Folio 265.
Presentacio Will'i Tande Capellani ad secundam Cantar' etc. in eccl'ia Sc'i Pauli.
Letter from William Horne, Knt., Mayor, to the Dean and
Chapter of St. Paul's, presenting William Tande, chaplain, for
admission to one of the three chantries founded in St. Paul's
for the souls of Sir John de Pulteney, William Milford, and
John Plesseys, late Archdeacons of Colchester, vacant by the
resignation of Laurence Botiller. Dated 6 Sept., A.D. 1488.
Exon'acio Will'i Ussher ciss' ab assisis.
10 Sept., 4 Henry VII. [A.D. 1488], William Ussher, tailor,
discharged by the Mayor and Aldermen from serving on
juries, &c., owing to his divers infirmities and blindness.
Eleccio Vicecomitum.
Sunday the Feast of St. Matthew, Ap. [21 Sept.],
4 Henry VII. [A.D. 1488], in the presence of William
Horne, Knt., Mayor, Thomas Fitzwilliam, Knt., Recorder,
John Broun, John Warde, Robert Tate, John Tate, William
White, William Martyn, John Swan, Ralph Astry, John
Percyvale, Ralph Tilney, William Isaac, John Broke, John
Fenkell, and William Remyngton, Aldermen, and very many
Commoners summoned to the Guildhall for the election
of Sheriffs—William Isaac, draper, was elected one of
the Sheriffs of the City of London and Middlesex by the Mayor,
and Ralph Tylney, grocer, was elected the other Sheriff by
the Commonalty.
The same day William Purches, mercer, was elected
Chamberlain of the City for the year ensuing; Simon Harrys,
grocer, and John Tutsam, draper, were elected Wardens of
the City's Bridge; John Mathewe, William White, Aldermen,
William Heryot, draper, Thomas Bullesdon, skinner, Walter
Povy, tailor, and William Stede, grocer, Commoners, were
elected Auditors of accounts of the Chamber 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, &c., before the
Barons of the Exchequer.
Folios 265b-266b.
Ordinacio de Fullers.
1 Oct., 4 Henry VII., [A.D. 1488], came the Wardens and
good men of the Art or Mistery of Fullers of the City before
the Mayor and Aldermen, and prayed that certain articles
for the better regulation of the Craft might be approved,
which articles are to the following effect:—
That no member of the Craft henceforth go to the dinners
or feasts of the Mayor or Sheriffs unless bidden by an officer
of the Mayor or Sheriffs, or by the Wardens, under penalty of
paying the sum of 3s. 4d.; one-half of the same to the use of
the Chamber and the other of the Craft.
No member to employ more than 6 workers in the Craft at
once.
No member to take as a servant, "allowe," or apprentice,
any one born beyond the sea.
No member to put out cloth to "burle" (fn. 1) "pyke," or
"rowe" (fn. 2) by any one except a brother admitted and a
householder of the same Craft.
Any member having a journeyman or covenant man to
"make a clere rekenyng" with him on his departure.
No member to set cloth upon the "tayntours" on Sundays,
Our Lady Days, or Principal Feasts.
No member to take any "Chaffer" or ware for his
workmanship.
No member to take cloth "to plane (fn. 3) nor sette uppon the
Tayntours without it be of his owne rowyng," in order to avoid
strife and variance that often arose between the owner of the
cloth and the worker that "roweth" the same, "as it may be
evidently shewed."
No member to bring cloth to the mill to be "thycked" (fn. 4)
until the Wardens have seen the cloth and found it suitable
for the "thyckyng."
No journeyman nor servant "allowes" to leave his master's
service without reasonable cause of sickness, lack of meat or
drink, or non-payment of wages.
The same not to haunt the stews side nor the "kayles" nor
any other riotous game or play.
That no member of the Craft make, or cause to be made,
any affray upon the Stair appertaining to the Craft nor at their
"Tayntours."
Their prayer granted.
Folios 266b-269.
Ordinacio deHurers.
