. Stephen's in Walbrook. Variance between the Worshipful Lady Dame Johanna War[ren] . . . and Henry Mynge, grocer. The view is a party view. The viewers say that the variance is for certain walls between the parties. Henry Mynge shall'. . . have so muche as joineth uppon his ground as ys made of ragged stone. And so muche thereof as ys [?made of] bryck on the north syde of a cole house we say belongeth to the Lady Dame Johanna Warren. And . . . we say that the said Henrye Mynge ought not of right to deminyshe or ympayre any parte of the said [?wall] by reason of his buylding there. But that the frame thereuppon standing may stand upright and plumb . . . doth.' Except etc.

Endorsed: Curtes M[aior] 19/6 Annis 4 & 5to etc. infert[ur] iste visus

392. [C.187] (fn. 20) 22 April 1558.

Parish of St. [word omitted: presumably Martin] at Ludgate. Variance between Alexander . . . Gracely, haberdasher, def. The viewers say that the variance is for a shop or kitchen and a chamber and . . . said pl. with the kitchen, chamber, and room ought of right to be and remain . . . purchasers of the [?leases] of the parties. Either party ought of right to uphold . . . and building as are within the rooms in their several tenures during the years in the leases . . . ought of right to bear their own waters and maintain their gutters so that neither of them . . . [Except] etc.

Endorsed: Curtes M[aior] . . . 4&5to etc. infert[ur] . . . posit . . .

393. [C.188] (fn. 21) 23 April 1558.

Parish[?es] of St. Bartholomew the Little and St. . . . [Variance between] . . . and governors of the Hospital of St. Bartholomew in West Smithfield within the suburbs of . . . Bocher, haberdasher, def. The viewers say that the variance is for a wall of stone and brick between the . . . [It is] a party wall and ought of right to be made and upheld at equal cost and charges of the parties . . . corner post of a house belonging to def. stretching more E to the . . . the def. Except etc.

Endorsed: Curtes M[aior] 5/. . . & vto infert[ur]. . .

394. [C. 189] 3 May 1558.

Parish of St. Andrew in Holborn. Variance between Alien [Leverat], haberdasher, pl., and Richard Flower, haberdasher, def. The viewers say that the variance is for the repairing, upholding, waste, and maintaining of certain tenements there which def. holds for the term of the life of one Richard Stiverton, gentleman, late porter to King Henry the Eighth. The tenements are very ruinous and in great decay, so far that the most part of the same are ready to fall down and cannot be repaired unless they are newly built and edified.

Endorsed: Curtes M[aior] 5/7 Annis 4&5to etc. infert[ur] ist[e] visus vacat quia sol[utum] feod[um]

debet pro imposit[ione] huius visus [crossed out]

395. [C.190] 28 May l558.

Parishes of St. Magnus and St. Michael in Crooked Lane, in the wards of Bridge Within and Candlewick Street of London. Variance between the Worshipful Lady Dame Mary Morgan, widow, tenant to Sir William Garrard, knight and alderman of the city of London, pl., and William Alleyn, citizen and baker, def. The viewers say that def. ought of right to set up his foundation, to bear up his house, ground, and building there, 25 ft. 1 in. in length E and W, line right and plumb. And the same foundation to be brought up, also line right and plumb, at the E end even with the plate of the house of def. and at the W end even with an iron nail by the viewers driven into a lath there. Also, the parties ought of right to have all their watercourses as they now have them and have had in time past, and not otherwise. And close up to the said foundations the ground is the ground of Sir William Garrard and he or his assigns ought of right to make a fence of brick or stone there at their pleasure, close up to the said foundations of def. all the length thereof. Except etc.

Endorsed: Leie M[aior]

3/13 [sic] A[nn]is 5 & 6 etc. infert[ur] iste visus non[dum] sol[utum] feod[um]

396. [C. 191] 25 June 1558.

