Folios clxi - clxix.
At a Common Council held in the Chamber of the Guildhall,
Thursday next after the Epiphany [6 Jan.], 6 Richard II.
[A.D. 1382-3], articles were agreed to and ordered to be kept
to the following effect, viz.:—
Qe nul des esluz de la co'e conseille soit mys en enquestes etc.
Those elected to the Common Council shall not be put on
inquests except touching a plea of land when others equally
sufficient cannot be found, nor shall be tallagers nor collectors
of tallage, (fn. 1) nor serve on watches except with the Mayor,
Sheriffs, or Alderman of their Ward.
Qeles Viscontes et Ald's soient serementeez de sustenir lordinance faite sur la vente et achate de pessoun.
That an addition be made to the oath of the Sheriffs [and]
Aldermen to the effect that they will maintain to their utmost
the profitable ordinances made and established in the last
Parliament touching the sale and purchase of fish, (fn. 2) and the
ordinances about false contracts (fauces chevances) and brokers;
that the Aldermen in their Wardmotes make special inquiry
for those guilty of such contracts and of usury, and return their
names to the six persons underwritten, appointed to determine
such matters, and that no one meddle with brokerage unless
sworn.
That clerks, serjeants, and valets of the Mayor and Sheriffs
be sworn to maintain the ordinances of the City, under penalty
of losing their places.
That no huckster, cook, or "piebaker" buy ale to sell again, (fn. 3)
under penalty prescribed.
That the Mayor, Sheriffs, Aldermen, clerks of the Sheriffs or
of the Chamber, serjeants, "porters" of the Compters, or
officers of Neugate, &c., shall not brew by themselves nor by
others for sale, nor keep a bakehouse, nor let out carts to hire,
nor be regrators of any victuals, (fn. 4) nor be hucksters of ale nor
partners with such. And any one refusing to swear to this or
doing to the contrary is to be put out of office.
Jugges esluz pur oier et terminer touz causes tochant fauxes abrocages et chevances et a ceo fair ils feurent jurez.
The names of the six persons to be sworn to determine
matters touching false contracts and brokerage, viz., John More,
Thomas Carletone, William Essex, Richard Norbury, William
Waddesworth, and Geoffrey Cremylford.
The above sworn, in form prescribed, 9 Jan.
Proclamacioun faite sur la dite ordinance.
Proclamation regulating the sale of ale by hostelers and
others, and forbidding clerks of Sheriffs and other officers
above mentioned to brew ale, keep a bakehouse, &c., under
certain penalties. (fn. 5)
Folio clxi b.
De vinis.
Writ to the Mayor and Sheriffs reciting provisions made in
the Parliament held at Westminster the morrow of All Souls
[3 Nov.], 5 Richard II. [A.D. 1381], (fn. 6) for the sale of wine of
Gascony, "Oseye," (fn. 7) and Spain, and bidding them see to their
due observance. Witness the King at Westminster, 1 Jan.,
6 Richard II. [A.D. 1382-3].
Custodia Idonie filie Edwardi Camber una cum c marcis.
9 Feb., 6 Richard II. [A.D. 1382-3], the guardianship of
Idonia, daughter of Edward Camber, skinner, and of her
property, committed by John Norhamptone, the Mayor, and
Richard Odyham, the Chamberlain, to Juliana, widow of the
said Edward. Sureties, viz., Michael Truthennek, Richard
Arderne, Thomas Wiltshire, and William Wiltshire, skinners.
Exon'acio custod' predicte.
10 June, 13 Richard II. [A.D. 1390], the above Michael having
died, it was agreed by William Venour, the Mayor, and the
Aldermen that his executors should be discharged in respect of
his surety, and Edward Camber, skinner, became surety in his
place.
Finis £iiij.
Afterwards, viz., on the 2nd June, 16 Richard II. [A.D. 1393],
came John Hake, mercer, who had married the above Idonia,
before William Staundone, the Mayor, and the Aldermen, and
acknowledged satisfaction for the orphan's property; and
because the said Idonia married without the assent of the Mayor
and Aldermen she is fined £4.
Folio clxii.
Br'e pro parliamento.
