2 Dec. 1343
On Tuesday after the Feast of St Andrew [30 Nov.] Hugh
de Dyngele, clerk, was committed to prison for carrying
arms in the streets contrary to proclamation. (L)
16 Dec. 1343
A Congregation of Mayor and Aldermen on Tuesday
after the Feast of S
t
Lucia [13 Dec.]
William Wylmot of Fenny Stratford recovered a debt of
26s 3d from Joan Spenser for corn bought by her from him
on the pavement within Newgate (fn. 1) . (L)
Membr. 16
13 Dec. 1342
Pleas held before Simon Fraunceys, Mayor, John
Lovekyn and Richard de Keslyngbury, Sheriffs, and
the Aldermen on Friday the Feast of S
t
Lucia [13 Dec.]
A
o 16 Edw. III [1342]
Thomas de Midelton, John le Barber, Robert le Coupere,
Geoffrey de Bedeford and Richard Pope, who had been indicted before the Mayor and Sheriffs for creating a disturbance in the Old Jewry, were attached to answer the King
and the Common Serjeant on the indictment. They pleaded
not guilty and were mainprised to come up to hear the
verdict of a jury. (L)
29 Jan. 1343
On Wednesday after the Feast of the Conversion of St
Paul [25 Jan.] Ao 17 Edw. III [1342-3], Simon de Brounesford, spicer, exhibited a bill (F) to the Mayor and Aldermen,
complaining that Bartholomew Denmars, during his Shrievalty, allowed Robert de Selgrave of Faversham to go at
liberty to the damage of the plaintiff, who had an action of
account pending against the said Robert in the Sheriffs'
Court for foreigners. The defendant pleaded that the action
in his court had proceeded as far as the appointment of
auditors, when the debtor Robert pretended that he had
certain memoranda in Faversham which were material to his
case, and accordingly he had taken security from him and
allowed him to go to Faversham. There the said Robert fell
ill and died, as was testified by letters from the Mayor and
Barons of Faversham under their town seal. On this ground
the said Bartholomew demanded judgment. The plaintiff
answered that the defendant at his own risk had allowed the
said Robert to go, and had not delivered the record and process of the action to his successor in the Shrievalty, nor had
he handed over to the latter the mainprise of the said Robert,
so as to clear himself, and accordingly he claimed that the
defendant was liable. After several adjournments a day was
fixed for hearing judgment [breaks off]. (L)
Membr. 16 b
17 Jan. 1343
A Congregation of Mayor and Aldermen on Friday
after the Feast of S
t
Hilary [13 Jan.] A
o 16 Edw. III
[1342-3]
Precept was issued to Walter Lombard, Serjeant of the
Chamber, to summon Anketin Gysors before the Mayor and
Chamberlain to show cause why the sum of £80, being the
balance of £100 formerly acknowledged by the said Anketin
and Robert Swote as due from them to the City, should not
be levied on his goods and chattels. The Serjeant having
reported that Anketin was dead, the latter's executors—his
widow Joan and his son James—were summoned. It was
returned that the widow and the son were tenants of the
lands and tenements of the deceased, as well as being
executors. (L)
Membr. 17
27 Sept. 1342
On Friday before the Feast of St Michael [29 Sept.] (fn. 2) Ao
16 Edw. III [1342] at the hour of parish Mass Sir William
de Cusance, the King's Treasurer, and Sir John de Thursby (fn. 3) ,
the King's Clerk, brought a letter (F) under the Privy Seal
announcing that the bearers would explain the King's request. Thereupon the Aldermen and the wiser and more
discreet Commoners (fn. 4) were summoned to Guildhall, in whose
presence the Treasurer prayed that the City would lend the
King £2000 towards the expenses of the war. The Treasurer
having retired, it was decided that the King's request could
not be refused without incurring his enmity, and the messengers, being called in, were informed that the City would
lend the King £1000 till Christmas next. After some demur
this promise was accepted by the Treasurer, who undertook
to give security for the repayment. Measures were then
taken for raising the money from the more wealthy citizens,
each contributing according to his power, and the following
assessors were appointed: (L)
Aldermen: Richard de Berkyng, William de Thorneye,
William de Brikelesworth, William de Poumfreit, John de
Aylisham and John de Northall.
The Eest Wards.
Tower: William Box and Edmund de Saunford.
Billingsgate: Richard de Lambhuthe and John Yonn.
Bridge: Walter de Mordon and John de Croydon.
Dowgate: Bartholomew Denmars and Thomas de Ispania.
Vintry: Henry Vannere.
Walbrook: Thomas de Farnham and John le Neve.
Candlewick Street: William de Wethersfeld and Geoffrey
le Boteler.
Langbourn: Alexander de Watford and John Hablond.
Bishopsgate: Nicholas Ponge and Henry de Norhamptone.
Cornhill: Thomas Leg and John Levelif.
Algate: John de Neuby and Walter le Keu.
Broad Street: Nicholas atte Merssh and Richard de
Staundon.
Portsoken: John de Romeneye and Peter de Weston.
The West Wards.
Colman Street: Richard de Shordich and John Bussh.
Cheap: William de Elsyng, senior, and Geoffrey le
Tableter.
Farringdon Within: Simon atte Gate and Geoffrey atte
Gate.
Farringdon Without: Reginald de Thorp and Robert le
Mareschal.
Cripplegate Within and Without: John de Keslyngbury,
Adam de Walpol and Gilbert le Chaloner.
Bread Street: John de Refham and John de Ware.
Cordwainer Street: Richard de Todyngton and John de
Kelyngworth.
Queenhithe: John de Gloucestre and William de Neuport.
