Folios cxxi - cxxx: March 1379-80 -

Calendar of Letter-Books of the City of London: H, 1375-1399. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1907.

This free content was digitised by double rekeying. All rights reserved.

Citation:

'Folios cxxi - cxxx: March 1379-80 -', in Calendar of Letter-Books of the City of London: H, 1375-1399, ed. Reginald R Sharpe( London, 1907), British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/london-letter-books/volh/pp147-161 [accessed 8 October 2024].

'Folios cxxi - cxxx: March 1379-80 -', in Calendar of Letter-Books of the City of London: H, 1375-1399. Edited by Reginald R Sharpe( London, 1907), British History Online, accessed October 8, 2024, https://www.british-history.ac.uk/london-letter-books/volh/pp147-161.

"Folios cxxi - cxxx: March 1379-80 -". Calendar of Letter-Books of the City of London: H, 1375-1399. Ed. Reginald R Sharpe(London, 1907), , British History Online. Web. 8 October 2024. https://www.british-history.ac.uk/london-letter-books/volh/pp147-161.

In this section

Folio cxxi - cxxx.

Commissio pro quintadecima et medietate unius quintedecime levand'.

Letters patent appointing John Shelford, William Knyghtcote, John Horne, John Maryns, John Sely, and John Fraunceys to be Commissioners for levying the money granted to the King by the Parliament summoned to sit at Westminster on Monday after the Feast of St. Hillary [13 Jan.] last (fn. 1) for the defence of the realm. Witness the King at Westminster, 4 March, 3 Richard II. [A.D. 1379-80].

Billa pro quintadecima et medietate unius quintedecime levand'.

Pursuant to the above, a precept was sent to each Alderman to levy a fifteenth and a half on the men of his Ward according to their estate, and bring the money to the Guildhall by the Feast of St. George [23 April] next. Dated 3 April.

Proclamacio blador' et brastor' non vendend' nec hospitand' nisi ad laios de Bill et Quenli' post c'rtum tempus ib m moratur.

Ordinance by John Hadlee, the Mayor, and the Aldermen, proclaimed at the wharves of Billyngesgate and Quenhethe the 12th April, 3 Richard II. [A.D. 1380], to the effect that no one thenceforth warehouse corn or malt coming to the City by water for sale until it has been publicly exposed for sale at one of the said wharves for three days, on pain of forfeiture. (fn. 2)

Election of Aldermen.

Folio cxxi b.

Tower: John Hadlee.
Bridge: William Walworth.
Bisshopesgate: Adam Stable.
Bredstret: Nicholas Brembre.
Cornhulle: John Philippot.
Queenhithe: William Neuport.
Lymstret: Robert Launde.
Farndone Within and Without: Nicholas Twyford.
Billynggesgate: Andrew Pykeman.
Bradstret: John Organ.
Colmanstret: John Hoo.
Bassyeshawe: John Estone.
Crepulgate: Robert Warbultone.
Castle Baynard: John Brian.
Langebourne: Adam de St. Ive.
Candelwykstret: William Badby.
Algate: John Kyrtone.
Walbrok: John Rote.
Chepe: Richard Aillesbury.
Dougate: Geoffrey Neutone.
Vintry: Walter Doget.
Aldrichesgate: Thomas Reynham.

Cordewanerstret: John Vyne elected and accepted as Alderman of the Ward by John Hadlee, the Mayor, and the Aldermen, in default of election by men of the Ward. (fn. 3)

All the above, except John Vyne, were sworn into office on the Feast of St. Gregory [12 March], 3 Richard II. [A.D. 1379-80].

Exon'acio Ricardi Northbury custod' Elio Fraunceys.

The account of Richard Northbury, mercer, guardian of Elias, orphan son and heir of Elias Fraunceys, mercer, rendered in the quinzaine of Easter [25 March], 3 Richard II. [A.D. 1380], before William Kynge, John Sely, John Vyne, and John Rote, auditors appointed by John Hadlee, the Mayor, and the Aldermen.

Recognicio Ricardi North bury pro £xxx.

16 April, 3 Richard II. [A.D. 1380], came the above Richard Northbury into court before the aforesaid Mayor and Aldermen and entered into bond in the sum of £30 in favour of the above Elias, to be paid by three instalments. The same paid, and he is quit.

Folio cxxii.

Acquretaneia d'ni Reg' facta Maiori et cortati de jocalib restitutis.

