Charge of using abusive language in the Mayor's Court.
4 Edward II. A.D. 1311. Letter-Book D. fol. cxiv. (Latin.)
On Tuesday the Eve of our Lord's Epiphany [6 January], in the
4th year of the reign of King Edward, son of King Edward, John
de Winton, tawyer, gave pledge to Richer de Refham, Mayor, in
one tun of wine; for that he, the same John, the day before, in presence of the said Mayor sitting in full Court, had called certain
persons who were making plaint against him as to false measure
of ale, "ribalds" and "false thieves:" of which the same John
acknowledged himself to be guilty.
And Richer, the said Mayor, forgave the said John his trespass aforesaid; upon the understanding, namely, that if the said
John should ever again be found guilty of a like offence, or of
saying anything opprobrious or otherwise offensive, against any
Alderman of the City, or Sheriff, then the cost of a tun of wine
should be levied from his goods and chattels. And to this the
said John of his own free will agreed.
Writ enjoining certain regulations as to the sale of wines within the
City.
4 Edward II. A.D. 1311. Letter-Book D. fol. cxvii. (Norman French.)
"Edward, by the grace of God, King of England, Lord of Ireland, and Duke of Aquitaine, to the Mayor, and to the Sheriffs,
of London, greeting. For amendment of the dearness of wines,
which of late has been in the City of London, and now is, more
than ever it used to be, for the honour of ourselves, and for the
profit of our people, be it ordained, by ourselves and by our
Council, that no person whatsoever, freeman or stranger, among
our customers of wines, (fn. 1) or any other person, butler of a great
lord, or any other, save only our own butler, shall go to meet
wines coming towards the City, by land or by water, to affeer (fn. 2)
or to buy the same; but only after they have been unladen and
stowed in a cellar of the City. And that our butler shall buy
nothing, save only for our own use; nor yet any other person
through him. And before they shall be so stowed away, let
each tun be marked at one end and the other with the gauge
mark; that so the buyer may readily see the default in such tun.
And after the wines shall have been so stowed away, let them
remain in quiet for three days, so as not to be shown, or put on
sale for such three days; except it be to great lords and to other
good folks, (fn. 3) for storing or for their use. And after three days,
let the wines be sold to all persons who shall wish to buy them,
and have so to do, according to what from of old has been wont
to be done. And let no engrosser (fn. 4) of wine be a taverner, and no
taverner be an engrosser, on pain of losing the wine. And Jet
no taverner put his wine on sale by retail, until it shall have
been assayed by the assayers, chosen and sworn thereto, and the
assayers have set the value thereof, in form that follows, that is
to say;—the Mayor and Aldermen shall cause eight or twelve
good and lawful men to be chosen, who are the most skilled in
wines, and shall make them swear well and lawfully to assay the
wines in all the taverns of London, and in the suburbs of the
liberties thereof; and they shall cause the tuns to be marked,
each at its value, with the mark which shall thereunto be ordained, that is to say:—The gallon of the best wine to be sold
at 5 pence, the next best at 4 pence, and the rest at 3 pence, per
gallon, for this year, as to the sale of wine. And let every wine
be set at its value without mixture; and let each tun be marked
at the end in front, that so the buyer may readily see the value
of the wine. And let every buyer see his wine drawn, that so
he may not be deceived. And let no merchant, an engrosser of
wines, keep a tavern himself, neither privily by any other person.
nor yet openly, on pain of forfeiture, and losing the wine. And
let no taverner be an engrosser of wine, under the same penalty,
And as to the dregs of wines that remain in taverns, low down
upon the lees, let the same be put into the wines of lower price
And let the droppings of wines be thrown away, so as not to be
put into any drink that has to enter man's body, on pain of imprisonment and of heavy ransom. And these points well and
loyally to observe, let the taverners and their men be sworn
under such other heavy penalties as can be inflicted. We de
will, so far as in us lies, and do command you, strictly enjoining
that these same ordinances that it should be further done as to the
City and the suburbs aforesaid, and strictly to be observed in all
the points aforesaid: save only, that we do not will that any cry
although you are to cause such standard to be observed on sale
according to the price fixed for wines this year. In witness
whereof, we have caused these our letters patent to be made
Witness, John de Sandale, our Treasurer, at Westminster, the
5th day of January, in the 4th year of our reign."
Oath exacted from the Renter as to the swine of the House of St.
Antonine.
