Folios 161-170: June 1436 -

Folio 161.

Writ to the Sheriffs to make proclamation for all brewers of "Biere" within their bailiwick to continue to exercise their art as hitherto, notwithstanding the malevolent attempts that were being made to prevent natives of Holand and Seland and others who occupied themselves in brewing the drink called "Biere" from continuing their trade, on the ground that such drink was poisonous and not fit to drink, and caused drunkenness, whereas it was a wholesome drink, especially in summer time. Such attacks had already caused many brewers to cease brewing, and would cause greater mischief unless stopped. Witness the King at Westminster, 15 June, 14 Henry VI. [A.D. 1436].

Folio 161 b.

Writ to the Sheriffs to make proclamation for all those who were willing to join John, Earl of Huntyngdon, Admiral of England, or his deputy, in his expedition against the socalled Duke of Burgundy and Count of Flanders, who was threatening Calais and its marches, to proceed to Dover, Sandwich, or "les Dounes" with all speed, where they would be provided with free passage and all other necessaries. Witness the King at Westminster, 18 June, 14 Henry VI. [A.D. 1436].

Writ to the Sheriffs to make proclamation for merchants to send to Calais all kinds of victual, together with bows, arrows, and cords for bows, for the use of Humphrey, Duke of Gloucester, Captain of the town of Calais, (fn. 1) who was about to set sail for France. Witness the King at Westminster, 5 July, 14 Henry VI. [A.D. 1436].

Writ to the Sheriffs to make proclamation enjoining all makers of armour, artillery, and other weapons of war in the City to sell such armour, &c., at a reasonable price, and forbidding all armourers, bow-makers, and arrow-makers (petilliarii (fn. 2) ), and their servants, to demand unreasonable payment for their labour. Witness the King at Westminster, 6 July, 14 Henry VI. [A.D. 1436].

Writ to the Sheriffs to make proclamation forbidding the molestation of Flemish merchants and others in the City who had taken an oath of allegiance to the King, and ordering the arrest of those found acting to the contrary. Witness the King at Canterbury, (fn. 3) 21 July, 14 Henry VI. [A.D. 1436].

Folio 162.

Writ to the Sheriffs to make proclamation for all knights, esquires, and others who were bound to cross the sea in the retinue of Humphrey, Duke of Gloucester, for the purpose of saving and defending the town of Calais, to hurry with all speed to Sandwich, as the Feast of St. Mary Magdalen [22 July] (by which day they ought to be there) was at hand, and the King himself was at Canterbury to attend to their passage. Witness the King at Canterbury, 21 July, 14 Henry VI. [A.D. 1436].

Writ to the Sheriffs relating how an expedition was about to set out under Humphrey, Duke of Gloucester, Captain of Calais, for the purpose of succouring and defending that town, and how the forces had been commanded to muster at Sandwich by the Feast of St. Mary Magdalen [22 July] at the latest, and bidding them make proclamation against enhancing the price of military equipment and victuals in the City. Witness the King at Westminster, 5 July, 14 Henry VI. [A.D. 1436].

Writ to the Sheriffs to make proclamation for all knights, esquires, &c., going with the Duke of Gloucester, Captain of Calais, to succour and defend that town, to muster at Sand wich by Thursday next [26 July]. (fn. 4) Witness the King at Westminster, 23 July, 14 Henry VI. [A.D. 1436].

Folio 162 b.

Friday the Feast of St. Matthew [21 Sept.], 15 Henry VI. [A.D. 1436], in the presence of Henry Frowyk, the Mayor, Alexander Anne the Recorder, John Michell, John Reynewell, William Estefeld, John Gedney, John Brokle, Stephen Browne, Robert Large, Thomas Wandesford, Thomas Bernewell, John Atherle, Thomas Chaltone, Thomas Catteworth, John Olney, William Gregory, Aldermen, and very many Commoners, summoned to the Guildhall for the election of Sheriffs, Thomas Morstede, (fn. 5) of the Fraternity of the Mistery of Fishmongers, was elected one of the Sheriffs by the said Mayor, and William Gregory (fn. 6) was elected the other Sheriff by the Commonalty.

