Folio 301.
Judicium combustionis diversor' "verthkyns."
Wednesday, 24 Nov., 36 Henry VI. [A.D. 1457], came the
Masters or Wardens, and many other good men of the Mistery
of Coupers, into the Court of the lord the King in the Chamber
of the Guildhall, before Geoffrey Boleyn, the Mayor, and the
Aldermen, and complained that Stephen Wolf and John
Bromer, fishmongers, had made certain vessels (comprising
"ferthkyns") of wood that was not pure nor entire, but sawn
into pieces (in medio serrat') and full of "sappe," contrary to the
ordinance made in the Mayoralty of Drew Barantyne. (fn. 1) The
vessels were thereupon ordered to be burnt. (fn. 2)
Proclamacio pro vasis videl't barell' et aliis h'mo'i non fact' de ligno puro et integro etc.
Proclamation made by order of the Mayor and Aldermen of
an ordinance to the above effect and for the burning of all such
vessels as had been found to be "made of uncleen and sappy
tymbre & lakking of their just mesure" contrary to the
ordinance.
Exon'acio Joh' Randolf ab assisis etc.
28 June, 36 Henry VI. [A.D. 1458], John Randolf, mercer,
discharged by Geoffrey Boleyn, Mayor, and the Aldermen
from serving on juries, &c., owing to his infirmities.
Folio 301.
The commencement of a deed by John Tamworth, clerk,
touching tenements in Coubriggestrete and Hosyerlane, near
Smithfield ....
[Fos. 302-304 b blank.-N.B. There is no folio numbered 303.]
Folio 305.
Thursday, 8 June, 36 Henry VI. [A.D. 1458], petition made
by William Rotheley, goldsmith, to the Mayor and Aldermen,
showing that whereas he and John Johnson, "bocher," had
agreed to submit their differences touching the title to certain
lands and tenements in the parish of Wolwich to the judgment
of Thomas Tyrell, Knt., and the said Thomas Tyrell had
adjudged that the said John Johnson should pay damages to
the said William Rotheley to the amount of £20, and that the
said William should enjoy peaceable possession of the said
lands and tenements, the said John Johnson had refused to pay
the money, and was thereupon sued by the said petitioner on
his bond. Judgment was allowed to go by default, and a
counter action was commenced by John Johnson. A jury
empanelled to try the case, but the parties agreed to abide by
the judgment of six of the jury, viz., Walter Langriche,
draper, John Stone, Richard Snowdon, skinners, John Dey,
"cotiller," Simon Briggeman, fuller, and John Wilkes, draper,
both parties binding themselves in the sum of £300. Within a
few days, declares the petitioner, the said John Stone sent John
Lounde to say that they knew that he had received scanty
justice at the hands of Sir Thomas Tyrell, and that he might
look for a better award, but as to payment for the labour of the
arbitrators, he was given to understand by John Lounde that
John Stone "wold have no shales but he wold have the
kernels." On this understanding the petitioner delivered to John
Lounde a piece of silver covered and gilt as security for
payment of £5 to John Stone for his reward, but when the said
John Stone saw that the piece was worth more than £5, he
desired to retain it as his reward, and, furthermore, desired the
petitioner to give Richard Snowdon a piece of silver of the
value of 40s. for his reward, for, said John Stone, he was "sure
of þe said Richard Snowdon to doo and sey as he wold have
hym," and that as a result of such rewards the said John
Johnson "shuld pay þerfore right largely by þeir awarde &
jugement." Thereupon came the above John Wilkes and
claimed his reward in hand, and would not be satisfied with
less than 40s., as security for which the petitioner delivered to
him a piece of silver worth 40s., and to Richard Snowdon a
piece worth 60s. Finally, the said John Wilkes, John Stone,
and Richard Snowdon gave judgment in writing under their
seals that the said "John Johnson shuld have the land þt was in
variance betwene theym." (fn. 3)
[Folios. 305 b blank.]
Folio 306.
24 Oct., 37 Henry VI. [A.D. 1458], Robert Botiller, goldsmith,
discharged by Geoffrey Boleyn, the Mayor, and the Aldermen
from serving on juries, &c., owing to increasing old age.
Proclamacio ne quis emat' seu vendat aliquas mercandisas ponderand' quousq' ponderentur ad co'em balanc'.
Proclamation forbidding merchant strangers to buy or sell
"any maner avoir de pois that oweth to be poised" or weighed
except it be weighed by the King's Common Beam pursuant to
the franchises and liberties of the City.
Folio 306 b.
Letters patent discharging Richard Burton of the Isle of
"Gersey" from serving various offices. Witness the King at
Westminster, 2 July, 36 Henry VI. [A.D. 1458].
