Folios 171-180: Sept 1437 -

Calendar of Letter-Books of the City of London: K, Henry VI. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1911.

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'Folios 171-180: Sept 1437 - ', in Calendar of Letter-Books of the City of London: K, Henry VI, (London, 1911) pp. 218-233. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/london-letter-books/volk/pp218-233 [accessed 24 March 2024]

In this section

Folio 171.

Saturday the Feast of St. Matthew [21 Sept.], 16 Henry VI. [A.D. 1437], in the presence of John Michell, the Mayor, Alexander Anne the Recorder, William Estfeld, John Gedney, John Brokle, Henry Frowyk, Stephen Broun, John Paddesley, William Melreth, Thomas Chaltone, John Atherle, Robert Cloptone, William Gregory, and John Olney, Aldermen, and very many Commoners summoned to the Guildhall for the election of Sheriffs, William Hales, mercer, was elected one of the Sheriffs by the Mayor, and William Chapman, draper, elected the other Sheriff by the Commonalty.

The same day John Chichele, grocer, was elected Chamberlain for the year ensuing; William Wetenhale, grocer, and Thomas Badby, fishmonger, were elected Wardens of London Bridge; and John Olney, Robert Clopton, Aldermen, John Withiale, Clement Lyffyn, Simon Eyr, and Robert Horne, Commoners, were elected Auditors of the accounts of the said 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 and admitted, &c., before the Barons of the Exchequer.

Folio 171 b.

Eleccio Will'mi Estefeld in Maiorem.

Sunday the Feast of St. Edward [13 Oct.], 16 Henry VI. [A.D. 1437], in the presence of John Wodecok, the Mayor, Alexander Anne the Recorder, the Prior of Christchurch, John Gedney, William Estfeld, John Brokley, Henry Frowyk, Thomas Wandesford, Stephen Broun, John Paddesley, Robert Large, William Melreth, John Atherley, Thomas Chaltone, Ralph Holand, Robert Cloptone, Thomas Catteworth, William Gregory, John Olney, John Sutton, and Nicholas Yoo, Aldermen, William Hales, one of the Sheriffs, and an immense Commonalty summoned to the Guildhall for the election of a Mayor for the year ensuing, William Estfeld was elected.

Afterwards, viz., on the Feast of SS. Simon and Jude [28 Oct.], he was sworn at the Guildhall, and on the morrow was presented, admitted, and accepted, &c., before the Barons of the Exchequer.

Exon'acio Joh'is Rithe.

9 Oct., 17 Henry VI. [A.D. 1438], John atte Rythe, "malemaker," discharged by William Estfeld, the Mayor, and the Aldermen from serving on juries, &c., owing to increasing old age.

Sunday the Feast of St. Matthew [21 Sept.], 17 Henry VI. [A.D. 1438], in the presence of William Estfeld, the Mayor, Alexander Anne the Recorder, John Gedney, John Wellys, Henry Frowyk, Thomas Wandesford, Robert Large, Ralph Holand, Robert Cloptone, William Melreth, John Olney, John Sutton, William Gregory, William Combes, and John Wetenhale, Aldermen, and very many Commoners summoned to the Guildhall for the election of Sheriffs, Hugh Dyke was elected one of the Sheriffs by the Mayor, and Nicholas Yoo, draper, was elected the other Sheriff by the Commonalty.

The same day John Chichele, grocer, was elected Chamberlain for the year ensuing; Thomas Badby, fishmonger, and Richard Lovelas, mercer, were elected Wardens of London Bridge; Robert Cloptone and William Combes, Aldermen, Simon Eyr, draper, Robert Horn, John Norman, and John Sturgeon, Commoners, were elected Auditors of the accounts of the said 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 and admitted, &c., before the Barons of the Exchequer.

Folio 172.

Ordinacio de hurers.

20 Nov., 16 Henry VI. [A.D. 1437], petition by good men of the Mistery of Hurers praying the Mayor and Aldermen to enforce the ordinance recorded in Letter-Book H, fo. xlix [b], (fn. 1) forbidding the fulling of "hures" and "cappes" at mills, "for grete harme as well of suche hures and cappes so fulled as to other fyne clothes that were fulled with them," and to ordain that thenceforth no one presume to "fulle suche hures ne cappes at milles but only by myght and strenght of man and that is with honde and fote." Their prayer granted.

Folio 172 b.

Eleccio Steph'i Broun Maioris.