Castle Baynard: Simon de Turnham and Henry Brenge.
Aldersgate: John Spray and Peter atte Corner.
Membr. 17b
1 Feb. 1343
A Congregation of Mayor and Aldermen on Saturday
the eve of the Purification B.M. [2 Feb.] A
o 17 Edw.
III [1342-3]
William the clerk and Gilbert the sub-clerk of the Church
of St Peter on Cornhill were summoned to answer the Mayor
and Aldermen on a charge of ringing the church bells, raising
the hue and cry, and forcibly resisting the Sheriff and his
officers when they came to view a plot of land contiguous to
the Church, which had belonged to the City from time immemorial, and which, so it was said, the parishioners intended to appropriate as building land. The defendants
admitted having resisted the Sheriff, but were allowed to go
on mainprise, in order that the parishioners might not be
deprived of the Services on the Feast of the Purification.
On the Monday they were committed to prison, and precept
was issued to summon the more important parishioners on
Wednesday to explain why they were attempting to appropriate the plot in question. On that day came John Pycot,
Henry de Norhampton, Robert de Manhale, Stephen de
Waltham, John de Brendewod, Ralph de Cantebrigg, William
de Cantebrigg, John de Wodehous, John de Colonia, William
de Kent, John Levelif, Adam Aspal, Peter de Grenstede,
Peter de Blithe, John de Westone, chandler, Walter de
Lyndewod, James le Sherman, William atte Redecok,
Thomas Lyouns, Walter Osekyn, Richard le Mareschal and
William de Kent, who produced a record to the following
effect.
Pleas of the Crown before Hervey de Stanton and his
fellows, Itinerant Justices at the Tower on the morrow of
St Hilary [13 Jan.], Ao 14 Edw. II [1320-1].
The jury presented that Hugh de Waltham and the
parishioners of St Peter's Cornhill built a house on the King's
ground eight years ago, in which an anchoress now dwells,
which house and land were of an annual value of 12d, and
that they had enclosed with a paling another plot of the
King's ground. These two plots were 48 feet long by 10 feet
wide. John de Oxonia, being summoned to show by what
warrant he held this land, prayed that he might rent it of the
King for 12d yearly, which was granted to him.
The parishioners pleaded that the plot occupied by the
anchoress was dedicated and belonged to the Church, and
that on the death of the last anchoress they had resumed
possession to the benefit of the Church. And as regards the
other plot, the late Rector, John de Oxonia, who held it from
the King at 12d yearly, had devised it to Robert de Manhale
in his will.
Since the Mayor and Aldermen desired to consult with the
Commonalty on the matter, the defendants William and
Gilbert were allowed out on mainprise of Richard, rector of
St Martin Oteswich, Roger de Colonia, Richard le Stolere,
William de Zellyng and others. (L)
Membr. 18
8 Oct. 1341
Inquest by the Mayor and Sheriffs pursuant to the King's
writ under his Privy Seal (F), dated 8 Oct. Ao 15 Edw. III
[1341], as to whether or not John de Molyns, knight (fn. 5) , had
delivered certain silver plate to William de Dallyng, mercer,
as security for the payment of £87 12s 1d, the said William
having complained that these pledges had been taken away
from him and delivered to Thomas de Hatfeld, the King's
clerk, when the said Sir John was arrested.
13 Oct. 1341
On Saturday the Feast of the Translation of St Edward
[13 Oct.] the jurors found that Egidia, wife of John de
Molyns, knight, had without any fraud or collusion pledged
to William de Dallyng certain silver vessels, weighing in all
£87 12s 1d sterling, including four "chargeours," nine
dishes, four dozen of salt-cellars, one large salt-cellar with
cover, four smaller salt-cellars without covers, three fingerbowls (lavatoria), six plates called "Fruytdisshes," two jugs
of three quarts each, two jugs of half a gallon each, two jugs
of a quart and a half, two jugs of a quart, two white cups
with covers of one set, one small ewer (aquarium), one large
plated cup with a cover embossed with vines, one round
vessel with a cover called "Moricz" and eleven pieces of
silver with one cover. (L)
13 Nov. 1341
Precept from the Mayor to the Sheriffs, Richard de
Berkyng and John Rokele, to hasten the raising of the loan
of £5000 to the King, a rebate of 5s in the pound being
allowed to each contributor, and to save the honour of the
City in this matter. Dated Tuesday after the Feast of St
Martin [11 Nov.] Ao 15 Edw. III [1341]. (F)
Similar precept to the assessors. (F)
3 Dec. 1341
Precepts to the Sheriffs to warn the assessors and collectors to bring the money raised for the King's loan into
Guildhall on Wednesday next. Dated Monday after the
Feast of St Andrew [30 Nov.]. (F)
Membr. 18b
19 Nov. 1341
A Congregation of Mayor, Sheriffs and Aldermen on
Monday before the Feast of S
t
Katherine [25 Nov.]
