Memorials: 1319

Memorials of London and London Life in the 13th, 14th and 15th Centuries. Originally published by Longmans, Green, London, 1868.

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'Memorials: 1319', in Memorials of London and London Life in the 13th, 14th and 15th Centuries, (London, 1868) pp. 130-133. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/no-series/memorials-london-life/pp130-133 [accessed 20 April 2024]

In this section

Inventory of cloths, seized in satisfaction for a debt due to London Merchants from the Commune of Malyns.

12 Edward II. A.D. 1319. Letter-Book E. fol. lxxxvi. (Latin.)

Be it remembered, that whereas a plea was moved before John de Wengrave, Mayor of the City of London, on the Thursday next before the Feast of the Apostles Simon and Jude [28 October], in the 12th year of the reign of King Edward, son of King Edward, between Luke de Haveryng and James Beauflur, merchant of the said city, complainants, and the Commune of the town (fn. 1) Of Malyns, (fn. 2) for goods and chattels belonging to the said Luke and James by the aforesaid Commune arrested, and in the hands thereof long detained; and process between the same parties had been continued until the Saturday next after the Octave of the Purification of St. Mary [2 February] in the year before-mentioned; it was adjudged by the Mayor aforesaid, Robert de Keleseie, and other Aldermen, then present at the Guildhall, and John Poyntel, one of the Sheriffs of the said city, there being, that the said Luke and James should recover against the said Commune, for the goods and chattels of theirs that were deficient at the time of the delivery to them of their goods, the sum of 240 pounds, and for damages incurred by reason of the arrest aforesaid, 100 pounds.

And the aforesaid Luke and James forthwith, for the nurture of concord, forgave the said Commune of the town of Malyns the said 340 pounds, save and except the sum of 200 marks, part thereof, which were to the said Luke and James to be paid. And thereupon, on the Friday next before the Feast of the Annunciation of St. Mary [25 March] in the year aforesaid, there were attached certain cloths belonging to the Commune of the said town of Malyns, and brought to the Guildhall, and in presence of the said Mayor, and of William de Flete, Robert Motoun, William de Combe, John Belle, James de Fulmer, and Adam atte Bowe, sworn duly to make appraisement, appraised; that is to say:—

Two vermilion scarlets, value 16 pounds. Also, one cloth of brown russet, value 8 marks. Also, one cloth of mesne blue, (fn. 3) value 100 shillings. Also, one brown medley, value 8 marks. Also, one sursie, (fn. 4) value 5½ marks. Also, one marbryn (fn. 5) brown medley, value 6½ marks. Also, one murre (fn. 6) in grain, value 7l. 6s. 8d. Also, one brown medley, value 6½ marks. Also, one vermilion medley in grain, (fn. 7) value 7 pounds. Also, one cloth of brown russet medley, value 6½ marks. Also, two sanguynes in grain, (fn. 8) value 15 pounds. Also, one vermilion cheker, value 4 marks. Also, one cloth of Genoa, value 4 marks. Also, two acoles medley, (fn. 9) value by the piece, 50 shillings. Also, two acoles medley, value by the piece, 4 marks. Also, two medleys of Genoa, value by the piece, 50 shillings. Also, three short scarlets, value by the piece, 100 shillings. Also, five red medleys, value by the piece, 5 marks.

Which cloths, after being appraised as stated, were placed in the custody of Henry Darcy, draper; to remain in his charge until the said Luke and James should have been fully satisfied as to payment of the aforesaid 200 marks, at certain times between the same parties agreed. And if the said Commune should make default in payment of the said 200 marks, as before stated, then the said cloths were to be forthwith delivered to the said Luke and James, to do therewith whatever they might please.

Lease of a Tavern at the head of London Bridge; with covenant as to the sale of wines.