Acquittance under the Great Seal to the Mayor and Commonalty for divers royal jewels pledged to them for the repayment of the sum of £5,000 lent to the King. Dated at Westminster, 10 April, 3 Richard II. [A.D. 1380].

Commissio pro delib acione Gaole de Neugate.

Letters patent appointing John de Cavendisshe, Robert Belknape, Robert Tresilian, John Haddele, the Mayor, and William Cheyne, or any four, three, or two of them (the Mayor being one), to be Justices for gaol-delivery of Neugate. Witness the King at Westminster, 20 April, 3 Richard II. [A.D. 1380].

Folio cxxii b.

Writ to the Sheriffs to make proclamation of certain ordinances made in the last Parliament touching the Church, aulnage of cloth, &c. Dated at Westminster, 12 March, 3 Richard II. [A.D. 1379-80]. (fn. 4)

Folio cxxiii.

Presentacro per Maiorem factam cuidam capell'o in eccl'ia b'e Mar' Somerset.

Deed of grant and institution by John Hadlee, the Mayor, under the Mayoralty seal, of Sir Henry Peryndone, chaplain, into the chantry founded by John de Gildesburgh, (fn. 5) late fishmonger in the church of St. Mary Somerset, near "le Brokenewharf," at the request of Sir Simon Brigstoke, Rector of the said church, and Hugh de Ware, John Trigge, and John Quildrik, parishioners of the same. Witnesses, William "Chene," the Recorder, William Neuport, Alderman of the Ward, (fn. 6) John Haylesdene and William Baret, the Sheriffs, and others [not named]. Dated Monday, 1 May, 3 Richard II. [A.D. 1380].

Eleccio Ric'i Odyham in Cam'ar Civit' London'.

Monday, the 28th May, 3 Richard II. [A.D. 1380], in a congregation of the Mayor, Aldermen, and the Common Council, Richard Odyham elected Chamberlain loco John Ussher, and sworn, &c.

Corea mala [sic] tannata forisfacta.

4 July, 4 Richard II. [A.D. 1380], there came before the Mayor and Aldermen, John Fery, Walter London', Richard Pery, Constance Mildenhale, Roger Horold, and Thomas Pountfreyt, cordwainers, elected and sworn to survey their mistery and to seize bad leather, and brought four ox-hides and a dorse (unum dorsum) belonging to Walter Pakwode and offered for sale, which were badly tanned and curried. The hides forfeited.

Folio cxxiii b.

23 June, 4 Richard II. [A.D. 1380], the guardianship of Robert, son of John Hoke, aged ten years, and of William, son of the same, aged nine years, committed to Nicholas Abyndone, cordwainer, who married Isabella, widow of the said John, by John Hadlee, the Mayor, and Richard Odyham, the Chamberlain. Sureties, viz., Robert Thornhegge, cordwainer, Adam Holte, "foundour," and Thomas Gloucestre, cordwainer.

Custodia pueror' Joh'is Hoke.

Afterwards, viz., on Thursday the 23rd July, 12 Richard II. [A.D. 1388], inasmuch as the above Robert had no means to take him to the Oxford schools, the above Nicholas, by order of Nicholas Extone, the Mayor, and William Cheyne, the Recorder, produced the sum of 20s., which was delivered to Richard Hoke, the uncle of the said Robert; and afterwards, viz., on Monday after the Feast of St. Lucia the Virgin [13 Dec.], 12 Richard II. [A.D. 1388], the said Nicholas paid the Chamberlain 23½ marks, so that he and his sureties are quit of the same.

Afterwards, viz., on Saturday after the Feast of SS. Processus and Martinianus [2 July], 13 Richard II. [A.D. 1389], it was decreed by Nicholas Twyford, Knt., the Mayor, and the Aldermen, that the above William, who was now of full age, according to the custom of the City should receive his patrimony, and it was given to him. Thereupon the said William, who had assumed the habit of a Friar of the Augustinian Order, acknowledged satisfaction for mesne profits, and the above Nicholas and his sureties were quit. And as touching the portion of the above Robert, the said Mayor and Aldermen the same day appointed auditors, viz., William Shyryngham, Alderman, John Ottele, William Pottenham, Richard Odyham, the Chamberlain, and John Tremayn, Common Pleader, and an account was taken.

Indentura inter Joh'em Mallynge et Idoniam ux'em ejus ex parte una et Thomam Lile piebaker ex altera.

