Folios clxxxi - cxc: Sept 1384 -

Folio clxxxi.

Qe null' ne pursue a nostre s ^r le Roi la Reigne ne autres grant s ^rs par congregacioun ne covine.

Wednesday the Feast of St. Matthew [21 Sept.], 8 Richard II. [A.D. 1384], ordinance made by Nicholas Brembre, the Mayor, William Cheyne, the Recorder, John Hende, John Rote, John Sely, John Orgon, Henry Vannere, John Fraunceys, William Staundone, John Estone, William More, Richard Prestone, Adam de St. "Ives," Thomas Welford, Geoffrey Crymelford, William Ancroft, and Roger Elys, Aldermen, Simon Wynchecombe, one of the Sheriffs, and all the good folk of the Wards elected as a Common Council, together with other good and sufficient men summoned to the Chamber of the Guildhall, both for the City's business as well as for the election of Sheriffs according to custom—to the effect that no one shall cause an assembly or conventicle to be made for the purpose of petitioning the King, Queen, or lords, to the disturbance of the government of the City, (fn. 1) on pain of losing the franchise if a freeman.

Eleccio vicecomitum.

The same day the Sheriffs were elected for the ensuing year, viz., John Fresshe by the Mayor and Nicholas Extone by the Commonalty.

Auditores electi pro comp' Cam'arii et Pontis London' audiend'.

And, further, there were elected auditors of the accounts of the Chamberlain and the Wardens of London Bridge, viz., John Organ and William Staundone, Aldermen; Thomas Rolf, Henry Herbury, Richard Hatfeld, and Thomas Girdeler, Commoners.

Br'e directum Joh'i de Neville de Raby ad essend' ad elec cionem Maioris.

Writ to John de Neville of Raby that he attend the election of a Mayor for the year ensuing, to take place on Thursday the Feast of St. Edward [13 Oct.], and see that it be conducted according to custom and that the King's peace be kept in the City. Witness the King at Westminster, 12 Oct., 8 Richard II. [A.D. 1384].

Folio clxxxi b.

Masters of Misteries sworn.

Tapicers: Roger Michel and Peter Colcok sworn Masters, 5 Oct., 8 Richard II. [A.D. 1384], to govern their mistery and present such defects as they shall find to the Mayor and Aldermen.

Barbers: William May and Simon Conyngesby sworn 6 Oct.

Haberdasshers: John Silbourne, William Craft, and Michael Mordone sworn 4 Nov.

Girdlers: Alexander Senelle, William Sewale, and John London sworn 3 Nov.

Cordwainers: Robert Suttone, Richard Mildenale, Richard Biernes, and William Robyn sworn 3 Nov.

Weavers ("Tellarii"): John Brandesbury, "webbe," and John Umfrey sworn 23 Nov.

Weavers ("Webbes"): Godfrey Clofhamer of Flanders and Peter Braghyn of Brabant sworn 23 Nov.

Pouchemakers: William Magge, John Robert, and William Everdone sworn 12 Jan., 8 Richard II. [A.D. 1384-5].

Shetheres: William Solyngtone, Richard Warde, and Richard Trumpyngtone sworn 23 Jan.

Hurers: Thomas Ismonger, John Goodchep, John Longe, and Thomas Depham, Masters of "Capperes," sworn 8 Feb.

Acquietancia Ric'i Odiham Cam'arii.

A general acquittance by Nicholas Brembre, the Mayor, the Aldermen, and citizens to Richard Odyham, grocer, the Chamberlain of the Guildhall, on his accounts for one year from Michaelmas, 7 Richard II. [A.D. 1383].

Folio clxxxii.

Br'e ne quis intersit ad elecc'oem Maioris nisi illi qui summoniti sunt pro eadem.

Writ to the Mayor to make proclamation in the City forbidding any one to bear arms contrary to the King's peace and the Statute of Northampton, (fn. 2) temp. Edward III. Witness the King at his manor of Shene, 2 Oct., 8 Richard II. [A.D. 1384].

Proclamacio super brevi supradicto.

Form of proclamation thereupon made on Wednesday the eve of St. Edward [13 Oct.], 8 Richard II. [A.D. 1384], forbidding any one to attend elections in the City except the Mayor, Aldermen, and good folk elected from the Wards to serve as a Common Council and others who shall be summoned from the Wards by advice of the said Mayor and Aldermen, on pain of imprisonment, forfeiture of goods, and loss of franchise.

