Folios xli - l: June 1376 -

Folio xli - l.

Exoneracio cur' de £ccc exist' in manib' Cam'ar' que legat fuerunt Margar' fil' Nich'i Donat spicer.

M ^d quod hic videtur quod orphan' non potest facere test'm.

Be it remembered that whereas on the 2nd April, 48 Edward III. [A. D. 1374], the guardianship of Margaret, daughter of Nicholas Donat, spicer, aged three years, was committed by John Pyel, the Mayor, and John Cauntebrigge, the Chamberlain, to Nicholas Holbourne and Elizabeth his wife, late wife of Nicholas Donat and mother of the said Margaret, together with the sum of £300, as appears in Letter-Book G, fo. ccc; and whereas the said Margaret died under age and before she could legitimately make a will—the said Nicholas Holbourne came on Friday the morrow of St. Lucia [13 Dec.], 49 Edward III. [A. D. 1375], and paid the aforesaid sum of £300 to William Eynesham, the Chamberlain. Thereupon Robert de Astone, Knt., the King's Treasurer, claimed the money for the King, on the ground that Nicholas Donat was a foreigner, and the will bequeathing the money was made in Lombardy beyond the realm. The money was likewise claimed by John Donat, spicer, brother of the said Nicholas, on the ground that he was residuary legatee in the event of Margaret dying under age. The money was likewise claimed by John Stode, as cousin and next heir of the blood of the said Margaret. It was likewise claimed by the aforesaid Nicholas Holbourne and Elizabeth his wife, mother of the said Margaret. Cur. ad. vult.

Afterwards, viz., on the 10th May, 50 Edward III. [A. D. 1376], the aforesaid Treasurer, with the assent of John Knyvet, the Chancellor, certified to the court by Thomas Hervey, clerk, that the King had no right to the money; and on Friday after the Feast of St. Barnabas [11 June] came the aforesaid John Donat, John Stode (by John Trigge, his attorney), and Nicholas Holbourne, before the Mayor and Aldermen, and acknowledged the receipt of the money from the Chamberlain, and entered into a bond of indemnity.

Folio xli b.

Exoner acio Gilb'ti Chelchethe et Eleneux'is ejus de bonis puer or' Will'i Forster.

Friday after the Feast of St. Matthias [24 Feb.], 50 Edward III. [A. D. 1375-6], came Gilbert Chelchethe and Elena his wife before Adam Stable, Alderman, William Eynesham and Ralph Strode, Commoners, and rendered account of the property of William, Dionisia, and Isabella, children of William Forster.

Br'e ne lane pell' lanute nec coria ducantur alibi quam ad Cales'.

Writ to the Mayor and Sheriffs to make proclamation forbidding the exportation of wool, woolfells, leather, &c., except to the Staple of Calais. Witness the King at Westminster, 3 June, 50 Edward III. [A. D. 1376].

Proclamation made accordingly, 4 June.

Br'e ad arres tand' bona divers' mercator' de potestate Franc'.

Writ to the Mayor and Sheriffs to seize the goods of French subjects found in England by way of retaliation for the unlawful seizure at sea of goods of English merchants, contrary to the terms of the existing truce. Witness the King at Westminster, 16 June, 50 Edward III. [A. D. 1376]. (fn. 1)

Folio xlii.

Br'e protreugis prorogand'.

Writ to the same to make proclamation of the truce with France having been prorogued from the last day of June until the following 1st day of April. Witness the King at Westminster, 18 June, 50 Edward III. [A. D. 1376]. (fn. 2)

Proclamation made accordingly, Thursday after the Feast of St. Botolph [17 June].

Pena imprisonamenti profals' indenturis factis.

30 May, 50 Edward III. [A. D. 1376], William Grendone, called "Credelle," scrivener, committed to Neugate for making false indentures of apprenticeship between Nicholas, son of William Flourman, a minor, and William Ayllesham. (fn. 3)

Judicium jzonar' qui hernasiavit unam zonam cum argento.

Thursday after the Feast of St. Botolph [17 June], 50 Edward III. [A. D. 1376], William Bonjohn, girdler, attached to answer a charge of having harnessed a girdle with silver contrary to the ordinance of the mistery of Girdlers, as appears in Letter-Book F, fo. lxxxviii. [b]. (fn. 4)

Folio xlii b.

Afterwards, viz., on the 13th December, 10 Richard II. [A. D. 1386], the above William was charged with having again broken the ordinance. Fined. (fn. 5)

Judicium pro circul' et nodul' delatone dearg'.

