Folios 221b-230: Sept 1444 -

Folio 221b.

Eleccio Vicecomitum.

Monday the Feast of St. Matthew [21 Sept.], 23 Henry VI. [A.D. 1444], in the presence of Thomas Catworth, the Mayor, Robert Danvers the Recorder, John Reynwelle, Henry Frowik, John Gedney, Robert Cloptone, John Hatherle, William Melrethe, Nicholas Yoo, William Gregory, William Coumbes, John Norman, Nicholas Wifold, John Olney, Robert Horne, and Stephen Forster, Aldermen, and very many Commoners summoned to the Guildhall for the election of Sheriffs, Stephen Forster was elected one of the Sheriffs by the Mayor, and Hugh Wiche was elected the other Sheriff by the Commonalty.

The same day John Chichele was elected Chamberlain; Thomas Cook, senior, draper, and John Herst, skinner, were elected Wardens of London Bridge; and John Olney, Robert Horne, Aldermen, and Richard Alley, William Marowe, John Derby, and Thomas Davy, Commoners, were elected Auditors of the City for the year ensuing, to audit the accounts of the Chamberlain and Wardens in arrear.

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 before the Barons of the Exchequer.

Concess' fact' cuidam Will'o Cheyne q'd sit unus iiij or Capellanor' in Capella Sc'i Thome sup' pontem.

Monday, 21 Sept., 23 Henry VI. [A.D. 1444], William Cheyne, chaplain, appointed by Thomas Catworth, the Mayor, the Aldermen, and Commonalty to be one of the four chaplains celebrating in the Chapel upon London Bridge, at a salary of 10 marks a year, and receiving, moreover, bread, wine, lights, and surplices (with their washing), like other chaplains, together with the enjoyment of one of the chambers within "le Briggehous" assigned to such chaplains, and firing from the "shredes" and "spones" (fn. 1) of the wood used by the carpenters of the Bridge.

Admissio cujusdam ad unum servient' Camere etc.

Tuesday, 13 Oct., the vigil [sic] of St. Edward the King and Confessor, anno 23 Henry VI. [A.D. 1444], there being present in the Court of the lord the King, in the Chamber of the Guildhall, Thomas Catworth, the Mayor, John Sevenoke, Prior of Christchurch, John Reynwelle, John Gedney, Henry Frowik, Stephen Broune, John Pattesle, John Hatherle, William Melreth, Thomas Wandesford, John Olney, William Wetenhale, William Gregory, John Suttone, William Coumbes, John Norman, Nicholas Wifold, Robert Horne, and Stephen Forster, Aldermen, it was ordained that William Caldebek should thenceforth be one of the permanent Serjeants of the Chamber, on the usual terms.

Folio 222.

Eleccio Simonis Eyre al'.

19 Oct., 23 Henry VI. [A.D. 1444], four persons nominated to Thomas Catworth, the Mayor, and the Aldermen, by the Commonalty of the Ward of Walbrook, for one of them to be elected Alderman of the said Ward, viz., Simon Eyre, Philip Malpas, William Chapman, and Richard Alley, whereupon Simon Eyre was elected, and on the morrow was sworn and admitted.

Elecc'o Joh'is Derby in al m.

Tuesday, 23 Nov., 23 Henry VI. [A.D. 1444], John Derby, Thomas Scot, William Chapman, and William Dere nominated by the Commonalty of the Ward of Candelwekestret for the Aldermanry of the Ward, of whom John Derby was elected by the Mayor and Aldermen. On Thursday, 26 Nov. [sic], he was sworn and admitted.

20 Nov., 23 Henry VI. [A.D. 1444], came Richard Nedham, John Sturgeon, Thomas Bernard, Thomas Batayle, "Agustine" Stratton, John Harowe, and John Chirche into the Court of the lord the King, in the Chamber of the Guildhall, before Henry Frowyk, the Mayor, and the Aldermen, and entered into bond with John Chichele, the Chamberlain, in the sum of 500 marks.

The same day the guardianship of Hugh, Alexander, Elianora, Oliver, and Elizabeth, children of John Kyng, late tailor, together with their patrimony, committed by Henry Frowyk, the Mayor, the Aldermen, and Chamberlain to the above Richard Nedham (who married the mother of the said orphans), on his finding the above security.