4 Edward II. A.D. 1311. Letter-Book D. fol. cxxii. (Latin.)
On Saturday after the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
[25 March], in the 4th year of King Edward, Roger de Winton,
renter of the House of St. Antonine (fn. 5) in London, was sworn that
from thenceforth he would avow (fn. 6) no swine, found wandering about
the streets of the City, in the name of St. Antonine, as being alms
given for motives of charity by any person to the said house; and
that he would not put any bells on the necks of his own swine (fn. 7) or
of others, either himself or by any other person: nor, to the utmost
of his power, would he allow such bells to be put on any other
swine than those which for charity should happen to have been
given to the said house. And this, on the peril which was to
ensue, etc.
Conviction for forestalment of lampreys.
4 Edward II. A.D. 1311. Letter-Book D. fol. cxxiii. (Latin.)
Hugh Matfrey, fishmonger of London, was attached to answer
our Lord the King, and the Mayor of London, because that he,
the same Hugh, on the Monday next after the Feast of the Annunciation of Saint Mary [25 March] in the 4th year of the reign of
King Edward, bought of Thomas Lespicer, of Portesmuth, six
pots of lampreys of Nauntes, which the said Thomas had brought
to London on the preceding Saturday, and stowed away in the
house of the same Hugh, against the customs and ordinances used
in the City; seeing that he ought to have exposed the same for
sale immediately after his arrival, under the wall of St. Margaret's
Church in Bridge Street, and there to have stood for the purpose
of selling such lampreys, the next four days after his arrival; in
such manner as is contained in a certain Black Book (fn. 8) of Memoranda of the time of Gregory de Rokesle, formerly Mayor: whereas
he, the said Hugh, bought the said lampreys on the second day
after their arrival, and that in his own house, against the customs
and ordinances aforesaid, in forestalment, and to the no small
damage, of the good men in the City dwelling. And he was asked
how he would acquit himself thereof.
Whereupon, he appeared, and said that he was guilty thereof,
and he put himself upon the favour of the Mayor as to the same.
And the said Mayor, with the assent and will of the Aldermen,
and at the instance of Sir John Devery, (fn. 9) wholly forgave the said
Hugh, as well as the said Thomas, the trespass aforesaid.
And the said Thomas, touching the holy relics, (fn. 10) made oath that
in future, when he should happen to come with lampreys to the
City, whether his own or belonging to other persons, he would not
sell them elsewhere than at the place appointed, and according to
the ordinance aforesaid. And the aforesaid Hugh in like manner
made oath that in future he would warn, or would cause to be
warned, all foreign dealers bringing lampreys to the City, that they
must expose them for sale in the place appointed, and according
to the ordinance aforesaid; and that in future he would not buy
any lampreys of them, against the ordinance aforesaid: and further,
that in future he Would not shew contempt for the Mayor or Aldermen by any unbecoming words, or in any other way; under a
penalty of 10 pounds, to the Chamber of Guildhall to be paid, in
case he should be convicted thereof.
Letter to King Edward, with one thousand marks in aid of his war
with Scotland.
4 Edward II. A.D. 1311. Letter-Book D. fol. cxxv. (Norman French.)
"To the most noble Prince, and their very dear liege lord, our Lord
the King of England, his lieges, Richer de Refham, Mayor of his
city of London, and the commonalty of the same city, all manner of reverence, service, and honour, as unto their liege lord.
Whereas, Sire, we have heard good news of you, Sire, and of
your successful prosecution of your war in Scotland, God be
thanked; we do send you, by the bearers of these letters, one
thousand marks, in aid and in prosecution of your war; and we
do pray you, as being our most dear lord, that you will be
pleased to accept the same; and that, if aught shall please you
as regards your said city, you will signify your will unto us, as
being your liege men. Our Lord have you in his keeping, body
and soul; and may he give you a good life, and long."
This letter was sealed with the seal of the commonalty on Sunday, the Feast of St. Mark the Evangelist [25 April], in the 4th
year of King Edward, son of King Edward.
A horse seized from Reynald de Thonderle, for arrears on the King's
tallage.
4 Edward II. A.D. 1311. Letter-Book D. fol. cxxvi. (Latin.)
Be it remembered, that on the Monday next after the Feast of St.