Eleccio vic'.
The Feast of St. Matthew [21 Sept.], 37 Henry VI. [A.D. 1458],
in the presence of Geoffrey Boleyn, the Mayor, Thomas Ursewyk,
the Recorder, Stephen Broun, John Athirle, Geoffrey Feldyng,
John Norman, William Hulyn, John Walden, Thomas Scot,
William Marwe, William Gregory, Richard Alley, John Middelton, Ralph Verney, William Taillour, and Ralph Josselyn,
Aldermen, and very many Commoners summoned to the Guildhall for the election of Sheriffs for the year ensuing, Ralph
Josselyn was elected one of the Sheriffs of London and Middlesex by the Mayor, and Richard Nedeham the other Sheriff by
the Commonalty.
The same day Thomas Thorndon, draper, was elected
Chamberlain; Thomas Davy and Peter Alfold were elected
Wardens of London Bridge; John Walden, John Middelton,
Aldermen, and William Porter, John Bernewell, John Wallshawe, and John Harowe, Commoners, were elected Auditors
of the accounts in arrear of the Chamberlain and Wardens.
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.
The Feast of the Translation of St. Edward [13 Oct.],
37 Henry VI. [A.D. 1458], in the presence of Geoffrey Boleyn,
the Mayor, Thomas Ursewyk, the Recorder, the Prior of
Christchurch, Stephen Broun, John Hathirle, William Gregory,
Geoffrey Feldyng, John Norman, William Marwe, Thomas
Canyng', Thomas Scot, William Cantelowe, William Hulyn,
Matthew Philip, Richard Alley, Richard Lee, John Walden,
John Feld, John Middelton, Thomas Cook, William Taillour,
Thomas Oulegreve, Ralph Josselyn, and Hugh Wyche, Aldermen, and an immense Commonalty summoned to the Guildhall
for the election of a Mayor for the year ensuing, Thomas Scot
was elected [ends abruptly].
Folio 307.
Ex' Joh' Newerk iremonger.
22 Nov., 37 Henry VI. [A.D. 1458], John Newerk, "iremonger," discharged by Thomas Scot, the Mayor, and the
Aldermen from serving on juries, &c., owing to increasing
old age.
Ex' Ric'i Carnerley Groc'.
16 Jan., 37 Henry VI. [A.D. 1458-9], Richard Carnerley,
grocer, similarly discharged for like cause.
Ex' Thome Elys pannar'.
17 Jan., the same year, Thomas Elys, "draper," similarly
discharged owing to his being afflicted with stone, &c.
Ex' Joh' Hobert sellar'.
3 March, the same year, John Hobert, "sadiller," similarly
discharged owing to increasing old age.
Ex' Ric'i Philip groceri.
12 June, 37 Henry VI. [A.D. 1459], Richard Philip, grocer,
similarly discharged for like cause.
Presentacio ad ij am cantar' iij cantar' in eccl'ia Sc'i Pauli pro ai'a Joh' Pulteney per viam Resignaco'is.
Letter from Thomas Scot, the Mayor, under the Mayoralty
seal, to the Dean and Chapter of St. Paul's, presenting Thomas
Bolton, chaplain, for admission to the second of the three
chantries founded in the said church by Sir John Pulteney, Knt.,
for the good of his own soul and the souls of Sirs William
Milleford and John Plesseys, late Archdeacons of Colchester,
vacant by the resignation of Robert Hubert. [No date.]
Folio 307 b.
Letters patent appointing Peter Ardern, Knt., Chief Baron of
the Exchequer, Thomas Thorp, Brian Rouclyff, John Holme,
and John Durham, Barons of the same Exchequer, to receive
and swear into office William Hulyn, lately elected Mayor of
the City, in the place where the Court of Exchequer would
have been sitting had it not been adjourned beyond the morrow
of SS. Simon and Jude [28 Oct.], and further to receive the
account of Thomas Scot, Mayor and Escheator, for his year
of office as Escheator, the King himself being unable to be
present either at Westminster or at the Tower. (fn. 4) Witness the
King at Warrewik, 20 Oct., 38 Henry VI. [A.D. 1459].
Folio 308.
4 Feb., 38 Henry VI. [A.D. 1459-60], came William Broun,
William Prynce, Thomas Snersland, and Robert Hardyng,
goldsmiths, into the Court of the lord the King in the Chamber
of the Guildhall, before William Hulyn, the Mayor, and the
Aldermen, and entered into bond with Thomas Thorndone, the
Chamberlain, in the sum of £10.
