Folios xx - xxix

Folio xx.

Thursday before Christmas, 23 Edward I. [A. D. 1294], it was ordained by the Warden, Sheriffs, and Aldermen that watch should be kept throughout the City as follows :-

The first night by the Warden and Sheriffs and their clerks and serjeants, &c., with horses and arms, &c.

The second night by John de Canterbury, the Prior of H. Trinity, Adam de Rokesle, Adam de Foleham, Thomas Cros, and Martin Box, &c.

The third night by William de Hereford, Elyas Russel, Henry le Bole, Walter de Rokesle, John de Gisors, and John de Dunstaple, &c.

The fourth night by Robert de Bassinges, John le Blunt, William le Mazerer, Thomas Romeyn, Salamon le Cuteler, and William de Betone, &c.

The fifth night by John de Banquelle, Stephen Asshewy, Walter de Fynchingfeld, Nicholas de Farindone, Richard Asshewy, and Ralph le Blunt, &c.

Nevertheless watch is to be kept by the Wards as usual. Any of the above Aldermen making default in his watch to be punished, &c.

Friday in the week of Pentecost, 23 Edward I. [A. D. 1295], at the King's command, announced by J[ohn] le Bretun, it was agreed that three ships should sail in the King's service, together with other ships from the Cinque Ports, at the charge of the citizens of London, viz., the ship of New Castle (novo castro), the ship of Richard de Chiggewelle and Adam de Fulham, the ship of Alexander Pyk and Thomas de Bolonia.

For raising the money it was agreed that out of every 20s. in chattels and merchandise 2 pence should be paid, and this according to the taxation of the sixth penny, &c.

The same day John de Batquill, (William de Hereford, (fn. 1) ) Robert de Basinge, Stephen Asschewy, and John le Blunt undertook to pay to Sir John le Bretun, the Warden, £40 on Sunday in the octave of H. Trinity, which sum the said Warden lent to them for the Commonalty of the City for the costs of the above ships and men. Thereupon the rest of the Aldermen and six men of each Ward, as appears in a panel, bound themselves to acquit the aforesaid John, Robert, Stephen, and John of the said sum on the day aforesaid; and unless, &c.

Monday the Feast of St. James, Ap. [25 July], 23 Edward I. [A. D. 1295], it was agreed by the Warden, William de Hereford, Stephen Aschewy, Adam de Fulham, Henry le Bole, Nicholas de Farndone, William de Betoynne, and Walter de Finchingfeud, that Martin de Aumbresbire, late Sheriff of London and Middlesex, should be delivered by mainprise of Walter de Finchingfeud, Nicholas de Farndone, and Reginald de Frouwyk, who undertook that he should acquit the Commonalty of the City, in respect of what he owed the King touching the ferm and all other debts incurred during his Shrievalty, before Sunday next, or else have him recommitted to prison. (fn. 2)

Tuesday the morrow of St. Swithin [15 July], 24 Edward I. [A. D. 1296], it was agreed by Stephen Aschewy, William de Bettoyne, Richard Aschewy, John le Blunt, Richard de Gloucester, Thomas Romeyn, and Walter de Finchingfeud that Martin de Aumesbyry, late Sheriff, should be released by mainprise of Walter de Finchingfeud and Reginald de Frowyc that he would pay his debts before Tuesday next, or be recommitted.

Folio xx b.

(Mainprise continued from time to time until the following Feast of All Saints, the said Martin covenanting to pay the citizens of London the sum of £20 in part payment of his debt.)

Folio xxi.

Touching drapers and other merchants of London staying at Westminster Faii, contrary to the grant made by the lord the King to the Abbot of Westminster, to the prejudice of the liberty of the City aforesaid, &c.

Day given to William de Leuwes, Stephen de Upton, and Robert his brother, to answer before the Warden and Aldermen such matters as are objected quo et quando, &c.

Folio xxi b.

Breve de eundo cum filio R'.

On Wednesday in Easter week the King sent his writ of Privy Seal bidding the citizens of London assist the King's son in guarding the South Coast with a convenient force, in such a manner as if it were the King himself. Dated "Halielaunde," (fn. 3) 15 March, 24 Edward I. [A. D. 1295-6]. (fn. 4)

Be it remembered that on the same day, in the presence of Ralph de Sandwych, (fn. 5) Sir John le Bretun, then Warden, and the Aldermen and others, assembled at the King's command, John de Douuegate, Nicholas Pycot, mercer, and Geoffrey de Conduit, taverner, who had formerly opposed the sending of an armed force with the King's son, withdrew their opposition, and assented to join the force in person with horses and arms, (fn. 6) &c.

On Sunday before the Feast of St. Mark [25 April], 24 Edward I. [A. D. 1296], the King sent his writ of Privy Seal, addressed to the citizens of London, bidding them give credence to what John de Metingham, Ralph de Sandwych, and John le Bretoun might tell them on his behalf for the common weal, and to send their answer by bearer. Dated Berewik on Tweed, 9 April, 24 Edward I. [A. D. 1296]/ (fn. 7)

Reply to the above writs. (fn. 8)

Folio xxii.

