Memorials: 1307

Memorials of London and London Life in the 13th, 14th and 15th Centuries. Originally published by Longmans, Green, London, 1868.

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'Memorials: 1307', in Memorials of London and London Life in the 13th, 14th and 15th Centuries, (London, 1868) pp. 59-63. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/no-series/memorials-london-life/pp59-63 [accessed 20 April 2024]

In this section

Grant of the Gate of Crepelgate.

35 Edward I. A.D. 1307. Letter-Book C. fol. lxxxix. (Latin.)

The Gate of Crepelgate was granted to Thomas de Kent, serjeant to the Mayor, at the request of Sir Edward, Prince of Wales, the King's son, who sent his letter on his behalf, by Sir John le Blund, the then Mayor of London, John de Wengrave, William de Leyre, and other Aldermen, and Simon Bolet and Geoffrey de Conduit, Sheriffs; called together at a Husting of Common Pleas, holden on the Monday next after the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul [25 January], in the 35th year of the reign of King Edward; to watch and dwell in the same, so long as he shall well and honestly behave himself, and shall keep the said Gate roofed at his own expense, and protected from wind and rain, etc.

Agreement as to a Choir Cope; but afterwards cancelled.

35 Edward I. A.D. 1307. Letter-Book B. fol. 80. (Latin.)

Alexander le Settere (fn. 1) came before Sir John le Blund, Mayor, and Richard Poterel, Chamberlain, on the Wednesday next after the Feast of the Purification of St. Mary [2 February], namely, at the beginning of Lent, in the 35th year of the reign of King Edward, and received of Sir Ponce Roandi, Chaplain of the discreet man, Master William Testa, (fn. 2) ten pounds sterling in part payment of 40 pounds, which he owes unto him for that embroidered choir (fn. 3) cope of his, which he bought of the same Alexander: and which cope the same Alexander will well and befittingly complete, of the same breadth around as a certain cord, sealed with the seal of the said Sir Ponce at both ends: the same to be delivered unto the said Sir Ponce during the fortnight after Easter next ensuing, upon the surety of Sir Nicholas Pycot, Alderman, who binds himself that the said Alexander shall complete the same in form aforesaid. (fn. 4)

Acknowledgment of a debt due to Sir Ralph de Hengham, Justiciar.

35 Edward I. A.D. 1307. Letter-Book B. fol. 80. (Latin.)

John Le Wympler, (fn. 5) goldsmith, came before the Chamberlain on the Monday next after the Feast of St. Valentine the Martyr [14 February], in the 35th year of King Edward, and acknowledged that he was indebted to Sir Ralph de Hengham, the King's Justiciar, in the sum of four pounds sterling, to be paid at the Feast of our Lord's Ascension next ensuing. And if he shall not so do, he grants that etc.

And further, the said John came before the Chamberlain on the Saturday next before the Feast of St. Margaret [20 July] in the year aforesaid, and acknowledged that he was indebted to Sir Ralph before-mentioned in the sum of 16s. 8d., to be paid on the Eve of the Apostles Simon and Jude [28 October] next ensuing. And if he shall not so do, he grants that etc.

Letter to Walter de Langetone, Bishop of Chester, in reference to his wish to make a Park at Greneford.

35 Edward I. A.D. 1307. Letter-Book C. fol. lxxxix. (Norman French.)

On Thursday next after the Feast of St. Ambrose the Bishop [4 April], in the 35th year of the reign of King Edward, the following letter was sealed with the seal of the Mayoralty, by consent of the Aldermen and other good men under-written; namely, Sir John le Blund, Mayor, John de Wengrave, Walter de Finchingfeld, Hugh Pourte, Adam de Rokesle, William de Coumbemartin, Richer de Refham, Nicholas Pycot, John de Dunstaple, Simon de Paris, Salamon le Cotiller, and Thomas Sely, Aldermen, and Richard Poterel, Chamberlain, William Servat, Walter de Harlestede, Richard le Barker of Bredstrete, Robert de Gloucestre goldsmith, John de Paris corder, (fn. 6) John de Merlawe, William de Caustone, John de Wyndeshore of Phelippeslane, Richard de Caumpes, John le Marischal of Walebroke, Richard le Convers, Richard Doge, Jordan de Langeleye, William Atte More goldsmith, Adam de Chepe potter, (fn. 7) Peter de Blakeneye, John Beauflour, Edmund Lambyn, Robert de Mokkinge, Peter de Hatfeld, Thomas de Wynton, Stephen de Prestone, and William de Hallingbiry, and many other citizens of London.—