The above bond to be void on payment of a similar sum into
Court by the said William Broun, or by some one on his behalf,
to the use of Robert, son of Henry Boode, late goldsmith, as
soon as he shall come of age.
The money was paid on the 3rd Sept., 7 Edward IV. [A.D. 1467].
Folio 308 b.
Judicium pillorie Ric'i Claidissh scryven' et al' pro falsis l'ris testimonial'.
9 April, 37 Henry VI. [A.D. 1459], Richard Claydissh, writer
of court-hand, Nicholas Walsshe, John Englisshe, John Gawran,
and William Stountone, "fruterers," and John Hoke, grocer,
attached to answer the lord the King, the Commonalty, as
well as William Chattok and William Braybroke, fishmongers,
on a charge of fraudulently fabricating letters bearing witness
to an alleged sale of certain figs to them by the said William
Braybroke; whereas the said William Braybroke had as a fact
sold the same figs, which had been imported from Normandy,
to Richard Rawlyns and John Kipping, grocers, and Simon
Smyth, "iremonger," and thus the said Chattok and Braybroke
ran the risk of losing £200. After due investigation by the
Mayor and Aldermen it was adjudged that Richard Claydissh
and Nicholas Walsshe, as the principal offenders, should stand
on the pillory on Cornhull for an hour, and the lesser offenders
half an hour, and afterwards should remain in prison until
further orders, public proclamation being made of their offence.
Folio 309.
De apprest' facto per m'cat' Hanze Aliman' ad relevium Warde de Dowgate.
11 Feb., 39 Henry VI. [A.D. 1460-1], an acknowledgment by
John "Walssha," Alderman of the Ward of Dowgate, Robert
Gayton, grocer, Thomas Danyell, dyer, Thomas Boyles, tailor,
William Gardener, fishmonger, William Wikwan, dyer, and
John Trewynard, sherman, inhabitants of the Ward, William
Cawche, Robert Brigger, Thomas Baxster, and John Broke,
collectors of the money to be furnished by the said Ward to the
King, of the receipt of a sum of £20 paid by the merchants of
the Teutonic Hanse in the Ward towards the sum to be paid
by the Ward to the King's use, as a freewill offering on the
part of the said merchants, and not otherwise.
Folio 309 b.
A recital of the proceedings touching the forging of certain
letters by Richard Claidisshe and others already recorded
supra, folios. 308 b. Dated under the Mayoralty seal, 9 April,
A.D. 1459. (fn. 5)
Folio 310.
Custod' pueror' Joh'is Roo m'ceri orphan' civit'.
12 March, 38 Henry VI. [A.D. 1459-60], came Margaret
Roo, widow, Simon Dawdely, John Baker, and Henry Bumstede,
mercers, and Richard Mortymer, grocer, into the Court of the
lord the King in the Chamber of the Guildhall, before William
Hulyn, Mayor, and the Aldermen, and entered into bond
with Thomas Thorndone, the Chamberlain, in the sum of
£433 6s. 8d.
The above bond to be void if the said Margaret or some one
on her behalf pay into Court the sum of 400 marks to be equally
divided among John, Thomas, Richard, and Robert, sons of
John Roo, late mercer, when they shall have come of age; and
also the sum of £100 for Katherine, daughter of the said John
Roo, as soon as she comes of age or marries. Mention made
of Anne, another daughter of the said John Roo, already
deceased.
Folio 310 b.
And forasmuch as the said Simon Dawdely died, his place
was taken by Richard Kempe, mercer, on the 20th August,
1 Edward IV. [A.D. 1461].
And forasmuch as John, son of the said John Roo, died of
full age, having made a will, as was plainly shown to Ralph
Josselyn, the Mayor, and the Aldermen, on the 21st March,
4 Edward IV. [A.D. 1463-4], the above Margaret and her
sureties were declared quit in respect of the said son's portion.
9 Feb., 7 Edward IV. [A.D. 1467-8], came John Baker and
Henry Bumstede, mercers, who married Alice and Margaret,
daughters of the above John Roo, late mercer, into the Court of
the lord the King in the Chamber of the Guildhall, before
Thomas Oulegreve, the Mayor, and the Aldermen, and
acknowledged satisfaction for money accruing to their respective wives by the death of Katherine, daughter of the said
John Roo.
18 April, 9 Edward IV. [A.D. 1469], came Thomas, son of the
above John Roo, being of full age, into the Court of the lord
the King in the Chamber of the Guildhall, before William
Taillour, Mayor, and the Aldermen, and acknowledged satisfaction for his patrimony.
Eleccio Vic'.