An assembly of Aldermen and other citizens of London for the purpose of ordaining and executing the mandate of the lord the King as appears at the head of the preceding folio, and for executing the petition of Sir Edward, son of the lord the King, to the effect that citizens of London might accompany the said Sir Edward to guard the seaports in the parts of Kent against the King of France and other of our enemies; to which assembly came all the underwritten on Thursday in Easter week, anno 24 Edward I. [A. D. 1296], viz,: Sir John Bretun, then Warden of the City, Sir Stephen Eswy, Robert de Basinge, William de Hereford, John le Blund, Adam de Foleham, Thomas Cros, John de Canterbury, Adam de Rokele, Walter de Rokele, William de Bettoyne, Martin Box, Nicholas de Farndone, Richard Eswy, Richard de Gloucester, Walter de Finchingfeud, Henry le Bole-Aldermen.

Robert de Chalfhunte, Reginald de Frowick, Ralph Godchep, William de Garthone, William de Helmetone, Richard de Caumpes, Henry Hautein, Gilbert (?) Marechal, William Amys, John le Benere, Hugh Porte, Stephen Pikenan [sic], Robert Pikeman, Reginald le Barber, "Alnus" (Alan) de Suffolk, William Jurdan, Matthew le Chaundeler, Henry de Belhus, Thomas de Waledene, Robert de Paris, John de Abindone, William de Paris, Gregory Lorimer, William atte Grove, Gilbert de la Marche, Richard de Wimbisse, John Vigerous, Henry Speroner, William Ediman, Richard Poterel, John Cole, Edmund Trentemars, Alan le Potter, Thomas Broning, William le Cornour, William de Suffolk, Robert Laurens, Thomas de Suffolk, William de Red, Robert Gange, Robert de Assindone, John le Chaundeler, ...... de Cumtone, John de Storteford, Geoffrey Hurel, Walter de Wanlock, John le Botoner, Yvo de Wytele, Roger le Mareschal, Robert de Fingrie, Simon de Paris, Walter de Herlested-Citizens.

These granted for themselves and the whole Commonalty that twenty horses caparisoned with their belongings should go with the above Sir Edward, son of the lord the King, to the seaports, there to remain with him in aid of the war for four weeks, each horseman receiving 20 marks for his expenses, and that the said money should be raised in each Ward, viz., the third part of the seventh penny granted to the King. (fn. 9)

Folio xxii b.

Writ of Privy Seal, in reply to the above Dated Rokesburghe, 11 May, 24 Edward I. [A. D. 1296]. (fn. 10)

Litera d n'i Regis ad facend' [sic] venire duos de discrecioribus ciuit' ad Parliam' apud Sc'm Edm'.

On Wednesday before the Feast of St. Michael, 24 Edward I. [A. D. 1296], a writ was directed to the Warden and Sheriffs of London enjoining the citizens to select two representatives to attend a Parliament (colloquium) to be held at Bury St. Edmund on the morrow of All Souls next. Writ dated Berewyk, 26 August, 24 Edward I. [A. D. 1296].

Return to the above writ, and record of two several elections of Stephen Aschewy (or Eswy) and William de Hereford, by representatives of the Wards. (fn. 11)

Be it remembered that on Friday after the Feast of St. Edward, K. [13 Oct.], 24 Edward I. [A. D. 1296], in the presence of Sir John Bretun, Warden, and Stephen Eswy, Sir Robert de Basinges, William de Hereford, Walter de Finching [sic], John le Blound, Nicholas de Farndone, Richard Eswy, John Wade, Thomas Romein, William Bettoyne, and Henry le Bole, Aldermen, three charters and a writing of attorney were delivered by order of Sir Hugh de Kersingham, to Henry Barri, his servant, which charters had been deposited with William de Bettoyne, the Chamberlain, viz., one charter under the seal of the lord the King Henry, in which was contained a grant by the King to Henry, son of the King of Almaine, of a certain house formerly belonging to Thomas de Peulesdone, in the parish of St. Mary de Bothawe; another charter, under the seal of Sir Edmund, Earl of Cornwall, containing a grant by him to Sir Thomas de Clare of the above house; a third charter, under the seal of Sir Thomas de Clare, containing a grant of the same house to Stephen de Cornhull, together with a power of attorney granted by the said Stephen to Michael Pikard to give seisin of the above messuage to Sir John de Ponte, clerk.

Folio xxiii.

Writ of Privy Seal requiring the assistance of a deputation of four citizens skilled in establishing and setting out (arayer) a new vill (fn. 12) to the best advantage of the King and of merchants; the same to attend at [Bury] St. Edmund on the morrow of All Souls next. Dated "Tuggehale," (fn. 13) 21 Sept., 24 Edward I. [A. D. 1296].

