ROLL A1 b
Supplementary membr.1
Schedule of contents of each membrane of the Roll.
Suppl. membr. 2
No date
The oath (fn. 1) taken by divers persons to maintain the commonalty of the realm; to protect Isabella, Queen of England,
and Edward, eldest son of the King and heir-apparent of the
Realm of England; to aid them in their cause against Hugh
le Despenser the younger and Master Robert de Baldok their
enemies and the latter's adherents; to give good counsel; to
safeguard the liberties of the City; and to maintain whatever
had been done by reason of that quarrel. (F)
30 Dec. 1326
The oath taken before the several Aldermen in their Wards
on Tuesday before the Epiphany [6 Jan.] Ao 20 Edw. II
[1326-7] to keep the peace, to seek no redress except by
process of law, to bring offenders before the Mayor and
Sheriffs, and to report at the Guildhall the names of those
unwilling to take the oath. (F)
20 Jan. 1327
The oath (fn. 2) taken by the Archbishop of Canterbury and
other Bishops mentioned below on Tuesday before the Feast
of St Vincent [22 Jan.] to safeguard Isabella, Queen of England, and Edward, now King of England etc. (F)
12 Jan. 1327
Note (fn. 3) that on Monday before the Feast of St Hilary [13
Jan.] Ao 20 Edw. II [1326-7] letters were sent by Richard
de Betoyne, Mayor, the Aldermen and Commonalty of
London to the Archbishops, Bishops, Earls, Barons and other
great men, asking whether they were willing to be in accord
with the City and to swear to maintain the cause of Queen
Isabella and Edward her son, to crown the latter, and to
depose his father for his frequent offences against his oath
and his Crown.
13 Jan. 1327
On Tuesday the Feast of St Hilary [13 Jan.] the lords
mentioned below came to the Guildhall, and in the presence
of the Mayor, Aldermen and a great Commonalty took the
oath as follows.
Oath to safeguard Isabella, Queen of England, and Edward,
eldest son of the King of England and heir-apparent, in their
cause against Hugh le Despenser the younger and Master
Robert de Baldok, to give good counsel, to safeguard the
liberties of the City, to maintain whatever had been done by
reason of the quarrel with the said Hugh and Robert, and
to keep the ordinances made, or to be made, in the present
Parliament by the peers of the land. (F)
15 Jan. 1327
Earls: Thomas, Earl Marshal; Edmund, Earl of Kent;
John, Earl of Hereford; John, Earl of Warenne—these were
sworn at the Guildhall on Thursday after the Feast of St
Hilary [13 Jan.], and all the knights of their retinue (retinencia).
13 Jan. 1327
Barons: Roger de Mortuo Mari, Hugh Daudele, John de
Claveringe, Robert de Morle, Richard de Grey, Henry de
Percy, Peter de Maulee, Robert de Lisle, William de Roos,
William le Latimer, Henry Fitz Hugh, William de Kyme,
Giles de Badlesmere, John Mautravers, Thomas Wake de
Lydel, John de Moubray, Thomas Tregoz, Thomas de Veer,
Hugh de Nevil, John de Charleton, Robert de Kendale,
Maurice le Brun, Richard de Grey, Robert de Mohaut.
Knights and Serjeants of the Court (servientes de Curia):
John de Beek, Nicholas de Greye, John de Wrokeshale,
Bartholomew de Burghwassh, Robert de Watevill, Robert de
Neyvill, John de Moun, Philip de la Beche, John de la
Becche, Ralph de Bolmere, John de Wylington, John de
Weston, Robert de Ethingham, John Mauduyt, William de
Faucomberge, Richard de Perers, Giles de Trompeton,
Robert de Asphalle, Edward, Roger and John, sons of Roger
de Mortumere, Gilbert de Aton, Walter de Norwyco, Edmund
Passelewe, John de Motford, Humfrey de Waleden, Thomas
de Cobeham, John de Cobham, junior, William de Wolvertone, junior, John de Wysham, Geoffrey de Hautevill,
Nicholas Gentil, Thomas de Nereford, William de Bayhuse,
Robert de Reppes, John de Mereworth, Henry de Sothull,
Richard Plays, Alan Talbot, Thomas de Poninges, Henry de
Mountfort, John de Ifeld, Philip de Neyvill, Robert de
Esden, John Claver, William de Wauncy, Thomas Gobyon,
Benet de Cokfeld, Robert de Malmesbury, Warisius de
Valoynes, Nicholas Kyriel, Adam de Swylington, Walter
Beauchamp, John de Seint Maur, John de Blokesham, Robert
de Leukenore; [the following six persons are noted as Serjeants] John de Denham, William de Denham, Gilbert de
Toutheby, John de Bever, John de Cauntebreg and Thomas
Bacoun; Richard Talbot, John de Clynton, William Lovel,
Roger de Bilneye; [the following four persons are noted as
Justices] John Bourser, Geoffrey le Scrop, John de Stonore
and Robert de Malberthorp; Ralph de Bockyng, Nicholas de
Eton, Walter Waldeshef, Stephen de Abyndon of London.
Knights of the Shires: Robert Baynard, John de Clivedon,
Andrew de Seintliz, Matthew de Bassingburn, Simon de
Drayton, John de Warblyngton, Roger Pichard, Robert de
Davyntre, Roger de Cheyne, Richard de la Ryvere, Brian de
Bowyz, John de Beaumond, Roger Ragoun.
Archbishops and Bishops: Walter, Archbishop of Canterbury; Alexander, Archbishop of Dublin; John, Bishop of
Winchester, Treasurer of England; Roger, Bishop of Salisbury; John, Bishop of Bath and Wells; John, Bishop of
Chichester; John, Bishop of Llandaff; William, Bishop of
Norwich, King's Chancellor; Roger, Bishop of Chester;
John, Bishop of Ely; Henry, Bishop of Lincoln; the Bishop
of Rochester; Thomas, Bishop of Worcester; the Bishop of
Hereford.