The same day John Chichele, grocer, was elected Chamberlain; William Wetnale, grocer, and Thomas Badby, fishmonger, were elected Wardens of London Bridge; and Thomas Bernewell and John Olney, Aldermen, Hugh Wyche, John Heust, John Wythiale, and Clement Lyffyn, Commoners, were elected Auditors of the accounts of the said Chamberlain and Wardens.

Afterwards, viz., on the eve of St. Michael [29 Sept.], the said Sheriffs were sworn at the Guildhall, and on the morrow of the said Feast were presented and admitted, &c., before the Barons of the Exchequer.

Saturday the Feast of St. Edward [13 Oct.], in the presence of Henry Frowyk, the Mayor, Alexander Anne the Recorder, ......[the record not further entered].

Writ to the Sheriffs to bring up into the King's Chancery Richard "Gun" (?), a prisoner, together with the cause of his imprisonment. Witness the King at Westminster, 21 Nov., 15 Henry VI. [A.D. 1436].

Folio 163.

Return made to the above writ by John Michell, the Mayor, Thomas Morstede and William Gregory, the Sheriffs, setting forth the custom of the City touching orphanage, and how the day before the arrival of the writ the said Richard "Goun," an apprentice of Richard Kerby, draper, had been committed to prison for running away with and marrying Alice, daughter of Simon Herward, late mercer, who was apprenticed to Elizabeth Nevyle, widow, a "sylkewoman," and guardian of the said Alice. They will bring him up, however, as directed by the writ.

Folio 163 b.

Elias Davy civis et mercerus London'.

Writ to the Mayor and Aldermen to return particulars of an alleged debt of £30 sued for in the King's Court in the City by John Burton of the City of Norwich against Elias Davy, mercer of London, to the intent that the said Elias might be prevented from prosecuting an action in the King's Bench at Westminster against William Clerk, skinner, for the recovery of a debt of £20. Witness J[ohn] Juyn at Westminster, 3 Nov., 15 Henry VI. [A.D. 1436].

Return made to the above by John Michell, the Mayor, and the Aldermen, to the effect that by the law merchant and the ancient liberties and customs of the City the Mayor and Aldermen, from time immemorial, had exercised jurisdiction over mercantile disputes arising between merchants of the City; that Elias Davy, mentioned in the writ, was for many years and is a merchant and citizen of London, and was warned by order of Henry Frowyk, the Mayor, and the Aldermen to appear before them in the Chamber of the Guildhall, on the 1st Sept. last, to answer John Burton, merchant, touching a debt of £30 on a bill of exchange between the said John Burton and John Audeley, the factor and attorney of Elias aforesaid, executed at the town of Bruges and not yet paid, as the said John Burton complained by bill before the said Henry Frowyk, the Mayor, and the Aldermen on the 11th August last. There is no other cause against the said Elias before them.

Writ to the Mayor and Aldermen acknowledging the above return, and remitting the above suit to them to be tried according to the law merchant and the custom of the City. Witness J[ohn] Juyn at Westminster, 23 Nov., 15 Henry VI. [A.D. 1436].

Folio 164.

Custodia liberor' Thome Couper dyer cum xx li.

6 Nov., 15 Henry VI. [A.D. 1436], the sum of £20 bequeathed by Robert Holond, late "sherman," to Agnes, Thomas, and William, children of Thomas Couper, "dyer," committed by John Michell, the Mayor, the Aldermen, and John Chichele, the Chamberlain, to the said Thomas Couper for a term of ten years. Sureties, viz., Almaric Matany, draper, William "Fyge," tailor, John Tyndale and William Waleys, fishmongers.

Wednesday, 4 Oct., 19 Henry VI. [A.D. 1440], the above William "Figge" was discharged as surety by Robert Large, the Mayor, the Aldermen, and John Chichele, the Chamberlain. The same day John Staundon, draper, became surety.

Custodia pueror' Michaelis Randolff cum c marcis.

10 Nov., 15 Henry VI. [A.D. 1436], the guardianship of John, Margaret, Michael, Robert, and Elizabeth, children of Michael Randolffe, late haberdasher, together with their patrimony, committed by John Michell, the Mayor, the Aldermen, and John Chichele, the Chamberlain, to Ralph Blaklowe, "Gentylman." Sureties, viz., Nicholas Wyffold, grocer, Richard Lovelace, mercer, and Robert Bylingey, "hurer."