Friday after the Feast of H. Trinity [8 June], 50 Edward III. [A. D. 1376], Richard Bor charged before the Mayor and Aldermen with having deceitfully silvered a number of buttons (nodulos) and circlets of latten for purses called "gibesers." In defence he declared that the buttons, &c., had been delivered to him by Michael Hakeneye for the purpose of silvering. Both parties committed to prison. (fn. 6)

Folio xliii.

Judicium procircul' mazer' non puris vend'.

Wednesday after the Feast of St. Botolph [17 June], 50 Edward III. [A. D. 1376], Peter Randolf confessed himself guilty of having passed off circlets for mazers as made of pure silver which were in fact made of mixed silver. Not being of the mistery of Goldsmiths, he promised thenceforth not to meddle with that trade, but to confine himself to his own mistery of "latoner." (fn. 7)

Indentura int' Allex' Befford et Joh' Busshe.

Lease by Alexander Befford (Besford ?) and Beatrix his wife, late wife of Sir Thomas de Bassyngbourne, Knt., to John Busshe, chandler, of certain shops in the parish of St. Nicholas at the Shambles near the tenement of Nicholas Crane, for a term of twenty years, at an annual rent of £4. John Warde, Mayor, William Neuport and John Hadle, Sheriffs. Witnesses, Elias de Westone, John Dousete, Nicholas Jordan, and others [not named]. Dated Thursday before the Feast of St. John the Bapt. [24 June], 50 Edward III. [A. D. 1376].

Folio xliii. b.

Eleccio mag'ror' Sellar'.

Thursday after the Feast of St. Peter ad Vincula [1 Aug.], 50 Edward III. [A. D. 1376], Rumbold Bodde, Walter Yonge, John Cole, and Simon Byrthorpe, Masters of the Saddlers, sworn into office to survey the mistery, &c.

Eleccio abrocar' Pelliparior'.

The same day John Hardy elected broker of the mistery of Skinners by good men of the mistery, and presented and sworn before the Mayor to faithfully discharge his duties Sureties, viz., Thomas Wiltesshyre, Stephen Daubeny, William Wircestre, and John Silvertone.

Custod' Isabell' fil' Matild' Bectote.

2 Aug., 50 Edward III. [A. D. 1376], the guardianship of Isabella, daughter of Matilda Bectote, aged half a year, together with the sum of 20 marks bequeathed to her by Roger Longe, (fn. 8) vintner, committed by John Warde, the Mayor, and William Eynesham, the Chamberlain, to Adam Meryfeld, goldsmith Sureties, viz., William Fraunceys and Thomas Bygoud, goldsmith.

Folio xliv.

L'ra d'ni Regis missa Maiori Recordat' Vic' Ald'r is et co'itati London'.

Letter of Privy Seal from the King to the Mayor, Recorder, Sheriffs, Aldermen, citizens, and Commons of the City, to the effect that he had heard that dissensions had arisen in the City over the elections of Mayor, Sheriffs, and Aldermen, and the manner of making ordinances, some wishing that such elections and ordinances should be made by certain persons elected by the Wards, whilst others wished them to be made by persons chosen by the Misteries. It was his purpose to hold a Council at his Palace of Westminster on the Feast of St. Michael [29 Sept.] next, when the matter could be debated. In the meantime he charges them to put aside all dissension, under penalty of forfeiture of their franchise, &c. Dated at his Castle of Haddele, (fn. 9) 29 July, 50 Edward III. [A. D. 1376].

L'ra eor'd' responsoria missa eidem d'no Regi.

Reply to the above under the Common Seal of the City denying the existence of any serious dissension in the City, and notifying the King that, in order to prevent tumult arising from large gatherings, it had been unanimously decided that whenever the Commonalty met in Common Council of the City, the Council should be chosen by the best men of the Misteries and not otherwise, the number of the Misteries being regulated by the Mayor according to the gravity of the matter in hand, and the whole of the Commonalty consenting to abide by the judgment of those so elected and that of the Mayor and Aldermen. This letter the writers send by the hands of two Aldermen and six Commoners. Dated Friday, 1 August [A. D. 1376].

The names of the Aldermen and Commoners, bearers of the above letter, viz., William Waleworth and Nicholas Brembre, Aldermen, Robert Launde, goldsmith, Hervey Begge, "draper," William Kelshulle, fishmonger, Richard Norbury, mercer, William Wodehous, skinner, and Geoffrey Cremelford, grocer.