Afterwards, viz., on the 8th June, 29 Henry VI. [A.D. 1451], John Kirkeby, mercer, became a surety loco Thomas Bernard, deceased.

Folio 222 b.

Eleccio Henrici Frowyk Maioris non obstan' l'ris d'ni Regis injer' spec'.

Tuesday, 13 Oct., the eve [sic] of St. Edward, anno 23 Henry VI. [A.D. 1444], there was delivered to Thomas Catworth, the Mayor, the following letter under the King's Privy Seal:-

"To oure Right trusty trusty [sic] and welbeloved the Maier Aldremen and Comunes of oure Citee of London.

"Right trusty trusty and welbeloved. We grete you wele and late you wite þat we have wretene under oure signet unto oure right trusty right faithfulle and welbeloved William Estfeld Knyght and an Alderman of oure Citee of London þat howe be it þat he afore this divers tymes hathe be Maire of oure said Citee (fn. 2) and may nomore be compelled to take on hym þe said Office without his owne agrement We have prayde him hertly to take upon him by youre eleccion þe said office of Mairalte as for this yeere next comyng Consideryng thordre and worshippe þat he standeth in and þapproved sadd wisdome and discrecion þat he is of þe whiche shulde mowe do us the more worshippe and gretter pleasure in suche thinges as oure lord shalle lust gide [sic] this yeere (fn. 3) We trust his mercy unto the worshippe of us the wele and profite of oure said Citee and of alle this oure Royaume Wheryn we wolle and pray you to considre þees before and put you in youre fulle devoyr to þexecucion of oure said desire and writyng as we shall shewe you favour in thinges þat ye have to suwe for to us Yeven under oure prive seall at Westm' þe xiij day of Octobre."

After the celebration of Mass, according to the custom of the City, the above letter was read before the said Mayor, Aldermen, and Commonalty, after which the Mayor and Aldermen ascended to their own Council Chamber to study the City's laws. From these it plainly appeared that no one should be again elected Mayor who had already twice filled the office or had been Mayor within the last seven years. (fn. 4) And because of the high character of the said William Estfeld the said Mayor forthwith summoned a Common Council in the Outer Chamber to consider the matter, when, the ordinances aforesaid having been made known, it seemed good to the Commonalty that, notwithstanding the said William Estfeld being a most suitable person to be in office at the coming of the Queen into England in the following year, the laws made by their ancestors; which they themselves were sworn to keep, should be upheld, lest a thing once done should become a pernicious precedent.

Thereupon on the same day, in the presence of Thomas Catworth, the Mayor, John Sevenoke the Prior of Christchurch, Robert Danvers the Recorder, John Reynwelle, Henry Frowik, John Gedney, Stephen Broun, John Pattesle, John Hatherle, William Melrethe, Thomas Wandesforth, John Olney, William Gregory, William Coumbes, John Suttone, William Wetenhale, John Norman, Nicholas Wifold, Robert Horne, and Stephen Forster, Aldermen, and an immense Commonalty, (fn. 5) Henry Frowik was elected Mayor for the year ensuing.

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

Letter from the King to the Mayor and Aldermen as follows:

"Trusty and welbeloved we grete you well and for asmoch as we have nowe late souffisantly provided for John Houghtone which under you hath occupied thoffice of waterbayly in the Thames We therfore considering the merites and good service that our welbeloved William Veyse hath doone unto us desire and hertly prey you that for oure sake ye wolle yeve and graunte þe said office unto the said William to have and occupie it with alle the duetees and commodities therto longing as long as he shalle bere him wel in the same And that ye wolle also yeve him semblably the weyng of Elys in oure said Tamys with alle the prouffitz and commodites therto longing And furthermore we late you wete that he hath do us to be enfourmede of the greet kyndenesse and favour that ye have shewid unto us [sic] for oure sake wherof we thanke you and prey you of good continuance and in esp'al to thaccomplisshing of oure desire afore reherced wherinne ye shalle do unto us ful good pleasure Yeven under oure signet at oure Castell of Wyndesore the vii day of Januar'" [s.a.].