Eleccio Maioris.

Thursday the Feast of the Translation of St. Edward [13 Oct.], 8 Richard II. [A.D. 1384], in the presence of Nicholas Brembre, Knt., the Mayor, William Walworth, Knt., William Cheyne, the Recorder, John Rote, Hugh Fastolf, John Organ, William Staundone, Geoffrey Crymelford, John Sely, John Chircheman, Henry Vannere, John Fraunceys, John Estone, William More, Adam de St. Ive, Thomas Cornwaleys, John Hende, Thomas Welford, William Anecroft, Robert Warbultone, and Roger Elys, Aldermen, and Nicholas Extone and John Fresshe, Sheriffs, and an immense Commonalty (fn. 3) summoned for the election of a Mayor for the year ensuing— Nicholas Brembre, Knt., was elected Mayor for the ensuing year, and afterwards, viz., on the Feast of SS. Simon and Jude [28 Oct.], was sworn in the Guildhall, and on the morrow was admitted and sworn before the Barons of the Exchequer. (fn. 4)

Br'e protreuga proclamanda.

Writ to the Sheriffs to make proclamation of a truce made with France, the terms of which are enclosed with the writ. Witness the King at Westminster, 20 Oct., 8 Richard II. [A.D. 1384].

Folio clxxxii-clxxxiii.

Proclamacio treugarum perentre nostres' le Roi Dengletere et ladversaire de Fraunce ceux Despayne de Flandr' et Descoce.

Terms of a truce made between England and France, &c., the 14th Sept., (fn. 5) A D 1384, to last until the following 1st May Mention made of a truce concluded at "Loulyngham" (fn. 6) on the 26th Jan. last past between John, Duke of Lancaster, King of Castile and Lyon, and the Duke de Berry The same to be proclaimed in the City pursuant to the above writ.

Folio clxxxiii.

Br'e pro parliamento.

Writ to the Sheriffs for the election of four citizens to attend a Parliament to be held at Westminster the morrow of St. Martin [11 Nov.] (fn. 7) No Sheriff to be returned. Witness the King at Westminster, 28 Sept., 8 Richard II. [A.D. 1384].

No'ia elector' pro parliamento.

John Hadle and John Organ, Aldermen, and Thomas Rolf and Henry Herbury, Commoners, elected to attend the Parliament pursuant to the above writ.

Ordenance faite qe nulle place de terre soit graunte a terme des ans naltrement devaunt qe plenere notice dice soit fait par la viewe de certeins per sones a ce assignez.

Ordinance made at a Common Council held on Tuesday before the Feast of the Translation of St. Edward [13 Oct.], 9 Richard II. [A.D. 1385], there being present Nicholas Brembre, the Mayor, the Aldermen, Sheriffs, and good folk of all the Wards elected as a Common Council, to the effect that whereas great damage had arisen from grants of vacant places having been made outside Crepulgate and elsewhere to divers persons for term of years or for life, no such grants shall thenceforth be made until the Mayor, taking with him such Aldermen as he shall think fit, and certain persons elected by the Commons, viz., Thomas Rolf, John Loveye, Thomas Vyvent, John Colshulle, Richard Hatfeld, and Thomas Girdeler, shall have surveyed the places and seen whether grants of the same would be prejudicial to the Commonalty or not.

Concessio facta Joh'i Watlyng tone de una vacua placea terre apud Crepulgate.

Also it was agreed that John Watlyngtone, the Common Serjeant-at-Arms, shall have a void place adjoining the City wall between Crepulgate and the Hermitage (fn. 8) there for a term of sixty years, at an annual rent of 10s, the same to be given up to the Commonalty if required for the defence of the City.

Concessio facta Joh'i Salesburi q'd h'eat supervisum aque Thamisie.

Also John Salesburi, Serjeant, was appointed to survey nets and other engines for catching fish, and to see that they are of lawful size and not destructive of fry, for a term of five years, he receiving half the forfeitures for his trouble.

Folio clxxxiii b-clxxxiv b.

Proclamation made the 12th Nov., 8 Richard II. [A.D. 1384], temp. Nicholas Brembre, Knt., Mayor, regulating (inter alia) the sale of poultry, fish, and wine, and enforcing the use of standard weights and measures. (fn. 9)

Folio clxxxiv b.