John Port Latin [6 May], in the 4th year of King Edward, son of
King Edward, a certain white horse was taken from Reynald de
Thonderle, (fn. 11) for two marks sterling which he owed to our Lord
King Edward, on the tallage of 1000 marks, which were sent to
him in the parts of Scotland in the 4th year of his reign, by the
commonalty of the City; and the same was appraised in presence
of Sir Richer de Refham, Mayor, John de Wengrave, Richard de
Gloucestre, and other Aldermen, and Simon Corp, Sheriff, at 30
shillings, upon the oath of John Horn, Thomas le Noble, and
John le Chaundeler.
And thereupon, there was given to the aforesaid Reynald until
the Thursday then next ensuing, for redeeming the said horse.
And in case he should not do so, then the collectors of the tallage
aforesaid in the Ward of Douegate had orders given them to sell
the same.
White-tawyers sworn not to flay horses within the City.
4 Edward II. A.D. 1311. Letter-Book D. fol. cxxvii. (Latin.)
Walter le Whitawyer, John le Megucer, (fn. 12) Richard le Megucer,
Richard de Houndesdiche, white-tawyers, were sworn before Richer
de Refham, Mayor, and the Aldermen, on the Tuesday next before
the Feast of our Lord's Ascension, in the 4th year of the reign of
King Edward, son of King Edward, that they would never from
thenceforth, themselves or by others, flay or cause to be flayed any
dead horses within the City, or the suburbs thereof, on the peril which
attaches thereto. And moreover, in case any one of the persons so
sworn should in future perceive any one flaying, or causing to be
flaved. any horse within the City, or the suburbs thereof, as afore
said, he was immediately to intimate the same to the Mayor fo
the time being, etc.
Process of Inquisition and Delivery, made in the time of Sir Richer de
Refham, Mayor, as to misdoers, and trespassers, and nightwalker,
in the City of London, against the pace of our Lord the King
before the aforesaid Sir Richer, Mayor, Simon de Corp, one of the
Sheriffs, Nicholas de Farendone, Thomas Romayn, and other Aldermen; on the Monday next before the Feast of St. Gregory (fn. 13) the Pope
in the fourth year of the reign of King Edward, son of King Edward
in the Guildhall of the said city, by writs of the King.
4 Edward II. A.D. 1311. Letter-Book D. fol. cxxx-cxxxiii. (Latin.)
Elmer de Multone (fn. 14) was attached, for that he was indicted in the
Ward of Chepe for being a common nightwalker, and in the day
is wont to entice strangers and persons unknown to a tavern, and
there deceive them by using false dice. And also, for that he
was indicted in Tower Ward for being a bruiser and nightwalker,
against the peace; as also, for being a common rorere. (fn. 15) And
also, for that he was indicted in the Ward of Crepelgate for playing at dice, and for that he is wont to entice men to a tavern, and
to make them play at dice there against their will. He appeared,
and being asked how he would acquit himself thereof, he said that
he was not guilty, and put himself upon the country as to the
same. And the jury came, by Adam Trugge and others on the
panel; and they said upon their oath that he is guilty of all the
trespasses aforesaid. Therefore he was committed to prison, etc.
John de Rokeslee was attached, for that he was indicted in the
Ward of Vintry and divers other Wards, as being held suspected
of evil, and of beating men coming into the City, against the peace
of our Lord the King. And also, for that he was indicted in the
Ward of Crepelgate and divers other Wards, as being a common
nightwalker, against the peace, and unlawfully frequenting taverns
in the city aforesaid, with harlots; against the custom of the City,
and the peace of our Lord the King; and for that he is well clothed,
and yet has no business by which to support himself; nor has he
any rental, as he pretends to have. Also, for that he is wont to
beat men, against the peace of our Lord the King, and that he
does much mischief, and causes much mischief to be done, in the
night-time, in the city aforesaid. He appeared, and being asked
how he would acquit himself thereof, he said that he was not guilty,
and put himself upon the country as to the same. And the jury
came, by Adam Trugge and others on the panel. The jurors said
upon their oath, that the said John is guilty. Therefore he was
committed to prison, etc.
Peter le Taverner, called "Holer," (fn. 16) was attached, for that he was
indicted in Vintry Ward and other Wards, as being held suspected
of evil, and as beating men, against the peace; and also, for being
a misdoer and a nightwalker, against the peace, going with sword
and buckler, and other arms; and also, for that he is elsewhere indicted in the Wardmote of Douegate as being a nightwalker, and
one who beats men, and as causing much mischief to be done in the
said city, against the peace of our Lord the King. He appeared,
and being asked etc., he said that he was not guilty, and put himself upon the country as to the same. And the jurors said upon
their oath, that the said Peter is guilty of all the trespasses aforesaid. Therefore he was committed to prison, etc.