12 Edward II. A.D. 1319. Letter-Book E. fol. xxv. (Norman French.)

On Friday the Eve of the Translation of Saint Thomas the Martyr [7 July], in the 12th year, there was read and acknowledged a certain writing, in these words.—

"Be it known to all those who this letter partite shall see or hear, that Thomas Drynkewatre, taverner of London, has let to James Beauflur, (fn. 10) citizen and vintner of London, all his tavern which he holds in the Parish of St. Olave; (fn. 11) which tavern the same Thomas has recently built at the head of London Bridge; to have and to hold all the same tavern, with the appurtenances, to the said James, and to his heirs and his assigns, from the Feast of Christmas in the 11th year of the reign of King Edward, son of King Edward, to the full end of six years next ensuing, freely, wholly, well, and peaceably, for a sum of money which the same James has paid to the said Thomas beforehand towards the improvement of the said tavern, and towards expediting the business of the said Thomas; by receipt whereof he holds himself as fully recompensed. And the same Thomas, his heirs, and his assigns, shall warrant, acquit, and defend the aforesaid tavern, with the appurtenances, to the said James and to his assigns for all the term aforesaid. And further, the same Thomas agrees to sell the wines of the said James that are broached in the said tavern, throughout the whole term aforesaid; and is to give to him good and lawful account of such sale, and of as much as he shall have received of him in the meantime, according as shall be found by tallies and writings which in the meantime they shall have made thereon, so often as the same James shall desire to demand such account; and at least twice in the year, that is to say, at Easter and at the Feast of Saint Michael; upon taking which account, the same Thomas is to account for all that of the said James he shall have received; the said James also making allowance in the same account for all manner of expenses necessary and due up to that day, and 20 shillings for his gown. (fn. 12) And the same Thomas is to find hanaps of silver (fn. 13) and of wood, curtains, (fn. 14) cloths, (fn. 15) and other things necessary for the tavern. In witness of the truth whereof, the parties aforesaid have to this indenture interchangeably set their seals. Given at London, on Christmas Eve, in the year aforesaid. Of this are witnesses, Ralph de Storteford, William le Cotiller, Robert de Borham, Robert and Richard de Barsham, clerks, and others."

Punishment of the Pillory, for selling putrid beef.

13 Edward II. A.D. 1319. Letter-Book E. fol. xciv. (Latin.)

Be it remembered, that on the Sunday next after the Feast of All Hallows [1 November] in the 13th year of King Edward, son of King Edward, Adam de St. Alban's, William ate Ramme, Nicholas Dereman, and Gilbert de Dullyngham, sworn wardens for overseeing the flesh-meat brought to the shambles called "les Stokkes," (fn. 16) came before Hamon de Chiggewelle, Mayor, John de Wengrave, William de Leyre, and other Aldermen, and Simon de Abyndone and John de Prestone, the Sheriffs, and caused to be brought before the said Mayor and Aldermen two beef carcasses, putrid and poisonous, the same having been taken from William Sperlyng of West Hamme, he intending to sell the same at the said shambles.

And the said William appeared before the Mayor and Aldermen aforesaid, and readily admitted that he did intend there to have sold those two carcasses; but he says that the flesh thereof is good and clean, and fit for human food; and he demands that inquisition be forthwith made thereon. And the jury, by William ate Ramme, Adam de St. Alban's, John le Chaundeler of St. Laurence Lane, and nine others, say upon their oath, that the said carcasses are putrid and poisonous, and are bodies that have died of disease. Therefore it was adjudged by the Mayor and Aldermen aforesaid, that the said William Sperlyng should be put upon the pillory, and the said carcasses burnt beneath him.

Footnotes

  • 1. villœ.
  • 2. Malines, or Mechlin.
  • 3. "Middling;" probably meaning, light blue.
  • 4. Perhaps for cursie, meaning, a "kersey."
  • 5. ? Marbled, or mottled.
  • 6. Or "murrey," a dark red.
  • 7. Dyed with the kermes, the coccus ilicis.
  • 8. Cloths of crimson, or blood colour, are meant.
  • 9. This cloth cannot perhaps be now identified. It was probably an Italian cloth, known as "aclus," or "acoletus."
  • 10. It seems doubtful if this can be the London merchant named in the preceding article.
  • 11. In Southwark. This house, in all probability, was identical with the "Bear at the Bridge foot," famous as a house of entertainment in the 14th, 15th, and 16th, centuries.
  • 12. robe. Probably presented to Thomas, on completion of the arrangement.
  • 13. Handled mugs.
  • 14. To be placed before the casks whi are broached.
  • 15. gaches.
  • 16. The Stocks. This market stood on the site of the present Mansion House.