The above request granted 21 Jan., 23 Henry VI. [A.D. 1444-5].

Folio 223.

12 Nov., 23 Henry VI. [A.D. 1444], William Wynant, "pouchemaker," discharged by Henry Frowik, the Mayor, and the Aldermen from serving on juries, &c., owing to increasing old age.

Letter from the King to the Mayor and Aldermen as follows:-

"Trusty and welbelovede we grete you wel and late you wite that it is commen unto oure knowelech howe that the Citezeins of oure Citee of London owe to have and have had of tyme that no mynde is by the handes of oure Shiriefs of the said Citee for the tyme beyng a custume perteining to the Shiriefwyk of the said Citee callede Scawage of alle manere merchandises to oure said Citee brought by londe or by water to besolde by eny maner of straunger or foreyn Nowe þe said Custume is withseid by the merchauntz of Geane (fn. 6) in disheritaunce of us and prejudice of the said citezeins Wherfore we wollyng in alle wise to purveie covenable remedye aswelle for indempnite of us in this partie as for the said Citezeins signifie you for youre consolacion that we have do oure lettres severelles to be made under oure signet the oon directed unto oure Chaunceller of England and the other unto the keper of oure prive seel charginge theim by the same to suffre oure lawe to be had in this partie as thordre and processe of oure said lawes requiren so that for defaulte of execucion of oure lawes no partie have cause to complayne eny commaundement yeven unto the contrarie nat withstandyng Yeven under oure signet at oure castell of Wyndesore the thridde day of January" [s.a.].

Writ for the election of four citizens to attend a Parliament to be held at Westminster on the 25th February next. No Sheriff to be returned. Witness the King at Westminster, 13 Jan., 23 Henry VI. [A.D. 1444-5]. (fn. 7)

15 Jan., 23 Henry VI. [A.D. 1444-5], writ received by Henry Frowik, the Mayor, to discharge Nicholas Gylle from serving on juries, &c., if he be found to be over seventy years of age. Writ dated 7 Dec. [A.D. 1444]. The said Nicholas discharged accordingly.

Folio 223 b. 225.

Here follows a long list of names, to each of which a sum of money (assessed upon tenements and land) is appended, for what purpose is not clear:-

Folio 224.

Folio 224 b.

Folio 225.

John Lovekyn, Richard Box, Richard Turk, Thomas Baltiswell, the Abbot of Cogeshale, Thomas Gros, Isabella Bokerell, Benedict Balle, John Mountegu, Thomas de Burton, Richard Lambehithe, John Popell, John Yone, Gregory Nortone, John Fitz Nicholl, John Oxenford, William Scorwles, Gilbert Chesewik, Nicholas Crane, John le leche, Henry Palmer, Walter Morys, Simon Gaunt, John de Lyndewode, William de St. Alban, Richer de Refham, Thomas de Capenhors, Robert Abbell, Richard Vyncent, Walter Wodecok, William de Caxtone, (fn. 8) Thomas Ferebras, Thomas atte Plomerdich, John le Feroun, Robert Aglone, John Feroun, Thomas Porter, William Tanner, Thomas Porter [sic], John Marchaunt, William Prest, Bartholomew Burghashe, John Grateside, John atte More, Hugh Hastyng, Adam Wymondham, Thomas Grantham, James de Berford, Ralph Knyghtone, Robert Knolles, Andrew Awbrey, John Barnet, Simon Godard, John Chirchman, William le Maserer, (fn. 9) William Gartone, William Herkstede, John Adrian, "peverer," John Nevile, Nicholas Vigerous, Reginald Chaundeler, John Spray, Hugh Lancastre, William Pertenale, Alan de Suttone, John Dacres, Richard Bonaventure, Nicholas Crane, Thomas Brandeswik, Elena in Manionlane, (fn. 10) John Mapelesdene, the tenement of St. James, Henry Cobham, William Spark, clerk, John de Oxon', the Prior of Bermondesey, John de Canterbury, Robert Flanbard, the tenements of Priors Without, Richard Aslyn, the Abbot of Colchestre, John Cheyham, Nicholas Bray, John Hadley, John Cosyn, Henry Laffayre, Henry Bosworth, Thomas Enfeld, William Draytone, John Burford, Simon Rokysley, Adam Fulham, Stephen Hervy, Rich' Refham, Thomas Gambard, John Norman, Nicholas Wifold, Thomas Blakwell, the lands of Halywell, John Furneux, Stephen Candisshe, from Christchurch, (fn. 11) John Briklisworth, John Goodchepe, Agnes Brigge, John Horne, de summa Kilbourne, Adam Fraunceys, de summa Paul, Walter Aldebury, Thomas Aswyn, de summa Bartholomei, Henry Sechford, de summa Katherine, John de Panetria, John Thorpe de Herwich, John Ware, Nicholas Brembre, H[ ] St. James, Ralph Elleswik, the Prior of Bermondsey, de summa St. John, Godfrey Prest, Richard Barnet, de St. Alban, de summa Westminster, John Hadstoke, de Merton, (fn. 12) the monastery of Helen, John Mountegu, the Hospital of St. Giles, the New Hospital, the brethren of Bartholomew, Robert Betoyne, Robert Louthe, Robert Kelsey, Robert Polhille, Richard Lacer, the Prior of Suthwerk, Bartholomew Burwassh, Thomas Mokkyng, Thomas Romayne, John Sely, de Acon, (fn. 13) John Jorden, Roger Essex, de Novo loco, (fn. 14) R[ ] Reynham, John Doget, Stephen Colney, the tenements of the Abbot of Wobourne, Elizabeth Burle, the Friars of the Penance, (fn. 15) John Beaumond, the Prior of Elsyng, William Baret, M[ ] atte Mille.