2 Oct., 4 Henry VII. [A.D. 1488], came the Wardens and
other good men of the Art or Mistery of Hurers of the City
before the Mayor and Aldermen, and brought in certain
unauthorized ordinances for the government of the Craft,
pursuant to an order of the Court, (fn. 5) for approval, to the
following effect:—
That every one, within the Livery of the Craft and without,
shall attend Mass on summons by the Beadle in the Lady
Chapel annexed to the parish church of "oure lady Berkyng,"
and offer 1d., under penalty of forfeiting a pound or half a
pound of new wax according to his being in the Livery or not.
That every two years, after celebration of the Mass in the
said chapel on the day of the Nativity of Our Lady [25 March],
the whole Fellowship shall meet in some convenient place and
elect two new Wardens, and those who refuse office, without
reasonable cause, shall pay 40s.
That every 3 or 4 years, if thought necessary, a new clothing
of livery be provided, and the names of those who refuse to
receive it be presented by the Wardens and "the twelve" (fn. 6) of
the Fellowship, for the time being, to the Mayor and Aldermen
for correction after their discretion.
That four times a year, viz., within 14 days after Christmas,
Easter, Midsummer, and Michaelmas, the Fellowship shall
meet, and every brother pay his quarterage of 4 pence, under
penalty of forfeiting a pound or half a pound of new wax
according as he be in the Livery or not.
That apprentices be presented to the Wardens and be
English born.
" That no man of the saide Crafte egge entice ne purloyne
in to his service any other mannes servaunt of the same Craft
tyll his maister and he be aggreed," under penalty of 40s.
"That no persone or persones of the same Crafte go into
Foreyns houses for to wirke nor in to no straunge places for
to teche the science of the saide Crafte," under similar penalty.
That if any member take any work to a stranger to be
worked "he make therof a good ende hymself or elles do it
to be made among the Freemen Brethern and true wirkers of
the saide Crafte," under penalty of 20s.
That no "thycker" of the Craft "thicke" any ware to a
strange man or woman "which can make no good ende
thereof," or "put it to dresse" to any but brethren of the Craft,
or true workers of the same, under penalty of 6s. 8d.
Any one discovering "the Counceill lefull" of the Craft to
forfeit 10s.
That no member implead another without licence of the
Wardens, so long as he can get justice within the Craft.
That no apprentice out of his term take a house to work in
until he be "assaied" by the Wardens as to his "connyng to
work sufficiently."
That no freeman of the Fellowship set an alien to work or to
buy or sell in his shop, under penalty of 6s. 8d.
That disputes between masters and servants touching work
or wages be referred to the Wardens.
That upon every default done contrary to the ordinances
distress shall be taken by the Wardens and kept 40 days. If it
be not then redeemed, the said Wardens and "the twelve"
shall cause the same to be valued and sold, and return the
surplus (if any), after recovering the amount of fine, to the
owner.
That Wardens proved to be remiss in their duties forfeit
6s. 8d. for every neglect.
The above articles (inter alia) approved and ordered to be
recorded.
Folio 269 b.
Eleccio Maioris.
Monday the Feast of Translation of St. Edward [13 Oct.],
4 Henry VII. [A.D. 1488], in the presence of William Horne,
Knt., Mayor, Thomas Fitzwilliam, Knt., Recorder, Richard
Gardyner, John Broun, Knt., Robert Billesdone, Knt., John
Warde, Henry Colet, Knt., Robert Tate, Richard Chawry,
William White, John Mathewe, William Martyn, John Tate,
John Fenkell, Knt., William Remyngton, John Percyvale,
Knt., John Swan, William Capell, Knt., John Broke, William
Isaac, and Ralph Tilney, Aldermen, and an immense Commonalty summoned to the Guildhall for the election of a
Mayor—Robert Tate 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, &c., before the Barons of the
Exchequer.
Ordinacio de Corsours.
1 Oct., 4 Henry VII. [A.D. 1488], came the Wardens and
other good men of the Art of "Corsours" of London before the
Mayor and Aldermen, complaining of the lack of ordinances to
govern their Craft, and praying that they would approve of
ordinances to the following effect:—
That yearly on Saint "Loes" (fn. 7) day the Wardens be chosen
as rulers and governors of the Craft.
That members pay a quarterage of 4d.
That members not attending on summons forfeit 4d.