Concessio q'd Ric' Jargeville h'eatcustodiam prison' de Lud gate.

3 Oct., 8 Richard II. [A.D. 1384], grant by Nicholas Brembre, Knt., the Mayor, and the Aldermen, to Richard Jargevylle of the custody of the houses over Ludgate as well as of the gate itself and of the prisoners therein during the pleasure of the Mayor and Aldermen And he was sworn, &c.

Admissio Hugonis Brende wode in ser vientem.

12 Nov., 8 Richard II. [A.D. 1384], Hugh Brendewode admitted Serjeant of the City and sworn to execute all judgments pronounced in court before the Mayor and not to practise extortion, &c.

Folio clxxxv.

Judicium pro franco banco Cristine ux'i Thome Clenche delib'ando.

12 July, 8 Richard II. [A.D. 1384], it was considered by Sir Nicholas Brembre, the Mayor, and the Aldermen that Cristina, late wife of Thomas Clenche, should have her free-bench, viz., the principal tenement of which her husband was seised at his death, according to the ancient custom of the City. (fn. 10) Precept was accordingly issued the same day to Philip Walworth, Serjeant of the Chamber, to deliver to the said Cristina her free-bench of a certain tenement in the parish of St. Clement near Candilwykstret of the yearly value of £4; and further, to deliver to her, by view of the sworn City Masons and Carpenters, onethird of the other tenements and rents within the liberty of the City of which her said husband died seised, to hold the same by way of dower.

Custodia Will'i filii Thome Clenche.

23 July, 8 Richard II. [A.D. 1384], the guardianship of William, son of the above Thomas Clenche, late fishmonger, together with two-thirds of property appraised at a yearly value of £15 4s. 8d. (inclusive of the tenement granted to the widow as free-bench), on the oath of Thomas Spaldyng, Nicholas Burle, William Daukyn, John Sponere, John Newent, John Sampson, John Claverynge, John Pope, William Multone, William Fulbourne, Henry Willy, and Elias Broun, was committed by Nicholas Brembre, the Mayor, and Richard Odiham the Chamberlain, to Simon Wynchecombe, "armurer," and Richard Norbury, mercer, the remaining one-third being delivered to the widow.

Afterwards, viz., on the 25th Nov., 14 Richard II. [A.D. 1390], the above Simon Wynchecombe and Richard Norbury rendered account before John Walcote, and William Bramptone, Aldermen, and Robert Dane and Thomas Extone, appointed auditors by Adam Bamme, the Mayor, and on the 22nd Nov., 17 Richard II. [A.D. 1393], came the above orphan and acknowledged satisfaction.

Folio clxxxv b.

Br'e ad admit tand' Henr' Shelforde lococoron' per unum men sem.

Writ to the Mayor and Sheriffs to admit Henry de Shelford to the office of Coroner in the City for one month, or until further notice, to serve in place of John Charneye, who had been appointed by the King (ex assignacione nostra), (fn. 11) and was prevented from executing the office by divine visitation. Witness the King at Westminster, 16 Nov., 8 Richard II. [A.D. 1384].

Consil'e bille misse fuerunt cuil't aldi'o xxiii die Decemb' a° r r' Ric'i secundioctavo.

Form of precept sent to the Aldermen for an armed watch to be kept in their several Wards at the coming Christmas for the maintenance of the peace, lest riot and damage ensue through their negligence, for which they would have to answer.

Folio clxxxvi.

L'ra d'ni Regis patens pro xv a [sic] levanda.

Letters patent appointing Thomas Wilford, "fisshemongere," William Baret, grocer, John Shadworthe, mercer, and John Furneux, draper, to collect in the several Wards of the City the tenth (unam decinam) recently granted by citizens and burgesses in the Parliament held at Westminster on the morrow of St. Martin [11 Nov.] for the defence of the realm. Witness the King at Westminster, 26 Dec., 8 Richard II. [A.D. 1384].

The above delivered to Thomas Wilforde on the 21st Jan., 8 Richard II. [A.D. 1384-5].

Bille misse cuil t Aldr'no pro xv a le vanda.