Parish of St. Pancras. Variance between John Bull, citizen and mercer, pl., and John Grenell, waxchandler, def. The viewers say that the variance is for the sailing and hanging of def.'s house over the grounds of pl. where he is now about to build and set a new frame and house. For the pacifying of the variance, the viewers say that pl. may set his building close to the plate of the house of def., 15 ft. 7 in. of size N and S. He may build upright and plumb as high as he shall think good, at his pleasure. Either of the said parties ought of right to bear their own rain waters according to the laudable custom of the city of London. Except etc.

Endorsed: Curtes M[aior]

2[?6]/8/Annis 4&5 Philippi & Marie Regis et Regine etc. infert[ur] istud visu[m] sol[utum] feod[um]

397. [C. 192] 27 July 1558.

Parish of St. Leonard in the precincts of St. Martin le Grand. Variance between the Reverend Father in God John, abbot of Westminster, (fn. 22) pl., and the Right Reverend Father Edmond, by the sufferance of God bishop of London, (fn. 23) def. The viewers say that the variance is for a certain ground lying in Bell Alley on the back side of a current and square frame of the houses belonging to def. For the appeasing of the variance, the viewers say that the ground and soil to the square frame there is privileged and sanctuary ground, and is parcel of Bell Alley, and of right belongs to pl. Further, at the NE corner post of a house of one Tho[mas] Butler there is a stone wall stretching more N in length 24 ft. The wall is the wall of pl. and the ground lying within the same is privileged and sanctuary ground and belongs to Bell Alley and is the ground of pl. Except etc.

Endorsed: Curtes M[aior]

8/12 A[nn]is 5&6 etc. infert[ur] ist[e] visus

398. [C.193] (fn. 24) 2 August 1558.

To the right honorable lorde maire of the Cytie of London and to his worshipfull brethren thaldermen of the same

Shewen unto your good lordshippe and masterships the seconde day of August in the fyfte and Sixt yeres of the Reignes of our soveraigne lorde and lady Phillippe and Mary, by the grace of god king and quene of England, Spayne, Fraunce, both Cicilies, Jerusalem and Ireland, Defenders of the Fayth, Archdukes of Austridge, Dukes of Burgundy, Myllayne and Brabant, Counties of Hespurge, Flanders and Tyroll, John Russell, Thomas Peacok, Water Cowper, and John Humfrey, the foure maysters of Fremasons, Carpenters, and Tilers, viewers indifferent sworne to the said Citie, That whereas they were of late charged by your lordshippes Comaundement to view and oversee a varyance in the parishe of our blessed lady at Bowe in Hosyer lane wythin the Cytie of London Betwene Peter Baker, Citizen and Scriver, . . . plaintyff, of the one partie and Sir Thomas Whyte, knight and Alderman of the same Cytie, Defendante, on the other partie, [which] thinge and varyance therof we the said foure sworne viewers have viewed, serched and sene and thereuppon we say [that the] said varyaunce is of and for a water Course issuing forth of a yarde in the tenure of the said partie plaintiff into and . . . a yarde and entry of the said partie Defendant there next adioyning in the tenure of one Henry Adams, clothworker. And of . . . certen Brykwalles inclosing the house and grounde now also in the tenure of the same partie plaintiff whiche water course we [say ought] of right to have free course and passage as it now hath and as tyme out of mynde it hath contynewed. And also we say that the [partie] plaintyff ought of right to have suche parte Comoditye, use, and occupacion of a well there Betwene the groundes of the said [parties] as he now hath. And that he, the said partie plaintyff, ought of right to have all the said house, grounds . . . as they are nowe there sett and enclosed and are in his tenure. And fynally we say that the said partie plaintyff ought [of right to] dense and repayre aswell the one half of the said well as to repayre and amend all the said Brykwall. As they now . . . Grounde. Except there be any better evydence or specialtie to the contrary to be shewed.

Endorsed: . . . 8 August . . .