Monday the Feast of St. Edward [13 Oct.], 17 Henry VI. [A.D. 1438], in the presence of William Estfeld, the Mayor, the Prior of Christchurch, John Gedney, John Wellys, John Brokley, Henry Frowyk, Thomas Wandesford, John Paddesley, Stephen Broun, Robert Large, Thomas Chalton, William Melreth, John Olney, Ralph Holand, John Sutton, Nicholas Yoo, William Combes, and John Wetenhale [Aldermen], Hugh Dyke, one of the Sheriffs, and an immense Commonalty summoned to the Guildhall for the election of a Mayor for the year ensuing, Stephen Broun was elected.

Afterwards, viz., on the Feast of SS. Simon and Jude [28 Oct.], he was sworn at the Guildhall, and on the morrow was presented, admitted, and accepted before the Barons of the Exchequer.

De Zonariis.

23 Feb., 17 Henry VI. [A.D. 1438-9], ordinance by Stephen Broun, the Mayor, and the Aldermen, pursuant to the custom of the City, that men of the Mistery of Girdlers shall be discharged of payment of fifteenths on their Common Hall, situate within the Ward of Bassyngeshawe, chiefly because they warehouse no merchandise or movable goods there.

Ordin' Carnificum.

Ordinances of the Butchers, approved by Stephen Broun, the Mayor, and the Aldermen, on Wednesday, the 11th March, 17 Henry VI. [A.D. 1438-9], to continue in force for one year:-

"Were as persons of the seid Craft be for this tyme have used to ryde and go un to diverse feyres & markettes of Bestaille holden aswell w tynne the Shire of Essex as in other diverse Shires w tynne the Reme of Yngland and there have bought here Bestaille perteynyng to the seid craft atte secunde thridde and fourth hande wherby the vitaille so bought hath growen to excessif pris to grete costage and hyndryng of the seid besechers and gen'ally to grevouse hurt of the peple of the forsaid Citee Hit is ordeynd that no persone enfraunchised of þe seid craft in the Citee aboveseid from hens foreward bye nomaner Bestaille at eny such feires or markettes in Essex of eny drovers forstallers upon peyne of xls. that on half to remayn in the Chambre of Gildehall and that other half to be turned to the co'e Box of the seid craft be the deliveraunce of the Chamb'layn And that no personne enfraunchised of the seid craft w tynne the seid Citee from this tyme foreward bye enye Bestaille to the seid craft perteynynge of eny Drovere or Bocher regrator in eny othir place or stede than oonly in the market of Smythfeld at the two market dayes that is to wete Wedesneday & Friday wekely as hit hath of olde tyme ben used and accustumed & nat be for viii of the clokke in peyne of xls. to be payed in forme aboveseid nor no such Bestaille atte seid market dayes unto Smythfeld comynge or brought chepe nor bye in no wise Also that no persone Bocher foreyn dwellyng w toute þe fraunchise of the seid citee by nomaner Bestaille of eny persone comynge with Bestes to the seid Market in Smythfeld be for the hour of x of clokke a fore none for which ordinaunce so be the seyd foreyns to be observed and kept hit is provydid be your discrec'ons and ordeyned that the Wardens of þe craft afore seid mow have sufficiaunt power to for bede such biers of Bestaille & to present hem to the Mair that will nat sele atte here prohibuc'on to be punyssid be his discrecioun."

De magna statera.

19 Nov., 17 Henry VI. [A.D. 1438], the custody of the Great Common Beam (fn. 2) committed by Stephen Broun, the Mayor, Aldermen, and Commonalty in Common Council assembled to Simon Strete, grocer, an expert in that office, to hold the same during good behaviour.

Names of Masters of divers Misteries sworn anno 17 Henry VI.

Folio 173.

Glovers: Ralph Bramthwayt, Thomas Caller, sworn 11 Sept. [A.D. 1438].

Writers of Court letter: William Brampton, Thomas Clerk, sworn 16 Sept.

Girdlers: Richard Colton, Henry Otwere, William Lyly, Thomas Crosby, sworn 18 Sept.

Tapicers: Ralph Spayn, John Bonantre, Robert Spayn, sworn 8 Oct.

Armurers: William Parker, Laurence Herd, sworn 11 Oct.

Shethers: John Richemond, Henry Gateley, sworn 12 Oct.

Surgeons: John Corby, John Forde, William Wellys, John Cosyn, sworn 12 Oct.