Form of precept to the Aldermen to levy in their respective Wards a sum equal to a fifteenth (une quinszime) lately granted by the Parliament at Westminster, and to have the money at the Guildhall on Tuesday after the Feast of St. Matthias [24 Feb.]. (fn. 12) Dated 20th Jan.

Proclamacio de fimis robous et aliis orduris facta xxiii die Januarii a° i r' Ric'i secundi octavo.

Proclamation against casting rubbish into the Thames, or on the wharves and quays, or on Tower Hill; also against depositing it outside one's house until there be a cart ready to carry it beyond the liberty of the City.

Folio clxxxvi b.

Judicium de retib' comburendis.

10 Jan., 8 Richard II. [A.D. 1384-5], John Chipstede, bailiff of Queenhithe, brought before Nicholas Brembre, Knt., the Mayor, and the Aldermen eight nets called "smelt net" of unlawful mesh, which he had seized between London Bridge and Westminster, belonging to John Fynch, John Bukke, Richard Fynch, John Newerk, Stephen Clement, and Robert Buntell, all of "Batricheseye," and John Edrich and John Broun of Hammersmyth The said nets being examined by experienced fishmongers, viz., John Trigge, Clement Lavender, Elias Braibroke, and John Queldrik of Oldefisshstret, and Richard Stile, John Ridere, Nicholas Rameseye, and John Leddrede of Briggestret, were declared on oath to be false, and were therefore ordered to be burnt. (fn. 13)

Rec' £xxxiii vis viiid pertinent Will'o et Agneti pueris Will'i Horewode.

25 Jan., 8 Richard II. [A.D. 1384-5], Roger Elys and John Symond, executors of William Horewode, delivered to Richard Odiham, the Chamberlain of the Guildhall, the sum of £33 6s. 8d. in trust for William and Agnes, children of the aforesaid William.

Afterwards, viz., on the 28th Aug., 12 Richard II. [A.D. 1388], the guardianship of the above children and their money was committed by Nicholas Extone, the Mayor, and Richard Odiham, the Chamberlain of London, to Thomas Boner and Johanna his wife, mother of the said orphans (fn. 14) Sureties, viz., John Cretyng, "brouderer," and Roger atte More, vintner.

Afterwards, viz., on the 4th Dec., 19 Richard II. [A.D. 1395], the sum of 20 marks belonging to the aforesaid Agnes was delivered to William Taverner, "paternostermaker," her husband, and on the 5th March, 21 Richard II. [A.D. 1397-8], the orphan William having died, the executors of the above Thomas Boner paid the sum of £20, belonging to the late orphan, to John Symond, one of the executors of the above William Horewode, to be refunded according to the terms of his will.

Bille misse cuil't Aldr'o pro xv levanda et pro munda cione aque thamisie et Wardarum et pro mensuris ulnis et ponderibus fals' non sigill'.

20th Jan., precept to the Aldermen to levy in their respective Wards a sum equal to a fifteenth lately granted by Parliament, and to have the money at the Guildhall on Tuesday after the Feast of St. Matthias [24 Feb.]. They are, further, to inquire as to who had been casting rubbish into the Thames and elsewhere, and to consider the best means of removing filth from their Wards in future; and lastly to find out if any person in their Wards use an ell or weight or measure that has not been sealed, and if so, to seize the said weights and measures and burn them according to the custom of the City.

Folio clxxxvii.

Custodia Joh'is filii Reginaldi Coleman.

20 Jan., 8 Richard II. [A.D. 1384-5], came Roger Wygemor, who married Cristina, widow of Reginald Coleman, and acknowledged the receipt of the sum of £200 and divers chattels bequeathed by the said Reginald to John his son, the same to remain in the hands of the said Cristina during the son's minority, as appears by his will enrolled at the Husting held on Monday after the Feast of St. Katherine [25 Nov.], 8 Richard II. [A.D. 1384]. (fn. 15) Sureties for the said Roger, viz., John Organ, Simon Wynchecombe, and Richard Wedone.

Afterwards, a controversy having arisen between the said orphan and his master, Thomas Horsman, of the one part, and the said Roger "Wyggemore" and Robert Havelok, executor of the orphan's father, touching the orphan's correct age, an inquiry was held on the 27th April, 10 Richard II. [A.D. 1387], before Nicholas Extone, the Mayor, and the Aldermen, on the oath of Benedict Cornewaille, John "Grone," William Horstone, John Salle, Richard Betoigne, Michael Dundalk, Robert Parys, coffrer, Thomas Gloucestre, John Orchard, Reginald Dawe, Richard Pecok, and Gamelin Mat, good men of the venue of the parish of St. Mildred in the Poultry, in which church the said orphan had been baptized, who found that on the 20th Feb. last the said orphan had completed nineteen years of age.

