Folio clii - clx.
Exoneracio custodie Joh'is Dark.
Memorandum reciting proceedings touching the guardianship
of John, son of John Dark, shearman (tonsoris), recorded in
Letter-Book G, fos. xcvii and cclxxx [b], and further recording
that Gregory Willys had delivered out of Court to Hervey
Begge the sum of £40 for the use of the orphan; and that the
said Hervey had handed the money to Richard Odiham, the
Chamberlain, on the eve of the Nativity of St. John Bapt.
[24 June], 6 Richard II. [A.D. 1382], and that thereupon it had
been claimed by the orphan, who was of full age, and it had
been delivered to him.
Folio clii-clii b.
Whereas among other matters in divers charters touching
the City of London granted by the King and his ancestors, as
well as in divers ancient ordinances made by divers Mayors and
Commons, there is found written the substance of the articles
which follow, (fn. 1) it is agreed by the Mayor, Aldermen, and the
whole Common Council, on the eve of SS. Peter and Paul
[29 June], 6 Richard II. [A.D. 1382], viz.:—
Qe nui pessoner nautre voise pur forstaller vitailles.
That no fishmonger go to forestall fish by land or water, to
sell again, under penalty of forfeiture and imprisonment.
Qe nul pessoner nautre regratour herberge nul qi amesne pessoun a la Cite.
That no fishmonger harbour any alien or foreigner bringing
fish to the City for sale, and that no one of the City harbour
any victualler bringing victuals to the City in which he deals,
under similar penalty.
That every stranger, as well foreigner as alien, who brings
victuals to the City, to wit corn, salt, red herring (harang sor),
herring "de scone," (fn. 2) herring "poudre," (fn. 3) stockfish, salt fish,
salted salmon, sturgeon, "lampries" salted, eels fresh and salt,
garlick, onions, or other victuals whatsoever, which can abide
the time (q' se puissent le temps attendre), shall sell the same to
the King's buyers (achatours
(fn. 4) ) and those of other lords and to
the whole commonalty for their own proper use, and not to sell
again, and no fishmonger or other person whatsoever shall
buy by retail or wholesale any of the aforesaid victuals to sell
again; or enter their vessels or houses where they are staying
to bargain for such victuals to sell again, until they have been
exposed for sale in the market three whole days, under penalty
aforesaid.
That every stranger, as well foreigner as alien, who brings
fresh herring or other fresh fish of the sea (ou autre pessoun
de miei fressh) shall sell it on their vessels or in the streets of
Cornhulle and Westchepe without hindrance to the King's
buvers, &c., without cutting it up; and that no fishmonger or
other person who buys fish to sell again shall sell it at any other
time than between 11 A.M. and 1 P.M., and any fish brought after
11 A.M. shall not be offered for sale before 1 P.M. or else be
kept until the morrow, under penalty aforesaid.
That no fishmonger or other person buy sweet-water fish
(pessoun de eawe douce) to sell again, to wit, roach, barbel, dace,
flounder, "menuse," (fn. 5) smelt, 'lamprons," (fn. 6) "shrympes," or other
sweet-water fish, under penalty aforesaid; but those who catch
them may sell them, by themselves, their wives, and servants,
in the streets before named.
That no fishmonger or other person who is free of the City
associate for the purpose of trade with any strange victualler
bringing fish or other victual by land or water to the City, to
wit, by putting money into hand or investing it in nets or in
vessels or anything else touching victual; but it shall be lawful
for any freeman of the City to have vessels, nets, and other
necessaries for such victuals at his own venture and not
otherwise, on pain of losing his franchise, &c.
Folio cliii.
Judicium coilistr' pro carbon'.
Saturday the eve of SS. Peter and Paul [29 June], 6 Richard II.
[A.D. 1382], William Toky de Hatfeld "broodhoc" (fn. 7) convicted
before John Norhamptone, the Mayor, and the Aldermen, of
selling coal in false sacks and condemned to the pillory.
The same day Peter Flynchard de Chesthunte similarly
convicted and condemned to the pillory.
Wednesday before the Feast of St. Margaret [20 July],
6 Richard II. [A.D. 1382], ordinances made by the Mayor,
Aldermen, and Common Council, and ordered to be placed on
record on a petition being presented to them by the Commons
of the City (fn. 8) to the following effect, viz.:—
Whereas the Commons had heard that, contrary to certain
ordinances lately renewed touching the sale of salt and fresh
fish brought by strangers and foreigners to the City, by land
and water, to be sold there, fishmongers had entered into covin
with foreigners and forestalled fish at the sea-coast, whereby
much victual had been turned away from the City and been
sold in the country, and strangers and foreigners did not dare
bring their fish to the City, but delivered it to fishmongers,
who enhanced the price thereof—may it please their lordships
to ordain forthwith that all fish brought by strangers to the
City for sale be first offered to any persons willing to buy the
same for their own use, in such places and at such hours as are
appointed, and that punishment be inflicted on all embracers
(enbraceours).