Abbots: The Abbots of Westminster, St Albans, Waltham
[non venit nec juravit], Bury St Edmunds, Peterborough.
Priors: The Priors of Bermondeseye, St Mary de Suthwerk, Holy Trinity in London.
Priests and Clerks: Robert Milys, William de Coshale,
Master Es' de Powell, Roger de Waltham, William de Everdon, William de Fulburne, William de Stowe, Richard de
Wottone, Richard de Chestre, Master Gilbert de Middelton,
official of Canterbury, Adam de Lymbergh, Master Robert
de Norton, Dean of the Arches, Master Richard de Gloucester, Master Laurence Fastolf, Master William de Maldon,
Master Richard de Radeswell, Master John de Everdon,
Dean of St Paul's, Master William de Meleford, Master
Gerard Cosaunce, Master William de Braye, Master John de
Elham.
Barons of the Cinque Ports: William le Serjeant of Hastynges, John Athelard of Wynchelse, Robert Athelard, Stephen
Athelard, Peter Barde, Thomas Aspillon, John Gernon,
Stephen de Padyham, John de Upton, John de Wylhope,
William Hurtyn of Dover, Hugh Chaumpeneys, John Moys
of Sandwich, Robert Marchaunt, John de Hamptone, John
atte Hole, Robert Brounyng, Robert Fraunceys, Raulyn Nute,
Hugh le Goldesmethe, John Birchet, James de Forde, William
Gaylard, Richard Goldyng, Adam Steffan, Robert Norkyn,
Alexander Hurtyn, Thomas le Rede, Adam Byndere, Thomas
de Hethe.
From Bury S
t
Edmunds: Peter de Bradfeld, Geoffrey de
Ormesby, Thomas de Batesford, John atte Grene, Richard
de Ayssh.
Burgesses of S
t
Albans: Stephen Gomage, Roger de Essex,
Master John Baldewyn, Gilbert de Hertford, John de Hertford, John de Brockelee, Robert le Goldesmythe, Philip
Aleyn, Roger de Tangton, John de Dygoneswell, William le
Purser, John Makery, John Stercope. (L)
Suppl. membr. 2b
The first Proclamation after the beheading of the Bishop
of Exeter (Walter Stapleton) (fn. 4) .
No date: circa Nov. 1326
First, that the King's peace be maintained.
That the King's "places " be open to do right to all manner
of men, and that the judges and ministers, clerks, serjeants
and attorneys thereof come and go without peril of body or
goods, and that no one disturb them under penalty of forfeiture to the King.
That all manner of men, merchants, strangers, denizens
(privees), victuallers and others come and go in safety, as they
were wont to do according to the liberties of the City of
London.
That, in order to avert perils and slanders from so good a
City, which is a mirror to all England, no man of whatsoever
condition be so bold as to rob or "riffle" or take goods
against the will of the owner, in the City and outside, under
penalty of life and limb.
That each Alderman keep watches in his ward as before
ordained; and that no man go armed by night or day, save
officers and other good men of the City assigned by the
Mayor and Aldermen in their wards to keep watch and preserve the peace, under penalty of forfeiture of arms and imprisonment at the King's pleasure.
That no man of whatsoever condition do wrong or calumny
or seek vengeance by reason of any past quarrel, but those
that feel themselves aggrieved shall sue by way of law, and
according to the usages of the City, under penalty of forfeiture to the King and City.
That certain men of each mistery (fn. 5) be chosen by the assent
of the same misteries to come to Guildhall, where the Mayor
and Aldermen, together with them, shall treat and ordain on
the needs of the City in salvation of all men, denizens and
strangers, dwelling or repairing thither, and that the matters
thus ordained by them shall be shown to the Commonalty
before they be completed (supplies).
That the good men of the City, who have their apprentices,
hired men or servants, working with their hands or trading,
shall cause them to work or trade as they were wont to do,
and inform the Mayor, officers and other good men of the
City of any that be rebellious, who shall be duly punished as
a warning to others.
That the good men of the City and others of the land,
except John de Charleton (fn. 6) , lately dwelling in the City, and
the common enemies of the land, be free to enter the City
in safety, in order to be in accord with the good men of the
City for the common profit of the King and the land. Those
that are in discord with others shall use their diligence to
make accord, and if they cannot do so, it shall be lawful to
them to depart without molestation of person or goods.
That strangers coming in the company of the Queen and
Edward, the King's eldest son, to succour the land, be treated
with courtesy in London, and that all men of London warn
their households so to behave towards denizens and strangers,
that the City may be honoured by their good manners.
That no one under pain and forfeiture do anything to
another against the King's peace, and that none attack others
or seize lands, goods or chattels, on the ground that they
belong to the King's enemies, but if any person be found
within the City, who was a notorious adherent or helper of
those enemies, a citizen may cause him to be arrested and
may keep him and his goods in custody, but without wasting
those goods.
That, whereas Master Geffrey Lescrope, at the request of
the Queen, is directed by letter under the Common Seal to
come to the City of London on business touching the realm,
it is forbidden under penalty of life and limb to molest or
disturb him or any of his men in coming, going or staying.
That all the streets and lanes in the City and suburbs be
cleansed and delivered of rubbish, timber and other hindrances, and that pentices and jetties be so high that men may
ride beneath without hindrance, and that if any be ruinous
and dangerous, they be removed.
That no one, denizen or stranger, do against the Ordinances of the Staple until Parliament (tanque au parlement). (F)
12 Jan. 1327
Proclamation made on Monday after the Feast of the
Epiphany [6 Jan.] Ao 20 Edw. II [1326-7].
That no one take any manner of goods to the use of any
man, against the will of the owner, but that goods pass by
reasonable and friendly bargain between seller and buyer.