Afterwards, viz., on Tuesday after the Feast of St. Gregory [12 March], 12 Richard II. [A.D. 1388-9], the Mayor, Nicholas Twyford, Knt., and the Aldermen having been notified of the death of the above orphan under age by the above Roger Wygemore and others, the said Roger and Cristina were declared quit.

Ordinacio q d carnifc non vend agnos carius quam meliorem pro viiid.

20 Jan., 8 Richard II. [A.D. 1384-5], ordinance by the Mayor and Aldermen prohibiting butchers selling their best lambs at a higher price than 8 pence.

Folio clxxxvii b.

Amissio lib tatis certai personar qui admissi fue runt in ean dem libertatem indebite.

10 Jan., 8 Richard II. [A.D. 1384-5], came John Bosham John Shadworth, William Shiryngham, Thomas Austyn, John Loveye, and other good folk of the Mercers, before Nicholas Brembre, the Mayor, and the Aldermen, and complained that certain men, lately foreigners, (fn. 16) using the mistery of mercery had obtained the freedom of the City through certain folk of another mistery, contrary to the custom of the City, making the Chamberlain believe that they were of some other mistery than they actually were, to wit, John Lynne and Nicholas Marchant of Berkyng, who had been received into the freedom by the "Haberdassheres," as if using the mistery of "haberdassherie," whereas they had been using and were at the time using the "art" of mercery, and therefore they had not been duly enfranchised, and had deceived the officials of the City, to the great hurt of the art of mercery and the whole Commonalty, wherefore they prayed a remedy.

Thereupon the said John and Nicholas were summoned by John Wikes, one of the Serjeants of the Chamber, to attend before the Mayor and Aldermen in the Chamber of the Guildhall on Saturday the 14th Jan. together with the haberdashers who had been their sureties when admitted to the franchise. On the day named there appeared John Lynne and his sureties, (fn. 17) viz., John Lyndeseye, William Holbeche, Thomas Trewe, Richard Romeneye, and Thomas Carmewelle, and the sureties, being asked why they had made the said John free in their mistery when they knew that he was using the art of mercery, replied on oath that they were not aware before his enfranchisement that he had used any other mistery but "haberdassherie." The said John, being sworn on the book to speak the truth, acknowledged that at the time he was made a freeman, as well as before and after, he had used both the art of mercery as well as haberdashery, and that most of his merchandise consisted of mercery. Being asked if he had told his sureties that he was using the art of mercery, he replied that he had not. Being further asked if he knew that the aforesaid Nicholas was using the art of mercery when being admitted to the freedom through the same haberdashers as sureties, he declared that he did, and also acknowledged that he had sworn before the Chamberlain and the aforesaid sureties that the said Nicholas did not possess sufficient goods for him to pay the necessary sum of money, viz., 20s. for his franchise, although it had since been proved that he had in chattels more than £200. Cur. ad. vult, John Lynne being mainprised by the above haberdashers to attend on the following Monday to hear judgment.

On the day named, judgment delivered to the effect that whereas the said John Lynne had pretended to the said haberdashers that he used their mistery and no other, and they all believed him to be speaking the truth (except Geoffrey Prestbury, one of the sureties) and testified to that effect before the Aldermen and Chamberlain, and further declared on oath that he could not pay more than 20s. for the franchise, whereas if he had been enfranchised by good folk of the Mercers, who knew him and whose mistery he used, he would not have been admitted to the franchise without payment of a large sum; and whereas the said John, after admittance and taking an oath of fealty to the City, had contrived that the aforesaid haberdashers should obtain the admittance of the above Nicholas Marchant to the franchise in the same mistery of Haberdashers, although he used the art of mercery, and also swore that the said Nicholas was worth no more than 20s, which sum he paid for the franchise—it was unanimously agreed by the said Mayor and Aldermen that for practising such deceit the admittance of the said John Lynne to the franchise should be annulled.

Folio clxxxviii.