And whereas many kinds of fish brought by foreigners to the
City by land were delayed and hidden in Suthwerk and elsewhere, so that it cannot reach the market in time, for which
they hold to blame William Bramptone, a fishmonger, Bailiff of
Suthwerk, the Commons further pray that he may be dis
charged from the said office and another appointed in his
place, who shall not be interested in the trade, to see
that fish brought by foreigners be forwarded to the market
without delay. Their prayer granted and the said Bailiff
dismissed.
And whereas during the Mayoralty of Nicholas Brembre (fn. 9) it
had been ordained by the Mayor, Aldermen, and the whole
Common Council, with the assent of the Fishmongers and others,
that all the masters who had charters for the governance of their
misteries should surrender them to the Mayor and the Chamberlain of the Guildhall; (fn. 10) and thereupon all the masters of the
City who had such charters did deliver them up as directed,
except only the Fishmongers, (fn. 11) who by pretence sent certain
patents which were not to the purpose, and kept back
their other charters which they ought to have surrendered:
the Commons pray that the said Fishmongers may be
made to surrender all their charters, as the other misteries
had done.
Thereupon their prayer was granted, and notice sent to the
Fishmongers to deliver their charters to the Mayor and
Chamberlain by Wednesday before the Feast of St. James
[25 July] next.
Also pray the said Commons that horses laden with fish,
fresh and salt, for sale in the City be not unloaded in Suthwerk or elsewhere before they arrive at the places appointed
by the Mayor, Aldermen, and Commonalty, to wit Cornhulle,
the Stokkes, [and] Westchepe.
Also they pray that strangers who bring sea fish to the City,
fresh or salt, for sale may stand at "les Stokkes" (fn. 12) as of old
accustomed.
Folio cliii b.
Qe pestours ne vendent plus qe xiij pur xii as huksters.
Also that no baker within the City or suburbs henceforth
sell any kind of bread to hucksters or others, for the purpose of
selling again, at more than thirteen loaves for the dozen, (fn. 13) under
penalty prescribed.
In order that the first petition and article aforesaid might
be better known to the common people, the Mayor, Aldermen,
and Common Council aforesaid caused a proclamation to be
made on Friday before the Feast of St. Margaret [20 July],
to the following effect, viz.:—
Qe pesson fressh et sale soit vendu par eux qi les amesnent as lieux limiter.
Whereas the Mayor, Aldermen, and Common Council had
heard that the last proclamation touching the sale of fish by
strangers and foreigners in the City had been misunderstood,
some persons thinking that it applied only to fish brought to
the City by water, whilst others thought that it applied to all
fish, the Mayor had caused the Aldermen and Common Council
to meet on Wednesday last, and after debate it had been
agreed to issue a new proclamation, to the effect that all kinds
of fish, salt or fresh, thenceforth brought to the City, either by
land or water by strangers, shall be sold by them or their
servants, and not by any one else, in the streets and places
appointed, and not elsewhere, under penalty; and that all fish
brought by land by foreigners or strangers, for sale in the City,
whether by cart, horse, or man, shall not be unloaded in part
or wholly before it has come to the places appointed, viz.:
Cornhulle, Westchepe, and Stokkes, and there be sold to the
King's buyers, and those of other lords, and to the Commons,
on certain days and at certain hours appointed in the former
proclamation.
Qe fisshmongers ne enbracent pessoun sur costier de mier.
Also that no fishmonger embrace (enbrace) fish at the seacoast to the hindrance of those who would otherwise bring it to
the City for sale, under penalty.
Combustio dosserior' et forisfactura pisciumineisdem.
Friday, the Feast of St. Peter ad Vincula [1 Aug.],
6 Richard II. [A.D. 1382], certain dossers of fish from the sea
belonging to fishmongers of the City were measured and found
deficient in the presence of John Norhamptone, the Mayor,
John Hende and John Rote, the Sheriffs, William Wodehous,
Thomas Karletone, John More, Simon Wynchcombe, John
Walcote, Adam Bamme, and John Sely, Aldermen. The
same to be burnt, and the fish confiscated, according to the
custom of the City, as appears in Letter-Book E, fos. xxix,
xxxii [b].
Names of the owners of the above dossers, viz., John Hanekyn,
Richard Giffard, William Turk, Hugh Denny, Walter Bristowe,
John Ragenel, Henry White, William Tornegold, John Pecche,
and Richard Stile.