Folio xliv b.

M ^d de quod' signo vocat' molet apposito co'isigill' civitatis.

1 Aug., 50 Edward III. [A. D. 1376], an addition made to the Common Seal of the City in the presence of John Warde, the Mayor, William Haldene, the Recorder, John Chichestre, William Waleworth, Nicholas Brembre, John Tornegold, Adam Stable, John Norhamptone, John Maryns, Robert Hatfeld, Nicholas Twyford, Bartholomew Frestlynge, and John Haddele, Aldermen, and an immense Commonalty convened for certain reasons in the Chamber of the Guildhall. (fn. 10)

Nomina custod' clav' co'is sigilli.

The same day, by the consent of the said Mayor, Aldermen, and Commonalty, the keys under which the above seal is kept were committed to the custody of John Warde, the Mayor, Bartholomew Frestlyng, Alderman, John Bures, draper, and John Estone, mercer, Commoners. (fn. 11)

L'ra d'ni Reg'.

The King's letter of Privy Seal acknowledging the letter of the Mayor, &c., touching alleged dissensions in the City, and accepting their excuses provided no further cause were given to the Commons for complaining to the King or his Council of delay of justice, &c. Dated at his lodge of "Reylee," (fn. 12) 2 Aug.

Folio xlv.

Ordinacio Fullonum.

Petition to the Mayor and Aldermen by John Oliscompe, Geoffrey Suttone, and John Swift, on behalf of themselves and other Fullers of the City; that the use of urine in the fulling of cloths may be forbidden; that no one exercise the craft without being a freeman of the City; and that Hurers be forbidden to full their caps in the mills of Wandelsworth, Oldeford, Stratford, and Enefeld, where the Fullers full their cloths.

Thereupon the said Mayor and Aldermen, desiring to be fully certified as to the wishes of other-Fullers with respect to the petition, caused to be summoned all the best men of the mistery within the franchise of the City, viz., Richard Dyere, John Olescompe, William Doder, Thomas Heved, John Hardy, John Hardy [sic], Richard Sket, Richard Borard, William Modeshunte, Walter Astelyn, John Wikhale, Simon Gardiner, Roger Fullere, Peter Perisholt, John Swyft, Thomas Yonge, William Caus, John Broun, John Wyke, Geoffrey Caban, William Daukyn, Andrew atte Weye, Henry Austyn, John Flemynge, "Loye" de Dole, William Elys, John Boydone, John Prentiz, John Holbeche, John Grene, David Richard, William atte Corner, Robert Base, Geoffrey Suttone, Roger Bynge, John Clerk, John Prentys, Walter Gyn, John Dorsete, Richard Haye, and John Caumbrigge, who prayed that the petition might be granted.

Afterwards, viz., on Thursday after the Feast of St. Katherine [25 Nov.], 50 Edward III. [A. D. 1376], others were summoned to give further information, viz., Walter Denyas, John Bristowe, William Wormenstre, Henry Lovel, Richard Cornewaille, Thomas Lavender, Robert Comptone, Nicholas Potyn, Roger atte Wode, John Mortone, John Umfrey, Thomas Hardynge, and John Caysho, who said on oath that to full cloths with earth and water was advantageous to all the Commonalty, but to full them with "syge," i.e., urine, was deceitful and prejudicial to the Commonalty. Thereupon the said ordinances were approved, and any one convicted of fulling with "syge" was in future to be fined. (fn. 13)

Thereupon Geoffrey Suttone, William Wormenstre, John Swyft, and Simon Gardiner were elected Wardens of the mistery to see that the said ordinances were observed.

Folio xlv b.

Whereas the Commonalty of the City have made grievous complaint, by Ralph Strode, the Common Serjeant (Comune Serjeant), of a great slander having been raised against the City at the last Parliament held at Westminster in the quinzaine of Easter last, (fn. 14) touching certain misdoings of which some persons had been convicted in full Parliament and others still were under great suspicion; and whereas the Commonalty have further complained that for many years past they have been badly treated by reason of divers Mayors and Aldermen, disregarding their oath and the needs of the people, having made ordinances for their own private advantage, and granted public lands and tenements under the Common Seal to divers individuals without consulting the Commonalty; they therefore pray the Mayor and Aldermen for a remedy.

