Folios ccci - cccxi: March 1394-5 -

Folio ccci.

Letters patent appointing William Olyvere, Thomas Welford, William Sheryngham, Thomas Rolf, John Pountfreyt, and William Radewell commissioners for levying in the City the tenth and fifteenth granted by the last Parliament. Witness Edmund, Duke of York, Warden of England, at Westminster, 12 March, 18 Richard II. [A.D. 1394-5].

Exon'acio Thome Pynnore pictoris ab assisis.

26 June, 19 Richard II. [A.D. 1395], Thomas Pynnore, citizen and painter, discharged by John Fresshe, the Mayor, and the Aldermen, from serving on juries, &c., owing to increasing age.

Folio ccci b.

Bille misse Aldr'is ad assidend' unam di' xv^am.

Precept to the Aldermen to levy half a fifteenth in their several Wards, and to send the money to the Guildhall by the morrow of the Ascension [20 May]. Dated 16 April [A.D. 1395].

Statutum de errorib' in London'.

Statute 17 Richard II. cap. xii. [A.D. 1394], (fn. 1) explaining that cap. x. of Statute 28 Edward III. [A.D. 1354], touching the correction of errors, defaults, and misprisions by the Mayor, Sheriffs, and Aldermen, under penalty in case of default in so doing, was not to apply to any erroneous judgment given or to be given by them.

Exon'acio Hugonis Wynlebourne abassisis.

12 May, 18 Richard II. [A.D. 1395], Hugh Wynkebourne, brewer, discharged by John Fresshe, the Mayor, and Aldermen, from serving on juries, &c., owing to increasing age.

Admissio Will i Titler' et Terry Dripstein in lib'tatem de Brouderers.

2 April, 18 Richard II. [A.D. 1395], came William Tillere and Terry Drypsteyn, a foreigner, "brouderers," before John Fresshe, the Mayor, the Aldermen, and the Chamberlain, and prayed that they might be admitted into the Mistery of Brouderers, although they had previously been admitted (through ignorance of the custom of the City) into the Mistery of Tailors. Their prayer granted. Thereupon the Chamberlain was ordered to admit them to the freedom of the City by surety of good men of the Mistery of Brouderers, and they paid for their fine £3.

Folio cccii.

Delib'acio cs. Joh'i Bisshope pertinent' Walt'o Brunneorph'o.

20 June, 18 Richard II. [A.D. 1395], the sum of 100s. delivered by Stephen Speleman, the Chamberlain, with the consent of John Fresshe, the Mayor, and the Aldermen, to John Bisshope, junior, goldbeater (aurimalliator); the said sum having been bequeathed by Emma Yonge to Walter Brunne, an apprentice of the said John, and delivered to the said Chamberlain by Edmund Wyntere, her executor. Sureties for the said John, viz., Thomas Haye, goldsmith, and John Hygyn, "fynour."

Afterwards, viz., on the 26th May, 1 Henry IV. [A.D. 1400], came the above Walter, now of full age, and acknowledged he had received the said sum of 100s. from the said John Bisshope.

Exon'acio Ric'i Westone aur' ab assis'.

26 July, 19 Richard II. [A.D. 1395], Richard Westone, goldsmith, discharged by John Fresshe, the Mayor, and the Aldermen, from serving on juries, &c., owing to increasing age.

Exon'acio Barth'i Castre ab assis'.

The same day Bartholomew Castre, goldsmith, similarly discharged for like cause.

Br'e deadmit tendo Joh'em Michell in officio subcoronatoris.

Writ to the Mayor and Sheriffs to admit John Michell to act as deputy-coroner in the City for Thomas Brounflete, the King's Chief Butler, to whom the office of Coroner in the City appertains. Witness the King at Eltham, 26 July, 19 Richard II. [A.D. 1395].

Ordinacio de Wyndrawers.

Ordinance regulating charges to be made by Wyndrawers of the City for carriage of wine to divers parts. (fn. 2)

Folio cccii b.

