Folio li - lxi.
Custuma Wysde pro mercator Aleman'.
Wednesday after the Feast of St. Michael [29 Sept.], 30 Edward III. [A.D. 1356], it was ordained and agreed by the Mayor
and Aldermen that merchants of the Hanse of Almaine ought
to give by way of custom for every tun of woad 3 pence and
no more, whereof one moiety appertains to the Sheriffs and the
other to those host.s who are of the freedom of the City, and in
whose houses the said merchants are received. (fn. 1)
Br'e de super sed' de execucione fac' br'is de Cellar' con fecti.
Writ to the Mayor and Sheriffs explaining that a former writ
of supersedeas touching the destruction of unlawful girdles made
by Saddlers was not intended to apply to other makers of such girdles. Witness the King at Westminster, 8 Sept., 30 Edward III. [A.D. 1356].
Eleccio Vic'.
Wednesday the Feast of St. Matthew [21 Sept.], 30 Edward III. [A.D. 1356], there were assembled in the Guildhall
Simon Fraunceis, the Mayor, the Aldermen, and an immense
Commonalty, for the purpose of electing Sheriffs for the
year ensuing. And the aforesaid Simon the Mayor elected
Richard de Notyngham, and the Commonalty elected Thomas
Dolsely.
Br'e pro militib' faciend' de proclamanao etc.
Writ to the Sheriffs to make proclamation for all those who
were qualified to become knights and had not become so to
do so without delay, and further to make a return of those
possessing the qualification. Witness the King at Westminster,
5 Aug., 30 Edward III. [A.D. 1356].
Return to the above writ. (fn. 2)
Folio li b.
At a congregation of the Mayor and Aldermen and an
immense Commonalty in the Guildhall on Thursday the morrow
of the Translation of St. Edward the King [13 Oct.], 30 Edward III. [A.D. 1356]—there being present Simon Fraunceis, the
Mayor, John Lovekyn, Thomas Leggy, Adam Fraunceis,
Richard [de Notyngham (fn. 3) ], Henry Pykard, John de St.odeye,
Roger de Depham, John Pecche, Adam de Bury, John Little,
William Welde, William de Tudenham, John CoSt.antyn, Richard
de Notyngham [sic], Thomas Dolsely, Simon de Worstede,
Bartholomew Frestlynge, Ralph de Lenne, Thomas Perle, and
Adam Brabasoun, Aldermen, and an immense Commonalty—.
Eleccio Maioris
.
Henry Pykard was elected Mayor for the year ensuing, &c.
In the same congregation Thomas de Lillyng stone, John de
Mortone, Richard de Rothewelle, clerks of the Sheriffs, Robert
de Kaytone......
Also Peter "Macz" Doulton was sworn Keeper of the gaol
of Neugate.
Br'e pro Zonar' de falso opere Zonar combur endo de proclamand'.
Writ to the Mayor and Sheriffs to make proclamation that
the ordinance confirmed in the Parliament held at Westminster
after the Feast of the Purification [2 Feb.], anno I Edward III.
[A.D. 1326-7], forbidding the making of girdles with inferior
metal, be duly observed. Witness the King at Westminster,
20 Oct., 30 Edward III. [A.D. 1356].
Folio lii.
Deliberacio catall' Isabelle fil' Joh'is Merwe pelli par' plene etat' existent'
.
Tuesday the Feast of St. Luke [18 Oct.], 30 Edward III.
[A.D. 1356], came Isabella, daughter of John Merwe, (fn. 4) skinner,
into the Chamber of the Guildhall before Simon Fraunceys, the
Mayor, Roger de Depham, Alderman, and Thomas de Waldene,
the Chamberlain, and declaring herself to be of full age
demanded her patrimony. Whereupon precept issued to John
de Kaytone, serjeant, to summon Walter Page, skinner, who
had been appointed guardian of the said Isabella and of Walter
and Nicholas her brothers, upon the marriage of Agnes their
mother to Robert de Makeseye, skinner. On the day named
the said Walter appeared together with the said Isabella, and
the latter acknowledged that she had been satisfied, and the
said Walter was quit.
Temp Henry Pycard, Mayor, anno 30.
Br'e pro Ph'o de Navarr de proclam'.
Writ to the Sheriffs to make proclamation that no one molest
the subjects of Philip of Navarre, (fn. 5) Count of Longueville and
Lord of Cassell, who had made submission to the King of England, and whose subjects had been taken under his protection. (fn. 6)
Witness the King at Westminster, 30 Oct., 30 Edward III.
[A.D. 1356].
Proclamation made accordingly on Thursday after the Feast
of All Saints [1 Nov.]. The writ remains in the possession of
Thomas Dolsely and Richard de Not[ingham], Sheriffs.
Obligacio Prioris et convent' eccl'ie Sancte Trinitat' London' pro £xxvi xiiis. iiijd. assign' Thom' et Will'o filiis Will' i de Caustone.
.
Bond entered into by Nicholas, the Prior of Holy Trinity
Christchurch, and convent of the same, to account for a sum of
money bequeathed by William de Caustone , mercer, to Thomas
and William, sons of William de Caustone , son of the aforesaid
William. (fn. 7) Dated in their Chapter in London, the eve of All
Saints [1 Nov.], 30 Edward III. [A.D. 1356].
Br'e pro Sellar' de supersedena' singulos non comburendo.. eisdem restituendo.