Thereupon John Warde, "grosser," the Mayor, with the advice of John Chichestre, Adam Stable, John Fyfide, Nicholas Twyford, John Norhamptone, Aldermen, and Richard Norbury, John More, Richard Aylesbury, William Wadesworth, Hervey Begge, William Essex, Robert Fraunceys, and John Willarby, Commoners, caused the Aldermen and a great number of the Commonalty from the principal misteries to be summoned to meet at the Guildhall on Friday [1 Aug., 1376] at 8 o'clock, a "bill" to that effect being sent under seal to the Surveyors of the misteries.

After due deliberation it was unanimously agreed with respect to the first grievance that Richard Lyons, Adam de Bury, and John "Peche" should be ousted from their office of Aldermen and others elected in their place by their several Wards. Whereupon Richard Lyons, Alderman of the Ward of Bradstret, was discharged from office by reason of his being condemned by Parliament to lose the franchise of London for divers extortions by him committed, and John Orgon was elected in his place; John "Pecche," Alderman of the Ward of Walbroke, was discharged for having, contrary to the franchise of the City and his oath, purchased a patent from the King for restricting the sale of sweet wines and for having taken for his own profit the sum of 40 pence on every butt (bot) sold, of which he had been convicted in Parliament (fn. 15) (an extortion which he falsely alleged to have been made with the assent of the Aldermen and Commonalty), and Hervey Begge was elected in his place; (fn. 16) and Adam de Bury, Alderman of the Ward of Langebourne, was discharged by reason of divers accusations made against him in Parliament, and for failing to attend there on summons to defend himself, (fn. 17) as well as for great negligence in his duties, and for being absent from the City for the greater part of a year, and Adam St. Yve was elected in his place.

Folio xlvi.

As to the second grievance, the Mayor, Aldermen, and Commonalty being advised that, among other things contained in their charter of franchises, they are allowed to amend difficulties and defects found in their customs by common consent whenever necessary, and to provide reasonable remedy; and whereas they were further advised that reason demanded that approved Commoners ought to be present at the making of every ordinance touching the City in common and that nothing ought to be done in secret, the said Mayor and Aldermen, with the assent of the Commonalty, decreed that in future the Surveyors of each sufficient mistery should assemble the men of their mistery to elect certain persons against the day when the new Mayor shall be sworn, and that they should be ready to accept whatever the Mayor, Aldermen, and the persons so elected should ordain in the Guildhall; and further, that the persons so elected, and no others, be summoned to elections of Mayors and Sheriffs, and whenever it may be necessary to take counsel of the Commonalty at the Guildhall; and that each mistery return the names of those so elected to the new Mayor on the day of his charge, the greater misteries electing not more than six persons, and the rest four or two, according to their size, for one year. Further, that if anything be ordained by the Mayor and Aldermen affecting the Commonalty without the assent of those so elected or the greater part of them, or at least of the twelve principal misteries; it shall be held void; and that all those so elected be charged on oath to come quickly on every summons unless for good excuse, and show no favour to any individual to the hurt of the Commonalty, but preserve for each mistery its reasonable customs.

Also pray the Commonalty that twice every quarter at the least the Aldermen and Commons so elected shall meet together to consult about the common necessities of the City, and no complaint be attended to that does not affect at least a whole Ward or a whole Mistery of the City.

Also pray the Commonalty that it be ordained and firmly established that in future no Mayor, Recorder, Sheriffs, nor Aldermen take any gift for maintenance of a quarrel, under such penalty as is imposed by this Parliament on Justices in such cases, or as to us and them may seem reasonable and just.

Names of the Aldermen whom John Pecche declared before Parliament to have assented together with the whole Commonalty to his extortion in the matter of sweet wines, viz., John Warde, Mayor, William Halden, Recorder, John Chichestre, John Pyel, William Waleworth, John Phelipot, Nicholas Brembre, John Fyffide, Adam Stable, John Little, John Haddele, Bartholomew Frestlynge, Robert Hatfeld, John Norhamptone, Nicholas Twyford, John Maryns, Aldermen, and Ralph Strode, the Common Pleader.

Names of the Aldermen who were present and assented to the above ordinances, viz., John Warde, Mayor, William Halden, Recorder, Bartholomew Frestlynge, John Fyfhyde, Robert Hatfeld, Adam Stable, John Norhamptone, Nicholas Twyford, John Maryns, Hervey Begge, and Adam St. Yve, Aldermen, John Haddele, Alderman and Sheriff, and William Neuport, Commoner and Sheriff.

Folio xlvi b.

Names of the misteries summoned and present at this time, viz. :—.