The articles approved.
Folios 270-271 b.
Ordinacio de Lorymers.
2 Oct., 4 Henry VII. [A.D. 1488], came the Wardens of the Art
of "Lorymers" before the Mayor and Aldermen, and brought
in their book of ordinances pursuant to an order of the Court, (fn. 8)
and prayed that the same might be approved, to the following
effect:—
That no member of the Craft work on any "Saturday vigill
even" or "any other Festivall even" after "none" rung in
his parish church, under penalty, except "vernysshyng," "burnysshyng," and "bosyng," (fn. 9) and work no longer than from
5 A M until 7 P. M. between Michaelmas and Lady Day.
That when any brother or sister happens to die,
freemen of the Craft shall come in their "most honest
clothyng" to the parish church of the deceased to dirige, and
on the morrow to a Mass of Requiem, under penalty in case of
default without reasonable excuse; and that every such brother
or sister—"if they in their lyfe paied well and truly their
quarterages and other charges" of the Craft—shall within
8 days of their decease have 30 masses sung for them by one
of the four Orders of Friars, at the cost of the Fraternity.
That if a member of the Craft of "good guydyng and
conversacion falls to povertie by goddes sonde (fn. 10) and hath no
thynge to helpe hym self with all that than he shall have
wokely a Reward of the co'en boxe of the same Crafte that is
to say he that hathe been Wardeyn of the said Crafte shall
have wokely xd and he that hathe not been Wardeyn shall
have wokely vijd And if any suche persone so havyng suche
Almes of the said Crafte dye that than his burying to be paid
for of his owne goodes if he be of power and elles to be paied
and borne at the charge of the said Crafte."
That apprentices be not enticed out of the service of their
masters, and that no apprentice out of his term set up shop
until he be made a freeman of the Craft, and that every
apprentice at the first opening of his shop pay 12d. towards the
maintenance of the Craft.
That no member take any journeyman or "allowes" except
by the year.
That all disputes be referred to the Wardens before any
other steps be taken.
That no member disclose any lawful matter or communication
touching the Fellowship, under penalty.
That any one using high and "owterageous" language at
meetings and not keeping silence at the bidding of the
Wardens shall forfeit a pound of wax.
That no member of the Craft renew or cause to be renewed
any old ware belonging to himself to sell the same again as
new ware, under penalty; but he may varnish and amend
anything pertaining to the Craft for another person.
That the Wardens shall have the right of search and seize
badly wrought works and bring them to the Guildhall.
"Also that no persone of the said Crafte hereafter tynne any
olde werke belongyng to the said Crafte for to selle that is to
say Bittes Steroppes or any other thynge except the thinges
that been hable to bere the fylyng as Frensshe Bittes the which
bene hable to bere the tynnyng uppon payne to lose at every
tyme that any suche persone so dothe a pounde of wexe."
One-half of all fines and forfeitures to be to the use of the
Chamber of the Guildhall, and the other to the use of the
Commonalty of the Craft.
The above articles approved.
Folio 272.
Custodia Elizabeth filie Steph'i Traps.
18 Nov., 4 Henry VII. [A.D. 1488], came William Grene,
John Lee, tailors, William Brikles, grocer, and Edward Grene,
mercer, before the Mayor and Aldermen, and entered into
bond in the sum of £200 for payment into the Chamber by the
said William Grene of a like sum to the use of Elizabeth,
daughter of Stephen Traps, late tailor, when she comes of age
or marries.
Folios 272-272 b.
Custodia David Waren' filii Will'i Waren' Cissoris.
3 Dec., 4 Henry VII. [A.D. 1488], came John Grey de Noryell,
co. Beds, yeoman, John Rock, haberdasher, Robert Setcole,
"Foundour," William Kyrfote, grocer, and John Robynson,
stockfishmonger, and entered into bond in the sum of £40 for
the payment by the said John Grey to David, son of William
Waren, late tailor, when he comes of age, of the sum of £36
in respect of the issues of a certain tenement in the parish of
All Hallows in Bredestrete, which tenement had been devised
by Roger Waren, late tailor, to William, the father of David,
in tail male; and in the event of the decease of the said David
under age for the payment of the said money to Elizabeth
Waren, sister of the said David.