Foundours: John Russell, Robert Reynold, sworn 17 Oct.

Peautrers: Richard Lumley, William Baker, John Andrew, sworn 18 Oct.

Glasiers: John Greylond, Robert Whitehed, sworn 21 Oct.

Flecchers: John Large, Henry Hogges, sworn 25 Oct.

Blaksmythis: John Nycholl, John Toky, William More, sworn 3 Nov.

Pouchemakers: William More, Thomas Cok, John Batte, Robert Sabbe, sworn 4 Nov.

Coryours: Thomas Carter, William Whitbarn, sworn 6 Nov.

Wexchaundelers: Roger Wyllys, William Underhill, sworn 6 Nov.

Hurers: John Halman, John Weston, John Screveyn', sworn 20 Nov.

Skynners: John Scarburgh, Nicholas Toller, John Creke, William Gregory, junior, sworn 2 Dec.

Salters: John Bacheler, William Frensh, sworn 15 Dec.

Horners: Richard Harpley, William Brouderer, sworn 15 Dec.

Cokes and Pastelers: John Stokwell, Ralph Chapman, John Bekke, Henry Nour', sworn 20 Dec.

Folio 173 b.

Custod' Elianor' filie Will'i Waldern una cum clxj li.

11 Nov., 17 Henry VI. [A.D. 1438], the guardianship of Elianora, daughter of William Waldern, late mercer, together with her patrimony, committed by Stephen Broun, the Mayor, the Aldermen, and John Chichele, the Chamberlain, to Thomas Morestede, Citizen and Surgeon. (fn. 3) Sureties, viz., Richard Hill, "foundour," Alexander Orable, and Robert Arnwey. The orphan's former guardians, viz., John Roys, of co. Norfolk, "gentilman," and Margaret his wife, and their sureties, viz., Robert Ottele, William Burton, Thomas Catteworth, grocers, and John Paddesle, goldsmith, (fn. 4) were thereupon discharged.

Afterwards, viz., on the 15th Jan., 23 Henry VI. [A.D. 1444-5], came Richard de la Feld, who married the above orphan, before Henry Frowik, the Mayor, and the Aldermen, and acknowledged satisfaction for his wife's property.

Custodia Joh'is et Will'i fil' Joh'is Knight.

12 Nov., 17 Henry VI. [A.D. 1438], the guardianship of John and William, sons of John Knyght, late draper, committed by the same, together with the sum of 215 marks, the patrimony of the said orphans, to Henry Hale, grocer, who married Margaret, their mother. Sureties, viz., Hugh Wiche, mercer, Matthew Phelipp, goldsmith, and Thomas Talbroke, "hosteler."

Wednesday, 1 July, 17 Henry VI. [A.D. 1439], came the above Henry Hale, and, with the assent of the Mayor and Aldermen, placed the above orphan, William Knyght, as apprentice to Richard Thornbury, draper.

Folio 174.

20 May, 17 Henry VI. [A.D. 1439], came Robert Horn and John de Vache, fishmongers, Hugh Dene, vintner, and Andrew Colson, "wolpakker," into the Court of the lord the King in the Chamber of the Guildhall before Stephen Broun, the Mayor, and the Aldermen, and entered into bond with John Chichele, the Chamberlain, for the repayment of the sum of £100 to the Chamberlain by Thomas, son of John Seynt John, late "lyngearmorer."

19 Nov., 17 Henry VI. [A.D. 1438], came good men of the Mistery of Peautrers before Stephen Broun, the Mayor, and the Aldermen, and acknowledged that they had made certain ordinances among themselves without the authority of the Mayor and Aldermen. These were, therefore, formally annulled by the Mayor and Aldermen on the 26th Feb. [A.D. 1438-9], and on the 20th March the Wardens of the said Mistery prayed the Mayor and Aldermen to approve certain other ordinances (fn. 5) as set out. Their prayer granted.

Translacio.

11 April, 17 Henry VI. [A.D. 1439], came William, son of Hugh Benet, of Walsyngham, co. Norf., who was apprentice of John Bate, tailor, before Stephen Broun, the Mayor, and the Aldermen, and showed that whereas he had been admitted into the freedom of the City in the Art of "Taillours" temp. William Estfeld, Mayor, and John Chichele, Chamberlain, viz., on the 11th Feb., 16 Henry VI. [A.D. 1437-8], he had long used, and was now using, the mistery or art of Drapers, and not the art of Tailors. He prayed, therefore, that he might be admitted into the freedom in the Art or Mistery of Drapers. His prayer granted at the instance of the Masters and good men of the said Mistery, viz., John Lynge, John William, John Whitehode, Robert Shirbourne, Thomas Hardyng, John Parker, John Gladewyn, and others [not named].