The Rector of St. Michael in Crokedlane for land, Adam de Walpole and Henry de Percye.

8 Jan., 23 Henry VI. [A. D. 1444-5], came William More, William Dowdale, "bruer," John Arnold, "lethersiller," into the Court of the lord the King in the Chamber of the Guildhall, before Henry Frowyk, the Mayor, and the Aldermen, and entered into bond with John Chichele, the Chamberlain, in the sum of 100 marks. (fn. 16)

Folio 225 b.

Letters patent conferring privileges of naturalization upon John Maunche, of Venice, and his lawful heirs. Witness the King at Westminster, 26 Nov., 22 Henry VI. [A. D. 1443].

Hostillers.

Tuesday, 2 March, 23 Henry VI. [A.D. 1444-5], ordinance by Henry Frowik, the Mayor, and the Aldermen, that no hosteler sell foreign horse bread within the City or liberties, under penalty of imprisonment and forfeiture of the bread and also a fine of 20s. to the Chamber.

Writ to the Mayor of the City, the King's Escheator, notifying that a royal pardon had been granted to Thomas Byflete, "taillour," alias "brewer." Witness the King at Westminster, 27 Feb., 23 Henry VI. [A.D. 1444-5]. (fn. 17)

Folio 226.

16 March, 23 Henry VI. [A. D. 1444-5], Henry Frowik, the Mayor, and the Aldermen receive the King's writ (dated 28 Jan., 23 Henry VI.) bidding them discharge John Roos, "loksmyth," from serving on juries, &c., if found to be over seventy years of age. Order accordingly.

28 Feb., 23 Henry VI. [A.D. 1444-5], Robert Crulle, "bowiere," discharged by the above Mayor and Aldermen from serving on juries, &c., owing to increasing old age.

Folio 226 b.

21 Nov., 23 Henry VI. [A. D. 1444], came Richard Nedham, mercer, who married Johanna, widow of John Kinge, tailor, John Sturgeon, Thomas "Barard," (fn. 18) Thomas Bataille, Augustine Strattone, John Harowe, and John Chirche, mercers, into the Court of the lord the King in the Chamber of the Guildhall, before Henry Frowik, the Mayor, and the Aldermen, and entered into a bond with John Chichele, the Chamberlain, in the sum of 520 marks. (fn. 19)

Folio 226*.

Thursday, 17 June, 23 Henry VI. [A. D. 1445], Thomas Bracy, draper, discharged by Henry Frowik, the Mayor, and the Aldermen from serving on juries, &c., owing to his suffering from sciatica (scietica passione) and other infirmities.