Folio 273.
Custodia pueror' Thome Breteyn Aldr'i.
29 Jan., 4 Henry VII. [A.D. 1488-9], came John Broke,
Alderman, (fn. 11) John Storke, William Curle, grocers, and Thomas
Bullesdone, skinner, and entered into bond in the sum of
£1,373 2s. 11¼d. for payment into the Chamber by the said
Alderman of a like sum to the use of William, Johanna,
Juliana, Matilda, and Elizabeth, children of Thomas Breteyn,
late Alderman, (fn. 12) when they come of age. (fn. 13)
Folio 273 b.
Custodia Thome Edward filii Will'i Edward groceri.
29 Jan., 4 Henry VII. [A.D. 1488-9], came Margery Edward,
widow, Philip Edward, grocer, Richard Hille, tailor, and
Alexander Hedlam, upholder, and entered into bond in the sum
of £110 for payment into the Chamber by the said Margery
of a like sum when Thomas, son of William Edward, late
grocer, comes of age or marries.
Custodia pueror' Johannis Gardyner Cissoris.
17 Feb., 4 Henry VII. [A.D. 1488-9], came John Hardy,
John Barnarde, Alexander Bassyngthwayte, tailors, and John
Sympson, dyer, and entered into bond in the sum of £66
for payment into the Chamber by the said John Hardy of
a like sum to the use of John and Margaret, children
of John Gardyner, late tailor, when they come of age or
marry.
Folio 274.
Custodia pueror' Thome Hewetson Cissoris.
19 Feb., 4 Henry VII. [A.D. 1488-9], came William
Worthyngton, draper, James Fitte, tailor, Thomas Pays,
draper, and John Haddesley, girdler, and entered into bond
in the sum of £64 13s. 4d. for payment into the Chamber by
the said William of a like sum to the use of John, Peter, Henry,
William, Thomas, and Margaret, children of Thomas Hewetson, late tailor, when they come of age or marry. (fn. 14)
Folio 274 b.
Custod' Joh'is filii Thome Riche merceri.
23 March, 4 Henry VII. [A.D. 1488-9], came Thomas Croke,
skinner, Richard Croke and John Croke, drapers, and Richard
Thornell, mercer, and entered into bond in the sum of £100
for payment into the Chamber by the said Thomas Croke of a
like sum to the use of John, son of Thomas Riche, late mercer,
when he comes of age or marries.
Folio 275.
Custod pueror' Ric'i Alpe Tallugh.
16 July, 4 Henry VII. [A.D. 1489], came Richard Stewarde,
Richard Cock', William Hamlyn, Thomas Piers, "tallughchaundelers," and Philip Leycok, "hurer," and entered into
bond in the sum of £36 11s. 8d. for payment into the Chamber
by the said Richard Stewarde of a like sum to the use of
Walter and Thomas, sons of Richard Alpe, late "tallughchaundler," when they come of age or marry.
Folio 275 b.
Judicium Pillorie pro quo dam pronuba.
John Spicer condemned to stand on a pillory for being a
"common bawde." [No date.]
Judicium cujusdam Co' is pronube.
Elizabeth Judela (Indela ?), convicted of being a "common
bawde," to be led from prison to the Pillory in Cornhill with
"mynstralcye," with a "rayhode" on her head and a white
rod in her hand, (fn. 15) and there the cause to be proclaimed, and
then to be conveyed through Chepe to Newgate, and to avoid
the City, "but if (fn. 16) she laufully behold in prison by sum laufull
accion." [No date.]
Folio 276.
Judicium pillorie pro fabricacione unius fict' obligacionis.
Thomas Elys, "dawber," condemned by "my lord the
Maire" and the Aldermen to stand on the pillory for forging
a bond purporting to bind John Walshe to him in the sum of
£10. [No date.]
Eleccio Vicecomit'.
Monday the Feast of St. Matthew [21 Sept.], 5 Henry VII.
