Cheape warde
Cheape warde.
Next adioyning is Cheape Warde, and taketh name of
the Market there kept, called West Cheping, this warde also
beginneth in the East, on the course of Walbrooke, in Buckles
Bury, and runneth vp on both the sides to the great Conduit
in Cheape. Also on the south side of Buckles Berie, a lane
turning vp by S. Sithes Church, and by S. Pancrates church
through Needlers lane, on the north side thereof, and then
through a peece of Sopars lane, on both sides vppe to Chepe,
be all of Chepe ward. Then to begin again in the east vpon
the said course of Walbrook, is S. Mildreds church in the
Poultrie, on the north side, and ouer against the said church
gate, on the south to passe vp al that hie street called the
Poultrie, to the great conduit in Chepe, and then Chepe it
self, which beginneth by the east end of the saide Conduit,
and stretcheth vp to the north east corner of Bowlane, on the
south side, and to the Standard on the north side, and thus
far to the west is of Cheape ward. On the south side of this
high street is no lane turning south out of this ward, more
then some small portion of Sopars lane, where of I haue before
written. But on the north side of this high streete is Conyhope lane, about one quarter of Olde Iury lane on the west
side, and on the East side, almost as much to the signe of the
Angell. Then is Ironmongers lane, all wholy on both sides,
and from the North end thereof through Catton streete, West
to the North ende of S. Lawrence lane, & some 4. houses west
beyond the same on that side, and ouer against Ironmongers
lane end on the North side of Catton streete vp by the Guildhal, and S. Lawrence church in the Iurie is altogether of
Chepe ward. Then againe in Chepe more toward the west is
S. Laurence lane before named, which is all wholie of this
warde, and last of all is Hony lane, and vppe to the standarde
on that North side of Chepe, and so stand the bounds of
Chepe ward.
Buckles bury of one Buckle.; Barges towed vp Walbrook, vnto Bucklesbery.
Now for antiquities there, first is Buckles berie, so called of
a Mannor, and tenementes pertayning to one Buckle, who
there dwelled and kept his Courts. This Mannor is supposed
to be the great stone building, yet in part remayning on the
south side the streete, which of late time hath beene called
the olde Barge, of such a signe hanged out, neare the gate
thereof. This Mannor or great house hath of long time
beene diuided and letten out into many tenementes: and it
hath beene a common speech that when Walbrooke did lie
open, barges were rowed out of the Thames, or towed vp so
farre, and therefore the place hath euer since been called the
Olde barge.
Cernets towre in Bucklesbery the kinges Exchange. Exchequer.
Also on the north side of this streete directly ouer against
the said Buckles bery, was one ancient and strong tower of
stone, the which Tower king E. the third, in the 18. of his
raigne by the name of the kinges house, called Cernettes
towre in London, did appoint to bee his Exchange of money
there to bee kept. In the 29. he graunted it to Frydus
Guynysane, and Landus Bardoile, Marchantes of Luke, for
twenty pound the yeare. And in the 32. he gaue the same
Tower to his Colledge, or free Chappell of Saint Stephen at
Westminster, by the name of Cornettes toure at Buckles bery
in London. This Tower of late yeares was taken downe by
one Buckle a Grocer, meaning in place thereof, to haue set
vppe and builded a goodly frame of timber, but the sayde
Buckle greedily labouring to pull downe the olde tower, a
parte thereof fell vpon him, which so sore brused him that his
life was thereby shortened: and an other that married his
widdow, set vppe the newe prepared frame of timber, and
finished the worke.
Penerith streete. Parish church of S. Syth, or Benit shrog Needlars lane.
This whole streete called Buckles bury on both the sides
throughout is possessed of Grocers and Apothecaries. Toward
the west end thereof, on the south side, breaketh out one
other shorte lane, called in Recordes Peneritch street, it reacheth
but to Saint Sythes lane, and S. Sythes Church is the farthest
part thereof, for by the west end of the saide Church beginneth Needlars lane, which reacheth to Sopars lane as is aforesaide: this small parrish Church of S. Sith hath also an addition
of Bennet shorne, (or Shrog, or Shorehog) for by all these
names haue I read it, but the auncientest is Shorne, wherefore it seemeth to take that name of one Benedict Shorne,
sometime a Citizen and Stockefishmonger of London, a new
builder, repayrer or Benefactor thereof in the raigne of E. the
second, so that Shorne is but corruptlie called Shrog, and
more corruptly Shorehog.
There lie buried in this church Iohn Froysh Mercer, Mayor
1394. Iohn Rochford and Robert Rochforde, Iohn Hold
Alderman, Henry Froweke Mercer, Mayor 1435. Edward
Warrington, Iohn Morrice, Iohn Huntley, Richard Lincoln
Felmonger, 1548. Sir Raph Waren Mercer, Mayor, 1553.
Sir Iohn Lion Grocer, Mayor 1554. these two last haue
monuments, the rest are all defaced. Edward Hall, Gentleman, of Greyes Inne, common sergiant of this Cittie, and then
Vnder Shiriffe of the same, hee wrote the large chronicles
from Richard the second, till the end of Henry the eight, was
buried in this church.