25 Sept., 24 Henry VI. [A. D. 1445], Thomas Strodelle, "taillour," similarly discharged owing to increasing old age.

15 Nov., 24 Henry VI. [A. D. 1445], came William, son of Adam Lightwode de Asshebourne, co. Derby, an apprentice of Reginald Bonyng, "friser," (fn. 20) before Simon Eyre, 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 "Frisers," temp. William Estfeld, Mayor, and John Bederendene, Chamberlain, viz., on the 19th Oct., anno 9 Henry VI. [A.D. 1430], he had long used, and was still using, the mistery of Drapers. He prayed, therefore, to be admitted into the freedom of the City in the said Art of Drapers. His prayer granted at the instance of good men of the said Mistery.

Folio 226 b.

12 July, 23 Henry IV. [A.D. 1445], Henry Frowik, the Mayor, and the Aldermen receive the King's writ (dated 3 July, the same year) bidding them to discharge Henry Trespyn, "taillour," from serving on juries, &c., if he be found over seventy years of age. [Order thereon not recorded.]

23 Sept., 24 Henry VI. [A.D. 1445], Thomas Thundre, clerk, confessed before the Mayor and Aldermen in the Chamber of the Guildhall that he had forged a document to the effect that an attachment had been made on the goods of Arnald Hofman in respect of a debt due by him to John Gylle, "taillour." The goods comprised (inter alia) a gold "coler," garnished with 10 rubies and 10 pearls with a "hanger" and a "lesenge diamant"; another gold "coler" with 29 "troches (fn. 21) de perle," each "troche" comprising 4 pearls, and a gold cup, weighing 17 oz. and 18½ pence Troy; also woollen cloths called "Redes," "Colchestre Russet," "Frise," and "Kerses." (fn. 22) The said goods were alleged in the document to have been appraised in the presence of Robert Whelpele, serjeant, by oath of John Hakwell and Thomas Whitebrede, goldsmiths, Richard Jenecok, "sherman," and John Billesdon, draper. Thereupon the document was annulled and the said Thomas dismissed from office.

24 Sept., 24 Henry VI. [A.D. 1445], at the special instance of the King, in Common Council held at the Guildhall, Geoffrey Boleyn, mercer, discharged by the Mayor, Aldermen, and Commonalty from serving on juries, &c., except on necessitous occasion.

20 Sept., 24 Henry VI. [A.D. 1445], came John Stone, tailor, into the Court of the lord the King in the Chamber of the Guildhall, before Henry Frowik, the Mayor, and prayed that the loss of his gold signet ring, inscribed with his initials, &c. (as depicted), might be recorded in order to prevent fraud.

Folio 227.

Eleccio Vicecomitum.

Tuesday the Feast of St. Matthew [21 Sept.], 24 Henry VI. [A.D. 1445], in the presence of Henry Frowyk, the Mayor, Robert Danvers the Recorder, William Estfeld, Knt., John Reynwelle, John Gedney, Stephen Broun, Robert Cloptone, John Hatherle, Thomas Wandesford, William Gregory, Nicholas Wifold, John Olney, Stephen Forster, John Norman, Robert Horne, and Simon Eyre, Aldermen, and very many Commoners summoned to the Guildhall for the election of Sheriffs, John Derby, Alderman, was elected one of the Sheriffs for the year ensuing by the Mayor, and Geoffrey Feldyng was elected the other Sheriff by the Commonalty.

The same day John Chichele, grocer, was elected Chamberlain for the year ensuing; Thomas Cook, senior, draper, and John Herst, skinner, were elected Wardens of London Bridge; and Robert Horne and Geoffrey Feldyng, (fn. 23) Aldermen, and Richard Alley, William Marowe, Thomas Cook, junior, and Thomas Haukyns, Commoners, were elected Auditors of the accounts of the Chamber and the said 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.

12 Oct., 24 Henry VI. [A.D. 1445], John Syriche, vintner, discharged by Henry Frowyk, the Mayor, and the Aldermen from serving on juries, &c., owing to ill health.

