ROLL A5
Membr. 1
8 Jan. 1338
Writ to the Mayor and Sheriffs to make inquiry with
regard to a complaint received from Bernard del Compre of
Prymerole to the effect that he had embarked 50 casks of
wine at Bordeaux in a ship belonging to Peter de Logar called
"la Fraunceys de Bayon," and that the King's Serjeant-atarms, Reymund Guillim, had seized 31 casks and one pipe
of the wine at London under the pretence that Prymerole
had returned to the allegiance of the King of France. Arnald
de Dureford and Nicholas Usus Marys, Constable of Bordeaux, had testified to the King's Council that the wine was
embarked at a time when Prymerole was still in the King's
power. Dated at Hertford 8 Jan. Ao 11 Edw. III [1337-8]. (L)
26 Jan. 1338
Record of inquest (fn. 1) taken before Henry Darcy, Mayor,
pursuant to the above writ. The jurors found that the King's
Serjeant-at-arms did not seize the wine, but attached the
above-mentioned Bernard del Compre and handed him over
to the Constable of the Tower, who took from him the keys
of the cellar in Vintry where the wine was stored. The said
Bernard had arrived first at Winchelsea, and his journey to
London with the wine had taken from two days after the
Feast of the Nativity of St John the Baptist [24 June] until
the Feast of St Mary Magdalene [22 July]. Dated on
Monday after the Feast of the Conversion of St Paul [25
Jan.] Ao 12 Edw. III [1337-8]. (L)
7 Feb. 1338
Pleas held before Henry Darcy, Mayor, Nicholas
Crane and Walter Neel, Sheriffs, on Saturday after
the Feast of the Purification B. M. [2 Feb.] A
o 12 Edw.
III [1337-8]
Emma Clerkes, Cristiana atte Hurst, Stephen Michel,
Henry de Kirkeby, Richard le Barber and Robert Flourman
were attached to answer a charge of having forestalled the
corn market. A jury from Gracechurch found only Robert
Flourman guilty. He was committed to prison until he paid
a fine to the King, but was mainprised the same day. (L)
No date
Letters testimonial from the Mayor of London to the
Bailiffs of Great "Ockele" in favour of Richard, son and
heir of Ralph de Dankewell, who was claiming his inheritance
in their bailiwick. (F)
Membr. 1b
7 Feb. 1338
Pleas held before the Mayor and Sheriffs on Saturday
before the Feast of S
t
Valentine [14 Feb.] A
o 12 Edw.
III [1337-8]
John Odierne, butcher, and Robert Odierne were attached
to answer a charge of carrying trade refuse into the street at
Gracechurch, and feeding their pigs on it, thus defiling the
street. Both afterwards paid a fine to the Sheriffs. (L)
18 Feb. 1338
Pleas held before the Mayor and Sheriffs on Wednesday
after the above Feast
John de Whitfeld, Laurence le Hurer, William de Bedeford,
Francis le Seler, Anabilla le Hokester, Robert de Clyderhowe, cornmonger, Agnes Sigily, "hokester," and William
Brythnoth were attached to answer the Commonalty and
William de Iford, who prosecuted, on a charge of forestalling
the corn market. All were found guilty except Agnes Sigily
and were committed to prison until they should pay a fine
to the King. (L)
26 Feb. 1338
Letter from the Mayor and Aldermen of London to the
Mayor and Bailiffs of Lenne (Lynn, co. Norfolk) desiring
them to assist Adam de Shadwell to recover his apprentice,
Simon le Moneter, who had absconded with his master's
goods. Dated 26 Feb. (F)
No date
The same to the Bailiffs and good men of the towns of
Sandwyz and Fordwyz, desiring them to restore to William
de Stanes his property, which had been seized at Fordwyz
at the suit of Stephen de Messeberwe, who wished to recover
certain cheeses from him. The owner of the cheeses, William
le Goldsmyth of Sandwyz, had now testified before the
Mayor and Aldermen that the above William de Stanes had
taken charge of the cheeses at "Dordryght" in Holland and
had lent him 23s 4d, when he was in a difficulty. (F)
No date
Letters testimonial from the same to the Bailiffs and good
men of Northampton, certifying that John de Gayton was
next heir to William Tabourer of Gayton, deceased. (F)
Membr. 2
19 June 1338
Pleas held before the Mayor and Sheriffs on Friday
before the Feast of the Nativity of S
t
John the Baptist
[24 June] A
o 12 Edw. III [1338]
William de Dalton, spicer, was attached to answer a charge,
brought by the Beadle of Castle Baynard Ward, of keeping
a house of ill-fame to which married women and their paramours and other bad characters resorted. He was found
guilty by a jury and committed to prison. After being in
Newgate over two months he was released on mainprise. (L)
15 July 1338
A Congregation of Mayor, Aldermen and a great Commonalty on Wednesday after the Feast of S
t
Mildred
[13 July] (fn. 2)
A
o 12 Edw. III [1338]
William de Iford, Common Serjeant, was instructed to go
to the Abbot of Lesnes and to the locum tenens of the Abbot
of St Augustine near Lesnes (fn. 3) , with a request from the Mayor
and Commonalty that they should cause "bekenes" to be
lighted on "Sheterselde (fn. 4) " and other places, so that notice
might be given to the inhabitants of Kent, Surrey and
London of the approach of the enemy (fn. 5) .
Also it was ordained that the Aldermen warn the men of
their Wards to arm themselves according to their ability,
and that any man who refused should be committed to prison
as a traitor to the City. (L)
5 Aug. 1338
Note that on Wednesday after the Feast of St Peter ad
Vincula [1 Aug.] Ao 12 Edw. III [1338], John Frere, skinner,
came before the Mayor and Aldermen and complained of
being threatened by John de Bedeford, senior, whom he
wished to be bound over to keep the peace. This was accordingly done.
The same day sureties were accepted for the appearance,
when required, of Nicholas de Hereford and Thomas de
Roselyngton.
Sureties were also accepted for the appearance of Richard
le Goldsmyth of "Lambhuth" in the matter of a pair of
paternosters of copper-gilt and counterfeit silver.
The same day surety was taken for William Pecok to keep
the peace with Maude de Stoke. (L)
7 Aug. 1338
A Congregation of Mayor, Aldermen and Commonalty
on Friday after the above Feast
It was agreed that John de Hereford, John son of the late
Master Richard de Gloucestre and other incorrigibles should
be committed to Newgate to prevent their doing mischief. (L)
Membr. 3
26 May 1338
Letter from Henry Darcy, the Mayor, and the Aldermen
and Commonalty of the City of London to the Mayor,
Bailiffs and Commonalty of York, desiring them to assist
Robert de Heccham, attorney of Simon Sleyp, merchant of
Louvain, to recover £9 10s due from John de Watterton to
the above Simon. Dated 26 May. (F)
30 May 1338
Letters patent under the Mayoralty Seal certifying that
certain merchants, William Meroud, Gysemannus de Cort,
Walter Alard, John Hondessone, John Sourendok, Giles atte
Ramme, Tarus de Hale, Henry de Loo, Walter de Loven,
John de la Wode, John Pereman, Gerard de Akk, John de
Folbek, Jacobus Flegh, Frankynus Depe and Giles Famsnen,
had paid certain sums of money into the King's Court [i.e.
Mayor's Court] due to Henry Rombaud for board and lodging,
which sums were to be handed over to the latter's creditors.
