Fly leaf.
Trade Marks of the following Coopers, 12 Edward IV. —
18 Henry VII., viz., William Rolff, Richard Cok, John Priour,
Simon Rokesley, John Chamberleyn, John Baker, W. Hunt,
W. Randolf, John Gurney, Robert Sion, Walter Cokk,
W. Cokk, John Rogger, John York, Thomas Elnore, W. Horton,
Geoffrey Farand, Thomas Cusake, Roger Rolf, William
Matrasse, Agnes Asser, John Mynto, Richard Fresshwater,
William Cooke, William Petche, John Turtill, William Baren,
Thomas Cowper, William Trotter, John Aspelyn.
Fly leaf, dors.
Folio 1 b.
Inspeximus of record of proceedings held before Henry, late
de facto, but not de jure, King of England, to the following
effect :—
Pleas held before the King at Westminster, Michaelmas
Term, anno 38 Henry VI. [A.D. 1459]. Precept issued to the
Keeper of the King's prison of Flete or his Lieutenant to bring
up the body of John West, "notary," a prisoner there, together with the reason of his detention, before the King at
Westminster, on Monday next after the Feast of St. Martin
in yeme [11 Nov.], to await a judgment of a jury in a plea of
trespass between the said John West and John Skargyll. Thereupon, on the day appointed, William Venour, Keeper of the said
prison, appeared with the said John West and certified that
the said John had been committed to that prison by William
[de Waynflete], Bishop of Winchester and Chancellor, for
divers sums of money which Thomas Baron, John Barly, John
Proufford, and John Warde had recovered against him in the
Court of the lord the King in his Tower of London before
Richard Gower, esquire, the Lieutenant of Henry, Duke of
Exeter, the Constable of the Tower, and John Watkyns, the
Steward of the said Court in pleas of trespass. Thereupon the
said John West had declared that for none of the above causes
should he have been committed, on the ground that the said
Court in the Tower had always been no more than a Court
Baron, and that the Lieutenant and Steward could only hold
pleas such as appertained to a Court Baron, and that there was
no evidence of the Court in the Tower ever having been a
Court of Record or anything else but a Court Baron, and
this he was ready to prove. He therefore prayed acquittal.
Cur. ad. vult. A day given, the prisoner being allowed bail.
On the day appointed, both parties appeared, and the said
Thomas Baron showed the Court that time out of mind a Court
of Piepowder (fn. 1) had daily been held before the Lieutenant of the
Constable of the Tower and the Steward for hearing pleas of
debt, trespass, and all kinds of personal actions arising within
the Tower and its precinct, and that in such Court held on the
22nd July, anno 37 Henry VI. [A.D. 1459], he had brought three
several plaints before Richard Gower, then Lieutenant of Henry,
Duke of Exeter, the Constable of the Tower, against the said
John West, as appears on record, and that the said John had
been committed to the Keeper of the King's prison in the
Lower, quousque, &c., and this the said Thomas was ready to
prove. After several adjournments, the said John West duly
appeared before the Court on the day appointed, but the said
Thomas Baron made default. The Court thereupon, after
consideration of the evidence, and of the fact that the Court in
the Tower had always been, and was still, held to be only a
Court Baron and not a Court of Record, adjudged that the said
John West should be quit and his sureties discharged. In testimony whereof these letters patent of exemplification were
made. Witness T[homas] Billyng (fn. 2) at Westminster, 20 Oct.,
12 Edward [IV.], [A.D. 1472].
Folio 2.
Custod' pueror Ric' Rool.
Monday, 20 March, 1 Edward IV. [A.D. 1460-1], came
William Boylet, John Stone, Thomas Burgeys, and Richard
West, tailors, into the Court of the lord the King in the
Chamber of the Guildhall, before Richard Lee, the Mayor, and
the Aldermen, and entered into bond with Thomas Thorntone,
the Chamberlain, (fn. 3) in the sum of £90, for payment into the
Chamber by the said William Boylet of a like sum to the use
of Hugh, Thomas, Richard, and Agnes, children of Richard
Rook, late tailor, on their coming of age or the marriage of
the said Agnes.
Custod' pueror' Joh' is Chacombe.
Friday, 6 Aug., 2 Edward IV. [A.D. 1462], came William
Chacombe of co. Northampton, Henry Chacombe, William
Burtone, drapers, and John Parisshe, "peautrer," into the
Court of the lord the King in the Chamber of the Guildhall,
before the Mayor and Aldermen, and acknowledged themselves bound to Thomas 'Thorndone," the Chamberlain, in
the sum of 400 marks, for payment, to the Chamberlain for
the time being, of the patrimony due to John, Thomas, William
Leticia, Katherine, Johanna, and Alice, children of John Chacombe, late mercer, on their coming of age, or marriage of
the said daughters.