Writ of supersedeas to the Mayor and Sheriffs touching the
execution of a writ for the destruction of false girdles, until
the matter has been decided by Parliament, to which both
Girdlers and Saddlers are to be summoned. Witness the King
at Westminster, 26 Oct., 30 Edward III. [A.D. 1356].
The following Girdlers summoned by Richard Sparke and
Robert Maynard to attend Parliament on Monday after the
octave of Easter, viz., John Abraham, John Bartelot, Richard
Russell, and Thomas atte Shoppe.
The following Saddlers summoned by Robert de Northwych
and Andrew Grauntcourt, viz., Thomas Frithebek, John de
Blithe, John Baldewyne, and William de Lincoln.
Folio lii b.
Scriptum Johanne Wigge mor per Will'm Ippegrave aur' et Luciam ux'em ejus.
ijs. vjd.
Grant by William Ippegrave, goldsmith, and Lucy his wife,
to Johanna Wiggemor of co. "Hertford," (fn. 8) of certain quitrents
in Westchepe, parish of St. Vedast., for a term of thirty years,
in return for which the said Johanna covenants that a Statute
merchant in the sum of £40, in which the said William stood
bound to the said Johanna, should be void. Witnesses, John
de Bedeford, Andrew Turk, Matthew Broun, Thomas Hiltoft,
Thomas Hyngestone, and others [not named]. Dated 12 Nov.,
30 Edward III. [AD 1356].
Folio liii.
L're summi patris Innocencii pape Edwardo Principi Wall' directe.
Letter from Pope Innocent [VI.] to Edward, Prince of Wales,
on hearing from "Talairadus," Bishop of Albano, (fn. 9) of his
generous conduct towards King John of France, whom he had
recently made prisoner. (fn. 10) Dated at Avignon, 11 Nones October
[6 Oct.], the fourth year of his pontificate [A.D. 1356].
Letter from the same to the same exhorting the Prince
to confer with Talleyrand, Bishop of Albano, and Nicholas
Trit (fn. 11) [sic], Cardinal of St. Vitalis, in the interests of peace.
Dated at Avignon, v Nones October [3 Oct.], the fourth year
of his pontificate [A.D. 1356].
Com'issio pro deliberacione Gaole de Neugate.
Letters patent appointing William de Shareshulle, Henry
Grene, William de Nottone, and Henry Picard, the Mayor, or
any three or two of them (the Mayor being one), to be commissioners for the gaol delivery of Neugate. Witness the King
at Westminster, 8 Nov., 30 Edward III. [A.D. 1356].
Delivered to Nicholas de Abyndone, the Common Serjeant.
Folio liii b.
L'ra d' ni Edwardi Principis Wall' Maiori Ald'ris et co'itati civitatis London' directA. de Novis leti (?) juxta Peyters.
Letter of Privy Seal from Edward, Prince of Wales, to the
Mayor, Aldermen, and Commonalty, announcing his victory
at the battle of Poitiers on the 19th Sept, and the capture of
the French king and his son. Dated at Burdeux, 22 October
[AD 1356]. (fn. 12)
Folio liv.
statuta civitatis.
At a congregation of the Mayor and Aldermen in the
Guildhall of London on Wednesday the eve of St. Michael
[29 Sept.], 30 Edward III. [A.D. 1356], there being present
Simon Fraunceys, the Mayor, Henry Pycard, Adam Fraunceys,
Richard Lacer, Thomas Leggy, John Lovekyn, Roger de
Depham, Simon Dolsely, John de stodey, Thomas Dolsely,
John Pecche, Adam de Bury, John Little, Adam Brabasoun,
Richard Smelt, William Tudenham, Ralph de Lenne, William
de Welde, Richard de Notyngham, Bartholomew de Frestlyng,
John Constantyn, Simon de Wurstede, Thomas Perle, and the
Prior of Holy Trinity, Aldermen, Thomas de Brandone and
Walter Forester, Sheriffs, and an immense Commonalty,
articles and ordinances were read and confirmed for future
observance to the following effect, viz. :—.
(1) That the Sheriffs of London and Middlesex for the time
being shall hold their compters in common, whether the plaints
be received at the house of one of them or elsewhere by their
consent, that a chief clerk, acting as their under-sheriff, and a
second clerk shall be newly (de novel) elected each year to
regulate the office of the Sheriffs in a proper manner, and that
two or more, if need be, be elected and appointed by the
Sheriffs to be in constant attendance at the compter for the
expedition of business according to the law of the City; that
the chief clerk receive yearly 10 marks, a coat and cloak for
winter and a robe with three garments (garnimentz) at Christmas
and a sur-coat for summer; that the second clerk have similar
clothing and 60s. a year; that each serjeant have a coat, robe,
and sur-coat for summer and 20s. a year for the salary of
himself and his "vadlet," and the other clerks as the Sheriffs
are willing; that the Sheriffs have two serjeants, and more if
necessary, to administer justice indifferently to poor and rich,
stranger and denizen, and to keep their court from day to day
if need be; that the law be not sold, but be administered faithfully and conscientiously; that if they entertain any doubt in a
plea, they are to take counsel with the Mayor and Aldermen
before giving judgment; and that any party dissatisfied with
the judgment of the Sheriffs may have the matter brought
before the Mayor and Aldermen.