Writ to the Sheriffs for the election of four citizens to attend
a Parliament to be held at Westminster on Monday in the third
week of Lent (fn. 8) to consider matters touching the aggressive action
of Charles of France in Flanders (fn. 9) and elsewhere. No Sheriff
to be returned. Witness the King at Westminster, 7 Jan.,
6 Richard II. [A.D. 1382-3].
Nomina elector' pro parliamento.
Pursuant to the above writ the following were elected in
a Common Council held at the Guildhall on Wednesday,
the 18th Feb., viz., Sir Nicholas Brembre, Knt., and John
More, Aldermen; Richard Norbury and William Essex, Commoners.
Judicium W. Berham de Pylor' pro falsis mendacus factis super Maiorem etc.
Inquisition taken before John Norhamptone, the Mayor, the
Recorder, Aldermen, and Sheriffs, on the 9th Feb., 6 Richard II.
[A.D. 1382-3], as to whether or not William Berham, of the
county of Middlesex, had told Sir Robert "Tresulian," the
King's Chief Justiciar, at Aldermannebury, that he had been
arrested by the Mayor, on the information of John Boseham,
for having attended at Westminster to speak the truth in an
assize between the said John Boseham and others as defendants,
and John Page and his wife as demandants. The jurors, viz.,
Thomas Yonge, William Bon Jon, Roger Dalby, Robert Durham,
Richard Cotiller, John Rugge, Thomas Nectone, Peter Joynour,
Thomas Marlebek, John Sampson, Stephen Woderove, and
William Sanghurst, find that the said William Berham did utter
the words alleged.
Whereupon the said William declared himself not guilty, and
put himself on the country. The jurors, viz., John Nicholl,
William Larke, Robert Suttone, Stephen Pettelee, Peter Clerk,
William Goodhewe, Nicholas Waltham, John Laurens, Stephen
Walpolle, John Tournour, senior, John Ferye, and Richard
Wayte, find him guilty, and he is condemned to the pillory with
two whetstones (one large and the other small) hanging from
his neck. (fn. 10)
Afterwards, viz., on the 20th Feb., he was mainprised by John
Scorfeyn, "furbour," and Andrew Vyne, "draper." (fn. 11)
Folio clxii b.
Custodia porte site super pontem London' facta Joh'i Dustone dum steterit in officio.
26 Jan., 6 Richard II. [A.D. 1382-3], grants by the Mayor,
Aldermen, and good men of the misteries elected as a Common
Council to John Dustone, Serjeant to the Mayor, of the gate on
London Bridge and the custody thereof, so long as he remain
in office.
Custodia Felicie filie Rog'i Reygate.
7 March, 6 Richard II. [A.D. 1382-3], the guardianship of
Felicia, daughter of Roger Reygate, together with divers tenements, committed by John Norhamptone, the Mayor, and Richard
Odyham, the Chamberlain, to John Bliklinge, "brouderer."
Sureties, viz., John Chipstede and Nicholas Benyngtone, mercer.
Afterwards, viz., on the 9th March, 13 Richard II. [A.D. 1389-1390], came the above John Bliklinge before Thomas Welford,
Alderman, Richard Odyham, the Chamberlain, William Potenham, and Roger Excestre, appointed auditors, and rendered his
account up to the time when the property of the above Felicia
passed into the hands of Peter Fairchild, who had married
her.
Wednesday, 18 Feb., 6 Richard II. [A.D. 1382-3], it was
agreed in Common Council that the latrine on London Bridge
should for the future be kept in repair by the Wardens of the
Bridge.
Also that Henry Yenelee (Yevelee ?) should have an acquittance under the Common Seal for the time that he was Warden
of the Bridge, and should be permitted to resign his place at
Michaelmas next.
Also that no native (indigena) be admitted to the freedom of
the City for less than 60s. (fn. 12)
Also that no Sheriff shall thenceforth hold any Sheriff's plea
(placitum vicecomitale) except assizes on a Saturday when assizes
ought to be taken, but shall hold a court of other plaints (which
ought then to be taken) on the following Monday.
Q'd lib'i pro debitistransgr' etc mittentur prisone de Ludgate.
Also that all freemen of the City committed to prison for
all kinds of debt, trespass, account, contempt, and such like, be
sent to Ludgate prison, (fn. 13) but in cases of felony and maiming, to
Newgate.
Folio clxiii.