Folio 2 b.
Concessio fact' Tho' e Knolles de aqua ducenda ad prisonas de Neugate et Ludgate.
Indenture of grant by Reginald, the Prior of St. Bartholomew in Westsmythfeld, and Convent of the same, to Thomas
Knolles, grocer, allowing him to carry off superfluous water
belonging to the Priory, and conduct it by pipes to the gates of
Neugate and Ludgate, for the relief of poor prisoners there.
Sealed with the seals of the said Prior and Convent, and also
of the said Thomas Knolles, Henry Frowyk being then Mayor,
Robert Cloptone and Thomas Catworth then Sheriffs. Dated
in the Chapter House of the Priory, 20 June, A.D. 1436.
Folio 3.
Concessio fact' Thome Knolles de aqua ducenda ad portas de Neugate et Lidgate.
Indenture of grant by John Wakeryng, the Master of the
Hospital of St. Bartholomew in Westsmythfeld, and brethren
of the same, to Thomas Knolles, grocer, of their waste water
coming from a cistern near the common fountain and Chapel of
St. Nicholas, to be by him conveyed by leaden pipes to the gates
of "Newgate" and Ludgate, for the relief of poor prisoners
there. Sealed with the common seal of the said Hospital, and
also the seal of the said Thomas Knolles. Dated in the Chapter
House of the said Master and Brethren, 19 May, A.D. 1442. (fn. 4)
Folio 3 b.
3 April, 2 Edward IV. [A.D. 1462], came John Worsoppe,
draper, Thomas Bernewey, draper, John Alburgh, mercer, and
John Broun, mercer, into the Court of the lord the King in the
Chamber of the Guildhall, before Hugh Wyche, the Mayor,
and the Aldermen, and entered into bond with Thomas
"Thorndone," the Chamberlain, in the sum of 250 marks,
for the delivery by the above John Worsoppe or some
one on his behalf, to the Chamberlain for the time being,
of the patrimony due to Edith and Elizabeth, daughters of
Robert Colby, late draper, when they come of age or marry,
together with certain jewels and other goods, comprising (inter
alia) a standing piece of silver-gilt with the sign of a "Wodewose" (fn. 5) on the top of the cover, silver spoons with "Wodewoses" at the end, silver spoons with "lez unicornes" at the
end; primaria (primers?), and table-cloths (mensalia) worked
with "Flouris de lice." (fn. 6)
Folio 4.
Coronacio Regis Edwardi quarti.
Petition to the Duke of Clarence, Steward of England, by
Richard Lee, with the common consent of the citizens, by the
mouth of the Recorder, that they may be allowed to serve the
King at his Coronation, according to custom:—
"Shewen and besechen unto your goode and gracieux Lordshipe the Maire and Citeseyns of the Citee of London that Where
after the libertees and com'endable custumes of the saide Citee
of tyme that no man is mynde is to the contraire Used enjoyed and accustumed the Maire of the same Cite for the tyme
beyng by raison of his saide office of Mairalte in his owne
persone oweth of right and duetee to serve the King oure
allez liege lord in the day of his full noble Coronac'on after
mete in such place as it shal please his highnesse to take his
spices (fn. 7) of Wyne in a cup of gold of our saide liege lord the
King and the same cup with the coveryng belongyng thereunto
and a layer of gold the said Mair to have and with hym to bere
away atte tyme of his departyng for his fee and reward And
also that diverse oþ'e Citeseyns þat by the saide Mair and Citee
shal þ'to be named and chosen owen of right by the said
custume at þe same day to serve in thoffice of Buttlershipe in
helping of the chief buttler of Englond to þe lordes and estates
þat shall be at the saide Coronac'on aswell atte table in the
halle at mete as at after mete in þe Chambre Beseching your
saide lordshipe that Richard Lee nowe Maire and oþ'e Citeseyns
of þe Citee forsaide to þe saide office and s'vice nowe chosen
whos names in a scedule herunto annexed be specified may be
admytted to doo þe saide s'vice as their predecessours Mair
and Citeseyns of þe saide Cite have in case semblable ben in
dayes passed Also the saide Maire and Citeseyns prayen that
they accordyng to þe libertees and Custumes forsaid may
sitte in þe day of þe saide Coronac'on at þe table next þe
cupbord of þe lifte side of þe hall and that the said Mair may
have and enioye his said fee and Rewarde accordyng to his
duete."