Any man making prises against the will of the sellers shall
be punished as an offender against the peace with the
penalties prescribed in the statutes thereto relating, which
statutes the King wills to be observed in all points.
That no one, in the place where he is lodged either by
delivery (of the Marshal (fn. 7) ) or otherwise, shall for any reason
enter the room or private house of his host, or break open
boxes or other private possessions, under colour of seeking
oats (aveyne), and if any one do so, he shall be treated as a
thief and robber.
The King has commanded that his Great Seal, which by
his orders is in the custody of the Queen, shall be open, as
it has been for some time (fn. 8) , and that law shall be done to all,
and that the peace be maintained; that no one by reason of
past events shall take another man, unless he be an officer
assigned to do so by process of law; that anyone who wishes
to complain of another shall be heard and aided by the law;
that no one shall take vengeance on another for any reason;
and that no one shall oust another from his house without
delivery of the Marshals or of the officers of the City of
London. (F)
11 Dec. 1326
Proclamation made on Thursday after the Feast of the
Conception B.M. [8 Dec.] Ao 20 Edw. II [1326] by assent of
the Commonalty, that no one molest the magnates and other
men of the commonalty of the realm, who have been summoned to the Parliament at Westminster for the morrow of
the Epiphany [6 Jan.]. Merchants are to be allowed free
entry to the City with their goods, so long as they do nothing
contrary to the City's rights. Citizens who have fled may
return in peace, except John de Charleton (fn. 9) . Any man having
a complaint against another must deliver it by bill to the
Mayor between now and Christmas, and speedy justice will
be afforded to him. Offenders against the peace to be committed to prison, there to remain until the Commonalty
ordains what shall be done with them. (F)
2 Jan. 1327
Proclamation made on Friday before the Feast of the
Epiphany [6 Jan.] Ao 20 Edw. II [1326-7], encouraging
victuallers to return to the City and promising them that no
one shall be allowed to take their goods without payment.
No one shall take lodgings in the City or suburbs by force
or by delivery of the Marshals (fn. 10) , against the will of the owner.
The bearing of arms is forbidden, except to the officers of the
City assigned by the Mayor and Aldermen to keep watch in
the Wards, and to the Hainaulters (Henuers
(fn. 11) ) of the Queen,
who are accustomed to go armed in the manner of their
country. Foreigners coming to the City in the retinue of the
Queen must be treated with courtesy, and no molestation
offered to those persons summoned to Parliament. Persons
offending against the peace shall be arrested by men of the
venue and taken to the houses of the Mayor and Sheriffs. (F)
Membr. 1 (3)
No date
Letter from the Bailiffs and Commonalty of Canterbury
to the Mayor, citizens and Commonalty of London, disavowing the action of certain persons, who were spreading
false reports and endeavouring to engender enmity between
the two cities. (F)
Formal reply to the above. (F)
No date
Letter from the Mayor and Barons of Winchelsea to the
Mayor and citizens of London, repeating a former application
for the return of some salt, which had been illegally taken,
by way of custom due to the Queen, out of the ship "La
Blythe," whereof Richard Large was master, belonging to
Robert, son of John Alard, a baron of Winchelsea, although
the Barons of Winchelsea were by charter quit of such
customs. (F)
13 March 1327
Reply to the above, setting forth that the salt had been
taken in lieu of a payment of 2d for every sieve of 5 quarters,
due to the Queen Hithe (fn. 12) from every stranger, whether belonging to the Cinque Ports or not, and that it had always
been paid by merchants of Sandwich, Dover and other
places without a murmur. Dated 13 March 1326[–7]. (F)
12 March 1327
Letter from the Mayor and Commonalty of London to the
Bailiffs and good men of Sandwich, desiring them to restore
to Walter de Mordon 130 tuns of woad-ashes (cendres de
weyde
(fn. 13) ), bought by him at La Swyne, which had been taken
from his ship by Adam le Bakere, William Metacre and other
men of Sandwich. Dated 12 March 1326[–7]. (F)
18 March 1327
Letter from the Mayor, Aldermen and Commonalty of
London to the Bailiffs and Commonalty of the town of
Southampton, desiring them to see justice done to John de
Belton, whose ship "La Margarete" had been taken from
him, being afterwards found at Hamele in the possession of
Robert Richard of Chalk. When the above John had recovered his ship by process in the Common Bench, a certain
John le Fleming of Southampton had despoiled the ship of
its gear and boat, and had prosecuted him in a court of law.
