Folios 41-50: Dec 1425 -

Folio 41.

Thursday, 13 Dec., 4 Henry VI. [A.D. 1425], John Tonard, baker, arrested and brought before John Coventre, the Mayor, John Fray, the Recorder, William Crowmere, Henry Bartone, William Sevenoke, William Cauntbrigge, John Michell, John Gedney, John Perneis, Ralph Barton, John Welles, Robert Whityngham, Henry Frowik, Robert Tatersale, William Estfeld, and Richard Gosselyn [Aldermen], and William Milreth and John Brokle, the Sheriffs, for exposing loaves of bread for sale which were deficient in weight. This being his first offence, and he being of good reputation, he was spared the punishment of the hurdle, (fn. 1) and was discharged with a caution.

Monday the eve of Christmas, the same year, the above John Tonard was again arrested, and brought before John Coventre, the Mayor, John Fray, the Recorder, Thomas Fauconer, Ralph Bartone, Robert Whityngham, John Welles, Robert "Tatersaill," William Estfeld, John Bithewater, Henry Frowyk, John Perneys, Thomas Wandesford, [and] Symon Seman [Aldermen], for a similar offence, and being convicted was condemned to the punishment of the hurdle.

Folio 41 b.

Grant by John Gedney, the Mayor, and Commonalty to Richard Bamme, son of Margaret Phelipot, (fn. 2) of the reversion of a shop in Briggestrete, in the parish of St. Magnus near London Bridge, formerly granted by the said Margaret to Robert Gilmyn, alias Ridere, fishmonger, for the term of her life, with remainder to the Mayor and Commonalty; to hold the same (after the death of the said Margaret) to the said Richard Bamme for a term of forty years, at an annual rent of 33s. 4d. Dated 6 Aug., 6 Henry VI. [A.D. 1428].

10 Oct., 5 Henry VI. [A.D. 1426], Ralph Holand, executor of the will of Isabella, late wife of Thomas Bridlyngton, delivered to John Bederenden, the Chamberlain, a sum of money, silver plate, &c., bequeathed by the said Isabella to Richard her son.

Afterwards, viz., on the 26th Sept., 11 Henry VI. [A.D. 1432], the said Chamberlain delivered the money and goods to the said Richard.

10 Oct., 5 Henry VI. [A.D. 1426], the above Ralph Holand likewise delivered to the Chamberlain money and goods bequeathed to William, another son of the said Isabella.

Afterwards, viz., on the 28th May, 13 Henry VI. [A.D. 1435], the money and goods were delivered by John Chichele, the Chamberlain, to the above William.

Folio 42.

Br'e d'ni Regis proclamand' quoddam statutum tempore E. fil' R' H. factum pro conservacione pacis.

Writ to the Sheriffs to make proclamation of certain provisions for the preservation of the peace enacted by Statute of Winchester in the reign of King Edward I., (fn. 3) and confirmed and enlarged anno 7 Richard II. (fn. 4) Witness the King at Westminster, 16 Oct., 5 Henry VI. [A.D. 1426].

Writ to the Sheriffs to make proclamation of certain provisions for the preservation of the peace enacted by statute made at Westminster anno 13 Henry IV., (fn. 5) and confirmed and enlarged by the Parliament at Leicester, anno 2 Henry V. (fn. 6) Witness the King at Westminster, 20 Oct., 5 Henry VI. [A.D. 1426].

20 Feb., 5 Henry VI. [A.D. 1426-7], in a congregation of John Reynwelle, the Mayor, the Aldermen, and an immense Commonalty assembled in the Guildhall for Common Council, it was agreed (inter alia) that John Pencrich, Esquire to the Mayor, should hold the house or mansion over the lower gate of the Guildhall which John Marchaunt lately inhabited, during good behaviour in his office, without paying any rent, &c.

Folio 42 b.

Statute 13 Henry IV. [A.D. 1411], cap. vii., touching commissions to inquire into riots, &c., rehearsed. (fn. 7)

Folio 43.

30 May, 5 Henry VI. [A.D. 1427], came Richard Osbarn, one of the executors of Thomas Brydlyngtone, late tailor, and delivered to John Bederenden, the Chamberlain, the sum of £100 bequeathed by the said Thomas to William his son, who was afterwards put as apprentice with Thomas Osbarn, mercer, for a term of eight years.