The above petition being allowed by the said Duke and
confirmed by the King's sign manual, the Mayor and citizens
ordered the fact to be placed on record to the following effect,
viz., that Richard Lee, the Mayor, at the Coronation banquet
in the great hall at Westminster, took the first table on the left
side of the said hall near the King's cupboard (cipharium), and
the other citizens with him according to the liberties and
customs anciently used.
Folio 4 b.
Moreover, the aforesaid Mayor, the boards and tables being
removed (amotis tabulis et mensis subtractis) (fn. 8) in the chamber of
the lord the King, serving in his own person, offered wine to
the royal mouth in a gold cup, at the same time presenting a
golden ewer (fiolam) filled with water to temper the wine
withal. Moreover, certain notable men specially appointed
thereto, whose names are subscribed, attended the Chief Butler
of England both in the hall and chamber according to their
privilege. All being over, the said Mayor took and carried
away the said gold cup, together with its cover, and also the
ewer, as his fee and reward, and so the Mayor, enriched with
the royal gift, returned home.
Robert Scrayngham, Thomas Muschamp, Mercers, John
Lambe, William Haydok, Grocers; Thomas Eyre, Henry
Waver, Drapers, William Chattok, John Bernewell, Fishmongers; Humfrey Hayford, Goldsmith; William Gregory,
Skinner; Laurence Wilkynson, Vintner; William Knot,
Tailor; William Corbet, Iremonger.
Folio 4 b-5.
Nota de Convivio Servientum ad legem.
Record of proceedings which took place at a feast given by
the Serjeants-at-law in their Hall on Monday, 7 Oct., 3 Edward IV. [A.D. 1463], (fn. 9) to which Matthew Philip, the Mayor,
and other citizens had been invited, but which they abruptly
left, owing to the Mayor not being allotted the seat of honour
which he had claimed, and which had been given to the Lord
Treasurer. Dinner finished, a deputation, consisting of John
Clay, Knt., John Say, the Speaker, John Denham, and Hugh
Fen, Under-treasurer of England, was dispatched to the Mayor
to assure him that what had taken place did not meet with the
approval of the lords who were present, and to ask him that he
would honour them with his presence the next day at dinner,
when he should be accorded a place suited to his position.
To this the Mayor said he would give an answer the
following day after consulting the Aldermen. When the time
came, and the deputation again appeared in the Inner
Chamber of the Guildhall, answer was made that inasmuch
[ends abruptly].
Folio 5 b.
Licenc' dat' Haymanno Voyet desponsare Agnet' filiam Will' m i Heydon. (fn. 11)
7 Oct., 2 Edward IV. [A.D. 1462], came Haymann Voyet,
physician, and Agnes his wife, daughter of William Heydone,
late haberdasher, into the Court of the lord the King in the
Chamber of the Guildhall, before Hugh Wyche, the Mayor, and
the Aldermen, and acknowledged that he had received his
wife's patrimony from Robert Boteler, William Porter, and
Richard Wright, goldsmiths.
Exon' acio custod' Alic' Crichefeld fil' Joh' is Crichefeld.
19 Sept., 2 Edward IV. [A.D. 1462], came Johanna Sevenok,
Prioress of Haliwell, and Alice, daughter of John Crichefeld,
a nun of Haliwell, aged 15½ years, into the Court of the lord the
King in the Chamber of the Guildhall, before Hugh Wyche,
the Mayor, and the Aldermen, and acknowledged satisfaction
for the patrimony of the said Alice.
Q'd materie Civitat' pre omnib' attendant' quolibet die Lune.
Be it remembered that on the day of SS. Simon and Jude
[28 Oct.], 1 Edward IV. [A.D. 1461], on consideration by Richard
Lee, the Mayor, Thomas Ursewyk, the Recorder, Hugh Wiche,
John Norman, William Marwe, Thomas Scot, William Hulyn,
Matthew Philip, John Walden, Ralph Josselyn, William Taillour,
Thomas Oulegreve, John Stokker, Richard Flemyng, John
Lambert, George Irland, and Robert Basset, Aldermen, it was
ordained that on every Monday (except some urgent cause
prevents) the City's affaiis should be especially attended
to, and the consideration of private matters postponed, for the
public welfare.
Officium garbellag' speciar' concess' Joh' i Stokes.
Wednesday, 21 Oct., 1 Edward IV. [A.D. 1461], the Office of
Garbelage of spices was granted to John Stokes, grocer, at the
request of John Fogg, Knt., Treasurer of the King's Household,
by Richard Lee, the Mayor, Thomas Ursewyk, the Recorder,
John Norman, William Marwe, Thomas Scot, William Hulyn,
Matthew "Phelip," John Waldene, Thomas Cook, Thomas
Oulegreve, William Taillour, Richard Flemyng, George Irland,
and Robert Basset, Aldermen, the said John Stokes paying
yearly to the Chamberlain, for the City's use, the sum of 20s.