Also, inasmuch as the said Nicholas acknowledged he had obtained the franchise by deceit and on payment of 20s. when he was able to pay £20 or £40, it was agreed the same Monday that thenceforth he should be treated as a foreigner, and he was ordered to return to the Chamberlain his bill of franchise, and for so doing he found sureties, viz., John Selbourne, John Deux, John Deveros, Thomas Carmewelle, John Lynne, and Geoffrey Prestbury.

The same day the above Geoffrey Prestbury was condemned to lose the franchise for not warning his fellow-sureties and the Chamberlain of the deceit that was being practised by the said John Lynne and Nicholas.

Complaint was also made to the said Mayor and Aldermen by John Shalyngford, John Bas, Ralph Lubenham, Robert Staffertone, Henry Permestede, John Claveryng, and other good folk of the Drapers that one William Southbrok, a foreigner, had been admitted to the franchise of the City by men of the mistery of "Webbes," (fn. 18) whereas he had always used and was using the art of Drapers. They pray a remedy. Thereupon the said William was summoned before the Mayor and Aldermen on the 19th Jan., when he confessed on oath that both before and after admittance to the franchise he practised the art of Drapers, and that he never used the mistery of "Webbes" as a common workman, but only for the cloth which his wife made. He further testified that at the time of his admission he intended afterwards to use the art of Drapers, and that the Chamberlain had then warned him that his enfranchisement in the mistery of "Webbes" was not to prejudice the art of Drapers or any other mistery, otherwise his enfranchisement would be void. His admission was therefore annulled. Sureties for his returning his bill of franchise, viz., Richard atte Crouche and William atte Castell.

The same day, the above Richard atte Crouche was condemned to lose his franchise for being an accomplice in the fraud practised by the above William Southbrok.

On the 20th January came good men of the mistery of Drapers and complained that Richard Skynnere had been admitted to the franchise of the City by men of the mistery of "Taillours," whereas he had always used the mistery of Drapers and intended still to use it and not the mistery of "Taillours," his mistery being only drapery and no other, and that he had received due warning from the Chamberlain. He was therefore condemned to lose his franchise and ordered to return his bill of franchise to the Chamberlain. Sureties for so doing, viz., William Rule, John Wilby, William Dentone, John Creyk, Roger Dalby, and Clement Kirtone.

Folio clxxxviii b.

The above sureties, who were sureties for the above Richard Skynnere at the time of his admission, being asked if they knew at the time that the said Richard used the mistery of Drapers, replied that they knew it; they were therefore condemned to forfeit their franchise.

Juduium Joh is Groos Reginaldi atte Sele et Joh'is Whitlok.

Thursday after the Feast of the Epiphany [6 January], 8 Richard II. [A.D. 1384-5], John Groos, and Reginald atte Sele, bakers, and John Whitlok, attached to answer a charge of deception for that when, about eight years since, the said John Groos and Reginald atte Sele were Masters and Surveyors of the mistery of Bakers, and the said John Whitlok was a City official, whose business it was to assist the said Masters in their duties of supervision, they visited the house of William atte Sele, a baker in Bridge Ward, and threatened him with the punishment of the hurdle (fn. 19) according to the custom of the City, for being in possession of a loaf of bread that was deficient in weight. Thereupon the said John Whitlok had arrested him. Afterwards, by covine (covina) of the said John Groos, Reginald atte Sele, and John Whitlok, they accepted 20s. to hush the matter up, to the prejudice of the office of the Mayoralty and the whole Commonalty; the said William therefore prays a remedy. The accused, being separately examined, did not deny the charge. Cur. ad. vult, the accused being committed to prison in the meantime.

Afterwards, viz., on Tuesday before the Feast of the Purification B M [2 Feb.], judgment was pronounced against them in full Husting before the Mayor and Aldermen, to the effect that they should be imprisoned for half a year, and that on their release they should pay a reasonable fine to the Chamberlain, and never again serve the office of Masters or Surveyors of the said mistery.

Billa facta Maiori et Aldr'is per probos ho'ies pelliparior' pro usura et chevaunce.