(2) That the Sheriffs hold assizes of Novel Disseisin every
week and assizes of Mort d'Ancestor every fortnight, and bring
their Rolls of Assize to the Guildhall to be delivered to the
Chamberlain for safe custody. (fn. 13)
(3) That plaintiffs plead in English, (fn. 14) and may take advice of
Counsel.
Folio liv b.
(4) That all who plead for the recovery of debts have their
damages allowed at 4 shillings in the pound by the year, as has
been accustomed, and that the debtor remain in prison until he
has satisfied both debt and damages. (fn. 15)
(5) That no plaintiff be bound to pay anything for entering
his plaint, and that he be ready to prosecute his plaint, either
himself or by attorney, without having essoin; and the defendants
to have one essoin and no more.
(6) That the defendant be allowed reasonable damages on
failure of prosecution.
(7) That any one pleading in the Sheriffs' Court in a plea of
debt or account shall enter the amount of his demand, and the
Sheriff shall produce the defendant, if in custody, at the next
court, to make answer, and if the defendant be not in custody,
the Sheriff himself shall answer.
(8) That if a denizen be impleaded for debt, and it be shown
by the serjeant that he was personally summoned, process shall
be taken against him; and if it be shown by the serjeant that he
was not personally summoned, but the summons was left at the
house where he resided, and it be proved that he was in the
City at the time of the summons, but had withdrawn himself on
purpose to cause delay and to avoid justice, his goods and
chattels shall be seized and delivered to the plaintiff as in cases
of foreign attachment. (fn. 16)
(9) That if any one come into court and demand A. D.ebt and
the defendant deny the debt and puts himself on oath (of the
plaintiff (fn. 17) ) with his own hand alone, and the plaintiff refuse to
make oath that his demand is just, the defendant shall be
adjudged quit and the plaintiff be in mercy. (fn. 18)
(10) That where a man vouches two witnesses to prove his
claim (attente) against his opponent, and the witnesses vary in
their examination before the judges, they shall incur the penalty
of the pillory as aforetime, and the plaintiff shall lose his claim
and the defendant be awarded damages.
(11) That no Pleader (Countour), Attorney, or Essoiner shall
be heard to plead within the Bar of the Sheriffs' Court, but
they shall stand without the Bar without making outcry or noise,
so that the men of law and good folk of the City may be heard
in due manner as to their businesses which they have to transact
in the said Court. (fn. 19)
(12) That no Attorney sit in the Husting among the clerks
nor meddle with the rolls or other memoranda. (fn. 20)
(13) That the Sheriffs let not the gaol of Neugate to ferm,
but place a man of good character as Keeper of the gaol, who
shall make oath before the Mayor and Aldermen not to take
any fine or extortion from prisoners, but shall be allowed to
take the sum of 4 pence from each prisoner delivered for his
fee (fn. 21) as of old accustomed.
(14) That the Sheriffs shall not let the county of Middlesex
to ferm, (fn. 22) but it shall remain in their own custody by deputies,
so that it be governed as the law demands without extortion
from any.
(15) That Pleaders and Attorneys take reasonable fees from
their clients, and not more than 40 pence; and that those who
wish to plead in the Sheriffs' Court be free of the City and
sworn.
(16) That no Pleader or Attorney advise or compel any one
to make a false prosecution, on pain of being suspended for one
year. (fn. 23)
(17) That every quarter proclamation be made in the City
for any one who has a grievance against the Sheriffs or their
servants to bring the matter before the Mayor and Aldermen,
and justice shall be done.
(18) And lastly, that if any of the above articles required
amendment, it should be amended by the said Mayor and
Aldermen with the assent of the Commonalty.
Folio lv.
Quietaclamacio d'ni Rad'i Northerne et Thom' Levelif per Joh'em fil' Will'i atte Hoo.
ijs. vjd.
Acquittance by John, son of William atte Hoo, late brewer,
to Sir Ralph Northerne, Rector of the church of St. Christopher,
London, and Thomas Levelif, executors of Matilda, late wife
of the said William, for property left to him by his father and
mother. Witnesses, Ralph de Cauntebrugge, Walter Forster,
Richard de Claveryngge, and many others [not named].
Dated 3 Nov., 30 Edward III. [A.D. 1356].
Billa missa cuilibet Aldr'o per Maiorem.
Friday before the Nativity of our Lord [25 Dec.], 30 Edward III. [A.D. 1356], precept to each Alderman to cause the
streets of his Ward to be cleansed and the rubbish removed
before Christmas Day.
Folio lv b.
Writ to the Mayor and Collectors of the customs and
subsidies in the Port of the City, bidding them give up to
Edmund de stapelgate and William de stokbury certain woad
and Spanish wax that had been shipped for them from Flanders
by John Little on board a vessel belonging to a mariner of
"Hertay," and had been seized in the Port of London by
Reginald de Sholdham together with some fresh skins on
which duty had not been paid, provided it be found on inquiry
that the said skins had been put on board at Faversham without
the cognizance of the said Edmund and William. Witness the
King at Westminster, 23 Nov., 30 Edward III. [A.D. 1356].
Inquisition held pursuant to the above writ before Henry
Pycard, the Mayor, John Lovekyn and Adam de Bury,
collectors of customs and subsidies in the Port of the City, in
the presence of Reginald de Sholdham appointed by the King
for the scrutiny of wool and other merchandise liable to custom
in the said Port, on Tuesday after the Feast of St. Katherine
[25 Nov.], 30 Edward III. [A.D. 1356], by the oath of Richard
de Ever, Robert Gurdeler, John de Pounfreyt, Ralph de
Mordone, John de Wirhale, Roger atte stone, William de
Shirbourne, Simon Levelif, Thomas atte Blakelofte, John de
Yakeslee, John Pikman, and William Pers. The jury find that
the skins on which custom was owing had been put on board
at Faversham without the knowledge of the above Edmund
and William.