Eleccio Vicecomilum.
The Feast of St. Matthew, Ap. [21 Sept.], 1 Edward IV.
[A.D. 1461], in the presence of Richard Lee, the Mayor, Thomas
Ursewyk, the Recorder, John Norman, William Marowe,
Matthew Philip, John Walden, Thomas Cook, John Feld, Ralph
Josselyn, Thomas Oulegreve, William Taillour, Hugh Wyche,
John Stokker, George Irland, Richard Flemyng, John Lambert,
and Robert Basset, Aldermen, and very many Commoners,
summoned to the Guildhall for the election of Sheriffs, John
Lok, vintner, was elected one of the Sheriffs of London and
Middlesex (fn. 12) by the Mayor, and George Irland, grocer, was
elected the other Sheriff by the Commonalty.
The same day, Thomas Thorndone, draper, was elected
Chamberlain for the ensuing year; Peter Alphold and
Peter Calcot were elected Wardens of the City's Bridge;
Thomas Oulegreve, William Taillour, Aldermen, William
Corbet, Robert Scrayngham, William Hampton, and Nicholas
Marchall, Commoners, were elected Auditors of the accounts
of the Chamberlain and Wardens in arrear.
Afterwards, viz., on the eve of St. Michael [29 Sept.], the
said Sheriffs were sworn at the Guildhall, and on the morrow of
the said Feast were presented, admitted, and accepted before
the Barons of the Exchequer.
Folio 6.
Eleccio Maioris.
The Feast of the Translation of St. Edward [13 Oct.],
1 Edward IV. [A.D. 1461], in the presence of Richard Lee,
the Mayor, Thomas Ursewyk, the Recorder, John Norman,
William Marwe, Thomas Scot, William Hulyn, Matthew
Philip, Thomas Cook, John Feld, William Taillour, Ralph
Josselyn, Thomas Oulegreve, John Stokker, Hugh Wiche,
Richard Flemyng, John Walshawe, John Lambert, George
Irland, and Robert Basset, Aldermen, and an immense Commonalty, summoned to the Guildhall for the election of a Mayor
for the year ensuing, Hugh Wyche, Alderman, was elected.
Afterwards, viz., on the Feast of SS. Simon and Jude
[28 Oct.], he was sworn at the Guildhall, and on the morrow
was presented, admitted, and accepted before the Barons of
the Exchequer.
Finis Joh' is Fabian pro maritag' cujusdam Orphane, etc.
4 Dec., 1 Edward IV. [A.D. 1461], John Fabyan, draper,
condemned by the Mayor and Aldermen to pay £40 to the
Chamber, for having married Johanna, daughter of Roger
Hasant, late draper, a City orphan, without obtaining permission
from the Mayor and Aldermen.
Afterwards, on the said John making submission and confessing that he had acted through ignorance, half the fine was
remitted.
Warantum Wardmoti, etc.
12 Dec., 1 Edward IV. [A.D. 1461], Precept to the Aldermen
to hold their Wardmotes. (fn. 13)
Folio 6 b.
Jud' m pillorii Simo' is Ludbroke pro quadam obligac' oe fraud ter per ipsum facta.
27 Oct. [1 Edward IV.], Simon Ludbroke summoned before
the Mayor and Aldermen for practising a fraud upon Johanna,
late wife of John Martyn, and at the time married
to Thomas Pynde, taverner, by a certain bond made
between the said Johanna and Robert Snell, "brasyer,"
whereby she became bound to the said Robert in the sum of
£40, and the said Robert became similarly bound to the said
Johanna in a like sum, that they would abide by the judgment
of the said Simon and a certain Thomas Pilche as arbitrators
between them. There was, however, fraud in the matter, inasmuch as Robert Snell's bond was conditioned, whereas the
other bond was without condition, and had been forged by the
said Simon. On appearing before the Mayor and Aldermen,
the said Simon confessed that the bond had been fabricated for
the purpose of frightening the said Johanna into a marriage
with the said Robert Snell, who thought her to be a widow.
Thereupon the said Simon was committed to prison until the
matter should be fully considered.
Afterwards, viz., on the 13th December, the said Simon, at
the suggestion of Thomas Pynde, stood on the pillory for half
an hour, the said Thomas being warned to take no action on
account of the deception practised on his wife. Nevertheless,
the said Thomas, whilst the said Simon was on the pillory,
took away the ladder, and caused rotten eggs to be thrown at
him, and for want of the ladder, the said Simon had to stand
on the pillory a whole hour contrary to the decree of the Mayor.