John Blome, being attached for that he was indicted as a common
wagabund (fn. 17) by night, for committing batteries and other mischiefs
in the Ward of Aldresgate, and divers other Wards, against the
peace of our Lord the King, appeared before the said Mayor
and Aldermen, and Sheriff; and being asked how he would acquit
himself thereof etc., he said that he was not guilty, and put himself
upon the country as to the same. And the jurors said upon their
oath, that the said John is guilty of the said trespasses etc. Therefore he was committed to prison. On the Thursday next before
the Feast of Easter, in the fourth year, the said John was delivered
on the surety of William de Suningham and others, who undertook
that he should behave himself properly, and should be trusty, and
do nothing against the peace of our Lord the King.
Richard Heryng, chaplain, (fn. 18) was attached, for that he was indicted in the Ward of Farndone and other Wards, as being a
common nightwalker, against the peace of our Lord the King;
and for that he was indicted in the Ward of Crepelgate and other
Wards, as being a bruiser and nightwalker, etc. He appeared, etc.
And the jurors said that the said Richard is not guilty of the trespasses aforesaid. Therefore he was to go acquitted thereof.
Master Roger le Skirmisour (fn. 19) was attached, for that he was itdicted for keeping a fencing-school for divers men, and for enticing
thither the sons of respectable persons, so as to waste and spend
the property of their fathers and mothers upon bad practices: the
result being that they themselves became bad men. He appeared,
etc. And the jurors said that he is guilty of the trespasses aforesaid. Therefore he was committed to prison, etc.
John Baroun was attached, for that he was indicted in the Ward
of Basshieshawe for keeping open house by night, and receiving
nightwalkers and players at dice. And John Vautort was attached,
for that he was indicted in the said Ward as being of bad repute,
etc. They appeared, etc. The jurors said that they are not guilty.
Therefore they were to go acquitted thereof.
Edmund de Pelham and Richard de Pelham were attached, for
that they were indicted in the Ward of Walebroke for being misdoers by night, and rorers, defrauding strangers; and in another
Ward they were indicted in like manner. They appeared, and being
asked how they would acquit themselves thereof, etc. The jurors
said that Edmund de Pelham is a good man and a true, and is not
guilty. Therefore he was acquitted. And they said upon their
oath, that Richard aforesaid, son of the said Edmund, is guilty.
Therefore he was committed to prison, until etc.
Simon Braban, the comrade of Elmer de Multone, was attached,
for that he was indicted in the Ward of Walebroke for being a
nightwalker, misdoer, and rorer, and for cheating strangers, etc.
Richard, son of Gregory le Pastemakere, (fn. 20) was in like manner attached, for that he was indicted in the Ward of Bisshoppesgate
for being a nightwalker. Thomas de Bery, son of William le
Mariner, was attached, for that he was indicted in the Ward of
Langebourne, as making a living out of his gains from the rorers,
and as being their comrade etc. Stephen le Brayeler, (fn. 21) son of
Roger le Brayeler, was attached, for that he was indicted in the
Ward of Langebourne for being a nightwalker and misdoer, etc.
John Burelman was attached, for that he was indicted in the Ward
of Billinggesgate as being a bruiser and nightwalker. Thomas le
Messager was attached, for that he was indicted in the Ward aforesaid for assaulting the guardians of the peace, in the week of our
Lord's Nativity last past, and wounding them, etc. They appeared
etc. The jury said that Simon Braban aforesaid, Richard son of
Gregory, Thomas de Bery, and John Burelman, are guilty. There
fore they were committed to prison, until etc. And they said
that Stephen le Brayeler and Thomas le Messager are not guilty.
Therefore they were acquitted thereof, etc.
Punishment by imprisonment in the Tun.
4 Edward II. A.D. 1311. Letter-Book D. fol. cxli. (Latin.)
Margaret de Hontyngdone, Marion de Honytone, and Henry
le Beste, were attached in the Ward of Bradestrete by Richard le
Kissere, serjeant of the same Ward, on the Friday next before the
Feast of St. Vincent [9 June] in the fourth year of the reign of
King Edward, son of King Edward, and put into the Tun, (fn. 22) because
the said Margaret had been before driven out from the Ward
aforesaid as a common strumpet, and had afterwards harboured
men of bad repute, etc. And William de Louthe, servant of the
Company of the Friscobaldi, (fn. 23) and William Sailleben, became sureties for the said Henry, that in future he would well and trustily
behave himself. And the women aforesaid made oath that they
would behave themselves properly in like manner.