Indenture of lease granted by John Mallynge, senior, of the county of York, and Idonia his wife to Thomas Lile, "pyebaker," of a tenement, &c., in the parish of St. Mary de Fenchirche, situate near the tenement of Juliana Bedik; to hold the same for the lifetime of the said Idonia, at an annual rent of 15s. Dated 6 July, 4 Richard II. [A.D. 1380].

Folio cxxiv.

Concordia int'telarios indigenas et telar' aliemgenas.

Letters patent setting forth an agreement between the Weavers of London, native and foreign, enrolled in the Chancery, whereby it was arranged that they should yearly hold a meeting six weeks before the Feast of St. Michael [29 Sept.] and make scrutiny of the number of "lomes" belonging to either party, and that the foreign weavers should contribute pro rata to the ferm of 20 marks and 2s. payable by the English weavers to the King. And be it remembered that on the 8th March of this year John Wille and Robert Hobbok, Masters of the native weavers of London, and William Gorynge, John atte Hecche, William Beltone, and John Bokkynge, weavers of London, as well as Giles Fanbelle and Reginald Radeles, Masters of the foreign weavers, and Ralph Clofangre, John Fanattenowe, Arnald Fanherpe, and John Everyngham, foreign weavers, for themselves and their fellows respectively, came into the Chancery and prayed that the above agreement might be enrolled. Witness the King at Westminster, 12 March, 3 Richard II. [A.D. 1379-80].

Br'e missum Abbatisse de Berkynge proemendacione Wallie juxta Thamisiam fracte.

Writ to the Abbess of Berkynge, bidding her to repair a wall which had broken down and let in the water of the Thames, so that the neighbouring land had become flooded and stocked with fish, which people caught in an immature state and gave as food to their pigs. Witness the King at Westminster, 24 July, 4 Richard II. [A.D. 1380].

Masters of Misteries sworn.

Folio cxxiv b.

Girdlers: William Reymond and John Potenham sworn, 22 Aug., 4 Richard II. [A.D. 1380], to govern their mistery and present defects discovered therein for the year following.

Pynners: John Higham and William Castel sworn, 21 Nov., the year aforesaid.

Pouchemakers: Thomas Spencer and William Sturgeoun sworn, the year aforesaid.

Sponers: John Dene and Ralph Node sworn, the 15th March, the year aforesaid [A.D. 1380-1].

Pynners [sic]: Benedict Milis and John Goman sworn, the year aforesaid.

Weavers of Flanders: John van Everyngham and Peter van Braughyn sworn, the 22nd Nov., the year aforesaid.

Armurers: William Thornhille, Robert Wormwell, Richard Frensch, Richard Alfilde, Roger Comptone, and Richard Pecok sworn, 30 Nov., the year aforesaid.

Cordwainers: Walter Hogslade, John Deer, Thomas Fulbek, David Man, Robert Thornhegge, and Roger Astone sworn, the 5th Dec., the year aforesaid.

Shethers: Bernard Reyner and Richard Trumpyngtone sworn, the 10th Dec., the year aforesaid.

Matritawyeres: (fn. 7) William Newel and Walter Sampson sworn, the 13th Jan., 4 Richard II. [A.D. 1380-1].

Pynners [sic]: William Callere and John Goman sworn, 16 Jan., the year aforesaid.

Commissio procerta custuma de batell' cum cirpis feno et stramine ad civitat' veniend' capienc'.

Appointment by John Hadle, the Mayor, and the Aldermen, under the Mayoralty Seal, of John de Kenle, Nicholas Pays, and Thomas Fraunkeleyn, "chaundeler," to collect and levy on every boat coming to the City with rushes for sale the sum of 12 pence, and on every boat with straw or hay 8 pence, the money to be devoted to cleansing and keeping clean the ports, quays, &c., where such boats discharge. Dated 8 Nov., 3 Richard II. [A.D. 1379].

Folio cxxv.

Judicium collistrigii.

9 August, 4 Richard II. [A.D. 1380], William Lawtone of Lawtone "under the lyn," (fn. 8) co. Chester, brought before John Hadele, the Mayor, Adam Stable, William Neuport, John Estone, John Rote, William Badby, Aldermen, and John Heylesdone, Sheriff, at the suit of William Savage, and convicted of forging a letter purporting to have been written by John Sadyngtone of York. Condemned to the pillory. (fn. 9)

Consimilis billa missa fuit cuil't Aldr'o pro ho'ib' armandis.