For so doing, the said Thomas was summoned before the
Mayor and Aldermen, and confessing his guilt was committed
to prison, for, says Seneca, vindicta vindictam requirit. (fn. 14) After
two days, he made submission, and it was then agreed that he
should pay a fine of £20 as an example for others not to slight
the commands of superiors. On the 16th Dec. the fine was
reduced to £10.
Proclamacio pro vicis Civit' mundand' et candelis in vicos palam illuminand'.
Proclamation ordering every sufficient freeman to hang out
at his window or door a lantern, with a candle light therein
of 12 to the pound at least, at the hour of "vii of the bell"
at night, and forbidding the casting of dung or rubbish into
the open streets or lanes.
Folio 7.
Ordinacio facta pro mundac'oe Civitat'.
Thursday, 5 Nov., 1 Edward IV. [A.D. 1461], ordinance by
the Common Council to the effect that John Hornecastell,
Serjeant of the channel (canell') (fn. 15) for the time being, shall go
round the City with constables of each Ward to cleanse the
streets and lanes of the City, and, wherever they find mud or
other unclean thing, to distrain those whose duty it is to remove
it, and not to surrender the distress until a fine of 4 pence be
paid to the Chamber. If an attempt be made at rescue, the
offenders to be committed to prison at the discretion of the
Mayor and Aldermen.
Precept for an armed watch to be kept by night in every
Ward, between 9 P.M. and 4 A.M., and for lanterns to be hung
out. [No date.]
A schedule of the number of men to be provided by each
Ward to keep the watch. Total, 285 men.
Q' d Tegulatores Laborarii reputentur.
Friday, 2 Oct., 1 Edward IV. [A.D. 1461], ordinance by the
Common Council, there being present Richard Lee, the Mayor,
Thomas Ursewyk, the Recorder, John Norman, William
Marwe, Thomas Scot, William Hulyn, John Walden, John
Feld, John Stokker, Thomas Oulegreve, John Walsshawe,
William Taillour, Ralph Josselyn, Richard Flemyng, John
Lambert, Hugh Wyche, and Robert Basset, Aldermen, and an
immense Commonalty, that tilers of the City shall thenceforth
be reputed as labourers, and shall not be incorporated nor be
deemed to constitute an Art or Society. (fn. 16)
Q' d Amerciamenta Cur' Maioris int' Camer' et Vic' London' equaliter dividantur.
Monday, 9 Nov., 1 Edward IV. [A.D. 1461], it was agreed by
Hugh Wiche, the Mayor, Thomas Scot, Richard Lee, Matthew
Philip, Thomas Cook, John Feld, William Taillour, Thomas
Oulegreve, John Stokker, William Marwe, John Middelton,
George Irland, and Robert Basset, Aldermen, that amercements
in the Mayor's Court should be equally divided between the
Sheriffs and the Chamber.
Q' d querele coram Vic' capiend' per eor' clericos debile intrentur, etc.
Thursday, 13 Nov., the same year, it was ordained by Hugh
Wyche, the Mayor, and the Aldermen, that all plaints thenceforth to be taken by clerks of the Sheriffs should be by them
taken and enrolled in the Compters, or in full Sheriffs' Court
in the Guildhall, and not elsewhere, under penalty of losing
their office.
4 Feb., 2 Edward IV. [A.D. 1462-3], ordinance by Thomas
Cook, the Mayor, and the Aldermen, that Margaret Clarenceux,
widow of Roger Clarenceux, King of Arms, shall have a house
assigned to her by the Chamberlain of the yearly value of 6s. 8d.
Folio 7 b.
Eleccio Ric' i Bowherst ad colligend' am'ciamenta.
At a Common Council held on Friday the 25th Sept., 1 Edward IV. [A.D. 1461], there being present Richard Lee, the
Mayor, Thomas Ursewyk, the Recorder, John Norman, John
Walden, John Eeld, Ralph Josselyn, William Taillour, Thomas
Oulegreve, Hugh Wyche, John Stokker, John Walsshawe,
Robert Basset, Richard Flemyng, and John Lambert, Aldermen, and an immense Commonalty, Richard Bowherst was
appointed collector of all issues and amercements of vendors
of ale within the liberty of the City, making a return of the
same to the Chamberlain for the time being.
Licenc' dat' Vicecomitibus ad h' end' tot s' vient' q' t eis videbitur exped'.