Names of brewers elected and appointed by the Mayor to
serve the King with ale in the City from Saturday after the
Feast of St. Andrew [30 Nov.], 30 Edward III. [A.D. 1356], viz.:
Thomas Brix, Henry Godechepe, John Enefeld, Simon atte Gate,
John de Thame, William de Berkyng, John de Redyng, John
de Somertone, William Portere, John Curteys, Richard le Cook,
John le Clerk, Juliana Payn, John Cook, John de Bartone,
Thomas Gatyn, John atte Nook, Robert de stratford, John
Bridecote, John Pikenham, William Avenaunt, John Chaundelere, Thomas atte Walle, Ralph de Mordone, Simon Levelif,
John Lemman, Thomas Sharnebrok, William atte Corner, John
Ive, John de Yerdele.
Nota de garcione alloc' ad custod' quand' flunam.
It was agreed by the Mayor, Adam Fraunceys, Roger de
Depeham, William de Welde, Simon Dolsely, Richard de
Notyngham, and Thomas Dolsely, Aldermen, that a servant
(garcio) be appointed from the Feast of All Saints [1 Nov.],
30 Edward III. [A.D. 1356], to be Keeper of a vessel (flunam)
recently made (de novo factam), receiving 3 pence a day.
Folio lvi.
Scriptum d'ni Joh'is de Rade clyve capell'i per Matheum de Torkeseye.
Grant by Matthew de Torkeseye, Rector of Great Chesterford [co. Essex], in the diocese of London, to Sir John de Radeclive, chaplain, of an annuity of 100s. charged on his lands and
tenements in the parish of St. Mary de Aldermanbury. Dated
Monday after the Feast of Annunciation [25 March], 30 Edward III. [A.D. 1356].
Indentura inter eosdem Matheum et d'um Joh'em de Radeclive.
Indenture of covenant that the above grant shall be annulled
in the event of the above Sir John de Radeclive receiving an
ecclesiastical benefice of the yearly value of £10 or of the above
Sir Matthew de Torkeseye obtaining for him the King's charter
of peace touching a judgment of outlawry passed against him
in the King's Bench for a certain contempt. Witnesses, Sir
Robert de Mildenhale, clerk, John Lovekyn, Thomas de Brandone, Thomas Perle, Reginald de Ferers, the King's Serjeantat-arms, Roger de Suttone, of co. Southampton, clerk, and others
[not named]. Dated Tuesday after the Feast of Annunciation
[25 March], 30 Edward III. [A.D. 1356].
An ordinance to the effect that no merchant of corn buy any
manner of corn, malt, or salt coming to the City by water in
ships or boats to the havens of Billynggesgate or Queenhithe
before the said corn, malt, and salt remain for sale in the said
havens for three days next after their arrival, so that the good
folk and Commonalty of the said City may be able to supply
their hostels and houses; and this on pain of forfeiture and
imprisonment. (fn. 24)
Also that no taverner sell a gallon of new wine for more
than 6 pence, and of old wine for more than 8 pence, on pain of
forfeiture.
Proclamation of the above made on Monday before the
Feast of St. Andrew [30 Nov.].
Folio lvi b.
Br'e pro terris liberand' Joh'i de Wesenham.
Writ to Henry Pycard, the Mayor and the King's Escheator (fn. 25)
in the City, to the effect that whereas the King had recently
taken into his hands the lands, tenements, and rents belonging
to Walter de Chiritone, Thomas de Swanlond, and Gilbert de
Wendelyngburgh for money due for the time when they were
farmers of the customs and other reasons; and whereas for the
good services rendered by John de Wesenham, the King's
merchant, and for his having given up to the King his great
crown, which had been pledged to the said John for the sum
of £4,000 by the said Walter, Thomas, and Gilbert, without
having received satisfaction for the same, the King had
granted letters patent on the 16th June in the twenty-fourth
year of his reign [A.D. 1350], conveying to the said John all
the aforesaid lands, tenements, and rents of the said Walter,
Thomas, and Gilbert as security for the payment of the above
sum—the said Mayor is commanded hereby to deliver the same
to the said John. Witness the King at Westminster, 1 Dec.,
30 Edward III. [A.D. 1356].
Returnum ejusdem.
Return made to the above to the effect that the Mayor was
utterly ignorant of what lands belonging to the above Walter,
Thomas, and Gilbert had been taken into the King's hand, and
for that reason he could not execute the writ.
Another writ to the same to show cause why the former writ
had not been obeyed. Witness the King at Westminster, 5 Dec.
Return made as before.
Ordinacio Marescall' de mestero suo etc.
Saturday after the Feast of Conception B. M. [8 Dec.],
30 Edward III. [A.D. 1356], it was ordained by the Mayor,
Aldermen, and good men of the Mistery of Farriers that if
any one of the said mistery commit a trespass in the future, he
shall on his first conviction by the Wardens of the Mistery pay
to the Chamber of the Guildhall 40d.; on his second, half a
mark; his third, 13s. 4d.; and on his fourth, abjure the
mistery, &c.