Afterwards, viz., on the 1st July, 5 Henry VI. [A.D. 1427], the above money was entrusted to the said Thomas Osbarn for the said orphan. Sureties, viz., John Whatele, Thomas Bataille, John Wasshburn, mercers, and John Carpenter, junior.

Exon'acio custodie predicte.

Afterwards, viz., on the 8th May, 13 Henry VI. [A.D. 1435], came the above Thomas Osbarn before Robert Ottele, the Mayor, and the Aldermen, and delivered the above money to the said William, who acknowledged satisfaction.

Folio 43 b.

Exon'acio Joh'is Sabyn Tinctoris ab assisis.

22 Nov., 5 Henry VI. [A.D. 1426], John Sabyn, dyer, discharged by John Reynwelle, the Mayor, and the Aldermen from serving on juries, &c., owing to increasing old age.

Exon'acio Will'i Sperhauke Groceri ab assisis.

28 Nov., 5 Henry VI. [A.D. 1426], William Sperhauke, grocer, similarly discharged for like cause.

Presentacio d'ni Will'i Bovetone capell'i ad Cantar' in eccl'ia Sc'i Pauli London' pro a'ia Henr' de Guldeford.

Presentation by John Reynwelle, the Mayor, and John Bederenden, the Chamberlain, to the Dean and Chapter of St. Paul's of Sir William Bovetone, chaplain, for admission to the chantry founded at the altar of the Apostles in St. Paul's Church for the soul of Sir Henry de Guldeford called "le Marescall," clerk. Dated 25 Nov., A.D. 1426.

Admissio Will'mi Cheyne militis in libertatem civitatis London'.

Be it remembered that on......[blank], anno 5 Henry VI. [A.D. 1426 ?], Sir William Cheyne, Knt., Chief Justice of the King's Bench, with the consent of John "Raynewelle," the Mayor, the Aldermen, and Commonalty, was admitted into the freedom of the City in the Mistery of Mercery, and was sworn according to custom, provided always that the said William Cheyne should be free to discharge the duties of his office, notwithstanding his admission and oath, and should be spared watches, tallages, scot, lot, and other burdens attached to the freedom of the City.

Folio 44.

Custodia pueror' Will'i Walderne nup' civis et merceri London'.

Another copy of proceedings touching the guardianship of the children of William Walderne, late mercer, as recorded supra, p. 47.

Folio 44 b.

Consi'le mandatum missum fuit cuil't Aldermanno.

Precept to the Aldermen to hold their several Wardmotes, and to make return to the Grand Court to be held on Monday after the Epiphany [6 Jan.]; to take steps for safeguarding, cleansing, and lighting the streets, and for the election of honest and discreet persons to sit in the Common Council. Dated under the seal of the Mayoralty, 3 Dec. [A.D. 1426].

A recital of the Statute of Winchester, (fn. 8) which is to be strictly observed, and which the Sheriffs are enjoined to proclaim in every hundred, vill, and market four times a year.

Folio 45.

Exon'acio Joh'is Merssh fruterer ab assisis.

10 March, 5 Henry VI. [A.D. 1426-7], John Mersshe, "fruterer," discharged by John Reynwelle, the Mayor, and Aldermen from serving on juries, &c., owing to failing sight and deafness.

Hokkyng defenduz.

Proclamation to be made forbidding the enforcement of "hokkyng" on Monday and Tuesday next, called "les hokkedays."

Folio 45 b.

Judicium Rog'i Laurence procappis fullat'.

Roger Laurence, "hurer," attached to answer the Commonalty on a charge of having caused eleven dozen and two caps called "nightcappes" and one long cap to be fulled at a mill contrary to the ordinance. The said Roger appeared and declared that the said caps had been properly fulled under foot and not at a mill, and asked for a jury, and so also did Alexander Anne, who prosecuted for the City. Thereupon a precept given to Thomas Donyngtone, one of the Serjeants of the Chamber, to summon a jury. The jurors, viz., Stephen Roo, Richard Herlawe, Thomas Kyng, Simon Wayte, Robert Bramptham, Simon Wastell, John Valentyn, Thomas Spicer, Thomas Flete, Robert Andrewe, John Westone, John Waltham, Thomas Wottone, Richard Bernard, Thomas Taillour, and William Fouler, cappers, find that the caps were falsely fulled at a mill. The caps are therefore adjudged to be forfeited, and the said Roger to pay 6s. 8d. to the Chamberlain.