Election of Aldermen.
Lymstret: Sir Nicholas Twyford.
Chepe: John Boseham.
Cornhull: William Baret.
Cordewaner stret: John Heylesdone.
Vintry: Thomas Cornwaleys.
Bridge: John Chircheman.
Crepulgate: Robert Warbultone.
Candelwykstret: Thomas Noket.
Douegate: Richard Aylesbury.
Colemanstret: William Kyng.
Bradestrete: Thomas Rolf.
Castelbaynard: William Venour.
Queenhithe: Henry Vannere.
Tower: John Shadeworth.
Bisshoppesgate: William Shiryngham.
Farndone: John Fraunceis.
Langebourne: Geoffrey Crymelford.
Billyngesgate: William Anecroft.
Walbrook: William Olyver.
Aldrichesgate: Henry Bamme.
Algate: William Staundone.
Bassieshawe: Richard Norbury.
Bredestret: John Furneux.
Solucio denar' Cam'ar' per Will'm Neubort.
Memorandum of various payments to Richard Odyham, the
Chamberlain, by William Neuport, fishmonger, for delivery to
Robert Poyntz, of the county of Gloucester, on demand Afterwards, viz., on the 30th April, 7 Richard II. [A.D. 1384], came
the said Robert and declared that he and the said William had
come to an agreement, and desired that the money paid by the
latter should be returned to him.
[Folio clxiii b blank.]
Folio clxiv.
Friday the eve of St. Mark [25 April], 6 Richard II. [A.D. 1383],
proclamation made to the following effect:—
Qe null vende cervoise a retaille.
That no huckster, cook, or "piebakere" thenceforth buy ale
to sell again, under penalty prescribed.
Qe hostilers vendent cervoise as lour hostes deins lour hostels et nemy dehors.
That no ale be sold by retail outside a hostel unless brewed
within it. That no hosteler who does not brew within his hostel
shall sell ale by retail, out of his hostel or in it, except to his
stranger hosts within his hostel, at prices prescribed; but it shall
be lawful for any hosteler who brews within his hostel to sell
ale to any one willing to buy within or without his hostel, except
hucksters.
That any one informing the Mayor or Chamberlain of a
brewer, hosteler, huckster, cook, or "piebaker" acting contrary
to these ordinances shall, on their conviction, receive half the
amercement for his trouble.
Qe vyn soit vendii selonc la pris en lestatut.
That no one sell wine of Gascony, "Oseye of Spain," (fn. 14) or any
sweet wine, at more than 6 pence a gallon, pursuant to divers
statutes.
That no cook or "piebaker" buy any manner of poultry or
fish to sell again before the hour of Prime, on pain of forfeiture.
Judicium del thewe pro una hukstere cervisie.
27 April, 6 Richard II. [A.D. 1383], Juliana atte Vane, "hukstere," charged before the Mayor and Aldermen, in the hall of
the Guildhall, with having sold ale by retail (in hukkestrie) contrary to the above proclamation She did not deny the charge,
and acknowledged she had bought the ale from Benedicta the
breweress (braciatrix), living at Crepulgate Condemned to the
"thewe" and the ale forfeited.
Judicium collistr' pro carbon'.
The same day, John Rede of Harwe (fn. 15) charged before John
Norhamptone, the Mayor, John Heylesdone, Richard Norbury,
Adam Bamme, William Shiryngham, Thomas Rolf, Geoffrey
Crymelford, John Shadworth, John Furneux, and William
Staundone, Aldermen, and John Sely, the Sheriff, with having
brought coal to the City for sale in unlawful sacks. Condemned
to stand in the pillory, and the coal confiscated.
Folio clxiv b.
Ordenance des braceours et huckesters.
Ordinances made at a Common Council held in the Chamber
of the Guildhall on Wednesday, the 6th May, 6 Richard II.
