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Mayors and sheriffs of Chester

Sponsor

Victoria County History

Publication

A History of the County of Chester: Volume 5 part 2: The City of Chester: Culture, Buildings, Institutions

Author

A T Thacker and C P Lewis (editors), J S Barrow, J D Herson, A H Lawes, P J Riden, M V J Seaborne

Year published

2005

Supporting documents

List of abbreviations and records used

Pages

305-321

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Citation Show another format:

'Mayors and sheriffs of Chester', A History of the County of Chester: Volume 5 part 2: The City of Chester: Culture, Buildings, Institutions (2005), pp. 305-321. URL: http://british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=57341 Date accessed: 20 May 2013. Add to my bookshelf

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Contents

MAYORS AND SHERIFFS OF THE CITY OF CHESTER
The First Sheriffs The Early Mayors (To 1300) Sheriffs, c. 1230–1300 Mayors and Sheriffs, 1300–1506 Mayors and Sheriffs, 1506–1835 Mayors and Sheriffs, 1836–1974 Footnotes

MAYORS AND SHERIFFS OF THE CITY OF CHESTER

Though the names of Chester's mayors and sheriffs since 1506 are not in doubt, considerable confusion remains about the holders of both offices before that date, and especially in the 13th and 14th centuries. Moreover, no list has ever been published surveying the mayors and sheriffs as a whole. The following list is based on an extensive survey of the borough and palatinate records and of local deeds in Cheshire and Chester Archives and Local Studies (i.e. the formerly separate Chester City Record Office and Cheshire Record Office), the British Library, the Public Record Office, and the John Rylands University Library of Manchester. It is undoubtedly more accurate and more detailed than any other yet assembled.

The medieval and early modern mayors have been the focus of considerable interest since the late 19th century. In 1894 Canon Rupert Morris published a list which is still in many ways the most accessible and serviceable of those available. His findings for the period before 1350 were refined by W. Fergusson Irvine in lists published in the Cheshire Sheaf in the 1930s. Further very valuable work was done by Miss Annette Kennett, then City Archivist, and Dr. Brian Harris, first Editor of the Victoria History of Cheshire, between 1984 and 1986. The result has been a series of conflicting lists in great need of coordination and integration. One essential requirement for resolving the conflicts is a full consideration of the evidence, which is often derived from the analysis of deeds and other documents, themselves very difficult to date.

The First Sheriffs

The office of sheriff of the city was first recorded in Chester in the 1120s, earlier than in any other English borough. In the 12th century the sheriff was appointed by the earl. The leading citizen of Chester, he presided over the city court (the portmote), maintained law and order, and accounted to the earl's chamberlains for the revenues of the city.

Winebald occurs c. 1121×1129
Pain occurs before 1178
William Gamberell occurs 1190×1199
Richard Pierrepont occurs c. 1210, c. 1220
Stephen Fresnell (fn. 1) occurs before 1229, 1230s

The Early Mayors (To 1300)

The office of mayor of Chester probably originated with Earl Ranulph III's grant of a guild merchant to the city in the 1190s. Although he was the head of the guild, the mayor ranked below the sheriffs. From the mid 13th century, however, the royal government increasingly treated him as the city's principal administrative officer. The first known mayor, William the clerk, attested a number of local deeds dating from the 1220s to the 1240s, but was identified in only three of them as mayor. Nevertheless, the fact that his name appeared either at the head of the witness lists or immediately after the sheriffs suggests that he was mayor throughout the period. The first precisely dated reference to the mayoralty was in 1244.

It is not known how the mayors were chosen in that early period. They did not change annually and some, such as Richard the clerk and John Arneway, held office uninterruptedly for many years. Towards the end of the century, however, there was a change. Though a man might be mayor several times, he does not appear to have held office consecutively for more than a few years.

Note: The mayoral year began on 29 September. It should not be assumed that mayors bearing the same name but with separated periods of office were necessarily the same person. In several instances, including Richard the clerk, Alexander Hurrell, and Hugh of Brickhill, two or more bearers of the name have been identified.

William the clerk occurs before 1229, c. 1240
Walter of Coventry (fn. 2) occurs 1241×1245
Walter de Livet (fn. 3) occurs before 1245, 1251×1255
Richard the clerk (fn. 4) c. 1251–68
John Arneway 1268–78
Ranulph of Daresbury (fn. 5) 1278–1279/80
Alexander Hurrell 1279/80–1283
Robert the mercer 1283–5
Hugh of Meols 1285–1286–
Hugh of Brickhill (fn. 6) 1286×1289
Robert of Tarvin –1289–90
Robert the mercer 1290–3
Hugh of Brickhill jun. 1293–7
Alexander Hurrell jun. 1297–1300

Sheriffs, c. 1230–1300

At some point in the 1220s or 1230s the shrievalty was divided. The large number of different combinations of names suggests that although a man might be sheriff several times, there was some system of annual appointment or election. It is not clear whether specific duties or precedence were assigned to either of the sheriffs, or whether any significance attaches to the order in which they were named in the records (followed here).

Stephen Fresnell, Hamo Despenser occur 1220s/1230s
William Saracen, Roger the clerk occur 1230s
William Saracen, German Doubleday occur 1230s
Adam the vintner, (fn. 7) Richard Bunce 1243–4
Robert son of Erneys, Adam the vintner occur 1240s
Richard the clerk, Gilbert the marshal (fn. 8) occur 1240s
Richard the clerk, John Ulkel (fn. 9) occur 1245×1251
Robert the mercer or le Prudemercer, Stephen Saracen (fn. 10) 1251–2
Stephen Saracen, Richard of Rhuddlan (fn. 11) 1252×1255
Richard the clerk, Stephen Saracen (fn. 12) 1251×1267
Stephen Saracen, Benedict of Rushton 1251×1267
John Grund (fn. 13) 1251×1267
Richard of Orby, Robert the mercer (fn. 14) 1251×1267
Richard the apothecary, Robert the mercer (fn. 15) 1251×1267
William of Hawarden, Roger Throstle 1251×1267
Oliver of Trafford, Robert of Tarvin 1251×1267
Richard Payn, Adam Godwyt 1251×1267
Stephen Saracen, John Ulkel 1256–7
Matthew of Daresbury, Stephen Saracen, Ralph Doubleday (fn. 16) 1257–8
Matthew of Daresbury, Ralph Doubleday 1259–60
Stephen Saracen, John Ulkel 1260–1
William of Hawarden, Oliver of Trafford 1265–6
William of Syston, Oliver of Stockton 1267–8
Alexander Hurrell, Laurence the vintner 1269–70
Hugh of Meols, Richard the spicer 1270–1
Alexander Hurrell, Richard the spicer 1271×1274
Matthew of Daresbury, William Cousin 1271×1275
Richard the apothecary, Robert the mercer 1276–7
Ranulph of Daresbury, Philip the clerk 1277–8
John of Berkhampstead, Matthew of Daresbury, Richard the spicer 1268×1278
Adam Godwyt, Richard the spicer 1268×1278
Richard the apothecary, Adam Godwyt 1268×1278
Hugh of Meols, Robert of Tarvin 1278–9
Robert of Hoole (fn. 17) 1280–1
Robert of Tarvin, (fn. 18) Hugh of Meols 1281–2
Robert of Hoole, Hugh of Meols (fn. 19) 1282–3
Robert of Hoole 1283–4
Hugh of Meols, Robert Erneys 1284–5
Robert Erneys, Hugh of Brickhill 1285–6
Robert Erneys, Hugh Payn (fn. 20) 1286×1289
Hugh Payn, Andrew of Stanlow (fn. 21) 1286×1289
Hugh Payn, Robert Harald (fn. 22) 1286×1289
Robert Erneys, Nicholas Payn (fn. 23) 1289–90
Alexander Hurrell jun., (fn. 24) David the miller (fn. 25) 1290–1
Robert Erneys, Alexander Hurrell jun. 1291–2
Alexander Hurrell jun., Robert brother of Ithell 1292–3
Nicholas Payn, Roger Dunfoul 1293–4
Alexander Hurrell jun., Nicholas Payn 1294–5
Alexander Hurrell jun., Robert Ithell 1295–6
Roger Dunfoul, David the miller 1296–7
Robert Ithell, Andrew of Stanlow 1297–8
Roger Dunfoul, Robert Ithell 1298–9
Robert of Macclesfield alias Smallproud, Richard Candelan 1299–1300