Custod' Alicie filie Rob'ti Covyntre una cum centum libris.

17 April, 17 Henry VI. [A.D. 1439], the guardianship of Alice, daughter of Robert Coventre, late mercer, committed by Stephen Broun, the Mayor, the Aldermen, and John Chichele, the Chamberlain, together with her patrimony of £100, to Robert Shirborne, draper. Sureties, viz., John Stokker, draper, John Bartelot, "netter," John Parker, brewer, and William Paxman, "iremonger."

20 April, 17 Henry VI. [A.D. 1439], the guardianship of William, son of Laurence Draytone, late girdler, together with his patrimony, committed by the same to John Crowe, girdler. Sureties, viz., William Taverner and Richard Coltone, girdlers, William Stevens, mercer, and John Olyver, "leþ'seller."

Folio 175.

Carta pannar.

Letters patent granting to the men of the Mistery of Drapers within the City licence to found a Guild or Fraternity in honour of the Blessed Virgin Mary from men of the said Mistery and others, and to maintain and enjoy the said Guild or Fraternity so established to them and their successors in perpetuity, and to increase and augment the said Guild or Fraternity whensoever it shall appear necessary; and, further, granting that the men of the said Guild or Fraternity may each year elect from among themselves a Master and four Wardens, who at the time of their election shall be Drapers and freemen of the City, to undertake the business both of the said Mistery and of the said Guild and Fraternity, and govern the same; and that the said Master, Wardens, brethren, and sisters of the said Guild or Fraternity be in fact and name one body and one perpetual Commonalty, having perpetual succession and a common seal, &c. (fn. 6) Witness the King at "Warrewyk," 30 Nov., 17 Henry VI. [A.D. 1438].

By writ of Privy Seal and for £40 paid in the hanaper (in hanaperio). (fn. 7)

Carta piscenar'.

Letters patent, with the advice of the King's Council, granting to his liege men of the Mistery of Fishmongers and all others of the said Mistery, freemen of the City, that they be in fact and name one body and perpetual Commonalty, and that the said Commonalty may each year elect from among themselves six Wardens to govern the said Mistery, and that the said Wardens and Commonalty may hold lands, tenements, &c., in the City and borough of Southwark, to the annual value of £20, &c. (fn. 8) Witness the King at Westminster, 8 Feb., 11 Henry VI. [A.D. 1432-3].

By writ of Privy Seal and for £60 paid in the hanaper.

Folio 175 b.

Carta de Mercer'.

Letters patent confirming grant made 13 Jan., 17 Richard II. [A.D. 1393-4], to men of the Mistery of Mercery of the City to be thenceforth a perpetual Commonalty of themselves, and that the said Commonalty may each year elect four Wardens out of the men of the said Commonalty and Mistery to govern the same, as in the said grant more fully is contained; and further granting, at the humble request of John Coventre, John Carpenter, and William Grove, executors of Richard Whityngtone, late mercer, that the said Wardens and Commonalty and their successors may have a common seal, &c. Witness the King at Westminster, 14 Feb., 3 Henry VI. [A.D. 1424-5]. (fn. 9)

By writ of Privy Seal and for 20s. paid in the hanaper.

Carta de Grocer'.

Letters patent with the advice of the King's Council, granting to the free men of the Mistery of Grocery that the said Mistery and all the men thereof should thenceforth be one body and perpetual Commonalty; and that the said Commonalty may each year elect from itself three Wardens to rule the Mistery. Further, that the said Wardens and Commonalty shall have perpetual succession and a common seal, and may acquire lands, tenements, &c., held under the King, to the yearly value of 20 marks for the maintenance of their poor and a chantry for the King's welfare, provided it be found by inquisition that such a grant is without hurt or prejudice. Witness the King at Westminster, 16 Feb., 7 Henry VI. [A.D. 1428-9]. (fn. 10)

By writ of Privy Seal and for £50 paid in the hanaper.

Carta Cultellarior'.