Dated 30 May 1338. [Marginal note that the certificate was
issued on behalf of Brabantines.] (L)
29 May 1338
Letter from Henry Darcy, Mayor, and the Aldermen of
the City of London to the Prior of "Croys Roys" [Royston,
co. Herts.], desiring him to give up the goods of William
Broune and Henry de Ware, which his bailiffs had seized,
because such a seizure was contrary to the franchise of the
City of London, and moreover the above merchants had
entered into security to the Sheriffs of London to aid the
King in the war with everything belonging to their trade.
Dated 29 May. (F)
18 May 1338
Letter from the Mayor and Bailiffs of Oxford (fn. 6) to the
Mayor and Sheriffs of London, offering them the honour
and reverence due from a daughter to a mother (queuz fille
deit a sa mere), and asking for particulars of the procedure in
an Assize of Freshforce. Dated 18 May. (F)
Reply (fn. 7) to the above. Dated Tuesday after the Feast of
St Barnabas [11 June]. (F)
Membr. 3b
20 June 1338
Letter from Henry Darcy, Mayor, and the Aldermen of
the City of London to the Bailiffs and good men of Staundon,
desiring them to restore the distress they had levied on the
goods of Margaret, relict of Ralph de Coventre. Dated
Saturday before the Feast of the Nativity of St John the
Baptist [24 June]. (F)
Letter from the same to the Mayor, Bailiffs and good men
of the town of Southampton, desiring them to see justice
done to Andrew Aubrey, Alderman of London, whose goods
had been arrested at the suit of William Maundelard, Thomas
Bassyngrom and Nicholas atte Gate. Dated as above. (F)
1 July 1338
Letter from the Mayor, Aldermen and Commonalty of the
City of London to the King, notifying the despatch of 40
men-at-arms and 60 archers for his service (fn. 8) . Certain men
chosen for the contingent had left the City, saying they were
going to the war in the retinues of great men. The King is
requested to say what shall be done with such men, if they
return to the City without the King's leave and warrant.
Dated 1 July. (F)
The same to the King's Chancellor, praying that the City
may obtain from the King the usual warranty that the
despatch of 100 men to the war shall not be drawn into
precedent to the City's prejudice. Same date.(F)
A note of a similar letter having been sent to Master
Richard de Bynteworth, Bishop-elect of London. (L)
Letter to Sir Henry de Ferrers, desiring him to see that
the soldiers recently despatched by the City were duly presented to the King. Same date. (F)
A note of a similar letter having been sent to Sir Geoffrey
le Scrope (fn. 9) .
4 July 1338
Letter from Henry Darcy, Mayor, and the Aldermen of
the City of London to Adam le Keu and others of Gravesend,
desiring them to restore to John de Martyncroft the goods
they had taken from his apprentice Richard de Saye. Dated
4 July. (F)
No date
Another letter to the same effect. (F)
No date
Letter from the same to the Bailiffs and good men of the
town of "Kedwelly" in Wales, desiring them to give seisin
to Richard Hendy of certain lands and tenements in Kid
welly lately conveyed to him by John Wrenche, son of the
late William Wrenche of Kidwelly. (F)
Membr. 4
Letters and Memoranda of the time of Henry Darcy,
Mayor, A
o 11 Edw. III [1337-8]
1 Nov. 1337
Writ under the Privy Seal to the Mayor and Sheriffs for
an inquest to be held as to when Thomas de Chedyndon of
Fleet Street died. Dated at Tame, 1 Nov. Ao 11 Edw. III
[1337]. (F)
7 Nov. 1337
An inquest was accordingly held and a return (F) made
to the effect that the above Thomas died at daybreak on
Wednesday before the Feast of St Luke the Evangelist [18
Oct.]. Dated 7 Nov. Ao 11 Edw. III [1337].
4 Oct. 1337
Letter from Henry Darci, Mayor, and the Aldermen of
London to the Mayor and Bailiffs of Southampton, desiring
them to restore to Gerard Corp of London the distress they
had taken for the payment of a custom called "Barbecage (fn. 10) ."
Dated 4 Oct. (F)
13 Nov. 1337
The same to the Bailiffs and good men of Jernemue (Yarmouth), desiring them to restore the distress taken from
William Box, John de Gloucestre and other citizens of
London, and promising redress for any offence committed
against burgesses of Yarmouth. Dated Thursday after the
Feast of St Martin [11 Nov.]. (F)
No date
The same to the Mayor and Barons of Wynchelse, declaring their inability to compel the heirs and executors of
Thomas de Upton to satisfy Roger Salerne and Richard his
merchant for a sum of money due to the said Roger by the
said Thomas—for the reason that the heirs and executors
had no property in the City. (F)
4 Dec. 1337
The same to the Mayor and Bailiffs of Winchester, desiring them to restore to William de Stowe the distress they
had taken. Dated 4 Dec. (F)
13 Dec. 1337
The same to the Mayor, Bailiffs, and good men of the
town of Drogheda, desiring them to assist the bearer,
Robert de Pyrlee, to recover a debt due to him by John
Beaumond of Beverley, who was under their jurisdiction.
Dated Saturday the Feast of St Lucia [13 Dec.]. (F)
12 Jan. 1338
The same to the Bailiffs and good men of the town of
Orford (fn. 11) , desiring them to restore the distress they had taken
for payment of custom from John de Ware, John de Bixele
and James de Norhampton. Dated 12 Jan. [Ao 11 Edw. III,
1337-8]. (F)
Membr. 4b
21 Jan. 1338
The same to the Mayor, Bailiffs and good men of the town
of Hampton, notifying that they had lately arrested certain
goods belonging to Spanish merchants (fn. 12) , captured at sea on
the ship "la Carrak" of Cateloigne and subsequently found
in London. Among these goods were 7 fardells of cloth belonging to Laurence de Gardak, merchant of Bayonne. Piers
Cisers, attorney of the Spanish merchants, had given evidence
that they had no claim on Gardak's cloth, which had been
brought to England in the ship "La Naude" of Bayonne.
Accordingly the latter had been allowed to have his cloth on
payment of the custom due, and had received permission to
take it to Hampton and elsewhere in the way of trade.
Dated Wednesday after the Feast of SS. Fabian and Sebastian [20 Jan.]. (F)
24 Jan. 1338
Letter from Henry Darcy, the Mayor, Aldermen and
Commonalty of London to the Bailiffs and good men of the
town of Yarmouth, calling upon them to see restitution made
to John de Mockyng, William Haunsard, Richard Dubble,
Walter Turk, John de Gloucestre, William de Ware, Roger
de Bernes, William de Watford, Walter de Reynham,
Richard le Long, Simon le Baker and John de Shirbourn for
the loss of their merchandise, which had been forcibly seized
in the port of Kirkele (fn. 13) and other coast-towns by the mariners
of certain ships, who were Yarmouth men. Dated Saturday
before the Conversion of St Paul [25 Jan.]. (F)
30 Jan. 1338
Reply to the above, expressing regret and promising that
the merchandise so taken in "la Rode" of Kirkele and other
places should be restored. Dated Friday before Candlemas
[2 Feb.]. (F)
19 Feb. 1338
Letter from the Mayor, Henry Darcy, and the Aldermen
of the City of London to the Bailiffs and good men of
Coventry, desiring them to constrain Roger atte Newelond
and Ralph Billyng to pay the money due on a bond to Thomas
de Sewell, citizen of London. Dated Thursday after the
Feast of St Valentine [14 Feb.]. (F)
20 Feb. 1338
Writ to the Mayor and Sheriffs under the Privy Seal for an
inquiry to be made by the oaths of Antoigne Bachoun,
Francekyn Bachoun, Antoigne Malusel, Johan Piselagle,
Barthelmeu Thomasyn, Bronnette Guilliam, Nicholas Guilliam, Pieres Jacoby and Juste Chaucer as to whether Antoigne
Chetron, merchant of Genoa, was bound to Guy Lespicer
in £78 sterling. Dated 20 Feb. Ao 12 Edw. III [1337-8]. (F)
25 Feb. 1338
Return to the effect that Antoigne Chetron was so bound.
