Folio ccxi.
Indenture of lease by Richard Merlawe, the Mayor, and the
Commonalty to Robert Warner and Elianora his wife of a
vacant piece of land in the parish of St. Martin within Ludgate,
whereon to build a house, with a large gateway at the east end
of the plot which the Mayor and Commonalty may use; to
hold the same for a term of sixty years at an annual rent of
3s. 4d. Dated 1 March, 5 Henry V. [A.D. 1417-18]. (fn. 1)
Folio ccxi b.
Exon'acto Will'i Peper Civis et Pouchemaker dc'e civitat'.
5 April, 6 Henry V. [A.D. 1418], William Peper, "pouchemaker," discharged by Richard "Merlowe," the Mayor, and
the Aldermen from serving on juries, &c., owing to increasing
old age.
Proclamacon' fait le ix
me
jourdapril pur les souldiours de eux hastier a Southhampton.
9 April [A.D. 1418], proclamation made for all soldiers of the
retinue of the Duke of Exeter, or other lord, knight, esquire,
gentleman, and valet whosoever bound for the present expedition, to hasten to Southampton, and there embark under penalty
of imprisonment, (fn. 2) &c.
Exon'acio Nich'i Clerk civis et Allutari London'.
28 April, 6 Henry V. [A.D. 1418], Nicholas "Clerc," cordwainer, discharged by Richard Merlawe, the Mayor, and the
Aldermen from serving on juries, &c., owing to increasing
old age.
Exon'acio Cur' de viginti li' p'tin' Mar garete altere [sic] filiar' Othonis Brys.
11 June, 6 Henry V. [A.D. 1418], came Hugh Davy, tailor,
who had married Margaret, daughter of Otho Brys, late one
of the Mayor's Serjeants, with permission of Richard Merlawe,
the Mayor, and the Aldermen, and acknowledged satisfaction for
his wife's patrimony received from John Hille, the Chamberlain.
Exon'acio Will'i Wodeward civis et Foundour London'.
1 June, 6 Henry V. [A.D. 1418], William Wodeward,
'foundour," discharged by Richard Merlawe, the Mayor, and
the Aldermen from serving on juries, &c., owing to increasing
old age.
Folio ccxii.
Custod' c marc' p'tin' Elizabet Rikill etc.
17 June, 6 Henry V. [A.D. 1418], came Nicholas Rikill and
Henry Boydone and delivered to John Hille, the Chamberlain,
the sum of 100 marks which Rose Rikill bequeathed to
Elizabeth, daughter of Richard Gille, draper; to hold the
same in trust for the said Elizabeth, and if she die before
marriage, one moiety of the said money is to go to the said
Richard Gille and Matilda his wife, absolutely, and the other
to the aforesaid Nicholas and Henry for the souls of William
Rikill and of the aforesaid Rose his consort (consortis sue). (fn. 3)
Consimilis l'ra missa fuit cuil't Aldr'o.
Precept to the several Aldermen to set an armed watch
during the two nights and eves of St. John Bapt [24 June] and
SS. Peter and Paul [29 June], and to take the usual precautions
against fire, &c. Dated 17 June, 6 Henry V. [A.D. 1418].
Proclamacio pur mendinauntz vagarantz en la Cite.
Proclamation for vagrant beggars to leave the City and go
to parts of "uplande," (fn. 4) where at the present time of August
labourers were in great request. Those found wandering about
the City after Sunday next were to be arrested. (fn. 5)
Proclamacio sup' judicio billor'.