Parish church of S. Pancrate.; Justices charged to punish such as sel bels
from their churches, Elizabeth, 14.
Then in Needelars lane haue yee the parrish church of Saint
Pancrate, a proper small church, but diuers rich Parishioners
therein, and hath had of olde time many liberall benefactors,
but of late such as (not regarding the order taken by her
Maiesty) the least bell in their church being broken, haue
rather solde the same for halfe the value, then put the parish
to charge with new casting: late experience hath proued this
to bee true, besides the spoyle of monumentes there. In this
Church are buried Sir Aker, Iohn Aker, Iohn Barnes, Mercer,
Mayor 1370. Iohn Beston and his wife, Robert Rayland, Iohn
Hamber, Iohn Gage, Iohn Rowley, Iohn Lambe, Iohn Hadley,
Grocer, Mayor 1379. Richarde Gardener Mercer, Mayor 1478.
Iohn Stockton Mercer, Mayor 1470. Iohn Dane, Mercer, Iohn
Parker, Robert Marshall Alderman, 1439. Robert Corcheforde, Robert Hatfielde and Robert Hatfield, Nicholas Wilfilde and Thomas his sonne, the monumentes of all which bee
defaced and gone. There doe remaine of Robert Burley, 1360.
Richard Wilson, 1525. Robert Packenton, Mercer, slayne with
a Gunne shot at him in a morning, as hee was going to
morrow masse from his house in Chepe to S. Thomas of Acars
in the yeare 1536. the murderer was neuer discouered, but
by his owne confession made when he came to the gallowes
at Banbury, to be hanged for fellony: T. Wardbury Haberdasher, 1545. Iames Huish Grocer, 1590. Ambrose Smith, &c.
Then is a part of Sopers lane turning vp to Cheape.
Pepperers in Sopers lane.
By the assent of Stephen Abunden, Maior, the Pepperers in
Sopers lane were admitted to sell all such spices and other
wares as Grocers now vse to sell, retayning the old name of
Pepperers in Sopers lane, till at length in the raigne of Henrie
the sixt, the same Sopers lane was inhabited by Cordwainers
and Curriars, after that the Pepperers or Grocers had seated
themselves in a more open street, to wit, in Buckles bury,
where they yet remain. Thus much for the south wing of
Cheapewarde.
The Poultrie.; Parish church of S. Mildred.
Now to begin againe on the banke of the said Walbrooke,
at the East end of the high streete, called the Poultrie on the
north side thereof, is the proper Parish Church of S. Mildred,
which Church was new builded vpon Walbrooke in the yeare
1457. Iohn Saxton then parson gaue 32. pounds towards the
building of the new Quire, which now standeth vpon the
course of Walbrooke. Louell and Puery, and Richard Keston,
haue their arms in the East windowes as benefactors. The
roofing of that church is garnished with the armes of Thomas
Archehull, one of the Churchwardens, in the yeare 1455. who
was there buried. Thomas Morsted Esquire and Chirurgion to
king Henrie the fourth, fift, and sixt, one of the shiriffes of
London, in the yeare 1436. gaue vnto this Church a parcell of
ground, contayning in length from the course of Walbrooke,
toward the West, 45. foot, and in bredth from the Church
toward the north, 35. foot, beeing within the gate of Scalding
wike in the said Parish, to make a Churchyard, wherein to
burie their dead, Richard Shore Draper one of the shiriffes,
1505. gaue 15. pound for making a porch to this Church.
Salomon Lanuare had a Chauntrie there in the 14. of Edward
the second, Hugh Game had one other. Buried here as
appeareth by monuments, Iohn Hildye Poulter, 1416. Iohn
Kendall, 1468. Iohn Garland, 1476. Robert Bois, 1485. and
Simon Lee Poulters, 1487. Thomas Lee of Essex Gentleman,
William Hallingridge, Christopher Feliocke, 1494. Robert
Draiton Skinner, 1484. Iohn Christopherson Doctor of Phisicke, 1524. William Turner Skinner, 1536. Blase White
Grocer, 1558. Thomas Hobson Haberdasher, 1559. William
Hobson Haberdasher, 1581. Tho. Tusser, 1580. with this
Epitaph.
Here Thomas Tusser clad in earth doth lie,
That sometime made the poynts of husbandrie,
By him then learne thou maist, here learne we must,
When all is done we sleepe and turne to dust,
And yet through Christ to heauen we hope to go:
Who reades his bookes shall find his faith was so.
On the north side of the Churchyard remaine two Tombes
of Marble, but not knowne of whom, or otherwise then by
tradition, it is saide they were of Thomas Monshampe (fn. 1) , and
William Brothers, about 1547. &c.
Counter in the Poultrie.;Chappell of corpus Christi.
