Folios 201-210: July 1442 -

Folio 201.

Ordinacio Abrocar'.

Petition by the Commonalty of the City to the Common Council held on Tuesday, 24 July, 20 Henry VI. [A.D. 1442], praying that the statute made anno 50 Edward III., (fn. 1) and the ordinance made temp. Robert Chicheley, (fn. 2) Mayor, touching brokers, may be enforced, and that thenceforth any stranger meddling with "corectage" or brocage be made to forfeit £20, and that any denizen meddling with the same, except he be one of the 24 persons presented by the crafts and admitted and sworn by the Mayor, shall incur the same penalty; and further, that due inquisition be made four times a year concerning all brokers, strangers, and denizens who act contrary to the said statute and ordinance. Their prayer granted.

Folio 201 b.

Writ to the Sheriffs to make proclamation of the statute passed in the last Parliament at Westminster touching the resistance that may be offered to the King's Purveyors or "Achatours" who take goods without payment. Witness the King at Westminster, 24 April, 20 Henry VI. [A.D. 1442].

Stat. 20 Henry VI., cap. viii., (fn. 3) set out, being the statute referred to in the above writ.

Stat. 36 Edward III., cap. vi., forbidding private individuals to seize victuals, &c., or to buy the same from willing sellers without immediate payment. (fn. 4)

Writ to Robert Cloptone, the Mayor, to make a return by a certain day, to the Barons of the Exchequer, of the names of merchant strangers residing in the City during the year ending on the Feast of SS. Simon and Jude last [28 Oct.], the names of their hosts, &c. Witness J[ohn] Fray at Westminster, 10 May, 20 Henry VI. [A.D. 1442].

Folio 202.

Serchers de Berebruers.

Writ to the Mayor and Sheriffs bidding them assist Richard Lounde and William Veysy in their office as Searchers of "Berebrewers," to which they had been appointed by letters patent of the 29th January last past. Witness the King at Westminster, 21 Nov., 20 Henry VI. [A.D. 1441].

Tuesday, 29 May, 20 Henry VI. [A.D. 1442], ordinance by Robert Cloptone, the Mayor, and William Estfeld, Knt., Nicholas Wottone, John Reynwelle, John Gedney, John Welles, Stephen Broun, John Pattesley, William Melreth, Thomas Chaltone, John Hatherle, William Gregory, John Olney, Nicholas Yeo, and William Wetenhale, Aldermen, that Thomas Holgreve, who had been a Serjeant of the Mayor for twenty years and more, should for his good services occupy the mansion over the middle gate of the Court (Curie) of the Guildhall for life, as formerly held by John Pencriche. (fn. 5)

Ordinance by the same that those to whom the Gates of the City had been granted should keep them in repair.

In the same congregation Richard Power, "squiere," was elected the Mayor's Swordbearer on the same terms as the office had been held by John Pencriche.

Folio 202 b.

Amicicia int' Cit' Baion' et Cit' London' tractat'.

At a Common Council held on Tuesday, 5 June, 20 Henry VI. [A.D. 1442], in the Chamber of the Guildhall, it was declared that divers controversies between the Mayors and citizens of the town of Bayonne and the City of London had at length been settled by the assistance of Stephen Foster, John Melborne, Robert Horne, William Beufis (or Beaufitz), William Kerver, John Felde, and William Overe, as shown by an indenture produced, sealed with the seal of the City of Bayonne, in the following terms. (fn. 6)

The indenture having been read, it was asked on behalf of the City of Bayonne that its counterpart, sealed with the seal of the City of London, might be delivered to the Mayor of Bayonne, and it was granted.

It was further agreed that the above-mentioned persons who had succeeded in effecting the treaty should receive a portion of the tolls paid on merchandise passing between the City and Bayonne to the amount of 100 marks and no more.

The above indenture was delivered to John Chichele, the Chamberlain, by Richard Barnet, 9 July, 20 Henry VI. [A.D. 1442].

Folio 203.

12 July, 20 Henry VI. [A.D. 1442], the guardianship of Johanna and Thomas, children of Robert Breton, late "bowiere," together with their patrimony, committed by Robert Cloptone, the Mayor, the Aldermen, and John Chichele, the Chamberlain, to Thomas Dorchester, "irmonger." Sureties, viz., William "Marw," Robert Curle, Richard Werbeltone, and Thomas Nykke.