The above judgment was carried out with the assent of the
aforesaid Mayor, John Hadle, William Wodehous, John Rote,
one of the Sheriffs, John Organ, John Estone, Adam de St. Ive,
Hervey Begge, Thomas Karletone, John More, Simon Wynchecombe, William More, John Walcote, Adam Bamme, and John
Sely, Aldermen, and John Hende, the other Sheriff, Adam
Stable, Sir Nicholas Twyford, John Warde, William Knyghtcote, William Tonge, Thomas Irlond, Adam Karlille, William
Baret, Thomas Cornwaleys, John Heylesdone, John Boseham,
William Kyng, John Fiesshe, Robert Lucas, Roger Elys,
Robert Boxford, John Redynge, John Hoo, Robert Warbultone,
William Badby, Richard Aylesbury, Geoffrey Neutone, Walter
Doget, Thomas Reynham, John Vyne, John Shelford, Richard
Prestone, John Clyvele, John Mortone, Thomas Noket, and
Elias de Thorp, who were summoned to the Guildhall on the
previous Wednesday on the aforesaid matter, because it was
seen that such dossers inflicted serious harm upon the King and
Commons.
On the following Saturday other dossers were measured in
the presence of the said Mayor, the Recorder, John Rote, John
Estone, Hervey Begge, Thomas Carletone, William Wodehous,
William Neuport, Adam de St. Ive, Adam Bamme, John More,
and John Sely, Aldermen, and being found deficient were
ordered to be burnt.
Folio cliv.
Names of the owners, viz., Hugh Denny, Walter Bristowe,
John Ragenel, Richard Stile, John Pecche, Henry White, and
John Poynant.
Ordinacio de harang'.
Tuesday after the eve of St. Laurence [10 Aug.], 6 Richard II.
[A.D. 1382], Thomas Welford, fishmonger, and all other fishmongers, ordered to sell herrings at the rate of nine a penny
and not less. (fn. 14)
Combustio dosser' et forisfactura pisciumin eisdem.
13 Aug., 6 Richard II. [A.D. 1382], two dossers of fish in the
possession of Henry White, fishmonger, seized. He declared
them to be the property of the Prior of the church of St. Mary
Overee in Southwerk. The dossers, being found deficient, were
ordered to be burnt and the fish confiscated.
Amocio Nich'i Extone ab officio Aldermanni.
Be it remembered that in a congregation of John Norhamptone, the Mayor, the Aldermen, and other good commoners of
certain misteries summoned for divers matters touching the
City, and assembled in the Upper Chamber of the Guildhall
on Wednesday before the Feast of St. Laurence [10 Aug.],
6 Richard II. [A.D. 1382], a petition was made to the said
Mayor and Aldermen by the Common Pleader at the instance
of the said Commoners, to the effect that Nicholas Extone,
Alderman of Queenhithe, (fn. 15) should be discharged from his office
of Alderman for opprobrious words used to the aforesaid
Mayor; and the said Nicholas himself, being present, likewise
asked to be discharged. And because the Mayor and Aldermen
desired more fully to consult the Common Council of the City
thereon, judgment was respited until the next Common Council.
On Saturday the eve of St. Laurence [10 Aug.], the Common
Council having met, another petition was presented praying the
discharge of Nicholas Exton, who himself also desired it, saying
that at the time of his election he had offered a large sum
of money to be discharged; there was no necessity for the
petitioners to state their reasons, inasmuch as they and the said
Nicholas desired the same thing. In the absence of the said
Nicholas judgment was again respited until the next Common
Council.
Eleccio Gilb'ti Manfeld in Aldr'm'.
On Saturday the morrow of the Assumption B. M. [15 Aug.],
the Common Council having met, a petition to similar effect
was again presented, and the said Nicholas having failed to
attend on summons by John Dustone, Clerk of the Chamber, it
was agreed that the said Nicholas should be discharged. Thereupon Gilbert Maunfeld was elected Alderman of the aforesaid Ward. (fn. 16)
Folio cliv b.
Judicium Ade Karlille.
Saturday the morrow of the Assumption B M [15 Aug.],
6 Richard II. [A.D. 1382], petition to the Mayor, Aldermen,
and Common Council assembled in the Upper Chamber
of the Guildhall by the commoners of the said Common
Council, complaining of Adam Carlelle (who had oftentimes
acted contrary to the public good, as appears during the
Mayoralty of John Hadle (fn. 17) ) having abused the strange fishmongers whilst selling their fish at the Stokkes according to
the ordinance thereon made, (fn. 18) and of having declared such an
ordinance to be unreasonable, and praying that he might be
debarred from filling any public office in the City and from
wearing a livery owing to his conduct. Their prayer granted. (fn. 19)
Judicium Reginaldi atte Chaumbre pro allec' et makarell' putrid'.
Saturday the eve of St. Bartholomew [24 Aug.], 6 Richard II.