Custodia pue ror' Will'i Wyght.

1 Sept., 19 Richard II. [A.D. 1395], the guardianship of Agnes, Margaret, Beatrix, Alice, and of Nicholas, John, William, and Richard, children of William Wyght, late "stokfisshmongere," together with their patrimony, committed by John Fresshe, the Mayor, and Stephen Speleman, the Chamberlain, to William Askham, "stokfisshmongere," who had married their mother Sureties, viz., Richard Radewelle, "stokfisshmongere," and William Kelshulle, otherwise called "Convers," fishmonger.

Afterwards, viz., on the 1st Feb., 21 Richard II. [A.D. 1397-8], came Thomas Wottone, draper, who had married the above Agnes, and acknowledged satisfaction for his wife's portion.

Folio ccciii b.

Afterwards, viz., on the 18th Jan., 22 Richard II. [A.D. 1398-9], came Richard Abell, fishmonger, who had married the above Margaret, and did likewise.

Afterwards, viz., on the 14th March, 5 Henry IV. [A.D. 1403-4], came John Elys, mercer, who had married the above Beatrix, and did likewise.

Folio cccii b.

Ordinacio facta pro Coupers.

6 April, 19 Richard II. [A.D. 1396], certain ordinances for the regulation of the Mistery of "Coupers" submitted to the Mayor and Aldermen, and approved. (fn. 3)

Folio ccciii.

Custodia Joh'is filii Rob'ti Conyngesburgh.

20 Nov., 18 Richard II. [A.D. 1394], certain shops, &c., in the parishes of St. Michael le Quern and St. Vedast, committed to Thomas Extone, goldsmith, in trust for John, son of Robert "Conisburgh" and Alesia his wife Sureties, viz., Roger Elys, Alderman, and Robert Bussheye.

Custodia Alicie filie Will'i Potenham.

18 Sept., 19 Richard II. [A.D. 1395], the guardianship of Alice, daughter of William Potenham, late girdler, and of Alice his wife, also deceased, committed by John Fresshe, the Mayor, the Aldermen, and Stephen Speleman, the Chamberlain, to Peter atte Hethe, armourer. Sureties, viz., Hugh Talbot, tailor, William Belhomme, "letherseller," William Horstone, draper, John Sylham, peautrer, Robert Betoigne, goldsmith, and William Elyngtone.

Folio ccciv.

Eleccio Vicecomitum.

Tuesday the Feast of St. Matthew [21 Sept.], 19 Richard II. [A.D. 1395], in the presence of John Fresshe, the Mayor, John Cokayn, the Recorder, John Hadle, Adam Bamme, William Staundone, William Bramptone, and Thomas Knolles, Sheriffs, Gilbert Maghfeld, Drew Barantyn, Thomas Neutone, John Wade, William Shiryngham, and William Evote, Aldermen, and very many Commoners summoned for the election of Sheriffs at the Guildhall, Roger Elys was elected Sheriff by the Mayor for the year ensuing, and William Shiryngham by the Commonalty.

Afterwards, viz., on Tuesday the eve of St. Michael [29 Sept.], the said Sheriffs were sworn at the Guildhall, and on the following Thursday were presented before the Barons of the Exchequer.

Eleccio auditor' compoti Cam'arii et custodum pont' London'.

Tuesday the Feast of St. Matthew [21 Sept.] aforesaid, Thomas Neutone and Thomas Knolles, Aldermen, Thomas Weyland, John Trigge, John Cosyn, and William Marcheford, Commoners, elected auditors of the accounts of the Chamberlain and Wardens of London Bridge.

Concordia int' allutarios et Cobelers in London'.

14 Aug., A D 1395, indenture of agreement made between workers with new leather called "Cordewaners," and workers with old leather called "Cobelers." (fn. 4)

Folio ccciv b.

Acquietanc' fact' mercatorib' de Amyas Corby et Neele.