Monday before the Feast of SS. Simon and Jude [28 Oct.], the same year, Thomas Box, Henry de Fingrie, Robert Lovet, and Richard de Wendeleswrthe elected pursuant to above writ. (fn. 14)

On Friday after the Feast of St. Edmund, K. [20 Nov.], 25 Edward I. [A. D. 1296], Silvester de Farnham, the Keeper of the King's Balance, summoned to bring the said Balance and weights to be tested, when certain deficiencies were found. (fn. 15)

The same day the King's Tron of St. Botolph's (Boston, co. Lincoln) proved and sealed. (fn. 16)

Folio xxiii b.

Writ ordering the Sheriffs and Aldermen to elect a fit and proper person to sell the King's wool and hides beyond the seas. Dated 24 May, 25 Edward I. [A. D. 1297]. Election thereon. (fn. 17)

Annus Vicesimus Sextus.

Folio xxiv.

Littera Episcopi Cestrie.

Letter from Sir Walter de Langetone, Bishop of Coventre and Lychfeld, and Treasurer of the lord the King, to the Mayor and "barouns" of London with news of the defeat of the Scots at Falkirk. Dated "Acun," Sunday after the Feast of St. James [25 July], 26 Edward I. [A. D. 1298]. (fn. 18)

Libertas Willelmi de Granham.

Sunday after the Feast of St. Peter ad Vincula [1 Aug.], in the presence of Henry le Galeys, then Mayor (fn. 19) of London, John le Blunt, Walter de Fenchingfeud, Richard de Gloucester, William de Leyre, Salomon le Cutteler, Nicholas Pykoc, William le Masener, Adam de Halingbyry, John de Canterbury, and John de Donestapil, Aldermen, the freedom of the City was granted to William de "Granham," (fn. 20) attorney before the King, viz., Sir Roger de Bracbasoun (fn. 21) and his fellows, so that, however, the said William shall remain attorney before the Justices aforesaid on behalf of the Commonalty of the City of London from year to year to the end of his life, and at the will of the Aldermen aforesaid, for 20s. yearly, payable by equal moieties at Michaelmas and Easter.

Manucapcio Martini de Aumesbyry.

Tuesday after the Feast of St. Laurence [10 Aug.], 26 Edward I. [A. D. 1298], it was agreed by Henry le Galeys, the Mayor, and Thomas Romyn, William de Lyre, Walter de "Finingfeud," John de Canterbury, Richard le Mercer, Nicholas Pykoc, William de Bettoyne, Adam de Halingbyry, and John de Donestapil, that Martin de Aumesbyry should be admitted to the mainprise of Reginald de Frowyc for his appearance before the aforesaid Mayor and Aldermen, quo et quando, &c.

Folio xxiv b.

Monday the morrow of St. Laurence [10 Aug.], 26 Edward I. [A. D. 1298], Master Symon de Pabingham and Master Richard de Wetham, masons (cimentarii), who had quarrelled, became reconciled on terms. (fn. 22)

Restitucio libertatis civitatis London'.

Edward, &c., to his Treasurer and Barons of Exchequer, &c. Whereas for the good service which our beloved citizens of London have hitherto rendered we have by our letters patent delivered and restored to them our City aforesaid together with its Mayoralty and all its liberties; which City, Mayoralty, and liberties for certain reasons we lately caused to be taken into our hand; to have and to hold to the said citizens at our will in as free and ample a manner as they had and held them at the time they were taken, as in our said letters more fully is contained; we command you that you suffer the said citizens to use and enjoy before you in the Exchequer aforesaid such liberties as they reasonably used at the time of the seizure aforesaid, according to the tenor of our letters aforesaid. Witness myself at York, 28 May, 26 Edward I. [A. D. 1298].

By virtue of which writ Henry le Galeys was elected Mayor, and was admitted by the lord the King at Fulham the morrow of the date of the writ. (fn. 23)

Be it remembered that on Wednesday before the Feast of St. Luke [18 Oct.], the year aforesaid, before Henry le Galeys, Mayor, Thomas Romeyn, Walter de Fingingfeud, Geoffrey de Norton, Richard de Gloucester, Nicholas Pyckoc, Richer le Mercer, Thomas Sely, and John de Donestapil, Aldermen, came John le Blunt and Roger his brother, and undertook, on behalf of Dame Matilda la Blunde, to pay the money which the said Matilda had received and would receive of the sum of 8 marks annual quitrent with which she had been dowered by Luke de Batingcourt, from the Feast of St. John Bapt until such time as the said Matilda should obtain a remedy from the King's Court touching the keeping of the City indemnified. (fn. 24) In case the said Matilda fails to obtain such remedy, the said John and Roger will, in the meanwhile, satisfy the City out of the receipts of the said Matilda

Per Maiorem ex precepto baronum de Scaccario.

We command you on behalf of the King that the King's peace be well kept between denizens (prives) and strangers, and forasmuch as certain folk of London refuse the current money of the realm, that no denizen nor stranger be so bold or daring, under penalty of forfeiture of all his goods and chattels, as to refuse the current money until it be, by special commandment of the King, forbidden.