Exon'ac' ab assis' etc.

3 Aug., 20 Henry VI. [A.D. 1442], writ sent to the Mayor and Sheriffs bidding them not to place Ralph Hogman, grocer, on assizes, &c., if he be more than seventy years of age, that age having been prescribed by the Common Council as the limit for such service, and to restore any distress they may have taken on that account. Writ dated 14 May, 20 Henry VI. [A.D. 1442].

Whereupon it was ordained that the said Ralph should be discharged from serving on assizes, &c.

Folio 203 b.

Indenture whereby John Skiptone, parson of the church of our lady of Wolchirch beside the Stokkes of London; John Bray, chandler, and Thomas Cook the younger, draper, churchwardens; and John Sturgeon, mercer, John Humbre, brewer, Henry Bray, draper, Richard Hakedye, grocer, and John Frost, mercer, parishioners of the same-in consideration of a competent sum of money paid to them by Thomas Cook the elder, draper, and John Herst, skinner, Masters of London Bridge (to which the aforesaid Stokkes and revenues thereof appertain), towards the expense of rebuilding the said church, it "beyng now old & feble"-covenant to pull down their vestry adjoining the Stokkes at the east end of the church and to erect a new north wall for the church at a distance of fifteen feet from the Stokkes, so as not to obstruct the lights of the market. They further grant the easement of a common footway from the east end of the said Stokkes and thence under the parsonage to the "Pultrie." Dated 19 April, 20 Henry VI. [A.D. 1422]. (fn. 7)

Folio 204.

18 Aug., 20 Henry VI. [A.D. 1442], another writ similar to that recorded supra (fo. 203) for the discharge of Walter Adam from serving on assizes, &c., if he be over seventy years of age. Writ dated 4 July.

12 July, 20 Henry VI. [A.D. 1442], the guardianship of William, son of Robert Breton, late "bowier," together with his patrimony, committed by Robert Cloptone, the Mayor, the Aldermen, and John Chichele, the Chamberlain, to Thomas Nykke, "Irmonger." Sureties, viz., William "Marow," Robert Curle, Richard Warbeltone, and Thomas Nykke [sic].

6 Nov., 22 Henry VI. [A.D. 1443], came the above orphan before Thomas Catworth, the Mayor, and the Aldermen, and acknowledged satisfaction for his patrimony.

Folio 204 b.

Monday, 13 Aug., 20 Henry VI. [A.D. 1442], came Dame Johanna Large, widow and executrix of Robert Large, (fn. 8) and Thomas Staundone, Stephen Stichemersch, and Ralph Strete, her co-executors, and brought into Court the sum of £100 held by the said Robert Large in trust for Richard, son of Robert Coventre, mercer, who had died under age.

Afterwards, viz., on the 17th Aug., the same year, came Thomas Gosse, mercer, executor of the said Richard [sic], and asked that the money might be delivered to him, which was done, no objector having appeared after proclamation made.

Extract from the will of the above Robert Coventre, dated 27 July, A.D. 1442, whereby he expresses his wish to be buried in the church of St. Mary le Bow, and leaves one third of his property to "Mergaret" his mother, another third to Adam his brother, and Johanna and Alice his sisters, and the residue to be disposed of by Thomas Gosse, his executor, for pious uses.

Friday, 8 June, 20 Henry VI. [A.D. 1442], came William Stranxhill and Richard Alley, skinners, executors of John Fanne, skinner, and also William Narbourgh, John Hardy, Thomas Goldwyn, and William Pembrigge, skinners, and entered into bond with John Chichele, the Chamberlain, in the sum of £80, for the repayment of that sum into the Chamberlain's Court, in trust for Thomas, Ralph, and Johanna, children of John Fanne, as soon as they come of age.

Folio 205.

Eleccio Vic'.