Master Richard de Hertelee and John de Oxon', farriers,
elected and sworn to survey the mistery, &c.
Br'e pro ten' et redait' qu' fuerunt Walt i de Chiritone Thome de Swanlond et Gilb'ti de Wendelvngburgh delib' and Joh'i de Wesenham.
Another writ to the Mayor and Sheriffs specifying certain
tenements in the parishes of Little St. Bartholomew in the
Ward of Bradestrete and St. Michael Queenhithe in the Ward
of Queenhithe, belonging to Walter de Chiritone, which had
been certified by the Treasurer and Barons of the Exchequer
as having been taken into the King's hand, and bidding them
deliver the same to John de Wesenham as formerly directed.
Witness the King at Westminster, 12 Dec., 30 Edward III.
[A.D. 1356].
Folio lvii.
Indentura int' Joh'em Pecche semorem pannar et Joh'em de Chichestre aur' ex una parte et Egidium Pykeman et Joh'em Courtray.
Indenture whereby Giles Pykeman and John Courtray, fishmongers, covenant to annul a bond entered into by John Pecche,
senior, draper, and John de Chichestre, goldsmith, in the sum
of £400 upon payment of £200 in manner specified. Dated
11 Dec., 30 Edward III. [A.D. 1356].
Afterwards, viz., on Thursday after the Feast of the Translation of St. Thomas the Martyr [7 July], 31 Edward III.
[A.D. 1357], the aforesaid John Pecche and John de Chichestre
paid the sum of £100 to the said Giles Pikeman and John
Courtray, and on the Saturday in the octave of St. Hillary
[13 Jan.], the same year [A.D. 1357-8], a like sum.
Saturday after the Feast of St. Hillary [13 Jan.], 30 Edward III. [A.D. 1356-7], came Geoffrey Bonere (Bouere?), paternostrer, and delivered to Thomas de Waldene, the Chamberlain,
a sum of money which Juliana, late wife of William Bonere
(Bouere?), gave to him in trust for John, son of William de Pakenhulle, the guardianship of the said John and his property had
recently been committed to John de Lemenstre by Henry Pykard,
the Mayor, Roger de Depham and William de Welde, Aldermen,
and Thomas de Waldene, the Chamberlain Sureties for John
de Lemenstre, viz., William de stodeye and John de Horsford.
Br'e pro ten' que fuerunt Joh'is Anketel.
Writ to the Mayor and Sheriffs for the Husting Rolls to be
searched for particulars of the property of which John Anketel,
woolmonger, was seized at the time of his death, (fn. 26) &c., and to
make return of the same into Chancery. Witness the King
at Westminster, 8 Jan., 30 Edward III. [A.D. 1356-7].
Returnum dicti brevis.
Return made with copy of a deed [not set out] enrolled in
the Husting for Common Pleas held on Monday after the Feast
of the Purification [2 Feb.], 26 Edward III. [A.D. 1351-2]. (fn. 27)
Saturday after the Feast of St. Martin [11 Nov.], 30 Edward III. [A.D. 1356], Thomas Moricz, the Common Pleader
(communis narrator
(fn. 28) ), who prosecutes for orphans, showed to
the Mayor, Aldermen, and the Chamberlain, that whereas
Auncilla, late wife of Adam Aspal, (fn. 29) desired in her will that a
certain sum of money which she was keeping for John and
William, children of John de Neuport, late fishmonger, should
be delivered to the Chamberlain of the Guildhall for the
time being, in trust for the said orphans, the said John, son
of John de Neuport, had died, and the money had been
unlawfully retained by Walter Forester, Thomas Irland, Arnald
Rote, and Sir Ralph Northerne, Rector of the Church of
St. Christopher, executors of the said Auncilla; he therefore
asks that the said executors may be summoned to account
for the money. The parties are accordingly summoned,
except Arnald Rote, who had nothing in the City whereby he
could be summoned. The rest say they had not administered
the goods of the said Auncilla, and put themselves on the
country. The jurors, viz., John de Harewardestoke and others
[not named], from the venue of Cornhill, find that the said
Walter Forester, Thomas Irland, and Sir Ralph had not
administered the aforesaid goods, and therefore they may go
without a day, &c.
Folio lvii b.
Br'e R' pro terris et ten' et redditib' Hospital' Sancti Jacobi.
Writ to the Mayor and the King's Escheator bidding him
deliver to John de Norwych, the sub-warden of the Hospital
of St. James near Westminster, the rents of certain tenements,
&c., in the parishes of Little St. Bartholomew, All Hallows
Bredestret, St. Mary Magdalen, Old Fish street, and St. Mary
le Bow, held under the said Hospital by Richard Curtenale,
John atte Wode, John Lightfot, John Triple, Robert de Kelsey,
and Walter de Bernaye, which property had been certified as
having been taken into the King's hand by the Mayor's
predecessor in office; and further to make a return of the true
value of the tenements of William Prodhom in the parish of
St. Mary Magdalen on Lamberdeshulle. Witness G[ervase]
de Wilford at Westminster, 6 Dec., 30 Edward III. [A.D. 1356].
Returnum dicti brevis.
Return to the effect that the above writ was delivered too
late to the Mayor and therefore could not be executed.
Br'e R' pro ten' Joh'is de Northburgh.