Dated 25 Feb. (F)
Membr. 5
24 July 1338
Pleas held before Henry Darcy, Mayor, and the Sheriffs
on Friday the Vigil of S
t
James the Apostle [25 July]
A
o 12 Edw. III [1338]
Robert de Stratford, cordwainer, was attached to answer
a charge of harbouring Alice Donbely, Alice Tredewedowe
and other prostitutes, on the prosecution of William de
Iford (fn. 14) . He was found guilty by a jury, damages being taxed
at 6s 8d, and was mainprised to come up for judgment. (L)
The same day William de Farnberwe and John atte Grove,
armourer, being sworn and examined separately, gave evidence that Roger de la Tour had threatened John de Hadyngton. The said Roger was bound over, with six sureties, to
keep the peace. (L)
3 Aug. 1338
Pleas held before the same on Monday after the Feast of
S
t
Peter ad Vincula [1 Aug.]
Thomas de Sharnebrok, baker, was attached to answer a
charge of having taken his corn out of the City to be ground
and having the meal brought in by way of Cripplegate,
instead of by way of Aldgate or London Bridge, where the
corn would have been weighed for the payment of pesage (fn. 15) ,
thus defrauding John de Romeseye, the collector. The defendant admitted passing two cartloads through Cripplegate,
but pleaded that he had paid pesage therefor to the plaintiff.
A jury found that he had passed four cartloads through
Cripplegate. Judgment deferred. (L)
17 Aug. 1338
On Monday after the Feast of the Assumption B.M. [15
Aug.], Laurence de Dailing was bound over to keep the
King's peace.
Writ to Henry Darcy, the Mayor, in his capacity as the
King's Escheator, to hold an Inquisition post Mortem as to
the estate of Giles de Badelesmere. Dated at Walton, 16
July. (L)
Return to the above [membrane torn]. (L)
Membr. 5b
25 Aug. 1338
Inquisition post Mortem as to the estate in the City of
Thomas (de Brotherton), Earl Marshal (fn. 16) . The jury find that
on the day of his death he held a ruined house with a vacant
plot of ground in the parish of St Mary Somerset, which
could not be let and was of no annual value; also nine shops
and eight solars of an annual value of £4 15s, charged with
a quitrent of 8s to the Abbot of Messingdene, and two
marks for repairs, leaving a net annual value of 60s 8d. The
next heirs were Margaret, wife of Sir John de Segrave (fn. 17) and
Alice, wife of Sir Edward de Montacute. Dated Tuesday
before the Feast of the Decollation of St John the Baptist
[29 Aug.]. (L)
13 Aug. 1338
Schedule of victuals and other stores purchased for the
King's use by John de Pulteneye (fn. 18) , Henry Darci, Mayor,
John de Preston, John de Oxford, Richard de Rothyng,
Henry Combemartyn and William ..., by order under the
Privy Seal received on Thursday after the Feast of St Laurence [10 Aug.].
|
|
|
|
600 qrs of wheat at 4s 6d the qr. |
£135 |
|
| For carriage to the mill at 1d the qr. |
|
50s |
| For grinding the same at 4d the qr. |
£10 |
|
| For bolting the flour at 1½d the qr. |
|
75s |
| 100 casks at 2s each |
£10 |
|
| Sum, £161 5s |
| 100 carcases of oxen at 12s |
£60 |
|
| 10 qrs of salt for salting the same at 6s the qr. |
|
60s |
| 25 casks at 2s each |
|
50s |
| Sum, £65 10s |
| 3000 horseshoes at 106s 8d the thousand |
£16 |
|
| 30000 nails for the same at 20d the thousand |
|
50s |
| Sum, £18 10s |
| Sum total, £245 5s |
The above schedule was sent to the Chancery and delivered
to the Bishop of London, the Chancellor, with a note that
the King was bound to John de Pulteneye, Henry Darci and
John de Oxford in the said sum. (L)
5 Sept. 1338
At a Congregation of Mayor, Aldermen and a great Commonalty on Saturday before the Feast of the Nativity B.M.
[8 Sept.], three nets (fn. 19) taken in the Thames on the east of
London Bridge were condemned and destroyed as contrary
to the Assize. (L)
Ordered that when an assessment should in future be
made in the City no one should be assessed outside the Ward
where he dwelt. (L)
9 Sept. 1338
At a Congregation of Mayor, Aldermen and a great Commonalty on Wednesday after the above Feast, it was agreed
that two deeds of Edmund Hardel, made to John de Oxford,
Alderman, should be enrolled at the next Husting. (L)
Writ to Henry Darcy, Mayor and King's Escheator, to
give seisin to Elizabeth, relict of Giles de Badelesmere, of
certain shops formerly part of her late husband's estate near
Aldgate. Dated at Windsor.... (L)
Membr. 6
11 Oct. 1338
A Congregation of Mayor, Aldermen and an immense
Commonalty on Sunday after the Feast of S
t
Dionysius
[9 Oct.] A
o 12 Edw. III [1338]
Measures taken for the defence of the City: Simon Turgys,
with six men by day and twelve by night, was assigned to
guard the Postern by the Tower, with one springald (fn. 20) .
Sections of the Thames from the Lion Turret (fn. 21) to the Stonewharf (fn. 22) by the Woolwharf, from the Stonewharf to the Bridge,
from Ebbegate (fn. 23) to Castle Baynard, and the Bridge itself,
were allocated to the Aldermen and men of various Wards to
guard, four springalds being mounted on the new tower in
the first section. The neighbouring Wards were charged with
the defence of Ludgate, Newgate, Aldersgate and Cripplegate. Fifteen men of Farringdon Ward were placed under
the command of Richard de Hakeneye, and the men of
Bassishaw and Coleman Street were attached to the contingent of William de Brickelesworth.
It was agreed to drive piles in the Thames to prevent ships
from passing, except one at a time.
Richard de Hakeneye and Richard de Rothyng, Aldermen,
Alan Gille and Henry de Preston, Commoners, were chosen
to supervise the pile-driving, and Henry Darci, the Mayor,
Sir John de Pulteneye, Richard de la Pole and Reginald de
Conduit to supervise the Watches.
It was ordered that each alderman should hold an inquiry
in his Ward as to the number of able-bodied householders
not possessing arms.