Letters patent granting to the men of the Mistery of Cutlers of the City who had come to poverty and want, and desired some establishment (aliquam certitudinem) for their relief, (fn. 11) that thenceforth they be a perpetual Commonalty, and may elect Richard Wellom Master of the Commonalty and Mistery aforesaid, and Martin Godard and John Chedde Wardens of the same for one year, and may continue to elect each year one Master and two Wardens to govern the said Mistery and Commonalty. Further, that the said Master and Wardens and Commonalty may acquire lands, tenements, &c., in the City and suburbs of the yearly value of £20 for the maintenance of the poor of the Mistery, the Statute of Mortmain notwithstanding.

Witness the King at Westminster, 4 Dec., 4 Henry VI. [A.D. 1425].

Folio 176.

20 April, 17 Henry VI. [A.D. 1439], the guardianship of Robert, son of Laurence Draytone, late girdler, committed by Stephen Broun, the Mayor, the Aldermen, and John Chichele, the Chamberlain, to John Byrom. Sureties, viz., William Petevyle, "brewer," Hugh Riche, "wexchaundeller," William atte Welle, "peautrer," and Richard Newman, "brwer."

The same day the guardianship of Martin and Anne, children of the above Laurence Draytone, together with their patrimony, was similarly committed to William Brampton, scrivener. Sureties, viz., Thomas Onhand, mercer, John Maldone, grocer, Christopher Wartir, skinner, and Roger Haysand, draper.

2 June, 17 Henry VI. [A.D. 1439], came Richard Sale before Stephen Broun, the Mayor, and was admitted one of the cornmeters and sworn.

Licencia ad prosequend' civem ad ex'.

The same day came Thomas Osberne, mercer, Richard Lyndesey, writer of court-letter, and William Tounland, mercer, and asked leave of the Mayor to prosecute outside the City, and in any Court, John Clerk, late citizen and grocer, for that he was now beyond the franchise of the City, and had nothing within the City whereby to give satisfaction. Leave granted.

Friday, 22 May, 17 Henry VI. [A.D. 1439], in the presence of the Mayor and Aldermen, the office of assayer of oysters and mussels at Billyngisgate and Quenhithe granted by Stephen Broun, the Mayor, to John Lede for life.

Folio 176 b.

De coriis vendendis in selda.

Ordinance by the Mayor and Aldermen that thenceforth tanners bringing leather to the City for sale shall bring it "to þ e selde which is ordeynyd þ'fore on the Northside of the Gildehalle ther to be sold serchid and assaid and nowher ellys," under penalty of forfeiture. [No date. (fn. 12) ]

Ordinaciones de Peuterers.

Ordinance prescribing the standard of weight for divers articles made by Peautrers. (fn. 13)

Folio 177.

7 Aug., 17 Henry VI. [A.D. 1439], ordinance by Stephen Broun, the Mayor, and Aldermen, at the instance of good men of the Mistery of Brouderers, that owing to the paucity of good men in the said Mistery the same Warden may thenceforth continue in office two years in succession, any former ordinance to the contrary notwithstanding.

Exon'acio Will'i Wiltshire ab assisis.

20 Aug., 17 Henry VI. [A.D. 1439], William Wyltshire, horner, discharged by Stephen Broun, the Mayor, and the Aldermen from serving on juries, &c., owing to increasing old age.

Letter from Pope Eugenius to the Archbishop of Canterbury touching the recent efforts made by the Pope to promote unity between the Eastern and Western Churches. Dated at Florence, Nones July [7 July], A.D. 1439. (fn. 14)

Folio 177 b.

9 Sept., 18 Henry VI. [A.D. 1439], Robert Marcheford, "pasteler," discharged by Stephen Broun, the Mayor, and the Aldermen, according to the ancient custom of the City, from serving on juries, &c., in recognition of his long and faithful service to the City.

27 Oct., 18 Henry VI. [A.D. 1439], William Multon, late citizen and cutler, for many reasonable causes discharged and for ever dismissed by Stephen Broun, the Mayor, from the freedom of the City.

Q'd nemo vad' legem contra papirum sive membran' def' script' et sigillat'.

Saturday, 21 March, 17 Henry VI. [A.D. 1438-9], declaration made by Stephen "Browne," the Mayor, and the Aldermen assembled in the Court of the lord the King in the inner (interiori) Chamber of the Guildhall, (fn. 15) for the City's business, that according to the ancient custom of the City a schedule of parchment or paper, written by the hand of a debtor or other person whatsoever, and sealed and delivered by the debtor himself, bars him from making his law in any court of the City. (fn. 16)

Folio 178.