[A.D. 1382], inquisition held before John Norhamptone, Mayor,
and the Aldermen as to particulars of a large amount of
unwholesome fish brought to the City for sale. The jurors,
viz., John Lawe, Geoffrey Coleman, John Westerham, Reginald
Coleman, and Robert Multone, cooks, John Filiol, fishmonger,
and Thomas Fisshe, John Patriche, John Essex, William
Reymond, Thomas Willyngham, and Walter Caustone, good
and experienced men of the City, find the fish to be bad and
to belong to Reginald atte Chaumbre. Thereupon the said
Reginald was condemned to stand on the pillory for one hour
on six market days, the fish being burnt under him; but inasmuch as he held office under the King, the punishment of the
pillory was respited until the King's wishes should be known. (fn. 20)
Folio clv.
Eleccio vicecomitum.
Sunday the Feast of St. Matthew [21 Sept.], 6 Richard II.
[A.D. 1382], in the presence of John Norhamptone, the Mayor,
William Cheyne, the Recorder, Sirs William Waleworth,
Nicholas Brembre, and John Philipot, John Hadle, John Rote,
John Estone, Adam St. Yve, William Wodehous, John More,
William More, John Kirtone, William Bys, Thomas Carletone,
John Walcote, Simon Wynchecombe, John Sely, Gilbert
Maunfeld, Aldermen, John Sely was elected Sheriff by the
Mayor for the year ensuing, and Adam Bamme by the Commonalty.
Afterwards, viz., on Saturday the eve of St. Michael
[29 Sept.], the said Sheriffs were sworn at the Guildhall, and
on the morrow of St. Michael were accepted before the Barons
of the Exchequer at Westminster.
Auditores pro compot' Cam'arii et Pont' aud'.
On the aforesaid Sunday John Estone and John Walcote,
Aldermen, John Vyne, John Loveye, Geoffrey Crymelford, and
John Franceys, 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 Westminster, on Monday in the
octave of St. Michael. (fn. 21) No Sheriff to be returned. Witness
the King at Wodestok, 9 Aug., 6 Richard II. [A.D. 1382].
Nomina elector' pro parliamento.
Pursuant to the above writ, John More and Thomas Karletone, Aldermen, and William Essex and Richard Norbury,
Commoners, were elected.
Judicium collist' pro magua arte.
4 Oct., 6 Richard II. [A.D. 1382], Robert Berewold condemned to the pillory for having used magic with a loaf and
knives, and falsely accused Johanna Wolsy of having stolen a
mazer cup from the house of Matilda de Eye, in the parish
of St. Mildred in the Poultry, at the instigation of Alan
"waterberere," who was ordered to make public confession of
having defamed the said Johanna. (fn. 22)
Ordinacio abrocariorum.
Folio clv b.
Saturday before the Feast of Translation of St. Edward
[13 Oct.], 6 Richard II. [A.D. 1382], a proclamation made
touching brokers, to the effect, viz., that only those shall act as
brokers who have been elected by those misteries that require
them; that such misteries shall not elect more than two, three,
or four brokers, according to requirements, who shall be
presented before the Mayor; that they meddle not in any
bargain which is not between those of the mistery which elected
them, or at least the vendor and purchaser must be of the same
mistery; that a bargain be made in the presence of both parties,
and that the broker keep a record of particulars as evidence;
that any broker convicted of false bargain (faux bargayn de
chevance) or of usury be brought to the Guildhall, and thence
carried with minstrelsy to the pillory on Cornhulle, his head
uncovered, his feet bare, without a girdle, and sitting on a
horse without a saddle, his head to the horse's tail, to
remain there for an hour, and thence to be carried back
to prison, where he is to remain four weeks, unless he
pay to the Chamberlain the sum of £20 for the use of the
Commonalty; on his being convicted of the same offence a
second time the penalty is to be doubled, and he is to be
discharged from office; that no foreigner be elected broker,
unless he be of good repute, and find surety of men of the
mistery who elect him for his good behaviour, and for the payment
of 40s. yearly to the Chamberlain; that no broker traffic with
his own goods, or the goods of another, on pain of paying to
the Chamberlain double their value; and that those misteries
requiring brokers shall elect them within eight days of this
proclamation.
Also that those who have any grievance against Sheriffs,
Clerks, Serjeants, Bailiffs, officials of Neugate gaol, &c., do
make complaint before the Mayor and Aldermen. (fn. 23)
Also that those who have suffered extortion at the hands of
any hosteler do complain to the Mayor.
Abrocarii Grossarior' presentati et jur'.
Afterwards, viz., on the 11th October, the same year, good
men of the mistery of "Grossers" presented to the Mayor and
Aldermen John Lokes and John Hanney to be brokers of their
mistery, and they were sworn.
Abroc' Pelli par' present' et jurati.
