Memorials: 1366

Articles of the Flemish Weavers in London.

40 Edward III. A.D. 1366. Letter-Book G. fol. clxix. (Latin.)

"To the honourable men, and wise, the Mayor and Aldermen of the City of London, shew Piers atte Broke, John Yonkere, William Lanothe, William Vanaghte, William Lemaire, John Van Waltere, Henry Clofhamer, Godfrey Clofhamer, John Artour, John Gaunsterman, Lambert Rute, and John Omekyn, Weavers Flemings, many others assenting thereto, being of their trade, and pray that the Articles underwritten may be observed in the trade of the Weavers among the Flemings.—

"In the first place,—that all the Ordinances of the Weavers Flemings made heretofore may remain in force; and that if any one of the same weavers shall act in opposition to the said Ordinances, he shall suffer the penalty that is ordained in the same.

"Also,—the said good folks do pray that if there be any litigious among the weavers, masters or serving-men, who begin strife or disturbance of the peace of our Lord the King, whereby affrays are made in the said city, they shall incur the penalty ordained as to such in the Statute of the peace made heretofore by the Mayor and Aldermen, in the Guildhall of the City of London. And that if any such litigious persons shall be taken and brought to the Compters of the Sheriffs of London, or to the Prison of Neugate, to make fine for such affrays by them made, they shall make fine to the Chamber according to the Statute aforesaid, notwithstanding the fine made to the Sheriffs before mentioned. And that such litigious persons, in whom the defaults are found, shall not follow their trade in the said city, until they have made fine to the said Chamber, or have suffered the penalty ordained in the Statute of the peace aforesaid.

"Also,—the said good folks do pray that the bailiffs, who now are and hereafter shall be, of the said weavers, shall make maintenance with no man, nor make any congregation of the people of the trade, nor any collection of gold or silver in the said trade, alms only excepted, without the assent and ordinance of twentyfour of the best men of the said trade; and that, if they shall do so, and be convicted thereof, they may have a penalty inflicted, according to the order and decision of the Mayor and Aldermen: and that the said twenty-four shall be chosen at the discretion of the Mayor and Aldermen for the time being."

Punishment of the Pillory, for fraudulent sale of oats.

40 Edward III. A.D. 1366. Letter-Book G. fol. clxxxiii. (Latin.)

On the 14th day of October, in the 40th year etc., John Edmond, of Esthamme, cornmongere, of the County of Essex, was brought before John Lovekyn, Mayor, and the Aldermen, at the Guildhall, for that he had exposed for sale at Grascherche one quarter of oats in a sack, and had put a bushel of good oats at the mouth of the sack, all the rest therein being corn of worse quality, and of no value, in deceit of the common people.

Being questioned as to which falsity, how he would acquit himself thereof, the same John did not gainsay the same. Therefore it was adjudged that he should have the punishment of the pillory, to stand upon the same for one hour of the day.