9 July, 21 Henry VI. [A.D. 1443], the above Ralph Blaklowe came before John Hatherle, the Mayor, and the Aldermen, and delivered to John Chichele, the Chamberlain, the amount of patrimony due to Michael, son of the above Michael Randolffe, which was committed to Antony Astell, fishmonger, as recorded infra, fo. 211[b]. The above sureties are, therefore, so far discharged.

Folio 164 b.

20 Nov., 15 Henry VI. [A.D. 1436], John Bergon, "talghchaundeler," discharged by John Michell, the Mayor, and the Aldermen from serving on juries, &c., owing to increasing old age.

27 Nov., the same year, came John Weston, "gentilman," who married Agnes, daughter of William Marwe, late smith (faber), and acknowledged that he had received from John Chichele, the Chamberlain, his wife's patrimony.

7 Dec., the same year, John Stalkenden, goldsmith, discharged by John Michell, the Mayor, and the Aldermen from serving on juries, &c., owing to increasing old age.

29 Jan., 15 Henry VI. [A.D. 1436-7], came Roger Russell, "purser," before John Michell, the Mayor, and the Aldermen, in the Chamber of the Guildhall, and showed that whereas he had been admitted into the freedom of the City in the art of "purser" temp. John Welles, Mayor, and John Bederenden, Chamberlain, viz., on the 19th August, anno 10 Henry VI. [A.D. 1432], he had long used, and was now using, the mistery or art of "glover," and not the art of "purser." He prayed, therefore, that he might be admitted into the freedom in the said art of "glover." His prayer granted at the instance of Masters and good men of the Art of "Glover," viz., John Payn, Walter Fairford, Edmund Hoddesdone, Thomas Holme, Robert Bone, Ralph Brangthaich (?), (fn. 7) and others [not named].

7 Feb., the same year, John Corby, goldsmith, discharged by John Michell, the Mayor, and the Aldermen from serving on juries, &c., owing to increasing old age.

6 April, 15 Henry VI. [A.D. 1437], William Shene, "botilmaker," similarly discharged on account of deafness, &c.

Folio 165.

Grant by John Michell, the Mayor, the Aldermen, and Commonalty, under the Common Seal, that their beloved Secretary, John Carpenter, shall thenceforth not be forced to serve on any watches, assizes, juries, &c., nor be charged with any burden or office other than that he now exercises. Dated 14 Dec., 15 Henry VI. [A.D. 1436].

Exoneracio Will'i Moore ab assisis juratis etc.

20 April, 15 Henry VI. [A.D. 1437], William Moore, "powchemaker," discharged by John Michell, the Mayor, and the Aldermen from serving on juries, &c., owing to increasing old age.

Exoneracio Joh'is Thorpe ab assisis.

25 April, 15 Henry VI. [A.D. 1437], John Thorpe, cook, similarly discharged for like cause.

Exoneracio Will'i Moltone ab assisis.

7 May, 15 Henry VI. [A.D. 1437], William Moltone, cutler, similarly discharged for like cause.

31 May, 15 Henry VI. [A.D. 1437], Richard, son of Richard Justice, of Aghton, co. Middlesex, apprentice of Simon Clerk, "forbour," (fn. 8) similarly discharged for like cause.

Folio 165 b.

27 Nov., 15 Henry VI. [A.D. 1436], came John Abbey, grocer, executor of Richard Crawley, late grocer, before John Michell, the Mayor, and the Aldermen, and received a general acquittance in respect of his executorship from John Symond and Katherine his wife, widow and executrix of the said Richard Crawley, the said John Abbey granting a similar acquittance and indemnity to the said John Symond and Katherine.

The same day came John Bardolff, "shipwright," and Peter Pope, "barbour," and entered into bond on behalf of the above John Abbey.

Indenture witnessing that Henry Frowyk and Thomas Catteworth, Aldermen, John Carpenter, junior (fn. 9) and Nicholas Yoo, Commoners, citizens elected to represent the City in the Parliament held at Westminster the 21st Jan., anno 15 Henry VI. [A.D. 1436-7], had nominated the four persons underwritten to levy and receive the subsidy in the City granted by the same Parliament, viz., Thomas Bernewell and John Atherle, Aldermen, William Deer, "peautrer," and John Wottone, draper, Commoners. [No date.]