Grossers, Mercers, Pessonners, (fn. 18) Drapiers, Vynters, Orfeyvrers, (fn. 19) Taillours, Pelters, (fn. 20) Sellers, (fn. 21) Cordewaners, Seynturers, (fn. 22) Ismongeres, Armurers, Broydurers, (fn. 23) Tapicers, (fn. 24) Tysters, (fn. 25) Teynturers, (fn. 26) Fullers, Joygnours, Peautrers, Wexchandelers, Talghchandelers, Salteres, Sporiers, Bowyers, Horneres, Curreours, Haberdassheres, Cotillers, Foundours, Bochers, Letherselleres, Brasyers, Plomers, (fn. 27) Feveres, (fn. 28) Hurers, Peyntours, Lorymers, Toundours, (fn. 29) Wodemongeres, Tanneres.

Names of Aldermen and Commoners elected by the Mayor, Aldermen, and Commonalty to survey and examine the ordinances in the Guildhall, and to present to the Commonalty those that are of benefit to the City and those that are not, viz.:—.

Robert Hatfeld and John Norhamptone, Aldermen; William Essex, Richard Northbury, William Kelshulle, Geoffrey Cremelford, William Tonge, and Robert Fraunceys, Commoners.

Be it remembered that on the 9th Aug., 50 Edward III. [A. D. 1376], there came an immense Commonalty from the underwritten misteries to the Guildhall, before John Warde, Mayor, William Haldene, Recorder, John Chichestre, Adam Stable, Robert Hatfeld, John Aubrey, Bartholomew Frestlynge, Nicholas Twyford, John Maryns, John Haddele, Hervey Begge, Adam de St. Ive, Aldermen, and presented the names of the underwritten persons, elected by each mistery and deputed to serve as a Council for the City until the charge (oneratio) of a new Mayor, and they were called separately for each mistery and charged by their oath as follows :—

(Translation).

You swear that you will readily come when summoned for a Common Council of the City unless you have lawful and reason able excuse, and good and lawful counsel shall you give according to your understanding and knowledge, and for no favour shall you maintain an individual benefit against the common weal of the City, preserving for each mistery its reasonable customs. And when you shall so come, you shall not depart without reasonable cause or leave of the Mayor, or before the Mayor and his fellows have departed.

Names of persons of divers misteries so elected, (fn. 30) viz. :—

Grossers: Richard Odyham, Geoffrey Cremelford, William Culham, John Hothom, Adam Lovekyn, William Wadesworthe.

Mercers: John Heylesdone, John Eystone, John Boseham, Richard Northbury, Simon de Ayllesham, John More.

Drapers: John Bures, John Benyngtone, John Vyne, John Prentyz, John Walstede, William Essex.

Pessoners: John Bryan, Thomas Welford, John Kirketone, Walter Sibyle, Andrew Pykeman, John Horn.

Orfeveres: Robert Launde, William Fraunceys, John Bodesham, John Fraunceys, Robert Fraunceys, John Carbonell.

Vynters: Walter Doget, Henry Vannere, William Tonge, John Clyvele, William More, Richard Blake.

Folio xlvii.

Taillours: John Tilneye, Robert Hundene, Robert Lyndesey, William Sudbury, Richard Burtone, William Spaldynge.

Saddlers: William Baldewyn, John Pountfreyt, William Lyncoln, Roger Excestre.

Webbes: (fn. 31) John de Baathe, John Gyle, William Goryng, William Godhewe.

Tapicers: Giles de Kelseye, Richard Dicoun, Thomas Bonanture, John atte Dyke.

Lether sellers: John Swantone, William Belhomme.

Foundours: William Godriche, William Wolleriche.

Joignours: Robert de Louthe, Nicholas Pays.

Chandelers de Su: (fn. 32) Richard Willesdone, John Goldryng, Richard Manhale.

Fullers: William Doder, Geoffrey Suttone, John Mordone, Walter Astele.

Curreours: Richard Serne, Thomas Wyllyngham.

Brewers: Thomas Potesgrave, John Cook, John Chipstede, William Strode.

Flecchers: (fn. 33) John Bonet, Thomas Prentys.

Bakers: Thomas Honylee, Simon Frensshe.

Pelters: John Sely, Elias de Thorpe, William Olyver, Walter Pykenham, John Rote, Thomas Roolf.

Girdlers: Richard Russelle, John Abraham, Stephen Kynge, Richard atte Boure.

Dyers: John Claveringe, Henry Grenecob, Nicholas Maynard, Richard Godard.