Mayors and Sheriffs, 1300–1506

Edward I's charter of 1300 confirmed the mayor's precedence over the sheriffs. The increasingly abundant records after that date show clearly that the sheriffs were chosen annually, though occasionally in the early 14th century the same pair held office for two consecutive years. The mayoralty, however, continued to be held for several years at a time until the earlier 15th century or later. By the 1340s, and probably as early as 1320, the mayoral and shrieval years ceased to run from Michaelmas to Michaelmas. Instead the new officials began their term of office on the Friday after the feast of St. Denis (9 October).

Mayor Sheriffs
1300–1 Hugh of Brickhill Andrew of Stanlow, Robert Ithell
1301–2 William (III) of Doncaster (fn. 26) Richard Candelan, Robert Ithell
Hugh of Brickhill
1302–3 Alexander Hurrell Richard Candelan, John of Tarvin
1303–4 Hugh of Brickhill Roger Dunfoul, Robert of Macclesfield
1304–5 Hugh of Brickhill Roger Dunfoul, Robert of Macclesfield or Smallproud
1305–6 Richard the engineer Benedict of Stanton, John of Warwick
1306–7 Hugh of Brickhill Richard Candelan, William son of Peter of Brickhill or the clerk or le Blake
1307–8 Hugh of Brickhill William son of Peter of Brickhill, Henry Blackrod
1308–9 Hugh of Brickhill William son of Peter of Brickhill, Robert of Macclesfield
1309–10 Benedict of Stanton Richard of Wheatley, Henry Blackrod
1310–11 Hugh of Brickhill Richard of Wheatley, Gilbert Dunfoul
1311–12 Hugh of Brickhill John Blund, Richard of Wheatley
1312–13 Hugh of Brickhill William son of Peter of Brickhill, Robert of Macclesfield
1313–14 Hugh of Brickhill William (IV) of Doncaster, Richard Russell
1314–15 Benedict of Stanton Gilbert Dunfoul, William of the Peak
1315–16 William (III) of Doncaster Richard le Lewede, William Blund
1316–17 John Blund William son of Peter of Brickhill, William of Milton (fn. 27)
1317–18 John Blund Richard of Wheatley, Richard le Bruyn (fn. 28)
William (III) of Doncaster
1318–19 William (III) of Doncaster Gilbert Dunfoul, Robert of Strangeways
1319–20 William son of Peter of Brickhill John of Daresbury, Roger Blund
1320–1 John of Brickhill Richard of Wheatley, Richard Russell
1321–2 John of Brickhill Richard of Wheatley, Gilbert Dunfoul
William son of Peter of Brickhill (fn. 29)
1322–3 William son of Peter of Brickhill Richard le Bruyn, William of Basing werk
1323–4 William son of Peter of Brickhill Richard le Bruyn, William of Basingwerk
1324–5 Richard Russell Richard of Wheatley, (fn. 30) William of Basingwerk
1325–6 Richard le Bruyn Richard Erneys, Roger of Norley
1326–7 Richard le Bruyn (fn. 31) Richard Erneys, Roger of Norley
1327–8 Richard Erneys Richard of Wheatley, Thomas of Strangeways
1328–9 Richard Erneys Warin Blund, Roger the harper
1329–30 Richard Erneys Roger of Macclesfield, Madoc of Capenhurst
1330–1 William son of Peter of Brickhill Henry Hurrell, Madoc of Capenhurst
1331–2 William son of Peter of Brickhill William of Milton, (fn. 32) Roger of Blorton, Henry Wade
1332–3 Roger Blund Madoc of Capenhurst, Roger of Norley
1333–4 Richard of Wheatley Madoc of Capenhurst, John Bars
1334–5 John Blund Henry Torrand, William of Kelsall
1335–6 Roger Blund Robert of Ledsham, David Russell
1336–7 Roger Blund David Russell, Roger of Capenhurst
1337–8 John Blund Henry Hurrell, Madoc of Capenhurst
1338–9 Robert of Ledsham John of Stoke, John of Hawarden
1339–40 John Blund John of Hawarden, Edmund of Waterfall
1340–1 Richard of Capenhurst Madoc of Capenhurst, Hugh of Rycroft
1341–2 Richard of Capenhurst Madoc of Capenhurst, Thomas of Hegreve
1342–3 Richard of Capenhurst Madoc of Capenhurst, Richard of Wainfleet
1343–4 John Blund William (V) of Doncaster, Richard le Bruyn
1344–5 John Blund William of Whitmore, Alan of Waley
1345–6 Richard of Capenhurst Madoc of Capenhurst, Bartholomew of Northenden
1346–7 Richard of Capenhurst John Bars, William of Hadley
1347–8 Henry Torrand Hugh of Milton, (fn. 33) Richard of Ridley
1348–9 John Blund Richard of Ditton, William of Capenhurst
1349–50 Bartholomew of Northenden (fn. 34) Richard le Bruyn Alan of Waley, William of Derwaldshaw
1350–1 John Blund Robert de Castell, John son of Adam White
1351–2 John Blund Stephen Kelsall, William Huxley
1352–3 John Blund Thomas Wise, (fn. 35) Adam of Hope
1353–4 Richard le Bruyn William Bras, (fn. 36) Adam Ingram
1354–5 Richard le Bruyn William Bras, Roger of Ledsham
1355–6 John Blund John Dalby, Thomas Aldford
1356–7 John Blund Benedict of Ridley, Hamo of Tuddesbury
1357–8 John Blund John Colley, (fn. 37) Alexander Bellyetter
1358–9 John Blund William of Beaumaris, Thomas of Appleton
1359–60 John Blund John Colley, William of Meculfen
1360–1 Alan of Wheatley John of Tranmere, Henry Walsh
1361–2 Alan of Wheatley Henry Done, (fn. 38) Hugh Stretton
1362–3 Alan of Wheatley William Burke, (fn. 39) Thomas Peacock
1363–4 Alan of Wheatley Richard of Manley, Geoffrey of Flint
1364–5 Roger of Ledsham David of Ewloe, John Cotton
1365–6 Roger of Ledsham John Colley, William Brerecroft (fn. 40)
1366–7 John Dalby Henry Stapey, Robert Fox
1367–8 John Dalby John the chamberlain, William Hope
1368–9 Richard le Bruyn Nicholas of Trafford, Richard of Hawarden
1369–70 Richard le Bruyn John Armourer, William son of Ralph
1370–1 John Whitmore John Armourer, Thomas Donne
1371–2 John Whitmore Richard Dunfoul, Thomas del Frere (fn. 41)
1372–3 John Whitmore Ralph Thorp, Robert Colley (fn. 42)
1373–4 John Whitmore Richard of Birkenhead, Robert of Broughton
1374–5 Alexander Bellyetter Robert the marshal, Hugh Dutton (fn. 43)
1375–6 Richard le Bruyn Richard Bradburne, William Savage (fn. 44)
1376–7 Alexander Bellyetter John Barber, John of Bebington
1377–8 Thomas of Bradford Thomas of Appleton, John Armourer
1378–9 Thomas of Bradford Henry le Bryn, Stephen de Cherlegh
John the chamberlain (fn. 45)
1379–80 John the chamberlain Roger the potter, Ralph of Hatton
1380–1 John the chamberlain John Hatton, Gilbert Bellyetter
1381–2 David of Ewloe John Colley, (fn. 46) William of Barton
1382–3 David of Ewloe Roger of Ditton, Richard the hewster
1383–4 David of Ewloe Roger of Ditton, Robert Lancelyn
1384–5 John the chamberlain Thomas Dodd, John of Preston
1385–6 John Armourer (fn. 47) John Wych, Richard Strangeways
1386–7 John Armourer John of Mossley, John Blackrod