Precept sent to each Alderman to see the men of his Ward suitably armed with "basynet," gauntlets of "plate," habergeon' sword, dagger, and hatchet, according to their estate, and inferior men arrayed with good bows, arrows, sword, and buckler, and return their number before Monday next. Dated 20 August, 4 Richard II. [A.D. 1380].

Eleccio vicecomitum.

Friday the Feast of St. Matthew [21 Sept.], 4 Richard II. [A.D. 1380], in the presence of John Haddele, the Mayor, William Cheyne, the Recorder, William Waleworth, John Philipot, Robert Launde, Robert Warbultone, Adam St. Ive, William Badby, John "Kirketone," John Hoo, Richard Aylesbury, William Neuport, Andrew Pykeman, John Organ, John Estone, John Vyne, John Rote, Thomas Reynham, John Bryan, Aldermen, John Heilesdone and William Baret, Sheriffs, and very many Commoners, summoned to the Guildhall for the election of Sheriffs, Walter Doget and William Knyghtcote were elected Sheriffs for the year ensuing, viz., the aforesaid Walter by the Mayor, and the said William by the Commonalty.

Afterwards, viz., on the eve of St. Michael [29 Sept.] following, the said Sheriffs were sworn at the Guildhall, and on the morrow of St. Michael were accepted at Westminster before the Barons of the Exchequer.

Aud' comp' Cam'ar' et custod' Pont' Lond'.

On the same Friday (the Feast of St. Matthew) Adam St. Ive and John "Kyrtone," Aldermen, John Boseham, John Norhamptone, Walter Sibyle, and Henry Herbury, Commoners, were elected Auditors of the accounts of the Chamberlain and Wardens of London Bridge.

Br'e pro parliamento.

Writ to the Sheriffs for the election of four citizens to attend a Parliament to be held at Northampton on Monday after the Feast of All Saints [1 Nov.]. (fn. 10) No Sheriff of London or any other Sheriff of the realm to be returned. Witness the King at Westminster, 26 Aug., 4 Richard II. [A.D. 1380].

Pursuant to the above writ there were elected John Organ, John Rote, Thomas Welford, and William Tonge.

Writ to the Mayor and Sheriffs to admit John Charneye as deputy-coroner to Thomas Tyle, the King's Butler, to whom the office of Coroner in the City appertains, and who has not leisure to exercise it, and to discharge Nicholas Symcok from the duties of deputy-coroner. Witness the King at Westminster, 4 Sept., 4 Richard II. [A.D. 1380].

Pursuant to the above writ the said John was admitted 24 Sept.

Folio cxxv b.

Eleccio Maioris.

Saturday the Feast of the Translation of St. Edward [13 Oct.], 4 Richard II. [A.D. 1380], in the presence of John Hadlee, the Mayor, William Cheyne, the Recorder, William "Waleworth," Adam Stable, Nicholas Brembre, John Phelipot, the Prior of Christchurch, Robert Launde, Nicholas Twyford, Andrew Pykeman, John Organ, John Hoo, William Neuport, John Estone, Robert Warbultone, John Bryan, Adam de St. Ive, William Badby, John "Kirtone," John Rote, Richard Aylesbury, Geoffrey Neutone, Walter Doget, John Vyne, and Thomas Reynham, Aldermen, Walter Doget and William Knyghtcote, Sheriffs, and an immense Commonalty summoned for the election of a Mayor for the coming year—William "Walworthe" was elected, and afterwards, viz., on the Feast of SS. Simon and Jude [28 Oct.], was sworn at the Guildhall, and on the morrow was presented, admitted, and sworn before the Treasurer and Barons of the Exchequer.

Juduium collistrigii pro ij fictoribus.

24 Oct., 4 Richard II. [A.D. 1380], John Warde, of co York, and Richard Lynham, of co Somerset, brought to the Guildhall before John Hadlee, the Mayor, the Aldermen, and Sheriffs, and condemned to the pillory for pretending to have suffered the loss of their tongues by robbers. (fn. 11)

Combustio recium.

4 Sept., 4 Richard II. [A.D. 1380], Richard Stile and William Polle, fishmongers, brought before John Hadle, the Mayor, and the Aldermen two nets called "trunkes" (fn. 12) found in the Thames between Wolwych and Herethe, as having too small a mesh and being destructive of fry, whereof one belonged to Richard Purfot of Grenewych and the other to Richard Wolmere. The nets examined by John Poynaunt, John Queldryk, Gilbert Beauchampe, Thomas Asshe, William Tornegold, and William Pycot, fishmongers, who declared on oath that the nets were of unlawful mesh. The same were therefore ordered to be burnt.