13 Oct., the same year, John Wattes, "cook," similarly discharged for like cause.

19 Oct., the same year, William Rede, fishmonger, similarly discharged owing to increasing old age.

3 Nov., 24 Henry VI. [A.D. 1445], came Henry, son of William Waver, late of Waver', (fn. 24) co. Warwick, before Simon Eyre, the Mayor, and the Aldermen, in the Court of the lord the King in the Chamber of the Guildhall, and showed that whereas he had been admitted into the freedom of the City in the Art of Tailors temp. Henry Frowyk, Mayor, and John Chichele, Chamberlain, viz., on the 12th Jan., anno 23 Henry VI. [A.D. 1444-5], he had long used, and was now using, the mistery of Drapers; he prayed, therefore [record not completed].

Folio 227 b.

27 Oct., 24 Henry VI. [A.D. 1445], came John Sturgeon, mercer, and Beatrix his wife, an orphan, daughter of Richard Aylemer, late mercer, into the Court of the lord the King in the Chamber of the Guildhall, and acknowledged satisfaction for his wife's patrimony; and Johanna, mother of the said Beatrix, and her sureties are thereof quit.

11 Nov., 24 Henry VI. [A.D. 1445], grant by Simon Eyre, the Mayor, Henry Frowik, Stephen Broune, Robert Cloptone, Thomas Catworth, John Hatherle, John Olney, Thomas Chaltone, William Melreth, William Coumbes, William Wetenhale, Nicholas Wifold, Stephen Forster, Robert Horne, John Derby, and Thomas Canynges, Aldermen, to John Norman, Alderman, to have and enclose a plot of the common soil of the City near the hostel called "le White Bulle" in Westsmythfeld, for a term of sixty years, he paying a red rose on Monday in Whitsun week at the parish church of St. Peter in Cornhill at the hour of the commencement of the procession accustomed on that day. (fn. 25)

Eccl'ia Sc'i Petri in Cornhille.

27 Oct., 24 Henry VI. [A.D. 1445], disputes having arisen touching the right of presentation to the Bishop for the parish church of St. Peter in Cornhill, it was ordained by the Common Council that thenceforth whenever a vacancy occurred, four of the best known secular clerks within the City, or residing within a mile of the same, approved in moral character and knowledge, should be appointed by the Mayor and Aldermen to nominate to the Common Council four persons whom they deemed fit for the office, each of them being a Doctor or Bachelor of Sacred Theology, and a secular, not beneficed, and willing to reside in the said church, in order that one of them so nominated, or of others, if need be, may be presented by the said Mayor and Aldermen, with the assent of the Commonalty, to the Bishop for canonical institution. Thereupon in [sic] the said Common Council there were nominated, for the next nomination so to be made, four Doctors of Theology, viz., Master William Lichefeld, Master Peter Beverley, Master Thomas Ebrale, and Master Gilbert Worthington. (fn. 26)

Eleccio Maioris.

Wednesday the Feast of Translation of St. Edward [13 Oct.], 24 Henry VI. [A.D. 1445], in the presence of Henry Frowik, the Mayor, Thomas Pomerey the Prior of Christchurch, Robert Danvers the Recorder, Stephen Broun, John Pattesle, Robert Cloptone, John Hatherle, Thomas Wandesford, John Olney, William Gregory, William Melreth, John Suttone, Thomas Chaltone, William Wetenhale, John Norman, Nicholas Wifold, Robert Horne, Stephen Forster, Simon Eyre, and John Derby, Aldermen, and an immense Commonalty summoned to the Guildhall for the election of a Mayor for the year ensuing, Simon Eyre, by the aid of the Holy Spirit, was elected. Afterwards, viz., on the Feast of SS. Simon and Jude [28 Oct.], he was sworn at the Guildhall, and on the morrow was presented, admitted, and accepted, &c., before the Barons of the Exchequer.

Folio 228.

Thursday, 28 Oct., 24 Henry VI. [A.D. 1445], grant by Henry Frowyk, the Mayor, and the Aldermen to Roger Spycer of an annuity of 100s. for his diligent services, until better provision be made for him.