This proclamation was made on Sunday the eve of St. Edward [13 Oct.], 26 Edward I. [A. D. 1298], by Henry le Galeys, Mayor, Geoffrey de Norton, John le Blunt, William de Bettoyne, Richard de Gloucestre, William de Leyre, Nicholas Pyckoc, Nicholas de Farndone, Thomas de Sely, Richer de Refham, John de Dunestapil, Aldermen.......

Memorandum of a letter supplicatory sent to the Justices of the Bench on behalf of divers men summoned to attend inquests before them; dispatched on Thursday before the Feast of St. Luke [18 Oct.], 26 Edward I. [A. D. 1298], by Robert de Celishill.

Sunday the eve of the Feast of St. Michael [29 Sept.], before the Aldermen and Commonalty of London, John de Canterbury, Gilbert de la Marche, William de Brockesburne, and Ralph de Storteforde, executors of John de "Steteforde," came and undertook to save the citizens of London against the King as well touching the ferms of the City and Middlesex as other debts affecting the bailiwick of the Sheriffs, &c.

Folio xxv.

Breve dn't R' per quod Richer' de Refham et T. Sely admissi fuerunt in vicecomit'.

Edward, &c., to Rauf de Sanwys, Warden of his Tower of London, &c. Whereas the Mayor and Barons of London are bound to present each year the Sheriffs of London before our Exchequer at Westminster the day after Michaelmas and likewise their Mayor on the morrow of SS. Simon and Jude, who after being received by the Treasurer and Barons of the said Exchequer ought to make oath to us as belongs to his office, and forasmuch as the Exchequer is not at present at Westminster, but elsewhere, for certain reasons as you are aware; we being desirous that the franchise of the citizens should be observed, and for the good service they have done us in the past, do of our special favour command you to act on behalf of our Treasurer and Barons of the Exchequer, &c. Given under our Privy Seal at "Carleal," 13 Sept., 26 Edward I. [A. D. 1298]. (fn. 25)

By virtue of the above writ, Thomas Sely and Richer de Reffham, mercer, were elected to the Shrievalty, and were admitted at Westminster the morrow of the Feast of St. Michael before the aforesaid Sir Ralph.

And afterwards on the morrow of the Feast of SS. Simon and Jude, the same year, Henry le Galeys was admitted to the Mayoralty at Westminster before the aforesaid Ralph.

The commandment of our lord the King, whom God protect, and the Mayor of the City of London that no man, native or stranger, be so daring as to make any manner of change of money nor of aught else appertaining to the King's change, except at the King's Exchange at the Tower of London, on pain of forfeiture of his lands, tenements, and all his goods, and his body to the King's will. (fn. 26)

Letter from Henry le Galeys, Mayor of London, under the Mayoralty seal, to the Mayor, Echevins, &c., of Amyens, Nele, and Corbye. Whereas the burgesses of those towns hesitated to bring their merchandise to London on account of the ferm due from them being in arrear, (fn. 27) as formerly they had been accustomed, they are invited to come and traffic freely as of old, saving only to the City a half year's ferm, viz., between Easter and Michaelmas last. Dated the morrow of St. Katherine [25 Nov.], 27 Edward I. [A. D. 1298]

Folio xxv b.

Wednesday after the Feast of St. Nicholas [6 Dec.], 27 Edward I. [A. D. 1298], before Henry le Galys, Mayor; John le Blunt, Geoffrey de Nortone, Thomas Romyn, John Wade, Adam de Hallingbyry, Salomon le Cutteler, Nicholas Pyckoc, Ralph de Hunylane, John de Donestaple, Aldermen; and Richer de Refham and Thomas Sely, Sheriffs-Richard de Gloucestre, William de Leyre, Nicholas Pyckoc, Aldermen; and John de Duegate, Reginald de Frowyc, goldsmith, John Baunquer, Mark le Drapper, Nicholas Broun, and William de Red were appointed auditors of the account of William de Bettoyne during the time that he was Chamberlain at the Guildhall.

Compot' camere.

Afterwards, viz., on Wednesday before the Feast of St. Thomas, Ap. [21 Dec.], the said William de Bettoyne and the auditors appeared, &c., and a day was given, viz., the morrow of St. Hillary next, for rendering and auditing the account, &c.

Compotum Pontis.

Monday after the Feast of St. Lucia, V. [13 Dec.], 27 Edward I. [A. D. 1298], before the Mayor and certain of the above Aldermen, Geoffrey de Nortone, John le Blunt, and Thomas Romeyn were appointed auditors of the Bridge account touching the executors of Richard Kotthe, Thomas Cros, senior, and Edmund Horin; the executors to be summoned, viz., Aunsel Kotthe and Juliana "Kotte," executors of Richard Kotthe; the executors of Thomas Cros, viz., Thomas Cros, junior, William Lambyn, and Edward de Vycumbe, Rector of the church of St. Botolph; (fn. 28) the executors of Edmund Horin, viz., Adam de Fulham, Alderman, and Hugh Purthe, the husband of Margery, widow of Edmund Horin.