A
o 15 Edw. III [1341]
John Broun, poulterer, was committed to prison for forestalling the market, having purchased 24 partridges and 34
larks from strangers at Leadenhall about sunrise (fn. 6) , contrary
to the proclamation which forbade retail dealers to buy
victuals before prime. (L)
7 Dec. 1341
On Friday the morrow of St Nicholas Bishop [6 Dec.] Ao
15 Edw. III [1341], Hugh Joye and Walter Harneys were
sworn bailiffs of the Weavers, and Robert atte Dam was
sworn beadle. (L)
Membr. 19
4 March 1342
A Congregation of Mayor and Aldermen on 4 March
A
o 16 Edw. III [1341-2]
John Beauflour, vintner, was attached to answer a charge
of having sold wine at 6d a gallon, whereas no vintner was
allowed to sell at more than 4d. Having acknowledged his
guilt, and being liberated on mainprise of William Clapetus,
William Brangweyn and Henry le Vannere, the defendant
immediately committed the same offence again. He was
committed to prison during the pleasure of the Mayor and
Aldermen. (L)
A document whereby Joan de la Lee sold to William de
Mussendene a corrody (fn. 7) which she enjoyed from the Abbey
of Bynedone was, at her request and after evidence of identification, sealed with the Mayoralty Seal on Thursday before
the Feast of St Gregory [12 March]. (L)
10 April 1342
Pleas held before J. de Oxonia, Mayor, and R. de
Berkyng, Sheriff, on Wednesday, 10 April
William de Bereford and Roger atte Spitele of Luton were
summoned to answer a charge of not paying cash for a
quantity of malt which they bought from Nicholas de Lilleye,
in accordance with the Statute of Smithfield. They denied
the purchase, but being found guilty by a jury were condemned to pay the price for the malt, with 5s damages and
a fine to the King. (L)
17 April 1342
On Wednesday before the Feast of St Alphege [19 April]
the bailiffs of the Weavers produced in court a piece of cloth
of Candlewick Street (fn. 8) found in the possession of Henry
Neve, bureller. On a report by Robert Grigge, John Alisaundre, John le Neve, William de Haselwell and Thomas
Stacy, weavers, that the cloth was 54 threads too narrow for
cloth of the assize of Candlewick Street, the Court forbade
its sale as Candlewick Street cloth, and ordered the said
Henry to pay the Mayor half-a-mark for his trespass. (L)
30 March 1342
On Saturday before the Feast of St Ambrose [4 April] Ao
16 Edw. III [1342] an inquest was held as to an affray in
Cheap on the previous Thursday. The jury found that Henry
Wylyot and Geoffrey his servant lay in wait in John de
Tyffeld's shop until William Pycot crossed the road, when
the servant struck him on the head and back with a stick, in
obedience to his master's orders; further that the said Henry
Wylyot was leader of a band, including Richard Maundeville,
John atte Pyrie and others, who were responsible for daily
affrays. (L)
Membr. 20
Another record of proceedings between Simon de Brounesford and Bartholomew Denmars. [Cf. pp. 198-9.]
Membr. 21
8 Aug. 1342
A Congregation of Mayor and Aldermen on Thursday
before the Feast of S
t
Laurence [10 Aug.] A
o 16 Edw.
III [1342] (F and L)
Thomas de Ware, who prosecuted for the Commonalty,
brought a bill (F) before the Mayor, Aldermen and Chamberlain, complaining that Henry de Suttone of Cordwainer Street
had carried off Alice, daughter of John atte March, now an
orphan, contrary to the custom of the City, according to
which the guardianship of an orphan, if it was not devised
by will, belonged to the City (fn. 9) ; further, the said Henry had
entered into the orphan's estate, though her mother Juliana
was by courtesy of England entitled to hold it, and had
demised the tenements for a term of years. In the course of
the proceedings, the prosecutor also alleged that the defendant had married the girl to Thomas de Staunesby, tailor,
while the action was pending. A jury found that the defendant five weeks before the Nativity of St John the Baptist
Ao 14 Edw. III [1340] assumed the guardianship of the
orphan and her estate, valued at 48s 4d net yearly; had
let two chambers lying over the shops of Adam de Weston,
"harpour," and the defendant, at the corner of Cordwainer
Street, to Alice de Spersholte and Roger de Wedhull,
"cirgier (fn. 10) ," for ten years at a yearly rent of 23s 4d, and had
received two years' rent in advance; and had also let one shop
and two solars for seven years to William de Duston, hosier,
at 40s yearly, receiving in advance £4. They found also that
by the defendant's assent and order the child, who was seven
years of age, had been married as alleged.
24 Oct. 1342
Afterwards on Thursday after the Feast of St Luke the
Evangelist [18 Oct.], in the presence of the Mayor, Aldermen
and an immense Commonalty, the defendant was committed
to prison for not bringing the child into court and was
ordered to render account of her estate before the Chamberlain and Common Serjeant. It was found that he was in
arrears £4, for payment of which he entered into a bond of
£8. (L)
Membr. 21 b
4 Sept. 1342
Inquest taken before the Mayor and Sheriffs on Wednesday after the Feast of the Decollation of St John [29 Aug.]
Ao 16 Edw. III [1342] as to the origin of an affray which
took place on the preceding Monday in Friday Street (fn. 11) .
A jury found that Gilbert de Stayndrop, goldsmith, was the
guilty party, because, happening to be struck lightly by the
hoof of a horse ridden by a groom of the Earl of Derby, he
lost his temper, called the groom a "ribald," and struck him
first with his fist and then with a knife, whereupon a companion of the groom wounded the said Gilbert with a sword.
The jury added that if the said Gilbert had behaved reasonably no trouble would have arisen. (L)
Another inquest with a different jury resulted in the same
verdict. (L)
Membr. 22
23 Dec. 1343
Writ to the Sheriffs of London forbidding the export of
corn and other victuals except to Gascony, Ireland, Flanders,
Brittany, Brabant, Holland, Zealand and Germany, where
scarcity was said to exist, and except from the following
ports, viz. London, Southampton, Exeter, Dartmouth, Bristol, Great Yarmouth, Lynne, St Botolph, Kingston-on-Hull
and Newcastle-on-Tyne. Persons shipping grain abroad
must return to Chancery certificates from the Captains or
Presidents of the places where these goods were unloaded.
Offenders, together with their ships, were to be arrested.