8 March, 24 Henry VI. [A. D. 1445-6], came Thomas, son of Simon Eyre, who married Elizabeth, daughter of Robert Large, late mercer, before the said Simon Eyre, the Mayor, and the Aldermen, and acknowledged satisfaction for 500 marks, his wife's patrimony, and acquitted John Chichele, the Chamberlain, and Stephen Stichemersshe and the latter's sureties, viz., Stephen Forster, Thomas Barrey, Richard Werbulton, and John Riggis.

10 Feb., 24 Henry VI. [A.D. 1445-6], came William Swan, John Stokker, Richard Chaundeler, William Rerysby, and John Kempstone, drapers, into the Court of the lord the King in the Chamber of the Guildhall, before Simon Eyre, the Mayor, and the Aldermen, and entered into bond with John Chichele, the Chamberlain, in the sum of £140.

The same day the guardianship of John, Adam, Thomas, Dionisia, Margaret, and Johanna, children of Geoffrey Rook, late "hatter," together with the sum of £140, their patrimony, was committed by the said Mayor and Aldermen to the above William Swan, who had married Agnes, the said orphan's mother, he giving security as above.

18 Jan., 24 Henry VI. [A.D. 1445-6], John Russell appointed by Simon Eyre, the Mayor, and the Aldermen to be one of the three Serjeants-at-mace to the Mayor.

Folio 228 b.

Friday, 16 Dec., 24 Henry VI. [A.D. 1445], William Marowe, grocer, having confessed before Simon Eyre, the Mayor, and the Aldermen that he had bought from John de Boret "de lormestre" in "le Bay," 160 weys of salt "de le Bay," (fn. 27) Stephen Jelyvet being the broker, and the salt being at the time in " le poole" ; and it having been discovered that the said salt had been forestalled contrary to the custom of the City, it was ordered that the said salt should be forfeited to the use of the Sheriffs. Thereupon John Derby and Geoffrey Feldyng, the Sheriffs, seized 20 weys of the salt in a "lighter" at Billingesgate and sold it.

18 Jan., 24 Henry VI. [A.D. 1445-6], John Asshe appointed a Mayor's Serjeant loco Ralph Vernon.

Indenture of grant by John Chichele, the Chamberlain, to Richard Marcheford and Richard Brinktone, of the passage (Passagium) (fn. 28) of barges between Billingesgate and Gravesend for a term of twelve years, at an annual payment of £8. Dated 1 Feb., 24 Henry VI. [A.D. 1445-6].

28 July, 24 Henry VI. [A.D. 1446], came John Randolf, an orphan of full age, into the Court of the lord the King in the Chamber of the Guildhall, before Simon Eyre, the Mayor, and the Aldermen, and acknowledged satisfaction for the money bequeathed to him by Michael Randolf his father.

[Fo. 229 blank.]

Folio 229 b.

Grant by Roger Keys, Rector of the church of St. Dunstan in the East, Robert Cristemasse and Bartholomew James, churchwardens of the same, to Henry Frowyk, the Mayor, the Aldermen, the Chamberlain, and Commonalty of the City, of a tenement called " le Horsmylle," in Graschirchstrete in the parish of St. Peter upon Cornhulle, devised to the Rector, &c., of the said church of St. Dunstan by the will of William Baret, dated 7 Sept., A.D. 1408, (fn. 29) for an annual payment to the Rector, &c., of the said church of £4, the said grant being made in view of the public granary proposed to be erected by Simon Eyre, draper, at Ledenhalle. Dated 12 March, A.D. 1444[-5]. (fn. 30)

[Folios. 230 blank.]

Folio 230 b.

Tuesday, 18 Jan., 24 Henry VI. [A.D. 1445-6], grant by Simon Eyre, the Mayor, Henry Frowik, Stephen Broun, Robert Cloptone, John Hatherle, Thomas Catworth, Thomas Chaltone, William Coumbes, William Wetenhale, John Olney, John Norman, Robert Horne, and John Derby, Aldermen, to Ralph Vernon, gent[leman], one of the Serjeants-at-mace of the Mayor, of an annual fee of 40s. and two gowns of the livery of the Mayor for the time being; and further, he is to have food and drink in the house of the Mayor for the time being, and for the honour of the City, and not on account of any office (non racione alicujus officii), he shall bear his mace when, and as often as, he will, before the Mayor, in manner accustomed, so long as his strength permits.