Writ of certiorari to Henry Pykard, the Mayor and Escheator
in the City, and to Robert de Kelby, clerk, touching the true
value of certain tenements which belonged to John de Northburgh and had been taken into the King's hand for arrears of
custom, viz., shops in "Tourstret" an
d "Cevedenlane" (fn. 30) in Tower
Ward. Witness G[ervase] de Wilford at Westminster, 21 Jan.,
30 Edward III. [A.D. 1356-7].
Return, "late, &c."
Folio lviii.
Quedam billa pro pavagio.
Ordinances by the Mayor, Aldermen, and Commonalty for
certain charges for the repair of the roads to be made on
carts bringing produce to the City, viz., every cart coming and
going with victuals and merchandise for sale to pay 1d.; every
horse coming and going with victuals or merchandise for
sale ¼d.; that carts bringing sand, gravel, and assil
(fn. 31) pay by
the week 3d.; carts bringing corn and flour from stratford pay
by the week 3d.; carts bringing brushwood (busche) for sale ¼d.;
carts bringing charcoal for sale 1d.; but carts and horses of
magnates and other folk bringing victuals and other things
for personal and domestic use shall pay nothing.
The above delivered to Thomas atte Crouche for Ludgate;
to William Salter and Walter Raven for Neugate; to Thomas
Longe, cordwainer, and Henry Peintour for Aldresgate; to
John le Chaundeler and Nicholas Bedel for Crepelgate; Nicholas
Ponge, John Chaundeler, John de North', cordwainer, and Walter
Bedel for Bisshopesgate; William atte Hale and John Flecchere
for Algate; Thomas Gandre and John Clerk for the Bridge.
Qued' acquietancia Thom' de Voudenay militis de ducatu Burgundie per Symonem de Worsted no mine Will'mi Belesby.
ijs. vjd.
Acquittance by Simon de Worsted, mercer, on behalf of Sir
William Belesby, Knt., for 300 Florentine gold florins, a goblet
and covercle of silver, and a gold ring which Thomas de
Voudenay, Knt, of the Duchy of Burgundy, owed by way of
ransom to the said Sir William, the said Thomas having been
made prisoner at the battle of "Poiters," when the King of
France was captured; the said money and chattels being
delivered to the said Simon by Turel Guascoin, merchant of
"Luke." (fn. 32) Witnesses, Henry Pykard, Mayor, Thomas Dolsely
and Richard de Notyngham, Sheriffs, and Roger de Depham,
the Recorder. Dated the eve of Christmas [25 Dec.], A. D. 1356. (fn. 33)
Br'e de Parliamento.
Writ to the Sheriffs for the election of four citizens to attend
the Parliament to be held at Westminster on Monday after
Easter week. (fn. 34) Witness the King at Westminster, 15 Feb.,
31 Edward III. [A.D. 1356-7].
Adam Fraunceys and John de stodeye, Aldermen, and Simon
de Bedyngton and William de Essex, Commoners, elected.
Folio lviii b.
Custodia pueror' Andree Godyn.
Saturday after the Feast of St. Matthias [24 Feb.], 31 Edward III. [A.D. 1356-7], the guardianship of Ralph, son of
Andrew Godyn, late draper, aged seven years, Henry, son of
the same, aged five years, and of Johanna, daughter of the
same, aged four years, committed by Henry Pykard, the Mayor,
Roger de Depham and William Welde, Aldermen, and Thomas
de Waldene, the Chamberlain, to Peter van Spycer. Sureties,
viz., Roger Rotour, "grosser," and John Flaoun, "grosser."
Afterwards, viz., on Saturday after the Feast of St. Bartholomew [24 Aug.], 48 Edward III. [A.D. 1374], came the above
Henry and Johanna, who were then of full age, and demanded
their property, the above Ralph being dead; and William
Alborn and Hawisia his wife, late wife of the above Peter, by
process against them delivered up the property, the sureties
aforesaid being also dead.
Ordinances of the Mistery of Farriery (mareschalcie) submitted
to Henry Pykard, the Mayor, and the Aldermen, A. D. 1356. (fn. 35)
Richard de Hertele and John de Oxon', Farriers, elected and
sworn to keep the said mistery.
Henry Smythe de Holbourne, Roger Smythe de Holbourne,
Robert Smythe de Holbourne, Thomas Smythe de Castelbaynard, Walter Smythe de Castelbaynard, William Smythe,
Edward Smythe, John Suttone, and William Roudolf convicted
once of false work.
Folio lix.
Writ to the Sheriffs for proclamation to be made forbidding
the exportation of corn or other victuals, bows and arrows, &c.,
except to Bordeaux and Calais. Witness the King at Westminster, 26 Feb., 31 Edward III. [A.D. 1356-7].
Proclamation made accordingly on Thursday after the Feast
of St. Valentine [14 Feb.], 31 Edward III. [A.D. 1356-7] The writ remains in the possession of Thomas Dolsely and Richard
de Notyngham, the Sheriffs.
Writ to the Sheriffs to arrest those found exporting corn,
beer, horses, bows and arrows, &c., without having given
surety into Chancery that they were exporting such goods to
Bordeaux, Calais, or Berwick-on-Tweed, and nowhere else.
Witness the King at Westminster, 28 Feb., 31 Edward III.
[A.D. 1356-7]. (fn. 36)
Proclamation made accordingly, 4 March.