Some foure houses west from this Parish Church of saint
Mildred, is a prison house pertaining to one of the shiriffes
of London, and is called the Counter in the Poultrie. This
hath beene there kept and continued time out of minde, for
I haue not read of the originall thereof. West from this
Counter was a proper Chappell, called of Corpus Christi, and
saint Marie at Conie hope lane ende, in the Parish of saint
Mildred, founded by one named Ionirunnes (fn. 2) a Citizen of
London, in the raigne of Edward the third, in which Chappel
was a Guild or fraternitie, that might dispend in lands, better
then twentie pound by yeare: it was suppressed by Henrie
the eight, and purchased by one Thomas Hobson, Haberdasher, he turned this Chappell into a faire Warehouse and
shoppes, towardes the streete, with lodgings ouer them.
Conihope lane.; Grocers hall purchased and builded.
Then is Conyhope lane, of old time so called of such a
signe of three Conies hanging ouer a Poulters stall at the
lanes end. With in this Lane standeth the Grocers hall,
which companie being of old time called Pepperers, were first
incorporated by the name of Grocers, in the yeare 1345. at
which time they elected for Custos or Gardian of their fraternitie, Richard Oswin, and Laurence Haliwell and twentic
brethren were then taken in, to be of their societie. In the
yere 1411. the Custos or Gardian, & the brethren of this
companie, purchased of the Lord Ro. Fitzwaters, one plot of
ground with the building therevpon in the said Conyhope
lane, for 320. markes, and then layd the foundation of their
new common hall.
Almes houses by the Grocers hall.
About the yere 1429. the Grocers had licence to purchase
500. Markes land, since the which time, neare adioyning vnto
the Grocers hall the said companie hath builded seuen proper
houses for seuen aged poore Almes people. Thomas Knowles,
Grocer, Maior, gaue his tenement in saint Anthonies Churchyard to the Grocers, towardes the reliefe of the poore brethren
in that companie. Also H. Keeble, Grocer, Maior, gaue to
the seuen almes people, six pence the peece weekely for euer,
which pension is now encrcased by the Maisters, to some of
them two shillings the peece weekely, and to some of them
lesse, &c. Henrie Ady Grocer, 1563. gaue 1000. markes to
the Grocers to purchase lands. And sir Iohn Pechie knight
banaret, free of that company, gaue them fiue hundred pound
to certaine vses: he builded almes houses at Ludingstone in
Kent, and was there buried.
Parish church of S. Mary Colechurch.
West from this Conyhope lane is the old Iurie, whereof
some portion is of Cheape ward, as afore is shewed. At the
south end of this lane, is the Parish church of saint Mary
Colechurch, named of one Cole that builded it: this church is
builded vpon a vault aboue ground, so that men are forced
to goe to ascend vp therevnto by certain steppes. I find no
monuments of this church more then that Henrie the fourth
granted licence to William Marshal and others, to found
a brotherhood of saint Katheren therein, because Thomas
Becket, and saint Edmond the Archbishop, were baptized
there. More I reade of Bordhangly lane, to be in that
Parish: and thus much for the north side of the Poultrie.
The south side of the sayd Poultrie, beginning on the banke
of the said brooke ouer against the Parish church of Saint
Mildred passing vp to the great Conduite hath diuerse fayre
houses, which were sometimes inhabited by Poulters, but now
by Grocers, Haberdashers, and Vpholsters.
West Cheepe a large market place.; Great conduit in west Cheap.
At the west end of this Poultrie, and also of Buckles berie,
beginneth the large streete of West Cheaping, a Market place
so called, which streete stretcheth west, till ye come to the
little Conduit by Paules gate, but not all of Cheape warde.
In the East part of this streete standeth the great Conduit,
of sweete water, conueyed by pipes of Lead vnder ground
from Paddington, for seruice of this citie, castellated with
stone, and cesterned in leade, about the yeare 1285, and
againe new builded and enlarged, by Thomas Ilam one of the
shiriffes, 1479.
About the middest of this streete is the standard in Cheape,
of what antiquitie the first foundation I haue not read. But
H. the sixt by his Patent dated at Windsore the 21. of his
raigne, which patent was confirmed by Parliament 1442,
graunted licence to Thomas Knolles, Iohn Chichle, and other,
executors to Iohn Wels Grocer, somtime Maior of London,
with his goods to make new the high way, which leadeth
from the city of London towards the palace of Westminster,
before and nigh the mannor of Sauoy, percell of the Dutchie
of Lancaster, a way then very ruinous, and the pauement
broken, to the hurt & mischiefe of the subiects, which old
pauement, then remaining in that way within the length of
300. foot, and all the breadth of the same before and nigh
the site of the mannor aforesaid, they to breake vp, and with
stone, grauel, and other stuffe, one other good and sufficient
way there to make, for the commoditie of the subiects.
The old standard in Cheap with a Conduit therein, taken downe and new builded.
And further, that the Standard in Cheape, where diuerse
executions of the law before time had beene performed, which
standard at that present was verie ruinous with age, in which
there was a Conduit, should be taken down, and an other competent Standard of stone, togither with a Conduit in the same,
of new strongly to be builded for the commoditie and honor
of the citie, with the goods of their said testator, without
interruption, &c.
Executions at the standard in Cheape.