Consi'le mandatum missum fuit cuil't Aldr'o.

Precept to the Aldermen to cause a sufficient armed watch to be kept in their several Wards on the nights and eves of St. John Bapt. [24 June] and SS. Peter and Paul [29 June], and to take the usual precautions against fire. Dated 7 June, 5 Henry VI. [A.D. 1427].

Proclamacio erga Nat' Sc'i Joh'is Bap'te et Festum Ap'tor'.

Proclamation to be made forbidding hostelers and others to keep open house after 10 o'clock at night on the eves of the above Feasts, or to sell wine, beer, or victual before 6 o'clock on the following morning, under penalty of imprisonment and fine.

Exon'acio Ric'i Grove armurer ab assisis.

21 June, 5 Henry VI. [A.D. 1427], Richard Grove, "armurer," discharged by John Reynwelle, the Mayor, and Aldermen from serving on juries, &c., owing to increasing old age.

Folio 46.

Acquietanc' facta per Joh'em Reynwelle Maiorem et mercator' Damyas Corby et Neell.

Acquittance by John Reynwelle, the Mayor, for the sum of 50 marks received from John Akalyan, merchant of Amiens, by virtue of a "composition" made between the City of London and the merchants of Amiens, Corby, and Neel. Dated 21 June, A.D. 1427.

Presentacio d'ni David "Fleure" capellani ad Cantariam in Capella sup' ossamenta mortuor' in cimiterio eccl'ie S'ci Pauli London'.

Presentation by John Reynwelle, the Mayor, to William [Grey], Bishop of London, of Sir David "Flure," of the diocese of St. David, for admission to the chantry founded over the charnel-house of St. Paul's for the soul of Roger Beyveyn, (fn. 9) vacant by the death of Sir John Briggewater. Dated under the seal of the Mayoralty, 21 Aug., A.D. 1427.

Exon'acio Joh'is More ab assisis.

20 Aug., 5 Henry VI. [A.D. 1427], John More, carpenter, discharged by John Reynwelle, the Mayor, and Aldermen from serving on juries, &c., owing to bodily infirmities.

Transmutacio Rad'i Stoke ab officio Attornator' in misteram Grossarior'.

3 Sept., 6 Henry VI. [A. D. 1427], came Ralph Stoke, attorney, before John Reynwelle, the Mayor, and Aldermen, and showed that, whereas he had been admitted into the freedom of the City in the office of Attorneys, and sworn during the Mayoralty of William Waldern and the Chamberlainship of John Proffit, viz., on the 13th March, 14 Henry IV. [A.D. 1412-13], he had long used, and was now using, the Mistery or art of Grocers, as many men of that Mistery testified. He therefore prayed that he might be admitted into the freedom of the City in that Mistery. His prayer granted.

Br'e pro Parliamento.

Writ to the Sheriffs for the election of four citizens to attend a Parliament to be held at Westminster in the quinzaine of St. Michael [29 Sept.] (fn. 10) next, and to make a return of the names of the electors and elected in indentures. Witness the King at Westminster, 15 July, 5 Henry VI. [A.D. 1427]. (fn. 11)

Folio 46 b.

Exon'acio Ricardi Aleyn ab assisis.

13 Sept., 6 Henry VI. [A.D. 1427], Richard Aleyn, brewer, discharged by John Reynwelle, the Mayor, and Aldermen from serving on juries, &c., owing to increasing old age.

Ordinacio mister' de Joynours.

To the court of the lord the King, held in the Chamber of the Guildhall, (fn. 12) before John Reynwell, the Mayor, John Symond, the Recorder, Nicholas Wottone, William Cauntbrigge, John Michell, John Coventre, Robert Tatersale, Ralph Bartone, Simon Seman, John Perneys, John Brokle, Robert Ottele, Aldermen, and John Hyham, one of the Sheriffs, came the Masters and good folk of the Mistery of Joynours, and complained that many journeymen (allowes), foreigners and aliens, were engaged in the mistery who worked more for their own private gain than for public benefit, and only by the day, to the great hurt of poor folk of the said Mistery. They prayed, therefore, that such journeymen who wished to work in the mistery should work with freemen of the Mistery by the year, half year, or quarter, and not by the day, and that no one of the Mistery should take such journeymen for less time, under penalty. Their petition granted.

Folio 47.

Presentacio d'ni Ric'i Bragg' capellani ad eccl'iam Sc'e Margarete Patyns London'.