1387–8 John Armourer Henry Yate, John Hall
1388–9 John Armourer Thomas Hurrell, John of Arrowe
1389–90 Robert the marshal Ralph of Picton, John of Madeley
1390–1 John Armourer Ralph of Hatton, John of Bebington
1391–2 Gilbert Trussell Robert Daniel, Roger Potter
1392–3 Gilbert Trussell Robert Lancelyn, John of Preston
1393–4 John Armourer Richard the hewster, Thomas Piggott
1394–5 John Armourer Hugh Dutton, Roger of Ditton
1395–6 John of Capenhurst Roger of Ditton, William of Prestbury
1396–7 John of Capenhurst John of Madeley, William Heath
1397–8 John of Capenhurst John of Hawarden, Richard Strangeways
1398–9 John of Capenhurst John of Hawarden, Richard Stalmin
1399–1400 John of Capenhurst John of Hawarden, Richard of Bradley
1400–1 John of Bebington Richard Stalmin, William Heath
1401–2 John of Bebington (died) (fn. 48) Robert the marshal John of Hawarden, Thomas of Acton (died), John of Arrowe (succ.)
1402–3 Roger Potter Innocent of Chesterfield, William Kempe
1403–4 Ralph of Hatton John Hall, John of Arrowe
1404–5 John of Preston William Rochdale, Thomas Aleyn
1405–6 John Ewloe Robert Chamberlain, John Hatton
1406–7 John Ewloe John Hatton, Thomas Cottingham
1407–8 John Ewloe John Walsh, Elias Trevor
1408–9 John Ewloe (fn. 49) John Walsh, Hugh Moulton
1409–10 John Ewloe (fn. 50) John Tarporley, Hugh Moulton
1410–11 Roger Potter John Brown, Elias Trevor
1411–12 John Walsh Richard Hatton, William Hope
1412–13 John Whitmore John Hope, Hugh Moulton
1413–14 John Whitmore John Hope, Richard Spicer
1414–15 John Whitmore John Hope, John Overton
1415–16 John Walsh John Hatton, Robert Hope
1416–17 William Hawarden John Hatton, Richard Spicer
1417–18 John Overton Robert Hale, Thomas Cliff
1418–19 William Hawarden Alexander Henbury, John Bradley
1419–20 John Hope Robert Hale, Stephen Bellyetter
1420–1 John Hope William Malpas, Nicholas Wervin
1421–2 John Hope Richard Massey, William Malpas
1422–3 John Walsh Robert Hewster, Nicholas Russell
1423–4 John Hatton Hugh Woodcock, Richard Weston
1424–5 John Hope Richard Massey, Adam Wotton
1425–6 John Hope Richard Massey, William Stanmere
1426–7 John Hope Roger Walsall, Thomas Wotton
1427–8 John Hope Thomas Madeley, John Flint
1428–9 John Bradley William Hulme, Thomas Bradford
1429–30 John Walsh Edward Skinner, Hugh Green
1430–1 Robert Hope John Freeman, Richard Hankey
1431–2 Richard Massey John Pilkington, Richard Vickers
1432–3 Richard Massey Thomas Walley, David White
1433–4 Thomas Wotton William Rogerson, John Hickling
1434–5 Adam Wotton Bartholomew Lyalton, Thomas Hamon
1435–6 John Walsh John Cottingham, Robert Eaton
1436–7 William Stanmere John Minor, John Layott
1437–8 Richard Massey John Flint, John Wood
1438–9 Richard Weston John Copeland, Thomas Clerk
1439–40 Nicholas Daniel Robert Gill, Peter Savage
1440–1 John Pilkington Henry Willaston, William Massey
1441–2 Hugh Woodcock Thomas Lilley, Hugh Neal
1442–3 John Flint Philip Rede or Hewster, Robert Walley
1443–4 Nicholas Daniel John Loker, John Rothley
1444–5 Nicholas Daniel John Loker, John Rothley
1445–6 Nicholas Daniel Richard Barrow, William Overton or Barker
1446–7 Edward Skinner Ralph Hunt, Richard Etchells
1447–8 Edward Skinner (died) John Willym, Roger Ledsham
William Rogerson
1448–9 William Rogerson John Yardley, (fn. 51) Robert Bruyn
1449–50 William Massey John Southworth, Henry Herne (fn. 52)
1450–1 William Whitmore Richard Hawarden, James Hurleton
1451–2 John Dutton Richard Massey, Richard Rainford
1452–3 William Stanmere Robert Rogerson, Thomas Gerard
1453–4 Nicholas Daniel Ralph Marshall, John Trafford
1454–5 Nicholas Daniel John Barrow, John Grosvenor
1455–6 John Cottingham Thomas Kent, William Hawkin
1456–7 John Cottingham John Runcorn, Richard Bower
1457–8 William Daniel William Tricket, Richard Bulkeley
1458–9 William Daniel Thomas Monkfield, Robert Acton
1459–60 John Southworth William Lilley, (fn. 53) Nicholas Monkfield
1460–1 John Southworth Roger Warmingham, Henry Day
1461–2 David Ferror Thomas Cottingham, John Chamber
1462–3 Robert Bruyn John Goldsmith, Hugh Frere (died), William Gough (succ.)
1463–4 Robert Rogerson John Spencer, Alexander Stanney
1464–5 Roger Ledsham Richard Green, William Runcorn
1465–6 Richard Rainford James Norris, John Fenton
1466–7 William Lilley William Rawson, William Thomason
1467–8 John Southworth Richard Sharp, William Sherman
1468–9 John Dedwood Richard Gerard, Robert Nottervill
1469–70 Thomas Kent John Smith, Henry Ball
1470–1 Thomas Cottingham Thomas Fernes, William Richmond
1471–2 Robert Rogerson Henry Port, Richard Harper
1472–3 John Spencer John Evans, Nicholas Hopkin
1473–4 William Whitmore John Barrow, William Sneyd
1474–5 John Southworth Roger Hurleton, Robert Waley
1475–6 John Southworth Richard Smith, Thomas Eccles
1476–7 Hugh Massey Henry Warmingham, Roger Lightfoot
1477–8 John Southworth George Bulkeley, Thomas Hurleton
1478–9 Robert Nottervill Robert Elswick, John Monkfield
1479–80 William Snead Robert Walker, Matthew Johnson
1480–1 John Southworth Ralph Davenport, William Heywood or Cook
1481–2 Roger Hurleton John Dedwood, Henry Frances
1482–3 Roger Hurleton Roger Taylor or Wright, Roger Burgess
1483–4 John Dedwood Peter Smith, John Runcorn
1484–5 Sir John Savage John Norris, Hugh Hurleton
1485–6 Sir John Savage Thomas Barrow, Richard Gardner
1486–7 Henry Port Randal Sparrow, Richard Spencer
1487–8 Hugh Hurleton Randal Sparrow, Nicholas Loker
1488–9 George Bulkeley Thomas Bunbury, Robert Barrow
1489–90 Ralph Davenport John Cliff, Thomas Monning
1490–1 John Barrow Richard Wright, Richard Wirral
1491–2 Randal Sparrow Edmund Farrington, Richard Hockenhull
1492–3 Roger Hurleton Richard Goodman, Richard Barker
1493–4 Ralph Davenport Ralph Manley, Richard Grosvenor
1494–5 George Bulkeley Henry Balfront, John Waley
1495–6 Richard Wirral Nicholas Newhouse, Randal Smith
1496–7 Thomas Barrow Thomas Smith, Tudor ap Thomas
1497–8 Thomas Ferror John Grimsditch, Randal Eaton
1498–9 Richard Goodman Richard Fletcher, Thomas Thornton
1499–1500 John Cliff Roger Smith, John Walley
1500–1 Thomas Ferror James Manley, Richard Walton
1501–2 Ralph Davenport William Rogerson, Richard Lowe
1502–3 Richard Wright William Ball, Thomas Gill
1503–4 Richard Goodman John Tatton, John Rathbone
1504–5 Thomas Smith sen. Thomas Hawarden, William Sneyd jun.
1505–6 Thomas Thornton Hamo Goodman, John Bradfield