The same day Thomas Wiltshire and Roger Tyes were
presented by Skinners to the same office, and they were sworn.
Abrocarius Grossar'.
Also on the 17th Dec., 6 Richard II. [A.D. 1382], Peter
Bandy, "Lumbard," servant of Gerard Beck, was admitted and
sworn broker for the "Grossers."
De usura.
11 Dec., 6 Richard II. [A.D. 1382], the time limit of forty days
within which a plaintiff had to bring his plaint touching false
contracts and usury, as ordained temp. John Not, Mayor, and as
it is recorded in Letter-Book G, fo. cxviii, (fn. 24) abolished, the
plaintiff to be subject to a penalty at the discretion of the
Mayor and Aldermen if his plaint prove to be tortious.
Abrocarius Grossar'.
17 Jan., 6 Richard II. [A.D. 1382-3], John Philip, a Lombard
of Pistoia, admitted and sworn broker of "Grossers."
7 October, 6 Richard II. [A.D. 1382], letter of Privy Seal from
the King to the Sheriffs, Aldermen, and Commons of the City,
charging them to elect a discreet and wise Mayor at the coming
election, and notifying that should they re-elect John de Norhamptone, it would be agreeable to the King, who had heard
well of him, but that it was not the King's intention to interfere
in the free election of a Mayor by the citizens. Dated at the
King's Manor of Shene, 6 Oct., 6 Richard II. [A.D. 1382].
The above letter having been read, the said John de
Norhamptone was asked to accept the office of Mayor for the
year ensuing, but he declined.
L'ra missa Joh'i Norhamptone Maiori per d'um Reg' essendi Maior pro a° futuro.
Thereupon on Monday the Feast of Translation of St. Edward
[13 Oct.], there being assembled in the Hall of the Guildhall
the above Mayor, John Philipot, Knt., John Hadle, William
Wodehous, John Rote, John Organ, John Kirtone, Adam de
St Ive, Hervey Begge, Thomas Carletone, John More, William
More, Simon Wynchecombe, William Bys, John Walcote,
Gilbert Maunfeld, Adam Bamme, and John Sely, Aldermen, and
an immense Commonalty, for the purpose of electing a Mayor
for the year ensuing, another letter from the King, addressed to
John de Norhamptone, the Mayor, was read, praying him to
accept office in the event of his being re-elected, the letter being
dated at Westminster, 12 Oct.; and although the said Mayor,
by the custom of the City, was not bound again to accept office, (fn. 25)
he nevertheless agreed to serve as Mayor for the year ensuing
on account of his reverence for the King and the instant request
of the said Aldermen, Sheriffs, and Commonalty; and on the
Feast of SS. Simon and Jude [28 Oct.] he was sworn at the
Guildhall, and on the morrow was admitted and sworn before
the Treasurer and Barons of the Exchequer at Westminster.
Folio clvi.
De hostillers et braceours vendent cervoise par plein mesure galoun potel quarte et pynte et nemye par hanaps.
Saturday the Feast of St. Luke [18 Oct.], 6 Richard II.
[A.D. 1382], proclamation to the effect that hostelers and brewers (fn. 26)
sell ale by full measure such as their hosts may require, whether
gallon, potel, quart, or gill, and not by any other measure,
under penalty prescribed.
Des couperes.
Also that coopers and others who make such pots for sale
thenceforth only sell and buy gallons, potels, quarts, and gills
of good and lawful assize.
Br'e officii Coron'.
Writ to the Mayor and Sheriffs to admit Richard Wellesbourne as deputy to John Sleghe, the King's Butler, to whom
appertains the office of Coroner in the City. Witness the King
at Westminster, 15 Nov., 6 Richard II. [A.D. 1382].
Pursuant to the above writ the aforesaid Richard was sworn
to execute the office of Coroner in the Husting for Common
Pleas held on Monday before the Feast of St. Edmund the
King [20 Nov.], 6 Richard II. [A.D. 1382].
Br'e officii Coron'.
Similar writ to admit John Charney as deputy to the above
John Sleghe in place of the above Richard Wellesbourne.
Witness the King at Westminster, 30 Dec., 6 Richard II.
[A.D. 1382].
Br'e de eodem.
Similar writ to admit Henry de Shelford as deputy to John
Sleghe, Coroner of the City, for one month, in place of the above
John Charneye, who was engaged on other business. Witness
the King at Westminster, 21 Jan., 6 Richard II. [A.D. 1382-3].
Folio clvi b.
Masters of Misteries sworn.
Barbers: Richard Capoll and John Haydone sworn to rule
the mistery and present defaults for the year ensuing, 19 Sept.,
6 Richard II. [A.D. 1382].
Tapicers: Thomas Bysouth and Richard atte Welle similarly
sworn, 11 Oct.