Thursday after the Feast of Conversion of St. Paul [25 Jan.], 8 Richard II. [A.D. 1384-5], petition by good folk of the mistery of Skinners that the Mayor and Aldermen will assent to an ordinance for putting down "chevance" (fn. 20) and usury in their mistery, whereby the vendor is to be mulcted to the amount of such "chevance" or usury (one half being paid to the Chamber, and the other to the prosecutor or prosecutors for their trouble), unless the accused can prove by five men of the mistery that the merchandise in question was rightly sold without his being aware that the same would be afterwards sold at a loss (a meschief), in which case he should be quit The petition granted, and ordered to be placed on record.

Folio clxxix.

Furrur' foris facte ad opus co. itatis.

27 March, 8 Richard II. [A.D. 1385], Peter Stenby attached to answer a charge brought by the Mayor and Commonalty, as well as Thomas Rolf and William Olyver, the Wardens of the mistery of Skinners, of having made two pure furs (duas fururas puratas) of "menyver" for gowns, but mixed with bellies of "calabre," and also two other furs of "popel" mixed with "ruskyn," (fn. 21) contrary to the ordinance recorded in Letter-Book G, fo clxii [b], (fn. 22) as Roger Martyn, John Multone, and William Wiltshire, Surveyors of the said mistery, did here testify. Touching the first-mentioned furs, the said Peter acknowledged that he made and sold them, but as to the others he neither made nor sold them. All the furs being condemned as false by the said Wardens and Surveyors, as well as by Walter Pykenham, William Pountfreit, Richard Grey, and William Wiltshire, Masters of the said mistery, the said Peter was committed to prison for fourteen days, and ordered to pay 13s. 4d. to the Commonalty and 6s. 8d. to the said mistery on his release, and the furs were confiscated.

Afterwards, viz., on the 21st (31st ?) March, the furs were appraised on oath of William Lamle, Michael Treuthennek, Robert Markele, and John Huwet, skinners.

Solucio dena rior' facta Joh'i Symond supervisori et Will'o Bur dein exec' test'i Ph i cook.

William Burdeyn, one of the executors of Philip Draper, "cook," and John Symond, surveyor of the same, came before Nicholas Brembre, Knt., the Mayor, and the Aldermen, and prayed that a certain sum of money in the hands of Henry Perot, belonging to Johanna, daughter of the said Philip, who had died under age and before marriage, might be delivered to him to be expended as directed by the testator.

Afterwards, viz., on the 22nd March the year aforesaid, the above Henry, by order of the Court, paid a sum of money due to Isabella, another daughter of the said Philip, to Robert Squyler, her husband. (fn. 23)

Folio clxxxix b.

Election of Aldermen.

Bredstret: Nicholas Brembre, Knt.
Bridge: William Walworth, Knt.
Lymstret: John Hadle.
Chepe: John Boseham.

Tower Hugh Fastolf, and because the said Hugh was occupied as Constable of the Castle of Dover, so that he had no leisure for the office, William Tonge was elected in his place and sworn the 12th Aug., 9 Richard II. [A.D. 1385].

Billyngesgate: Nicholas Extone.
Cordewanerestret: John Fresshe.
Langebourne: John Organ.
Bisshopesgate: John Chircheman.
Cornhulle: John Rote.
Bradstret: Adam St. Ive.
Candilwykstret: John Hende.
Walbrook: Simon Wynchecombe.
Crepulgate: Robert Warbultone.
Douegate: Richard Prestone.
Vintry: Henry Vannere.
Queenhithe: Thomas Welford.
Castle Baynard: William More.
Farndone: John Fraunceis.
Colemanstret: John Shadworth.
Aldrichesgate: Roger Elys.
Algate: William Staundone.
[Bassieshawe omitted.]

Proclamacio pro stipendi ariis se tra hendis aa mare.

21 April, 8 Richard II. [A.D. 1385], proclamation made for all those engaged to cross the sea with the Admirals to leave the City forthwith for the places assigned to them, and for all ships to be made ready for sailing by to-morrow at the latest.

Consimile bille misse fuerunt cuil't Aldr'o ultimo die Aprilis anno r' r' Ric'i secundi octavo.

Precept to the Aldermen to summon forthwith the good folk of their several Wards and charge them on oath to be loyal to the King and his ministers, and to put themselves in array, and to certify in writing the names of the men-at-arms, hobelers, and archers in their several Wards before the Feast of Pentecost next [21 May].

Folio cxc.