Of executions at the Standard in Cheape, we read that in
the yeare 1293. three men had their right hands smitten off
there, for rescuing of a prisoner arrested by an officer of the
citie. In the yere 1326. the Burgesses of London caused
Walter Stapleton bishop of Excester, treasurer to Edward
the 2, and other, to be beheaded at the Standard in Cheape
(but this was by Pauls gate). In the yere 1351. the 26. of Ed.
the 3. two Fishmongers were beheaded at the standard in
Cheape, but I read not of their offence. 1381. Wat Tiler
beheaded Richard Lions, and other there. In the yere 1399.
H. the 4. caused the blanch Charters made by Ri. the 2. to
be burnt there. In the yeare 1450. Iacke Cade captaine of
the Kentish Rebels, beheaded the Lord Say there. In the
yere 1461. Iohn Dauy had his hand stricken off there, because
he had stricken a man before the Iudges at Westminster, &c.
Great Crosse in west Cheap first builded.
Then next is the great Crosse in west Cheape, which crosse
was there erected in the yeare 1290. by Ed. the first, vpon
occasion thus: Queene Elianor his wife died at Hardeby
(a towne neare vnto the citie of Lincolne), her bodie was
brought from thence to Westminster, & the king in memorie
of her, caused in euery place where her body rested in the
way, a stately crosses of stone to be erected with the Queenes
Image and armes vpon it, as at Grantham, Woborne, Northampton, stony Stratford, Dunstable, S. Albones, Waltham,
west Cheape, and at Charing, from whence she was conueyed
to Westminster, and there buried.
Crosse in Cheape new builded.; Crosse in Cheape indighted, the images broken.;
Image of Diana set vpon the crosse in Chepe. Socrat. li. 1. Cap. 13. Toppe of the crosse being feared to fall, was taken downe; Crosse, in Chepe commaunded to be repayed.
This crosse in west Cheape being like to those other which
remaine till this day, and being by length of time decayed,
Iohn Hatherley Maior of London procured in the yeare 1441.
licence of king H. the 6. to reedifie the same in more
beautifull manner for the honor of the citie: and had licence
also to take vp 200. fodder of lead for the building thereof
of certaine Conduits, and a common Garnarie. This crosse
was then curiously wrought at the charges of diuers citizens,
Iohn Fisher Mercer gaue 600. marks toward it, the same was
begun to be set vp, 1484. and finished 1486. the 2. of H.
the 7. It was new gilt ouer in the year 1522. against the
comming of Charles the 5. Emperor, in the yere 1533. (fn. 3) against
the coronation of Queen Anne, new burnished against the
coronation of Ed. the 6. and againe new gilt 1554 against
the comming in of king Philip: since the which time, the
said crosse hauing beene presented by diuers Iuries (or quests
of Wardmote) to stand in the high way to the let of cariages
(as they alledged) but could not haue it remoued, it followed
that in the yeare 1581. the 21. of Iune, in the night, the lowest
Images round about the said crosse (being of Christ his resurrection, of the virgin Mary, king Ed. the confessor, and such
like) were broken, and defaced, proclamation was made, that
who so would bewray the doers, should haue 40. crownes, but
nothing came to light: the image of the blessed virgin, at
that time robbed of her son, and her armes broken, by which
she staid him on her knees: her whole body also was haled
with ropes, and left likely to fall: but in the yeare 1595. was
againe fastned and repaired, and in the yeare next following,
a new misshapen son, as borne out of time, all naked was
laid in her armes, the other images remayning broke as afore.
But on the east side of ye same crosse, the steps taken thence,
vnder the image of Christs resurrection defaced, was then set
vp a curious wrought tabernacle of gray Marble, and in the
same an Alabaster Image of Diana and water conuayed
from the Thames, prilling from her naked breast for a time,
but now decaied. In the yeare 1599. the timber of the crosse at
the top being rotted within the lead, the armes thereof bending,
were feared to haue fallen to the harming of some people,
and therefore the whole body of the crosse was scaffolded
about, and the top thereof taken down, meaning in place
thereof to haue set vp a Piramis, but some of her Maiesties
honorable counsellers directed their letters to sir Nicholas
Mosley then Maior, by her highnes expresse commandement
concerning the crosse, forthwith to be repaired, and placed
againe as it formerly (fn. 4) stood, &c. Notwithstanding the said
crosse stoode headles more then a yeare after: wherevpon
the said counsellors in greater number, meaning not any
longer to permit the continuance of such a contempt, wrote
to William Rider then Maior, requiring him by vertue of her
highnesse said former direction and commandement, [that]
without any further delay to accomplish the same her
Maiesties most princely care therein, respecting especially the
antiquitie and continuance of that monument, an ancient
ensigne of Christianitie, &c. dated the 24. of December, 1600.
After this a crosse of Timber was framed, set vp, couered
with lead and gilded, the body of the crosse downeward
clensed of dust, the scaffold caried thence. About 12. nights
following, the Image of our Lady was again defaced, by
plucking off her crowne, and almost her head, taking from
her her naked child, & stabbing her in the breast, &c. Thus
much for the crosse in west Cheape. Then at the west ende
of west Cheape street, was sometime a crosse of stone, called
the old crosse. Raph Higden in his Policronicon, saith, that
Waltar Stapleton Bishop of Excester treasurer to Ed. the 2.
was by the Burgesses of London beheaded at this crosse
called the standart without the north doore of S. Pauls
church, & so is it noted in other writers that then liued.