[A.D. 1383], to the following effect:—
That whereas it was ordained by the Common Council held
on Thursday after the Feast of Epiphany [6 Jan.] last past that
no brewer, breweress, or other person should sell ale to a
"hukstere" to sell again, under certain penalties, as appears
supra, folios clxi, those found guilty of acting contrary to such
ordinance shall pay the penalties prescribed; and whereas
many hucksters have withdrawn themselves beyond the liberties
of the City, and live in Southwark, Westminster, and elsewhere,
where they cannot be brought to justice by the City's officers,
the sale of ale to them is forbidden, and two officers are to be
appointed and sworn to see that no ale pass over London Bridge
towards Southwark for any huckster to resell, and the Bailiffs of
Billyngesgate and Queenhithe and others, at the discretion of
the Mayor and Aldermen, are to be likewise sworn to see that
no ale pass to Westminster.
Qe la porte de Crepilgate soit amende.
Also that, whereas the rooms and walls over the gate of
Crepulgate are in bad repair, any money that shall come into
the Chamber, over and above reasonable outlay on the Conduit,
shall be devoted to repair of the same. (fn. 16)
Ordenance del barge de Loundres.
Also, whereas the "barge" of London is lying in the Thames,
and can only be repaired at great cost, any one willing to under
take the fitting of it out for purposes either of war or commerce
is invited to see the Mayor on the matter between now and
Saturday the eve of Holy Trinity [17 May]. (fn. 17)
Ordenance del cours del eawe de Walbrok.
Also that the Aldermen of the several Wards of Colemanstret,
Bradstret, Chepe, Walbrok, Vintry, and Douegate, through
which the watercourse of Walbrok runs, take steps to prevent
it becoming stopped up by refuse, &c.
Recognicio ' marc' pro Rob'to filio Nich'i Kymbel.
30 June, 7 Richard II. [A.D. 1383], came William Burton,
John Furneux, draper, and Thomas Gurdlere before John Norhamptone, the Mayor, and the Aldermen, and bound themselves
severally to the Mayor and Richard Odyham, the Chamberlain,
in the sum of 100 marks for the payment of a similar sum to
Robert, son of Nicholas Kymbel, on his coming of age.
Cementarii et carpentarii electi et jurati ad civitatem.
9 Oct., 7 Richard II. [A.D. 1383], Thomas Mallyng and Richard
atte Chirche, masons, and Stephen Warde, carpenter, lately
appointed to survey assizes of nuisance, &c., elect and present
William Dudecote, carpenter, to John Norhamptone, the Mayor,
to take the place of Thomas Fant, carpenter, deceased, and he
was admitted and sworn.
Folio clxv.
Inquisicio capta de bonis et catall' Joh'is de Myltone.
15 Nov., 6 Richard II. [A.D. 1382], an inquisition held by a
jury of the venue of the parish of St. Laurence, Jewry, as to the
amount of property (if any) left by John Miltone, cordwainer,
and how much came into the hands of Nicholas Abyndone,
cordwainer, and Isabella his wife, widow of the said John. The
jurors, viz., John "Tornour," Thomas "of the Ile," Roger Dalby,
"taillour," Henry Bromle, Peter Joynour, Roger Loundres,
Walter Hamptone, John Clerk, John "Turnour," John Dalby,
John Botinate, and William Fungry, find that the said Isabella
received of her late husband's property to the value of 20 marks,
half of which belonged to Johanna her daughter; but inasmuch
as the said orphan had been maintained by the said Nicholas
and Isabella for a year and a quarter, there remained only
100s. due to her, and this sum had been expended on her in the
course of 6½ years, during which time she had remained an
invalid.
Inquisicio capta de terris et ten' Henrici Clerk tapicer.
26 June, 7 Richard II. [A.D. 1383], inquisition taken before
John Norhamptone, the Mayor, and the Aldermen, as to the
value of the property held by Henry Clerk, tapicer, at the time
of his death, who was his next heir, &c. The jurors, viz.,
Walter atte Forth, Adam atte Grove, Peter Goldcok, John
Pirial, William atte Lathe, John Baskerville, Thomas Wyndelsore, Reginald Frost, Henry Waldene, Thomas Bysouthe,
Robert Rugge, and John Ede, find that the said Henry owned
property in the parish of St. Dionisius de Fanchirchestret, and
that his father, William Clerk, by will enrolled in the Husting
on Monday the Feast of St. Margaret [20 July], 23 Edward III.
[A.D. 1349], (fn. 18) also left him the reversion of property in the
same parish after the death of Isabella (fn. 19) his wife and Richard
their son.