It was agreed that all persons having quays on the Thames
between the Tower and the Bridge should construct brattices
(bretagiis) of boards thereon as a defence. William de
Brikelesworth said he had a quay called "Baudries Wharf"
by the Stonewharf on a four years' lease from Petronilla
Turk (fn. 24) , who refused to protect the wharf with brattices, and
he desired the Mayor and Aldermen to say whose duty it
was to fortify it. It was agreed, with the consent of the
parties, that the above William should carry out the work,
and have the quay beyond the term of the lease until he had
recovered his expenses. Thereupon he paid John de Totenham
£10 6s 8d to erect the brattices on the quay. (L)
Membr. 6b
20 Oct. 1338
A Congregation of Mayor, Aldermen and Commonalty
on Tuesday after the Feast of the Translation of S
t
Edward [13 Oct.] A
o 12 Edw. III [1338]
Simon Fraunceys and Andrew Aubrey were appointed to
buy heads (capita) for the quarrels (fn. 25) of the arbalests (balistarum), and to provide shields (targeas) for the City's
safety. (L)
John de Preston, William de Causton and Richard de
Berkyng, Aldermen, were appointed to levy 800 marks, being
arrears of the fifteenth, which arrears were assigned for the
payment of certain creditors of the King by an indenture in
the hands of Thomas de Maryns, the Chamberlain. John de
Grantham and the Sheriffs' sergeants, John atte Rye and
William de Morle, were chosen to assist them. (L)
Richard Costantyn and Richard de Forsham, Aldermen,
John de Bredestrete and John de Aylesham, Commoners,
were elected to raise a common tax for providing piles to be
sunk in the river and other necessaries for the City's defence. (L)
23 Oct. 1338
A Congregation of Mayor, Aldermen and Commonalty
on Friday after the Feast of S
t
Luke the Evangelist
[18 Oct.] A
o 12 Edw. III [1338]
It was ordered that every freeman for the future might sell
oxhides and cowhides, freely and without hindrance from
the Sheriffs, but foreign butchers were to continue to sell
flesh, hides and fells, as formerly set forth in Letter Book...
fo.... (fn. 26) . (L)
2 Nov. 1338
A Congregation of Mayor, Aldermen and Commonalty
on Monday the Feast of All Souls [2 Nov.]
Robert Flambard brought a letter (fn. 27) from the King (F)
desiring that he might be excused attending to his duties as
Mace-bearer in the City, because he was a serjeant-at-arms
of the King and was at present required by the latter. Dated
at Antwerp, 18 Oct.—In the same congregation John Benyn
was sworn as locum tenens in the place of the said Robert
Flambard, who also resigned his bailiwick in Southwark. (L)
The custody of Ludgate was entrusted to Nicholas le
Calicer and John atte Watre, with orders not to pass any
one through the gate after curfew sounded at St Martin's le
Grand. (L)
Membr. 7
No date
Letter from the Mayor and Aldermen of the City of London
to the Mayor, Bailiffs and good men of the town of Southampton, testifying to the good character of Henry de Dynant,
who had been arrested on suspicion, and requesting his
release. (F)
No date
Letter from the same to Robert Baret, steward of the
Countess of "Holestre (fn. 28) ," desiring him to give orders to the
bailiffs of the Countess to surrender the distresses which
they had made on the goods of William Knyght, John
Odyerne and Richard Daukes, citizens of London, at Leighton Buzzard co. Beds. (F)
17 Nov. 1338
The same to the Mayor, Bailiffs and good men of Sandwich, desiring them to see that Richard Lucas rendered
account to Alexander Lucas, a vintner of London, of moneys
received. Dated 17 Nov. (F)
No date
The same to the Bailiffs and good men of Great Yarmouth,
acknowledging their letter (p. 173). (F)
No date
Petition to the King's Council from the Mayor, Aldermen
and Commonalty of the City of London, praying that certain
aldermen and commoners, whom the Council had summoned
before them and ordered abroad, might be allowed to remain
at home and carry out the defence of the City, in accordance
with the promise made personally to the King at the Tower
that they would hold the City for him. (F)
13 Jan. 1338?
Letter from the same to the Bailiffs and good men of
Great Yarmouth, complaining that they had not restored
certain goods that had been taken from William Haunsard
and others, as promised. Dated Wednesday the Feast of St
Hillary [13 Jan.]. (F)
No date
Petition of Henry Darcy, Mayor, to the King and Council,
to take into consideration the fact that, owing to the war, he
could not collect the 50 marks annual rent which the Mayor
of London, for the time being, was wont to receive from the
merchants of Amiens, Corby and Nesle, this rent being the
only certain revenue appurtenant to the Mayoralty. (F)
No date
Letter from the Mayor and Aldermen to the Mayor,
Bailiffs and good men of Oxford, desiring them to see that
Richard de Bedeford, Richard de Selwode and other burgesses of Oxford satisfied John Doxenford as regards the
money due to him. (F)
Membr. 7b
No date
Letter from the Bailiffs of Great Yarmouth, notifying that
certain merchandise that had been unlawfully seized had
been offered to Thomas de Ware and Simon, the servant of
William Haunsard, who refused to accept it as not being
their own property. They pray for further time to set the
matter right. (F)
No date
Reply to the above, refusing further time, and desiring
them to forward the goods at once to London by sea, with
a deputation to treat. (F)
5 Feb. 1339
Letters patent from the Mayor, Aldermen and Commonalty of the City of London, certifying that Master Henry
de Lyndeseye, clerk, was the right heir of Master Adam de
Lyndeseye, called "de Butterwyk," who owned property in
the Isle of Axholme. Dated Friday after the Purification
B.M. [2 Feb.] Ao 13 Edw. III [1338-9]. (F)
No date
Letter from Henry Darcy, Mayor, and the Aldermen of
the City of London to the Mayor, Bailiffs and good men of
Oxford, desiring them to see that Henry de Hampton
satisfied John de Stanhop for a debt, vouched by two tallies
and sealed with the seal of the said Henry. (F)
27 April 1338
A Congregation of Mayor, Aldermen and Commonalty
on Monday after the Feast of S
t
George
[23 April] A
o 12 Edw. III [1338]
It was agreed that whereas the City had written three
times to Great Yarmouth for redress to be made to William
Haunsard, William de Ware and other citizens of London
who had been robbed of merchandise at Kirkele and the
neighbourhood, and nothing had been done, Withernam
(fn. 29)
should be taken (quod homines . . .wythernamientur) of the
goods and chattels of men of that town. (L)
Membr. 8
25 Aug. 1338
Writ to Henry Darcy, Mayor and King's Escheator, to
hold an Inquisition post Mortem as to the estate of the late
Earl Marshal in the City. Witness, Edward, Duke of Cornwall and Earl of Chester, Warden of England; Windsor, 25
Aug. Ao 12 Edw. III [1338]. (L)
28 Aug. 1338
Return to the above, dated Friday after the Feast of St
Bartholomew [24 Aug.], (Identical with return on p. 174,
dated Tuesday 25 Aug.)