[A.D. 1489], in the presence of Robert Tate, Mayor, Thomas
Fitz William the Recorder, Robert Billesdone, John Warde,
Henry Colet, William Horne, Richard Chawry, William White,
William Martyn, John Tate, John Swanne, John Percivall,
William Remyngton, William Capell, William Isaac, and
Ralph Tilney, Aldermen, and very many Commoners summoned
to the Guildhall for the election of Sheriffs—William Capell,
Knt., draper, was elected one of the Sheriffs of the City of
London and Middlesex by the Mayor, and John Broke, grocer,
was elected the other Sheriff by the Commonalty.
[The election of a Chamberlain not recorded.]
Simon Harrys, grocer, and John Tutsham, draper, elected
Wardens of London Bridge; William White, William Martyn,
Aldermen, Walter Povy, tailor, William Stede, grocer,
Richard Swan, skinner, and Thomas Boterell, draper, Commoners, were elected Auditors of the accounts of the Chamber
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, &c., before the
Barons of the Exchequer.
Folios 276-276 b.
Custodia pueror' Johannis Pasy tallugh'.
23 Sept., 5 Henry VII. [A.D. 1489], came Stephen Hunt,
grocer, John Frensshe, baker, Thomas Barry, "brwer," and
Gilbert Wilson, "brwer" and entered into bond in the sum
of £14 13s. 4d. for payment into the Chamber by the said
Stephen of a like sum to the use of Peter, Katherine, and
Margaret, children of John Pasy, late "tallughchaundler,"
when they come of age or marry.
Folio 277.
Eleccio Maioris.
Tuesday the Feast of Translation of St. Edward [13 Oct.],
5 Henry VII. [A.D. 1489], in the presence of Robert Tate, the
Mayor, Thomas Fitz William the Recorder, the Prior of Christchurch, John Broun, Knt., Robert Billesdone, Knt., John
Warde, Hugh Brice, Knt., Henry Colet, Knt., William Horne,
Knt., Richard Chawry, John Mathewe, William White,
William Martyn, Ralph Astry, John Tate, John Percyvale,
Knt., William Remyngtone, John Fenkell, Knt., William Isaac,
Ralph Tilney, William Capell, Knt., and John Broke, Aldermen, and an immense Commonalty summoned to the Guildhall
for the election of a Mayor for the year ensuing—William
White 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, &c., before the Barons of the Exchequer.
Presentacio Will'i Stodarde Capell'i ad cantariam in Capella sup' ossament' mortuor' in Cimiterio Eccl'ie Cathe dralis Sc'i Pauli London'.
Letter from Robert Tate, the Mayor, and William Purches,
the Chamberlain, to Master Richard Lychefeld, (fn. 17) Doctor of
Laws, Canon Residentiary in the Cathedral Church of St. Paul,
and Warden of the spiritualities of the City and diocese of
London, the Bishopric being vacant, (fn. 18) presenting Sir William
Stodard, chaplain, for admission to a chantry in the Chapel
over the bones of the dead in St. Paul's Churchyard, vacant
by the death of Sir John West, the last chaplain. Dated
27 Oct., A.D. 1489.
Evon acio Thome Hawes ab assisis.
9 Nov., 5 Henry VII. [A.D. 1489], Thomas Hawes, haberdasher, discharged by William White, the Mayor, and the
Aldermen from serving on juries, &c., owing to his infirmities.
Folio 277 b.
Custod' pueror' Thome Wolston Carnifu'.
20 Nov., 5 Henry VII. [A.D. 1489], came John Wolston,
Thomas Laman, Thomas Wode, and John Dudley, "bochers,"
and entered into bond in the sum of £10 for payment into the
Chamber by the said John Wolston of a like sum to the use
of Thomas and Agnes, children of Thomas Wolston, late
butcher, when they come of age or marry. (fn. 19)
Folio 278.
Custodia Margerie filie Thome Graunt vinitar'.
11 Dec., 5 Henry VII. [A.D. 1489], came Edward Grene,
mercer, Oliver Warner, William Grene, tailors, and Robert
Palmer, barber, and entered into bond in the sum of
£136 19s. 9¾d. for payment into the Chamber by the above
Edward of a like sum to the use of Margery, daughter of
Thomas Graunt, late vintner, when she comes of age or
marries.
Folio 278 b.