Capture of certain Welchmen in Fletestrete; and dispute arising
therefrom.
4 Edward II. A.D. 1311. Letter-Book D. fol. cxlii. (Latin.)
Be it remembered, that on Wednesday the Feast of St. Thomas
the Martyr [7 July], in the 4th year of King Edward, son of King
Edward, there were congregated at the Guildhall, John de Gysorz,
Mayor of the said city, John de Wengrave, Richard de Gloucestre, and other Aldermen, and Richard de Welleford, Sheriff, and
many other good men of the commonalty, thither summoned to
make ordinance on the following matter, that is to say.—
One Tyder Thoyd, a Welchman, Edmund the Welchman, Meric
de Berdeche, Mereduz de Beauveur, and Hersal de Theder, were
attached at the suit of Dionisia le Bokebyndere; who found sureties
to prosecute them for felony, as being guilty of burglary in her
house in Fletestrete, in the suburbs of London: and after they had
been sent to the prison of Neugate, there came a person, "Peter
"de Bernardestone" by name, Marshal of the household of our
Lord the King, and on the King's behalf demanded that the bodies
of the said Welchmen should be delivered up to him, seeing that
they were of the King's establishment and household; and that if
any one should wish to prosecute them, he must sue before the
Seneschal and Marshal, if he should think proper.
And conference and discussion being held upon this with the
good men of the commonalty, answer was given to the said Marshal, that, according to the custom and franchise of the City, persons
attached within the liberties thereof for such felonies and trespasses
as this, ought not to be delivered elsewhere than within the same
city, before the Justiciars of our Lord the King, or the officials of
the City. And this answer having been given, the said Marshal
enjoined the Mayor, Sheriffs, and Aldermen, on behalf of our Lord
the King, that they should be at Westminster, before the Council
of our Lord the King, to make answer as to the premises, etc.
Afterwards, on the Thursday following, the said Mayor, and
Aldermen, and Sheriffs, appeared before Sir Edmund de Maule,
Seneschal of our Lord the King, and before his Council, then at
the Friars Preachers (fn. 24) sitting. And they were told that they must
deliver up the bodies of the prisoners, as they were before enjoined, etc. And the Mayor and Aldermen gave the same answer
as before, etc. (fn. 25)
Order for arrest of a Baker, for selling putrid bread.
5 Edward II. A.D. 1311. Letter-Book D. fol. clxxv. (Latin.)
The bread taken from William de Somersete, baker, on the Thursday next before the Feast of St. Laurence [10 August], in the 5th
year of the reign of King Edward, was examined and adjudged
upon before Richer de Refham, Mayor, Thomas Romayn, John
de Wengrave, and other Aldermen; and because it was found that
such bread was putrid, and altogether rotten, and made of putrid
wheat, so that persons by eating that bread would be poisoned and
choked, the Sheriff was ordered to take him, and have him here
on the Friday next after the Feast of St. Laurence; then to receive
judgment for the same.
Examination of false hats in the Guildhall.
5 Edward II. A.D. 1311. Letter-Book D. fol. cxxxix. (Latin.)
At the request of the hatters, and of the dealers of the City
who bought and sold hats, it was ordered that, immediately after
the Feast of Easter, diligent scrutiny should be made throughout
all the City as to false hats, (fn. 26) by three or four good men of either
calling; and that such good men should at once cause all such false
hats as they might find, to be brought here to the Guildhall before
the Mayor and Aldermen, to be examined, and to have judgment
pronounced as to the same. And to do this there were chosen and
sworn, on behalf of the hatters, Henry de Amondesham, hatter,
William Bridge, and John de Badburgham, hatter. And on behalf
of the said dealers, Aubyn de Caustone, Henry de Schefeld, Elyas
de Salle, and James son of Thomas le Paumer, were in like manner
chosen and sworn.