28 Oct. 1338
Account of issues and profits received by the Mayor as
King's Escheator for one whole year from 28 Oct. 1337, and
paid into the King's Treasury, from which a tally was received. The profits accrued from certain tenements, gardens
and shops within Aldgate and Lime Street belonging to the
late Giles Badelesmere. No issues were received from the
properties of Thomas, late Earl of Norfolk and Marshal of
England, as they were unlet. Total, 12s 8d. (L)
No date
Letter from Henry Darcy, Mayor, and the Aldermen to
Richard Sperlyng and Nicholas Horn, collectors of wool for
the King, desiring them to surrender certain cloth they had
taken from Adam de Louthe at Stratford (fn. 30) , which cloth had
been entrusted to him by good men of the City for the purpose of manufacture. The said Adam had already been
assessed for his wool, as well as the Master of St Thomas of
Acres, whose mill the said Adam rented. (F)
3 Dec. 1338
Writ to Henry Darcy, Mayor and King's Escheator, to
hold an Inquisition ad quod Damnum on a proposal by Walter
de Fulbourne, parson of the Church of Upton Skydemor (fn. 31) ,
to grant two-thirds of a messuage in the parish of St Nicholas
Olave in Bread Street to the Abbot and Convent of Sautre (fn. 32)
for the purpose of a chantry in the Abbey Church, as well as
the reversion of the rest of the messuage coming to him after
the death of Alice, widow of Ralph de Berkwey, who held
the same in dower. Dated at Byflet, 3 Dec. Ao 12 Edw. III
[1338]. (L)
Membr. 8b
Return, to the effect that the messuage was held of the
King in free burgage, like the rest of the City, and that the
proposed grant was not to the prejudice of the King. The
annual value was 60s, less 21s quitrent to the Abbot of Sautre,
12s quitrent to the Prior of Bermondeseye. and 10s annual
repairs, leaving a net annual value of 17s. (L)
2 Nov. 1338
Writ to Henry Darcy, Mayor and King's Escheator, to
hold an Inquisition ad quod Damnum on a proposal by
William Elsyng to grant five messuages in the parishes of
All Hallows, Honey Lane, and St Laurence Jewry to the
Wardens and Chaplains of the Hospital of St Mary of Aldermanbury (fn. 33) . Dated at Kenyngton, 2 Nov. Ao 12 Edw. III
[1338]. (L)
11 Dec. 1338
Return to the above to the effect that the proposed grant
would not prejudice the neighbourhood or prevent the donor's
discharge of his obligations. The two messuages in the parish
of All Hallows, Honey Lane, were of £13 10s annual value,
less quitrents to the Nuns of Clerkenwell, the Conversi, the
Canons of Merton and the Nuns of St Helen, and 30s
repairs, leaving a net annual value of 20s. The three messuages in Laurence Lane were of £6 10s annual value, less
quitrents to John de Preston, Sibil Potyn, the churches of St
Mildred Bread Street, St Laurence Jewry and St Sepulchre,
the heirs of David le Foundour, Richard de Betoygne, Henry
de Gisors, Maud de Leyre, and the church of St Mildred in
the Poultry, and 30s repairs, leaving a net annual deficit of
8s 4d, to which must be added a payment of 4 marks per
annum to John Marchaunt for life. But to meet these
charges the donor possessed other messuages in the parishes
of St Botolph without Aldersgate and St Andrew Holborn,
charged with quitrents to the Hospital of St Mary within
Cripplegate and St Paul's, of a net annual value of £11 1s 4d.
Dated Friday after the Feast of St Nicholas [6 Dec.]. (L)
20 Nov. 1338
Writ to Henry Darcy, Mayor, to view the stones of the
old Fleet Prison (fn. 34) , which the King had been asked to give to
Richard de Potenhale and which had been valued at 10 marks,
and to make a return of their value. Dated at Kenyngton,
20 Nov. Ao 12 Edw. III [1338]. (L)
Return to the effect that as the stones had been viewed by
the King's Chancellor and Treasurer and many Barons of the
Exchequer and others, there was no necessity for the Mayor
to give further information, but he would be ready to do so
if necessary. (L)
Membr. 9
11 Dec. 1338
A Congregation of the Mayor, Sheriffs and Aldermen
on Friday after the Feast of the Conception B.M. [8
Dec.] A
o 12 Edw. III [1338]
An inquest was held as to the cause of the affray which
took place in Holborn the night of Tuesday before the Feast
of St Katherine [25 Nov.]. The jurors found that certain
clerks of the King's Chancery, named William de Appelton,
Richard Hauberk, Laurence Hauberk and Richard Fauksos
broke into the houses of Richard de Ledrede and Richard le
Heyward in Holborn, and grievously assaulted them, breaking
Heyward's left leg, and then drawing their swords resisted
arrest by the constables, wounding one of them named
Reginald le Brewere. (L)
Nicholas Bonere, saddler, was summoned to show cause
why a sum of £40, which he acknowledged to be due to
Ralph de Blythe, William Pykerel, Robert de B..., and
Richard de Arderne, should not be levied on his goods and
chattels. Thereupon the above Nicholas, by Walter de Gilyngham, produced the King's writ of protection, accorded to
him during his absence abroad with Thomas de Ferariis on
the King's business, dated at Kenyngton 21 Nov. Ao 12
Edw. III [1338]. Proceedings were stayed. (L)
The same day precept was issued to summon John de
Sydenham, Master of the Hospital of St James the Apostle (fn. 35) ,
to show cause why a sum of £40 due to Walter de Chesthonte and Henry Cheyner should not be levied on his goods
and chattels. As the said John failed to appear on the day
appointed, execution was ordered to take place. (L)
11 March 1339
A Congregation of the above on Thursday before the
Feast of S
t
Gregory Pope [12 March] A
o 13 Edw. III
[1338-9]
Petition of Francis Bonatours (fn. 36) , brother of Gore Lespicer,
a citizen of London, that John Bryan alias Jakelot Palmere,
"Lyour de Bales (fn. 37) ," whom he had put in charge of the King's
wool on its way to Brabant, might be made to give up the
arms with which he had been furnished. The above John
was brought before the Mayor, and committed to prison
until he had satisfied the petitioner in the matter. (F)
Membr. 9b
27 Jan. 1339
A Congregation of the above on Wednesday after the
Feast of the Conversion of S
t
Paul [25 Jan.] A
o 13
Edw. III [1338-9]
Richard de Swanlond was summoned, on the prosecution
of William de Iford, Common Serjeant, to answer a charge
of having committed waste in certain tenements and gardens
outside Bishopsgate called "Bedlem," which he held under
a lease granted by the City in the mayoralty of Simon
Swanlond. A jury found him guilty of having destroyed a
wardrobe, thirty elms and willows growing in the garden, a
bridge and a wooden sphere (spera) (fn. 38) , besides carrying off a
table called "Dormant (fn. 39) ," and committing other waste to
the City's damage, 1000s. Judgment deferred. (L)
Membr. 10
15 Dec. 1338
Writ to Henry Darcy, Mayor and King's Escheator, to the
effect that the King had assigned to Edward de Monte Acuto
and Alice his wife (fn. 40) , daughter of Thomas, late Earl of Norfolk
and Marshal of England, with the assent of John de Segrave
and Margaret, his wife, the earl's elder daughter, the
following manors and rents as her purparty, viz. the manor
of Haneworth co. Norfolk, extended at £53 9s 4d yearly;
the manor of Orsham in the same county, extended at
£31 19s 8½d yearly; the manor of Dychyngham in the same
county, extended at £30 yearly; the manor of Redenhale in
the same county, extended at £28 14s 1¾d yearly; the manor
of Keleshale co. Suffolk, extended at £47 19s 11d yearly;
the manor of Bungeye in the same county, extended at
£43 2s 4¼d yearly; the manor of Stanerton (fn. 41) in the same
county, extended at £35 19s 10¾d yearly; the borough of
Bungeye in the same county extended at £7 6s 8d yearly;
the hundred of Lose in the same county extended at 100s
yearly; a plot of ground called "Kaye" in Ipswich, which is
not extended; and a messuage, nine shops and eight solars
in the parish of St Mary Somersete in the City of London
extended at 70s 8d yearly, as appears by the extents returned
to Chancery by William Trussel, Escheator on this side of
the Trent, and the Mayor; and £8 16d yearly from Norwich
Castle by the hands of the Sheriff of Norfolk, of those
£33 6s 8d which the late earl was wont to receive therefrom.