Whittawiers: William Herlawe and John Haverylle similarly
sworn, 14 Oct.
Fullers: Peter Persold and Henry Austyn. [No date.]
Skinners: Peter Mildenale, Roger Martin, and John Multone.
[No date.]
Cordwainers: Thomas Brehille, Ralph Castel, Richard Pirie,
Simon Cok, John Fery, and John Cantebrigge similarly sworn,
10 Nov.
Flemish Weavers: William Milnere of Flanders and Piers
Van Braghan of Brabant similarly sworn, 20 Nov.
English Weavers: William Gorynge and John Wille similarly
sworn, 21 Nov.
Girdlers: Henry Norffolk, Roger atte Hacche, and William
Bon Jon similarly sworn, 22 Nov.
Hurers: Thomas Depham, "cappere," John Goodchep, John
Camerwelle, and William Stierger similarly sworn, 28 Nov.
Shethers: John Andre, Simon Shethere, and John Ryelee
similarly sworn, 8 Jan., 6 Richard II. [A.D. 1382-3].
Cutlers: Walter Kyntone, Robert Austyn, Thomas Ermyn,
and John Huwet similarly sworn, 28 May, 6 Richard II.
[A.D. 1383].
Br'e officii Coron'.
Writ to the Mayor and Sheriffs to reinstate John Charneye
as deputy Coroner. Witness the King at Westminster, 18 Feb.,
6 Richard II. [A.D. 1382-3].
Folio clvii.
Judicium collistr'.
Whereas John Coulynge, servant of John Yonge, citizen and
"stokfisshmongere," was found standing, on the 30th October,
6 Richard II. [A.D. 1382], among foreigners bringing fish to
London for sale at "le Stokkes," and there exposed fresh
herring for sale like a foreigner, to the deceit of the Commonalty,
and offered to sell six herrings for a penny, and did so sell
them, although he had himself purchased the same fish the
previous day at Billyngesgate at twenty-two for a penny; he
was arrested and brought before the Mayor and Aldermen in
the Chamber of the Guildhall. In defence he declared that on
the previous day his master had sent him to Billyngesgate to
buy the said fish between the hours of nine and ten o'clock,
and he bought the same at twenty-two for a penny, pretending
that he would salt them for himself and servants to eat; that
his said master the same day told him to go to "le Stokkes"
and stand among the foreigners and offer to sell the herrings at
six a penny and no more, and this he did by his master's orders.
The master acknowledged this to be true, and put himself on
the favour of the Court. Thereupon the said John Yonge was
condemned to prison for forty days for having sold fish by his
servant at unlawful hours, no fish being allowed to be sold except
between 11 A.M. and 1 P.M.; and further, he was ordered to stand
on the pillory at Cornhulle for an hour with some of the herrings
hanging from his neck for endeavouring to enhance the market.
Afterwards, viz., on the 10th Nov., he was pardoned the rest
of his term of imprisonment.
Judicium imprisonamenti.
7 Nov., 6 Richard II. [A.D. 1382], Nicholas Maynard, John
Seman, Thomas Dadyngtone, and Richard Fiffyde, severally
questioned before the Mayor and Aldermen in the Inner
Chamber of the Guildhall, for that a certain John Filiol, fishmonger, had declared on a certain day in the house of the said
Thomas Dadyngtone that John Norhamptone, the Mayor, had
falsely and maliciously deprived them of their livelihood. Whereupon the said Richard Fiffyde had said that he and all other
fishmongers of London were bound to put their hands under the
feet of Nicholas Extone (fn. 27) for his good deeds and words on behalf
of the aforesaid mistery. Whereupon the above Nicholas Maynard had said that he would not have been in the place of
Nicholas Extone at the last Common Council (fn. 28) for Dadyngtone's
house full of gold; to which John Fylyol had replied that for
half the money he would have called the Mayor a false
scoundrel or "harelot," and would be pleased to fight him
at Horsedoune, &c.
Deliberacio joh'is Filiol.
The said John Filiol, having acknowledged that he had thus
spoken, was on the 10th Nov. committed for a year to a place
called "Bocardo" in Neugate, but on the 6th Dec. he was
released on the surety of William Naufretone and others [not
named]. (fn. 29)
Comissio pro delib'acione de Neugate.
Letters patent appointing Robert Tresilian, Robert Bealknape,
John Norhamptone, the Mayor, William Cheyne, and William
Rykhille, or any four, three, or two of them (the Mayor being
one), to be commissioners for gaol-delivery of Neugate. Witness
the King at Westminster, 10 Nov., 6 Richard II. [A.D. 1382].
Judicium inprisonamenti pro Nich'o Extone.