Dated at Dittone, 23 Dec. Ao 17 Edw. III [1343]. (L)
31 Dec. 1343
William Casse, merchant of Bordeaux, took an oath that
he would not unload his vessel the "James of London," of
which Simon Sprynget was master, of her cargo of wheat and
peas (pisae) in casks, pipes and runlets (rondelettis), at any
place except Bordeaux or some port mentioned in the King's
writ, and that he would bring back a certificate of discharge.
Wednesday before the Feast of the Circumcision [1 Jan.]
Ao 17 Edw. III [1343]. (L)
13 Jan. 1344
Similar oath by Bartholomew Denmars and Richard Denmars with regard to a cargo of corn and beans in their ship
"la Katerine de Hope," of which John Toke was master.
Tuesday after the Epiphany [6 Jan.] Ao 17 Edw. III
[1343-4] (L)
14 Jan. 1344
The same by William Styfford, spicer, as regards a cargo
of peas and beans for Bruges in their "hakebot" called
"Seint Marie Bot," of which John Bot was master. Wednesday the morrow of the Feast of St Hilary [13 Jan.] Ao 17
Edw. III [1343-4] (L)
27 March 1344
The same by Simon Oliver with respect to his ship laden
with corn and beans for Lesclus (fn. 12) . Saturday after the Feast
of the Annunciation [25 March] Ao 18 Edw. III [1344]. (L)
19 Feb. 1344
A Congregation of Mayor and Aldermen on Thursday
the morrow of Ash Wednesday [18 Feb.] A
o 18 Edw.
III [1343-4]
Ordinance that all chalons (fn. 13) made of material called "Piggeswolle (fn. 14) " be sold before Easter, and that the men of the mistery
of Tapicers sue out writs in Chancery to all mayors and
bailiffs of cities and boroughs to forbid such chalons to be
exposed for sale after Easter on pain of forfeiture. In case
the Tapicers could not obtain such writs, nevertheless within
the City of London such sale would not be allowed until the
Mayor and Aldermen had made ordinances in the matter
according to their discretion. Thereupon certain men of the
mistery of Mercers, viz. William de Elsyng, Geoffrey le
Tableter, William Aylward, Nicholas atte Merssh, John de
Herewardstoke and Roger Madour, signified their assent to
the ordinance on behalf of themselves and their mistery. (L)
Membr. 22b
22 March 1344
A Congregation of Mayor and Aldermen on Monday
before the Annunciation B.M. [25 March] A
o 18 Edw.
III [1343-4]
John Russel, "gerdlere," and Stephen le Peautrer became
sureties of Joan, wife of Roger Buntyng, for the production
in court, when required, of her ward John, son of John, son
of Laurence le Botener (fn. 15) . (L)
12 March 1344
A Congregation of Mayor, Aldermen and Commoners
on Friday the Feast of S
t
Gregory [12 March]
A toll of one penny was ordered to be levied on all carts
passing between Holborn Bridge and the Bishop of Ely's
house, and between Aldgate and "la White Chapel (fn. 16) ," in
order to defray the expense of repairing the highways
there. (L)
17 March 1344
A Congregation of Mayor and Aldermen on Wednesday
after the Feast of S
t
Gregory [12 March]
Complaint was made by certain skinners that men of their
craft were making furs containing a different number of
"tiers" (tiris) and "bellies" to what was laid down in an
ordinance (fn. 17) issued for the regulation of their trade. Thereupon
the Serjeant of the Chamber was ordered to summon the
wiser, richer and more provident men of the mistery, who
had the honour of the City and the interests of their trade at
heart, that they might elect twelve or more skinners to
examine all defects and report them to the Mayor and Aldermen for the time being. On the day appointed the following
were chosen and sworn: Thomas de Farnham, William de
Cave, John de Bedeford, Laurence Sely, William de Bradele,
Simon Rote, John Bole, Richard de Carleton, Walter Page,
Simon de Pulham, Adam Aspal and John de Oxonia. (L)
John de Risle and Maud his wife demand an Assize of
Nuisance against Ralph de Ikelyngham, called "Cressoner,"
touching their free tenement in the parish of St Margaret
Moisy in Friday Street. (L)
19 April 1344
A Congregation of Mayor and Aldermen on Monday
the Feast of S
t
Alphege [19 April]
John, Prior of the Order of Preaching Friars (fn. 18) , demands an
Assize of Nuisance against John, Prior of Okebourne, touching
his free tenement in the parish of St Andrew, Castle Baynard. (L)
Membr. 23
15 Oct. 1344
Pleas held before John Hamond, Mayor, and Geoffrey
de Wythingham, Sheriff, on Friday after the quinzaine
of S
t
Michael [29 Sept.] A
o 18 Edw. III [1344]
Simon le Heaumer of Fleet Street was attached to answer a
charge of having assaulted and abused certain good men of the
City, who had been brought by Richard Brid," heaumer," into
the Sheriff's Court to support his oath (fn. 19) in an action of debt
and trespass, and of having driven these men, terrified and
covered with shame, out of court, after which the defendant
spat repeatedly in the plaintiff's face, so that the plaintiff
lost his case by default. A jury, drawn from the wiser and
more respectable persons who were present in court at the
time of the above action, was empanelled and found a verdict
in accordance with the plaintiff's statement, adding that the
plaintiff retaliated by spitting once in the defendant's face,
and that the plaintiff suffered damage of 2 marks by losing
his action on that occasion. After several adjournments, a
specially-summoned meeting of Aldermen (fn. 20) on Friday before
the Feast of SS. Simon and Jude [28 Oct.] decided that at the
next Court of Husting the defendant should be deprived of
the freedom and be committed to prison until he had paid the
plaintiff the sum of 2 marks, which the latter had lost in
the previous action. Judgment to this effect was given in the
Husting of Pleas of Land on the following Monday. (L)
20 Oct. 1344
Pleas held before John Hamond, Mayor, and Geoffrey
de Wythingham, Sheriff, on Wednesday after the
Feast of S
t
Luke [18 Oct.]