Mayors and Sheriffs, 1506–1835

The charter of 1506 confirmed the offices of mayor and two sheriffs, to be elected, as before, on the Friday after the feast of St. Denis.

Mayor Sheriffs
1506–7 Thomas Barrow Robert Barrow, Hamo Johnson
1507–8 Richard Wirral John Harper, Robert Golborne
1508–9 Thomas Hawarden Edmund Smith, William Davidson
1509–10 Richard Wright Thomas Croke, Richard Broster
1510–11 William Rogerson Thomas Houghton, Henry Radford
1511–12 Sir Thomas Smith Hugh Clerk, Charles Eaton
1512–13 Sir Piers Dutton Thomas Middleton, David Middleton
1513–14 Sir Piers Dutton John Birkendale, Robert Aldersey
1514–15 Sir Piers Dutton William Hurleton, John Loker (fn. 54)
John Rathbone William Goodman, Richard Grimsditch
1515–16 Sir Thomas Smith Thomas Smith jun., Robert Wright
1516–17 William Sneyd Hugh Aldersey, Randal Done
1517–18 William Davidson William Offley, Nicholas Johnson
1518–19 Thomas Barrow Piers Smith, Robert Middleton
1519–20 John Rathbone John Griffith, Richard Anyon
1520–1 Sir Thomas Smith Thomas Golborne, Christopher Warmingham
1521–2 Sir Thomas Smith Ralph Rogerson, Thomas Bamvill
1522–3 William Davidson Roger Barrow, John Woodward
1523–4 Edward Middleton Roger Pike, Stephen Cross
1524–5 Robert Golborne Richard Evans, John Dymock
1525–6 Robert Aldersey John Walley, Henry Heyton
1526–7 Robert Barrow Hugh Davenport, Fulk Dutton
1527–8 Sir Thomas Smith Henry Gee, Thomas Hall
1528–9 Hugh Aldersey Edward Davenport, Robert Barton
1529–30 Henry Radford Thomas Rogerson, Ralph Goodman
1530–1 Sir Thomas Smith Laurence Dutton, William Massey
1531–2 William Sneyd Robert Brerewood, Thomas Barrow
1532–3 William Goodman William Beswick, Richard Hunt
1533–4 Henry Gee Randle Mainwaring, Hugh Hankey
1534–5 Ralph Rogerson John Thornton, Thomas Martin
1535–6 Sir Thomas Smith Robert Walley, Richard Wrench
1536–7 William Goodman George Leech, George Lightfoot
1537–8 Fulk Dutton William Glazier, Robert Whitehead
1538–9 David Middleton Thomas Aldersey, Richard Dickon
1539–40 Henry Gee William Aldersey, William Whiteley (fn. 55)
1540–1 Sir Laurence Smith John Smith, Thomas Longley
1541–2 Hugh Aldersey Richard Sneyd (died), Ralph Aldersey (succ.), Randle Bamvill
1542–3 William Beswick Adam Goodman, Edmund Gee
1543–4 William Sneyd Ralph Radford, John Rosengreve
1544–5 Robert Barton William Leech, John Offley
1545–6 William Holcroft (died) Richard Poole, Richard Grimsditch
John Walley
1546–7 Hugh Aldersey (died) William Bride, Thomas Smith
John smith
1547–8 Ralph Goodman Richard Rathbone, Thomas Bavand
1548–9 Fulk Dutton John Webster, Robert Johns
1549–50 Thomas Aldersey Richard Massey, Morris Williams
1550–1 Edmund Gee (died) Ralph Goodman, Piers Street
William Goodman
1551–2 William Glazier Ralph Rogerson, Thomas Green
1552–3 Thomas Smith Thomas Sanders or Steward, William Brownshank
1553–4 John Offley Henry Hardware, William Ball
1554–5 Fulk Dutton Robert Amery, John Cowper
1555–6 John Smith Thomas Wetherall, John Rees (fn. 56)
1556–7 John Webster John Hankey, Thomas Bellin
1557–8 William Bride John Newall, Thomas Burges
1558–9 Sir Laurence Smith John Yerworth, William Jewet
1559–60 Henry Hardware Christopher Morrell, Simon Mountford
1560–1 William Aldersey Robert Deerhurst, Richard Boydell
1561–2 John Cowper Richard Dutton, Thomas Bellin
1562–3 Randle Bamvill William Hamnet, John Harvey
1563–4 Sir Laurence Smith Hugh Rogerson, Gilbert Knowles
1564–5 Richard Poole Henry Leech, Evan Denvevet
1565–6 Thomas Green Edward Thompson, William Dodd
1566–7 Sir William Sneyd William Bird, Robert Brerewood
1567–8 Richard Dutton Edward Martin, Oliver Smith
1568–9 William Ball Edward Hanmer, Roger Lee
1569–70 Sir John Savage Richard Massey, Peter Litherland
1570–1 Sir Laurence Smith John Middleton, William Styles
1571–2 John Hankey Richard Bavand, William Wall
1572–3 Roger Lee Richard Wright, Robert Gill
1573–4 Richard Dutton William Massey, Paul Chantrell
1574–5 Sir John Savage John Allen, William Goodman
1575–6 Henry Hardware William Golborne, David Dymock
1576–7 John Harvey Thomas Lyniall, John Barnes
1577–8 Thomas Bellin Valentine Broughton, John Tilson
1578–9 William Jewet David Mountford, Randulph Leech
1579–80 William Goodman (died) Robert Brock, David Lloyd
1580–1 William Bird Richard Bird, William Cotgreave
1581–2 Richard Bavand Robert Wall, John Fitton
1582–3 William Styles Thomas Cowper, Richard Rathbone
1583–4 Robert Brerewood Thomas Fletcher, William Milton (died), Nicholas Massey (succ.)
1584–5 Valentine Broughton William Aldersey sen., Henry Anion
1585–6 Edmund Gamull Thomas Tetlow, Thomas Lynaker
1586–7 William Wall Robert Amery, Richard Knee
1587–8 Robert Brerewood Thomas Harbottle, John Williams
1588–9 Robert Brock (died) Richard Spencer, William Mee
William Hamnet
1589–90 William Cotgreave Thurston Hollinshed, Godfrey Wynne
1590–1 William Massey John Ratcliffe, Thomas Werden
1591–2 Thomas Lyniall Randulph Allen, Richard Broster
1592–3 John Fitton Peter Newall, John Taylor
1593–4 David Lloyd John Littler, John Frances
1594–5 Fulk Aldersey Henry Hamnet, William Knight
1595–6 William Aldersey sen. Philip Phillips, William Leicester
1596–7 Thomas Smith John Aldersey, Roland Barnes
1597–8 Sir John Savage (died) William Thropp, Robert Fletcher
Thomas Fletcher
1598–9 Richard Rathbone John Brerewood, Lewis Roberts
1599–1600 Henry Hardware John Owen, John Moyle
1600–1 Robert Brerewood (died) Richard Dutton, Edward Bennet (died), Thomas Wright (succ.)
Richard Bavand (succ.)
1601–2 John Ratcliffe sen. John Ratcliffe jun., Owen Harris
1602–3 Hugh Glazier William Gamull, William Johnson
1603–4 John Aldersey William Aldersey, William Manning
1604–5 Edward Dutton Thomas Revington, Kenwick ap Evan
1605–6 John Littler Robert Blease, Thomas Harvey
1606–7 Philip Phillips Thomas Thropp, Richard Fletcher
1607–8 Sir John Savage Robert Whitby, George Brooke
1608–9 William Gamull Edward Kitchin, Robert Amery
1609–10 William Leicester Charles Fitton, George Harper
1610–11 Thomas Harvey Hugh Williamson, John Thropp
1611–12 John Ratcliffe Nicholas Ince, Robert Fletcher
1612–13 Robert Whitby Thomas Whitby, Peter Drinkwater
1613–14 William Aldersey jun. Richard Bathoe, Thomas Percival