The same day, permission was granted to the recently elected
Sheriffs, viz., George Irland and John Lok, to have as many
Serjeants as they may deem necessary, the ordinance of the
8th July, 30 Henry VI. [A.D. 1452], notwithstanding. (fn. 17)
Exon' acio custod' Ph' i Bulwyk.
20 March, 2 Edward IV. [A.D. 1461-2], Philip, son of John
Bulwyk, late grocer, a City orphan of full age, acknowledged
satisfaction for all jewels and utensils bequeathed to him by his
parents.
Qualiter Maior sumpsit seisinam porte de Bisshopesgate eo q' d m' catores de Hansa Aleman' etc.
Record of a dispute having arisen between the citizens of
London and merchants of Almaine touching the repair and
custody of Bishopesgate, the latter claiming under an ancient
"composition" the repair and custody of one part above the
gate, (fn. 18) whilst the custody of the two parts below appertained to
the citizens. By virtue of which composition the said merchants claim a mansion over the gate, and the right to demise
it at will for a term of years, and also claim, in time of war, to
guard two parts above the middle of the gate, viz., one where
"le portcolys" is situate, and another part over the battlement, whilst the citizens guard the parts below; but the said
merchants claim to be bound to undertake the burden provided
only they receive the emoluments of the gate. The deed of
"composition" being thereupon examined by the Mayor and
Aldermen, it was found that the said merchants had no right to
the mansion over the gate, but in return for certain privileges
they enjoyed in the City, they were bound to undertake the
aforesaid duties. It was further found that they were not
bound in time of war to defend the middle part, viz., where the
"Portcoles" was situate, but had to defend the portion above
the battlement, the part near the "Portcoles" being too
perilous in war time to commit to the custody of foreigners.
On the 5th March, 1 Edward IV. (fn. 19) [A.D. 1460-1], the said
merchants appeared on summons before the Mayor and Aldermen in the Inner Chamber, and were asked, as they had often
been asked before, to deliver up the keys, so that the gate,
which had fallen into decay, might be repaired. This they
refused to do. Thereupon it was agreed by Hugh Wiche, the
Mayor, John Norman, William Marowe, Geoffrey Boleyn,
William Hulyn, Richard Lee, Matthew Philip, John Walden,
Ralph Verney, John Stokker, Ralph Josselyn, William Taylour,
Thomas Coke, John Lambard, John Walsha, Richard Flemmyng, Robert Basset, and George Ireland, Aldermen, that the
Mayor should personally go and take seisin of the gate in the
City's name. Notice being sent to the merchants to attend at
the gate, they were asked to deliver up the keys, and on their
refusal, the Mayor ordered new keys to be made, took seisin of
the gate, and expelled the merchants of Almaine.
Folio 8.
Concessio fact' Will' mo Calbeck mansionis in porta de Bisshopesgate.
7 April, 2 Edward IV. [A.D. 1462], ordinance by Hugh Wiche,
the Mayor, John Norman, Thomas Scot, William Hulyn,
Richard Lee, Ralph Verney, William Tailour, Matthew Philippe,
Richard Flemmyng, Robert Basset, Thomas Oulegreve, George
Irland, and John Stokdon, Aldermen, that, inasmuch as the
merchants of Almaine residing in the City refused to repair
the gate of Bishopesgate, contrary to the terms of the "composition" made between them and the City, William Calbeck,
one of the Serjeants-at-Mace, to whom the mansion over the
said gate had been granted by the Mayor and Aldermen,
should lay out money on the repair of the said gate under the
supervision of the Chamberlain, by whom he should be reimbursed.
De liberacione Record'.
5 Feb., 1 Edward IV. [A.D. 1461-2], ordinance by Hugh
Wiche, the Mayor, John Norman, Geoffrey Boleyn, Richard Lee,
Matthew Philippe, Ralph Verney, Thomas Oulegreve, Thomas
Coke, John Stokker, Richard Flemmyng, John Walshaw,
George Irland, Robert Basset, and John Stokdon, Aldermen,
that no record affecting the liberty of the City be delivered to
any one before it has been openly shown to the Mayor and
Aldermen in full court, under penalty of loss of office; and,
further, that no clerk in the Mayor's Court deliver any record
out of the rolls or books, but the Common Clerk or his deputy
shall deliver such records.
De Clericis Cur' Maioris.
The same day, it was ordained by the said Mayor and
Aldermen that all clerks of the Mayor's Court should be
removable at the will of the Common Clerk, and others
appointed in their place (but further consideration was taken
by the Mayor and Aldermen for the said clerks, as appears in
the oath of the said Common Clerk (fn. 20) ).
Custod' de Blakwelhall concess' Ric'o Norman.