399. [C.194] (fn. 25) [1553 × 1555]. (fn. 26)

. . . Ellys, John Cowper & Thomas [Peacock] . . . and tylers, viewers indyfferent . . . charged by your lordshippes comand . . . sett lying and beynge in the parish . . . and Humfrey Collett of London, bo[wyer]. . . of . . . the said houses and buyldings there . . . viewers saie that the said Humfrey . . . St. Clements Lane from a bryckwall . . . stretching North to a principall of the house . . . and ix inches of assise. And further we . . . Westward from the said St. Clements Lane . . . ground and houses with suche length and bredeth . . . buylde up right and plumbe and no more but . . . there is a shed with a celler under the same betwene . . . Southwest corner of his said houses which containeth . . . syde of the same shed ix fete and eight ynches of assyse . . . on the East syde of the same shed x fote & vi ynches of assyse . . . and East of the yard now in tenure of Gyles Bridges, Esq. . . . the said Humfrey Collett ought to bere all his waters discending . . . according to the ancyent custom of the Cytie of London . . . wryttinge, evidence or other specialtie to the contrary . . .

400. [C.195] (fn. 27) 31 July [?1555]. (fn. 28)

To the right honourable lorde maire of the Cytie . . . and to his worshipfull Brethren the . . .

Shewen unto your good lordshippe and masterships the last day of July . . . Reignes of our soveraigne lorde and lady Philippe and Mary [by the grace of God King and Queen of] England, France, Neapulles, Jerusalem and Ireland, Defendours of . . . Cycilie, Archdukes of Austrie, Dukes of Myllayne, Burgoyne, and Brabant, [Counts of Hapsburg] . . . Flanders and Tyroll, John Russell, Nicholas Ellys, Thomas Peacok and [Walter] Cowper, the foure maysters of Fremasons, Carpenters, and Tylers, viewers Indyfferent sworn to [the said city] that whereas they were of late charged by your lordships comaundement to view and oversee a variance in the parish of Seint Bryde in Fletestrete of London Betwene Frauncys Barker, Citizen and merchant taylor of London, plaintyff, on the one partie and Thomas Launce, citizen and Cutler of London, and Dorothie his wyfe, defendantes, on the other partie. Which thinge and varyance thereof we the said foure sworne viewers have viewed, serched, and sene and thereuppon we saie That the said varyaunce is of and for a certen Fence to be sett . . . a mudde wall is now sett north and southe Betwene the groundes of the said parties, And for the [tranquility], quyetness, and pacyfynge of the said varyaunce Betwene the said parties we saie that where the said [?mudwall] now standeth there ought of right to be made a lawfull and sufficient Fence at the equal costes and charges of bothe the said parties upright from the grounde in the garden of the said partie plaintyff, vi foote above the grounde of the said partie defendante. And the same Fence being so sufficientlie made we saye that the said partie defendante From thence forth ought to maynteyne, repayr, and upholde the same Fence of such height sufficientlie During his yeares yet to come. And also we saie that there is a Fence at the southende of the said muddewall which lyeth east and west, which Fence we saye the said partie defendante ought to uphold at his proper costes and charges, lyne right and plome. And that he ought not to buylde any thinge to sayle over the same Fence into the garden of the said partie playntyff. Except there be any wryttinge, Evidence or especialtie to the contrarie to be shewed.

401. [C.196] (fn. 29) [1553 × 1556]. (fn. 30)

Shewen unto your good lord . . . of the Reignes of our . . . Russell, Nicholas E[llys]. . . of Fremasons, Carp[enters] . . . whereas they were of . . . varyance in the parish . . . Thomas Goodman, gentil . . . defendante on the other . . . sworne viewers have viewed . . . we saye that the said . . . woadhouse of the said partie . . . for a quiettinge of the said . . . of the sayd woadhouse wherein . . . the sayd parties and ought there . . . lyne right and plombe viixx Foote . . . way there ought to be in Bredeth . . . the northe fence stretchinge east . . . stretche south in Bredeth xii foote of . . . hundredth foote of Assyse there the sayd . . . mudwall ten foote of Assyse and so the . . . as aforesaid from lymmytt to lymmytt . . . of the sayd woadhouse stretchinge more . . . ought to be xxxvi foote of assyse and . . . woadhouse stretchinge southe . . . Sewer sometyme hath bene . . . defendante ought to make a lawfull fence . . . partie plaintyffes grounde. And fynally . . . make a Comon Sewer there as it . . . any wrytinge evydence or especially . . .