Med' de construcione Turrium juxta Tamis'.

Tuesday, the 2nd October, 4 Richard II. [A.D. 1380], in a congregation of the Mayor, Aldermen, and Commoners elected by each Mistery, as well as by the Wards for a Common Council of the City, (fn. 13) it was agreed to levy a fifteenth on the goods and chattels of citizens for the purpose of discharging the City's debts and fitting out armed barges for the sea. It was further agreed to levy 6 pence in every pound of rent for the purpose of building a stone tower on the side of the Thames opposite to one to be erected at the expense of John Phelippot for the protection of the City. (fn. 14)

In the same congregation it was ordained that the sum of 1 penny should be levied on every loaded cart entering the City and a farthing on every horse, the money to be devoted to the repair of highways. The ordinance to remain in effect until Michaelmas next.

Folio cxxvi.

Billa missa cuilibet Aldr'o pro inquirend' verum annualem valorem omnium redd' in London' et pro una xva bonor' et cat' levand'.

Precept to the Aldermen that they diligently inquire as to the true yearly value of all the tenements in their Wards that were let and inhabited, as well as of void tenements, in case they were let and inhabited (together with the value of the entire rent of the Hospital of St. Giles, near Holbourne, within their several Wards), and make a return of the same and of the names of the tenants before the Feast of All Saints [1 Nov.]; and, further, that they levy a fifteenth for the City's use, and bring the money to the Guildhall before the octave of St. Martin [11 Nov.]. Dated 20 Oct.

L'ra d'ni Regis patens pro securitate duar' mill' libr' d'no Regi per civitat' mutuatar'.

Letters patent touching the security granted to the City for the repayment of a loan of £2,000 to the King, including the delivery to the Mayor and Commonalty of certain caskets of jewels. (fn. 15) Dated at Westminster, 16 Sept., 4 Richard II. [A.D. 1380].

Folio cxxvi b.

Judicium collistrigii pro falsis saccis.

6 Nov., 4 Richard II. [A.D. 1380], John Bernard, of Bishop Hatfeld, co. Herts, convicted before William Walworth, the Mayor, and the Aldermen, of selling sacks of coal of short measure, and condemned to the pillory.

Billa missa cuil't Aldro pro vjd de qual't libra reddit' et una quintadecima in civitate London' levand'.

Precept to the Aldermen to bring to the Guildhall by the octave of St. Martin [11 Nov.] the money that had been ordered when Hadlee was Mayor, and, further, to summon the inhabitants of their Wards by Monday next to consider whether it were best for the Common Council to be elected from the Misteries as theretofore or from the best men of the Wards, or partly from the Misteries and partly from the Wards; and if it should be decided in favour of the Wards, they are to send six good men of their respective Wards to the Guildhall on Tuesday next, with full powers to treat of the City's affairs, without regard to their having served as Alderman or Sheriff or not. Dated 3 Nov., 4 Richard II. [A.D. 1380].

Custuma capienda de mercimon' intrant' civitatem London' seuexeunt' ab eadem.

Precept for levying certain tolls on carts, horses, cattle, &c., entering and leaving the City, the money to be devoted to the repair of highways. Dated 31 Oct., 4 Richard II. [A.D. 1380].

Folio cxxvii.

Proclamation made temp. William Walworth, Mayor, the 12th Nov., 4 Richard II. [A.D. 1380], for the government of the City, and regulation of the price of various commodities, &c.

Folio cxxvii b.

Br'e de treugis Anglie et Scocie.

Writ to the Sheriffs to make proclamation of a truce that had been concluded between England and Scotland from the 1st November last past to the Feast of St. Andrew next [30 Nov.], the infringement of which was to be visited with certain penalties. Witness the King at Northampton, 2 Dec., 4 Richard II. [A.D. 1380].

Proclamation made accordingly on Saturday the Feast of St. Lucia [13 Dec.].

Proclamacio facta contra usurarios.

Ordinance repeated forbidding any one, denizen or alien, merchant or broker, to sell any manner of merchandise to be resold by unlawful agreement (chevesance) or exchange, and the meddling of any broker in any such bargains, under penalty prescribed. (fn. 16) [No date].