Acquittance by John Fresshe, the Mayor, for 25 marks received from William Godard, merchant of "Amiens," part of the annual rent of 50 marks payable to the City by the merchants of Amiens, Corbie, and Neele. Dated 1 Oct., A D 1395.

12 Dec., 6 Henry IV. [A.D. 1404], account rendered by Thomas Extone, goldsmith, before Robert Chichely and Henry Pountfreyt, Aldermen, Stephen Speleman and William Marcheford, Commoners, and John Proffyt, the Chamberlain, of the property of John, son of Robert "Conyngesburgh," an orphan, of whom he had been appointed guardian, supra, fo. ccciii.

Exon'acio bonor' pertinent fil' Joh'is Adam.

2 March, 7 Henry IV. [A.D. 1405-6], the executors of John Langhorn, "brasier," one of the sureties of Simon Valet, draper, guardian of Henry, son of John Adam, brewer, and Robert Chesterford, cordwainer, tenant of lands belonging to Henry Duraunt, "barbour," another surety of the same as appears supra, fo. ccxcix [b], and also Stephen Speleman, late Chamberlain, delivered to John Proffyt, the Chamberlain, the property belonging to the said orphan, who was now of full age and received the same.

Afterwards, viz., on the 8th Feb., 11 Henry IV. [A.D. 1409-10], came the aforesaid executors of John Langhorne and delivered certain property to John Longe, "coupere," who had married Matilda, daughter of the above John Adam.

[Fos. cccv-cccv b blank.]

Folio cccvi.

Eleccio Maioris.

Wednesday the Feast of Translation of St. Edward [13 Oct.], 19 Richard II. [A.D. 1395], in the presence of John Fresshe, the Mayor, John Cokayn, the Recorder, John Hadlee, Adam Bamme, William Staundone, John Walcote, John Shadworth, John Fraunceys, Gilbert Maghfeld, Richard Whityngtone, Drew Barentyn, Thomas Welford, William Shiryngham, William Parker, William Olyver, Roger Elys, William Bramptone, Thomas Knolles, and William Evote, Aldermen, and the aforesaid Roger Elys and William Shiryngham, the Sheriffs, and an immense Commonalty summoned for the election of a Mayor for the year ensuing, William More was elected Mayor.

Afterwards, viz., on the Feast of SS. Simon and Jude [28 Oct.], he was sworn in the Guildhall, and on the morrow was presented, admitted, and sworn before the Barons of the Exchequer.

Folio cccvi b.

Recia vocat' Tiyinkes combusta in Chepa.

Wednesday after the Feast of Conversion of St. Paul [25 Jan.], 19 Richard II. [A.D. 1395-6], Alexander Bonere, "subconservator" of the waters of the Thames and Medewaye, by appointment of the Mayor, Aldermen, and Commonalty, brought to the Guildhall certain nets called "Treinkes" of unlawful size belonging to William Serle of Erhithe, John May, William Segood, junior, John Sampson, senior, Roger Torold, Benedict Lorkyn, William Segood, senior, John Bacerell, John Cam, Thomas Pesok, Richard Segood, and Benedict Kent of the same place, William Taillour and John Swift of Wolwiche, and Thomas Grym of Portflete. Thereupon the said nets were examined by Hugh Ledrede, Roger Wade, John Hille, John Wynetone, Thomas Welles, Walter Ayllewyn, and John Warde, fishmongers, according to the custom of the City, and being found to be false were ordered to be burnt in Chepe near the "Standard." (fn. 5)

The same day two other nets belonging to John Sampson of Erhithe and John Trymcok of Prattisferye were found of reasonable size, and were restored to the owners.

Custodia Margerie filie Henrici de Cantebrigge.

3 Nov., 19 Richard II. [A.D. 1395], the guardianship of Margery, daughter of Henry de Cantebrigge, late merchant, together with a tenement in the parish of St. Christopher, London, committed to Master William de Cavendisshe, Rector of the parish church of Borlee, (fn. 6) in the diocese of London, by William More, the Mayor, and Stephen Speleman, the Chamberlain. Sureties, viz., Hugh Sprot, merchant, and Master John Kateryntone.

