Memorials: 1292

Petition of the Bishop of London as to enclosure of woods at Stebenhethe; and rejection thereof.

20 Edward I. A.D. 1292. Letter-Book C. fol. ii. (Latin.)

On Thursday next before the Feast of St. Gregory the Pope [12 March], in the 20th year of the reign of King Edward, in presence of Ralph de Sandwich, the then Warden of the City of London, of certain of the Aldermen of the same city, and of four men from each Ward there summoned, there was shown to them by the Warden a petition of the venerable father, Richard de Graveshend, the then Bishop of London, to the effect that the same Bishop might enclose two woods of his in the vill of Stebenhethe, (fn. 1) lying around his manor in that vill, and that he might place beasts of chase therein.

Which four from each of the Wards by the commonalty elected, after holding counsel thereon, make answer for themselves distinctly, that time out of mind they have been used to chase and to hunt within the woods aforesaid, and without, hares, foxes, rabbits, and other beasts, where and when they might please. And they say that they do not believe that our Lord the King has made him any grant in prejudice of the liberties of the City; wherefore they say that they wish to enjoy their liberties which they have hitherto enjoyed, and they beg that the same Bishop will keep his woods in the same form that his antecessors and predecessors have kept them; and they will not consent that he shall exclude them, nor will they grant any warren to him, etc.

Killers of Swine elected.

20 Edward I. A.D. 1292. Letter-Book C. fol. ii. (Latin.)

On the same day in that year, Reynald de Danecastre, Vincent de Lesme, Walter de Bekenesfeud, (fn. 2) and Walter de Staples, were elected and sworn to take and kill such swine as should be found wandering in the King's highway, to whomsoever they might belong, within the walls of the City, and the suburbs thereof. And they were to have the swine so killed, or else four pence from him to whom such swine belongs, as already ordained by common cry in the City. And the persons so sworn were to do their duty after the Saturday then next ensuing.

Proclamation as to treatment of the expected Envoys from the King of France.

20 Edward I. A.D. 1292. Letter-Book C. fol. iii. (Norman French.)

On Tuesday next after Midlent, in the 20th year of the reign of King Edward, this proclamation was made, by precept of our Lord the King.—

"Whereas certain great lords of the Council of the King of France are about to come with a message to our Lord the King of England, in his city of London; we do command you on the King's behalf, that no one be so daring as to injure the said envoys by word or deed, or any of their people, whether rightfully or wrongfully; but well and peaceably they are to be received, and courteously answered; on pain of loss of chattels and of imprisonment forthwith, at the King's will. And if any one of such envoys, or of their people, shall injure any of you, let them come to the Warden, and complain, and he will do them right."

Conviction for making false law in the City Courts.

20 Edward I. A.D. 1292. Letter-Book C. fol. iv. (Latin.)

On Thursday next before the Feast of St. John the Baptist [24 June], in the 20th year of the reign of King Edward, Geoffrey le Warner, being convicted of taking bribes for making false (fn. 3) law in the Sheriffs' Courts and other Courts and Sokes in the City of London, forswore making such laws from thenceforth in the city aforesaid, in any Courts there whatsoever, on pain of being put in the pillory, if in future he should be convicted thereof.

Contract as to making a Chalice.

20 Edward I. A.D. 1292. Letter-Book A. fol. lxiii. (Latin.)

Alan de Corboyl, goldsmith, came on the Saturday next before the Feast of St. Martin [11 November], in the 20th year [of King Edward], and acknowledged that he had received from Constantine, a Friar Preacher, (fn. 4) and John de la More, his fellow, thirty-four shillings' weight of silver, (fn. 5) and 114 pennyweights of gold, the pennyweight of gold being ten pence in value, and the value of such gold being 4l. 15s.; the same to be made into a chalice, which chalice he has promised to deliver to the said Constantine and John, at the Feast of the Nativity next ensuing. And if he shall not do so, etc.