Qe nul voise ove visure ne jauce visage ne sauns lumere.

Proclamation to be made against the wearing of viz.ors or masks, playing at dice, &c., under penalty of imprisonment at the discretion of the Mayor.

Consimilis billa miss' cuil t Aldr'o pro vigil' faciend' et pro aleconneres et q' font chevesances.

Precept to the Aldermen to keep sufficient watch and ward at Christmas according to ancient custom; to charge the Aleconners of their Ward to report brewers disregarding the ordinances of their trade; and search for any broker guilty of "chevesances" or "eschanges." Dated 20 Dec.

Folio cxxviii.

Commissio ad levand' de qual't persona homine masculo et femina infra libtat' civitatis London' xijd.

Letters patent appointing John Hende, Adam Bamme, John Fresshe, Geoffrey Crymelford, Henry Herbury, and Henry Mortone, to be commissioners for levying a poll-tax of three groats on every inhabitant of the City and suburbs over fifteen years of age, granted by the Parliament at Northampton. (fn. 17) Witness the King at Northampton, 7 Dec., 4 Richard II. [A.D. 1380].

Commissio contrarotulatorib inde.

Letters patent appointing John Bryan and Richard Aylesbury to act with the above as comptrollers in levying the poll-tax. Witness the King at Northampton, 7 Dec.

Folio cxxviii b.

Br'e durect' Maiori ad recipiend' sacr' taxator' collector et contrarotulator.

Writ to William Walworth, the Mayor, empowering him to receive the oaths of the above collectors and comptrollers. Witness the King at Westminster, 18 Dec., 4 Richard II. [A.D. 1380].

Returnum inde.

Return to the above certifying that the oath had been administered to the collectors and comptrollers in form prescribed.

Folio cxxiv.

Sacr'm taxator'.

Form of oath to be administered to the collectors of the poll-tax.

Sacr'm contrarotul'.

Form of oath to be administered to the comptrollers of the above.

Bille misse cuil't Aldr'o ad levand' dict' tax' et assidend'.

Precept to the Aldermen to inquire as to the number of inhabitants of their Ward, male and female, over the age of fifteen years, their names and surnames, and to levy on each the sum of three groats, the wealthier to help the poorer, according to the terms of the statute; the money to be brought to the Guildhall for delivery by indenture to the King's chief collectors by the quinzaine of St. Hillary [13 Jan.] next. Dated 8 Jan., 4 Richard II. [A.D. 1380-1].

Eleccio Aldr'i de hansa Alemannie.

Monday after the Feast of Epiphany [6 Jan.], 4 Richard II. [A.D. 1380-1], came good men of the Hanse of Almaine before William Walworth, the Mayor, and the Aldermen, and elected the said William to be their Alderman in place of John Aubrey late their Alderman, deceased. The said William accepted the office and was admitted.

Capon' et auce forisfact' vic'.

13 Jan., 4 Richard II. [A.D. 1380-1], John Warewyk, foreign poulterer, brought before the Mayor and Aldermen and charged with having brought eight capons to a London market for sale, and with having afterwards removed them for sale without the liberty of the City, contrary to the custom of the City. The capons therefore forfeited.

The same day John Bentele, a foreign poulterer, was similarly charged respecting nine geese. The geese confiscated.

Furur' fortsfact' ad op' co'itatis.

23 Jan., 4 Richard II. [A.D. 1380-1], John Donyngton charged before the Mayor and Commonalty and John Barry and other Wardens of the mistery of Skinners with having mixed six furs of clean "menyver" and 6 furs of half-clean with new and old work, contrary to the ordinance recorded in Letter-Book G, fo. clxii [b]. (fn. 18) The accused made no defence, and was committed to Neugate for fourteen days, and condemned on his release to pay 13s. 4d. to the Chamberlain and 6s. 8d. to the mistery.

Forisfactur' furr' ad op' co'itatis.

24 Jan., 4 Richard II. [A.D. 1380-1], Walter Laurence attached to answer the Mayor and Commonalty and Walter Halle, clerk, on a charge of having mixed new work of "Buvere" with old work of "ottres" in the said clerk's gown. No defence. Sentence as above.

Folio cxxix b.

Bille misse cuil't Aldr'no iiij to die Febr'anno iiij to.