Richard le Fruter of Bishopsgate Without, Margaret his
wife and William de Sabrycheworth, brewer, were attached
to answer a charge of having resisted and assaulted the
Sheriff's Serjeant, Roger Ragace, and his assistant, Peter
Lammesse, who came to requisition two carts to carry
the King's "Reneys" wine (fn. 21) from London to Melleford.
Richard and Margaret were found guilty by a jury and condemned to pay 1½ marks damages to the officers and a fine
to the King. The defendant William was acquitted. (L)
Membr. 23b
25 Oct. 1344
On Monday after the Feast of St Luke [18 Oct.] Robert
de Storteford (fn. 22) , pouchmaker (bursarius), brought a bill of
complaint (F) setting forth that he had been forced by
William de Borham of St Lawrence Lane, Alexander le
Bourcer of Coleman Street, Robert Neel, Robert le Rede
and John de Borham, junior, pouchmakers, to take an oath
that he would not sell his wares below a certain price fixed
by them, which was double their value. Finding that he
could not sell his purses, "layners" and other goods at this
price, he sold them at a lower price and was forthwith summoned to appear before the Official (fn. 23) of the Church of St
Bennet Fynk for perjury. Accordingly he prayed the court
to forbid the defendants' suing him in the Court Christian
in a matter of debts and chattels, against the jurisdiction of
the King. On hearing this plaint, the Mayor ordered the
Serjeant of the Chamber to summon the defendants. They
pleaded not guilty. A jury of the parish of All Hallows the
Less, where the oath was alleged to have been administered,
brought in a verdict on Saturday after the Feast of All Saints
[1 Nov.] that the defendants were not guilty of the charge as
stated, but that they had forced the plaintiff to swear an oath
not to sell false goods. Since this had been done without the
licence of the Mayor and Aldermen, a day was fixed for
giving judgment on the offence thus proved against the
defendants. (L)
20 Oct. 1344
Pleas held before the Mayor and Aldermen on Wednesday after the Feast of S
t
Luke [18 Oct.] A
o 18 Edw.
III [1344]
Thomas Leggy and Geoffrey de Wychingham, Sheriffs of
London, were attached to answer a charge of having unlawfully seized 10 sarplars, containing 15 sacks of wool, belonging to Alice de Poynton. The Sheriffs defended the
seizure on the ground that the wool was foreign bought and
sold—the above Alice, a foreigner, having sold it for £20 to
Gilleminus de Pouche, also a foreigner—and as such, the
wool was rightly forfeited to the Sheriffs. The defendant did
not deny that the wool was foreign bought and sold, and
ultimately the court allowed her to redeem it on payment of
10 marks. (L)
Membr. 24
9 Nov. 1344
Pleas held before the Mayor and Sheriffs on Tuesday
before the Feast of S
t
Martin [11 Nov.] A
o 18 Edw. III
[1344]
Inquest as to the cause of an affray which took place the
preceding Sunday at Fleet Bridge, "Secollane" and other
places, when a malefactor escaped out of the custody of John
de St Albans, beadle of Farringdon Without. A jury found
that John Fraunceys, residing in "le Longentre," Adam de
Banbyri, skinner, and others caused the affray, that the said
Adam was arrested by the Mayor and handed over to John
de St Albans, who in his turn handed the prisoner over to
his man, and that the said Adam beat the beadle's man and
made his escape. The jury further found that the beadle took
bribes from disorderly women in his Ward to protect them
in their practices (in versucia sua); and that Robert and
William, sons of John le Barbour, were common evildoers. (L)
Another inquest on the same affray, held the same day.
A different jury found that William Bedyk, Walter Beket and
John de Stafford, cobbler, broke into a house in Seacoal
Lane, and assaulted the Mayor's Serjeants; that the affray
arose originally among some women of ill fame living in the
rents of Sir Richard de Wylughby and William de Sendale
In Seacoal Lane; and that the man who escaped from custody
was Adam de Baunbury, skinner, and that he did so without
the connivance of the beadle. (L)
Another inquest on the same matter found that William
Bedyk and John de Stafford, cobbler, started the disturbance
opposite the door of Thomas atte Castel by the churchyard
of St Sepulchre, that the arrested man was a tailor and
escaped against the beadle's will, and that certain apprentices
of the King's Bench, viz. Richard de Kerdif and John Barri,
Irishmen, and John de Worcester, were common evildoers,
who lay in wait at night and robbed passers-by of their belts
and purses. (L)
17 Nov. 1344
Writ to the Sheriffs of London to see justice done to William
de Rokeslee, corder (fn. 24) , who complained that John Conyng
had found and carried away 6 casks of woad belonging to
him to the value of £20. Dated at Melford, 17 Nov. Ao 18
Edw. III [1344].