The Mayor is bidden to deliver to the above Edward and
Alice the messuages etc. in London. Dated 15 Dec. Ao
12 Edw. III [1338].
Note that in obedience to this writ, received on Thursday
after the Feast of St Lucia [13 Dec.], delivery was made to
Sir William de Langele, attorney of the said Edward de
Monte Acuto. (L)
28 Jan. 1339
Writ to Henry Darcy, Mayor and King's Escheator, to
hold an Inquisition post Mortem as to the property in the
City of Edmund Cheyne, deceased. Dated at Berkhampstede,
28 Jan. Ao 13 Edw. III [1338-9].
Note that the writ was delivered to the Mayor 2 Jan. (fn. 42)
Ao 13 Edw. III [1339-40] by John Shench, who said he was
the son of John Shench and Joan his wife, and heir of the
said Joan as regards certain tenements charged with the
custody of Fleet Prison, and the repair of Fleet Bridge when
required. (L)
5 Feb. 1339
Return to the above, in which the jury find that the said
Edmund had by courtesy (per curialitatem Anglie) a lifeinterest in a messuage called the Prison of Flete and certain
rents, value £10, held of the King by serjeanty of keeping
the prisoners there confined, and of repairing Fleet Bridge
when required. This life-interest he had by right of Joan,
late his wife, and daughter and heiress of Stephen de
Lenelonde. The above John Shench was the next heir.
Dated Friday after the Feast of the Purification B.M. [2 Feb.]
Ao 13 Edw. III [1338-9]. (L)
6 Oct. 1339
Writ to Henry Darcy, Mayor and King's Escheator, to
hold an Inquisition ad quod Damnum on a proposal of
William de Elsyng (fn. 43) to convey two messuages in the parish
of St Mary Aldermanbury in Gaysporelane, late belonging
to Stephen de Clopton, porter, and Maud de Hales, and two
messuages in the parish of St Alphege within Cripplegate,
late belonging to Thomas de Eu and Maud la Bakere, to the
Warden and Chaplains of the Hospital of St Mary of Aldermanbury. A report is also to be made regarding a messuage
in the parish of St Alphege, formerly belonging to Agnes de
Norton of Ripon, which the Warden etc. acquired without
the King's licence from Thomas de Maryns, apothecary,
subsequent to the Statute of Mortmain—as to whether they
should be allowed to retain it, under the terms of a general
permission to acquire lands, tenements and rents to the value
of £10 yearly, recently granted. Dated at Wyndesore, 6 Oct.
Ao 13 Edw. III [1339]. (L)
18 Oct. 1339
Membr. 10b
Return to the above, in which the jury find that the two
messuages in Gaysporelane were of an annual value of 26s,
less quitrent 13s 4d to Maud de Hales, 2s to the Nuns of
Haliwell, and 13s 4d repairs, leaving a net annual deficit of
2s 8d; the two messuages in the parish of St Alphege were of
an annual value 60s, less quitrent 12d to the Prior of the
Hospital of St Mary without Bishopsgate, 20s to John de
Hegham, 18d to the Prior of Holy Trinity and 20s repairs,
leaving a net annual value of 17s 6d; and the other messuage
was of an annual value of 13s 4d, less quitrent 5s to the Nuns
of Klerkenewell and repairs 10s, leaving a net annual deficit
of 1s 8d. The donor possessed other tenements in the City of
sufficient value to meet all charges on what he had given and
what remained to him. Dated Monday the Feast of St Luke
[18 Oct.] Ao 13 Edw. III [1339]. (L)
Membr. 11
28 March 1338
Precept by the Mayor to the several Aldermen to hold
their Wardmotes on Sunday following and to make a return
of suspicious and disreputable inhabitants. Taverners were
to be warned to harbour no one for whom they were not
prepared to answer, and the inhabitants were to hold themselves ready to take arms for the defence of the realm. Dated
Saturday after the Feast of the Annunciation B.M. [25 March]
Ao 12 Edw. III [1338]. (F)
Return for the Ward of Farringdon Without. The jurors
present that Ellen de Evesham, living in the rents of Robert
Petyt in Fleet Street, keeps a disorderly house and harbours
thieves and prostitutes, and that in Christmas week last after
midnight certain foreigners from her house attacked a man,
who was passing along the highway with a light, and after
felling him with blows on the head and body, bound his
arms and legs and carried him within the said Ellen's house,
and that she was present with a lighted candle in her hand
during the assault. What happened to the man afterwards
the jury do not know.
They also present that Gilbert le Strengmakere, living in
the rents of the Hospital in Fleet Street, Margery de Wantynghe and Isabella de Actone, living in the rents of the
Hospital opposite Chauncelereslane, Joseph Sewy and his
concubine Salerna, living in Faytereslanende in the rents of
the Prior of St Mary of Southwark, William de Whitefeld
and Isabella de Eye, living in Holbourne in the rents of John
atte Bowe, and William le Maunciple of Oxford, living in
the same, keep common disorderly houses and harbour
prostitutes and men of ill fame.
They also present two sisters, Agnes and Juliana, living in
the rents of Roger Chauntecler in Holbourne as prostitutes
and harbourers of men of ill fame; Agnes, widow of Robert
atte Hole, for letting a house in Sholane to a woman of bad
character, whose associates were dangerous persons; and
Juliana atte Celer of Cokkeslane, Alice de Lincoln, living in
the rents of John le Bellere in Cokkeslane and keeping a
disorderly house in Hosierlane, Ferandus le Corsour, living
opposite Holbourne Cross, Henry de Bridport, "nortor (fn. 44) ,"
Thomas de Houndesmor and Isabella his wife, Robert
Petyt, living by the Bar of the New Temple, and Beatrice la
Welsshe of Holbourne, living next to John le Bokbyndere's
house, as guilty of similar offences, and as being a source of
danger to the neighbourhood. (L)
20 April 1338
Record of the visit of the Mayor and Aldermen to the
King and Council at Westminster on Monday after the
Feast of St Alphege [19 April] Ao 12 Edw. III [1338], when
they promised to safeguard the City for the King during his
absence abroad, and to present a scheme for so doing before
the Council on the following Friday. (L)
The manner of safeguarding the City above referred to:
Every alderman and his household to be armed. The better
men of the Ward to inspect all hostelries. Innkeepers to
enter into security not to harbour persons for whom they
cannot answer. All householders and inhabitants to pay
charges for guarding the City, and for the provision of arms.
Six, eight or twelve of the best men of each Ward to patrol
the City day and night and to see that the King's peace is
not broken. The names of persons entering into conspiracies
or covins to be reported to the Mayor, Sheriffs and Aldermen. Any person making cry or noise near the windows or
doors of houses and shops, so as to create a riot in the City,
to have forthwith judgment of life and limb. None to go
armed in the City save the King's servants and those assisting
them. No one to aid or help persons of evil covin or alliance
under penalty of forfeiture to the King and the City.
The manner of guarding the Gates of the City: All the
Gates to be closed at sunset by two of the most loyal and
able-bodied members of the Watch assigned to the Gates,
who shall keep the keys. The wickets (Guychets) to be kept
open till curfew sounded at St Martin le Grand, and then be
closed all night till prime sounded at St Thomas of Acre,
when they shall be open till sunrise, at which time the great
Gates are opened. (F)
These measures were approved by the King's Council.
On Saturday the Feast of St Mark the Evangelist [25 April]
twelve, eight or six good men of each Ward were elected and
sworn to put them into operation. (L)
List of the men sworn in each Ward [vide Cal. of Letter
Book F, pp. 21-3].
