Memorials: 1337

Memorials of London and London Life in the 13th, 14th and 15th Centuries. Originally published by Longmans, Green, London, 1868.

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'Memorials: 1337', in Memorials of London and London Life in the 13th, 14th and 15th Centuries, (London, 1868) pp. 195-202. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/no-series/memorials-london-life/pp195-202 [accessed 19 April 2024]

In this section

Removal of timber and stone at the Guildhall.

11 Edward III. A.D. 1337. Letter-Book E. fol. ccliii. (Latin.)

Be it remembered, that on the Thursday next after the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul [25 January], in the 11th year of the reign of King Edward, after the Conquest the Third, in the time of Thomas de Maryns, Chamberlain, 76 pieces of timber, then in the Guildhall, were removed and laid in the lesser garden of the same Guildhall, and placed under the wall there, to the chamber (fn. 1) of the late John de Baukewelle adjoining. Of which timber, 42 pieces were afterwards used in the repair of the Gate of Crepelgate, by Richard de Berkyng, Alderman, and Thomas de Maryns, Chamberlain.

The same day and year, there were taken into the cellar (fn. 2) of the same Guildhall 24 stones unwrought: and many other stones that were wrought, which were in the said garden, in the lodge there, (fn. 3) were removed to the said cellar.

Trial and punishment for burglary, by hanging.

11 Edward III. A.D. 1337. Letter-Book E. fol. ccxli. (Latin.)

Delivery made of Infangenthef, (fn. 4) before John de Pulteneye, Mayor, the Aldermen, and Sheriffs, on the Friday next before the Feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary [2 February].

John le Whyte, of Cauntebrigge, skinner, was taken at the suit of Geoffrey Punte, of London, mercer, with the mainour, (fn. 5) that is to say, rings of gold and silver, pearls, linen thread, bracelets, tablets, and other goods and chattels of his, to the value of 100 shillings, feloniously stolen at night from the shop of the same Geoffrey, at the corner of the Lane of St. Laurence Jewry, towards Chepe, on the Friday next before the Feast of our Lord's Epiphany [6 January], in the tenth year of the reign of the King aforesaid. And he accused him of the burglary in the shop aforesaid, and found sureties that he would prosecute him for felony, namely, John atte Barnet, and Richard le Mirourer.

And the jurors say etc., that the said John is guilty of the felony aforesaid. Therefore he is to be hanged. Chattels he has none.

Trial and punishment for theft, by hanging.

11 Edward III. A.D. 1337. Letter-Book E. fol. ccxli. (Latin.)

Delivery made of Infangenthef, in the Guildhall of London, before Sir John de Pulteneye, Mayor, and the Aldermen, on the Saturday next before the Feast of St. Dunstan [19 May], etc.

Desiderata de Toryntone was taken at the suit of John Baret, of Bydene, in the County of Barkshire, for a certain robbery committed upon him in the hostel of the Bishop of Sarum in Fletestrete, in the suburb of London, on the Monday next after the Feast of St. John Port Latin [6 May] in the 11th year aforesaid of the King now reigning; of 30 dishes and 24 salt-cellars of silver, belonging to the Lady Alice de Lisle, mistress of him, the same John Baret, value 40l.; being then in his keeping, and out of the same stolen; as to which he accused her, and of which number, 14 dishes and 12 salt-cellars were found upon her. His sureties that he would prosecute her for felony, were William de Toppesfeld and Reynald de Thorpe.

The jurors say etc., that the said Desiderata is guilty of the felony aforesaid. Therefore she is to be hanged. Chattels she has none.

Expenditure of moneys by the City Chamberlain.

11 Edward III. A.D. 1337. Letter-Book F. fols. v. ix. (Latin.)

Expenditure of moneys received from an assessment made in the City about the Feast of St. John the Baptist [24 June] in the 11th year of the reign of King Edward the Third, for sending archers in the King's service, by way of Bristol, into Gascoigne; and for obtaining a confirmation of the liberties of the City, the King's Council being at Staunford.

For 200 ells of red cloth, 15l. For shearing the same, 9l. 4s. For 17½ pieces, and one quarter, of cloth of Candelwykestrete, 35l. 10s. Paid to 190 of the said archers, 126l. 13s. 4d. To 8 vintainers, (fn. 6) 7l. 4s. To two centenars, (fn. 7) 53s. 4d. To Robert Flamberd, who escorted the archers as far as Bristol, 4l. As a courtesy to the said archers, (fn. 8) one tun of wine, 50s. To Robert Seymor, for flags and pennons, 21s. To John le Freynshe, for 10 lances, 16s. 8d.