Whereas at the Parliament held at Westminster after the
Feast of St. Michael [29 Sept.], 6 Richard II. [A.D. 1382], (fn. 30) came
oftentimes Nicholas Extone, citizen and fishmonger, with many
fishmongers, his adherents, and opposed the Mayor, Aldermen,
and Commonalty, as if setting up rivalry with them (quasi cum
eis pareyam faciendo
(fn. 31) ), contrary to his franchise, and annulling as
far as possible ordinances made by the Mayor and Aldermen
for the common good, and had declared before all the lords of
the realm there assembled that the said Mayor and Aldermen
had ordained that no one of the mistery of fishmongers of
London should buy any fresh fish on the sea-coast, when no
such ordinance had been made, and so had lied about the Mayor
and Aldermen in full Parliament. And whereas, moreover,
he had alleged in the said Parliament that inasmuch as it had
been ordained by the said Mayor and Aldermen that foreigners
bringing fish to London for sale may cut them up and sell them
piecemeal, it seemed to him useful and profitable to the whole
Commonalty of the realm that any foreigner within the City
should be allowed to sell other merchandise piecemeal by retail,
an expression which sounded contrary to the liberty of the City
and a manifest injury to all citizens. And further, the said
Nicholas had declared in the same Parliament, before the
Knights of the Shires in the refectory of the Abbey of Westminster, that had he been found at home the previous night he
would have been arrested and led by the Mayor's orders
through the midst of Chepe like a robber and cutpurse.
Whereupon the Mayor, wishing to consult the Aldermen on
the matter, caused them to be summoned for Wednesday
before the Feast of St. Edmund the King [20 Nov.], 6 Richard II.
[A.D. 1382], and on their meeting in the Chamber of the
Guildhall and discussing the matter an altercation arose, some
of them perceiving that they could not determine upon words
and deeds said or done in Parliament nor give judgment
thereon, whilst others thought the contrary. Thereupon the
Mayor and divers Aldermen proposed to go to the King and
Council for advice. When the said Nicholas, who was then
present in the Chamber, perceived this, he asked to be permitted
to put himself on the favour of the Mayor and to be judged by
him and the Aldermen at their discretion, and prayed them not
to go to the King and Council for judgment. His prayer
granted, and judgment passed upon him of imprisonment for a
year unless he found favour before the end of the term, and he
is to abjure the liberty of the City and not regain it without the
assent of the Mayor, Aldermen, and Common Council.
The same day the punishment of imprisonment was remitted
at the request of the Aldermen.
Afterwards, viz., on Monday before the Feast of St. Katherine [25 Nov.] following, the said Nicholas was mainprised by
John Wrothe, John Kirketone, William Stachesdene, and
Thomas Lincoln that he would be of good behaviour, under
penalty of paying 1,000 marks to the Chamber of the City. (fn. 32)
Folio clvii b.
Juduium inprisonamenti pro Joh'e Foxtone.
12 Nov., 6 Richard II. [A.D. 1382], John Foxtone convicted of
having deceitfully caused William Warde, a "cuteler" of the
city of York, to be admitted a freeman in the mistery of
Bladers (i.e., Cornmongers) instead of that of the Cutlers, and of
having defamed an Alderman. Judgment that he be imprisoned
and fined. The imprisonment afterwards remitted. (fn. 33)
Folio clviii.
Compot' Nich'i Twyford.
Account rendered by Sir Nicholas Twyford touching his
guardianship of John, son and heir of ...... Twyford, viz.,
from the Feast of All Saints [1 Nov.], 42 Edward III [A.D. 1368],
to the same Feast, anno 6 Richard II. [A.D. 1382], before Adam
Bamme, John Estone, and John Reche, Common Pleader, as
auditors. The following names occur, viz., Fulk Horwode,
Thomas Alstre, John Treweman, John Drynkewater, and
James Andrew.
Custodia Thome et Alicie fil' Joh'is Helpestone.
1 Dec., 6 Richard II. [A.D. 1382], the guardianship of Thomas
and Alice, children of John Helpestone, late "pulter," committed to John Hedyer, "fruter," by John Norhamptone, the
Mayor, and Richard Odyham, the Chamberlain. Sureties,
viz., William Hert, baker, and John Chyvele, tailor.
Afterwards, viz., on the 22nd Jan., 21 Richard II. [A.D. 1397-8],
came the above Thomas and also John Trumpyngtone,
"shether," who had married the above Alice, and acknowledged satisfaction for their property.
Folio clviii b-clix.
Writ to the Sheriffs reciting a statute made in the last
Parliament at Westminster, (fn. 34) and bidding them proclaim the
same and see it observed. Witness the King at Westminster, 24 Oct., 6 Richard II. [A.D. 1382].
Folio clix b.
Carta d'm Regis tangens ordinac' usurariorum.