Membr. 11b
27 April 1338
Precept to the Aldermen to search their Wards, in accordance with the above scheme. Dated on Monday after the
Feast of St Mark the Evangelist [25 April] Ao 12 Edw. III
[1338]. (F)
9 May 1338
On Saturday after the Feast of St John ante Portam
Latinam [6 May] the Mayor and Aldermen were summoned
to meet the King and Council at the Tower on the following
Monday. Being asked how many men they were prepared
to send to the war they desired leave to consult the Commonalty, for which purpose they were allowed till Tuesday
before the Feast of the Ascension [21 May]. Eventually they
agreed to furnish 100 men (40 men-at-arms and 60 archers),
and these were dispatched to Ipswich under Nicholas de
Abyndon on 1 July (fn. 45) . (L)
Names of persons sworn before the Mayor and Aldermen
to keep the King's peace, followed by those to whom the
keys and custody of the several City Gates were entrusted. (L)
Membr. 12
9 May 1338
A Court held before Henry Darcy, the Mayor, and
Nicholas Crane and Walter Neel, Sheriffs, on Saturday after the Feast of S
t
John ante Portam Latinam
[6 May] A
o 12 Edw. III [1338]
Stephen Page, "cotiller," was attached at the suit of
William de Iford and John de Horwode, who prosecuted for
the King, to answer a charge of having abused the jury of the
Sheriffs' Court, which found a verdict against him in a plea
of covenant, by shouting out, as he went through St Laurence
Lane, Cheap and Coleman Street, that the jurors were liars.
A jury drawn from those streets (fn. 46) found him guilty. Judgment was deferred. (L)
18 May 1338
John de Donmowe, skinner, and John Maygnard, who
were carried before the Mayor, Sheriffs and Aldermen on
Monday before the Feast of St Dunstan [19 May] for fighting
with swords on Cornhill, acknowledged their offence and
were committed to Newgate. Mainprise was allowed to them
the same day. (L)
Adam de St Albans complained of being threatened by
William de Hodisdone, and demanded that the latter should
find security for keeping the peace. Thereupon William le
Hore, Simon le Bakere, fishmonger, Richard le Longe, fishmonger, William atte Folde, Gilbert de Bromle and Roger
de Shorne were accepted as mainprise for the above William's
good behaviour. (L)
5 June 1338
On Friday after the Feast of St Petronilla [31 May], Roger
de la Tour, armourer, was carried before the Mayor, Aldermen and Sheriffs by John de Knopwede, Robert de Seynt
More and other inhabitants of Cheap, and accused of being
a common disturber of the peace, and of having assaulted
Thomas de Kestevene. He was committed to prison, but
subsequently mainprised by Geoffrey le Cotiller, William de
Sancta Elena, John Tavy, armourer, Henry de Morle,
armourer, William de Trente, armourer, and John atte
Barnet, girdler. (L)
On Thursday after the Feast of St Peter ad Vincula [1
Aug.] the same year, the said Roger de la Tour was charged
with using threats against John de Adyngton, and was mainprised for his good behaviour. (L)
Membr. 12b
23 May 1338
A Congregation of Mayor, Aldermen and Commoners
on Saturday after the Feast of the Ascension [21 May]
A
o 12 Edw. III [1338]
Names of those present.
Aldermen: Henry Darcy, Mayor, Gregory de Norton,
John de Causton, Simon Fraunceys, John Hamond, Andrew
Aubrey, Richard de Rothyng, Richard de Berkyng, Richard
Lacer, William de Causton, Ralph de Upton, John de
Mockyng, Nicholas Crane.
Commoners: from the east of Walbrook, William Haunsard,
William de Brykkelesworth, Walter de Mordon, Adam Pykeman, William Box, Bartholomew Denmars, John de Northall,
Thomas de Swanlund, Simon Turgys, William de "Braughyng,
John de Brendwode, Adam de Bury, Thomas de Canterbury,
Richard de Lambhuth. From the west of Walbrook, Thomas
de Waledene, John de Dallyng, John de Aylesham, Reginald
de Thorp, William de Pountfreyt, John de Gloucestre, John
de Denham, Robert de Shordych, Richard de Welleford,
Richard Denys, Thomas de Worstede, Geoffrey atte Gate,
John Tornegold, John de Bredestrete.
The names of the men-at-arms and archers chosen by the
Commoners to cross the sea to assist the King in his war,
under the command of William Hauteyn, vintener and centener. [See Cal. of Letter Book F, pp. 26-7.] The men are
ranged under their several vinteners or section-leaders of
twenty. (L)
Membr. 13
31 Dec. 1343
Pleas held before John Hamond, the Mayor, and John
de Aylesham and John Syward, Sheriffs, on Wednesday before the Feast of the Circumcision [1 Jan.] A
o 17
Edw. III [1343]
Inquiry as to the cause of an affray on the confines of
Cripplegate and Bassishaw Wards on Saturday night the
Feast of St John the Apostle [27 Dec.] in which Richard
Tailboys, the beadle of Cripplegate Ward, had his left arm
broken. The jury found that a certain Thomas le Goldsmyth
of Faversham, servant of Gerard Corp, accompanied John
Frere from the house of Thomas de Meldeburne in Melkstrete to Frere's lodging in Bassieshawe, and on his way met
the beadle and the Watch at Cheynereswelle, where he assaulted them and called them "ribalds." After depositing
the said John in his house, the said Thomas returned and
met the Watch again opposite the late Richard Costantyn's
inn, where he assaulted them once more and broke the
beadle's arm with his staff and caused a great affray, after
which he fled. (L)
Inquest held the same day as to the cause of an affray in
Vintry Ward on Sunday night the Feast of Holy Innocents
[28 Dec.] in which the beadle of the Ward was assaulted.
The jury found that on the night mentioned a certain John
de Oxford, skinner, John de Clyf and Henry de Ledham
were walking with a light before them, when they met John
Harry, the beadle of the Ward, and his men at la Ryole, and
quietly passed on. After them came two of John de Oxford's
company, who were without a light. On their being asked
by the beadle what they were doing without a light and
whither they were going, they replied that it was no business
of his. Thence arose words and a noisy quarrel, and on this
the said John de Oxford and Henry de Ledham hurried back
with drawn swords and assaulted the beadle, wounding him
in the right arm. (L)
19 Jan. 1344
Pleas held before the Mayor and Sheriffs on Monday
after the Feast of S
t
Hilary [13 Jan.] A
o 17 Edw. III
[1343-4]
William Toppeclyf and Geoffrey Pokerich, smiths, were
attached to answer a charge of having set a light to some
straw which Agatha, wife of John Freman of Maldon, was
carrying to Gracechurch for sale, to the damage of the said
John and Agatha 20s. A jury acquitted William Toppeclyf,
but found Geoffrey Pokerich guilty, assessing the damages
at 12d, which the latter paid, together with a fine to the
King. (L)
Membr. 13b
John de Ware, "bocher," was attached to answer a charge
of neglecting to pay 16s for a bullock, which he had bought
from John Cok, drover, in accordance with the Statute of
Smithfield (fn. 47) . A jury found him guilty and he was committed
to prison until he should satisfy the plaintiff for the debt. (L)
Similar verdict and judgment in an action between the
same parties with regard to the sale of two bullocks. The
defendant John de Ware pleaded that he bought the animals,
in conjunction with another butcher, William Rich, and that
he was always willing to pay his half-share of the price. (L)
23 Jan. 1344
A Congregation of the Mayor and Aldermen and the
better and wiser Commoners on Friday after the octave
of S
t
Hilary [13 Jan.] A
o 17 Edw. III [1343-4]
It was agreed that every one who took part in the loan of
£5000 to the King should pay 2d in the pound towards the
expenses of the Common Serjeant, William de Iford, in
executing the King's writs to the various Sheriffs for the
repayment of the money. (L)
27 Feb. 1344
A Congregation of the Mayor and Aldermen and one
of the Sheriffs on Friday after the Feast of S
t
Matthias
the Apostle [24 Feb.] A
o 18 Edw. III [1343-4]
Walter Lumbard and Simon de Snellyng, Serjeants of the
Mayor, brought into court divers pairs of gilded spurs and
several pieces of iron for making spurs found in the
possession of Thomas Aleyn, spurrier, William Passefeld,
Gilbert de Waltham, Adam de Peveneyeand John atte Crouch.