The same day Richard Norman, "draper," was presented
to the Mayor and Aldermen by the Wardens of the Mistery of
Drapers (pannar') to execute the office of Keeper of Blackwellhall, (fn. 21) he paying a yearly ferm of 40 marks to the Chamberlain. Should the profits of the office be less than 40 marks,
a portion of the said ferm to be remitted. Also there was
granted to the said Richard the office of aulnage (fn. 22) (ulnagii)
within the liberty of the City, he paying yearly to the Chamberlain the sum of £4.
Ordinacio concern' Piscenar'.
1 March, 1 Edward IV. [A.D. 1461-2], ordinance by Hugh
Wyche, the Mayor, John Norman, William Marowe, William
Hulyn, Richard Lee, William Taillour, John Walden, Matthew
Philippe, Ralph Verney, Ralph Josselyn, John Lambard,
Robert Basset, and John Stokdon, Aldermen, that the Fishmongers, who had made certain ordinances on their own
account, should show them to the Court, and that in future they
should use no ordinances until they had been confirmed by the
Court. (fn. 23)
Folio 8 b.
Exon' acio Joh' is Whitby ab assis', etc.
16 Aug., 2 Edward IV. [A.D. 1462], writ received by Hugh
Wyche, the Mayor, George Irlond and John Lok, the Sheriffs,
to discharge John Whitby, "wexchaundeler," from assizes, &c.,
if he be found to be over 70 years of age. Discharged accordingly.
Exon' Ric' i Frome ao assis', etc.
20 Aug., the same year Richard Frome, skinner, discharged
by Hugh Wyche, the Mayor, and the Aldermen, from serving
on juries, &c., owing to his infirmities.
Exon' Rob' ti Russell ab assis', etc.
The same day Robert Russell, goldsmith, similarly discharged for like cause.
Exon' Will' i Haddon ab assis'.
15 Oct., 2 Edward IV. [A.D. 1462], William Haddon, draper,
similarly discharged for like cause.
Exon' acio custod' Walleri Haydon.
17 March, 2 Edward IV. [A.D. 1461-2], came Walter, son of
William Haydon, an orphan of full age, into the Court of the
lord the King in the Chamber of the Guildhall, before Hugh
Wyche, the Mayor, and the Aldermen, and acknowledged
satisfaction for his patrimony.
Finis pro barganeo fact' int' forinsecum et forinsic'.
3 April, 2 Edward IV. [A.D. 1462], ordinance by the Mayor
and Aldermen that inasmuch as certain woollen cloths, of the
manufacture of "Northcuntre," had been claimed by Richard
Styherst as his property, when they were not his property, but
belonged to Antony Centurion, a foreign merchant, and had
been sold to George Folkeryn, a merchant of Venice, through
the medium of Leonell Centuryon and Astelyn de Caneto, the
said cloth should be forfeited to the use of the Sheriffs. But
because the aforesaid George did not know that the cloth
belonged to some foreigner, and was not the property of the
said Richard Styherst, as he asserted, it was adjudged that
the said cloth should be returned to the said George, who
should pay a fine of £10 for the same.
Folio 9.
De custod' libror' et Rotulor'.
7 May, 2 Edward IV. [A.D. 1462], ordinance by the Mayor
and Aldermen that all Rolls and Records in the custody of the
Chamberlain or Under Chamberlain should be delivered by
indenture to the Common Clerk, and remain in the custody
of the same in the upper Chamber, so that in future
he shall be responsible for them, and not deliver any
Record without his undertaking to be responsible for it; and
that other books and Records shall be delivered to him by
indenture, as is ordained on his election. (fn. 24)
Exon' acio custod' Will' mi Thornell.
21 May, 2 Edward IV. [A.D. 1462], came William, son of
William Thornell, late mercer, into the Court of the lord the
King in the Chamber of the Guildhall, before the Mayor and
Aldermen, and acknowledged satisfaction for his patrimony.
Wherefore Robert Strother and William Denton and their
sureties are quit.
Licenc' concess' Laur' Test ad desponsand Johannam Style.
16 July, 2 Edward IV. [A.D. 1462], licence granted to
Laurence Test, draper, to marry Johanna, daughter of Thomas
Style, late mercer, a City orphan.
Concess' fact' Johi' Goode subcos ervatori aque Thamis' de h'end' duos servientes, etc.
6 Aug., 2 Edward IV. [A.D. 1462], it was adjudged by the
Mayor and Aldermen that John Goode, Bailiff of the water of
the Thames, should have 10 marks yearly for himself and his
two servants (serjeants ?), and a yearly reward of 5 marks
during the pleasure of the Court And, further, that Yon
Machyn, his servant (serjeant?), should be discharged, and
that he should elect two others, who should have a livery.