L're patentes d'ni Regis fact' Johanni "Percyvale' militi ad essend' Aldr'm Theutonicor' apud le Styleyerde etc.
Letters patent appointing John Percevale, Knight and Alderman, to be justice to the merchants of the Guildhall of the
Teutonics for the speedy recovery of debts and hearing of
pleas in cases where the Sheriffs and Mayors may be unable
to determine such matters from day to day. Witness the King
at Westminster, 25 Jan., 5 Henry VII. [A.D. 1489-90].
Folios 278b-279b
Ordinacio des Foundours.
2 April, 5 Henry VII. [A.D. 1490], came the Wardens and
other good men of the Art or occupation of "Foundours"
praying that certain articles (fn. 20) for the rule of the Craft
might be approved, to the following effect:—
That every member obey the summons of the Beadle, under
penalty, unless "he be letted by meltyng or other lefull causes."
That every brother of the Clothing pay a quarterage of
3 pence, every householder keeping a shop and not of the
Clothing 2 pence, and every journeyman a penny for the
"fyndyng of light, kepyng of masses, buryng of poore brethern,"
and other deeds of alms.
That members attend Mass for all the Brotherhood on
the Feast of the Assumption [15 Aug.], in the church of
St Laurence, Jewry, or other place appointed, and there make
offering, under penalty.
That no brother out of the Clothing take more than one
apprentice at a time except by special permission, and no
brother who is of the Clothing take more than two apprentices
at a time; that a Warden or ex-Warden have three apprentices and no more, and one who has been Upper Warden no
more than four.
That apprentices be "right lymmed."
That every brother going to a fair shall show his ware
before it be packed to the Wardens for approval.
Petition granted.
Folio 279 b.
Eleccio Vice comitum.
Tuesday the Feast of St. Matthew [21 Sept.], 6 Henry VII.
[A.D. 1490], in the presence of William White, the Mayor,
Thomas Fitz William the Recorder, John Broun, Robert Billesdon, John Warde, Henry Colet, William Horn, Robert Tate,
Richard Chawry, John Mathewe, William Martyn, Ralph
Astry, John Swanne, John Tate, Hugh Cloptone, John Percyvale,
William Remyngton, John Broke, William Capell, Henry Cote, (fn. 21)
and Robert Revell, Aldermen, and very many Commoners
summoned to the Guildhall for the election of Sheriffs—Henry
Cote, goldsmith, was elected one of the Sheriffs of the City of
London and Middlesex by the Mayor, and Robert Revell,
grocer, was elected the other Sheriff by the Commonalty.
[The election of Chamberlain not recorded.]
Simon Harrys, grocer, and Christopher Elyot, goldsmith,
were elected Wardens of London Bridge, William Martyn
and John Swanne, Aldermen, Richard Swanne, skinner, Thomas
Boterell, draper, Richard Hawkyns, draper, and John Pasmer,
skinner, 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, &c., before the
Barons of the Exchequer.
Eleccio Maioris.
Wednesday the Feast of Translation of St. Edward [13 Oct.],
6 Henry VII. [A.D. 1490], in the presence of William White,
the Mayor, the Prior of Christchurch, Thomas Fitz William the
Recorder, John Broun, Knt., Robert Billesdone, Knt., John
Warde Henry Colet, Knt., William Horne, Knt., Robert Tate,
Richard Chawry, John Mathewe, William Martyn, John Swan,
John Tate, William Remyngton, William Isaac, John Percyvale, Knt., Robert Revell, and Henry Cote, Aldermen, and an
immense Commonalty summoned to the Guildhall for the
election of a Mayor for the year ensuing—John Mathewe was
elected.
Afterwards, viz., on the Feast of SS. Simon and Jude [28 Oct.],
he was sworn and admitted, and on the morrow was presented,
accepted, &c., before the Barons of the Exchequer.
Folios 280-281 b.
Ordinacio Sellarior'.