1614–15 William Aldersey sen. Richard Aldersey, Robert Bennett
1615–16 Thomas Thropp Randle Holme (I), Thomas Weston
1616–17 Edward Button Thomas Sutton (died), Thomas Bird (succ.), John Cook
1617–18 Charles Fitton Fulk Salisbury, Gilbert Eaton
1618–19 Sir Randle Mainwaring John Brereton, Robert Berry
1619–20 Hugh Williamson Charles Walley, Thomas Ince
1620–1 William Gamull Humphrey Lloyd, William Spark
1621–2 Robert Whitehead William Allen, Richard Bridge
1622–3 Sir Thomas Smith John Williams, Hugh Whickstead
1623–4 John Brereton Christopher Blease, William Fisher
1624–5 Peter Drinkwater Thomas Knowles, William Glegg
1625–6 Sir Randle Mainwaring Robert Sproston, Robert Harvey
1626–7 Nicholas Ince Richard Bennett, Thomas Humphreys
1627–8 Richard Dutton William Edwards, Thomas Aldersey
1628–9 John Ratcliffe Richard Leicester, John Leech
1629–30 Christopher Blease John Aldersey, William Higginson (died), Robert Ince (succ.)
1630–1 Charles Walley Thomas Thropp, Thomas Cowper
1631–2 William Allen (died) Richard Broster, William Jones
Thomas Bird
1632–3 William Spark William Parnell, Robert Wright
1633–4 Randle Holme (I) Randle Holme (II), Richard Bird
1634–5 Francis Gamull William Ince, Thomas Eaton (died), Edward Evans (succ.)
1635–6 Thomas Knowles Thomas Cross, Calvin Bruen
1636–7 William Edwards Edward Bradshaw, Owen Hughes
1637–8 Thomas Thropp Thomas Weston, William Wilcock
1638–9 Robert Sproston Philip Sproston, William Drinkwater
1639–40 Robert Harvey Richard Bradshaw, Ralph Hutton
1640–1 Thomas Aldersey John Whittle, Edward Hulton
1641–2 Thomas Cowper Thomas Mottershead, Hugh Leigh
1642–3 William Ince William Crompton, John Johnson
1643–4 Randle Holme (II) William Whittle, William Bennett
1644–5 Charles Walley Humphrey Phillips, Ralph Davies (died), Randle Richardson (succ.)
1645–6 No election of city officers
1646–7 William Edwards Robert Sproston, unknown
1647–8 Robert Wright (died) William Wright, Richard Minshull
Edward Bradshaw
1648–9 Richard Bradshaw Jonathan Ridge, Gerard Jones
1649–50 William Crompton Thomas Parnell, Robert Capper
1650–1 Richard Leicester John Anderson, Thomas Heath
1651–2 Owen Hughes (died) Thomas Harris, Hugh Mason
John Johnson
1652–3 William Bennett William Wilson, Richard Townshend
1653–4 Edward Bradshaw Daniel Greatbach, Charles Farrington
1654–5 Richard Bird Arthur Walley, John Griffith
1655–6 William Wright John Witter, John Pool
1656–7 Peter Leigh Thomas Robinson, Ralph Burroughs
1657–8 Richard Minshull William Street, William Bristowe
1658–9 Thomas Hand (died) William Heywood, Randal Oulton
Gerard Jones
1659–60 John Johnson Thomas Wilcock, John Knowles
1660–1 Arthur Walley Richard Taylor, Randal Bennett
1661–2 Thomas Thropp Richard Harrison, John Hulton
1662–3 Richard Broster John Maddock, William King
1663–4 John Pool Charles Leinsly, Edward Kingsey
1664–5 Richard Taylor Robert Murray, Richard Key
1665–6 Randal Oulton Gawen Hudson, Richard Annion
1666–7 William Street Henry Lloyd, William Warrington
1667–8 Richard Harrison William Harvey, Robert Caddick
1668–9 Charles Stanley, earl of Derby Richard Wright, John Young
1669–70 Robert Murray Thomas Simpson, Owen Ellis
1670–1 Thomas Wilcock William Wilme, Thomas Billington
1671–2 William Wilson Robert Townsend (died), William Wilson (succ.), Thomas Ashton
1672–3 Gawen Hudson George Mainwaring, Benjamin Critchley
1673–4 Thomas Simpson William Ince, Peter Edwards
1674–5 Richard Wright Edward Oulton, Isaac Swift
1675–6 Henry Lloyd Nathaniel Williamson, Thomas Wright
1676–7 John Young (died) Thomas Baker, Robert Shone
John Maddock
1677–8 William Ince Thomas Hand, John Mottershead
1678–9 William Harvey Hugh Starkey, Robert Fletcher
1679–80 William Wilme Ralph Burrows, Francis Skellerne
1680–1 John Anderson John Taylor, William Starkey
1681–2 George Mainwaring William Allen, Henry Bennett
1682–3 Peter Edwards Robert Hewitt, William Bennett
1683–4 William Street John Wilme, Robert Murray
1684–5 Sir Thomas Grosvenor, Bt. Richard Harrison, John Johnson
1685–6 William Wilson Randal Turner, Richard Oulton
1686–7 Edward Oulton Puleston Partington, Nathaniel Anderton
1687–8 Hugh Starkey Edward Starkey, Jonathan Whitby
1688–9 William Street Robert Murray, John Goulborn
1689–90 Francis Skellerne Edward Partington, Randal Bathoe
1690–1 Nathaniel Williamson John Warrington, Robert Dentith
1691–2 Henry Booth, earl of Warrington Thomas Maddock, Michael Johnson
1692–3 Col. Roger Whitley Joseph Maddock, John Burrows
1693–4 Col. Roger Whitley Thomas Hand, John Kinaston
1694–5 Col. Roger Whitley Arthur Bolland, Thomas Bolland
1695–6 Col. Roger Whitley Timothy Dean, John Holland
1696–7 Peter Bennett James Mainwaring, Owen Ellis
1697–8 William Allen Peter Edwards, William Francis
1698–9 Henry Bennett Thomas Parnell, Thomas Wright
1699–1700 William Bennett Edward Puleston, John Bradshaw
1700–1 Richard Oulton (died) Humphrey Page, Thomas Bowker
Hugh Starkey
1701–2 Thomas Hand William Allen, William Coker
1702–3 William George Richard Stanley, earl of Derby (died) (fn. 57) John Minshull, Thomas Partington
Michael Johnson
1703–4 Nathaniel Anderton George Bennion, John Thomason
1704–5 Edward Partington Daniel Peck, Thomas Houghton
1705–6 Edward Puleston John Stringer, Randle Holme (IV)
1706–7 Puleston Partington Thomas Davis, Francis Sayer
1707–8 Humphrey Page Thomas Williams, Joseph Hodgson
1708–9 James Mainwaring James Comberbach, Alexander Denton
1709–10 William Allen Henry Bennett, Randal Bingley
1710–11 Thomas Partington Hugh Colley, Edward Burroughs
1711–12 John Minshull Thomas Edwards, Thomas Wilson
1712–13 John Thomason Robert Crosby, Lawrence Gother
1713–14 John Stringer John Parker, Thomas Bolland
1714–15 Francis Sayer John Parker, Peter Leadbeater
1715–16 Sir Richard Grosvenor, Bt. William Hughes, Thomas Brooke
1716–17 Henry Bennett John Pemberton, James Johnson
1717–18 Joseph Hodgson Trafford Massie, George Johnson
1718–19 Alexander Denton Thomas Williams, Peter Ellames
1719–20 Randal Bingley William Johnson (died), Thomas Chalton (succ.), Thomas Bridge
1720–1 Thomas Edwards Roger Massey, John Cotgreave
1721–2 Thomas Wilson Nathaniel Wright, Thomas Hickock