Friday the Feast of St. Matthew [21 Sept.], 21 Henry VI. [A.D. 1442], in the presence of Robert Cloptone, Mayor, Robert Danvers the Recorder, (fn. 9) William Estfeld, John Reynwelle, John Gedney, Stephen Broun, John Paddesley, William Milreth, John Hatherle, Ralph Holond, William Gregory, John Olney, John Suttone, John Norman, Nicholas Wyfold, and William Combes, Aldermen, and a very great number of Commoners summoned to the Guildhall for the election of Sheriffs, Thomas Bemond was elected one of the Sheriffs for the year ensuing by the Mayor, and Richard Nordorn was elected the other Sheriff by the Commonalty.

The same day John Chichele, grocer, was elected Chamberlain; Thomas Cook, senior, draper, and John Herste, skinner, were elected Wardens of London Bridge; and John Norman, Nicholas Wyfold, Aldermen, and Geoffrey Feldyng, Stephen Foster, William Cottisbrok, and John Milborne, 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.

Exon'ac' ab assisis.

26 Sept., 21 Henry VI. [A.D. 1442], Nicholas Birchillis, tailor, discharged by Robert Cloptone, the Mayor, and the Aldermen from serving on juries, &c., owing to increasing old age.

Exon'ac' ab assisis.

8 Oct., 21 Henry VI. [A.D. 1442], William Gerveys, "wynedraver," (fn. 10) similarly discharged for like cause.

Writ to Robert Cloptone, the Mayor, to make a return to the Barons of the Exchequer of the names of all merchants, alien and strangers, residing in the City between Easter last and the Feast of SS. Simon and Jude [28 Oct.] next ensuing, the names of their hosts, and other particulars. Witness J[ohn] Fray at Westminster, 21 Oct., 21 Henry VI. [A.D. 1442].

Folio 205 b.

Br'e R' pro eleccione Maioris.

Writ to the Mayor and Sheriffs to make proclamation forbidding any one to attend the election of a Mayor unless especially summoned, recent elections having given rise to much disturbance, (fn. 11) but such election is to be made by the Aldermen and other of the more discreet and powerful citizens as of old accustomed, and any Mayor otherwise elected would be refused admission by the Barons of the Exchequer. Witness the King at Eltham, 10 Oct., 21 Henry VI. [A.D. 1442].

The above writ was proclaimed throughout the City on the 12th October according to custom, and pursuant thereto there were summoned by the Mayor all those who were of the Common Council (fn. 12) of the City and certain other citizens, powerful and discreet, from the several Wards to take part in the election of a Mayor on St. Edward's Day [13 Oct.]. On which day all those summoned were called by name at the gate of the Hall, and they only were allowed to enter the Hall. Thereupon, after the celebration of Mass, according to the ordinance made temp. John Wodecok, Mayor, in the presence of Robert Cloptone, the Mayor, John Sevenoke the Prior of Christchurch, Robert "Davners," the Recorder, William Estfeld, John Reynwelle, John Gedney, John Brokle, Henry Frowik, Stephen Broun, Thomas Wandesford, John Pattesle, William Milreth, John "Hathirle," Thomas Chaltone, John Olney, William Gregory, John Suttone, William Wetenhale, William Combes, John Norman, and Nicholas Wifold, Aldermen-John "Hatherle" was elected Mayor for the year ensuing.

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

Folio 206.

Indulgence granted by Pope Eugenius to the Mayor and Aldermen, at their request, for them and their successors and their wives to have a movable altar (altare portatile) (fn. 13) whereat to hold Mass and other services in private, without bell ringing and with bated breath and before break of day, in places under interdict. Dated at Florence, 10 Kal. August (23 July), A.D. 1442.

18 Dec., 21 Henry VI. [A.D. 1442], petition to the Mayor and Aldermen by John Croxton and John Hardy, masons and sworn "vieweres" of the City, praying to be discharged from serving on juries, &c., as their time was so much taken up by the duties of their office and also by "a grete werk þ^t they have take spedely for to make at Ledenhall of London for the comyn wele and profit of this Citee." (fn. 14) Their prayer granted.

Folio 206 b.

Lez Wayt' de Citie.