To the Lord Chancellor, 2 basins and 2 chargers of silver, value 14l. 17s. 4d. Two cloths of Brucels, (fn. 9) bought of the Society of the Bardi (fn. 10) for the Lord Archbishop, 18l. 9s. For Sir Geoffrey Lescrope, 2 basins of silver, and spices (fn. 11) bought for him, 10l. To Sir John de St. Paul, 100s. To Sir John de Stonore, 100s. To Sir William de Sharshulle, 50s. To Sir William Trussel, 50s. For fee upon the sealing and writing of the Charter, 45s. 4d. To John de Caustone, for his expenses at the Council at Norhamptone (fn. 12) and Leycestre, 60s. To the same John, for loss of a horse in going to the Council at Staunford, (fn. 13) 60s. To Roger de Depham, for his trouble in going to the Council at Northamptone and Leycestre, 5 marks. For one long cloth of Malyns, (fn. 14) for the Lord Bishop of Lincoln, 10l. For two silver basins that remain in the safe-keeping of John de Pulteneye, Mayor, 9l. 17s.

Afterwards, on Friday before the Feast of the Apostles Simon and Jude [28 October] in the 11th year aforesaid, the said two basins, in the custody of the said John de Pulteneye, were presented to the same John, with 20l., by the Aldermen and Commonalty, for his labour and expenses in obtaining the Charter of Confirmation of liberties, and the restitution thereof.

On the same Friday, before John de Grantham and other Aldermen, William Haunsard and other Commoners, auditors thereof, there were allowed to the said Thomas de Maryns, Chamberlain, 60 shillings; which had been paid by him to John de Grantham, for a horse which the same John had lost on the business of the City, in going to the Parliament at York, (fn. 15) in the 9th year of the reign of our Lord King Edward the Third.

After which, Richard de Berkynge, Alderman, and the said Thomas, the Chamberlain, were appointed by the said John de Pulteneye and the Aldermen, to make a new wall near the Gate of Crepelgate, and to repair and cover the said gate and the Gate of Aldresgate with lead; and to make two small houses beneath the said Gates, for lodging the porters therein, etc.

Extract from the Account of the expenditure of the City Chamberlain.

11 Edward III. A.D. 1337. Letter-Book F. fols. ii. iii. (Latin.)

Account of Thomas de Maryns, Chamberlain, at the Husting of Pleas of Land holden on Monday the Feast of St. Dunstan [7 September], (fn. 16) in the 11th year of the reign of King Edward the Third.—

Paid for 2 pieces of cloth, and for shearing the same, for a surcoat of the serjeant-at-arms of our Lord the King, 109s. 5d. Also, to the King's messengers, to the holder of the Queen's bridle, and to the minstrels, 68s. 8d. Also, to Gilbert de Savenake, the King's serjeant, half a mark. Also, to Gilbert and his fellows, messengers of our Lady the Queen, half a mark. Also, for a robe with fur, for Sir William de Montacute, 6l. 9s. 8d. Also, for a robe for Gregory de Nortone, the Recorder, without fur, 29s. 8d.

Also, paid to Nicholas Pyke, owner of the ship called "La Jonette" of London, (fn. 17) of which John Ram is master. For the wages of 60 men in the same ship for 20 days, each of them receiving 6d. per day, 30l. Also, for the master of the same ship, 10s. Also, for the constable of the same ship, half a mark. Also, for 6 flags bought for the 3 ships, and repairing the same, 45s. Also, for rigging the said ship, 60s.—Total 36l. 20d. Also, to Thomas Potyn and his fellows, owners of the ship called "La Cogge of All Hallows," of which Richard Bartholmu is master, etc. (fn. 18) Also, to William Haunsard, (fn. 19) owner of the ship called "La Seinte Marie Cogge," of which John Arnald is master.

Expenditure of moneys raised by loan for presents made to the King and Queen, and certain nobles, at the Parliament holden on the Monday after the Feast of St. Matthew the Apostle [21 September].

11 Edward III. A.D. 1337. Letter-Book F. fols. iv. v. (Latin.)

Moneys sent to our Lord the King, 200 marks. To our Lady Queen Philippa, 100 marks. To the Lord Archbishop of Canterbury and Chancellor of England, in victuals, 20l. To the Lord Bishop of Lincoln, Treasurer of England, in victuals, 15l. 9s. 1d. To Sir Geoffrey Lescrope, 10l. To Master Robert de Stratford, 2 silver basins, value 9l. 17s. To Master William la Souche, 2 basins, value 8l. 8s. 8d. To Sir Michael de Wathe, 5 marks. To Sir John de St. Paul, 5 marks. To Sir Thomas de Evesham, 4 marks. For gloves, bought for holding the above 14 marks, 6d. To Sir William de Montacute, 50 marks. To the men of the King's Chamber, and his household and serjeants, 24l. For 3 silk cloths, bought for making an offering to the body of the Earl of Cornwall, (fn. 20) 60s. To Sir John de Molyns, 4 marks. To the minstrels and palfreyman of our Lord the King, 6l. To a clerk of Master Robert de Chigwelle, John de Mildenhale, and Brother John de Podenhale, 4 marks. To our Lady Queen Isabel, in victuals, 10l. To the vadlets of the Chamber, 40s. To the messengers of the King, Queen, and others, 40s. To Hugh Lovet, for boatage and other small expenses for the Mayor, Aldermen, and others, in the time of Parliament, and before, 40s. To Nicholas de la Beche, Constable of the Tower, 100s. To Sir Thomas de Bradestone, one silver cup and one water-pot, value 65s. 7d. To Sir Reynald de Cobham, one cup and one water-pot, of silver, value 4l. 4s. 9d. To the Lord Bishop of Durham, in victuals, 10 marks.