The Feast of St. Matthew [21 Sept.], 38 Henry VI. [A.D. 1459],
in the presence of Thomas Scot, the Mayor, Thomas Ursewik,
the Recorder, Stephen Broun, John Hathirle, William Gregory,
Geoffrey Feldyng, John Norman, William Marwe, William
Cantelowe, William Hulyn, Matthew Philip, Richard Lee, John
Walden, John Middelton, Thomas Oulegreve, Ralph Josselyn,
Hugh Wiche, Aldermen, and very many Commoners summoned
to the Guildhall for the election of Sheriffs for the year ensuing,
John Plomer was elected one of the Sheriffs of London and
Middlesex by the Mayor, and John Stokker was elected the
other Sheriff by the Commonalty.
The same day Thomas Thorndone, draper, was elected
Chamberlain; Peter Alfold and Peter Calcot were elected
Wardens of London Bridge; John Middelton, Hugh Wiche,
Aldermen, John Walshawe, John Harowe, John Lambart, and
Henry Waver, Commoners, were elected Auditors of the
accounts in arrear of the Chamberlain and Wardens.
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.
The Feast of the Translation of St. Edward [13 Oct.],
38 Henry VI. [A.D. 1459], in the presence of Thomas Scot, the
Mayor, Thomas Ursewik, the Recorder, the Prior of Christchurch, Stephen Broun, William Gregory, Geoffrey Feldyng,
John Norman, William Marwe, Thomas Canyng', William
Cantelowe, William Hulyn, Matthew Philip, Richard Lee,
John Middelton, John Walden, Thomas Cook, Ralph Verney,
John Feld, Ralph Josselyn, Thomas Oulegreve, Hugh Wiche,
and John Stokker, Aldermen, and an immense Commonalty
summoned to the Guildhall for the election of a Mayor
for the year ensuing, William Hulyn was elected. (fn. 6)
Folio 311-12.
Recital of the terms of the will of Thomas Dukmantone,
late mercer, whereby he bequeathed the sum of 500 marks to
John his son, the same to remain in the hands of Henry and
John his brothers successively, in trust for his said son until he
come of age, with remainder to pious uses. Whereupon the
said Henry Dukmanton, together with John Broddesworth, John
Lambard, and Thomas Niche, mercers, and John Billesdon,
draper, entered into the customary bond before John Chichele,
then Chamberlain, on Monday, 12 Nov., 25 Henry VI. [A.D. 1446].
Afterwards, viz., on Friday, the 23rd November, 38 Henry VI.
[A.D. 1459], the said orphan having died under age, and the
testator's brothers, Henry and John, being also dead, came the
executors of the said testator and also the aforesaid John Lambard and Thomas Niche before William Hulyn, the Mayor, and
the Aldermen, and produced the testator's will dated 10 Feb.,
A.D. 1445[-6], duly proved, and prayed to be discharged of their
bond as none of the money had come into their hands. On the
same day came Robert Dukmanton, executor of Henry Dukmanton, and produced the latter's will, dated 22 July, A.D. 1454,
and proved on the 12th Nov., A.D. 1459. The will having been
read in Court, the said Robert also prayed the Mayor and
Aldermen for the discharge of the said John Lambard
and Thomas Niche on the same grounds as already stated,
and judgment was given to that effect on the 12th December,
38 Henry VI. [A.D. 1459].
Folio 312.
Friday, 30 May, 38 Henry VI. [A.D. 1460], came Richard
Riche, Richard Nedeham, John Reynkyn, John Marchall,
mercers, into the Court of the lord the King in the Chamber of
the Guildhall, before William Hulyn, the Mayor, and the
Aldermen, and entered into bond with Thomas Thorndone, the
Chamberlain, in the sum of 500 marks.
The above bond to be void provided that the above Richard
Riche, or some one on his behalf, pay into the Chamber the
sum of 250 marks to the use of Richard, son of John Riche,
late mercer, and a like sum to the use of Katherine, daughter
of the same, when they come of age.
Folio 312 b.
Custod' orphanor' Joh' Riche mercer'.
The same day came John Albourgh, John Lok, John
Reynkyn, John Tate, and Robert Strayngham, mercers, before
the same, and entered into bond in the sum of 500 marks.
The above bond to be void on payment into the Chamber
by the said John Alburgh, or some one on his behalf, of the
sum of 250 marks to the use of Thomas and John, sons of the
above John Riche, respectively when they come of age.
Eleccio Joh'is Aisshein co'em servient' ad arma civitat'.