Letter from John Reynwell, the Mayor, and Commonalty to William [Grey], Bishop of London, presenting Sir Richard Bragg', (fn. 13) chaplain, for admission as Rector of the church of St. Margaret Patyns, vacant by the resignation of Sir William Giles. Dated under the seal of the Mayoralty, 2 Sept., A.D. 1427.

De pakkatura et pond' auri de Veniciis etc.

26 Aug., 5 Henry VI. [A.D. 1427], ordinance by John Reynwell, the Mayor, and the Aldermen to the effect that thenceforth all gold imported into the City from Venice, Cyprus, and Janua be of one consistent kind and goodness throughout, and not packed deceitfully, so that the pound of Venetian gold no longer contain 11¼ ounces and the pound of Janua and Cyprus 10¼ ounces Troy weight, under penalty of forfeiture.

Exon'acio Hugonis Neel ab assisis.

20 Oct., 6 Henry VI. [A.D. 1427], Hugh Neel, brewer, discharged by John Reynwelle, the Mayor, and Aldermen from serving on juries, &c., owing to increasing old age.

Exon'acio Will'mi Swetecok ab assisis.

25 Oct., the same year, William Swetecok, of co. Staff., similarly discharged for like cause.

Folio 47 b.

Ordinacio Mistere de Talughchaundellers.

12 Sept., 6 Henry VI. [A.D. 1427], came the Masters and Wardens of the Mistery of Talughchaundellers before the Mayor and Aldermen, in the Chamber of the Guildhall, and prayed that they might be allowed to receive a portion of the fines and forfeitures for defaults discovered by them in exercising their right of search and assay, which hitherto had been wholly paid over to the Chamberlain for the time being. Thereupon it was ordained that thenceforth they should receive onethird of such fines, &c., for their pains.

Custodia filiar' Ricardi Hervy civis et m'ceri London' etc.

4 May, 6 Henry VI. [A.D. 1428], the guardianship of Elizabeth, Alice, and Matilda, daughters of Richard Hervy, late mercer, together with their patrimony and money accruing to them on the death of Margery their sister, committed by John Gedney, the Mayor, the Aldermen, and John Bederenden, the Chamberlain, to Robert Large, mercer. Sureties, viz., John Whatele, Thomas Bataille, John Chirche, and John Wasshebourne, mercers.

Exon' acio Guydonis Terry ab assisis.

25 Oct., 5 Henry VI. [A.D. 1426], Guy Terry, baker, discharged by John Reynwelle, the Mayor, and Aldermen from serving on juries, &c., owing to increasing old age.

Exon'acio Rad' i Bukberd lynenwebbe ab assisis.

26 Oct., 6 Henry VI. [A.D. 1427], Ralph Bukberd, "lynenwebbe," similarly discharged for like cause.

Folio 48.

Eleccio Rob'ti Ottele et Henr' Frowyk vice-comitum.

Sunday the Feast of St. Matthew [21 Sept.], 6 Henry VI. [A.D. 1427], in the presence of John Reynewelle, the Mayor, John Symond, the Recorder, Nicholas Wottone, Henry Bartone, John Coventre, John Gedney, John [sic] (fn. 14) Gosselyn, John Perneys, Ralph Bartone, Robert Tatersale, William Estfeld, John Wellis, Thomas Wandesford, Nicholas James, Simon Seman, and John Brokle, Aldermen, and very many Commoners summoned to the Guildhall for the election of Sheriffs, Robert Ottele, grocer, was elected one of the Sheriffs for the ensuing year by the Mayor, and Henry Frowyk, the other Sheriff, by the Commonalty.

The same day John Bederenden, draper, was elected Chamberlain; Robert Colbroke, "irmonger," and John Trymnell, mercer, were elected Wardens of London Bridge; Robert Tatersale and William Estfeld, Aldermen, and Eborard Flete, mercer, John Femelle, draper, Walter Chertesey and Ralph Skynnard, 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 before the Barons of the Exchequer.

Eleccio Joh'is Gedeney Maioris Civitatis London'.