This old crosse stood and remained at the East ende of the
parish Church called S. Michael in the corne by Paules gate,
nere to the north end of the old Exchange till the yere 1390.
the xiii of Richard the 2, in place of which old crosse then
taken downe, the said church of S. Michael was enlarged,
and also a faire water Conduit builded about the ninth of
Henrie the sixt.
Iustings and turnament in west Cheape.; Edward the 3. held a turnament or iustes in west Cheap three dayes togither.; Queene Philip and her ladies fell from a scaffold in Cheape.; A shed or standing made for the king to behold the shews in Cheape.; South side of Cheape street, so far as Chepe ward reacheth.
In the raigne of Edward the 3. diuers Iustings were made
in this streete, betwixt Sopars lane and the great Crosse,
namely one in the yeare 1331 about the xxi. of September,
as I find noted by diuerse writers of that time. In the middle
of the city of London (say they) in a street called Cheape, the
stone pauement being couered with sand, that the horse might
not slide, when they strongly set their feete to the ground,
the king held a tornament 3. dayes togither with the Nobilitie,
valiant men of the realme, and other, some strange knights.
And to the end, the beholders might with the better ease see
the same, there was a woodden scaffold erected crosse the
streete, like vnto a Tower, wherein Queene Philip, and many
other Ladies, richly attyred, and assembled from all parts of
the realme, did stand to behold the Iustes: but the higher
frame in which the Ladies were placed, brake in sunder,
wherby they were with some shame forced to fall downe, by
reason wherof ye knights and such as were vnderneath were
grieuously hurt, wherefore the Queene tooke great care to
saue the Carpenters from punishment, and through her prayers
(which she made vpon her knees) pacified the king and counsell, and thereby purchased great loue of the people. After
which time, the king caused a shed to be strongly made of
stone for himselfe, the Queene, and other states to stand on,
& there to beholde the Iustings, and other shewes at their
pleasure, by the church of S. Mary Bow, as is shewed in
Cordwainer street warde. Thus much for the high streete of
Cheape: now let vs returne to the south side of Cheape
warde. From the great Conduit west be many faire and large
houses, for the most part possessed of Mercers vp to the
corner of Cordwainer street, corruptly called Bow lane, which
houses in former times were but sheds or shops, with solers
ouer them, as of late one of them remained at sopars lane
end, wherein a woman sold seedes, rootes and herbes, but
those sheds or shops, by incrochments on ye high street, are
now largely builded on both sides outward, and also vpward,
some 3. 4, or 5. stories high.
North side of Chepe warde.; Hospitall of S. Tho. of Acars.; Mercers Chappell.; A free schoole in the Hospitall of S. Thomas of Acars.; Locke his armes in the windowes.
Now of the north side of Cheape street & ward, beginning
at the great Conduit, & by saint Mary Cole church where we
left. Next therevnto westward is the Mercers chappel, sometime an hospital intituled of S. Thomas of Acon or Acars. for
a master and brethren, Militia hospitalis, &c. saith the record
of Ed. the 3. the xiiii. yere, it was founded by Thomas Fitzthebald de heili, & Agnes his wife, sister to T. Becket, in the raigne
of H. the 2. They gaue to the master and brethren the lands
with the appurtenances that sometimes were Gilbart Beckets,
father to the said Thomas, in the which he was borne, there
to make a church. There was a Charnell, and a Chappel ouer
it, of S. Nicholas, and S. Stephen. This hospitall was valued
to dispend 277. 1. 3 s. 4. d. surrendered the 30. of H. the 8. the
xxi. of October, and was since purchased by the Mercers, by
meanes of sir Richard Gresham, and was again set open on
the Eue of S. Michael, 1541. the 33. of H. the 8. it is now
called the Mercers Chappel, therein is kept a free Grammar
schoole, as of old time had beene accustomed, commanded by
Parliament. Here bee many monuments remaining, but more
haue beene defaced: Iames Butler Earle of Ormond, and
Dame Ioan his Countesse 1428. Iohn Norton Esquire, Stephen
Cauendish Draper, Maior, 1362. Thomas Cauendish, William
Cauendish, Thomas Ganon called Pike, one of the shiriffes,
1410. Hungate of Yorkshire, Ambrose Cresacre, Iohn Chester
Draper, Iohn Trusbut Mercer. 1437. Tho. Norland, shiriffe
1483. sir Edmond Sha Goldsmith, Maior, 1482. sir Tho. Hill
Maior, 1485. Thomas Ilam shiriffe, 1479. Lancelot Laken
Esquire, Raph Tilney Shiriffe, 1488. Garth Esquire, Iohn Rich,
Thomas Butler Earle of Ormond, 1515. sir W. Butler Grocer,
Maior 1515. W. Browne mercer, Maior 1513. Iohn Loke 1519.
sir T. Baldry mercer, Maior 1523. sir W. Locke mercer, shiriffe
1548. sir Iohn Allen mercer, Maior 1525. deceased 1544. sir
T. Leigh mercer, Maior 1558. sir Ri. Malory mercer, Maior
1564. Humf. Baskeruile mercer, shiriffe 1561. sir G. Bond
Maior, 1587. &c.