Custodia Elianore fil' Will'i Forster.

11 Sept., 18 Henry VI. [A.D. 1439], the custody of Elianora, daughter of William Forster, late skinner, aged a quarter of a year at Michaelmas next, together with her patrimony of £60, committed by Stephen Broun, the Mayor, the Aldermen, and John Chichele, the Chamberlain, to John Waldene, grocer. Sureties, viz., Richard Warbiltone, "iremonger," William Kirtone, mercer, and William Stafford, "vynter."

The above cancelled by order of the Mayor and Aldermen.

13 May, 18 Henry VI. [A.D. 1440], the guardianship of the above orphan, together with her patrimony of £422 17s. 4d., similarly committed to John Waldene. Sureties, viz., Thomas Walsyngham, vintner, Hugh Dyke, Henry Purchas, and Thomas Gibbes, grocer.

Folio 178 b.

Eleccio vicecom'.

Monday the Feast of St. Matthew [21 Sept.], 18 Henry VI. [A.D. 1439], in the presence of Stephen Broun, the Mayor, Thomas Cokayne the Recorder, John Gedney, John Wellis, Henry Frowyk, Thomas Wandesford, Robert Cloptone, John Hatherle, Ralph Holond, William Gregory, Nicholas Yeo, and Hugh Dyke, one of the Sheriffs, John Olney and John Wetenhale, Aldermen, and very many Commoners summoned to the Guildhall for the election of Sheriffs, Robert Marchall, grocer, was elected one of the Sheriffs by the Mayor, and Philip Malpas was elected the other Sheriff by the Commonalty for the year ensuing.

The same day John Chichele, grocer, was elected Chamberlain; Thomas Badby, fishmonger, and Richard Lovelas, mercer, were elected Wardens of London Bridge; William Combes, Nicholas Yeo, Aldermen, John Norman, John Sturgeon, Stephen Foster, and Geoffrey Feldyng, Commoners, were elected Auditors of the accounts of the said 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 and admitted, &c., before the Barons of the Exchequer.

The same Monday [21 Sept.] the Commonalty of the City prayed the Mayor and Aldermen to appoint proctors to oppose the confirmation by the Bishop of London of the election of John Sevenoke, senior, as Prior of Holy Trinity, and thereby one of the Aldermen of the City, on account of his dissolute life. (fn. 17) Thereupon Richard Barnet, John Wylby, Richard Hadilsay, and John Lorde were appointed proctors to that end.

Folio 179.

"For asmoche as nowe of late dayes meny persons in this Cite be founde defoylid in the detestable synne [of ?] lecherie as in a voutrie fornicacion comynly hauntid and many diverse persones also ben comyn norischers promotours and provocours of the same synnys in displesance of almyghti God and a yens the lawys of this Cite goode custumys and usagys And forasmoche as the sharpnesse of punissement of old tyme ordeynyd in this Cite hath nat be execute long tyme in suche mysdoers wherthrowe a boldnesse is grown un to synne hit is considered and ordeynyd be the Mair & Aldremen be þe advys of þe Comyns þat frome þis day forward þe olde ordenaunce of punyssementes of suche mysdoers shall be uttirly execute and proclamyd to be kept in eschewyng of such mysdoers aboveseid in tyme comyng." (fn. 18) [No date.]

Folio 179 b.

Eleccio Maioris.

Tuesday the Feast of St. Edward [13 Oct.], 18 Henry VI. [A.D. 1439], in the presence of Stephen Broun, the Mayor, the Recorder, the Prior of Christchurch, (fn. 19) Nicholas Wottone, William Estfeld, Knt., (fn. 20) John Gedney, John Welles, John Brokle, Henry Frowyk, Thomas Wandesford, John Pattesle, Robert Large, William Milreth, John Hatherle, Robert Cloptone, Ralph Holond, Thomas Chaltone, John Olney, William Gregory, Nicholas Yoo, John Suttone, William Wetenhale, Aldermen, Robert Marchall and Philip Malpas, Sheriffs, and an immense Commonalty summoned to the Guildhall for the election of a Mayor, Robert Large was elected.

Afterwards, viz., on the Feast of SS. Simon and Jude [28 Oct.], he was sworn at the Guildhall, and on the morrow was presented, admitted, and accepted before the Barons of the Exchequer.