1722–3 Lawrence Gother John Marsden, Thomas Duke
1723–4 Robert Pigot Peter Parry, Charles Bingley
1724–5 John Parker Edward Twambrook, Samuel Jarvis
1725–6 Thomas Bolland Edmund Parker, Arthur Mercer
1726–7 John Parker James Burroughs, Thomas Davis
1727–8 James Comberbach Thomas Maddock, Thomas Gother
1728–9 William Hughes Joseph Parker, Randal Bingley
1729–30 Thomas Brooke John Francis, Thomas Ravenscroft
1730–1 John Pemberton Andrew Duke, George Fernall
1731–2 Trafford Massie Henry Ridley, Edward Yeardsley
1732–3 George Johnson Edward Nichols, William Edwards
1733–4 Peter Ellames Charles Mytton, Robert Holland
1734–5 Roger Massey Edward Griffith, Francis Bassano
1735–6 John Cotgreave William Speed, Peter Potter
1736–7 Watkin Williams-Wynn Thomas Bingley, John Hallwood
1737–8 Sir Robert Grosvenor, Bt. Ralph Probert, Thomas Broster
1738–9 Nathaniel Wright John Dicas, John Snow
1739–40 John Marsden Henry Pemberton, William Vizer
1740–1 Thomas Duke William Smith, Edmund Bolland
1741–2 Charles Bingley Edward Partington, Benjamin Perryn
1742–3 Samuel Jarvis Robert Cawley (died), William Cowper (succ.), John Page
1743–4 Thomas Davis Benjamin Maddock, John Egerton
1744–5 Thomas Maddock Peter Dewsbury, Richard Richardson
1745–6 Henry Ridley George Griffiths, Thomas Massey
1746–7 Edward Yeardsley (died) Robert Maddock, Thomas Bridge
Edward Nichols
1747–8 William Edwards Thomas Cotgreave, Edward Walley
1748–9 Edward Griffith John Lawton, Peter Ellames
1749–50 Thomas Bingley Charles Parry, Henry Hesketh
1750–1 John Hallwood John Dicas, Holmes Burrows
1751–2 Ralph Probert John Hickock, James Briscoe (died), John Bridge (succ.)
1752–3 Thomas Broster Edward Burrows, Thomas Hart
1753–4 Edmund Bolland Richard Ollerhead, Richard Ledsham
1754–5 Dr. William Cowper Thomas Astle, John Kelsall
1755–6 John Page Charles Boswell, Joseph Wilkinson
1756–7 Peter Dewsbury John Johnson, George French
1757–8 Richard Richardson Thomas Craven, Robert Lloyd
1758–9 Thomas Cotgreave Thomas Randles, John Lawton
1759–60 Sir Richard Grosvenor, Bt. Thomas Slaughter, Peter Morgan
1760–1 Thomas Grosvenor Thomas Marsden, Samuel Dob
1761–2 Thomas Cholmondeley Joseph Dyson, Joseph Crewe
1762–3 Henry Hesketh William Dicas, John Drake
1763–4 Holmes Burrows Thomas Griffith, John Thomas
1764–5 Edward Burrows James Broadhurst, Francis Walley
1765–6 Richard Ollerhead Daniel Smith, John Hart
1766–7 Thomas Astle Thomas Bowers, William Seller
1767–8 John Kelsall Robert Williams, Gabriel Smith
1768–9 Charles Boswell Joseph Snow, Pattison Ellames
1769–70 George French Thomas Powell, Thomas Amery
1770–1 John Lawton Henry Hegg, John Bennett
1771–2 Henry Vigars John Dymock Griffith, Thomas Edwards
1772–3 Joseph Crewe John Hallwood, Thomas Lea
1773–4 Sir Watkin Williams-Wynn, Bt. Edward Orme, William Turner (died), Thomas Roberts (succ.)
1774–5 Joseph Dyson Richard Ledsham, William Corles
1775–6 Thomas Griffith Thomas Patton, John Chamberlaine
1776–7 James Broadhurst John Monk, Peter Broster
1777–8 John Hart John Wright, George Johnson
1778–9 William Seller Thomas Richards, Charles Francis
1779–80 Gabriel Smith William Birch, George Bingley
1780–1 Joseph Snow William Harrison, Thomas Barnes
1781–2 Pattison Ellames Rowland Jones, John Bramwell
1782–3 Thomas Patton Joseph Turner, Samuel Bromfield
1783–4 Thomas Amery Cotton Probert, Daniel Smith
1784–5 Henry Hegg John Meacock, Richard Richardson
1785–6 John Bennett John Larden, Thomas Jones
1786–7 Thomas Edwards Charles Panton, Edmund Bushell
1787–8 John Hallwood Nathaniel Dewsbury, William Edwards
1788–9 John Leigh Andrew Davison, Thomas Bennion
1789–90 Robert Howell Vaughan Robert Whittle, Joseph Wright (died), John Troughton (succ.)
1790–1 Thomas Powell Thomas Rathbone, John Hassall
1791–2 Peter Broster Roger Dutton, Thomas Jenkins
1792–3 John Wright John Johnson, Peter Wilkinson
1793–4 Thomas Richards William Seller, John Thomas
1794–5 George Bingley Samuel Barnes, William Newell
1795–6 William Harrison Thomas Evans, Robert Brittain
1796–7 Thomas Barnes Francis Wood, John Bakewell
1797–8 Rowland Jones Thomas Griffith, John Webster
1798–9 John Bramwell Robert Bowers, Samuel Bennett
1799–1800 Daniel Smith John Bedward, John Harrison
1800–1 John Meacock John Johnson Cotgreave, Robert Williams
1801–2 John Larden Joseph Bage, Thomas Francis
1802–3 Robert Hodgson Henry Bowers, Thomas Bradford
1803–4 Edmund Bushell John Tomlinson, Thomas Richards
1804–5 William Edwards John Powell, John Williamson
1805–6 Thomas Bennion Thomas Poole, John Swarbreck Rogers
1806–7 Thomas Rathbone Timothy Whitby, James Bennett
1807–8 Robert, Earl Grosvenor Joseph Johnson, John Stewart Hughes
1808–9 William Newell Joseph Hornby, William Cortney
1809–10 Thomas Evans William Massey, Joseph Grace
1810–11 Gen. Thomas Grosvenor William Moss, Robert Morris
1811–12 Robert Bowers George Harrison, James Snape
1812–13 Samuel Bennett Josiah Thomas, Samuel N. Bennett
1813–14 Sir Watkin Williams-Wynn, Bt. John Fletcher, George Hastings
1814–15 John Bedward Thomas Dixon, Titus Chaloner
1815–16 (Sir) John Cotgreave (fn. 58) Richard Buckley, George Harrison
1816–17 Thomas Francis Thomas Bagnall, William Gamon
1817–18 Henry Bowers John Mellor, Thomas Whittell
1818–19 Thomas Bradford Charles Dutton, John Dod
1819–20 John Williamson George Wilding, William Sefton
1820–1 William Seller Francis Massey, William Cross
1821–2 John Swarbreck Rogers John Johnson, John Gardner
1822–3 William Massey William Davenport, Edward Ducker
1823–4 Robert Morris Jonathan Colley, George Walker
1824–5 George Harrison John Harrison, Robert Shearing
1825–6 John Fletcher Wilkinson Grace, William Bevin (died), Simeon Leet (succ.)
1826–7 John Larden (fn. 59) George Bridges Granville, Gabriel Roberts
Thomas Francis
1827–8 Henry Bowers John Walker, Edward Titley
1828–9 Robert Morris Thomas Bowers, George Allender
1829–30 William Moss John Parry, Thomas Whittakers
1830–1 Titus Chaloner Alexander Booth, Samuel Witter
1831–2 Richard Buckley (died) Richard Palin, Richard Phillpot
George Harrison
1832–3 John Fletcher Joseph Janion, John Royle
1833–4 George Harrison George Eaton, Joseph Ridgway
1834–5 (fn. 60) George Harrison John Rogers, John Kearsley