Precept to the Aldermen to bring to the Guildhall, on Wednesd ay the 6th February next, the names of those assessed in their Wards for the subsidy granted the King by the last Parliament, together with the names of the collectors and the money due from their Wards pursuant to a former precept.

Comissio ad supervidend' eos qui piscant in thamisia.

7 Feb., 4 Richard II. [A.D. 1380-1], William Elyot and Thomas Fynche appointed Commissioners under the Mayoralty seal to see that the ordinance touching the assize of nets used for fishing in the Thames is duly observed, viz., that the "mask" of nets used East of London Bridge be at least 1½ inches, and West of the Bridge 2 inches.

Br'e pro gaola de Neugate delib'anda.

Letters patent appointing John de Cavendisshe, Robert Bealknap, Robert Tresilian, William Walleworth, the Mayor, John Middelton, and William Cheyne, or any five, four, three, or two of them (the Mayor being one), to be Commissioners for gaol-delivery of Neugate. Witness the King at Westminster, 7 Feb., 4 Richard II. [A.D. 1380-1].

Indenture int' co'itatem et Joh'em Bacoun clericum.

Indentures witnessing the delivery by John Bacoun, Keeper of the King's jewels, &c., to the Mayor and Commonalty of divers chests of Crown jewels, (fn. 19) &c., as security for the repayment of a loan of £2,000. Dated 6 Sept., 4 Richard II. [A.D. 1380].

Br'e missum collectorib' custumar' in portu London' pro soluc' mlli.

Writ to the collectors of the King's customs and subsidies in the Port of London that after Easter next they allow the Mayor and Commonalty (who were ready to give up forthwith the above jewels) to take the whole of the subsidy of wools, hides, and woolfells in the said Port to recoup themselves for outstanding arrears in the repayment of the above loan of £2,000, and further that they deliver to the said Mayor and Commonalty one part of the cocket seal. (fn. 20) Witness the King at Westminster, 30 Dec., 5 Richard II. [A.D. 1381].

Folio cxxx.

I'ra Regis ad delib' and' Joh'i Bacoun cl'uo certa jocalia invadiata pro ijmlli.

Letter of Privy Seal from the King to the Mayor and Commonalty asking that the jewels, &c., recently pledged by him for the repayment of a loan of £2,000 might be given up, as he required them for his approaching marriage, (fn. 21) and that they would accept in their stead as security a "palet" (fn. 22) of gold called the "palet of Spain," garnished with precious stones, weighing in nobles 180 pounds, (fn. 23) and valued in all at £1,708.

Indentura int' Maiorem et co'itat' London' et dictum Joh' Bacoun de redjocalior' p'dictor' et delib'acione alior'.

Indenture witnessing the delivery of the above jewels, &c., by the Mayor and Commonalty to John Bacoun, Keeper of the King's jewels, and the receipt by them of the "palet," &c., aforesaid. Dated 2 Jan., 5 Richard II. [A.D. 1381-2].

Folio cxxx b.

Armurers eslieux de surver lour mester et le pris de lour hernois.

18 Feb., 4 Richard II. [A.D. 1380-1], ordinance by the Mayor for the Armourers of the City to elect surveyors to search for defects in the mistery and see that Armourers sell their harness at reasonable prices to those about to set out for Portugal and Brittany or elsewhere.

Custodic Ric'i filii Will'i Robynet et Margarete filie Joh'is Gille.

16 Feb., 4 Richard II. [A.D. 1380-1], the guardianship of Richard, son of William Robynet, aged eighteen years, together with a sum of £40, and the guardianship of Margaret, daughter of John Gille, (fn. 24) draper, aged five years, together with the sum of £200, committed by William Waleworth, the Mayor, and Richard Odyham, the Chamberlain, to Johanna, late wife of the said John Gille. Sureties, viz., Richard Willesdone, "chaundeler," Benedict de Cornewaille, "draper," Walter Pikenham, "pelter," and Roger Crede, "draper."

Afterwards, viz., on the 26th Feb., 6 Richard II. [A.D. 1382-3], came Nicholas Extone, who married the above Johanna, before John Norhamptone, the Mayor, and the Aldermen, and paid to the above Richard his patrimony and also a sum of money bequeathed to him by Johanna atte Walle. The above sureties were discharged at their request and others appointed, viz., Nicholas Extone, John Wade, fishmonger, and Thomas Gurdelere.

Afterwards, viz., on the 26th June, 11 Richard II. [A.D. 1387], the above Margaret having been married to John Sibille, the aforesaid Nicholas delivered her property to the Chamberlain, who, on the 17th August following, delivered it by the hands of William Ancroft to the said John Sibille.