Crowne silde vnder Bow church.
Before this Hospital towards the street, was builded a faire
and beautifull chappell, arched ouer with stone, and therevpon
the Mercers hall, a most curious peece of worke: sir Iohn
Allen Mercer being founder of that Chappell, was there
buried, but since his Tombe is remoued thence into the
Chappell (fn. 5) of the hospitall church, and his bodie (fn. 6) diuided into
shops is letten out for rent. These Mercers were enabled to
be a companie, and to purchase landes to the value of 20. l. the
yeare, the 17. of Richard the 2. They had three messuages
and shops in the parish of S. Martin Oteswitch in the ward of
Bishopsgate, for the sustentation of the poore, and a chantrie
the 22. of Ri. the 2. Henry the 4. in the xii. of his raigne,
confirmed to Stephen Spilman, W. Marchford, and Ioh.
Whatile mercers, by the name of one new seldam, shed, or
building, with shops, Cellers and edifices whatsoeuer appertaining called Crownsild situate in the Mercerie in west Cheape,
in the parish of S. Marie de Arcubus in London, &c. to be
holden in burgage, as all the Citie of London is, and which
were worth by yere in all issues, according to the true value
of them, 7. l. 13. s. 4. d. as found by inquisition before Th.
Knolles Maior, and Eschetor in the said Citie. H. the 6. in
the 3. of his raigne, at the request of Iohn Couentrie, Iohn
Carpenter, and William Groue, granted to the Mercers to
haue a Chaplaine, and a brotherhoode for reliefe of such of
their companie as came to decay by misfortune on the sea.
In the yeare 1536. on S. Peters night, king H. the 8. and Queene
Iane his wife, stoode in this Mercers hall then new builded, and
beheld the marching watch of the Citie, most brauely set out,
sir Iohn Allen mercer, one of the kings counsell, being Maior.
Ironmonger lane.; Parish church of S. Martins pomary.
Next beyond the Mercers Chappell, and their hall, is Ironmonger lane, so called of Ironmongers dwelling there, whereof
I reade in the raigne of E. the first, &c. In this lane is the
smal parish church of S. Martin called Pomary, vppon what
occasion I certainely know not. It is supposed to be of
Apples growing, where now houses are lately builded: for
my selfe haue seene large void places. Monuments in that
Church none to be accounted of.
S. Lawrence lane.; Blossoms Inne.
Farther west is S. Laurence lane, so called of S. Laurence
church, which standeth directly ouer against the north end
thereof: antiquities in this lane, I find none other, then that
among many fayre houses, there is one large Inne for receipt
of trauelers, called Blossoms Inne, but corruptly Bosoms Inne,
and hath to signe Saint Laurence the Deacon, in a Border of
blossoms or flowers.
Hony lane.; Parish church of Alhallowes, Hony lane.
Then neare to the Standarde in Chepe is Honey lane so
called not of sweetenes thereof, being very narrow and somewhat darke, but rather of often washing and sweeping, to
keepe it cleane. In this lane is the small parrish church
called Alhallows in Honey lane, there be no monumentes in
this church worth the nothing. I find that Iohn Norman
Draper, Mayor 1453. was buried there: he gaue to the
Drapers his tenements on the north side the saide church,
they to allow for the Beame light and lamp, xiii.s. iiii.d.
yearely, from this lane to the Standard, and thus much for
Chepe warde in the high streete of Chepe, for it stretcheth no
farther.
Catstreete.
Now for the North Wing of Chepe warde haue yee Cattestreet, corruptly called Catteten streete, which beginneth at
the North end of Ironmonger lane, and runneth to the West
end of S. Lawrence church as is afore shewed.
The Guild hall and courts kept. Liber Fletwod.
On the North side of this streete is the Guild Hall, wherein
the courts for the citty be kept, namely, I. the court of common
counsaile, 2. The court of the Lord Mayor and his Brethren
the Aldermen, 3. The court of Hustinges, 4. The court of
Orphanes, 5. The two courtes of the Shiriffes, 6. The court
of the Wardmote, 7. The court of Hallmote, 8. The court of
requestes, commonly called the court of conscience, 9. The
chamberlaines court for Prentises, and making them free.
This Guilde Hall, sayeth Robert Fabian, was begunne to bee
builded new in the yeare, 1411. the twelfth of Henry the
fourth, by Thomas Knoles then Mayor, and his Brethren the
Aldermen, the same was made of a little cottage, a large and
great house as now it standeth: towards the charges whereof
the companies gaue large beneuolences, also offences of men
were pardoned for summes of money towards this worke,
extraordinary fees were raysed, Fines, Amercements, and
other thinges imployed during seauen yeares, with a continuation thereof three yeares more, all to be imployed to
this building.