Afterwards, viz., on the 11th July, 21 Richard II. [A.D. 1397], permission was given by Richard Whytyngtone, the Mayor, and the Aldermen for Thomas Lancastre, esquire of the King, to marry the above Margery.

Folio cccvii.

Exon'acio Walt i Wyght cissoris.

17 Nov., 19 Richard II. [A.D. 1395], Walter Wyght, tailor, discharged by William More, the Mayor, and Aldermen from serving on juries, &c., owing to increasing age.

Comissio pro gaola de Neuegate delib and'.

Letters patent appointing William More, the Mayor, Walter Cloptone, John Cassy, William Thirnynge, John Hille, Walter Rikhille, and John Cokayn, or any six, five, four, three, or two (the Mayor being one), to be Commissioners for gaol-delivery of Newegate. Witness the King at Westminster, 8 Dec., 19 Richard II. [A.D. 1395].

Exon'acio Will'i Bealhomme letherseller.

1 Dec., 19 Richard II. [A.D. 1395], William Bealhomme, "letherseller," discharged by William More, the Mayor, and the Aldermen from serving on juries, &c., owing to increasing age.

Exon'acio Will'i Middelton cissoris.

11 Feb., 19 Richard II. [A.D. 1395-6], William Middelton, tailor, similarly discharged for like cause.

Exon'acio Rob'ti Brysly conarii.

The same day Robert Brysty, girdler, similarly discharged for like cause.

Exon'acio Joh'nis atte Mylle merceri.

23 Feb., 19 Richard II. [A.D. 1395-6], John atte Mylle, mercer, similarly discharged for like cause.

Exon'acio Johannis Goldrynge talghchaundeler.

1 March, 19 Richard II. [A.D. 1395-6], John Goldrynge, "talghchaundeler," similarly discharged for like cause.

Exon'acio Will'i Larke peyntour.

The same day William Larke, "peyntour," similarly discharged for like cause.

Folio cccvii b.

L're d'ni pape Maiori et co'itati misse.

Letter from Pope Boniface [IX.] to the Mayor, Sheriffs, and Commonalty exhorting them to urge the King to act according to the Pope's wishes as expressed in the letter which follows. Dated at St. Peter's at Rome xv Kal. Nov. [18 Oct.], the sixth year of his Pontificate [A.D. 1396].

L're d'ni Pape Regi Ric'o misse.

Letter from the same to the King of England exhorting him to suppress the crafty and daring sect who call themselves the poor men of Christ's treasury and of His disciples, but whom the common people designate by the better title of "Lolards," as being dry tares (lolium aridum)—men subversive of all ecclesiastical authority—and to extinguish the baneful torch that had first been kindled under his protection (presidentia). (fn. 7) Dated at St. Peter's at Rome, xv Kal. Oct. [17 Sept.], the sixth year of his Pontificate [A.D. 1396].

Folio cccviii.

Adnuillacio indictamentor' et judicior' erga Joh'em More ante hec editor'.

15 Jan., 18 Richard II. [A.D. 1394-5], recital of the various proceedings taken against John More, and declaration by the Mayor and Aldermen, with the consent of the Common Council, to the effect that all judgments passed upon him are void, and that he is restored to the liberties of the City. (fn. 8)

Adnullacio indictamentor'et judicior' versus Ric'm Norbury prius redditor'.

The same day a similar recital and declaration made with respect to Richard Norbury.

Folio cccviii b.

Acquietanc' mercator' Damyas Corby et Neel.

Acquittance under the seal of the Mayoralty by William More, the Mayor, to Piers Waynat, Giles de Wayly, and Jaques Clabowd, merchants of Amyens, for 25 marks, being part of the annual payment of 50 marks to the City from the merchants of Amyens, Corbie, and Neele. Dated 10 April, A.D. 1396.

Custodia filiar' Thome Fyndone.