Mayors and Sheriffs, 1836–1974

From 1836 the mayor and a single sheriff were elected each year by the council as a whole.

Mayor Sheriff
1836 William Cross Robert Whitley
1836–7 Thomas Dixon John Palin
1837–8 Edward Samuel Walker (fn. 61) John Williamson
1838–9 John Uniacke Robert Miller
1839–40 John Uniacke Thomas Griffith
1840–1 William Wardell William John Seller
1841–2 William Brown John Lowe
1842–3 William Henry Brown Thomas Huxley
1843–4 Henry Kelsall Samuel Gardner
1844–5 Charles Potts Edward Tilston
1845–6 Edward Tilston John Smith
1846–7 Richard Phillips Jones John Rogers
1847–8 Richard Phillips Jones John Trevor
1848–9 Sir Edward Samuel Walker Robert Turner
1849–50 John Williams Edward Russell Seller
1850–1 John Williams Edward Johnson
1851–2 Philip Stapleton Humberston Peter Eaton
1852–3 Henry Brown (died) Thomas Quellyn Roberts
Richard Phillips Jones
1853–4 John Smith Samuel Peacock
1854–5 William Henry Brown John Hicklin
1855–6 Edward Francis French Samuel Seller
1856–7 Peter Eaton John Jones
1857–8 Philip Stapleton Humberston Joseph Baxter Musgrave
1858–9 Meadows Frost William Johnson
1859–60 Meadows Frost Robert Frost
1860–1 John Trevor James Rowe
1861–2 John Trevor Joseph Oakes
1862–3 John Williams William Maysmor Williams
1863–4 Robert Frost Robert Littler
1864–5 Robert Frost Francis Butt
1865–6 William Maysmor Williams Charles Dutton
1866–7 William Johnson Thomas Bowers
1867–8 Joseph Oakes Francis Arthur Dickson
1868–9 Thomas Gibbons Frost (fn. 62) William Farish
1869–70 Francis Arthur Dickson Robert Gregg
1870–1 Charles Dutton Robert Roberts
1871–2 Robert Frost James Gerrard
1872–3 Robert Gregg Thomas Cartwright
1873–4 William Maysmor Williams Thomas Hughes
1874–5 Thomas Quellyn Roberts Charles Parry
1875–6 William Johnson Charles Brown
1876–7 William Johnson Charles Blelock
1877–8 William Farish William Churton
1878–9 Leonard Gilbert John Robertson
1879–80 Charles Blelock James Salmon
1880–1 Charles Brown Henry Richard Bowers
1881–2 Sir Thomas Gibbons Frost John Cartwright
1882–3 Sir Thomas Gibbons Frost John McHattie
1883–4 Charles Brown Thomas Smith
1884–5 Charles Brown Henry Brown
1885–6 George Dickson George Dutton
1886–7 William Brown Thomas Griffiths
1887–8 William Brown John Smith
1888–9 George Dutton Roger Jackson
1889–90 James Salmon John Roberts
1890–1 Charles Brown John Jones
1891–2 Charles Brown Ernest Brassey
1892–3 Charles Brown Henry Stolterfoth
1893–4 Leonard Gilbert Alexander Hamilton
1894–5 William Churton John Jones
1895–6 Benjamin Chaffers Roberts John Goodie Holmes
1896–7 Benjamin Chaffers Roberts John Foulkes Lowe
1897–8 John Goodie Holmes James Huke
1898–9 Henry Stolterfoth John Lightfoot
1899–1900 Robert Lamb Henry Brown
1900–1 Henry Brown Edgar Dutton
1901–2 James Frost R. Cecil Davies
1902–3 John Roberts Henry Dodd
1903–4 Robert Lamb D. L. Hewitt
1904–5 Robert Lamb A. Mann
1905–6 Robert Lamb William Ferguson
1906–7 F. F. Brown (died) R. H. Lanceley
John Jones
1907–8 John Jones John Meadows Frost
1908–9 R. Cecil Davies Harry B. Dutton
1909–10 D. L. Hewitt W. H. Denson
1910–11 D. L. Hewitt H. F. Brown
1911–12 W. H. Denson George Barlow
1912–13 Harry B. Dutton J. Griffiths
1913–14 John Meadows Frost John Dodd
1914–15 John Meadows Frost W. H. Griffith
1915–16 John Meadows Frost R. T. Wickham
1916–17 John Meadows Frost John Owens
1917–18 (Sir) John Meadows Frost (fn. 63) S. R. Arthur Wall
1918–19 Sir John Meadows Frost John Williamson
1919–20 H. F. Brown A. S. Dutton
1920–1 H. Sheriff Roberts C. P. Cockrill
1921–2 W. H. Griffith P. S. Brook
1922–3 S. R. Arthur Wall W. Carr
1923–4 C. P. Cockrill W. A. V. Churton
1924–5 D. L. Hewitt T. S. Parry
1925–6 John Welsh A. Hart Davies
1926–7 C. C. Taylor Edwin Green
1927–8 Edwin Green Stanley Gerrard
1928–9 W. A. V. Churton John Morris
1929–30 John Morris W. Matthews Jones
1930–1 John Morris Robert Matthewson
1931–2 Stanley Gerrard I. S. Fox
1932–3 I. S. Fox J. H. Haselden
1933–4 Charles Sconce F. D. Price
1934–5 J. H. Laybourne W. H. Ebrey
1935–6 T. Davies Jones W. H. Nightingale
1936–7 Robert Matthewson P. H. Lawson
1937–8 George Barlow Kate Clarke
1938–9 Phyllis Brown J. M. Simon (died) Robert Frost
1939–40 Kate Clarke Charles Jones
1940–1 W. Matthews Jones E. W. Keyes
1941–2 W. Matthews Jones Evan Owen
1942–3 W. Matthews Jones Bert Reynolds
1943–4 W. Matthews Jones Stanley Dutton
1944–5 W. Matthews Jones Edith Baty
1945–6 D. R. Owen S. Jane Dunne
1947–9 (fn. 64) Robert Frost Claude Crimes
1949–50 Bert Reynolds W. R. Williams
1950–1 P. H. Lawson H. C. Wickham
1951–2 E. W. Keyes Charles Cullimore
1952–3 Charles Cullimore Richard Davies
1953–4 Arthur Charmley Charles Sconce
1954–5 J. Henry Reece Leonard Edwards
1955–6 Thomas Price Franklyn Hart Davies
1956–7 Franklyn Hart Davies Revd. Eric Lawson
1957–8 Revd. Eric Lawson T. F. Fazey
1958–9 Frank Wright Beryl Nield
1959–60 H. W. Talbott Mary Heaney
1960–1 John Groghan J. T. Leese
1961–2 Beryl Nield Florence Grogan
1962–3 T. F. Fazey T. Sarl-Williams
1963–4 T. Sarl-Williams Frederick Barker
1964–5 Mary Heaney H. A. A. Howell
1965–6 H. A. A. Howell John Arrowsmith
1966–7 Florence Grogan Sylvia Harris
1967–8 Sylvia Harris John Smith
1968–9 Frederick Barker R. E. France-Hayhurst
1969–70 R. E. France-Hayhurst J. M. V. Cottrell
1970–1 J. M. V. Cottrell Cyril Gibson
1971–2 Leonard Edwards C. N. Ribbeck
1972–3 C. N. Ribbeck T. H. Tomlins
1973–4 John Smith F. R. Cleeves