Inventory of goods and chattels belonging to Hugh le Bevere, a felon.

11 Edward III. A.D. 1337. Letter-Book F. fol. xii. (Latin.)

Be it remembered, that on the Saturday next before the Feast of the Apostles Simon and Jude [28 October], in the 11th year of King Edward, after the Conquest the Third, came John Fot, citizen and vintner of London, before Gregory de Nortone, Recorder, and Thomas de Maryns, Chamberlain of the Guildhall of London, into the Chamber of the Guildhall aforesaid, and acknowledged that he had received of Walter de Mordone and Ralph de Uptone, late Sheriffs of London, the goods and chattels under-written, in the presence of John de Shirbourne, Coroner, and the Sheriffs of London, as appraised on the oath of Edward Mohaut, pheliper, and others. Which goods belonged to Hugh le Bevere, who was indicted before the said Coroner and Sheriffs for the death of Alice, his wife; and which same Hugh, being questioned before the Justiciars of our Lord the King, assigned for delivery of the Gaol of Neugate, as to the death aforesaid, refused the law of England; whereupon, by award of the same Justiciars, the same Hugh was committed to prison, there in penance to remain until he should be dead: the same being.—

One mattress, value 4s.; 6 blankets and one serge, 13s. 6d.; one green carpet, 2s.; one torn coverlet, with shields of cendale, 4s.; one coat, and one surcoat of worstede, 40d.; one robe of perset, (fn. 21) furred, 20s.; one robe of medley, furred, one mark; one old fur, almost consumed by moths, 6d.; one robe of scarlet, furred, 16s.; one robe of perset, 7s.; one surcoat, with a hood of ray, (fn. 22) 2s. 6d.; one coat, with a hood of perset, 18d.; one surcoat, and one coat of ray, 6s. 1d.; one green hood of cendale with edging, 6d.; 7 linen sheets, 5s.; one table-cloth, 2s.; 3 table-cloths, 18d.; one camise and one savenape, (fn. 23) 4d.; one canvas, 8d.; 3 feather-beds, 8s.; 5 cushions, 6d.; one haketone, 12d.; 3 brass pots, 12s.; one brass pot, 6s.; 1 pairs of brass pots, 2s. 6d.; one brass pot, broken, 2s. 6d.; one candlestick of latone, and one plate, with one small brass plate, 2s.; 2 pieces of lead, 6d.; one grate, 3d.; 2 aundirons, 18d.; 2 basins, with one washing-vessel, 5s.; one iron herce, (fn. 24) 12d.; one tripod, 2d.; one iron headpiece, 12d.; one iron spit, 3d.; one frying-pan, 1d.; one tonour, (fn. 25) 1d.; one small canvas bag, 1d.; 7 savenapes, 5d.; one old linen sheet, 1d.; 2 pillows, 3d.; one cap, 1d.; one counter, (fn. 26) 4s.; 2 coffers, 8d.; 2 curtains, 8d.; 2 remnants of cloth, 1d.; 6 chests, 10s. 10d.; one folding table, 12d.; 2 chairs, 8d.; one aumbrey, (fn. 27) 6d.; 2 anceres, (fn. 28) 2s. Also, firewood, sold for 3s.; one mazer cup, 6s.; 6 casks of wine, 6 marks, the value of each cask being one mark. Total, 12l. 18s.4d.

The same John also received, of the goods of the said Hugh, from Richard de Pulham, one cup called "7"note"" with a foot (fn. 29) and cover of silver, value 30s.; 6 silver spoons, 6s. Also, of John de Whytsand, one surcoat, and one woman's coat, value 8s., which were pledged to the said Hugh by Paul le Botiller, for one mark. Total, 44s.

Complaint as to waste of the water at the Conduit in Chepe; and Order made thereon.