Dated 18 March 1326[–7]. (F)
18 March 1327
The same to the Mayor, Bailiffs and Commonalty of the
town of Sandwich, notifying them that the above John de
Belton having refitted his ship, after it had been despoiled
by John le Fleming and others (as set out in the previous
letter), and having laden it with wood for Yarmouth, had
arrived at Sandwich harbour, when the ship was arrested by
Robert Richard of Chalk, and the goods and chattels in it
carried away by men of their bailiwick, and the said John,
the master and the seamen made their escape with difficulty
by land with only the clothes they wore. The said John had
been accused of having stolen the ship by night at Southampton, but though he had shown the officials at Sandwich
his papers and also the King's writ for the surrender of the
vessel, they had told him that if he brought a thousand writs,
he should not have the ship. Thereupon he had appealed to
the Constable of Dover, and the latter had adjudged the
ship to him and had ordered the Mayor of Sandwich to
deliver up his goods. In the absence of the said John, however, the Mayor had given up the ship to the aforesaid
Robert, and had detained the complainant's goods. They
are desired to see justice done. Dated 18 March 1326[–7]. (F)
6 April 1327
Letter from the Mayor, Bailiffs and Commonalty of
Southampton, in answer to the above letter, informing the
Mayor etc. of London that they had examined John le
Fleming, who said that he was willing to make amends, if he
had done wrong, and to submit to the award of arbitrators
chosen by the Mayor etc. of London. Dated 6 April 1327. (F)
Membr. 1 (3) b
23 April 1327
Letter from the Mayor, Aldermen and Commonalty of the
City of London to King Edward III, praying that English,
Irish and Welsh merchants dealing in wool, woolfells, leather,
skins, and tin, might be compelled to stay the full term of
forty days (fn. 14) in other Staple towns, as in the City of London,
instead of the limited term of fifteen days. Dated 23 April
Ao 1 Edw. III [1327]. (F)
No date
Letter from the same to Queen Isabella on the same
subject. (F)
No date
Letter from the same to John [Hotham], bishop of Ely,
Chancellor, desiring his good offices with the King in certain
matters which Reginald de Conduit, John Hautein, Stephen
de Abyndon, and Robert de Ely, citizens, would lay before
him. (F)
22 May 1327
Letter from the same to the Mayor, Bailiffs and Barons of
Rye, praying them to restore to Adam Lucas the toll they
had exacted from his barley, garlic, onions and onion seed
(oygnonet). Dated the morrow of the Ascension [21 May]
1327. (F)
Note of a similar letter sent to the Barons of Winchelsea. (L)
20 May 1327
Letter from the same to the Mayor, Bailiffs and Echevins
of Boulogne, praying them to obtain the restoration to Adam
Hurel and John Genge of their ship "La Blithe " of London,
of which Giles Trifle was master. This vessel, which was
worth £40 and had a cargo of wool value £100, had been
seized by Frenchmen from Calais, "Whytesande (fn. 15) " and
Boulogne, on its way to Antwerp. Dated the eve of the
Ascension [21 May] 1327. (F)
Note of similar letters having been sent to the Mayor and
Bailiffs of Wissant and Calais. (L)
Membr. 2 (4)
20 July 1327
Copy of certain enrolments in the Husting of Common
Pleas held on Monday the Feast of S
t
Margaret
[20 July] Ao 1 Edw. III [1327]
The King's writ to the effect that the City's action, in
having furnished him with a contingent (fn. 16) to aid him in an
expedition against Scotland, should not be drawn into precedent or be prejudicial to the franchise of the City. (L)
Certificate by the Mayor and Aldermen, who had examined
the body and stature of Ralph, son and heir of Robert le
Chandeler, that he was of full age and capable of disposing
of rents and tenements. (L)
At this court Brother William de Horton, Prior of the
New Hospital without Bishopsgate (fn. 17) , complained by John de
Appletone, his attorney, that Thomas de Cauntebrigge,
tenant of a messuage in St Vedast Lane in the Parish of
St John Zacarias, on which the Prior had an annual rentcharge of 16s, had stopped up the door whereby the Prior
had access to distrain him for any arrears. The Sheriffs were
ordered to make an inquiry on the spot and remove any
obstruction. (L)
22 July 1327
Proclamations made on Wednesday the Feast of St
Mary Magdalene [22 July].
Whereas it had been granted for the benefit of merchantstrangers in the City of London that they might trade
together so long as it pleased the good men of the City, it
was now agreed by the Mayor, Aldermen and Commonalty
that no merchant-stranger should in future trade with
another within the liberty of the City, but should buy and
sell according to ancient custom and not otherwise, under
penalties attaching thereto. (F)
Proclamation against cutting and carrying off the standing
corn of the Bishop of London. (F)
July 1327
A list of questions as to customs and procedure in the
City of London sent by the Mayor and burgesses of Oxford
in July 1327, because it was laid down in their Charter that
they should be of one and the same law and custom as the
citizens of London (fn. 18) .
It was answered that bakers were not allowed to sell in
their houses or in front of their ovens, but only from boxes
or baskets in the market. If convicted of selling in their
houses before the Sheriffs at their Halemot, they were
amerced. They paid an earnest (gersumam) on taking up a
standing in the market and a toll of one halfpenny a basket.
Whitebakers were not allowed to bake tourtebread (fn. 19) , nor
tourtebakers white bread.
Persons failing to come before the Mayor on summons
were distrained and sequestrated till they appeared.
There were no tallages in the City, but distresses taken
for not contributing to aids could be sold, unless they were
acquitted within fifteen days. Persons hindering the collectors might be committed to prison.
No damages were given to persons recovering debts in
the Chamber of the Guildhall or in the Husting, but they
might sue to have all the goods and chattels of the debtor to
satisfy the debt, and half his lands and tenements, if the
goods did not cover the debt.
Distresses taken from foreign defendants who eloigned
themselves were valued in the Sheriffs' Court and delivered
to the plaintiffs, under security to restore them, if the defendants subsequently appeared and proved that no debt
was owed.
No answer was given for the present to the question as to
whether persons having lands within the city, which they
had demised for life, could devise the reversion, and as to
how the tenants could be forced to attorn to the devisee. (L)
Membr. 2 (4)b
3 Nov. 1324
Royal Commission to Hamo de Chigwell and John Gisors
to see that no one made use in the City of false measures,
which did not correspond with the standard measures of
London (fn. 20) approved for the whole kingdom, under penalty of
fine; the fines so levied to be paid into the King's Exchequer.