Brouderers: Nicholas Halley, Robert Ascombe.

Haberdasschers: Robert de Lynne, Thomas Botstone.

Brasiers: Robert Rydere, Robert Rous.

Salters: Robert Ivyngho, William Stapelte, John Reyner.

Cappers: John Hydyngham, Richard Lyncoln.

Peutrers: John Kentoys, Walter Hervyle (?).

Bowiers: Robert Pipot, John Dorneford.

Hurrers: John Camerwelle, John Broke.

Smiths: ("Fabri") John Dancastre and Thomas Tilbery, lorimers, John Neuby, "marchal" (farrier); Robert Roderam, "bladsmythe"; Reginald Dawe, "blaksmythe"; Robert Sendale, "heumer."

Horners: Walter Gerard, William Milward.

Masons: Thomas Wrek, John Lesnes, John Artelburgh, Robert Henwyk (Heuwyk ?).

Ismongers: William Dykeman, Gilbert Maunfeld, Reginald Coleman, Roger Streyte.

Cordwainers: Nicholas Snypstone, John Longe, Benedict Walkelyn, John Capel.

Armurers: Simon Wynchecoumbe, John Walsyngham.

Bochers: Richard Stonham, Henry Asshelyn, John Tikhulle.

Cutlers: Simon atte Nax, Richard Godchild.

Sporiers: Roger Payn, John Dene.

Plomers: Richard atte Diche, Robert Hubert.

Wexchandelers: Roger Elys, William Hatfeld.

Shearmen: John Ternaunt, Thomas Pope.

Peyntours: Gilbert Prynce, William Larke.

Tanners: William Thomer, William atte Feld.

Pouchemakers: John Wendelyngburgh, William Manby.

Wodmongers: John Asshurst, William Schrympelmersche.

Pynneres: William Coventre, John Goman.

And be it remembered that the same day it was agreed and ordained that none of those sworn above shall be put on any inquests or juries, nor be collector or assessor of tallage during the time that he be in the aforesaid office.

Folio xlvii b.

Abjudicatio lib'tat' Joh'is Pecche.

9 Aug., 50 Edward III. [A. D. 1376], the same Commonalty urged the said Mayor and Aldermen that John Pecche, late Alderman, should be deprived of the freedom of the City by reason of his conduct. Their petition granted.

Br'e pro Will'o Wyndesore de arrestand'.

Writ to the Mayor and Sheriffs for the arrest of William de Wyndesore, Knt., for raising a disturbance at the House of the Brethren of the Order of St. Mary of Mount Carmel. Witness the King at Westminster, 16 Aug., 50 Edward III. [A. D. 1376]. (fn. 34)

Bre pro eod' de superse dend'.

Writ of supersedeas inasmuch as the above William had surrendered himself a prisoner at the Tower to stand his trial. Witness the King at Westminster, 18 Aug., 50 Edward III. [A. D. 1376].

Eleccio Aldr'i Vinetrie.

6 Sept., 50 Edward III. [A. D. 1376], Thomas Cornewaleys elected Alderman of the Ward of Vintry by good men of the Ward loco John Stodeye, deceased, and presented to the Mayor and Aldermen, admitted and sworn, &c.

Quodd' m ^d e £xxxvi lib'at' Alic' fil' Joh'is Rameseye per Cam'ar'.

Exon'acio.

6 Sept., 50 Edward III. [A. D. 1376], William Eynesham, the Chamberlain of the Guildhall, delivered to Alice, daughter of John de Rameseye, who was now of full age, the sum of £36, which had been entrusted to his charge for the use of the said.

Exon'acio.

Alice by Henry de Thame and Felicia his wife, late wife of the said John de Rameseye and mother of the said Alice. Acquittance.

Folio xlviii.

Fabr'.

Saturday the morrow of the Decollation of St. John Bapt. [29 Aug.], 50 Edward III. [A. D. 1376], John Neuby, John Meire, William Albon, John Kent, John Brykles, and John Marcham, Masters of Bladesmythes and Blakesmythes, sworn into office.

Hurarii.

The same day Ralph Bristowe, Henry Offyntone, Henry Clerk, and Richard Tirlyngtone, Masters of the mistery of Hurers, elected and sworn.

Bladsmythes.

Tuesday after the Feast of Nativity B. Mary [8 Sept.], 50 Edward III. [A. D. 1376], Robert Roderam and Thomas Pynnok (Pymiok ?) elected and sworn Masters of Bladsmythes.