28 Feb., 38 Henry VI. [A D. 1459-60], John Aisshe admitted
into the office of Common Serjeant-at-arms by William Hulyn,
the Mayor, Geoffrey Feldyng, John Norman, Geoffrey Boleyn,
William Cantelowe, Matthew Philip, Richard Lee, William
Gregory, John Waldene, John Feld, John Middeltone, Ralph
Josselyn, William Taillour, Thomas Cook, Ralph Verney, John
Stokker, and Hugh Wyche, Aldermen, with the assent of an
immense Commonalty in Common Council assembled.
30 May, 38 Henry VI. [A.D. 1460], came John Alburgh, John
Lok, John Reynkyn, John Tate, and John Worsop, draper,
into the Court of the lord the King in the Chamber of the
Guildhall, before William Hulyn, the Mayor, and the Aldermen, and entered into bond with Thomas Thorndone, the
Chamberlain, in the sum of 1,000 marks. [No condition
recorded.]
25 April, 4 Edward IV. [A.D. 1464], William Bedknap (?)
entered into bond before Matthew Philippe, the Mayor, for
the payment of the sum of 1,000 marks to Robert Colwich,
the Chamberlain, in the place of the above John Lok,
deceased.
The above bond to be void if the said John Alburgh, or
some one on his behalf, shall pay into Court the sum of
500 marks to the use of John and Anne respectively, children
of John Malvern, late haberdasher, when they shall have
come of age.
Folio 313.
Letters patent appointing William Marowe, Alderman, to
be a Justice to determine all pleas for debt among the
merchants of Almaine according to the law merchant, in
which pleas the Mayor and Sheriffs may be unable to do
speedy justice, pursuant to charters granted to the said merchants. (fn. 7) Witness the King at Westminster, 30 March,
38 Henry VI. [A.D. 1460].
Folio 313 b.
Letter from the King to the Mayor, Aldermen, Sheriffs, and
Commonalty of the City (fn. 8) :-
"Trusty and Welbeloved We grete you wele And where as
we nowe late directed unto you oure l'res...willyng and
chargyng you by þe same to aggree and condescende unto a
restfull ende & goode conclusion in suche matires as of long
tyme have d...in trave(?) & variaunce betwix the Curates of
oure Citee of London... We have understande by the
declarac'on of your Recordour honorably purposed unto us on
yor behalfe (?) the good will and full entente that ye have
tobeye oure good plaisirs and lawefull comaundements as wele
in the saide matere as in all oþere in as humble wise as any oure
soubgettes livyng (?) by the which your honourable demeanyng
according to youre duete We verraily perceive the naturell
love true obeissaunce and feithfull ligeance that ye owe and
bere unto us and can you þerfore right singler thank and so
according to yor desertes we accepte and repaie (?) you as our
feithfull and true subgettes and over this whereas we also nowe
late directed unto you oure l'res of commission (fn. 9) for to have yor
aid (?) and assistence at this tyme to the suppressing of our
Rebelles and traitours of this oure Royalme We have understand by the said declarac'on the goode disposic'on and towardnesse that ye have tobeye and accomplissh oure intent [and
plai]sir in that partie so þat it shuld not be or redounde to þe
derogac'on or breche of yor franchises privileges and libertees
in any wise We woll ye wite þat it is nat our entent or wille ne
at any tyme hath be to doo any thing that myght be or sowne
to the breche deminuc'on or rupture of yor said franchises
privileges or libertees or any of theym but rather to se them to
be observed contynued and supported in as ample and honourable wise in oure daye....as....they have be of tyme passed
in the dayes of oure noble progenitours and therunto we shall
yeve unto you oure personal aide and assistence if the cas shal
require And as for the certificat of our said Commission we
shal have deliberate co'icac'on therin with þe lordes of oure
Counsell for suche a direcc'on to be taken theryn as shall be
for þe conservac'on of yor said franchises and for yor true
acquitall and feithfull demenyng at this tyme We shall shew
unto you suche favor and tendernesse of oure goode grace as
ye and alle oþere shall have couraige to be of semblable
disposic'on and towardnesse in tyme to come Yoeven under
oure signet at oure Towne of Northamptone the second day of
Feverie" [A.D. 1459-60]. (fn. 10)
8 Jan., 39 Henry VI. [A.D. 1460-1], divers merchants of
Almaine being summoned into the Court of the lord the King,
in the Chamber of the Guildhall, before Richard Lee, the
Mayor, and the Aldermen, and being informed that the
inhabitants of the Ward of Dowgate were unable through
poverty to raise the sum of 2,000 marks due from them for
the defence of the City, they consented to advance £20 for
that purpose of their own free will and not by way of forming
a precedent.
10 March, 38 Henry VI. [A.D. 1459-60], Thomas Dounham
elected by William Hulyn, the Mayor, and the Aldermen,
to the office of Serjeant of the Mayor formerly exercised by
John "Aisshe."