402. [C.197] (fn. 31) [1554 × 1557]. (fn. 32)

Shewen unto your good lordship . . . of our soveraign lorde and lady . . . Thomas Peacocke and Water . . . Indifferent sworne to the said . . . to view and oversee a varyaunce . . . of Surrey betwene John Swyng . . . Scryver, defendante on the other . . . viewed, serched, sene and examyned certen Tenement sett wythin the Ally . . . Ten[emen]ts late belonged to the churche of . . . said partie defendante and therefore we . . . the same in as large and ample . . . And after such sorte as when as . . . Overys. And furthermore we saie . . . Tenements are partie partitions Betwene the . . . there buylde may take half of bothe the . . . parties shall bere their owne water . . . of London. Except therebe any wrytting . . .

403. [C.198] (fn. 33) [1555 × 1556]. (fn. 34)

To the right . . . and to his

Shewen unto your good lord . . . reignes of our soveraigne lord . . . Peacok and Water Cowper the . . . sworne to the said Citie, That where . . . oversee a variaunce in the parish . . . Drapers, plaintyff, on thone partye . . . and varyaunce thereof we the said foure . . . we say that the said varyaunce is of . . . the sayd parties. Whereuppon we say . . . repayre all the upper partes . . . holdeth and occupyeth the same that . . . east xliiiiti foote of assyse. And further . . . the nether parte of the house there . . . foote & half one fote of assyse in Bredeth . . . above. And that the sayde partie plaintyff . . . & commodytes he hath purchased and as . . . the said partyes and every other lorde or . . . according to the ancyent and laudable . . . partyes ought of right to annoye the . . . Evidence or especialtie to the contrary.

Endorsed: Garrard M[aior]

404. [C.199] (fn. 35) [?1554 × 1558]. (fn. 36)

Shewen unto your good lordshippe . . . of the Reignes of our soveraign . . . Quene of England etc. John . . . foure maysters of Fremasons . . . that whereas they were of . . . a varyaunce in the parishe of . . . plaintyff on the one partie . . . said Cytie, defendantes on the other . . . sworne viewers have viewed ser[ched] . . . [variance] is of and for certen worsted presses . . . now dwelleth which presses we say . . . playntyff. And that the same plaintiff . . . convert, transpose, and remove the same . . . wyth earth and make the place where the same . . . presses were there fyrst sett equall with . . . Evidence or especialtie to the contrarie.