Friday, 8 Dec., 15 Henry VI. [A.D. 1436], came John Wokkyng and William Morys, executors of John Seynt John, before the Mayor and Aldermen, and delivered to John Chichele, the Chamberlain, in bullion and plate (in massa et plata), the sum of £106 to the use of Thomas, son of the said John Seynt John.

The same day came William Scarbourgh and John Wotton, and entered into bond for the above executors to render account of the said orphan's estate before Robert Large, Robert Clopton, and John Chichele, the Chamberlain, Auditors appointed for the purpose by the Court.

Folio 166.

Precept to the Aldermen that they cause a sum equal to a fourth part of a fifteenth to be levied in their respective Wards, and bring the money to the Guildhall by the 15th May next. Dated 1 May [s.a.].

Thursday, 13 May, 15 Henry VI. [A.D. 1437], Robert Large and Robert Cloptone appointed by John Michell, the Mayor, and the Aldermen to audit the accounts of John Wokkyng, William Morys, and John Paslewe, executors of John SeyntJohn.

The same day came John Wotton, William Scarbourgh, John Marchaunt, and Henry Merssh, and became sureties for the above executors, under a penalty of £200.

[A marginal note to the effect that the ordinance touching foreign bakers recorded supra, p. 45, should have been entered here.]

12 Dec., 15 Henry VI. [A.D. 1436], the guardianship of Johanna and Agnes, daughters of John Admond, late mercer, together with their patrimony, committed by John Michell, the Mayor, the Aldermen, and John Chichele, the Chamberlain, to John Asshe, mercer. Sureties, viz., John Sturgeon and William Irwilliam, mercers, William Stephen and John. Sperham, "hatters."

9 May, 19 Henry VI. [A.D. 1441], came John, son of Simon Herward, late mercer, before John Pattesley, the Mayor, and the Aldermen, and acknowledged that he had received from John Talbot, John Notebroun, and John Asshe, mercers and executors of John Admond, late mercer, a sum of money, part being his patrimony and part money which accrued to him on the death of Alice and Margaret his sisters; also that he had received a piece of silver of the value of 42s. The said executors as well as the sureties of the said John Admond, viz., Eborard Flete, John Pidmell, John Fantleroy, and William Prentis, are therefore discharged.

Folio 166 b.

Custodia Rob'ti lib'i Joh'is Saykyn.

11 June, 15 Henry VI. [A.D. 1437], the guardianship of Robert, son of John Saykyn, late draper, together with his patrimony and divers pieces of plate, committed by John Michell, the Mayor, the Aldermen, and John Chichele, the Chamberlain, to John Brokley, draper and Alderman, and one of the executors of the said John Saykyn. Sureties, viz., Walter Chertsey, Robert Cottone, William Edy, and William Norhampton, drapers.

7 Sept., 16 Henry VI. [A.D. 1437], came John Flete, "hurer," before John Michell, the Mayor, and the Aldermen, in the Chamber of the Guildhall, and showed that whereas he had been admitted into the freedom of the City in the Art of "Capperes" temp. Robert Ottele, Mayor, and John Chichele, Chamberlain, viz., on the 30th May, anno 13 Henry VI. [A.D. 1435], he had long used, and was now using, the mistery or art of Haberdashers, and not the art of "hurer." He therefore prayed to be admitted into the freedom in the Art of Haberdasher. His prayer granted at the instance of good men [not named] of that Mistery or Art.

Letter from John Michell, the Mayor, to the Rector and Churchwardens of the Church of St. Botolph without Aldgate, presenting Walter Gartone, chaplain, of the diocese of York, for admission to the chantry founded in the said church by John Romeney, potter, vacant by the death of Sir Roger Gubbe. (fn. 10) Dated 27 Sept., A.D. 1437.

Folio 167.

Custodia Kat'ine fil' Ric'i Crawley.

5 Sept., 16 Henry VI. [A.D. 1437], the guardianship of Katherine, daughter of Richard Crawley, late grocer, together with her patrimony, committed by John Michell, the Mayor, the Aldermen, and John Chichele, the Chamberlain, to John Symond, draper. Sureties, viz., Robert Cristemasse, draper, Nicholas Blome, "taillour," and William Norhamptone, draper.