Saturday, 4 Oct., 50 Edward III. [A. D. 1376], Giles de Kellesey, Richard Dicoun, Thomas Bonantre, and John atte Dyke elected and sworn Masters of the mistery of Tapicers.

Custod' Ric'i fil' Thome atte More.

3 Sept., 50 Edward III. [A. D. 1376], the guardianship of Richard, son of Thomas atte More, aged eight years, committed by John Warde, the Mayor, and William Eynesham, the Chamberlain, to Thomas atte More, together with the sum of 10 marks bequeathed to the said Richard by Johanna Irland Sureties, viz., Richard Ardern, skinner, John Folvylle, "vynter," and John Salman, salter.

Folio xlviii. b.

Custod' Will'i et Thome fil' Will'i [sic] Goldyngham.

12 Sept., 50 Fdward III. [A. D. 1376], the guardianship of William and Thomas, sons of Thomas [sic] Goldyngham, aged respectively seventeen and thirteen years, committed by John Warde, the Mayor, and William Eynesham, the Chamberlain, to Isabella their mother. Sureties, viz., William Asshford, "brewer," and Michael Trewthennek, skinner.

Afterwards, viz., on the 16th Jan., 3 Richard II. [A. D. 1379-80], came the above Isabella and prayed that her sureties might be discharged, inasmuch as the above William was dead, and Thomas his brother had become professed in the Abbey of Croxtone, (fn. 35) as testified by John Hermesthorpe, clerk, and others [not named]. William's property came to the said Isabella, as he had died under age, and the property of Thomas had been expended on his entering his order.

Nota de soca extra Bisshopesgate et Algate.

Be it known that the soke (fn. 36) extends from the gate of Algate, which belongs to us, together with the lands adjacent on both sides the street (utrinque platee), almost to the outer Bar. On the south side, however, towards the Thames, there are wanting (desunt) to our soke within the Bar 66 feet of St. Paul (pedes de Sancto Paulo); (fn. 37) on the north there are wanting to the soke within the Bar 16 feet of St. Paul.The soke also extends towards Bisshopesgate from the house of William the priest, afterwards belonging to Geoffrey Tanner, now Pouch-maker (modo Bourser ? (fn. 38) ), together with the whole of Smethefeld down to the Thames, as far into the water as a horseman at low water, riding his destrier into the water, can cast his lance into the water, together with the right side of the street leading by Duddyngisponde to the Thames.The left side, however, does not belong to the soke, but it nevertheless is of the parish of St. Botolph.

Folio xlix.

Mich' Armurer exon'at' de assis'.

Monday the morrow of Exaltation of H.Cross [14 Sept., 50 Edward III. [A. D. 1376], Michael the Armourer, residing in the Poultry, discharged by the Mayor and Aldermen from attending assizes, juries, &c. on account of old age.

Eleccio Vice comitum.

Sunday the Feast of St. Matthew [21 Sept., 50 Edward III. [A. D. 1376], in a congregation of John Warde, the Mayor, William de Haldene, the Recorder, John Chichestre, William Waleworth John Phelipot, Nicholas Brembre, John Haddele, Hervey Begge, Adam de St. Ive, John Orgon, Thomas Cornewaleys, John Little, Bartholomew Frestlynge, Adam Stable, Robert Hatfeld, John Norhamptone, Nicholas Twyford, John Marynes, John Aubrey, and John Fyffide, Aldermen, and an immense Commonalty, summoned for the purpose, John Norhamptone and Robert Launde elected Sheriffs for the year ensuing, viz., John Norhamptone by the Mayor, and Robert Launde by the Commonalty.Afterwards, viz., on the eve of St. Michael, they were here sworn, &c. and on the morrow of St. Michael they were admitted before the Barons of the Exchequer at Westminster, &c.

Eleccio Maioris.

Monday the Feast of Translation of St. Edward the King [13 Oct.], 50 Edward III. [A. D. 1376], in the presence of John Warde, the Mayor, John Chichestre, William Waleworth, John Phelipot, Nicholas Brembre, Adam Stable, John Fyffide, John Tornegold, John Little, John Haddele, Robert Hatfeld, Nicholas Twyford, Bartholomew Frestlynge, John Orgon, Hervey Begge, John Marynes, John Norhamptone, Adam de St. Ive, and Thomas Cornewaleys, Aldermen, and Robert Launde, one of the Sheriffs, and an immense Commonalty, summoned for the purpose, Adam Stable elected Mayor for the year ensuing, and on the morrow of SS. Simon and Jude [28 Oct.] was presented, admitted, and sworn before the Treasurer and Barons of the Exchequer.