Footnotes

  • 1. The top portion of the certificate is rotten and torn; much of the salutation is missing or illegible. Only the last two viewers' names are legible.
  • 2. The certificate is rotten and torn, with the right third illegible.
  • 3. The upper right corner of the certificate is decayed; only one viewer's name. John Russell, is legible.
  • 4. The certificate is in bad condition, with much of the salutation illegible.
  • 5. The salutation is in part illegible and the top right corner of the certificate is missing.
  • 6. The upper right portion of the certificate is missing.
  • 7. This is the only certificate in the collection, and the only one for this period I have seen anywhere, in which there are three rather than four viewers. It may be significant that this view was apparently brought into court more than 11 months after it was made, on 21 October 1557.
  • 8. The upper right corner of the certificate is decayed.
  • 9. The upper right corner of the certificate is missing.
  • 10. Stow says that the Parish Clerks' hall was granted to Sir Robert Chester at the time the Clerks' brotherhood was suppressed in the reign of Edward VI. Sir Robert did indeed take down the wall; see Stow, Survey, i. 170–1, who does not mention the Leathersellers.
  • 11. The upper right corner of the certificate is missing.
  • 12. The upper right corner of the certificate is decayed.
  • 13. The certificate cannot date from before May, 1557, because in May, 1556, John Humfrey had not yet replaced Nicholas Ellis as a viewer
  • 14. The handwriting in this certificate differs markedly from that of preceding ones.
  • 15. The lower right corner of the certificate is decayed.
  • 16. Cateaton Street.
  • 17. The upper and lower right corners of the certificate are decayed.
  • 18. The months of the mayoral year were counted from November, while the calendar year began on 25 March: hence 7/4 [February] 1557.
  • 19. The writing at the right margin of the certificate is illegible.
  • 20. The certificate is in very bad condition and is in part illegible.
  • 21. The certificate is in very bad condition and is in part illegible.
  • 22. Queen Mary refounded Westminster Abbey in 1555, at which time John Feckenham was installed as mitred abbot.
  • 23. Edmund Bonner.
  • 24. The lower right portion of the certificate is missing.
  • 25. The right half of the certificate is missing, and the date is torn away. The viewers presumably are John Russell, whose name is missing, Nicholas Ellys, John Cowper, and Thomas Peacock.
  • 26. William Walker was still acting as a viewer on 16 May 7 Edward VI, the date of the last extant certificate for Edward's reign. He had been replaced by Thomas Peacock by 22 September 1 Mary, four months later, in the first extant datable certificate from Mary's reign. This certificate, then, cannot date from earlier than the summer of 1553. John Cowper last appears in a certificate dated 28 July 2 Mary; by 9 March 1&2 Philip and Mary, chronologically the next extant certificate, he had been replaced by Walter Cowper. This certificate, then, cannot date from later than early March, 1555. So much of the parchment is missing that it is not possible to attempt more precise dating.
  • 27. The right end of the certificate is torn and stained.
  • 28. The certificate must date from after 28 July [sic] 2 Mary, the date of the last extant certificate in which John Cowper appears as a viewer; he was succeeded by Walter Cowper by at least 9 March 1&2 Philip and Mary (see comments to preceding certificate). It is clear that the Cowper shown here is Walter, not John, because as was the custom he is named last, indicating that he was the newest viewer. The last extant certificate with the above set of viewers dates from 14 July 2&4 Philip and Mary but there were probably others since the next extant certificate, dated 17 November 3&4 Philip and Mary, indicates that Nicholas Ellys had recently died; it shows only three viewers, probably meaning that Ellys' replacement had not yet been appointed. This certificate, then, could date from 31 July 1&2 Philip and Mary, 31 July 2&3 Philip and Mary, or 31 July 3&4 Philip and Mary. The recital of all the titles of the king and queen suggests the middle date, because 2&3 Philip and Mary is when that form was most commonly used.
  • 29. Only a fragment of the certificate exists; the date is torn away and the salutation is missing.
  • 30. The certificate must date from after 10 July 4 Edward VI; on certificates up to and including that date, Gilbert Burfame was listed following John Russell. The first extant certificate showing Russell's name followed immediately by Ellys' dates from 30 August 4 Edward VI. The spacing following their names suggests that they were the first two viewers mentioned; if so, the certificate must date from after 16 May 7 Edward VI, the last extant certificate which shows William Walker as the first viewer. Likewise, the presence of Ellys' name means that the certificate must date from before 17 November 3&4 Philip and Mary. See note to preceding certificate.
  • 31. Only a fragment of the certificate exists; the right half is missing.
  • 32. Since the viewers include Thomas Peacock and Walter Cowper, the certificate cannot date from before 28 July 2 Mary (see note to preceding certificates). The first extant certificate listing both Peacock and Walter Cowper as viewers dates from 9 March 1&2 Philip and Mary. Likewise, the certificate must date from before 3 February 3&4 Philip and Mary, since a certificate of that date shows John Humfrey replacing Walter Cowper.
  • 33. Only a fragment of the certificate exists; the right half is missing.
  • 34. Sir William Gerard was mayor from November 1555 until November 1556.
  • 35. Only a fragment of the certificate exists; the right half or more is missing.
  • 36. The word 'reignes' indicates a date after 25 July 1554.