Letters patent to the effect that on the petition of the Mayor,
Aldermen, and Commonalty to the King and his Council in the
last Parliament for the confirmation of ordinances against
usury, &c., the King had declared that the Common Law and
good usages and customs of the City sufficed to punish offenders
without the interference of Holy Church, whose jurisdiction he
wished in no way to prejudice. (fn. 35) Witness the King at Westminster, 25 Oct., 6 Richard II. [A.D. 1382].
L'ra d'm Regis patens pro una xv' levanda in civitate London'.
Letters patent appointing John Hende, John Shadeworth,
Henry Vanner, and William Staundone to levy and collect in
the City and suburbs the amount customary in such cases to
satisfy a grant made to the King in the Parliament which
commenced to sit at Westminster on Monday the octave of
St. Michael last past. (fn. 36) Witness the King at Westminster,
2 Nov., 6 Richard II. [A.D. 1382].
Bille misse cuil't Aldr'o pro xva levanda.
Precept to the Aldermen to assess and levy a sum equal to
a fifteenth in their several Wards, pursuant to the above.
Dated 9 Dec.
Folio clx.
Judicium collistr' pro uno velamine fur ato.
5 Dec., 6 Richard II. [A.D. 1382], William Norhamptone,
"cobelere," convicted of conspiring with Alice, wife of John
Byntham, who had been suspected of purloining a veil called
"Parys keverchief" from Alice, wife of Andrew Trig, and of
pretending to practise magic. Punishment of the pillory. (fn. 37)
Qe pestours qi vignent a lour Halymot ne serront amerciez.
Be it remembered that at a Common Council held the
11th Dec., 6 Richard II. [A.D. 1382], a suggestion was made by
the Bakers of London that whereas they had always been
accustomed to come before the Mayor and Sheriffs twice a
year to their courts, called "Halymotz," held in the church of
St. Thomas de Acres, and those who failed to appear personally
were fined 42 pence to the use of the Sheriffs, and those who
came late were fined 21 pence, the said system was unreasonable,
and they prayed a remedy. Thereupon it was ordained that
those who attended the courts once a year should not be fined,
but those attending neither of them should be fined 42 pence.
Qe nul Alderm' soit eslieu devaunt le feste del Pur'.
Also that no Alderman be elected in any Ward thenceforth
before the Feast of the Purification [2 Feb.], but it shall be
lawful for any Ward to elect their Alderman between the said
Feast and the Feast of St. Gregory [12 March] next ensuing
when they please, so that at all times the names of those elected
be returned to the Mayor for the time being before the said
Feast of St. Gregory, in order that they may be at the Guildhall
at the same Feast to undertake their charge.
Sursum redducio porte de Aldresgate concesse Joh'i Beauchamp que Rad'us Strode tenuit.
Whereas of late, temp. Nicholas Brembre, Mayor, a grant
was made under the Common Seal of a mansion over Aldrichesgate, together with a garden adjacent, to Ralph Strode, Common Pleader, for life, as appears supra on fo. lxxviii [b]; and
during the same Mayoralty certain tenements over Ludgate
were granted to William Wircestre and Philip Waleworth,
Serjeants of the Chamber, together with the custody of the
said gate, so long as they remained in office, as appears supra
on fo. xci; and whereas the said Ralph had of his own accord
relinquished his office, and thereby forfeited his title to the
mansion aforesaid, (fn. 38) and the said William and Philip had the
same day surrendered their tenements over Ludgate—the Mayor
and Aldermen, at the repeated request of the King, have granted
to John Beauchamp, the King's esquire, all the buildings over
Ludgate, to hold the same during the pleasure of the Mayor,
Aldermen, and Commonalty for the time being, the custody of
the said gate being reserved; and have further granted to the
said William Wircestre and Philip Waleworth the aforesaid
mansion over Aldrichesgate, with garden and custody of the
gate, to be held by them so long as they remain in office.
Afterwards, the Mayor, Aldermen, and Commonalty having
ordained that a free prison for freemen of the City for debts
and other small trespasses and plaints should be established
in the said houses over Ludgate, (fn. 39) the aforesaid John Beauchamp prayed that he might have the said houses and garden
over Aldrichesgate, and the same were granted to him, saving
the custody of the said gate; and thereupon Ludgate and its
houses were again granted as before to the said William and
Philip, and they continued to hold them until the surrender
aforesaid for the purpose of a free prison.
Folio clx b.
Custodia Simonis fil' Joh'is Bristowe.
10 Jan., 6 Richard II. [A.D. 1382-3], the guardianship of
Simon, son of John Bristowe, fuller, committed by John Norhamptone, the Mayor, and Richard Odiham, the Chamberlain,
to John Swift, fuller, and Isabella his wife, widow of the said
John Bristowe. Sureties, viz., John Claveryng, "dighere," and
Nicholas Rameseye, fishmonger.