Figure 184: Mayor-making ceremony of 1904, procession leaving cathedral

Footnotes

1 'Frednel, Freynel'. The last of the single officials nominated by the earl, he continued to serve alongside a colleague when the shrievalty was divided.
2 Named as mayor in one deed, and attests another immediately after the sheriffs Richard the clerk and Gilbert Marshal.
3 Also de Lynet. Possibly to be identified with Walter of Coventry, he ceased to be mayor between 1251 and 1255. In Thomas Aldersey's mayoral list, compiled in the later 16th century and dependent upon lost records, he is said to have died in 1260.
4 According to guild records transcribed in the 16th century, he became mayor in 1250. In fact, Walter de Livet seems to have been mayor until 1251 or later. Richard cannot have become mayor much after 1251: the number of shrieval combinations known to have occurred during his mayoralty suggests a term of office of at least 16 years.
5 A 16th-century mayoral list drawing on records now lost assigns the year 1279–80 to Ranulph of Daresbury. There is, however, no known shrieval combination to assign to Daresbury's second year.
6 'Brichull, Birchull, Bircheles'. Hugh of Brickhill's mayoralty in the late 1280s is conjectural; his name occurs as mayor with sheriffs of that period in a number of undated deeds. Since those combinations of mayor and sheriffs cannot be assigned to the mayoralties of later bearers of the name in the 1290s and 1300s, they are likely to pre-date 1289. A Hugh of Brickhill, probably the sheriff and mayor of the 1280s, died in 1292.
7 Occurs as sole sheriff in a deed dating from no later than November 1246.
8 Probably sheriffs during the mayoralty of Walter of Coventry, who attested a deed immediately after them. Aldersey's list places them in that mayoralty.
9 Probably sheriffs during the mayoralty of Walter de Livet, who attested a deed immediately after them. They may have been sheriffs for the year 1250–1; in 1251 Walter de Livet, Richard the clerk, John Ulkel jun., and Robert the mercer were appointed viewers of the king's works in Chester.
10 They attested a deed the term of whose demise began Michaelmas 1251. This combination of sheriffs occurs under both Walter de Livet and Richard the clerk as mayor.
11 In the mayoralty of Richard the clerk.
12 They occur as sheriffs in a single undated deed. No mayor is named, but the grantee is Richard son of William the clerk, probably the mayor.
13 Occurs as sole sheriff in several undated deeds from the mayoralty of Richard the clerk.
14 Robert the mercer occurs alone as sheriff 1263×1265.
15 This combination is recorded only in Aldersey's list.
16 Matthew of Daresbury was succeeded as sheriff by Stephen Saracen between December 1257 and March 1258. The cause of his resignation is unknown; he became sheriff again in the following year.
17 Attested numerous undated deeds as sole sheriff during the mayoralty of Alexander Hurrell. Curiously, he also attested as sole sheriff under Hurrell's successor, Robert the mercer. Hoole was dead by 1284–5.
18 Robert of Hoole was undoubtedly sheriff at the beginning of the mayoral year, in November 1281. Robert of Tarvin first occurs in December 1281. They may have been the same man.
19 In the mayoralty of Alexander Hurrell. This combination of mayor and sheriffs occurs only in Aldersey's list.
20 In the mayoralty of Hugh of Meols. Hugh Payn was certainly sheriff 1287–8.
21 In the mayoralty of Hugh of Brickhill. Andrew also occurs as Randal of Stanlow. This combination of mayor and sheriffs is undated, but cannot readily be assigned to the period after 1289.
22 In the mayoralty of Robert of Tarvin.
23 Occur in the mayoralties of Robert of Tarvin and Hugh of Brickhill.
24 Also called Alan Hurrell.
25 In the mayoralty of Robert the mercer, who is known to have been mayor in January 1291. The combination of mayor and sheriffs occurs in an undated deed, but cannot convincingly be assigned to any other year.
26 Only until some time between 2 and 10 November 1301.
27 'Mulneton'.
28 Possibly to be identified with Richard Russell.
29 Both John and William's names occur as mayor with these sheriffs, in undated deeds, probably to be assigned to this year.
30 Also occurs as Hugh of Wheatley.
31 On 14 July 1327 Richard le Bruyn, described as 'late mayor of Chester', was imprisoned in Chester castle for his adherence to the rebel earl of Mar.
32 'Mulneton'. He was dead by June 1332.
33 'Mulneton'.
34 Killed before December 1349 by Richard of Ditton, one of the sheriffs in the preceding year.
35 'Wysse'.
36 Also 'Braas, Braz'.
37 'Colle'.
38 'Doune'.
39 Possibly Burleigh.
40 Possibly Bancroft.
41 Possibly Thomas of Bradford. Both names occur in Aldersey's list as Dunfoul's co-sheriff during Whitmore's mayoralty.
42 'Coly, Colle'.
43 Aldersey's list is the authority for this combination of mayor and sheriffs. Aldersey knew of a record which identified Bellyetter as mayor in May 1375.
44 Aldersey notes the combination as recorded in October and December 1375. The list which he copied out also included Richard Dunfoul, mayor, Robert Colley and Hugh of Dutton, sheriffs, at about that date. As yet, however, no other record of that combination has been identified.
45 John the chamberlain succeeded Thomas of Bradford 28 June 1379.
46 'Coly'.
47 Aldersey's list suggests that John the chamberlain was initially mayor in the year, but died and was replaced by John Armourer at early date.
48 Before August 1402.
49 Removed in August 1409 and replaced by John of Preston, as locum tenens of William Brereton, governor of the city.
50 Reinstated.
51 'Erdeley'.
52 'Hyrne'.
53 'Lylle'.
54 All declared to have been improperly elected.
55 'Whitlegge'.
56 'Rysse, Res'.
57 Died 5 Nov. 1702: Complete Peerage, iv. 216.
58 Knighted during his mayoral year, 5 July 1816: W. A. Shaw, Knights of Eng. ii. 317.
59 Ousted by quo warranto.
60 Under the Municipal Corporations Act of 1835 the mayor and sheriffs for 1834–5 remained in office until 31 December 1835.
61 Knighted in 1841: Shaw, Knights of Eng. ii. 343.
62 Knighted 1869: The Times, 13 Nov. 1869, p. 7.
63 Knighted in 1918, some time after 3 June: The Times, 3 June 1918, p. 8b; Who Was Who, 1929–40.
64 Under the Representation of the People Act, 1948, the term of office of mayor was changed to run from May to May, and the terms of the mayor and sheriff elected in 1947 were extended to May 1949.