27 March, 19 Richard II. [A.D. 1396], the guardianship of Johanna and Matilda, daughters of Thomas Fyndone, late goldsmith, together with their patrimony, committed to John Bisshop, goldbeater (aurimalliator), who had married their mother, by William More, the Mayor, and Stephen Speleman, the Chamberlain. Sureties, viz., William Larke, "peyntour," William atte Stone, "Tolleser," John Aumeneys, "fynour," Richard de Kent, "Tolleser," and Richard Kymbell, tanner.

Afterwards, viz., on the 3rd March, 3 Henry IV. [A.D. 1401-2], the above orphans having died unmarried, their property was delivered to the said John Bisshop and Elizabeth their mother, according to the will of Thomas Fyndone, the executors of whom were John Bedeford and John Mount.

Folio cccix.

Judicium redditum pro Scawagio.

8 March, 19 Richard II. [A.D. 1395-6], came Thobias Lomellyn, Edward Sigalle, Thomas Syba, Frank Vynald, and Paul Spynula, merchants of Janua, (fn. 9) before William More, the Mayor, and the Aldermen, and complained on behalf of themselves and of all merchants of Janua, Florence, Lucca, and of the whole of Italy residing in London, that William Shiryngham and Roger Elys, the Sheriffs, had endeavoured to make them pay a custom called "Scawange" (fn. 10) on their merchandise brought to London from Suthamptone and other parts of England by land, the said merchants alleging that, although the Sheriffs of London had for the last twelve years demanded payment of the said custom from them, the same had not been paid. They prayed therefore the said Mayor and Aldermen that they, their heirs and successors, might be discharged from such payment as a matter of justice.

Thereupon the Sheriffs appeared on summons and declared that ever since the Sheriffs of the City had held the City of London and Middlesex at a fee ferm, they had always taken the custom called "Scawange" from foreign merchants, as appears on record in the Liber de custumis, (fn. 11) fos. cxcv and cxcvi.

And whereas the said merchants allege nothing to destroy such prescription and record except that they have not paid the said custom for twelve years, and whereas they have been accustomed to pay it without a murmur on heavy merchandise of little value brought to London in small boats from Suthampton and other ports, whilst goods of lighter and more valuable description, on which they were unwilling to pay the custom, were brought to London over-land, the said Sheriffs asked for judgment.

The merchants, being asked whether they paid the custom on merchandise brought to the City by water, declared they did so.

Thereupon the Mayor and Aldermen, having heard both parties, and having examined the books and memoranda of the City thereon, &c., gave judgment to the effect that all the said merchants, their heirs, successors, servants, &c., should thenceforth pay the said custom on all merchandise coming to London as well by land as by water.

Custod' filie Galfr' Patrik.

12 March, 19 Richard II. [A.D. 1395-6], the guardianship of Cecilia, daughter of Geoffrey Patrik, (fn. 12) late scrivener, of full age, but an idiot (idiota) and of unsound mind, together with her property in the parish of St. Giles without Crepulgate, committed by William More, the Mayor, and Stephen Speleman, the Chamberlain, to John Chamberleyn, chaplain, executor of the said Geoffrey.

Folio cccix b.

19 June, 19 Richard II. [A.D. 1396], at the instance of John Batte, John Frewey, Simon Wastelle, and Thomas Wemme, Masters and Surveyors of the Mistery of Hurers, the following were summoned to answer a charge of making false "cappes" for sale, viz., Avice Ponde, John Lagage, Thomas Coperkyn, Thomas Wottone, Edmund Fakenham, and the wife of John Wyket. They confessed their guilt and were each fined 20s., the caps to be burnt in Chepe.

Exon'acio Rob'ti Lowthe joignour.

21 July, 20 Richard II. [A.D. 1396], Robert Lowthe, "joignour," discharged by William More, the Mayor, and the Aldermen from serving on juries, &c., owing to increasing age.

Ordinacio inter mag'ros et servos Mistere Sellarior' civitat'.