Thursday, 15 Nov., 21 Henry VI. [A.D. 1442], petition to the Common Council by the City's Waits as follows:-

"Un to our full honourables Maisters right wyse & discrete persones of the Co'e Counseill in þe Citee of London Besechen full mekely your humble servauntes John Tassell, William Raumpayne, William Fegge, Richard Kendale w^t other v. of her felowshippe Waytes of the seid Citee that how Waytes of other Citees & townes han' here lyvere & clothyng by which they ben know to their soveraignes & maisters And it is so þ^t your seid servauntes ben nat of power to continue in her servise w^toute your gracious help and supportacion So plese it un to your wise discrecions the premisses considered by þadvise of the Mair & Aldremen of þe seid Citee with your goode will & assent to ordein & graunt þ^t yowre seid besechers may have the armes of þe seid Citee. (fn. 15) And yerely onys her clothyng which woll be worshippe to hem & to yew & to alle þe seid Citee And þan your seid servauntes woll abide with yow for terme of her lives And ellis it lith not in her power to do service as hem aught to doo."

The said prayer granted on condition (1) that each of the Waytes hold office during the pleasure of the Mayor and Aldermen; (2) that they attend the Mayor and Aldermen when specially summoned; (3) that any vacancy should be filled up by the advice of the Mayor for the time being; (4) that each one shall take a suitable oath at the discretion of the Mayor; and (5) that the following nine (fn. 16) persons should execute the office, viz., John Tassell, William Figge, William Rampayn, John Wikes, senior, John Wykes, junior, Richard Wykes, Thomas Aleys, Richard Porter, and Richard Kendale.

Custod'.

9 Jan., 21 Henry VI. [A.D. 1442-3], the guardianship of Anne, Alexander, and Grace, children of Alexander Anne, late Recorder of the City, together with their patrimony, committed by John Hatherle, the Mayor, the Aldermen, and John Chichele, the Chamberlain, to William Furnyvale, grocer, who married Alice, the mother of the said orphans. Sureties, viz., John Parker, "brewer," John Bartelot, "netter," William Pakysman, ...... and Simon Whithede, "wexchaundeler."

Folio 207.

12 Jan., 21 Henry VI. [A.D. 1442-3], William Wrothe, "vinter," discharged by John Hatherle, the Mayor, and the Aldermen from serving on juries, &c., owing to increasing old age.

Transmutac' ab una Arte in al'.

10 Jan., 21 Henry VI. [A.D. 1442-3], came Thomas, son of John Nyghtyngale, of Dunmowe, co. Essex, before John Hatherle, 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 Glovers, temp. Robert Cloptone, Mayor, and John Chichele, Chamberlain, viz., on the 16th April, anno 20 Henry VI. [A.D. 1442], he had long used, and was still using, the mistery of Pouchemakers, and not that of Glovers. He prayed, therefore, to be admitted into the freedom in the said Mistery of Pouchemakers. His prayer granted at the instance of Masters and good men of the said Mistery.

Custod'.

19 Jan., 21 Henry VI. [A.D. 1442-3], came Richard Gardener, salter, before John Hatherle, the Mayor, and entered into bond in the sum of £10 with John Chichele, the Chamberlain.

The same day the guardianship of William, son of John Ryngstede, late salter, together with his patrimony of £10, was committed by the said Mayor, the Aldermen, and the Chamberlain, to the above Richard "Gardyner," who married Alice, the orphan's mother. Sureties, viz., Thomas Beaumond, Henry Bell, William Edward, and Hugh Riche.

Folio 207 b.

8 Feb., 21 Henry VI. [A.D. 1442-3], Roger Broun, tailor, discharged by John Hatherle, the Mayor, and the Aldermen from serving on juries, &c., owing to increasing old age.

Writ to the Bishop of London, his Officers and Commissaries, setting forth that Matilda Dorchestre, late wife of Robert Bretoun, William atte Wode, and William Cotwille, executors of the said Robert, had brought into the Chamber of the Guildhall, by order of Robert Cloptone, late Mayor, in accordance with the immemorial custom of the City, the goods belonging to William, Thomas, Johanna, and a certain Robert, then deceased, children of the aforesaid Robert, to be kept in trust for the said orphans, which goods had been committed by the Mayor and Aldermen to the custody of Thomas Nyk, by sufficient surety; but the above orphan William intended, as it was said, to bring an action against the said executors for the recovery of his goods, being still under age, before the Bishop in the Court Christian, to the prejudice of the City's custom, and no little hurt to the executors. The Bishop is, therefore, forbidden to hear the plea, and ordered to annul any proceedings that may have already taken place. Witness the King at Westminster, 10 Feb., 21 Henry VI. [A.D. 1442-3].