Dated at Mortelake, 3 Nov. Ao 18 Edw. [II] [1324]. (L)
Membr. 3 (5)
No date
Letter from the Mayor and Commonalty of the City of
London to the Steward and Bailiffs of the Bishop of Winchester for the Fair of St Giles of Winchester, notifying them
that the Sheriffs of London had attached a sum of £65, due
at Winchester Fair from John Sok to Walter de Werft, merchant of "Lovaygne" in Brabant to satisfy a certain Henry
Wymond for another debt of £74 15s owed to him by the
said Walter and John Knikhals. The Steward etc. are requested to see that the above John receives back his bond
from Walter. (F)
6 Aug. 1327
Answer of the Mayor and Aldermen of the City of London
to the Mayor and Echevins of the town of Crotoye, touching
the conditions under which a certain ship called "Seint Jak
de Crotoye (fn. 21) " would be delivered to William de Cauntepye,
its owner. This ship had been captured at sea by men of
Bayonne, and subsequently arrested at London, as a reprisal
for goods attached from London citizens in France, at the
suit of the said William. He may have his ship again on
payment of £80 damages. Dated 6 Aug. 1327. Note that it
was sealed with the Mayoralty Seal. (F)
7 Aug. 1327
Writ of Edward III to the Sheriffs of London for two
representatives of the City to attend a Parliament (colloquium)
summoned to Lincoln on the morrow of the Exaltation of
the Holy Cross [14 Sept.], to deal with the threatened Scottish
invasion. Dated at Stanhope, 7 Aug. Ao 1 Edw. III [1327]. (L)
2 Sept. 1327
Return to the above writ under the Common Seal, notifying
the appointment of Bennet de Fulsham and Robert de
Kelseye. Dated 2 Sept. (L)
A note to the effect that Richard de Betone, Mayor, accompanied the City's representatives, Bennet de Fulsham and
Robert de Kelseye, bearing letters to the King, the Queen
and members of the Council, praying that the Bench and
Exchequer (fn. 22) might remain in London, and that he returned
with the King's answer, as recorded at the foot of the membrane. (L)
27 May 1326
Letter from the Mayor, Aldermen and Commonalty of the
City of London to the Provost and good men of La Rochelle,
certifying that certain ships laden with wine from Rochelle,
called "La Edmond de Loundres," Martin Squirel of London, master, "La Michel de Briggewater," Richard Gode,
master, and "La Anne de Wynchelse," Stephen le Wertere,
master, and belonging to John de Oxenford, Adam de Excestre and other vintners, had duly arrived at "la Pole" in
the Thames and there discharged their cargoes. Dated 27
May Ao 19 Edw. II [1326]. Note that it was sealed with the
Mayoralty Seal. (F)
10 Sept. 1327
The King's answer under the Privy Seal, notifying the
City that owing to the dangerous condition of affairs in the
North, it was impossible to remove the "King's places" back
to Westminster for the present. Dated at Nottingham 10
Sept. (F)
Membr. 3 (5)b
26 Aug. 1327
Answer of the Mayor, Barons and Commonalty of the
town of Rye to letters from the Mayor etc. of the City of
London relating to toll illegally exacted from the merchandise
of Adam Lucas. Justice will be done if the latter will sue
those who tolled him in Rye. Dated the third day after the
Feast of St Bartholomew [24 Aug.] 1327. (F)
No date
Answer of the Mayor and Barons of Winchelsea on the
same subject, to the effect that a certain Simon Birchet of
Winchelsea and his companions in time of war had captured
a ship of Abbeville, containing the merchandise above mentioned, as belonging to their enemies. They were willing to
do right in their court, if Adam Lucas would sue Simon
Birchet or any other by name. (F)
3 Sept. 1327
The above answers not being deemed satisfactory, the
Mayor, Aldermen and Commonalty unanimously agreed that
withernam
(fn. 23) should be taken from the men of Winchelsea and
Rye and their goods, as occasion served. This judgment was
delivered on Thursday before the Feast of the Nativity B.M.
[8 Sept.] Ao 1 Edw. III [1327]. Note that thirteen casks and
two pipes of red wine and one cask of white wine, belonging
to Richard Selern of Winchelsea, were seized as withernam.
As he did not sue for their return, they were valued at
£23 6s 8d and delivered to the above Adam Lucas, upon his
giving security to answer therefor quo et quando. (L)
Membr. 4 (6)
22 May 1327
Another letter from the Mayor etc. of the City of London
to the Bailiffs and good men of Sandwich, praying that the
woad taken from Walter de Mordon might be restored to
him. Dated the morrow of the Ascension. (F)
18 June 1327
Letter from the Mayor of London to John (Hotham),
Bishop of Ely, the King's Chancellor, setting forth that
William de Cauntepye of Croteye had been robbed of a ship
by Reymond de Spyan of Bayonne and others on the high
seas, that the ship had been brought to "la Pole" of London,
and by procuration of Hugh le Despenser the younger had
been presented colourably to the late King, who returned it
to Reymond, and that the above William had been unable to
recover it by process of law; that thereupon he applied to
the King of France, by whose orders the bailiffs of "Seint
Walri (fn. 24) " had seized three ships belonging to English merchants, viz. Aleyn Gille, Robert le Ropere and Adam Strangewere of Middelton, who in their turn attached the ship
found in the Pool of London. The Chancellor is desired to
assist the English merchants to recover their property.
Dated 18 June. (F)
Note to the effect that the above letter was written by the
express desire of Alan Gille and Robert le Ropere, who
brought witnesses before the Mayor and Aldermen to prove
that their complaint was true. They were examined in the
presence of Hugh de Waltham, Common Clerk, and Andrew
Horn, Chamberlain. (L)
25 June 1327
Letter to the Chancellor praying him to assist Stephen
Aleyn, who as the result of a petition to the last Parliament
had been allowed to prosecute his suit against the Abbot of
Fiscamp (fn. 25) in the Chancery. Dated the morrow of the
Nativity of St John [24 June]. (F)
26 June 1327
Letter to the Bailiffs and good men of Donewych in
favour of Alan Aunore, fishmonger, who had been mulcted
of 73s 11d by them. Dated 26 June. (F)
26 June 1327
Letter to the Burgomasters and Echevins of Caleys desiring
them to assist John le Clerk of Northall to recover the goods
—comprising stock-fish, heavy goods (avoyr de poys) and
armour—which had been taken out of his ship in "le streem"
of Flanders, on its way from that country to England, by
men of Calais. Dated 26 June 1327. (F)
23 June 1327
Certificate that Poucheus Portinari of Florence was a freeman of the City of London, and as such ought to pass free
of toll in England. Dated Tuesday the eve of the Nativity
of St John [24 June] Ao 1 Edw. III [1327]. (L)
9 July 1327
Letter from the Mayor, Aldermen and Commonalty to the
King, praying him to assist Stephen Aleyn to recover certain
goods stolen from him at Kaus (fn. 26) in Normandy Ao 13 Edw. II.