The first yeare of Henry the sixt, Iohn Couentrie and Iohn
Carpentar Executors to Richard Whitington, gaue towardes
the pauing of this great Hall twentie pound, and the next
yeare fifteene pound more, to the saide pauement, with hard
stone of Purbecke, they also glased some Windowes thereof
and of the Mayors court, on euery which Windowe the armes
of Richard Whitington are placed. The foundation of the
Mayors court was laid in the thirde yeare of the raigne of
Henry the sixt, and of the Porch on the South side of the
Mayors courte, in the fourth of the saide King. Then was
builded the Mayors chamber, and the counsell chamber with
other roomes aboue the staires: last of all a stately porch
entering the great Hall was erected, the front thereof towards
the South being beautified with images of stone, such as is
shewed by these verses following, made about some 30. yeares
since by William Elderton, at that time an Atturney in the
Shiriffes courts there.
Verses made on the images, ouer the Guild hall gate.; Names of Images.
Though most the images be pulled down,
And none be thought remayne in Towne,
I am sure there be in London yet,
Seuen images such, and in such a place,
As few or none I thinke will hit:
Yet every day they shew their face,
And thousands see them euery yeare,
But few I thinke can tell me where,
where Iesu Christ aloft doth stand,
Law and learning on eyther hand,
Discipline in the Deuils necke,
And hard by her are three direct,
There iustice, Fortitude and Temperance stand,
where find ye the like in all this land?
Kitchins by the Guildhall.
Diuers Aldermen glased the great Hall, and other courtes,
as appeareth by their Arms in each window. William
Hariot Draper, Mayor 1481. gaue 40. pound to the making
of two loouers in the said Guildhal, and toward the glasing
therof. The kitchens and other houses of office adioyning
to this Guildhall were builded of latter time, to wit, about
the yeare 1501. by procurement of Sir Iohn Sha Goldsmith,
Mayor (who was the first that kepte his Feast there) towardes
the charges of which worke the Mayor had of the Fellowshippes of the cittie, by their owne agreement certaine summes
of money, as of the Mercers forty pound, the Grocers
twenty pound, the Drapers thirty pound, and so of the other
Fellowships through the citty, as they were of power. Also
Widdowes and other well disposed persons gaue certain
summes of money, as the Lady Hill ten pound, the Lady
Austrie ten pound, and so of many other till the worke was
finished, since the which time the Mayors Feastes haue beene
yearely kepte there, which before time had beene kept in the
Taylers Hall, and in the Grocers hall: Nicholas Alwyn
Mercer, Mayor 1499. deceased 1505. gaue by his Testament
for a hanging of Tapestrie to serue for principall dayes in the
Guild hall 73.li. 6. s. 8.d. How this gift was performed I haue
not heard, for Executors of our time hauing no conscience,
(I speake of my own knowledge) proue more testaments then
they performe.
Chappel or Colledge at Guildhall.; Patent.
Now for the chappell or colledge of our Lady Mary
Magdalen, and of All-Saintes by the Guild hall called London
colledge, I reade that the same was builded about the yeare
1299. and that Peter Fanelore, Adam Frauncis and Henry
Frowike citizens gaue one Messuage with the appurtenances
in the parrish of Saint Fawstar to William Brampton Custos
of the Chauntrie, by them founded (fn. 7) in the said chappell with
foure Chaplens, and one other house in the parrish of S. Giles
without Criplegate, in the 27. of Edward the third, was
giuen to them. Moreouer I find that Richard the 2. in the
20. of his raigne, graunted to Stephen Spilman Mercer, licence
to giue one messuage, 3. shops, and one garden, with the
appurtenances, being in the parish of Saint Andrew Hubbard,
to the Custos and Chaplens of the said chappell and to their
successors for their better reliefe and maintenance for euer.
Chappell or Colledge at Guildhall new builded.
King Henry the 6. in the eight of his raigne gaue licence to
Iohn Barnard Custos, and the Chaplens to build of new the
said chappell or colledge of Guild hall, and the same Henry
the 6. in the 27. of his raigne, graunted to the parish Clearkes
in London, a Guild of S. Nicholas, for two Chaplens by them
to be kepte in the said Chappell of S. Mary Magdalen, neare
vnto the Guild hall, and to keepe 7. Almes people. Henry
Barton Skinner, Mayor, founded a chaplen there, Roger
Depham Mercer, and Sir William Langford knight had also
chaplens there. This Chappell or colledge had a Custos,
7. chaplens, 3. clearkes, and foure Quiristers.
Iohn Wels a principall benefactor to Guild hall Colledge.
Monumentes there haue been sundrie, as appeareth by the
tombs of marble yet remayning, seuen in number, but al
defaced. The vppermost in the quire on the South side
thereof aboue the Reuestrie dore, was the tombe of Iohn
Welles Grocer, Mayor 1431. The likenes of welles are grauen
on the tombe, on the Reuestrie dore, and other places on
that side the Quire. Also in the Glasse window ouer this
tombe, and in the East Window is the likenes of Welles, with
hands eleuated out of the same Welles, holding scrowles,
wherein is written Mercy, the writing in the East window
being broken yet remayneth Welles: I found his armes also
in the South glasse window, all which doe shew that the East
end and South side the Quire of this Chappell, and the
Reuestrie were by him both builded and glased: on the
North side the Quire the tombe of Thomas Knesworth Fishmonger, Mayor 1505. who deceased 1515. was defaced, and
within these 44. yeares againe renewed by the Fishmongers:
two other Tombs lower there are, the one of a Draper, the
other of a Haberdasher, their names not knowne: Richard
Stomine is written in the window by the Haberdasher, vnder
flat stones do lye diuers Custos of the chappell, chaplens and
officers to the chamber. Amongst others Iohn Clipstone
priest, sometime Custos of the Librarie of the Guildhall, 1457.