For as moche as Thomas of Forde of Caunterbury Sawyer other
wyse called Thomas of Forde Sothseyer that here stant be a
solempne enquest afore the Mair and Aldermen take was endited and
aftur be another enquest atteint and convict of hidous trespasses and
disseites that is to seye þat he now late cam to oon Jonet þat was þe
wyfe of Janyn Cook of Estchepe seing that he was a sothseyer and
trewely wolde telle here where cc. li. and more was be come with a
litel cofir closed be her housbond in his life was beried in þe ground
if it so were þat she wold paye as well for the sotell instrumentes þat
longen to his craft as for his mete and drinke that he spended al þe
mene while þat he were in this toune and with that also þat she wolde
ensure him to be wedded to him which Jonet nat knowyng his falsnesse
and disceit paied at his biddyng for his instrumentes and mete and
drinke 40s. and more onward and Innocently trustyng to hes wordes
and behest behot hym for to do all þat he desired with that con
dicioun that he wolde perfourme and do as he hadde hight and
promised the whiche Thomas contynuyng his falsnesse and disceit
aboveseyd wityng wel þat he might ne cowde nat perfourme þat he
hadde behight delaied her forth fro day to day tilat the laste he
knouliched his Falsnesse and profered hem amendes and in the same
wyse he begiled and disceyued an other woman þat hight Naverine
Mauncell behetyng here for to gete a geyne half a gowne of cloth
of gold which was stolen out of here kepyng and made here to
spende upon hym up trust therof xviiis. vid. and more For the
which falsnesse and disceytes þe Maii and Aldermen willyng þat
suche shul be war be hym in tyme comyng hav awarded after þe
Custume of this Cite þat he as a fals lyere and disceyver of þe comune
peple shal stonde here upon þe pillorye thre market dayes eche day
an hour wiþ a Westone
(fn. 6)
aboute his necke in tokene of a lyere.
Carpenter.
(fn. 7)
Folio ccxii b.
Proclamacio.
Proclamation to be made for all soldiers, seamen, and others
bound for the coming expedition to forthwith embark on their
ships lying in the Thames, and thence set out for the Port of
Southampton by the next tide. (fn. 8) [No date.] French.
Proclamacio.
Proclamation for all those who were willing to go to
the city of "Roen" or other ports of Normandy to be on
ship board by Sunday next at the latest, and in the meanwhile
to attend the Mayor, who would provide them with shipping
and free victual towards the said ports Also for any who
would venture to send any manner of victual, wine, beer, &c.,
for the King's army in those ports to hasten before Sunday
next to William Sevenok, and certain other Aldermen and
Commoners especially appointed for the purpose, at the church
of St. Dunstan in the Est, in Tourstrete, and notify them of
the quantity of their victual, and shipping would be provided
for the passage. (fn. 9) [No date.]
Exon'acio £vi pertin' pu'is Ric'i Fitz "Andreu" nup' civis et Pisc' etc.
2 Dec., 7 Henry V. [A.D. 1419], came Robert, Roger, and
Johanna, children of Richard Fitz "Andrew," late fishmonger,
and asked for the portion of Idonea their sister, who had died
under age, and it was granted.
Folio ccxiii.
Judicium q'd mercatores infrascripti sint quieti de omni custuma vic' London' solvend'.
9 Feb., 5 Henry V. [A.D. 1417-18], came certain merchants of
the Hanse of Almaine, occupying the house commonly known
as the Guildhall of the Teutonics, and complained of the Sheriffs
having wrongfully exacted various tolls and customs on their
merchandise. The Sheriffs in defence declare that they have
always been accustomed to demand the tolls prescribed as an
aid to the discharge of their ferm. The records in the Treasury
and Chamber of the Guildhall were thereupon examined, when
it was found that the aforesaid merchants were quit of all
payments. Order accordingly.
Folio ccxiiib.
Exoneracio Will'mi Kynaston civis et allutar' London'.
15 Oct., 6 Henry V. [A.D. 1418], William Kynastone, cordwainer, discharged by Richard Merlawe, the Mayor, and
the Aldermen from serving on juries, &c., owing to infirmity.
Exon'acio Joh'is Guy ab assisis etc.
The same day, John Guy, "irmonger," similarly discharged
for like cause.
Folio ccxiv.
Exon'acio Roberti Scrace civis et Brewer London'.
14 July, 6 Henry V. [A.D. 1418], Robert Scrace, "brewer,"
discharged by Richard Merlawe, the Mayor, and the Aldermen
from serving on juries, &c., owing to increasing old age.
Exoneracio Johannis Skynner civis et Cappere London'.
28 July, 6 Henry V. [A.D. 1418], John Skynner, "cappere,"
similarly discharged for like cause.