Comp'.

Wednesday after the Feast of St. Nicholas [6 Dec.], 27 Edward I. [A. D. 1298], it was ordained and agreed by Sir Henry le Galeys, the then Mayor, and John le Blund, Geoffrey de Nortone, Adam de Folleham, Adam de Rokesle, John de Canterbury, William de Leyre, Nicholas de Farndone, Walter de Fynchingf[eud], Richard de Gloucestre, Ralph de Honylane, Nicholas Pycot, Elias Russel, Salomon le Coteler, Adam de Hallingebyry, John de Norhamton, son of John de Nott', Richer de Refham, Thomas Sely, William de Bettoygne, John Wade, John de Donestaple, and Martin Box, then Aldermen; Richer de Refham and Thomas Sely being then Sheriffs; and John de Donestaple and Simon de Parys being then Chamberlains of the Chamber of the Guildhall, and by the whole Commonalty of the City-that the Chamberlains of the Chamber of the Guildhall aforesaid, the Wardens of London Bridge, and all others of the City who ought to render accounts to the City, should for the future render such accounts twice a year, viz., in the first week of Lent and at the beginning of autumn. (fn. 29)

Redd' stater'.

Wednesday before the Feast of St. Thomas [21 Dec.], the same year, came William de Bettoyne before Henry le Galeys, the Mayor, Geoffrey de Nortone, John le Blunt, William de Lyre, Walter de Finginfeud. John Wade, John de Canterbury, Nicholas de Farndone, Nicholas Pickoc, Salomon le Cutteler, Richer de Refham, and John de Donestapil, Aldermen, and of his own free will surrendered to the aforesaid Mayor, Aldermen, and Commonalty the Small Beam which he formerly had by grant of the Aldermen, as in an old paper is contained. (fn. 30) So that neither he nor any one in his name shall be able to make any claim in future by reason of the Beam aforesaid. (fn. 31)

Folio xxvi.

Dimissio stater'.

Friday before the Feast of St. Thomas [21 Dec.], 27 Edward I. [A. D. 1298], the Small Beam granted to William de Helvetone at a ferm of 10 marks by the year. (fn. 32)

Littera Archiepiscopi pro quinque portibus.

Letter from Robert [Winchelsey], Archbishop of Canterbury, to Sir Henry le Galeys, Mayor of the City of London. Certain Barons of the Port of "Wynchele" had complained to the writer that whereas they had been of old accustomed to carry their wine to London for sale to any one desirous of buying the same, the said Mayor had, during his last Mayoralty, restricted the sale to freemen of the City, disregarding the sentences of excommunication promulgated with the King's sanction against those who act contrary to certain articles of the Great Charter of Liberties recently renewed by the lord the King, which charter provided (inter alia) that the Barons of the Cinque Ports and all ports should enjoy their liberties and free customs as they were wont. (fn. 33) It was unbecoming the Mayor's dignity to injure others in order to gain popular favour at the expense of his soul's health; he is exhorted therefore to abstain from committing such an injustice in future Dated "Cherham," 11 Ides December, A. D. 1298.

Letters on the same subject from the towns of Winchelsea, Rye, and Romney.

Folio xxvi b.

Litera obligatoria communitatis facta Will'o de Wolcherchehawe

Recognizances of debts due by the Mayor, &c., of the City, viz., for £50 to William de Wolcherchehawe, £50 to John Beauflour, and £100 to Reginald de Thunderle. Dated the morrow of Ash Wednesday [4 March], 27 Edward I. [A. D. 1298-9].

Litera supplicator' pro Reginaldo de Thunderle..

The Mayor and Commune of the City of London to the Echevins, Jurats, and Commonalty of the town of "Burges," (fn. 34) desiring them to see that certain debts, viz., £40 due from John Frunin (?), £11 from Sigeris called "Karole," and £11 from Egidius Aymeric, were paid to Reginald de Thunderle.

Litera supplicator' pro eodem.

Similar letter to the Provost, Bailiffs, and Commonalty of the town of Caen, (fn. 35) touching the recovery of debts due to the above Reginald from Richard and Geoffrey de Bavent.

Litera supplicator' pro eodem.

Similar letter to the Provost, Echevins, and Commonalty of the City of "Comerac'," (fn. 36) touching the recovery of a debt of £66 due to the same from William Troussel.

Solucio faciend' pro Roberto Hardel

Be it remembered that on Thursday after the octave of St. Matthias, Ap. [24 Feb.], 27 Edward I. [A. D. 1298-9], Robert Hardel, in the presence of Henry le Galeys, the Mayor; Geoffrey de Nortone, John le Blund, William de Leyre, Elyas Russel, John de Canterbury, Thomas Romeyn, Nicholas Picot, Walter de Fynchingfeld, Adam de Rokesle, Martin Box, Adam de Hallingeberi, John de Donestaple, Aldermen; and Richer de Refham and Thomas Sely, the Sheriffs, found sureties for the payment of £10 into the Chamber on mid-Lent Sunday, viz, Symon Bolet and John le Masiner.