11 Edward III. A.D. 1337. Letter-Book F. fol. xx. (Latin.)

Be it remembered, that in full Husting of Pleas of Land, holden on the Monday next after the Feast of St. Martin [11 November], in the 11th year of the reign of King Edward the Third, came John de Enefelde, Thomas de Kestevene, and other neighbours, dwelling around the Conduit at London, and, for the commonalty, shewed to the Mayor, Sheriffs, and Aldermen, that the same commonalty of the City cannot be served with water from the said Conduit, as it used to be served; because that men who keep brewhouses in the streets and lanes near the said Conduit, send day after day, and night after night, their brewers to the said Conduit with their vessels, called "tynes," (fn. 30) and make the ale which they sell with the water thereof; and so in like manner they make malt with the same water, to the loss of the commonalty: and they ask that this common damage may be corrected, and that the said Conduit may from henceforth be kept for the public good, as of old it used to be kept.

And talk and converse being had thereon, order was given in full Court by the Mayor, Sheriffs, and Aldermen, to the keepers of the Conduit, that if in future any such vessel as those aforesaid should chance to be brought to be filled at the Conduit, they should not allow it to be taken away, but retain it in their own possession for the benefit of the said Conduit.

(fn. 31) Account of the Keepers of the Conduit; and Complaint thereupon.

II Edward III. A.D. 1337. Letter-Book F. fol. xix. (Latin.)

Richard De Gaunt (fn. 32) and Thomas le Peutrer, keepers of the Conduit in the 9th year of King Edward the Third, account for 6l. 6s. 6d. received in quit-rents for tynes and tankards thereat. (fn. 33) The said Richard discharges himself as to 4l. 22d., for making a clay wall about the head of the Conduit at Tyburne.

On the Feast of St. Clement [17 November] in the 11th year of the reign of King Edward etc., John atte Barnet and William le Peutrer were chosen keepers of the said Conduit; who made complaint before Henry Darci, Mayor, the Aldermen, and the Commonalty, on the Saturday next before the Feast of St. Katherine the Virgin [25 November], in the same year, in manner as follows.—

Richard de Gaunt, late keeper of the Conduit in London, with Thomas le Peutrer, now deceased, was summoned to answer the Commonalty, and William de Iford, who prosecutes for the same, for that the same Richard, on rendering his account in the Chamber of the Guildhall of London etc., made many concealments of goods and things to the said Conduit belonging, such as lead etc. And the jury, by Thomas Hauteyn and eleven others, say upon their oath, that the said Richard has in his possession both money and lead, property belonging to the said Conduit, to the value of 10 marks. Therefore it was awarded that the Commonalty of the City should recover 10 marks as against the said Richard, to the use of the said Conduit, and the said Richard be amerced.

And on the Wednesday following, the said Richard de Gaunt brought back lead to the Guildhall belonging to the Conduit, which he had in his possession, the same being valued in presence of the Mayor, on the oath of Richard le Peutrer, at 49s. 7d. And 23s. 9d. was allowed to the said Richard by the Mayor, which the same Richard on his oath affirmed that he had expended out of his own moneys upon the said Conduit.

Footnotes

  • 1. In Backwell Hall.
  • 2. Probably still existing, as the continuation at the West end of the crypt under the present Guildhall.
  • 3. logia; probably, a garden-house, or summer-house.
  • 4. The privilege, or liberty, granted to the lord of a manor, or other jurisdiction, of judging a thief taken in his demesne.
  • 5. The stolen goods in the thief's hand, or possession; the hand-habende of the Saxon and early English law.
  • 6. Commanders of 20.
  • 7. Commanders of 100.
  • 8. Or present.
  • 9. Brussels.
  • 10. A company of merchants of Florence.
  • 11. A general name for dried fruits, as well as the "spices" of the present day.
  • 12. Held 28 June 1336.
  • 13. Or Stamford; held 30 May 1337.
  • 14. Mechlin, or Malines.
  • 15. In July or August 1335.
  • 16. This is apparently the date, being that of another account by the same officer which immediately follows, and in the same hand.
  • 17. Ships partly fitted out by the City, for the service of the King, in France, in the preceding year.
  • 18. The items are of the same nature as the preceding.
  • 19. See page 205 post.
  • 20. John of Eltham, the King's brother, who had died the year before.
  • 21. Either peach-coloured cloth, or of an azure colour, it is uncertain which.
  • 22. Striped cloth.
  • 23. Probably, an apron.
  • 24. herciam; a frame on which candles were arranged, around the bodies of the dead. See also page 284, Note 3.
  • 25. A funnel.
  • 26. comput.
  • 27. Or portable cupboard.
  • 28. Or tubs.
  • 29. Nut; meaning cocoa-nut.
  • 30. Tubs of very large size.
  • 31. Only a selection from these accounts is here given; the other items being of no interest whatever.
  • 32. Ghent.
  • 33. See page 6 ante, Note 2.