10 July, 20 Henry VI. [A.D. 1442], came the above Robert Cristemasse before Robert Cloptone, the Mayor, and the Aldermen, and delivered the orphan's patrimony to John Chichele, the Chamberlain. The above guardian and his sureties are therefore quit.

20 Sept., 16 Henry VI. [A.D. 1437], came Thomas White, "corsour," (fn. 11) and showed that whereas he had been admitted into the freedom of the City in the Art of "corsour" temp. Robert Chichele, Mayor, and John Bederenden, Chamberlain, viz., on the 13th August, anno 10 Henry V. [A.D. 1422], he had long used, and was now using, the mistery or art of brewer, and not the art of "corsour." He prayed, therefore, to be admitted into the freedom in the said Art of Brewer. His prayer granted at the instance of good men [not named] of the Mistery or Art of Brewer.

The same day came William Parker, smith (faber), before the same, and showed that whereas he had been admitted into the freedom of the City in the Art of Smith temp. William Waldern, Mayor, and John Bederenden, Chamberlain, viz., on the 21st Sept., 2 Henry VI. [A.D. 1423], he had long used, and was now using, the mistery or art of tailor, and not the art of smith. He prayed, therefore, to be admitted into the freedom in the Art of Tailors. His prayer granted at the instance of good men [not named] of the Mistery or Art of Tailors.

Folio 167 b.

Saturday the eve of St. Michael [29 Sept.], 16 Henry VI. [A.D. 1437], William Stork, one of the Serjeants of the Mayor, admitted one of the Serjeants of the Chamber in the place of Richard Davy, resigned on account of old age, but continuing to receive annually the sum of 13s. 4d. out of the profits of the office.

21 Oct., 16 Henry VI. [A.D. 1437], came David Gryffyn, "fuystour," (fn. 12) before John Michell, the Mayor, and the Aldermen, and showed that whereas he had been admitted into the freedom of the City in the Art of "fuystour" temp. John Michell, Mayor, and John Chichele, Chamberlain, viz., on the 22nd [blank], anno 15 Henry VI., he had long used, and was now using, the mistery or art of "carpenters," and not the art of "fuystours." He prayed, therefore, to be admitted into the freedom in the Art or Mistery of "Carpenters." His prayer granted at the instance of Masters and good men [not named] of that Art.

Folio 168.

3 Dec., 16 Henry VI. [A.D. 1437], Robert Shedd, brewer, discharged by William Estfeld, the Mayor, and the Aldermen from serving on juries, &c., owing to increasing old age.

19 March, 16 Henry VI. [A.D. 1437-8], Edmund Stodeley, "botelmaker," similarly discharged for like cause.

Wardmote Precept or "Warant."

Consi'lis billa missa fuit cuilibet Aldr'o.

"We charge & comaund you þ^t als sone as ye may goodly after þe sight of þis Warant ye do hold your Wardemote and þ^t ye have afore us at our gen'al courte to be hold in þe Gildhalle þe monday after þe fest of Thepiphanie next suyng all þe defaultes þ^t shall be p'sented afore you be enquest in þe said Wardemote & þe names of all theym of all your Ward þ^t come note to your said Wardemote yef þey be duly warned to þ^t end þ^t we mowe do purvey & ordeigne due redresse & punysshement of theym as the caas requireth Seth also and ordeigneth þat duringe þe solempne Fest of Cristemasse next comynge covenable watch be kept & lant'nes light be nyght'tale in þe manere accustumed And þ^t no man go be nyght'tale without light nor viserd on þe perill þ^t longeth therto Purveyeth furthermore be þadvice of þe worthiest men of all your Ward ...... (fn. 13) of þe most sufficiant men of good & wysest discrec'on to be for þe said Ward of þe Co'e Counseill of þis Citee for þe yeer next suynge & certeyn other honest persones to be your Counstables & Scavageours & a co'e Bedell Doth chese eke in þe said Wardemote a Rakier to make clene þe stretes & lanes of your said Ward And We wyll & graunte be þis present warant þ^t þe said Counstables shull have full power & auctorite to distreigne for þe salarie & quart'age of þ^e said Bedell & Rakyer as ofte as it is behynd unpayed Wryten at London under þe seale of þoffice of our Mairalte þe x^th day of Decembre þe yeer of þe reigne of Kynge Harry þe vj^te after þe conquest the xvj^th" [A.D. 1437].