Folio xxvii.

Be it remembered that Symon Bolet and John le Masiner have a day until the first Monday in Lent for an inquiry as to whether they be tenants of the lands, tenements, and rents formerly belonging to Luke de Batingcourt.

Bona et catall' legata fil' et fil' [sic] Joh'is de Steortheford

Tuesday before Ash Wednesday [4 March], 27 Edward I. [A. D. 1298-9], by Henry le Galeys, the Mayor, and John le Blund, Geoffrey de Northone, William de Leyre, Thomas Romayn, Walter de Fynchingfeld, and John de Donestaple, Aldermen, the guardianship of John, son of John de Stortford, was granted to John de Canterbury, Alderman, by mainprise of William de Wolcherchawe, Martin Box, Richard Cristemasse, and Peter de Blakenee, together with all his lands, tenements, goods, chattels, and rents, the same to be restored to him on coming of full age as follows :-First, he (i. e., John de Stortford the elder) devised to the said John his brewhouse with three shops, &c., in the parish of St. Giles without Crepelgate, (fn. 37) worth, when let, £4 17s. per annum; also 25s. annual quitrent issuing from a tenement held by Baldric "le tannere" in the same parish; also three shops in the parish of All Hallows de Berkingecherche, worth, when let, 24s. per annum; also two shops in the parish of All Hallows de Staningecherche, worth, when let, 14s. per annum; also 20 marks and a feather bed worth 2s., and half a dozen silver spoons worth 5s., a cup de mucio (?) (fn. 38) with stand worth 20s., a brass pot worth 6s., and a ewer and basin worth 3s.

Adhuc de eiisdem.

The same day the guardianship of Gilbert, son of John de Stortford, Adam, another son, Cecilia, Margery, and "Nargery," daughters of the same, was given to Gilbert de la Marche, together with their tenements, chattels, &c., by mainprise of John le Botoner, junior, Clement le Seur, Peter de Braton (?), and Richard de Wymbysh, the said tenements, chattels, &c., being appropriated as follows: To the said Gilbert a house in the parish of St. Mary Magdalen, near the church of H. Trinity the Great, worth, when let, 40s. per annum, and shops in "Grubstrate," parish of St. Giles without Creplegate, worth, when let, 50s.; also 20 marks, a feather bed worth 2s., half a dozen silver spoons worth 5s., a standing cup de mucro worth 18s., and a ewer and basin worth 2s. To the said Adam, fifteen shops in "Grubbestrate" and "la More," in the parish of St. Giles aforesaid, worth, when let, £3 5s. 3d. per annum; an annual quitrent of 17s. issuing from a tenement held by Walter de Borham in the aforesaid parish of St. Giles; also 20 marks, a feather bed worth 2s., and half a dozen silver spoons worth 5s. To the said Cecilia 20 marks, a standing cup de mucro worth 6s., half a dozen silver spoons worth 5s., a gold fermail worth 2s., a chest worth 3s., a brass pot worth 45d., and a feather bed worth 2s. To Margery, his elder daughter, 20 marks, a standing cup de mucro worth 6s., half a dozen silver spoons worth 5s., a gold fermail worth 16d., a chest worth 3s., a brass pot worth 3s. 4d., and a feather bed worth 2s. To Margery, his younger daughter, 20 marks, a standing cup de mucro worth 4s., half a dozen silver spoons worth 5s., a gold fermail worth 20d., a chest worth 2s., a brass pot worth 2s. 9d., and a feather bed worth 2s.

Compotus istorum bonorum patet infra anno xxix. (fn. 39)

Folio xxvii b.

Computacio inter Robert' de Rockesle et Martin' de Aumesbyry.

Be it remembered that on Friday the morrow of St. Gregory [12 March], 27 Edward I. [A. D. 1298-9], by Henry le Galys, Mayor, and Geoffrey de Norton, John de Canterbury, Thomas Sely, and Richer de Refham, Aldermen-William de Leyre, Thomas Romeyn, Walter de Fingefeud, and John de Donestapil were appointed auditors of the account of Robert de Rockesle and Martin de Aumesbyry, viz., for the ferm of the City, the issues of the Exchequer, and all other issues appertaining to the Shrievalty. And a day was given to the parties aforesaid for Saturday next.

Placitum inter communitat' et Johannem le Mazeliner et Symonem Bolet..