6 Nov., 18 Henry VI. [A.D. 1439], came into the Court of the lord the King, in the Chamber of the Guildhall, John Lorchoun, John Broddesworth, John Wyvertone, and John Stystede, executors of Robert Chichele, late grocer, and brought the sum of £20, lately bequeathed by the said Robert for the mainten ance of London Bridge, and also a like sum for the maintenance of the work of the Guildhall.

Writ to the Sheriffs to cause four citizens to be elected to represent the City in a Parliament to be held at Westminster on Thursday the morrow of the Feast of St. Martin [11 Nov.]. Witness the King at Westminster, 26 Sept., 18 Henry VI. [A.D. 1439]. (fn. 21)

Folio 180.

Names of Masters of divers Misteries sworn anno 17 Henry VI.

Shermen: John Horold, William Spaldyng, William Gille, John Topcliff, sworn 17 July [A.D. 1439].

Copersmythes: Thomas Prince, John Asshe, sworn 18 July.

Copers: John Broun, William Downyng, sworn 18 July.

Lorymers: Richard Fuller, John Marchant, sworn 18 July.

Coryours: Thomas Carter, William Whitebarowe, sworn 18 July.

Browderers: John Cursone, John Balle, sworn 6 Aug.

Lynnenwevers: William Cokenage, Hugh Wigode, sworn 17 Aug.

Girdelers: William Grymysby, Thomas Herone, William Lyly, sworn 27 Aug.

Bladsmythes: John Chambre, William Hoberd, sworn 27 Aug.

Haburdasshers: Thomas Ostrich, Bartholomew Petham, John Spene, Walter Hersy, sworn 3 Sept., anno 18 Henry VI. [A.D. 1439].

Shethers: William Pays, John Clerk, sworn 18 Sept.

Tixtwrites: Richard Infeld, Richard Olwell, sworn 22 Sept.

Folio 180 b.

Indenture of licence granted by Richard [Harweden], the Abbot of the monastery of St. Peter, Westminster, and the prior and convent of the same, to Robert Large, the Mayor, and Commonalty of the City of London and their successors, to erect a fountain-head with fountains, vents (augeis), sesperals, (fn. 22) cisterns, &c., within a certain close called "Oxlese" in their manor of Padyngtone, co. Middlesex, and to conduct the water through pipes to the City (fn. 23) under any ground belonging to the said monastery except within its manor of Hide in the said county; provided always that a competent supply of water be left within the said close for the said Abbot and monastery and their tenants of the manor of Padyngtone, the grantees rendering to the said Abbot and monastery yearly on the Feast of St. Peter ad Vincula [1 Aug.] 2 pounds of pepper. The grantors may recover possession and seize the said fountainhead and appurtenances if they find themselves thereby deprived of ancient water supplying the monastery from the manor of Hide. The grantees to make good any damage incurred by the said Abbot and monastery or their tenants in the manors of Padyngtone and Eybery whilst the conduits are repaired or renewed, &c. Dated 1 March, A.D. 1439[-40].