Folio 168 b.

12 Dec., 16 Henry VI. [A.D. 1437], William Crane, "fleccher," discharged by William Estfeld, the Mayor, and the Aldermen from serving on juries, &c., owing to increasing old age.

Letters patent discharging the King's servitor, Richard Baret, from serving on juries, &c., or acting as collector or assessor of subsidies, or as Constable, or any office under the King or his heirs. Witness the King in his City of London, 18 Nov., 16 Henry VI. [A.D. 1437].

By the Kyng.

"To oure right trusty and welbelovyd William Estfeld Mair of our Citee of London Ryght trusty and welbelovid we grete you well And of youre goode diligence and trewe acquitaille that ye have sheued un to the ij shippes longing to the lord Camfere (fn. 14) that now late were distressed and hyndryd in our courte of Admiralte we thank you hartly prayng you that ye wille to contynue youre good frendship and faveur withoute suffring them as fer as in you is to take hyndryng or prejudice either in vesselx personnes or goodis otherwise thann trowthe & good conscience requiren in that behalf as we trust you And oure lorde have you in his kepynge Yeven under oure signet at oure maner of Esthampstede the xxvij day of Juille" [A.D. 1438].

Folio 169.

Writ to the Mayor and Sheriffs to bring up Richard Peryn and Margaret his wife before the King in his Chancery and the cause of their detention in prison. Witness the King at Westminster, 5 March, 16 Henry VI. [A.D. 1437-8].

Folio 169 b.

Return made to the above by William Estfeld, the Mayor, and William Hales and William Chapman, the Sheriffs, that the said Richard Peryn and Margaret his wife had been committed to prison for having enticed Isabella Potenam, a maiden, from the service of Thomas Harlowe, and carried her to their house in the parish of All Hallows Berkyng, and caused her to be debauched by George Galiman and others against her will, and for generally keeping a disorderly house, and that they were being detained until they found surety for good behaviour, according to the ancient custom of the City. They further say that inquiry was being made into the matter, but they will bring up the bodies of the said Richard and Margaret as commanded in the writ.

12 Aug., 16 Henry VI. [A.D. 1438], Richard Batell, cutler, discharged from serving on juries, &c., owing to increasing old age.

Proclamation to be made forbidding "hokkyng." [No date.]

Precept for Midsummer watch, &c. Dated 12 June, 16 Henry VI. [A.D. 1438].

[The rest of the folio blank.]

Folio 170.

Writ of certiorari to the Sheriffs touching the arrest and detention of certain goods and chattels belonging to Robert Clidrowe. [No date.]

Return made to the above by William Hales and William Chapman, the Sheriffs, to the effect that the above goods had been seized by way of withernam (per viam namii), (fn. 15) according to the ancient custom of the City, inasmuch as the said Robert "Clidrowe" and Richard Cokke, burgesses of the town of Calais, exercising the offices of customers and water-bailiffs, had unlawfully exacted prise and custom from Thomas Treynell, Thomas Cok, and John Stoktone, mercers of London, and had refused restitution. They further say that the said goods had been seized in the possession of William Makarell, a citizen of London, at the suit of the said Thomas Cok in a plea debt upon demand (super dd') of £200 against the said Robert "Cliderowe" held before the said William Chapman on the 14th June, anno 16 Henry VI. [A.D. 1438]. (fn. 16)

Folio 170 b.

Writ of certiorari to the Mayor and Sheriffs touching the arrest of a ship called "Seint Spiright," of Bayonne. Witness the King at Dogmersfeld, (fn. 17) 23 July, 16 Henry VI. [A.D. 1438].

Return made to the above by William Hales and William Chapman, the Sheriffs, that they had seized the said ship by way of withernam, according to the ancient custom of the City, in retaliation for toll unjustly exacted by the Mayor, Jurats, &c., of Bayonne, on merchandise belonging to Stephen Foster, Robert Horne, William Beaufitz, and William Kerver, citizens of London, who had brought an action for debt before William Chapman, Sheriff, on the 15th July, against John de Peyruk, master of the said ship, Michael de Berada, merchant of Bayonne, Michael de Bertelyne, and Antony de Mundache, of the same place. (fn. 18)