Monday the Feast of Translation of St. Edward [13 Oct.], 6 Henry VI. [A.D. 1427], in the presence of John Reynwelle, the Mayor, William Clerk the Prior of Christchurch, John Symond, the Recorder, Thomas Knolles, Thomas Fauconer, Nicholas Wottone, Henry Bartone, William Cauntbrigge, John Coventre, John Gedney, William Estfelde, Ralph Bartone, Robert Tatersale, John Perneis, Nicholas James, Richard Gosselyn, Simon Seman, Henry Frowik, Robert Ottele, Thomas Wandesford, Aldermen, and an immense Commonalty summoned to the Guildhall for the election of a Mayor for the year ensuing, John Gedney 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, accepted, &c., before the Barons of the Exchequer.

Custodia Thome filii Laurencii Van Gelder.

10 Sept. 6 Henry VI. [A.D. 1427], the guardianship of Thomas, son of Laurence van Gelder, late tailor, aged six years, together with his patrimony, committed to John Spenser (who married Margaret, the orphan's mother) for a term of seven years; after which time the money is to be delivered to the Chamberlain for the time being, together with mesne profits on reasonable account, that the same may be given to the orphan, if alive.

Folio 48 b.

Custodia Will'mi filii Thome "Filkys" nup' civis et peautrer London'.

3 Sept., 6 Henry VI. [A.D. 1427], the guardianship of William, son of Thomas "Filkes," late "peautrer," together with his patrimony, and money arising from the various instruments used in his mistery, (fn. 15) committed by John Reynwelle, the Mayor, and Aldermen to William atte Lee, "peautrer," for a term of seven years, after which term the orphan's property, if he be still alive, is to be delivered into Court, to be disposed of according to the will of the testator. Sureties, viz., Hugh Game, "peautrer," and Saier Aker, grocer.

Afterwards, viz., on the 16th Aug., 14 Henry VI. [A.D. 1436], came the executors of the above Hugh Game and delivered the orphan's property to John Chichele, the Chamberlain.

Consimile mandatum miss' cuil't Aldermanno.

Precept to the Aldermen to hold their several Wardmotes, and return such matters as they are themselves unable to remedy to the General Court to be held on Monday after the Feast of the Epiphany [6 Jan.]; that they take steps for safeguarding, cleaning, and lighting the streets, and cause a prescribed number of inhabitants of each Ward to be elected for a Common Council. Dated under the Mayoralty seal, 3 Dec. [A.D. 1427].

Custodia bonor' p'tin' Will' mo filio Thome Bridlyngtone.

20 May, 7 Henry VI. [A.D. 1429], the custody of the sum of £50 and divers goods, comprising a girdle harnessed with a buckle (plusculo), mordant (mordaculo), (fn. 16) and thirty-three silver bars (stipis), belonging to William, son of Thomas Bridlingtone, late tailor, committed to Richard Osbarn. Sureties, viz., John Welles, Robert Large, Thomas Bataille, and Thomas Osbarn, mercers.

Afterwards, viz., on the 28th May, 13 Henry VI. [A.D. 1435], came the above Richard Osbarn before Robert Ottele, the Mayor, and Aldermen, and delivered to the said orphan his property.

Folio 49.

A schedule of goods-"mooldes toles and prentes"-partable between William Filkes, John Kirtiltone, Henry Spark, John Grace, William Heyward, John Segore, Alice Ade, James Quarry, and William Kent, the 10th Aug., 5 Henry VI. [A.D. 1427], and their valuation. The goods comprise (inter alia) a small "chargeour moolde of bras," a "myddell plater moolde of bras," a "small plater moolde," a "grete disshe moolde," a "counterfete disshe molde," a "myddel disshe moold," a "grete saucer moolde," a "holwe plater moolde," a "newe chargeour moolde," 14 "pryntes," 7 "peir clammes," (fn. 17) a "whele an arbe and a tour," (fn. 18) a "peire clippyng sheres," a "burnessher," 8 "turning hokes," 4 "anfeldes" (fn. 19) and 2 "swagers," (fn. 20) 7 "clene hamers," (fn. 21) 2 "scoryng flotes," 2 "chesels" and a pair of "liftyngtonges," 2 "belies," (fn. 22) 2 "castyng pannes," a "steryng staf," 4 "sowdyng irens" and 3 "castyngstokkes," 4 "strakestones," a "peir vambras," a "peire rerebras," a "peire gloves of plates," 2 "besagues," (fn. 23) a "pollax," a "bore spere," &c.

Folio 49 b.