These goods had been loaded in a ship of London called
"La Margarete," of which John Thorn was master, to be
carried from Normandy to England, and had been unloaded
at Kaus, to which place the ship had been pursued by
Flemish pirates, and while the goods lay on the bank, they
had been carried off by men of the seignory of the Abbot of
Fiscamp, and placed in his cell of St Walrik. The King is
begged to instruct the Chancellor to make execution of a
writ of arrest formerly granted against the Abbot. Dated on
Thursday after the Feast of St Thomas the Martyr [7 July]. (F)
A note to the effect that the above letters on behalf of
Stephen Aleyn and Alan Aunore, as well as a letter directed
to the King touching men-at-arms for the war with the
Scots, were sealed with the Common Seal on Thursday after
the Feast of the Translation of St Thomas [7 July] 1327, in
the presence of the Mayor and others. (L)
Membr. 4 (6)b
29 April 1327
The King's writ requiring an armed force from London
to be sent to Newcastle-on-Tyne for service against the Scots.
Dated at Nottingham, 29 April Ao 1 Edw. III [1327]. (L)
May 1327
Covering letter under the Privy Seal directed to the Mayor,
Sheriffs and Commonalty to the same effect. Dated at
Nottingham, 2 May. (F)
20 July 1327
Answer of the Mayor and Barons of Sandwich to the letter
of the Mayor etc. of London, suggesting that Walter Mordon
should recover the woad he had lost by action at law. Dated
the Feast of St Margaret [20 July] 1327. (F)
23 July 1327
Letter acknowledging receipt of the above. Dated the
morrow of the Feast of "la Maudeleyne" [22 July]. (F)
12 July 1327
The King's writ to the Mayor and Sheriffs of London,
commanding them to make careful inquiry from foreign
merchants and merchants of the City as to the alleged seizure
of the ship of William Cauntepy, called "La James de
Crotoy" by Reymund Spian of Bayonne and others, and the
seizure by order of the King of France, by way of retaliation,
of three vessels belonging to Alan Gille, Robert le Ropere,
and Adam Stranswere. Dated at Topclif, 12 July Ao 1 Edw.
III [1327]. (L)
23 July 1327
Letter from the Mayor and Echevins of the town of Crotoy
and of Mayoc to the Mayor and Echevins of London, desiring them to assist William de Cauntepy in the recovery
of his ship "seint Jak du Crotoy." Dated the morrow of "la
Magdalainne " [22 July]. (F)
Note to the effect that the above letter and a copy of the
reply were delivered to Adam Gille on Sunday before the
Feast of St Martin [11 Nov.], to be returned before Christmas. (L)
Membr. 5 (7)
No date, circa Sept. 1327
Letter from the Mayor, Aldermen and Commonalty of the
City of London to the King, acknowledging his expressed
willingness that the Bench and Exchequer should return to
Westminster, if it were not that their being at York drew a
large concourse of people thither and helped to defend the
Northern Marches. They pray the King that both may
return to Westminster as soon as possible. (F)
No date
Letter from the same to Queen Isabella, desiring her to
use her influence with the King that the Bench and the Exchequer might remain at Westminster, as in times past. (F)
No date
The same to Henry (de Burghersh), Bishop of Lincoln,
the King's Treasurer, desiring his good offices with the King
in certain matters concerning the City, of which the bearer
would inform him. (F)
Note that similar letters were sent to John, Bishop of Ely,
the King's Chancellor, to the Earls of Norfolk, Kent, Lancaster and Surrey, as well as to Roger Mortimer and others. (L)
18 Sept. 1327
Acquittance to Richard de Rothinge, Sheriff, from the
Mayor, Aldermen and Commonalty, on receiving from him
the sum of £100, which ought to have been paid to the City
by Robert de Hasseleshawe, Provost of Wells (fn. 27) , who was a
prisoner in the custody of the Sheriff, and made his escape.
Dated 18 Sept. Ao 1 Edw. III [1327]. (F)
A note of how the above £100 was expended, viz. To John
de Gisors, Reginald de Conduit, John Hauteyn and others
chosen by the Commonalty to go to Kenilworth at the time
when Edward II surrendered his crown about the Feast of
St Hilary—£50 for expenses. To Richard de Betoyne, Mayor,
in August 1327, when he went to the King at Nottingham to
ask that the Bench and Exchequer might not be removed
from Westminster—£20 for expenses. To Robert de Kelseye,
when he attended the Council at Lincoln at the Feast of the
Exaltation of the Holy Cross [14 Sept.]—£10 for his expenses. His companion on that occasion, Bennet de Fulsham,
paid his own expenses. To Anketin de Gisors and John de
Causton, Aldermen, and Thomas de Chiggwell, commoner,
who afterwards went to Lincoln to attend the King's Council
—£20 for their expenses. (L)
24 Sept. 1327
Letter from the King to the Mayor, Aldermen and Commonalty of the City touching the removal of the Bench and
Exchequer to York. The matter had been fully discussed at
Lincoln, and the removal regarded as necessary. They should
however he brought back to Westminster as soon as the
country became more settled. Dated at Lincoln, 24 Sept.