The same day John le Mazener and Symon Bolet were summoned to answer the Mayor and Commonalty in a plea that they should acquit the said Mayor, &c., of debts due to the lord the King by Luke de Batencourt. -John de la Chambre, on behalf of the Commonalty, pleads that the said John and Symon hold lands and tenements, the property of the said Luke, who still owed money to the lord the King by reason of his Shrievalty, and they had not acquitted the Commonalty, whereby the latter were damaged to the extent of £300, &c. And if the said John and Symon, &c. And the said John and Symon come and defend the words, &c., and say that they hold, in part, lands and tenements, the property of the said Luke, but say that the tenements were given in free marriage to the said Luke and to Roysia, daughter of John de Gisors, by the said John, and that, however the said Luke may have become the King's debtor, he had no power of alienation, &c., over the said tenements, inasmuch as they were entailed, and that such is the case they demand an inquiry. The prosecutor denies the inability of the aforesaid Luke to alienate, and also demands an inquiry. A jury accordingly summoned for the following Wednesday. The jurors, viz., Alan de Suffolk, Alan Mulgas, Robert Hod, Richard Hardel, Laurence de Totenham, William Bernard, Adam (?) Apselon, Stephen Bernard, Symon Godard, Roger atte Vyne, and Walter le Coner (?), say on oath that the said Luke owned (inpetravit) a tenement, formerly the property of Robert de Basingcourt, in the parish of St. Martin Bermancherche, (fn. 40) together with an adjoining house called "Parys," and also a tenement in a little lane called "Le Arche" upon Walebrok, in the parish of Paternostercherche, (fn. 41) in common [with the said Roysia], so that the survivor of them has power of alienation. Accordingly it is ordered that the aforesaid tenements be taken into the hand of the City until, &c.

Inquisicio facta pro tenementis Johannis Horn.

Richard Horn summoned to acquit the Commonalty of the City of 300 marks due to the lord the King on account of the receipts during the Shrievalty of John Horn, his father. The said Richard came and said that he held nothing by inheritance from his late father, nor was he his executor, and demanded an inquiry. The jurors (drawn from the Wards of Bridge and Billingsgate), viz., John le Benere, Stephen Pikeman, Gilbert Cros, Yvo de Wittele, Robert le Treyour, Hugh Purte, John Lucas, William Lambyn, Robert Sotel, and William Hardel, find on oath that the said Richard held a moiety of a messuage formerly the property of his father in the parish of St. Magnus, and another tenement and shop formerly the property of his father in the parish of St. Botolph. They say, moreover, that the aforesaid John had goods when he died of the value of 20 marks, which goods devolved to Avice his wife. It is adjudged, therefore, that the aforesaid tenements be taken into the hand of the City until, &c.; and the aforesaid Avice, if found within the City, to be attached to answer for the said goods or their value, and if not so found her dower to be taken into the hand of the City until, &c.

Folio xxviii.

Record of proceedings against Thomas Sely and Richer de Refham, Sheriffs of London, before the King's Council, anno 27 Edward I., for having attached Alan de Cupildiche, of co. Lincoln, who had been appealed by William de Odyham for having caused the death of Walter de Odyham, his uncle, at St. Botolph's Fair (fn. 42)

Be it remembered that on Wednesday the Feast of Annunciation B. M. [25 March], 27 Edward I. [A. D. 1299], William de Leyre, William de Bettoyne, Adam de Rokesleye, and Walter de Finchingff[eud] were elected by the Mayor and Aldermen to prosecute the business of the City before the King and Council in the Parliament begun at Westminster the first Monday in Lent. (fn. 43)

Charter of Henry III. to the widows of London. (fn. 44)

Carta Regis H' viduis London' concessa.

Henry, by the grace of God King of England, &c., to the Warden and bailiffs of his City of London greeting. Whereas in the time of our predecessors, and also in our own times, widow women of our aforesaid City have been freely absolved from payment of all kinds of tallages, redemptions, and all kinds of contributions; we being unwilling to infringe their liberties and free customs, but rather being willing to protect them and their liberties, as we are bound, command you, if so it be, that you do not molest them in the premisses nor aggrieve them, but peaceably protect them in their liberties and free customs hitherto obtained, and if anything of the premisses shall have become lost to them you make amends without delay, so that we hear no more clamour thereon. And if in the time of the disturbance now prevalent in our realm they shall have been aggrieved to make unaccustomed payments by force or compulsion, we are unwilling that on that account any prejudice should in the future be caused to them in their free customs obtained. In witness whereof we have caused these our letters patent to be made. Witness myself at Wodestock, 19 June, the fifty-second year of our reign [A. D. 1268].

Litera Ottoboni Cardinal' pro viduis.

Letter from Cardinal Ottobon to Master Godfrey de St. Dunstan, (fn. 45) Canon of London, bidding him see that widows in London were allowed to enjoy their customary privileges. Dated London, II. Kal. July [30 June], the fourth year of the Pontificate of Pope Clement [A. D. 1268].

Folio xxviii b.