Thereupon the said John was attached to come before the
Sheriffs' Court for foreigners. On his appearance, he was
claimed (fn. 25) by John Hamond, the Alderman of the merchants
of the Hanse of Almaine, as a member of the Hanse, and he
was given up to the Alderman on the understanding that
speedy justice would be done. The latter fixed a day for the
action in the Guildhall of the Teutonic merchants. (L)
Membr. 24b
5 Nov. 1344
Pleas held before the Mayor and Aldermen on Friday
after the Feast of All Saints [1 Nov.] A
o 18 Edw. III
[1344]
Agnes, wife of William de Bury, was attached to answer a
charge of buying worn-out white and light-coloured (glaucas)
furs, in order that they might be dyed black by the cappers,
after which she offered them for sale on Cornhill as good and
proper furs. She was found guilty by a jury, and committed
to prison during the pleasure of the Mayor and Aldermen. (L)
Roger. Morel, Richard de Weryngham, John Fundevale,
Thomas de Tuekynham, and other cappers were charged
with a like offence. They admitted dyeing furs for other
people, but denied selling them. A jury of the neighbourhood
outside Ludgate, where a large number of cappers dwelt,
was summoned, and gave a verdict that the cappers had
always been accustomed to dye old white furs brought to
them, but not for sale nor to the deception of the people.
The Mayor and Aldermen being dissatisfied with the verdict,
which they considered to be unreasonable and untrue, adjourned the matter and took counsel together as to the best
course to pursue. It was eventually ordained on Wednesday
after the Feast of St Martin [11 Nov.], in order to prevent
deception and to maintain the reputation of the Skinners'
trade, that in future no capper should dye any white fur,
used or unused, under penalty of 40d for the first offence,
and expulsion from the trade on a fourth offence. The ordinance having been read in the presence of the cappers aforesaid, a certain Richard de Byry, a capper, shouted out that
he would continue to do as he had done before, in spite of
it; and he was thereupon committed to Newgate. On the
Saturday following he was released on mainprise of William
Passefeld, Thomas atte Crouche and John de Coffle, spurriers, and Stephen de Horton, John de Bumsted and John
Baldewyn, hatters. (L)
Membr. 25
3 June 1345
A Congregation of the Mayor, Aldermen and one of
the Sheriffs on Friday after the octave of Holy Trinity
[22 May] A
o 19 Edw. III [1345]
It was agreed that foreigners keeping lodging-houses in
the City should present themselves when called upon, and
conform to any regulations the Mayor and Aldermen might
think fit to make for the common weal. (L)
Letters were read from the Echevins, Captains and Consuls of Ghent and from Jacob de Artefeld in favour of Giles
Naas, an inn-keeper of Ghent, who had become security for
Moris Turgis and Nicholas de Swanlond, drapers of London,
for payment for cloth bought in the Hall of Ghent by their
attorneys, John de Isendik and John de Kele. The day for
payment had passed, and the writers had heard that the said
Moris had departed to the town of St James in Galicia,
having first granted all his goods and chattels to Thomas atte
Mede and Andrew Turk, his son-in-law, in order to defraud
those who had sold him the cloth. The Mayor and Aldermen
are desired to obtain payment for the creditors and to secure
the exoneration of the security. (F)
The letters having been read, it was decided by the court
that the goods and chattels of the said Moris and John
should be arrested, whereupon a claim was put in by Thomas
atte Mede and Andrew Turk. Finally an agreement was
made with the above Giles Naas, that John de Kele should
go abroad with the documents to make an account with
John de Isendik, and if they were unable to agree, the latter
should come to England to discuss the matter with Moris
Turgys himself, and if the said Moris were found to be in
arrears, there would be a remedy at law. Meanwhile the
grantees of the goods and chattels agreed to give the complainant security against any claims made upon him. (L)
13 July 1345
On Wednesday after the Feast of the Translation of St
Thomas the Martyr [7 July] Ao 19 Edw. III [1345], it was
found by the oath of Henry Lorchon, William Bygelyn,
Peter le Smyth of the Old Exchange, Hugh le Smyth of
Bassieshagh, Walter le Helder of Cornhill, William de
Bayonne and William de Louthe, smiths, that the cwt. of
scrap iron (ferri hirsuti) (fn. 26) was then worth 3s, and the remaking
(reparacio) of a cwt. of the same was worth 4s, and that a
quarter of the cwt. was lost in the working. (L)
6 Sept. 1345
Pleas held before the Mayor and Sheriffs on Tuesday
before the Feast of the Nativity B.M. [8 Sept.] A
o 19
Edw. III [1345]
John Marbrer, John Godamynge, Robert Wolheved,
Tristram atte Reye, William Barre, Ralph Cute, John le
Souter, John Cute, William de Okele and John Mason were
attached to answer the Common Serjeant on a charge of
having continued to work on a certain wharf in Dowgate,
next to the tenement of the late Roger de Waltham, although
they were forbidden by the Mayor to proceed any further,
the work being to the prejudice of the City. They pleaded
guilty and security was taken for their appearance, when
called upon, for judgment. (L)
7 Sept. 1345
A Congregation of Mayor and Aldermen on Wednesday
before the above Feast
William atte Wyl demands an Assize of Nuisance against
the Prior of St Bartholomew, West Smithfield, touching his
free tenement in the parish of St Sepulchre. (L)
Membr. 25b
2 Sept. 1345
Pleas held before the Mayor and Sheriffs on Friday
after the Feast of the Decollation of S
t
John the Baptist
[29 Aug.] A
o 19 Edw. III [1345]
John Comberworth, who had been committed to Newgate
for drawing his knife in a street brawl at the Cellars in Cheap,
acknowledged his offence. Mainprise was accepted for his
good behaviour. (L)
19 Oct. 1345
A Congregation of Mayor, Aldermen and many Commoners in the Chamber of the Guildhall on Wednesday
the morrow of the Feast of S
t
Luke [18 Oct.] A
o 19
Edw. III [1345]
A letter was read from Queen Philippa to the Mayor and
Aldermen, desiring them to grant her a life-interest in a certain little Tower situate in the Thames near the Black Friars,
to the use of her friend Sir Gilbert de Dyneworth. Dated
Westminster, Thursday.... (F)
The Common Serjeant, William de Iford, was ordered to
pay a visit to the said Sir Gilbert and to ask that the City
might be excused granting the Queen's request. (L)
20 Oct. 1345
A Congregation of Mayor and Aldermen on Thursday
after the above Feast
It was agreed that Henry, the rector, and the parishioners
of St Michael "de la Crokedelane" should be forgiven arrears
of rent for a certain plot of waste land in the parish. (L)
It was also agreed that if any of the Sheriffs' officers collected more custom on merchandise coming into the City
than was laid down in the book in Guildhall, they should be
committed to Newgate for eight days and make restitution. (L)
4 Feb. 1345
Pleas held before the Mayor and Sheriffs on Friday
after the Purification B.M. [2 Feb.] A
o 19 Edw. III
[1344-5]
Simon de Brounesford, pepperer, was attached to answer
Aluin Glemerod in a plea of debt owed to the plaintiff and
to a certain Godescalcus Ludeleskete, merchants of Almaine.