They further find that the said Henry had two sons and one
daughter; that the eldest son, named William, had taken the
habit of religion in the Order of Carmelites in their house at
Maldon, (fn. 20) and that the other, named John, was aged 10½ years,
and was heir to the property. Being an orphan, both he and
his property were placed in charge of William Wircestre, Serjeant of the Chamber. Thereupon came Isabella, widow of
the said Henry, and claimed her dower, and one-third of the
property was allotted to her by view of the City's sworn masons
and carpenters.
Folio clxv b.
Writ to the Sheriffs reciting certain ordinances of pardon
touching those engaged in the late insurrection, &c., passed in
the Parliament which commenced to sit at Westminster on
Monday in the third week of Lent, (fn. 21) and bidding them to make
public proclamation of the same. Witness the King at Westminster, 18 May, 6 Richard II. [A.D. 1383].
Judicium collistr' profals' mendaciis.
24 July, 7 Richard II. [A.D. 1383], Hugh de la Pole of Wales
charged before John Norhamptone, the Mayor, and Aldermen
with begging in the street of St. Laurence in Old Jewry, and
pretending that he had been wounded at Ipres, which had been
captured by the Bishop of Norwich, (fn. 22) and that a disagreement
had arisen between the Bishop and other English knights who
were there with him (fn. 23) Condemned to stand on the pillory
with a whetstone hung from his neck, in token of his being a
liar. (fn. 24)
Folio clxvi.
Eleccio Vicecom'.
Monday the Feast of St. Matthew [21 Sept.], 7 Richard II.
[A.D. 1383], in a congregation of John Norhamptone, the Mayor,
William Cheyne, the Recorder, John Heylesdone, Thomas
Cornwaleis, Henry Bamme, William Staundone, Thomas Noket,
Geoffrey Crimelford, John Fraunceis, William Anecroft, Thomas
Rolf, Richard Norbury, Aldermen, Adam Bamme and John Sely,
the Sheriffs, and a large number of Commoners summoned for
the election of Sheriffs to the Guildhall—John More was elected
Sheriff by the Mayor and Simon Wynchecombe by the Commonalty for the year ensuing.
L'rad'ni Regis patens pro se curitate qua tuor m i mar car' d'no Regi per civitatem mutuatar'.
Letters patent touching the security given to the City by the
King for the repayment of a loan of 4,000 marks before Easter
next, the said security comprising (inter alia) one of the royal
crowns. Dated at Westminster, 22 Sept., 7 Richard II.
[A.D. 1383].
Folio clxvi b.
Wednesday before the Feast of St. Matthew [21 Sept.], the
Aldermen and those who advanced the above loan to the King,
specially summoned by John Norhamptone, the Mayor, to
consider the security offered for repayment, approved of the
terms, and appointed John Hadle, William Venour, and William
Cressewyk to obtain letters patent to the same effect. They
further appointed Nicholas Twyford, Adam Bamme, and John
Palyng, who were experts in jewels, (fn. 25) to examine those forming
part of the security, and to see if their value was adequate.
Indentura inter co'itatem London' et Hug' de Se grave thes'.
Indenture witnessing the delivery by Hugh de Segrave, the
King's Treasurer, to the Mayor and Commonalty of a royal
crown in a coffer sealed with the seals of Michael de la Pole,
the Chancellor, and Walter Skirlawe, Keeper of the Privy Seal,
as part security for the repayment of a loan of 4,000 marks.
Dated at Westminster, 22 Sept. [A.D. 1383].
Folio clxvii.
No'ia auditor' cam'arii et pontis Land' et no'ia cus todum clav' co'is sigilli.
John Boseham and William Olyver, Aldermen, John Estone
and John Sely elected auditors of the accounts of the Chamberlain and the Wardens of London Bridge.
The Mayor, John More, John Estone, and John Sely [elected]
Keepers of the keys of the Common Seal. (fn. 26)
Letters patent under the Privy Seal acknowledging the return
by Nicholas Brembre, the Mayor, at the King's earnest request,
of the royal crown that had been pledged as part security for
the repayment of the loan of 4,000 marks made by the City.
Dated at Westminster, 20 Dec., 7 Richard II. [A.D. 1383].
Indentura int' Hug' Segrave ch'r ex parte una et Nich'm Brembre militem Maiorem et co'itatem London' ex altera.