An other of Edmond Alison priest, one of the Custos of the
Library, 1510. &c. Sir Iohn Langley Goldsmith, Mayor,
1576. lyeth buried in the vault, vnder the tombe of Iohn
welles before named. This chappell or colledge, valued to
dispend twelue pound, eight shillinges nine pence by the
yeare, was surrendered amongst other, the chappell remayneth
to the Mayor and Comminalty, wherein they haue seruice
weekely, as also at the election of the Mayor, and at the
Mayors fest, &c.
Library at Guilde hall
Adioyning to this chappell on the south side was sometime
a fayre and large library, furnished with books, pertayning to
the Guildhall and colledge: These books as it is said were
in the raign of Edward the 6. sent for by Edward Duke
of Somerset, Lorde Protector, with promise to be restored
shortly: men laded from thence three Carries with them, but
they were neuer returned. This Library was builded by the
Executors of R. Whitington, and by William Burie: the
armes of Whitington are placed on the one side in the stone
worke, and two letters to wit, W. and B. for William Bury,
on the other side: it is now lofted through, and made a store
house for clothes.
parish church of S. Laurence in the Iury.; The tooth of some monstrous fish as I take it. A shanke bone of 25 inches long, of a man as is said, but might be of an Oliphant.
Southwest from this Guildhall is the fayre parrish church of
Saint Laurence called in the Iury, because of olde time many
Iewes inhabited there about. This church is fayre and large,
and hath some monumentes, as shall bee shewed. I my selfe
more then 70. yeares since haue seene in this church the
shanke bone of a man (as it is taken) and also a tooth of a
very greate bignes hanged vp for shew in chaines of iron,
vppon a pillar of stone, the tooth (being aboute the bignes of
a mans fist) is long since conueyed from thence: the thigh or
shanke bone of 25. inches in length by the rule, remayneth
yet fastened to a post of timber, and is not so much to be
noted for the length, as for thicknes, hardnes and strength
thereof, for when it was hanged on the stone pillar, it fretted
with mouing the said pillar, and was not itselfe fretted, nor as
seemeth, is not yet lightned by remayning drie: but where or
when this bone was first found or discouered I haue not
heard, and therefore reiecting the fables of some late writers
I ouerpasse them. Walter Blundell had a Chaunterie there,
the foureteenth of Edward the second. There lie buried in
this church Elizabeth wife to Iohn Fortescue, Katherine Stoke
ton, Iohn Statton, Phillip Albert, Iohn Fleming, Phillip Agmondesham, William Skywith, Iohn Norlong, Iohn Baker,
Thomas Alleyne, William Barton Mercer, 1410. William
Melrith, Mercer, one of the Sheriffes, 1425. Simon Bartlet
Mercer, 1428. Walter Chartsey, Draper, one of the Shiriffes,
1430. Richard Rich Esquier of London the Father, & Richard
Rich his sonne, Mercer, one of the Shiriffes, 1442. deceased
1469 with this Epitaph
Respice quod opus est præsentis temporis æuum.
Omne quod est, nihil est præter amare Deum.
This Richard was Father to Iohn buried in S. Thomas
Acars, which Iohn was Father to Thomas, father to Richard
Lord Ritch, &c. Iohn Pickering, honorable for seruice of his
prince and of the English marchantes beyond the seas, who
deceased 1448. Godfrey Bollen Mercer, Mayor, 1457. Thomas
Bollen his sonne Esquier of Norfolke, 1471. Iohn Atkenson
Gentleman, Dame Mary S. Maure, Iohn Waltham, Roger
Bonifant, Iohn Chayhee, Iohn Abbott, Geffrey Filding Mayor,
1452. and Angell his wife, Simon Benington Draper, and Ioan
his wife, Iohn Marshal Mercer, 1493 (fn. 8) . William Purchase Mayor,
1498. Thomas Burgoyne Gentleman, Mercer, 1517. The Wife
of a Maister of defence, seruant to the Princes of Wales,
Dutches of Cornewell, and Countesse of Chester, Sir Richard
Gresham Mayor 1537. Sir Michell Dormer Mayor, 1541.
Robert Charsey one of the Shiriffes, 1548. Sir William Row
Ironmonger, mayor 1593. Samuell Thornhill 1597. Thus
much for Chepe ward, which hath an Alderman, his Deputie,
Common counsellors xi. Constables xi. Scauengers ix. for the
Wardmote inquest xii. and a Beadle. It is taxed to the
fifteene at 52. pound, sixteene shillinges, and in the Exchequer at seuenty two pound, eleuen shillinges.