The plaintiff declared that he lent to Nicholas Elys, attorney
of the defendant, the sum of £90 at Bruges, which the
defendant refused to pay. The latter denied that the said
Nicholas was his attorney, or his factor or apprentice, but
had merely been sent to him by William de Edyndon, the
King's Treasurer, on trial, to discover whether he was able
to learn the defendant's trade, and thus he was not entitled
to borrow on his behalf [remainder illegible]. (L)
Membr. 26
11 Jan. 1345
Pleas held before John Hamond, Mayor, on Tuesday
before the Feast of S
t
Hilary [13 Jan.] A
o 18 Edw. III
[1344-5]
John Cok, drover, brought a bill of complaint against
William Lemman for not paying the same day for five cows
which he bought from the plaintiff in West Smithfield. The
defendant, who admitted the charge, was committed to
prison till he paid the sum of 60s 6d due. (F and L)
On Wednesday after the same Feast the above John Cok
prayed for a remedy according to the Statute of Smithfield
against William de Herlawe butcher, who had not paid him
£6 2s 6d due on the sale of eleven cows. The defendant was
committed to prison etc. (F and L)
5 Feb. 1345
Pleas held before John Hamond, Mayor, and Thomas
Leggy, Sheriff, on Saturday before Quinquagesima
Sunday (Carniprevium) [6 Feb.] A
o 19 Edw. III
[1344-5]
Cristian de Bury, attorney, was attached to answer a charge
of deceit and trespass, brought by William le Gardiner and
Agnes his wife, who complained that the defendant was engaged by them to plead an action of debt against John de
Karleton and Beatrice his wife in the Sheriffs' Court, and
that when the action came before a jury, the defendant failed
to plead. The said Cristian was found not guilty by a jury
and acquitted. (L)
30 April 1345
An inquest was held on Saturday before the Feast of the
Apostles Philip and James [1 May] as to the cause of a disturbance which took place near the House of the Austin
Friars. A jury found that on Sunday in the quinzaine of
Easter a certain Adam Freynssh, goldsmith, Raginald Gargoyl de Geen, Larazinus de Geen and others entered by
night the house of John de Nedham near Austin Friars to
look for John Poket, a Lombard, in order to kill him, and not
finding him there, they passed through the house, jumped
the wall, and entered the Close of the Austin Friars. In
answer to questions, the jury said that these persons committed no robbery in the Close, but that the Friars were
terribly frightened (vehementer perterriti). (L)
The same day John de Waltham, Walter Pountfreyt, John
Selk, John de Oxenford, John Man, Seuwale Hodisdon,
Nicholas de Batayl, Alexander Brody, John Haukishale,
Henry le Fourbour of Walbrook and Simon le Fourbour,
living in Fleet Street, were sworn to see that no false cutlery (fn. 27)
should be made in the City or suburbs. (L)
9 June 1345
On Thursday before the Feast of St Barnabas the Apostle
[11 June], Adam Wolf, John le Long and John de Munkeham
were sworn before the Mayor to supervise the repair of the
pavement at "Redecrouchestrete." The same day Simon
Seman, John de Waltham and others were sworn to supervise
the repair of the pavements near St Giles without Cripplegate, outside Bishopsgate and Aldersgate, and in Castle Baynard Ward. (L)
20 June 1345
Pleas held before John Hamond, Mayor, on Monday
before the Feast of the Nativity of S
t
John the Baptist
[24 June]
John de St Ives was committed to prison for failing to pay
on the spot the sum of 26s 7d to William Aleyn for 7 quarters
of malt, in accordance with the Statute of Smithfield. (L)
The said John acknowledged that he broke a sequestration (fn. 28)
made upon him by Walter Lumbard, Serjeant, for the above
debt. (L)
11 July 1345
On Monday after the Feast of the Translation of St Thomas
the Martyr [7 July] Ao 19 Edw. III, William de Bokyngham,
skinner, Robert le Chantour and others were sworn surveyors
of pavements. (L)
Membr. 26b
27 June 1345
Pleas held before the Mayor, Sheriffs and Aldermen on
Monday after the Feast of the Nativity of S
t
John the
Baptist [24 June]
John Pynsone, taverner, was committed to prison for
selling the gallon of wine for 5d in Holborn contrary to the
proclamation. He was released on mainprise next day. (L)
John de Erdele, brewer, was attached to answer the King
and John de Guldeford, who prosecuted for the Commonalty,
on a charge of meeting merchants outside the City and buying
their grain and malt before they came to market, thus forestalling these commodities. The defendant denied the charge
and said he bought the malt in question from Peter de
Kyngeston in the market at Gracechurch. A jury of the
venue found that he was not in the habit of meeting merchants as alleged, but that on this occasion he bought the malt
from Peter de Kyngeston outside the market. The whole of
the malt was adjudged as forfeited to the Sheriffs, who contented themselves with taking six quarters only. (L)
16 July 1345
On Saturday before the Feast of St Margaret [20 July],
Simon Shayl, Lewis de Saxham, Hugh Gentil and Peter
Walkelyn were sworn to assess the rents in Bassishaw Ward
and to supervise the repair of the pavements there. Ralph
atte Brome, Simon de Chikesond and Richard Taylboys
