I.—ROYAL CHARTERS.
[For three of these charters new boxes were given by the Recorder
in 1714.]
1606, 3 Apr.—Charter of incorporation granted by James I. On
five sheets of vellum; the lines are numbered, and amount to 309.
The impression of the great seal is very poor. The usual pen and ink
portrait of the King is given in the initial letter.
The charter is printed in the Appendix to Yates's History of the
Abbey of St. Edmund's Bury.
1608, 1 July.—Grant by James I. to the burgesses of Bury in relief
of their lamentable condition caused by a late immense fire, of all the
tithes and property formerly belonging to the almonry of the abbey,
with the buildings called lez Elemosiners Barnes, alias lez Ampners
Barnes, and also of the Gaol, the Gaolhouse and the Tolhouse and the
Market Cross, and all the materials of the same, including a small bell
called the Tolhouse-bell or Market-bell, with markets, fairs, &c.; at an
annual crown rent of 28l. 3s. 4d., and paying the stipends of the
curates and ministers of the two parish churches, &c. On three sheets;
190 lines. Poor impression of the seal, broken. Portrait in the initial
letter. Printed ibid.
1614, 17 Sept.—Charter of James I. establishing a coroner, justices
of the peace, a court of record, &c.; and granting the churches and
advowsons, representation by two burgesses in parliament, and incorporating feoffees, &c. Five sheets; 479 lines. Initial portrait. Only
two small fragments of the seal. Printed ibid.
1668, 5 June.—Renewal charter of Charles II. adding restrictions
upon non-freemen, &c. Three sheets. Engraved portrait in the initial.
Small fragment of seal.
1684, 3 July.—Charter of Charles II. re-constituting the corporation
with a mayor, aldermen, &c. Three sheets, with engraved portrait, and
engraved borders to each sheet. Bad impression of great seal, perfect.