Ao 1 Edw. III [1327], under the Privy Seal. (F)
23 Sept. 1327
The King to the Mayor, Aldermen, Sheriffs and Commonalty of the City to the same effect. Dated at Lincoln, 23
Sept. By the King and his Council. (L)
23 Sept. 1327
The King to the Sheriffs of London, commanding them
to provide casks, boxes and other necessaries for transporting to York the rolls, tallies, writs, fines and other
memoranda of the Exchequer and the Bench; the Treasurer
and Barons of the one, and William de Herle, Chief Justice
of the other, having been ordered to move their departments
thither. Dated at Lincoln, 23 Sept. Ao 1 Edw. III [1327]. (L)
Membr. 5 (7)b
21 Sept. 1327
Note that on Monday the Feast of St Matthew the Apostle
[21 Sept.] John Hauteyn, mercer, and Henry Darci, draper,
were elected Sheriffs at the Guildhall (fn. 28) by the Mayor, Aldermen and Commonalty, viz. by twelve, eight or six men
chosen from each ward. On Wednesday the morrow of St
Michael [29 Sept.] the Sheriffs rode to the outer gate of the
Tower and were received into office by Nicholas de Redinge,
deputy of Thomas de Wake, the Constable, according to the
terms of the King's writ following. (L)
20 Sept. 1327
Writ to Thomas Wake, Constable of the Tower, commanding him to receive the Mayor and Sheriffs into office,
in accordance with the charters of the City, in the absence
of the King and the Barons of the Exchequer from Westminster, where the Mayor and Sheriffs were usually admitted.
Dated at Lincoln, 20 Sept. 1327. (L)
23 Sept. 1327
Writ to the Sheriffs appointing Master John de Everdon,
John de Bourser, Hamo de Chigwell and John Devery to
assess and tax the twentieth of the moveable goods of the
inhabitants of the City, for assisting the King in his war with
Scotland, in accordance with the grant made by Parliament.
Dated at Lincoln, 23 Sept. Ao 1 Edw. III [1327]. (L)
No date
Letter from the Mayor and Commonalty of the City of
London to the King deprecating the imposition of an extraordinary loan on wool, leather and woolfells in the Port of
London, because none of the merchants of the City had been
consulted before the King or his Council; though the writ
asserted that foreign and native merchants desired to make
such an aid. (F)
Cedula attached to membrane
2 July 1327
The King's writ to the collectors of the custom on wool
etc. in the Port of London and other places on either side
of the Thames as far as Gravesend, to the effect that merchants had complained that it was very inconvenient to take
their wool etc. to the Staple towns, which in many cases were
distant from the sea. Though the King had forbidden the
export of such wool etc. before they had been taken to such
towns, nevertheless, in order to meet their wishes and in
consideration of the fact that they had proffered him a loan
for the war in Scotland, he had ordained, by the advice of
his Council, that until Christmas merchants might freely
buy their wool etc. both in Staple towns and elsewhere, and
export them from any port where the King's custom-officers
were stationed, provided that they paid there the extra loan
of 1 mark on each sack of wool, 1 mark on each 300 woolfells, and 20s on each last of hides, for which they would
receive the King's letters patent, sealed with the Cocket, as
evidence of the loan. Dated at Overton, 2 July Ao 1 Edw. III
[1327]. (L)
dorso
19 Aug. 1327
Further writ reproving the collectors for delay and demanding immediate compliance with the writ of 2 July.
Dated at York, 19 Aug. 1327. (L)
Membr. 5 (7) b continued
23 Sept. 1327
The King's writ forgiving the citizens of London all
arrears of the extraordinary loan on wool, leather and woolfells aforesaid, provided that they pay what is due in future.
Dated at Lincoln, 23 Sept. Ao 1 Edw. III [1327]. (L)
3 Oct. 1327
The King's writ to the Sheriffs of London notifying the
adoption of a new Great Seal, differing from the old one
both in circumference and in modelling. An impression in
white wax was being forwarded for exhibition in the City.
Dated at Nottingham, 3 Oct. Ao 1 Edw. III [1327]. (L)
Membr. 6 (8)
18 Sept. 1327
Letter from the Mayor, Aldermen and Commonalty of
London to the Mayor and Barons of Winchelsea, complaining that the merchandise of John de Oxenford, Stephen
de Bercote, Bartholomew de Honylane, Thomas de Hamelden, William le Gaugeour, John de Honylane, and Ralph de
la Pole, citizens of London, had been seized on its way to
Gascony. Dated 18 Sept. (F)
No date
Reply to the above, explaining that no redress had been
given to Robert, son of John Alard, for the loss of his salt on
board the "Blithe," which had been taken in London for
custom, and that the Mayor etc. of London had taken certain
wines from John de Iham and Richard Salern in satisfaction
of the grievance of Adam Lucas of London; wherefore the
burgesses of Winchelsea had taken the merchandise of John
de Oxenford and the others by way of reprisal. (F)
No date
Another letter from the Mayor etc. of Winchelsea to the
Mayor etc. of London, complaining that Robert, son of John
Alard, had been arrested and charged by Hamo de Chiggwell
with unlawful possession of goods claimed by Adam Lucas. (F)
23 Sept. 1327
Memorandum that on Wednesday before the Feast of St
Michael [29 Sept.] Ao 1 Edw. III [1327] there came certain
men of the mistery of Pouchmakers (bursarii) before Hamo
de Chiggwell, deputy of Richard de Betoyne the Mayor,
bringing breech-girdles (braels) and pouches falsely made
and lined with flocks (pilis). The said breech-girdles and
pouches were ordered to be burnt at the Cross in Cheap (fn. 29) . (L)
A note to the effect that Adam de Wyndesore and John de
Berkyng were attached to answer Henry le Joygnour, Sergeant of Queenhithe, on a charge of having given him a
beating on Monday the Feast of St Matthew [21 Sept.] Ao
1 Edw. III [1327]. They were committed to prison, but
afterwards released on bail. (L)
10 Oct. 1327
Letter (fn. 30) from the Mayor, Aldermen and Commonalty of
London to the Mayor and Barons of Winchelsea, explaining
that their treatment of Robert, son of John Alard, had no
reference to the claims made by Adam Lucas. A toll of salt
was taken from the above Robert in accordance with the
rights appurtenant to the Queenhithe. These rights were
established in 1244 at an inquiry held before the Itinerant
Justices at the Tower, and subsequently the Queenhithe
was leased to the City for £50 per annum, which rent belonged to the Queen. Dated 10 Oct. (F)
Membr. 6 (8)b
3 Oct. 1327
Proclamation made on Saturday after the Feast of St
Michael for the keeping of the King's peace. Night-walking
after curfew and the carrying of arms are forbidden. No
taverns are to remain open after curfew. Aggrieved persons
must not form covins, but complain to the Wardens of their
misteries, or sue at law. No one is allowed to leave the City
to maintain quarrels; the sheriffs of the neighbouring
counties have been warned to arrest citizens found so doing.