Folio 208.

William Steyd and Thomas Quyne appointed Wyndrawers in the City for life, to enjoy the exclusive right of carrying all wines coming to the City to the wharves of the owners of such wine, charging no more for carriage than of old accustomed. [No date.]

Thursday, 31 Jan. [s.a.], came William, son of William Crowmer, late Alderman, before the Mayor, the Recorder, and the Aldermen, and acknowledged that he had received from John Chichele, the Chamberlain, the sum of 500 marks which had been deposited in a certain chest in the City Treasury by his father's executors for delivery to him on his coming of age.

27 Feb., 21 Henry VI. [A.D. 1442-3], came Thomas Staunton, Richard Riche, Thomas Walsyngham, Geoffrey Boleyn, and Thomas Stele (or Style) into the Court of the lord the King in the Chamber of the Guildhall, before John Hatherle, the Mayor, and the Aldermen, and entered into bond with John Chichele, the Chamberlain, in the sum of £1,000 for the payment by the said Thomas Staunton of £500 to the said Chamberlain when Thomas and Richard, sons of Robert Large, late Alderman, shall respectively come of age.

Afterwards, viz., on the 5th December, 27 Henry VI. [A.D. 1448], came the above Richard, son of Robert Large, into the Court of the lord the King in the Chamber of the Guildhall, before Stephen Broun, the Mayor, and the Aldermen, and acknowledged satisfaction for the above sum of £1,000 which accrued to him by the death of Thomas and Robert his brothers, whilst under age. The above Chamberlain and recognitors are therefore quit.

Folio 208 b.

8 April, 21 Henry VI. [A.D. 1443], came William, son of John Lungley, late of Ripon, co. York, before John Hatherle, the Mayor, and the Chamberlain, in the Chamber of the Guildhall, and showed that whereas he had been admitted into the freedom of the City in the Art of Pouchmakers (Bursarii), temp. William Cambregge, Mayor, and John Bederenden, Chamberlain, viz., on the 6th Sept., 9 Henry V. [A.D. 1421], he had long used, and was now using, the mistery of "Lethirsellers," and not the mistery of Pouchmakers. He prayed, therefore, to be admitted into the freedom in the Art of "Lethirsellers." His prayer granted at the instance of the Masters and good men of the Mistery of "Lethirsellers."

Transmutac' ab una arte etc.

27 Feb., 21 Henry VI. [A.D. 1442-3], came John Donhed before John Hatherle, 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 Irmongers [date not recorded], he had long used, and was now using, the mistery of Taverners (Pandoxatorum), and not the mistery of Irmongers. He prayed, therefore, to be admitted into the freedom in the Art of Taverners. His prayer granted at the instance of the Masters and good men of the said Mistery of Taverners.

11 April, 21 Henry VI. [A.D. 1443], came Dame (domina) (fn. 17) Johanna Large, widow of Robert Large, late Alderman, John Gedney, Alderman, Geoffrey Feldyng, Hugh Wyche, and Thomas "Batoille," mercers, into the Court of the lord the King, before John Hatherle, the Mayor, and the Aldermen, and entered into a bond with John Chichele, the Chamberlain, in the sum of £1,000.

Custod' orphan'.

The same day the guardianship of Thomas, son of the above Robert Large, together with his patrimony of £1,000, was committed by the Mayor, Aldermen, and Chamberlain to the above Dame Johanna Large, she giving a bond in £1,000 as security.

Folio 209

11 April, 21 Henry VI. [A.D. 1443], came Dame Johanna Large, John Sturgeon, Alexander Orable, John Chirche, and John Gedney, Alderman, into the Court of the lord the King, before John Hatherle, the Mayor, and the Aldermen, and entered into a bond with John Chichele, the Chamberlain, in the sum of £1,000.