Writ to the Sheriffs explaining that the above writ did
not apply to men-at-arms, hoblers, and archers in the King's
service who were about to start for Normandy and Brittany, and
were taking provisions with them. Witness the King at Westminster, 28 Feb., 31 Edward III. [A.D. 1356-7].
Proclamation made accordingly Friday after the Feast of
SS. Perpetua and Felicitas [7 March].
Extract from the will of Adam de Acres to the effect that he
left the sum of £20 to Oliver his son and appointed Thomas
[de Waldene], the Chamberlain of the Guildhall, to be guardian.
Thereupon came John Buk, chaplain, executor of the said
Adam, and delivered to the said Chamberlain the sum of £9,
out of which sum he delivered to Katherine [Hynton], mother
of the said Oliver, by order of Henry Picard, the Mayor,
20s. for the child's maintenance, on the 18th March, 31 Edward III. [A.D. 1356-7].
Folio lix b.
Writ to the Mayor and Sheriffs notifying the appointment
of William de Shareshulle, William de Nortone, and John
Moubray, as Commissioners to sit in error at the Church of
St. Martin le Grand touching proceedings in an assize of freshforce brought by John de Herpesfeld, spicer, Cristina his wife,
Thomas Vyvyen, Richard de Depham, John Pope, "taillour,"
Robert de Somersete, "taillour," and Thomas atte Bowe,
"cordewaner," against the Prior of the Church of St. Bartholomew de Smethefelde, for tenements in the parish of All
Hallows de Honilane, the matter having been originally tried
before the Sheriffs and Coroner of the City without the King's
writ and removed to the Court of Husting. (fn. 37) Witness the King
at Westminster, 10 Jan., 30 Edward III. [A.D. 1356-7].
Execution of the above writ appears on the return of another
writ attached to it.
Writ of William de Shareshulle and his fellow-Justices to the
Mayor and Sheriffs to summon the parties aforesaid to appear
before them at the Church of St. Martin le Grand on Sunday
three weeks after Easter. Dated at Westminster, 1 Feb.,
31 Edward III. [A.D. 1356-7].
De recordo non mittendo extra civitatem.
Return made to the effect that the franchise of the City does
not allow of any process in the Husting being sent or returned
before Justices sitting in error at St. Martin le Grand; but the
Mayor and Aldermen, whose duty it is to record any such
process, according to the custom of the City, after a respite of
forty days to be advised thereon, will be prepared to record
the process by word of mouth of the City's Recorder, according
to custom when they appear, as the franchise requires.
Thomas Dolsely and Richard de Notyngham, the Sheriffs,
summon the Prior of the Church of St. Bartholomew de
Smethefeld by John Broun and Robert Garsoun. And because
the aforesaid Justices did not appear at the said time and place
the above writ and command were not returned. Afterwards,
viz., on Friday after the Feast of the Invention of H. Cross
[3 May], 31 Edward III. [A.D. 1357], the aforesaid Justices sent
an order to the Mayor and Sheriffs, as appears infra [fo. lx b].
Folio lx.
Proclamacio de treugis pro duobus annis.
21 April, 31 Edward III. [A.D. 1357], proclamation made
of a truce having been entered into between England and
France to last until Easter next and thenceforward for two
years. (fn. 38)
Thursday after the Feast of Annunciation [25 March],
31 Edward III. [A.D. 1357], came Alice, daughter of John de
Aylesham, before Henry Picard, the Mayor, Roger de Depham,
Alderman, and Thomas de Waldene, the Chamberlain, and
acknowledged the receipt of a certain sum of money from
Simon de Worstede and William de Welde. (fn. 39)
Peticiones missed'no Regi per cives London'.
Thursday before the Feast of St. George [23 April], 31 Edward III. [A.D. 1357], a petition for relief was sent to the King
and his Council to the following effect, viz. :—
Whereas the good folk of the City had been charged for
taxes and tallages above all others of the Commons, and
whereas they had lent the King at Durghdreit (fn. 40) more than
£60,000, and many merchants were in arrear and many had
delivered more wool than was due owing to the difference
between the standard weight at Durghdreit and in England, to
their great loss; and whereas they had lent the King at one
time £5,000, and at another £2,000, which had not been
repaid; and whereas they had lent for the King's use when
before Calais and elsewhere the sum of £40,000, paying the
same to Walter de Chiriton and his companions on the security
of two patents in the Chancery sealed with the Great Seal,
and at divers other times more than £30,000, which had not
been repaid; and whereas they had been at greater charges
than others of the Commons in respect of the King's expeditions
to Scotland, Gascony, Brabant, Flanders, Brittany, and France,
as well as the siege of Calais, and against the Spaniards in providing men-at-arms, archers, and ships in aid of the war; and
whereas carriages, victuals, and merchandise, both within the
City and without, have been taken by divers purveyors without
payment, contrary to the liberties of the City; and whereas by
reason of the death of the richer inhabitants of the City at the
time of the pestilence, and their property having fallen into the
hand of Holy Church, the City had become impoverished and
more than one-third of it empty; they pray the King to take
these matters into consideration, as also the manner in which
the City had been at all times loyally kept and the peace
preserved, thus setting an example to the whole realm.