10 July, 20 Richard II. [A.D. 1396], complaint made to William More, the Mayor, and the Aldermen, by the Masters of the Mistery of Saddlers, that serving-men (servientes) of the said mistery called "yomen," (fn. 13) without leave of the said masters, were wont to assume a livery every year, and to hold meetings at Stratford and elsewhere, both without and within the liberty of the City, to the great prejudice of the mistery, and further that they endeavoured unduly to raise the wages of journeymen (servientes stipendiarios) and caused them to neglect their work.

The masters of the said serving-men, being summoned, declared that the said serving-men of the mistery had been accustomed to have a Fraternity and livery time out of mind; but the masters of the mistery declared, on the contrary, that the Fraternity, as well as the assumption of a livery, only dated thirteen years back, and had been discontinued at intervals.

Thereupon, in order to end the strife, the Mayor and Aldermen gave orders for six serving-men of the alleged Fraternity to confer with six or eight Masters of saddlers, and to report the result on Wednesday the 19th July. In the meantime no meetings were to be held at Stratford or elsewhere. On the day named the representatives of the Fraternity presented a petition that they might be allowed their usages; but the Mayor and Aldermen ordained that the serving-men of the said mistery should thenceforth be under the rule and governance of the Masters of the mistery, as in other misteries, and that they should use no Fraternity nor assemblies, but that if they suffered any grievance at the hands of their masters, complaint should be made to the Mayor and Aldermen and speedy justice should be done. (fn. 14)

Folio cccx.

Exon'acio custodie.

15 Feb., 21 Richard II. [A.D. 1397-8], came Thomas Lancastre, who had married Margery, daughter of Henry de Cantebrigge, and also Master William de Cavendisshe, Rector of Borle, (fn. 15) appointed guardian of the said Margery as appears supra, fo. cccvi [b], and an account having been taken between them the said guardian was discharged.

Folio cccx b.

Ordinacio Allutarior'.

9 Sept., 20 Richard II. [A.D. 1396], petition to the Mayor and Aldermen by good men of the Mistery of Cordwainers setting forth that divers dissensions had arisen among them owing to the existence of a sworn Fraternity among them, and that the folk of the mistery had therefore resolved that thenceforth there should be no sworn Fraternity among them, and, further, that there should be no more clothing (vestures) or alms in general within the mistery, but only one, viz., for such as were householders enfranchised without the assent and licence of the Governors of the said mistery, (fn. 16) and that those who were recognized as able in the mistery should be chargeable (chargeables) to use the clothing of the same and contribute to the said alms for the maintenance of the poor folk of the mistery, as the custom of the said alms requires; and further, they had resolved that any one found contravening such ordinance on the oath of twenty-four good and loyal men of the mistery before the Mayor and Aldermen should pay £10, one half to go to the Chamber of the Guildhall and the other to the alms of the mistery. They pray that the above ordinances may be approved and enrolled.

Folios cccx b-cccxi.

Br'ed'ni Regis de confirmac'oe cujusdam redditus Joh'i parsone eccl'ie S'ci Thome Ap'li et succ' suis pro sustentac'oe capell'i per Thomam Romayn legat'.

Letters patent confirming to John Kyngeshous, parson of the church of St. Thomas the Apostle, and his successors an annual rent of 6 marks charged on certain tenements (sometime held by Andrew Aubrey, pepperer) in the parish of St. Thomas aforesaid by Thomas Romayn and Juliana his wife for the maintenance of a chantry. Witness the King at Westminster, 18 Sept., 20 Richard II. [A.D. 1396].

Folio cccxi b.

Porta de Ald rich' gate concessa Joh'i Blyton armig'o Maior'.

Grant by William More, the Mayor, the Aldermen, and Commonalty to John Blytone, late the Mayor's esquire, of the mansion over Aldrichesgate and garden in the occupation of Nicholas Covelee, Serjeant of the Chamber, to hold the same for life, together with a pension of 100s. yearly. Possession of the said gate to be resumed by the civic authorities in time of war or insurrection. Dated 4 Dec., 19 Richard II. [A.D. 1395].