Be it remembered that whereas John Leche, late "ismonger," left by will enrolled in the Husting (fn. 24) to a certain chaplain for celebrating in the church of St. Michael de Cornhill, for the good of his soul, the souls of Thomas le Northerne, late "tymbermongere," and Alice his mother, a yearly sum of 6 marks issuing from tenements which he had by devise of the said Thomas; which tenements afterwards belonged to John Clenhond, and on his death, and the death of John, Thomas, and William his sons without heirs, were sold by William Symmes, his executor, to William Edward, salter, and other feoffees, the proceeds being devoted to pious uses pursuant to the aforesaid will; and whereas the above bequest had been declared to be invalid at law-nevertheless the said William Symmes, the vendor, and William Edward, the purchaser of the said tenements, with the consent of the Mayor, Recorder, and many Aldermen, for conscience' sake gave to Master Henry Whitcherche, the Rector of the above church, and parishioners of the same, the sum of 100 marks for the uses aforesaid. [No date.]

12 Oct., 6 Henry VI. [A.D. 1427], bond entered into by John Lynge, Elias Twyer, Alexander Childe, William Parker, Thomas Baker, William Twyer, and Robert Parkeman (or Parkemant), drapers, that they will invest the above money for the same uses.

Folio 50.

Custodia quadraginta librar' p'tinent' Thome filio Ric'i Withihale nup' civis et Aurifabri London.'

16 Dec., 6 Henry VI. [A.D. 1427], the custody of £40 belonging to Thomas, son of Richard Withihale, late goldsmith, committed by John Gedney, the Mayor, the Aldermen, and John Bederenden, the Chamberlain, to John Withehale, brother of the said Thomas, during his minority. Sureties, viz., John Biernes, Robert Doun, and Peter Brendewode, goldsmiths, and Reginald Wellam, draper.

Custodia £xxxv xs. vjd. p'tin' Margarete Roos.

22 Dec., 6 Henry VI. [A.D. 1427], the custody of a sum of money belonging to Margaret, daughter of Elias Davy (her brother Elias Davy having died), committed by the same to her said father, the said money having formed part of the estate of Richard, (fn. 25) son of Richard Roos, late mercer.

Exon'acio Joh'is Draper ab assisis.

12 March, 6 Henry VI. [A.D. 1427-8], John Draper, called Essex, "smyth," discharged by John Gedney, the Mayor, and Aldermen from serving on juries, &c., owing to increasing old age.

Folio 50 b.

Presentacio Rob'ti Laghtone capellani in unam cantariam Guyhald'.

Letter from John Gedney, the Mayor, and John Bederenden, the Chamberlain, to William [Grey], Bishop of London, presenting Robert Laghtone, chaplain, for admission to one of the chantries founded by Adam Fraunceys and Henry Frowyk in the chapel of St. Mary near the Guildhall, vacant by the death of Richard Danyell. Dated 18 Feb., A.D. 1427.

Exon'acio Joh'is West ab assisis.

5 March, 6 Henry VI. [A.D. 1427-8], John West, "stokfisshmonger," discharged by John Gedney, the Mayor, and Aldermen from serving on juries, &c., owing to increasing old age.

Novum opus Guyhald'.

12 Feb., 6 Henry VI. [A.D. 1427-8], ordinance by John Gedney, the Mayor, the Aldermen, and Commonalty, in their full and Common Council, that all fines, fees, &c., formerly devoted to the work of the Guildhall should continue to be levied for the same purpose for two years from the Feast of St. Michael [29 Sept.] next.

Recommendacio Ducisse Glouc'.

Be it remembered that on the 8th March, 6 Henry VI. [A.D. 1427-8], the Mayor, Aldermen, and Commonalty approached the Lords Spiritual [and] Temporal and the Commons of the realm in the Parliament then held at Westminster, and by the mouth of John Symond, the Recorder of the City, declared the lamentable state to which the lady Duchess of Gloucester, (fn. 26) Countess of Hainault, Holland, &c., had been brought by some of her enemies, and undeservedly so, as plainly appeared from her sorrowful letters addressed to the said Mayor and Commonalty; they therefore prayed the said Lords and Commons of the realm to take into consideration the manner in which the countries of Hainault, Holland, and Zealand had ever been friendly to English merchants, and how the lady herself had been brought to England and honourably treated by the late King and made godmother to the present King, (fn. 27) and to grant her some relief and assistance, the petitioners themselves promising to assist in the matter as the said Lords and Commons might direct. And so, permission being granted, they withdrew, &c. (fn. 28)