Also show the said good folk that whereas it is recorded in
the Great Charter that the said City should have its franchises
and customs, it had lately been decreed that matters done in
London should be tried by men of foreign counties, to the derogation of the said franchises, whereby the good folk of the said
City refuse to become Mayor, Alderman, or other officer
within the same, and the more substantial of them refuse to live
or traffic therein, and others refuse to come to the City. They
further show that the realm of England had become enriched
and replenished with gold, silver, &c., by the number of merchants
and mariners from various lands, and the cities, boroughs,
Cinque Ports, and other places were strongly maintained,
which now had become impoverished and almost destroyed,
and the price of foreign merchandise had become increased by
a half or more. And whereas the said good folk only live by
merchandise and work, which had sorely diminished, and
their franchises had been taken away without any offence on
their part, and foreign merchants who took their gains out of
the country were more free than themselves, they therefore
pray the King for a remedy before they be utterly destroyed,
and for a confirmation of their franchises.
Folio lx b.
Also, whereas the King had granted the citizens of the said
City by charter that no merchant or purveyor of his house
should take anything from the citizens against their will, may
he be pleased to grant a letter patent under the Great Seal to
that effect.
Mandamus from William de Shareshulle and his fellowJustices to the Mayor and Sheriffs to produce before them at
the church of St. Martin le Grand, on Sunday after the Feast
of the Ascension [18 May], the record of proceedings between
the Prior of the Church of St. Bartholomew in Smethefeld and
John de Herpesfeld, Cristina his wife, Thomas Vyvyen, Richard
de Depham, John Pope, "taillour," Robert de Somersete,
"taillour," and Thomas atte Bowe, "cordewaner," touching a
fresh-force against the said Prior in respect of a tenement in
the parish of All Hallows de Honilane. Dated at Westminster,
1 Feb., 31 Edward III. [A.D. 1356-7].
Execution of the above appears on the preceding folio [fo. lix b].
Writ to the Sheriffs to make proclamation of the enclosed
prices fixed for the different counties, below which price no
wool was to be bought under pain of forfeiture as prescribed,
pursuant to an agreement and ordinance made in the present
Parliament; (fn. 41) and further, that a sack of wool shall comprise
26 stone, and each stone 14 pounds and no more, and that
every stone, pound, and other parcel of wool shall be bought
in proportion to the price fixed (juxta ratam sortis predicte
emantur). Witness the King at Westminster, 5 May, 31 Edward III. [A.D. 1357].
Folio lxi.
Bedtordshire, 8 marks; Bucks, 8½ marks; Rutland, 9 marks;
Berks, 8 marks Derby, 8 marks Cambridgeshire, 8 marks;
Huntingdon, 8 marks; Wiltshire, 8 marks; Suth[ampton],
100s.; Essex, 7 marks; Hertford, 8 marks; Worcester, except
"Halshire" (fn. 42) and "Dodyngtre," 10 marks; "Halshire" and
"Dodyngtre," 8 marks; Gloucester, 10 marks; Hereford,
12½ marks; Salop, 11 marks; Lincoln, except "Holand,"
10½ marks; "Holand," 8 marks; Oxon, 9½ marks; Leicester, viz., Elmet, Burghshire, Ripshire, Walde, and Ridale,
9½ marks; Yorkshire, viz., Holdernesse, Craven, Spaldyngmore, Clyveland, Blackhoumore, Richemoundshire, 6 marks;
Somerset, 9½ marks; stafford, 9½ marks; North[ampton],
9 marks; Not[tingham], 9 marks; Warwick, 8½ marks; Dorset,
100s.; Middlesex, 7 marks; Kent, Surrey, and Sussex, 6 marks;
Norfolk and Suffolk, 5½ marks; Northumberland, Cumberland,
and Westmorland, 5 marks; Lancashire, 6 marks; the Bishopric
of Durham, 6 marks.
The above writ, which remains in the possession of Richard
de Notyngham and Thomas Dolsely, the Sheriffs, was proclaimed on Monday after the Feast of St. John ante portam
Latinam [6 May], 31 Edward III. [A.D. 1357]. Afterwards,
viz., on the following Tuesday, the above writ was amended by
the King and Council, and another proclaimed to the effect
that all wool, woolfells, [and] hides so bought shall be brought
to one of the staples and be there weighed and housed for
fifteen days. And be it known that this clause ought to be
read in the above writ after these five words, viz., juxta ratam
sortis predicte emantur.
A general release by Thomas Aldhous, hosier, to Thomas de
Macchyngge, "chesmongere," and John his son, apprentice
to the aforesaid Thomas. Witnesses, Richard de Keselyngbury, William de Welde, Matthew Broun, Thomas de Welford,
John Beauchamp, Richard Knowesle, and others [not named].
Dated 5 May, 31 [Edward III.].
Writ to the Sheriffs notifying an addition made to the above
ordinance fixing the price of wool, &c., to the effect that no
refusal or rejection of wool by merchants buying wool should
be allowed except as in times past, viz., "de cot', gare et villayn
tyson," under penalty aforesaid, and ordering them to make
proclamation accordingly. Witness the King at Westminster,
15 May, 31 Edward III. [A.D. 1357].
Proclamation made accordingly, Wednesday, the eve of the
Ascension [18 May].
Ordinacio Scriptor' Illuminator' et Barbitonsor'.
20 May, 31 Edward III. [A.D. 1357], ordinance by Henry
Pykard, the Mayor, and the Aldermen, exempting scriveners
writing court-hand and text, limners (illuminatores), and barbers
from serving on Sheriffs' inquests, saving, however, that when
summoned to come to the Guildhall on important business of
the City they attend under penalty. (fn. 43)