Custod' orphan'.

The same day the guardianship of Richard, son of Robert Large, late Alderman, together with his patrimony of £1,000, was committed by the Mayor, Aldermen, and Chamberlain to the said Dame Johanna, until the said orphan reached the age of twenty-four years.

On the 26 Aug., 30 Henry VI. [A.D. 1452], came the above Richard, being twenty-four years of age, and acknowledged satisfaction for his patrimony of £1,000.

17 Jan., 21 Henry VI. [A.D. 1442-3], came Stephen Stichemersch, Stephen Foster, Thomas Barry, Richard Warbultone, and John Ryggis, and entered into bond with John Chichele, the Chamberlain, in the sum of £500.

Custod' orphan'.

The same day the guardianship of Elizabeth, daughter of Robert Large, late Alderman, together with her patrimony of £500, was committed by the Mayor, Aldermen, and Chamberlain to the above Stephen Stichemersch, on the above surety.

Folio 209 b.

15 April, 21 Henry VI. [A.D. 1443], came Katherine, widow of Robert Otewey, late brewer, William Taverner, William Pykeryng, Henry Halywell, Bartholomew Bremson, and John Baker, into the Court of the lord the King, before John Hatherle, the Mayor, and the Aldermen, and entered into bond with John Chichele, the Chamberlain, in the sum of £500.

Custod' orphan'.

The same day the guardianship of Robert, son of Robert Otewey, late brewer, together with the sum of £20 and divers chattels, comprising (inter alia) a coverlet of green colour, worked with white flageolets (fn. 18) (cum albis luris); a feather bed and pair of sheets; a "basilard" with pendent girdle, harnessed with silver; a gold seal engraved with "Pynsons" ; (fn. 19) a silver ring, engraved with the three Kings of Cologne, (fn. 20) and a mazer cup (murra) with bands of silver-gilt-also the guardianship of Elizabeth, daughter of the said Robert Otewey, together with a like sum and divers chattels, comprising a coverlet, with tester of green colour, worked with white lambs (lambes), &c.-committed by the Mayor, Aldermen, and Chamberlain to Katherine Otewey, widow of the said Robert.

Folio 210.

14 May, 21 Henry VI. [A.D. 1443], came John, orphan son of John Knyght, draper, being of full age, before John Hatherle, the Mayor, and the Aldermen, and acknowledged satisfaction for a part of his patrimony paid to him by John Chichele, the Chamberlain.

24 May, 21 Henry VI. [A.D. 1443], came Richard Stowe before John Hatherle, the Mayor, and the Aldermen, and presented certain letters patent dated 22 Oct., 19 Henry VI. [A.D. 1440], discharging the said Richard from serving on juries, or acting as Collector, Assessor, Constable or Bailiff, &c., for the rest of his life. Order by the Mayor and Aldermen thereon.

26 Aug., 30 Henry VI. [A.D. 1452], came Richard, son of Robert Large, late Alderman, being twenty-four years of age, into the Court of the lord the King in the Chamber of the Guildhall, before William Gregory, the Mayor, and the Aldermen, and acknowledged that he had received from Dame Johanna Gedney, widow, late wife of the said Robert Large, the sum of £1,000 accruing to the said Richard by the death of Thomas his brother.

Folio 210 b.

Gustod'.

14 May, 21 Henry VI. [A.D. 1443], came Richard Fobell, Thomas Wellys, Richard Gylis, Thomas Lyon, Henry Marchaunt, Richard Rede, and Thomas Maliard into the Court of the lord the King, before John Hatherle, the Mayor, and the Aldermen, and entered into a bond with John Chichele, the Chamberlain, in the sum of £10.

The same day the guardianship of Richard, son of William Fulby, otherwise called "Trumpyngdone," late cordwainer, together with his patrimony of £10, committed by the Mayor, Aldermen, and Chamberlain to Richard Fobell, he finding surety as above.

Writ to the Mayor and Sheriffs to cause proclamation to be made forbidding the carrying of arms in the street (except in certain prescribed cases), and bidding hostelers to disarm their guests, &c. Witness the King at Westminster, 26 May, 21 Henry VI. [A.D. 1443].