6 Oct., 6 Henry VII. [A.D. 1490], came the Wardens and
other good men of the Art or occupation of Saddlers of London
before the Mayor and Aldermen, and showed that, whereas in
times past ordinances had been made for the rule of the Craft
that had not been authorized within the City, they had brought
in their book of ordinances before the Mayor and Aldermen,
as commanded, and those that were not authorized had been
cancelled; (fn. 22) and thus they had been left without ordinances
wherewith to govern the Craft. They prayed, therefore, that
certain ordinances might be approved, to the following effect:—
That the Wardens and Fellowship shall yearly attend Mass
on the Feast of the Assumption [15 Aug.], in the church of
St "Faystres," (fn. 23) in their last livery, and in the afternoon of the
same day be at a Dirige, and on the morrow at a Requiem for
the souls of deceased members of the Craft.
That on the same Feast four new Wardens be elected, and
brought within a month, by the old Wardens and 4 or 6 of the
most honest persons of the Craft, to the Guildhall to be sworn.
That any member admitted, by the Wardens and 8 persons
of the Fellowship "to theym assistent," to the Clothing (or
Livery) and refusing it, without reasonable excuse, shall pay for
his disobedience 13s. 4d.
That any member of the Clothing wishing to take a "patron"
of the cloth to buy his gown cloth as he will shall pay for the
same "patron," towards the priest's and beadle's gowns, 16d.,
and shall bring the cloth before the Wardens, in order that
they may see whether the colours be "like," under penalty;
and he that is admitted into the Clothing shall pay, according
to custom, an ounce of silver or a spoon of silver, (fn. 24) to the value
of 4d.
That any one admitted by the Wardens and by the 8 persons
"to theym assistent" to be a brother or sister of the Craft, the
brother shall pay 13s. 4d. and the sister 6s. 8d. for the benefit
of the poor of the Craft; "and if it hapne any suche brother or
sister or any other housholder of the saide Craft the whiche
before hath kept the gode Rules of the same Craft and also
have payed their duetes of xiijd. yerly falle herafter in povertie
by the visitacion of God than the said brother sister or housholder shalbe refresshed of the comon boxe by the discrecion of the Wardeyns and of the forsaid viij persones to
theym assistent."
That an aggrieved member submit his complaint to the
Wardens before taking action, and that no member maintain
any quarrel between members of the Craft until the Wardens
have given licence to the parties to go to law, under penalty
of 5s. to the augmentation of the alms of the Craft.
That no member entice away a "Custumer beyng in dette
afore tyme to any other persone of the same Crafte," under
penalty of 20s.
That no one disclose any matter touching the welfare of the
Fellowship which might cause strife or debate.
That no member attend feasts of the Mayor or Sheriffs, or
any other Feast "where any greate assemble of people shalbe,'
unless invited or ordered.
That servants or "allowes" working by the year or quarter
shall receive their wages within a month of the expiration of
the quarter.
That such workers shall give their masters a month's warning
before leaving.
That no journeyman work in chambers or privy places to
avoid examination of his work, under penalty of 3s. 4d.
That the taking of apprentices be regulated as directed.
That the Wardens have full power of search, and that all
works wrought to deceive the buyer "as stuff belongyng to the
same Crafte the whiche is daily sette uppon upholsters stalles
to selle and brought by Foreyns unto the Citie that the said
stuffe so unlafully wrought may some of it be fynable and some
may utterly be forfeit"; and that any one opposing such
search pay 10s.
That four Auditors be appointed yearly, and any one refusing
the office pay 3s. 4d.
That on election day the whole of the Clothing shall choose
8 persons, of which the Wardens shall elect 4, to be Wardens
for the year ensuing.
That the Wardens and Renters hereafter render their account
by Michaemas Day next after their leaving office.
That one half of all fines, forfeitures, and penalties remain to
the use of the City's Chamber, and the other to the use of
the Fellowship.
Their petition granted.
Folio 281 b.
Custodia pueror' Rob'ti Godewyne pannar'.
23 Nov., 6 Henry VII. [A.D. 1490], came Johanna Godewyne,
widow, Robert Fitzherbert, draper, Laurence Ailmer, draper,
and William Hampton, "powchemaker," and entered into bond
in the sum of £400 for payment into the Chamber by the
said Johanna of a like sum to the use of Richard, Robert,
William, and Margery, children of Robert Godewyne, late
draper, when they come of age or marry. (fn. 25)