Admissio Ric'i Frepors in artem et misteram de Taillours.
1 Aug., 6 Henry V. [A.D. 1418], came Richard Frepors,
"upholdere," (fn. 10) formerly apprentice to Thomas Baldok,
"upholdere," before Richard Merlawe, the Mayor, and the
Aldermen, and prayed to be translated from the mistery of
Upholders to that of Tailors, he having long used the art of
Tailors, and not that of Upholders His prayer granted.
Exoneracio Hugonis Gamme civis et Peautrer London'.
20 Aug., 6 Henry V. [A.D. 1418], Hugh Gamme, "peautrer,"
discharged by Richard Merlawe, the Mayor, and the Aldermen
from serving on juries, owing to defective eyesight and increasing
old age.
Exoneracio Ric'i "Loxelee" civis et Spicere London'.
The same day, Richard Loxlee, "spicer," similarly discharged owing to increasing old age.
Folio ccxiv b.
Custodia puerorum Rogeri Cringelford nuper civis et Aurifabri London'.
7 May, 6 Henry V. [A.D. 1418], the patrimony of Agnes and
Johanna, daughters of Roger Cringelford, late goldsmith, committed to the custody of Robert Stanford, goldsmith, executor
of the said Roger, in trust for the said orphans. Sureties, viz.,
Richard Stacy, "jeweller," and John Grantham, goldsmith.
Afterwards, viz., on the 27th April, 8 Henry V. [A.D. 1420],
came John Braumstone, goldsmith, who had married the above
Johanna, and acknowledged satisfaction for the money due to
his wife from her father, as well as on account of the death
of the above Agnes her sister, and of John her brother.
Folio ccxv.
L'ra d'm Regis missa Maiori et Alderman' Civitat' London.
Letter from the King to the Mayor, Sheriffs, Aldermen, and
"Comuners" of the City, informing them of his doings since
his last departure from Caen: how he had taken the town of
"Loviers," (fn. 11) and the castle and town of Pont de Larche; and how
he had sent a "poursuant" to the Duke of Burgundy with the view
of keeping the peace, but without avail. It concludes with a
passing reference to the death of the "Erle" of Armagnac and
the slaughter that had taken place at Paris, (fn. 12) with which no
doubt the citizens of London had already been made acquainted.
Dated at Pont de Larche, 21 July [A.D. 1418]. (fn. 13)
English.
Responcio ejusd' l're.
Reply to the above, thanking the King, and assuring him of
the peaceable state of the City. Dated 12 Aug. [A.D. 1418].
Folio ccxv b.
L'ra huc missa Maiori.
Letter from the Duke of Clarence to Richard Merlawe, the
Mayor, informing him that the King had recently taken the
town of Loviers, and was at that time before the town of
Le Pont de Larche on the river "Sayne," which had been crossed
by the King's forces, who were then before the castle of the
town, so that its speedy surrender was looked for. The letter
concludes by asking if he could do anything for the Mayor in
those parts, and by commending him to God's keeping. Dated
before the town of Pont de Larche, 5 July [A.D. 1418]. French.
(fn. 14)
Responsio l're precedentis.
Reply to the above, graciously acknowledging the receipt of
the joyful news it contained, and assuring the Duke of the
peaceful condition of the City. [No date.]
Folio ccxvi.
L'ra missa Maiori Aldr'is et Comunib' Civitat' London' pro victualib' mittendis domino Regi in obsidione ante Rothomag' jac'.
Letter from the King to the Mayor, Aldermen, and Commoners of the City, informing them that he was laying siege to
Rouen—"the most notable place in Fraunce save Paris"—and
praying them to send victuals by ship to Harfleur, and thence
by the river "Seyne" to Rouen, for the refreshment of his
forces. Dated at "Roan," 10 August [A.D. 1418]. (fn. 15)
English.
Responcio l're precedent'.
Reply to the above under the seal of the Mayoralty informing
the King that the City was dispatching by John Credy and
John Combe, poor officers of the City and bearers of this letter,
30 butts of sweet wine, 1,000 pipes of ale and beer, and 2,500
cups for his army. (fn. 16) Dated at Gravesend, the Feast of the
Nativity B. V. M. [8 Sept.]. (fn. 17)
Folio ccxvi b.