were sworn for the same purpose as regards the pavement
running from Cripplegate to Colman Street under the City
Wall. (L)
Similar appointments of surveyors for Colman Street
Ward, Poultry, Broad Street and other parts of the City. (L)
A toll was imposed on all carts passing through Bishopsgate in aid of the repair of the highway. (L)
Membr. 27
5 April 1345
Pleas held before the Mayor and Sheriffs on Tuesday
after the octave of Easter [27 March] A
o 19 Edw. III
[1345]
A bill of complaint was brought by William Beaubek of
Kent against John de Waltham, innkeeper, setting forth that
the plaintiff hired a room in the defendant's inn for 1½d a
week as a lodging, and that the defendant undertook that
any goods which he deposited there should be safely guarded,
after which a key was delivered to the plaintiff. Subsequently
the defendant accompanied him to recover a debt of £20
from a certain John de Wyndessore, of which sum ten marks
were deposited in a box in the plaintiff's room. In the same
box were gold and silver rings, almoners (fn. 29) (alners), purses
and girdles of silk, silver ornaments and dishes (equilers) and
other goods and chattels. On the Tuesday following the
chamber was opened with the garden-door key and the box
was stolen. Thereupon the plaintiff informed the defendant,
who said he suspected a certain Roger, his brewer, since no
one but a member of the household could have stolen the
goods, and he advised the plaintiff to keep the matter secret
and meanwhile he would recover the goods. But then the
defendant by collusion, as the plaintiff understood, sent the
above John away, and now refused to give the plaintiff any
satisfaction for his loss. Accordingly he prayed a remedy,
on the ground that innkeepers were responsible for such
losses, and the defendant was the only one who knew that
he possessed the money. (F)
The defendant appeared in court and denied the allegations in the above bill. A jury found a verdict that the
plaintiff's goods were removed from his room by the defendant's servants, though they could not say which servants
were guilty. Judgment was given that the plaintiff recover
his loss of 10 marks, with 40s damages, and that the defendant
be committed to prison until etc. (L)
23 April 1345
Proceedings in connection with the raising of 80 archers (fn. 30)
for service abroad. On Saturday the Feast of St George the
Martyr [23 April] Ao 19 Edw. III [1345] the Mayor issued
precepts (F) to each Alderman to summon the men of their
Wards for the purpose of selecting and equipping the Ward
quota, which was fixed the same day. The Ward collectors
were instructed to report at Guildhall for orders. A first
muster of the men was arranged to take place at Guildhall on
Monday after the Ascension, with a view to embarkation on
the eve of Pentecost.
Quotas of the Western Wards: Colman Street 3, Cord
wainer Street 6, Cripplegate within 3, Cripplegate without 1,
Bassieshaw 2, Vintry 5, Bread Street 4, Farringdon within 4,
Farringdon without 2, Cheap 6, Queenhithe 4, Aldersgate 2,
Castle Baynard 2. Eastern Wards: Walbrook 3, Cornhill 2,
Candlewick Street 2, Bishopsgate 2, Aldgate 1, Portsoken 1,
Broad Street 2, Tower 6, Billingsgate 3, Bridge 6, Dowgate
5, Langbourn 2, Lime Street 1.
On Friday in Whitweek the Mayor and Aldermen elected
Henry Wymond, John de Croydon, Thomas de Wynton,
Roger Madur...and John Hinxton to buy clothing for the
men, who were afterwards fitted out with coats, "courbys (fn. 31) "
and hoods striped with red and white cloth called "camelyn (fn. 32) ."
After two writs postponing their departure, the archers were
finally, on Saturday after the Feast of St Barnabas [11 June],
marched to Sandwich by the Common Serjeant (fn. 33) , Nicholas de
Abyndon, at the King's charges. A gift of £4 from the Commonalty of the City was divided among them on their arrival
there. (L)
Membr, 27b
Names of the archers arranged in four sections under John
le Barber, John de Buntynford, Roger Boneye and John
Henry, vinteners; including Clement Mannyng, purser,
Richard atte Wode, "flecchere (fn. 34) ," and William le Cook.
23 May 1345
A Congregation of the Mayor, Aldermen and Commoners
on Monday the morrow of Holy Trinity [22 May]
Complaint having been made by Thomas de Iford, Common Serjeant, as to the hindrance caused to passers-by between the Stocks and the Conduit in Cheap by butchers and
poulterers occupying the highway, an ordinance (fn. 35) was made
that the poulterers should sell their goods in their shops and
stalls, and the butchers be restricted to the Stocks. On fleshdays the butchers were to occupy the Stocks and the fishmongers were to have the pent-houses adjoining, and on
fish-days the order was to be reversed. (L)
It was ordered that a toll be levied on carts using Dowgate
and carrying timber, firewood, coals, stone, chalk, heavy
goods and other wares from the ships, schuyts (fn. 36) and boats
into the City, for defraying the expense of cleansing Dowgate
Dock, which had become so foul that the water-carriers could
no longer supply the City with water therefrom.
Certain carters were chosen to cleanse the said Dock, receiving for their pains the tolls above appointed. (L)