M ^d de victual' forisfact' Vic' q'd med' inde cedat co'itati.

The same day John Norhamptone and Robert Launde, the Sheriffs, agreed, in the presence of the said Mayor, Aldermen, and Commonalty, that if any victuals were forfeited during their time of office and adjudged to belong to them, one moiety should go to the use of the Commonalty.

Eleccio Will'i Wircestre in servient' Camere.

The following day William Wircestre, who had been elected Serjeant of the Chamber by the said Mayor, Aldermen, and Commonalty, was sworn, &c.

Eleccio Aldr'i de Lymstret.

Tuesday after the Feast of St. Luke [18 Oct.], 50 Edward III. [A. D. 1376], John Launde elected Alderman of the Ward of Lymstret by good men of the Ward, and admitted by the Mayor and Aldermen and sworn.

Folio xlix b.

Judicium de pilleis non fal landis [sic] ad molendi nas [sic] ad sectam hui a iior' pannarior' et ful lonum.

17 Sept., 50 Edward III. [A. D. 1376], ordinance by the Mayor and Aldermen forbidding Philip atte Vyne, Edmund Fakenham, William Grom, and Richard Grom, or any other hurer, to full caps or "hures" among cloths at any water-mill, (fn. 39) but that the same should be fulled by those skilled in the mistery as of old accustomed, under penalty prescribed.

Folio l.

Br'e pro ven dicione blad'.

Writ to John Warde, the Mayor, to take steps to prevent the enhancement of the price of corn. Witness the King at Westminster, 4 April, 50 Edward III. [A. D. 1376].

Recognicio pro bonis pueror' Rob'ti Berewyl.

13 Oct., 50 Edward III. [A. D. 1376], came John Hende, "draper," before John Warde, the Mayor, and the Aldermen, and William Eynesham, the Chamberlain of the Guildhall, and acknowledged he owed them the sum of £40, to be paid to them for the use of the children of Robert Berwyk, viz., £4 at Michaelmas each year until the whole be paid (fn. 40).

The same day came John Beneyt, "wolmonger," and Salamon Faunt, "felmonger," and acknowledged they owed jointly and severally to the said Mayor, Aldermen, and Chamberlain the sum of £15 for the use of the said children, viz., 4 marks at Michaelmas each year until the whole be paid. (fn. 40)

Acquietanc' Camerar'.

Acquittance by John Warde, the Mayor, the Aldermen, and citizens to William Eynesham, the Chamberlain, on his account for one year. Dated in the Chamber of the Guildhall the morrow of St. Michael [29 Sept.], 50 Edward III. [A. D. 1376].

Renunc Ald'rie per Joh Wrothe.

Eleccio Andr' Pykeman Aldr'i de Billyngesgate.

Monday after the Feast of All Saints [1 Nov.], 50 Edward III. [A. D. 1376], in the presence of Adam Stable, the Mayor, the Aldermen, and many good men of divers misteries, in the Chamber of the Guildhall, came John Wrothe, Alderman of the Ward of Billyngesgate, and declared himself unable to fulfil the duties of his Aldermanry owing to press of business abroad. He therefore surrendered his Aldermanry into the hands of the City, and asked to be discharged. He was thereupon discharged, and on the following day Andrew Pykeman was elected by good men of the said Ward, and on the following Friday was admitted and sworn.

Folio l b.

Custod'. fil' Joh'is Berlyngham merceri.

Monday the eve of SS. Simon and Jude [28 Oct.], 50 Edward III. [A. D. 1376], the guardianship of Thomas and Idonea, (fn. 41) children of John Berlyngham, mercer, and of John, a child with whom Margaret, widow of John Berlyngham, was enceinte at the time of her husband's death, together with divers sums of money, committed by John Warde, the Mayor, and William Eynesham, the Chamberlain, to John Phelipot, merchant, who had married the said Margaret. (fn. 42) Surety, viz., Nicholas Brembre.

Afterwards, viz., on the 1st Feb., 21 Richard II. [A. D. 1397-8], came the above Thomas and John, orphans, being of full age, and acknowledged satisfaction for their property, and the same day came John Shadeworth, Alderman, one of the executors of Thomas Creyk, late mercer, and delivered to the said Thomas Berlyngham a piece of silver with covercle, and to John his brother a "gobelet" of silver with covercle, bequeathed to them by the said Thomas Creyk.