Footnotes

  • 1. Sat from the 16th Jan. to the 3rd March, 1380. The commons granted the King a fifteenth and a half, and the boroughs a tenth and a half. 'Rot. Parl.,' iii. 75.
  • 2. Ordinances to similar effect were made in 1356 and 1357. 'Cal. Letter-Book G,' pp. 77, 103.
  • 3. This appears to be the first instance of the kind. At this period (and until 1397, when the inhabitants of the several Wards ceased to elect their own Aldermen, and were only permitted to nominate two persons for the Mayor and Aldermen to appoint one, vide infra, fo. cccxiv) Aldermen were elected directly by the Wards.
  • 4. Printed in 'Statutes at Large' (ed. 1758), i. 358-60.
  • 5. His will. Dated 17 July, 1349. (the year of the Black Death), and proved and enrolled in the Husting in the following October. 'Cal. of Wills,' i. 637-8.
  • 6. Queenhithe.
  • 7. This name puzzled the editor of the 'Memorials' (see Introd., p. xxiii). It is suggested that it probably means tanners or "tawyers" with madder. Among the colours mentioned in the ordinances of the Dyers cited by the Rev. P. H. Ditchfield ('City Livery Companies,' p. 245) occur "woddid" black (i.e., dyed black with logwood, otherwise known as "blackwood") and "mathrid" (maddered ?) black. Cf. "madder-black" and "maddered" or "mathered," i.e., treated with madder — Murray's 'New English Dict.,' s.v. 'Madder'.
  • 8. Now Church Lawton, on the borders of Staffordshire.
  • 9. Set out in 'Memorials,' p. 442.
  • 10. Sat from 5 Nov. to 6 Dec. To his Parliament was due the imposition of the graduated poll-tax, which was the cause of the revolutionary rising of 1381. A poll-tax had already been imposed in 1377. Supra, pp. 60, 62.
  • 11. 'Memorials,' p. 445.
  • 12. Otherwise spelt "tryinkes," "treinekes," or "trinks,' the fishermen using them being known as "trinkermen."
  • 13. This appears to be a rare (if not unique) instance of a Common Council elected both by the Misteries and Wards. The ordinance of 1376, to the effect that the Common Council in future should be elected from the Misteries (instead of the Wards), was still in force. Supra, pp. 39-40.
  • 14. 'Memorials,' pp. 444-5. The entry has been crossed through.
  • 15. Vide infra, p. 159.
  • 16. An ordinance had been made in 1364 against usurious contracts, euphemistically called contracts of exchange or "chevisance," but which, according to the Record (Letter-Book G, fo. cxxiii b; 'Liber Albus,' i. 368), would be more truly called contracts of iniquity (mescheaunce), for they ruin the honour and soul of the contractor (chevisour).
  • 17. The wealthier individuals in each town were to help the poore, but no one was to contribute more than 60 groats for himself and wife or less than one. Cf. 'Rot. Parl.,' iii. 90.
  • 18. 'Cal. Letter-Book G,' p. 197; 'Memorials,' pp. 328-30.
  • 19. Particulars set out in 'Memorials,' p. 443.
  • 20. See note supra, p. 122.
  • 21. He was about to marry Anne of Bohemia.
  • 22. Probably a head piece (Riley). A "palet," a sword, and a Spanish saddle were among the royal jewels and chattels pledged in 1379 by the King for the repayment of a loan of £5,000 (supra, fo. cviii b; 'Memorials,' p. 429). John Dymmok bequeathed a "palet with hood," together with a doublet and coat of mail, to his executor in 1393. 'Cal. of Wills, Court of Hust.,' ii. 304.
  • 23. Poisant en nobles cent et quatre vyngtz livres, which the editor of the 'Memorials' (p. 444) interprets to mean "weighing 100 nobles (or 4 ounces) and 80 pounds."
  • 24. By his will, dated the 1st Jan., 1380-1, and proved and enrolled in the Husting before the end of the month ('Cal. of Wills,' ii. 218-19), he bequeathed to his daughter Margaret the sum of £200, as well as a cup called "Byker," a gilt cup worked with three leaves, and twelve silver spoons, all of which were committed to her guardian. The testator further devised the reversion of certain tenements in the parish of St. Christopher to Richard, son of William Robynet, in tail.