Exoneracio Johannis Husk civis et Merceri London'.
16 Oct., 6 Henry V. [A.D. 1418], John Husk, mercer, discharged by Richard Merlawe, the Mayor, and the Aldermen
from serving on juries, &c., owing to infirmity.
Folio ccxvii.
Custodia pueror' Roberti Odyham nuper civis et Groceri London'.
12 Aug., 6 Henry V. [A.D. 1418], the guardianship of Robert
and Thomas, children of Robert Odyham, late grocer, and of
their property arising from the sale of lands and tenements in
Kent, (fn. 18) committed by Richard Merlawe, the Mayor, and John
Hille, the Chamberlain, with the consent of John Sudbury and
Richard Osbarn, executors of the deceased father, and that of
Johanna his wife, to John Poley, grocer, for a term of eight
years Sureties, viz., William Sevenok, grocer, John Dys,
"wodemonger," Hugh Harlewyn, "sporier," and Robert
Cristemasse, text-writer.
Afterwards, viz., on 13 May, 7 Henry VI. [A.D. 1429], came
William Sevenok, surety of John Poley, who had fled the City,
and brought into court £30 of his own money, and prayed that
the fact might be recorded, so that he might recover against
the said Poley. Thereupon the said sum was delivered by John
Bederenden, the Chamberlain, to Thomas Odyham, being of
full age, who acknowledged satisfaction.
Proclamacio.
Proclamation for all those who were willing to go to the
city of "Roan" or any other place on the coast of Normandy
for the King's service, to be on board ship by Sunday next
at the latest, and in the meanwhile to attend the Mayor, who
would provide them with shipping and free victuals for the
voyage. (fn. 19) [No date.] English.
Proclamacio.
Proclamation for all those who were willing to sail to
Normandy to go to St. Dunstan's in the East on Monday
next at 8 o'clock to attend William Sevenok, Alderman,
and those associated with him for the purpose of providing
shipping, and each should receive a noble for victuals. [No
date.] (fn. 20)
English.
Folio ccxvii b.
Exoneracio Hugonis Crispe civis et Allutarii London.
14 Oct., 6 Henry V. [A.D. 1418], Hugh Crisp, cordwainer,
discharged by Richard Merlawe, the Mayor, and the Aldermen
from serving on juries, &c., owing to his suffering from
deafness, &c.
L'ra presen tacionis Nich'i Page capell'i per Recordatorem Civitat' London' ad Cantariam in eccl'ia Sc'i Mich'is super Cornhill London' pro a'ta Walt'i de Billingham civis London' fundat'.
Letter of John Barton, senior, Recorder, to the Prioress and
Convent of St. Helen, London, presenting Nicholas Page,
chaplain of the diocese of Salisbury, to the chantry founded by
Walter de Billyngham in the church of St. Michael, Cornhill, (fn. 21)
vacant by the death of John Wodeford, and charging the
said Prioress to pay the said Nicholas the annual sum of
7 marks prescribed by the founder's will. Dated 22 Oct.,
A.D. 1418.
Folio ccxviii.
Licencia Martini Poke lyngtone civis et Groceri London' prosequendi ad co'em legem.
20 Oct., 6 Henry V. [A.D. 1418], licence granted by Richard
Merlawe, the Mayor, and the Aldermen to Martin Pokeling
tone, grocer, to prosecute at common law outside the City
William Chichele, grocer, Richard Bourtone, and all others
administering any goods and chattels formerly belonging to
Thomas Bourtone, late grocer, who died intestate, the oath
which the said Martin took when first admitted to the freedom
of the City notwithstanding. (fn. 22)
Dimissio cujusdam vacue placee l're inf a lud gate facta Rob'to Warner.
1 March, 5 Henry V. [A.D. 1417-18], lease by Richard Merlawe, Mayor, and the Commonalty, in Common Council assembled
in the Chamber of the Guildhall, to Robert Warner and Elianora
his wife, of a parcel of land in the parish of St. Martin within
Ludgate for a term of 60 years, at an annual rent of 3s. 4d.