Indenture between Hugh de Segrave, Knt., the Treasurer of
England, on the one part, and Nicholas Brembre, Knt., the
Mayor, and Commonalty of London on the other part, witnessing
the return of the royal crown by the hands of Richard Odiham,
the Chamberlain of the Guildhall. Dated 22 Dec., 7 Richard II.
[A.D. 1383].
[Folio clxvii blank.]
Folio clxviii.
Eleccio Nich'i Brembre in Maiorem London'.
Tuesday the Feast of Translation of St. Edward [13 Oct.],
7 Richard II. [A.D. 1383], in the presence of John Norhamptone,
the Mayor, William Cheyne, the Recorder, Nicholas Twyford,
Knt., John Boseham, William Baret, Thomas Cornwaleys,
Robert Warbultone, Henry Vannere, John Shadworth, William
Shiryngham, Thomas Noket, William Kyng, Thomas Rolf,
John Fraunceis, Geoffrey Crymelford, William Anecroft, Richard
Norbury, William Olyver, Henry Bamme, John Furneux, and
William Staundone, Aldermen, John More and Simon Wynchecombe, the Sheriffs, and an immense Commonalty in the hall of
the Guildhall—Nicholas Brembre was elected Mayor for the
year ensuing. (fn. 27)
Afterwards, viz., on the Feast of SS. Simon and Jude
[28 Oct.], he was sworn in the hall of the Guildhall, and on the
morrow was admitted and sworn before the Treasurer and
Barons of the Exchequer.
Br'e pro par liamento.
Writ to the Sheriffs for the election of four citizens to attend
a Parliament to be held at Westminster on Monday before the
Feast of All Saints [1 Nov.] (fn. 28) to consider a proposed treaty with
Robert of Scotland (fn. 29) and other matters touching the defence of
the realm and the English Church (fn. 30) No Sheriff to be returned.
Witness the King at Westminster, 20 Aug., 7 Richard II.
[A.D. 1383].
No'ia elector' pro parliamento.
Pursuant to the above writ, William Walworth and John
Philipot, Knights [and] Commoners, and William Baret and
Henry Vannere, Aldermen, were elected to attend the
Parliament.
Compotus Joh'is Asshele pro pueris Nich'i Peau tier.
14 Dec., 7 Richard II. [A.D. 1383], account rendered by John
Asshele, one of the executors of Walter Potenhale, and William
Dibelyn, one of the sureties of the said Walter, who had been
appointed guardian of William and Thomas, sons of Nicholas
Peautrer, as appears in Letter-Book G, fo. cclxv [b], before
William Kyng, Alderman, John Organ, and John Reche,
Common Pleader, auditors appointed for the purpose by
Nicholas Brembre, the Mayor.
The said John Asshele and William Dibelyn, with the assent
of the said orphans, who were now of full age, mainprised
by William Shrympilmersshe, Richard Botiller, chandler, and
John Prentis, "wodemonger," for the payment of a sum of
£60 6s. 10½d.
Afterwards, viz., on the 21st Dec., the said orphans acknowledged satisfaction.
Folio clxviii b.
Masters of Misteries sworn.
Tapicers: John Kelseye, John Suthereye, Masters of tapicers,
sworn the 9th Oct., 7 Richard II. [A.D. 1383], to govern the
mistery, present defects, &c.
Taillours: John Scorfeyn, William Dentone, Robert Lyndeseye, John Wilghby, Thomas Bridlyngtone, Richard Rose,
presented here the 3rd Aug., the same year, in manner
aforesaid.
Barbers: Reginald Godard, Walter Gisebourne, sworn Tuesday after the Exaltation of H. Cross [14 Sept.], the same
year.
Cordwainers: Thomas Pountfreit, Roger Horold, Alan Walsyngham, Simon Godriche, Robert Chesterford, Walter London,
sworn 18 Nov.
Girdlers: John Wancy, John Wayte, Richard Bernard, sworn
21 Nov.
Weavers of England: William Goodhewe, Richard atte Sole,
sworn Friday the Feast of St. Edmund the King [20 Nov.].
Weavers of Flanders and Brabant: Arnald van Harpe, Flemyng,
William Vyolet, of Brabant, sworn 2 Dec.