The Wardens of the misteries must keep their men at work
and report any rebellious behaviour to the Mayor and good
men of the City. All men of the fealty of the King must
keep the peace and the articles of this proclamation, and
assist in bringing offenders to justice. (F)
No date
Letter from the Mayor, Aldermen and Commonalty of
London to the Prior of Merton, complaining that Henry
atte Frith, a woolman of London, had been attacked by the
men of the Prior and Thomas de Codyngton, when passing
through Ewelle, and his goods taken away from him. (F)
A similar letter was sent to Thomas de Codyngton.
No date
Letter from William Prodhomme, William Haunsard,
Martyn, servant of Sir Hamo de Chigwell, William Lambyn,
William Cros, Adam Pykeman, John Oliver, John de Belton,
Henry Prodomme (sic), John Habelond, John Yon, Gilbert
Cros and Thomas de Shene, complaining that they had been
interfered with by the commonalty of Great Yarmouth (fn. 31) under
the leadership of Robert de Ely, who treated them as villeins
(qe nous tenent e dient qe sumes vileyns), threatened them, and
said they should have no herring from Yarmouth unless it
was carried in carts. (F)
No date
Letter from the Alderman and burgesses of St Edmunds (fn. 32)
touching an outrage committed by the monks in that town
on the Feast of St Luke [18 Oct.] when many women and
children, who were attending service in the church, were
imprisoned by them in their close. When the burgesses
came to demand their release, the monks had assaulted them
with arrows, stones and engines of war, killing many of them.
Thereupon the commons had risen and had burnt a great
part of the Abbey, though the church was fortunately saved
by the efforts of townsmen and monks. The writers beg for
the advice and support of the Mayor, Aldermen and Commonalty, as from one "commune" to another, whose interests
were the same. (F)
29 Oct. 1327
Letter from the Mayor, Aldermen and Commonalty of
London to the Bailiffs and good men of Great Yarmouth,
desiring to know the cause of the recent disturbance there,
and why merchants of London had been prevented from
loading and unloading their merchandise, and storing it in
their houses in Little Yarmouth, according to ancient custom. Dated 29 Oct. (F)
Membr. 7 (9)
29 Oct. 1327
Letter from Hamo de Chigwelle, Mayor, etc. to Robert
de Ely, reminding him that he was a citizen of London, and
charging him not to abet the men of Great Yarmouth, in
their interference with London merchants trading in Little
Yarmouth. Dated 29 Oct. (F)
18 Oct. 1327
The same to Stephen (de Gravesend) (fn. 33) , Bishop of London,
remarking on his continued absence from London, and
assuring him that the greatest friendliness had been displayed
towards him at the last meeting for the election of a Mayor.
Dated 18 Oct. (F)
A note to the effect that the above letters were sealed with
the Common Seal on Saturday the eve of All Saints (1 Nov.),
by assent of the Mayor, Sheriffs and other Aldermen. (L)
No date
Letter from the Mayor and Barons of Winchelsea to the
Mayor etc. of London, acknowledging their letter brought
by Geoffrey Botele and John Wantenge; but inasmuch as
the matter concerned the common weal of all the Cinque
Ports and not that of Winchelsea alone, they promised to
send another reply as soon as they should have taken counsel
together. (F)
No date
Proclamation inviting the Bishop of London to the City
and forbidding any one to offer any insult to him or his
followers. (F)
31 Oct. 1327
Proclamation against shooting pigeons and other birds,
perched on St Paul's or on the houses of citizens, with stonebows and arbalests, because the missiles frequently broke the
windows and wounded passers-by. (F)
Published on Saturday, the eve of All Saints (1 Nov.) by the
assent of the Mayor, Hamo de Chigwell, and the Aldermen.
7 Nov. 1327
Letter from the Mayor, Aldermen and Commonalty of
London to the Sheriff of Essex and Hertford with regard to
disturbers of the peace throughout the country, who professed to belong to the City of London. The Sheriff is desired
to take such into custody, and to let the Mayor know their
names, as the City has no desire to protect them. Dated
7 Nov. (F)
Similar letters under the Common Seal sent to the Sheriffs
of Surrey and Sussex, Kent and Middlesex.
2 Nov. 1327
Letter from the Mayor and Barons of Winchelsea to the
Mayor etc. of London touching the toll on salt taken at
Queenhithe from Robert, son of John Alard. They have
received the Mayor's letter showing that such customs were
already taken before the war between King John and his
barons, to which they reply that their own barons were exempted from such tolls by Edward the Confessor, William
the Conqueror and other kings, and they have no intention
of surrendering their rights. They complain further of tolls
on fish-panniers taken by the fermors of Southwark and the
collectors of Bridge Street. Dated at Winchelsea on All
Souls Day. (F)
Note that other letters from the Cinque Ports: Romney,
Sandwich, Dover, Hastings, Rye and Hythe, on the same
matter, have been placed on the File of Letters. (L)