Footnotes

  • 1. See 'Cal. Letter-Book H,' pp. 47-8.
  • 2. The Common or King's beam for weighing articles in gross, and, therefore, appropriately committed to the custody of a "grocer." Cf. 'Cal. Letter-Book D,' pp. 296-7.
  • 3. Vide supra, p. 11, note.
  • 4. Vide supra, pp. 47, 59.
  • 5. The ordinances which follow will be found printed in Welch's 'Hist. of the Pewterers' Company' (pp. 9-11) from the Company's old Jury Book, with the exception of the last ordinance, to the effect that no one of the craft shall let to hire "feste" vessels for more than 6d. the dozen garnished, under penalty of 6d. the dozen so let to hire within the City, but they were free to hire such vessels outside the City.
  • 6. Set out in Herbert, 'Twelve Great Livery Companies,' i. 482-3. The reason why this and the charters of other livery companies which follow are here recorded, was doubtless owing to the statute of 1437, requiring all bodies corporate to bring in their charters for the purpose of registration by the chief governors of cities, boroughs, and towns. 'Rot. Parl.,' iv. 507; 'Stat. at Large,' i. 585.
  • 7. An office in the Court of Chancery.
  • 8. See Herbert, op. cit., ii. 116-17.
  • 9. Herbert, i. 294-5.
  • 10. Id. i. 366-7.
  • 11. The charter of Richard II. to the Mercers had been granted for similar reason.
  • 12. This is, no doubt, the ordinance referred to infra (fo. 213 b) as having been made temp. Stephen Broun, Mayor, anno 17 Henry VI.
  • 13. The schedule of weights which follows has been printed in Welch's 'History of the Pewterers' Company' (pp. 11-12) from the Company's Jury Book. Among the items may be mentioned "the kardinall' hatte & sawcers," "Galey" or "Gaily" dishes, "Florentyne" dishes and "sawcers."
  • 14. At a General Council recently held at Florence and attended by a large number of Greek clergy, as well as by John Palæologus, Emperor of the Romans, the Patriarch of Constantinople, and many others, a great step had been made towards a reconciliation by a public acceptance of certain articles of faith. This fact the Mayor caused to be proclaimed (at the Pope's request) at Paul's Cross on the 28th August. Gregory, 'Chron.,' p. 182.
  • 15. The Court here mentioned was possibly the Court of Aldermen, which is always represented as sitting in the inner Chamber of the Guildhall; although the fact that the Court is here styled "the Court of the lord the King" points to the Mayor's Court, which sat "in the Chamber" or "in the outer Chamber" of the Guildhall. The word interiori has probably been inserted by mistake.
  • 16. Something similar to this is recorded in the City's 'Liber Albus' (Rolls Series, i. 214), viz.: Item, un taille de dette enseale par usage de la citee est auxi fort come un obligacoun; et la ou pleynt de dette est fait, et tiel taille enseale soit mys avaunt en prove del dewete, le defendaunt navera my sa ley qil doit riens, nautre matier nientpluis qe encountre une obligacoun.
  • 17. Prior to the dissolution of religious houses, temp. Henry VIII., the Prior of Holy Trinity or Christ church, Aldgate, was ex officio Alderman of the Ward of Portsoken. This was due to the fact that the English Cnihtengild in the reign of Henry I. had made over to that church and its canons their soke and manorial jurisdiction. See Stow, 'Survey' (ed. Kingsford), i. 123; 'Calendar Letter-Book C,' Introd., pp. xxiii-xxv. According to Mr. Beaven ('Aldermen of the City of London,' p. 418), Sevenoke's election had already received the royal assent on the 10th June, and the temporalities were restored (28 Sept.) just one week after the citizens took action to have the election annulled.
  • 18. Here follows the punishment prescribed for "peutours," "baudes," and "strompets," varying but slightly from that set out in 'Liber Albus' (i. 458-460) from Letter-Book H (fo. cxlvi b), and referred to here (in all probability) as "þe olde ordenaunce." Gregory helps us to the date, for he records that this year (1439) the Mayor ordained "that comyn women shulde were raye hoodys, and bawdys to the pelory. And thys was cryde the v day of Auguste the same yere, and so hyt was done at dyvers tymys" ('Chron.,' p. 182).
  • 19. His name not recorded; probably John Sevenoke.
  • 20. Estfeld, writes Mr. Beaven ('Aldermen of the City of London,' p. 256), "was probably knighted in 1439, but the commonly received account that he was made a Knight of the Bath during his Mayoralty in 1438-9 [1437-8?] seems to me to be more than doubtful." According to Nicolas ('Chron.,' p. 124) he and another were made Knights of the Bath in April, 1439. According to Gregory ('Chron.,' p. 182) he received a simple knighthood, with three others, on Whitsunday (24 May), 1439.
  • 21. The Parliament met on the 12th Nov.; on the 21st Dec. it was prorogued to meet at Reading on the 14th Jan. The names of the members elected are not recorded in the LetterBook, but from the City's Journal of the day we learn that at a Common Council held on Wednesday, the 21st Oct., William Estfeld, Knight and Alderman, and Robert Clopton, Alderman, were elected, whilst at another Common Council held two days later there were also elected Geoffrey Feldyng and John Carpenter, late Common Clerk of the City. It was also agreed by the Common Council of the 21st Oct. that Estfeld should receive double the allowance made to his fellow-members because his knighthood entailed additional expense (Journal 3, fo. 25 b). The chief result of this Parliament was the restriction imposed upon alien merchants. Vide infra, p. 238.
  • 22. Sesperalibus: separate or divided enclosures.
  • 23. The civic authorities appear to have contented themselves with bringing the water from Paddington down to Tyburn and no further, and it was not until 1453 that steps were taken by the executors of Sir William Estfeld to continue the conduit down to Charing Cross. Vide infra, fo. 271; cf. Stow's 'Survey' (ed. Kingsford), ii. 40-1.