(fn. 23)
Folio ccxviii b.
Endentoure per entre n're seign' le Roy et divers.
citeins de Loundi es des grauntz sommes dargent al Roy apprestes
Indenture between the King and the following citizens, who
had advanced money for the King's expedition abroad, viz.,
Henry Bartone (100 marks), Thomas Knolles (£200), Robert
Chicheley (£100), William Crowmer (£100), Nicholas Wottone
(£200), Richard Merlawe (100 marks), William Sevenok (£100),
William Cambrigge (£100), Ralph Bartone (£46 13s. 4d.),
John Perneys (£50), Janyn Michol (£40), Robert Arnold (£40),
Geoffrey Dallyng, vintner (£20), William Louth (£20), William
Walderne (£66 13s. 4d.), John Coventre (£20), William
Nortone (£20), Aleyn Everard (£40), Thomas Fauconer
(40 marks), William Olyver (£20), Thomas Duffhous (£20),
John Welles (£20), Richard Barry (£10), Robert Fitz Robert
(40 marks), Richard Merevall (£10), John Megre (£50),
William Bury (£20), Richard Eltone (£20), William Mideltone,
grocer (£20), Simon Bartelot (£20), John Michel (£20), John
Reynewelle (£20), John Gedney (£20), Robert Wydyngtone
(40 marks), John Lane (£20), Nicholas James (£20), John
Boteler, mercer (£20), Simon Sewale (£20), Henry Sadelere
(£20), Thomas Pyke (£50), Thomas Aleyn (£20), John
Middelton (£10), and Walter Cottone (500 marks)—whereby
the King pledges with them a Spanish sword mounted in gold
and enriched with "baleys," sapphires, and pearls, of the
value of £2,000, and weighing 84¼ ounces troy weight. The
sword not to be parted with before Michaelmas twelvemonth,
unless redeemed by the King. (fn. 24) Dated at Westminster, 16 (21 ?) (fn. 25)
June, 5 Henry V. [A.D. 1417].
Folio ccxix.
20 Feb., 6 Henry V. [A.D. 1418-19], the guardianship of
Elizabeth, Thomas, Blanche, Margaret, Robert, and Richard,
children of Henry Haltone, late grocer, together with their
patrimony, committed by William Sevenok, the Mayor, the
Aldermen, and John Hille, the Chamberlain, to John Welles,
grocer, who married Margery, widow of the said Henry
Haltone. (fn. 26) Sureties, viz., William Broun, Thomas Burtone, John
Tynkeldene, William Grantham, grocers, and Robert Fitz
Robert, junior.
Afterwards, viz., on the 22nd Nov., 13 Henry VI. [A.D. 1434],
came Thomas Knolles, junior, and William Cliff, clerk, executors
of the above Robert Haltone, who had died after arriving at
full age, before Robert Oteley, the Mayor, and the Aldermen, and
acknowledged satisfaction for his patrimony.
[Fo ccxix b blank].
Folio ccxx.
Eleccio Johannis Bryan et Rad'i Barton Vice comitum civitat' London'.
Wednesday the Feast of St. Matthew [21 Sept.], 6 Henry V.
[A.D. 1418], in the presence of Richard Merlawe, the Mayor,
John Bartone, the Recorder, Thomas Knolles, William Croumere, Thomas Fauconer, Nicholas Wottone, Henry Bartone,
William Sevenok, John Penne, Thomas Pyke, William Cauntbrigge, John Reynwelle, John Perneys, Robert Wityngham,
and Robert Widyngtone, Aldermen, John Gedney and Henry
Rede, Sheriffs, and very many Commoners, summoned for the
election of Sheriffs at the Guildhall, John Bryan, fishmonger
and Commoner, was elected one of the Sheriffs by the Mayor,
and Ralph Bartone, skinner and Alderman, was elected the
other Sheriff by the Commonalty.