Tuesday after the Annunciation B. M. [25 March], 27 Edward I. [A. D. 1299], it was agreed by Henry le Galeys, Geoffrey de Norton, Elias Russel, William de Leyre, Adam de Rokesleye, Richard de Gloucestre, Thomas Romeyn, John de Donestapil, Nicholas Pyckot, John Wade, Adam de Fulham, John de Norhamton, John de Canterbury, William de Bettoyne, Salaman le Cuteler, Adam de Hallingbyri, Thomas Sely, Martin Box, and Richard de Reffham, Aldermen, and by Gilbert Cros, John le Benere, Simon le Cuteler, Peter Bus, Walter le Fullour, Gilbert le Mareschal, Edmund le Taylour, Richard de Chingeford, William de Laufare, Robert de Assindone, William de Red, Thomas de Suffolk, Alan de Suffolk, Thomas le Barber, Edmund Trentemars, Peter Berneval, Gilbert "de la Marche," Henry le Keyles, Peter de Hungrie, Gilbert "de Marche," Clement le Settere, William Jordan, Robert le Mire, John de Armenteris, Richard de Wandlesworth, Symon Bolymer, Richard Poterel, Symon Godhard, Mankyn le Heumer, Richard de Chigewell, Henry de Fingrie, Robert le Pessonner, William le Lou, Roger le Porser, Walter Gratefyge, Richard le Ceinturer, Thomas Brounyng, Richard de Campes, John Bode, Walter de Fynchingfeud, senior, Gregory Lorimer, John Bauncquer, and Stephen de Harwe of the Commonalty-that the sum of 1,000 marks, or £1,000, should be offered to the lord the King in return for his confirmation of Royal Charters, (fn. 46) the remission of 20,000 marks and £1,048 due for the King's pardon for the breaking of a certain cask, and the remission of £100, a fine imposed by W[illiam] de Marche, (fn. 47) the King's Treasurer of the Exchequer, in a suit between him and Osbert le Lanere.

In order to prosecute these matters before the King and his Council, the aforesaid Commonalty in conjunction with the Mayor and Aldermen elected Richard de Chegwell, Henry de Fingrie, Richard Poterel, Geoffrey de Conduit, Thomas de Farindone, John atte Gate, Gilbert de la Marche, John Darmentere, John Bannkquer, Gregory le Lorimer, Robert de Woristede, Roger Husbond, and Mankyn le Heumere.

Manucapcio Elye Russel.

Monday the morrow of Palm Sunday [12 April], 27 Edward I. [A. D. 1299], came Elias Russel before Henry le Galys, then Mayor, and John de Donestapil and Symon de Parys, Chamberlains, and acknowledged himself bound on behalf of Henry le Bole to acquit the Commonalty of a demand made against the said Henry by the lord the King, the said Henry giving the said Elyas a bond of indemnity.

Manuc' Martini de Ambr' vic'..

Wednesday before the Feast of SS. Philip and James [1 May]. 27 Edward I. [A. D. 1299], it was agreed by Sir Henry le Galys, then Mayor, William de Bettoyne, William de Leyre, Richard de Gloucestre, John Wade, William le Masener, and John de Donestapil, that Martin de Aumesbyry, late Sheriff of London and Middlesex, should be set free by mainprise of Reginald de Frowyc and Walter de Finingfeud, who undertook to acquit the Commonalty of all money due by him to the King before Whitsunday, or return him into custody.

Folio xxix.

Writ of Edward I. forbidding merchants of Almaine under colour of the liberties granted to them to avow the goods of strangers for the purpose of defrauding the Revenue. Dated Canterbury, 26 May, 27 Edward I. [A. D. 1299]. (fn. 48)

Breve pro pecunia deferend' usque ad certum tempus.

Edward, &c., to the Mayor and Sheriffs of London, &c. Whereas we have lately ordained that no one shall bring into our realm nor elsewhere within our dominion any bad money such as pollars and crocars, nor other like money called by various names, under penalty of forfeiture of life and goods; (fn. 49) and whereas we have newly ordained, by reason of the grievance that strangers from a strange country, knowing nothing of the above ordinance, should be so grievously punished, that the forfeiture of life should be respited until the Feast of St. John the Baptist next coming; and that after that date all merchants importing bad money into our realm should undergo the established penalty; and that messengers and pilgrims who carry no more than their expenses be put in our Exchange (seient mys en nostre eschaunge) without incurring the forfeiture; and that sterlings be not imported nor any other money, but that they be brought to our Exchange to be changed; and that whoever be found with such money contrary to the ordinance shall forfeit his goods, and his body shall be disposed of according to our will; we therefore command you to see this ordinance kept throughout your bailiwick. Dated Canterbury, 28 May, 27 Edward I. [A. D. 1299].

Be it remembered that Robert Fitz Henry and John de Lungewile, burgesses of Norhamton, came on Friday before Pentecost [7 June], 27 Edward I. [A. D. 1299], and proffered a certain charter touching the liberties of the said town, and demanded to be free of all demands of tolls and customs; and because the Aldermen were not consulted thereon, a day was given until the morrow of St. John the Baptist next, and the sum of 42d. was placed by way of surety in the hand of Richard de Gloucestre and John le Dednegrace (?), who mainprised against the Sheriffs.

Folio xxix b.

Certified transcript of charter of the foundation and endowment of the Abbey of Waltham Holy Cross by King Henry II. No date. (fn. 50)