Afterwards, a scrutiny having been made as to such false hats,
the examiners aforesaid brought here into the Guildhall, on Wednesday the morrow of St. Laurence [10 August], in the 5th year
of King Edward, before the Mayor and Aldermen, certain hats,
white, black, and grey, which had been found upon divers haberdasshers (fn. 27) and hatters. And the said hats were examined by John
de Staundone, John Prest, Stephen de Herford, and Bartholomew
le Hattere, in presence of Richer de Refham, Mayor, and certain
of the Aldermen. And it was found, upon the oath of the said
examiners, that 40 grey and white hats, and 15 black hats, belonging to the hatters aforesaid, were of false workmanship, and a
mixture of wool and flocks. Therefore it was adjudged that they
should be burnt in the street of Chepe.
And as to certain other hats which are here, but cannot yet be
examined, by reason of certain difficulties, as the examiners say,
they are postponed for further consideration.
Ordinances made for Watch and Ward within the City.
5 Edward II. A.D. 1311. Letter Book D. fol. cxlvii. (Latin.)
(fn. 28) Ordinances made in the Chamber of the Guildhall of London
by the Mayor and Aldermen, on Saturday the Eve of the Assumption of Saint Mary [15 August], in the 5th year of the reign of
King Edward, son of King Edward, there being present, Richer de
Refham, Mayor, Thomas Romayn, Nicholas de Farendone, and
other Aldermen, our Lord the King being then at Westminster, and
the Earls and Barons of England lying in London and around the
City, against the King's Parliament; for the purpose of fulfilling
and affirming the Ordinances (fn. 29) made for the advantage of the whole
realm.
On the day aforesaid, for the safe-keeping of the City, it was
ordered that the Gates of the City should be watched day and
night, in form as follows.—
At Ludegate, Roger de Bristowe and Richard de Dokesworth
were sworn to keep the keys of the said gate. Also, for the safekeeping of the same gate, there were to be found, each night, from
the Ward of Cordewanerestrete, eight men, well armed and strong.
And from one half of the Ward Within of Nicholas de Farndone,
namely, that on the Western side, eight men, well armed.
At the Gate of Newegate, there were to be found at night, eight
men of the Ward of Chepe, well armed; of the Ward of Walebroke eight men, well armed, and of the half of the aforesaid
Ward of Farndone Within, on the North side of Chepe, eight men
well armed. And Walter de Finchingfeld, Geoffrey de Jarnemue,
Walter atte Belhous, and Nicholas Crane, were sworn to keep the
keys thereof.
At the Gate of Aldresgate, there were to be found at night, from
that Ward, eight men, well armed; and from the Ward of Bredestrete, eight men, well armed. And Richard le Forester and Walter
de Aumbresbury were sworn to keep the keys of the said gate.
At the Gate of Crepelgate, there were to be found at night, from
the same Ward Within, eight men, well armed; and from the
Ward of Bassieshawe six men, well armed; and from the Ward of
Colmannestrete, six men, well armed. And John Baker and Robert
Belle were sworn [to keep the keys thereof].
At the Gate of Bisshopesgate, there were to be found at night
from the same Ward, six men, well armed; and from the Ward
of Bradestrete, (fn. 30) six men, well armed; and from the Ward of Cornhille, six men, well armed; and from the Ward of Lymestrete,
two men, well armed. And Robert Cook and John le Little were
chosen to keep the keys of the gate aforesaid.
At the Gate of Alegate, there were to be found at night from
the same Ward, six men, well armed; and from the Ward of
Langgebourne, eight men, well armed; and from the Ward of
Candelwikstrate, six men, well armed. And Edmund Taylor and
Philip May were sworn to keep the keys of the said gate.
At the Bridge Gate there were to be found at night six men of
the Ward of Billinggesgate, and eight men of Bridge Ward. And
Richard de Storteford and Bartholomew le Tabler were sworn to
keep the keys of the said gate.
And to guard the bankside of the river Thames, there were to
be found each night six men of the Ward of Douegate, twelve
men of the Ward of Vinetrie, twelve from Queen Hythe, and
eight from the Ward of Castle Baynard.
The great Gates of the City were to be closed each night at the
beginning of curfew being rung at St. Martin's le Grand, and the
wickets were then to be opened; and at the last stroke of curfew rung, the wickets were to be closed, and were not to be opened
afterwards that night, unless by special precept of the Mayor or
Alderman.
A chain was to be drawn across at Castle Baynard each night,
and to be fastened at the hour aforesaid; and Thomas Fairloe and
Thomas de Hales were sworn before the Mayor and Aldermen to
keep the same.
To keep the Postern near the Tower, there were to be twelve
men of Tower Ward, well armed.