Shethers: John Rasyn, Robert Pountfreit, John Leche, sworn
13 Jan., 7 Richard II. [A.D. 1383-4].
Hurers: William Camerwelle, Thomas Depham, John Godchep, William Starger, sworn the same day.
Shearmen: John Cloptone, Henry Bret, William Perfyt, Richard
Walesby, sworn 16 March, 7 Richard II. [A.D. 1383-4].
Cutlers: Edmund Wodhulle, Richard Pulle, John Byle, Richard
Knettere, sworn 22 June, 8 Richard II. [A.D. 1384].
Pynners: John Biltone, William Bokeler, sworn the same day.
Glaziers:
(fn. 31) John Byford, Henry Bourne, sworn 8 July,
8 Richard II. [A.D. 1384].
Folio clxix.
A proclamation made temp. Nicholas Brembre, Knt., Mayor,
Friday after the Feast of the Conception of B M [8 Dec.],
7 Richard II. [A.D. 1383], touching liberties lately granted to
the citizens by the King in his Parliament, as well as certain
ancient liberties renewed by the King and recently (noviter)
confirmed by his charter, (fn. 32) to the following effect:—
First, that all kidels and engines for the destruction of fish in
the Thames and Medeweye be removed.
That all citizens of London throughout the realm be quit of
toll, lastage, pontage, &c.
That no merchant forestall merchandise and victual coming
to the City.
That merchants who are not free of the City shall not sell
wine or other merchandise within the City by retail, and that
all brokers be elected by merchants of the mistery in which
they exercise brokerage.
That alien merchants coming to England shall sell their
merchandise within forty days and shall live with free hostelers.
That the Constable of the Tower shall not take prises of
goods belonging to freemen.
That the citizens shall have their own Wardens at all Fairs
to determine all pleas except pleas of land and of the Crown.
That no summons, attachment, or execution be done by any
of the King's ministers within the liberty of the City, but only
by the City's ministers.
That no officer or purveyor of the King traffic in any wares
appertaining to his office.
That no merchant stranger outside the liberty of the City
(mercator extraneus a libertate civitatis) sell merchandise within
the liberty of the same to another merchant stranger, nor
shall such merchant stranger buy merchandise from another
merchant stranger, under penalty of losing the same, (fn. 33) saving
the privileges of the King's lieges of Aquitaine, provided that
such dealings only take place between merchant and merchant.
That the King's protections to those about to travel or who
are engaged in his service shall not avail in a plea of debt for
victuals bought, nor in pleas of trespass, contract, &c., after
the date of such protections, in cases where the plaintiff is a
freeman of the City.
That henceforth no writ of Exchequer shall issue for the body
of any prisoner in Neugate or elsewhere within the liberty of
the City to be brought up to answer for any debt or damage to
the King, unless it be proved that the debt was a true and not
a false one before the prisoner was condemned.
The above grants and ordinances as well as others were, at
the instance and request of the Commonalty of the realm in the
last Parliament, confirmed to the citizens by charter, with the
assent of those present in the same Parliament.
Folio clxix b.
Also the King wills that the citizens shall have all their
liberties and free customs as before, and shall not forfeit them
by non-use or abuse.
Also the King has granted and by charter confirmed that all
wines for sale in the City, and all victuallers, as well fishmongers
as others, residing within the City or coming thenceforth to the
City with victuals, shall be under the rule and governance of the
Mayor and Aldermen for the time being, as of old accustomed.
Also he wills that no future Mayor shall be made to take any
other oath than that customarily taken in the time of the King's
grandfather at the Exchequer, any statute or ordinance to the
contrary notwithstanding.
Many other articles of liberties are contained in the said
charter of the lord the King not needing to be proclaimed,
inasmuch as they do not affect foreigners of the City (forinsecos
civitatis). Nevertheless, on the part of the lord the King, the
said Mayor orders that, on pain of imprisonment and forfeiture
of the franchise, no one of any mistery or estate whatsoever
dare to enforce his franchise without special permission of his
superiors in the City, but any freeman who feels himself
aggrieved in any liberty shall lay his complaint before the
Mayor and Aldermen, who will render him speedy justice.
Precept to each Alderman to set an armed watch every
night in his Ward at Christmas for the purpose of preserving
the peace and preventing riots.