Exon' acio custod' Philippi Bulwyk.
4 Sept., the same year, came Philip, son of Henry Bulwyk,
late grocer, into the Court of the lord the King in the Chamber
of the Guildhall, being a City orphan of full age, and acknowledged satisfaction for his patrimony.
L' ra de privato sigillo pro m' cat' de Hanza Alem'.
Letter of Privy Seal reciting a grant made by the King to
the merchants of Almaine that they may enjoy all their former
privileges until Christmas A.D. 1462, and bidding [the Mayor,
&c.] not to molest them. Dated at the King's manor of Grenewiche, 26 Dec., 1 Edward IV. [A.D. 1461]. (fn. 25)
Folio 9b.
Custod' pueror' Will' mi Wellys.
19 Jan., 2 Edward IV. [A.D. 1462-3], came John Saverey,
"irmonger," John Aleyn, goldsmith, Robert Cambleyn,
"peautrer," William Spencer, grocer, and Robert Studley,
scrivener, into the Court of the lord the King in the Chamber
of the Guildhall before Thomas Cook, the Mayor, and the Aldermen, and acknowledged themselves bound to Thomas Thorndone, the Chamberlain, in the sum of £106 13s 4d, for the
payment of certain sums to Alice, Margaret, and Isabella,
daughters of William Wallis, as soon as they come of age or
marry. (fn. 26)
Licenc' dat' Joh' i Asshwell ad desponsand' etc.
24 Jan., 2 Edward IV. [A.D. 1462-3], licence granted to John
Asshwell, late apprentice to John Worshop, draper, to marry
Yda, daughter of Robert Colby, draper, a City orphan.
Licenc' dat' Tho' e Kelet ad desponss'.
1 Feb., the same year, a similar licence granted to Thomas
Kelet, grocer, to marry Petronilla, daughter of Robert Stokker,
draper.
Ordinac' de exon' ab assis' et enquest'.
The same day, it was ordained that no freeman should be
discharged from serving on juries, &c., except with the consent
of the Mayor and Aldermen or the greater part of them.
Folio 10.
Arbitrium redditum int' Galfr' m Boleyn Aldr' m et Wili' m Redknappe.
28 April, 2 Edward IV. [A.D. 1462], judgment given by Hugh
Wyche, the Mayor, the greater part of the Aldermen, and the
City Council, acting as arbitrators in a dispute between Geoffrey
Boleyn, Alderman and mercer, and William Redknappe,
mercer, touching a wall and chimney (caminus) which the said
William had pulled down in the parish of St. Mary de Aldermarie Chirche in Cordewanerstrete. (fn. 27)
Officium garbellag' concess' Joh' i Stokes.
19 Oct., 1 Edward IV. [A.D. 1461], appointment of John
Stokes, grocer, to the office of Garbeller. (fn. 28)
Ric' us Grene admiss' in Attorn' in Cur' Vic'.
6 April, 2 Edward IV. [A.D. 1462], Richard Grene, gent,
admitted Attorney in the Court of the lord the King in the
City (fn. 29) by Thomas Cook, the Mayor, and the Aldermen.
Folio 10 b.
Presentacio ad cant' Joh' is Pulteney.
Letter under the Mayoralty seal to the Dean and Chapter of
St. Paul's, presenting William Asshille for admission to the
second of the three chantries founded in the said church by
Sir John Pulteney, Knt., vacant by the resignation of Sir
Thomas Polton, chaplain Dated 22 April, A.D. 1463.
Presentacio ad Cantariam sup' ossamenta mortuor' in Cimiterio sc' i Pauli.
Letter under the Mayoralty seal to Thomas [Kempe], Bishop
of London, presenting John Burbage, Rector of the church of
St. Faith in criptis, for admission to the chantry founded by
Roger Beyvyn in the chapel over the charnel-house in St. Paul's
churchyard (fn. 30) in exchange with Sir John Couper, perpetual
chaplain of the said chantry. Dated 11 May, A.D. 1463.
Carta domini Reg' concess' tenent ville de Walshale.
Writ to all Sheriffs, Mayors, Bailiffs, &c., not to exact toll
from men of the manor of Walshale [Walsall], that manor
being of the ancient demesne of the Crown, and therefore free
of toll. Witness the King at Westminster, 12 Jan., 2 [Edward IV., A.D. 1462-3].
The above was allowed by Thomas Cook, the Mayor, and
the Aldermen whose names appear in the Journal for the
9th May, 3 Edward IV. [A.D. 1463], (fn. 31) and ordered to be carried
into execution within the City.