"To the most honourable Father in God, and their very dear friend, if so it please him, Sir Walter, by the grace of God, Bishop of Chester, Treasurer to our Lord the King, his in all things, the Mayor and the commonalty of the City of London, greeting, and the utmost of honour and of service that they can give, as unto their dear friend. Whereas, Sir, you sent us word by your letters, that we were to trust Sir John Abel (fn. 8) and Sir William de Estone, your clerks, as to the things that they were to tell us by word of mouth on your behalf; and thereupon, they have told us on your behalf, that you do beg of us that we will grant that you may make a park in your manor of Greneford, (fn. 9) and there have warren, as our Lord the King has granted you by his charter; and that we will make unto you a deed of our grant thereupon;— we, who would willingly do anything that might be to your pleasure, in every good way that we could, have spoken and treated of these things very carefully; and seeing that, Sir, this matter touches a point of our franchises, to maintain the which we are sworn, and good answer upon this matter we could not make, without taking counsel of you, who are the chief of our counsel, and of others who were not in town when the letter came to us; we do pray and request you, as earnestly as we may, that as to this matter you will forbear, until your coming to London, which will be very soon, please God; and then, by counsel of you and of our other friends, we will make you such answer as you ought in reason (fn. 10) to hold yourself satisfied with." (fn. 11)

EDWARD II. A.D. 1307– 1327.

Proclamation against Walter de Langetone, Bishop of Chester.

1 Edward II. A.D. 1307. Letter-Book C. fol. cxii. (Norman French.)

On the Wednesday next after the Feast of St. Michael [29 September], in the first year of the reign of King Edward, son of King Edward, this proclamation was made by precept of Sir Piers de Gavestone, Earl of Cornwall, and Sir Walter Reynaud, (fn. 12) Treasurer to the King, in these words.—

"If there is any person who shall wish to make plaint against Walter de Langetone, (fn. 13) Bishop of Chester, late Treasurer of the King who is now dead, and whom may God assoil; let him put his plaint in writing, and deliver it to Adam de Rocheleye, clerk of Messire William de Bereford, from day to day, and he shall have speedy justice thereon. And let no one fear, for anything that may happen, but that speedy justice will be done him."

Footnotes

  • 1. "The Arrowsmith: "his surname, probably derived from his father, and not the name of his own occupation.
  • 2. Archdeacon in the Diocese of Lichfield and Coventry.
  • 3. capa cori.
  • 4. This entry is run through with the pen, and from a marginal note we learn that the transaction was cancelled by the Mayor, at the instance of William Testa.
  • 5. "The Wimpler," or maker of Wimples; a name probably derived from his father, from his occupation.
  • 6. Or roper.
  • 7. Maker of metal pots or measures.
  • 8. Dominus, or Dompnus, in English "Dan," equivalent to our "Sir," was an especial title of the clergy, in the middle ages.
  • 9. In Middlesex.
  • 10. This enclosure would be prejudicial to the rights of chase in the vicinity of London, repeatedly secured to them by charter.
  • 11. The disgrace of Walter de Langton, owing to the hatred of him by King Edward II., followed within a few months of this. See the next extract.
  • 12. Or Reynolds, afterwards Bishop of Worcester, and Archbishop of Canterbury.
  • 13. He had given great offence to Edward II., when Prince of Wales, by remonstrances against his extravagance, and was now in disgrace and imprisoned.