Letters patent appointing John de Montagu, Steward of the King's Household, Robert Tresilian, Robert Bealknap, David Hanemere, John Holt, William de Burgh, Walter Cloptone, and William Rikhille (or any seven, six, five, four, or three of them) to be Justices at the Tower prison for the delivery of Richard Norbury, mercer, John More, mercer, and John Norhamptone, draper. Witness the King at Westminster, 9 Sept., 8 Richard II. [A.D. 1384].

Pursuant to the above writ, precept was issued to the Constable of the Tower and his Lieutenant and also to the Sheriffs of the City to summon before the said Justices at the Tower, on Monday after the Nativity B. M. [8 Sept.], the said Richard Norbury, John More, and John Norhamptone, and also for the Sheriffs to cause twenty-four of the wealthier and more powerful of the inhabitants of the City, as well citizens as others, to attend, &c. And the said Constable and Sheriffs did execution thereof, &c.

Delivery of the prison of the Tower of London made there before the aforesaid John de Montagu, Steward of the King's Household, Robert Tresilian, Robert Bealknape, David Hanemere, John Holt, William de Burgh, Walter Cloptone, and W[illiam] Rikhil, Justices of the Lord the King, according to the terms of the above letters patent, on Monday after the Feast of Nativity B. M. [8 Sept.], (fn. 24) 8 Richard II. [A.D. 1384].

Richard Norbury, mercer, John More, mercer, and John Norhamptone, draper, indicted before Nicholas Brembre, the Mayor of the City of London, by virtue of a certain writ, for that the said Richard Norbury and John More, on Thursday, the 11th February, 7 Richard II. [A.D. 1383-4], did feloniously and traitorously, together with others whose names they know not, rise in rebellion against Nicholas Brembre, the Mayor, the Aldermen, and other governors of the said City, and did cause many conventicles, assemblies, and covines to be made as well in the parish of St. Mary atte Bowe as elsewhere in the City and suburbs, whereby many doors and windows of houses and shops in Westchepe, Bugerowe, Fletestrete, and elsewhere in the City and suburbs that were open early in the morning were afterwards closed, as a sign of insurrection, and locked, and as much as in them lay they assembled the populace, feloniously and traitorously aiming at the death of the said Nicholas, the Mayor, and certain Aldermen and other good and wise men of the City, contrary to the King's peace, and to the ruin of the City and suburbs and government of the same had not a remedy been applied with strong hand by the said Mayor, Aldermen, and wise folk of the said City, with God's help; and that John Norhamptone aided and abetted the insurrection. (fn. 25)

This indictment the King sent with the above writ to the aforesaid Justices, bidding them proceed to delivery of the said Richard and other prisoners, &c. The prisoners were thereupon brought before the said Justices by the Constable of the Tower, to whose custody they had previously been committed by the King's order, and the said Richard Norbury and John More, being separately asked how they would acquit themselves of the charges, freely acknowledged themselves guilty. Thereupon judgment was pronounced that they be taken from the Tower through the midst of the City to Tyburne and there be hanged, and an inquest held as to their lands and chattels, &c. And the said John Norhamptone, then being asked how he would acquit himself of the charge of aiding and abetting, acknowledged himself guilty, &c. Judgment was therefore passed upon him as on the others. Thereupon came Michael de la Pole, the King's Chancellor, and produced the King's writs of Privy Seal dated the 12th September for the exe cution of the above judgments to be suspended until further notice. (fn. 26)

Folio cxc b.

Me ^d de £xv pertinent' pueris Thome Slynnere.

8 June, 8 Richard II. [A.D. 1385], came Thomas Raven, who had married Alice, daughter of Thomas Skynner, and asked for the delivery of his wife's property, her sister Cecilia having died leaving property to be divided between the said Alice and Johanna another sister. (fn. 27)

Afterwards, viz., on the 22nd Aug., 9 Richard II. [A.D. 1385], the above Johanna being married to John Hodessone, goldsmith, her property was delivered up by the Chamberlain.

Consimiles bille misse fuerunt cuil t Aldr'o xix die Junii anno r' r' [Ricardi] secundi octavo.

Precept to the Aldermen for an armed watch to be kept on the eves of St. John [24 June] and SS. Peter and Paul [29 June], and for themselves to come to St. Paul's Churchyard by 9 o'clock, and go with the Mayor through the City clothed in red, and their retinue and other good folks in white Precautions to be taken against fire, according to custom.