The same day, John Hille, fishmonger, was elected Chamberlain of the City; John Westone and Nicholas James were
elected Wardens of London Bridge; and Robert Wydyngtone, Robert Witingham, Aldermen, William Bourtone,
grocer, John Boteler, mercer, John Chartesey, draper, and
Richard Meryvale, "vinter," Commoners, were elected Auditors
of the accounts of the Chamberlain and Wardens of London
Bridge.
Afterwards, viz., on the eve of St. Michael [29 Sept.], the
above Sheriffs were sworn at the Guildhall, and on the morrow
of the said Feast were presented and admitted before the
Barons of the Exchequer.
Concessio feodi et vesture Joh'i Uptone nup' uni servientum Maioris durante vita sua.
The above Wednesday, the Feast of St. Matthew [21 Sept.],
a grant made by the said Mayor, Aldermen, and Commonalty
to John Uptone, one of the Mayor's Serjeants, whose health
compelled him to resign office, of the same yearly fee
and clothing as enjoyed by Serjeants of the Mayor and
Chamber.
Decessus dc'i Joh'is Bryan Vic' et in loco ejus Joh'es Perneys civis et piscenar' London' in Vic' ejusdem civitat' extitit per cives electus.
The above John Bryan having died (fn. 27) within 12 days of his
election as Sheriff, viz., on Monday the 10th Oct., 6 Henry V.
[A.D. 1418], the lords of the Council (the King himself being
in Normandy) summoned the Mayor, Aldermen, and the more
powerful Commoners to appear before them on the 11th Oct.
to show that the said Mayor, &c., had the power to elect
another Sheriff in place of the deceased. The said Mayor, &c.,
thereupon appeared before Thomas [Langley], Bishop of
Durham, the Chancellor, William Hankeford, the Chief
Justice, William Kywelmersshe, Deputy Clerk of the Treasury,
Richard Nortone, Chief Justice of Common Bench, John
Cokayn, Justice of the same, and other members of the King's
Council, assembled in the Council Chamber commonly called
"le sterred chaumbre," and on being questioned by John
Bartone, senior, the City's Recorder, replied that by virtue
of charters, confirmed by Parliament, the citizens of London
elected and removed their Sheriffs, and that on the occasion
of a Sheriff dying in office they elected another, as they did
anno 6 Edward II. [A.D. 1312], when Richard Welleford, one
of the Sheriffs, died within the first quarter of his bailiwick,
and Adam Ludekyn was elected in his stead, (fn. 28) and afterwards was admitted in the Exchequer. The said Mayor,
&c., therefore prayed to be allowed to continue to enjoy
the same liberty. Their prayer being granted, the Mayor
and Aldermen immediately returned to the Guildhall, and
having summoned the Commonalty, they elected John Perneys,
fishmonger, to be Sheriff in place of John Bryan; and on
Wednesday, the 12th Oct., the same was sworn, and immediately afterwards proceeded by water to Westminster with
a large company, where he was presented, admitted, and sworn
(fn. 29)
before the Deputy Treasurer, the Justices, and Barons.
Folio ccxx b.
Eleccio Will'mi Sevenok Maioris Civitatis London'.
Thursday the Feast of the Translation of St. Edward
[13 Oct.], 6 Henry V. [A.D. 1418], in the presence of Richard
Merlawe, the Mayor, John Bartone, the Recorder, William
[Harewdone] the Prior of Christchurch, Richard Whityngtone,
Thomas Knolles, Robert Chichele, William Walderne, William
Crowmere, Thomas Fauconer, Nicholas Wottone, Henry Bartone,
William Sevenok, John Penne, Thomas Pyke, William Chichele,
William Cauntbrigge, John Reynewelle, William Nortone, John
Gedney, Robert Whitingham, Robert Wydingtone [Aldermen],
Ralph Bartone and John Perneys, the Sheriffs, and an immense
Commonalty summoned to the Guildhall for the election of a
Mayor — William Sevenok was elected Mayor for the year
ensuing.
Afterwards, viz., on the Feast of SS. Simon and Jude
[28 Oct.], he was sworn at the Guildhall, and on the morrow
was presented, admitted, and accepted, &c. (fn. 30)