The articles were submitted to the examination of certain
men of the mistery of Lorimers, sworn for the purpose, viz.
Walter le Cok, Robert de Sutton, Roger de Woxebrigg,
William Gay, John de Sutton, John de Chigewell, John
Parrat and William Randolf, and were found to be false and
of false material. Judgment that they be confiscated. (L)
Membr. 14
14 March 1343
A Congregation of Mayor, Aldermen and an immense
Commonalty on Friday after the Feast of S
t
Gregory
[12 March] A
o 17 Edw. III [1342-3]
It was agreed to make a present to the King on his arrival
from foreign parts (fn. 48) , and in order that the present might be
made properly, quietly, circumspectly and in silence, without
any noise, a precept was sent to each Alderman ordering him
to summon the good men of his Ward to elect two, three or
four good men to attend at Guildhall on Monday for the
consideration of matters touching the honour and profit of
the City. (L)
List of those elected whose names were returned on the
back of the precepts.
23 May 1343
A Congregation of Mayor, Aldermen and an immense
Commonalty on Friday the morrow of the Ascension
[22 May]
William de Causton, Richard de Rothyng, Richard de
Berkyng, Bartholomew Denmars and William de Pountfreyt,
Aldermen, and John de Enefeld, John de Worth, John Cole,
Richard de Preston, Edmund de Saunford, Richard de
Thorp, John Tornegold, Robert de Shordiche and John
Yonn, Commoners, were chosen to undertake the proper
distribution of the sum of 200 marks, the amount paid for
the "pardon" of an Iter held Ao 14 Edw. III, and allowed
by the King to be set off against the sum of £5000 lent to
him by the City. (L)
The same body was deputed to examine the names of
those rebellious persons in the Wards who refused to make
any contribution to the present given to the King on his
return from overseas. (L)
The custody of Ludgate was granted to Robert de Beverley
for life, on condition that he kept the walls and buildings
appertaining to it in proper repair to the satisfaction of the
Alderman of the Ward and Thomas de Maryns the Chamberlain. (L)
Membr. 14 b
10 March 1343
At a Husting for Common Pleas, held on Monday before
the Feast of St Gregory [12 March] Ao 17 Edw. III [1342-3],
complaint was made by the inhabitants of the neighbourhood
of Gracechurch that the shadows under a house built on
beams, belonging to Roger de Haveryng alias atte Sele and
Christiana his wife, were the resort of bad characters, who
sprang out on passers-by and robbed them. The said Roger
was summoned to show cause why the house should not be
pulled down, and neither he nor his wife had anything to
say for themselves. Order was given to demolish the house
at the owner's expense, and the latter was fined 40s for contempt. (L)
Membr. 15
10 Oct. 1343
Pleas held before Simon Fraunceis, Mayor, and John
de Aylesham and John Syward, Sheriffs, on Friday
after the octave of S
t
Michael [29 Sept.] A
o 17 Edw.
III [1343]
Nicholas atte Forde, William le Clerk and John Pategrys
were attached to answer Thomas de Russie on a charge that
they, together with Robert Pategrys, Richard Dyke, Thomas
de Wyndesore, Peter atte Forde, John de Burgh and John
de Bissheye, against whom the plaintiff would have made his
declaration, if they had been present in court, assaulted him
at Fanchirche with swords, bucklers and staves, and inflicted
damage on him to the amount of £1000. A jury found them
guilty to the extent of 40s. Judgment that they be committed
to prison till they pay these damages and a fine to the
King.
Similar judgment in an action by the above plaintiff's
wife Margery, who claimed £500 and was awarded 40s. (L)
15 Oct. 1343
Inquest held before the Mayor and Sheriffs on Wednesday
before the Feast of St Luke [18 Oct.] as to the persons who
committed the above assaults. The jury found the following
guilty, viz. Richard atte Dyke, Peter atte Ford, John de
Burgh, Thomas de Burgh, Thomas de Wyndesore and
Richard Pykard, journeymen (garciones) of the mistery of
Tapicers. They also found Richard atte Dyke and the rest,
together with John de Dunmowe, John de Watford, Simon
le Strengere and Simon le Flecchere to be nightwalkers and
common evil-doers. (L)
Membr. 15b
Pleas and Memoranda temp. John Hamond, Mayor,
A
o 17 Edw. III [1343-4]
31 Oct. 1343
Inquest held before the Mayor and Sheriffs in the presence
of John de Foxton, Coroner (fn. 49) , on Friday the eve of All Saints
[1 Nov.] as to the persons who caused an affray in the parish
of St Bartholomew the Less on the preceding Tuesday night,
and knocked down and robbed Hamo de Waltham, fishmonger. The jury found that while the said Hamo was
proceeding to a friend's house in the parish of St Margaret
Lothbury with a jar of wine, he was set upon by John
Spencer, John Hilbourword, Roger Wygenhale and William
de Lynne, servants of Alan Meyn, skinner, and John de
Pokenhale, servant to Peter de Pountfreit, skinner, who
knocked him down and broke his jar of wine, and though he
raised the hue and cry, they pursued him to the churchyard
of St Bartholomew, knocked him down again, and robbed
him of his girdle and purse, worth 40s, with 43s 5½d in the
purse, and that afterwards they were harboured by their
masters, who well knew that they were guilty of a felony.
This inquest was delivered to Stephen de Waltham sealed
with the seals of the jurors. (L)
3 Dec. 1343
Pleas held before the Mayor, Sheriffs and Aldermen on
Wednesday after the Feast of S
t
Andrew [30 Nov.]
Richard Saleman, hosier, was attached to answer the
Mayor's Serjeant, Walter Lombard, for refusing to surrender
a piece of cloth, which John de Romeseye had bought from
a foreigner, and which the defendant had arrested, on the
ground that it had been bought and sold by foreigners. This
cloth the defendant had claimed as a forfeit to the mistery of
Hosiers (caligariorum). He now appeared in court and threw
himself on the mercy of the Mayor and Aldermen. He was
committed to prison, but on Saturday following, at the
request of certain men of his craft, the Mayor and Aldermen
pardoned his contempt and set him at liberty. (L)
Edward Houle, chaucer (fn. 50) , was attached to answer a charge
of having been impertinent to Andrew Aubrey, Alderman.
When the latter called on him to desist from beating a
stranger, who asked too much for the price of a cup, the
defendant said that as the Alderman had interfered, he would
give the man another beating. He now appeared and acknowledged his guilt, and was thereupon committed to
prison to remain there during the pleasure of the Mayor and
Aldermen. On the following Saturday he was released at the
request of certain men of his craft. (L)