Folios li - lxi: Sept 1356 -

Folio li - lxi.

Custuma Wysde pro mercator Aleman'.

Wednesday after the Feast of St. Michael [29 Sept.], 30 Edward III. [A.D. 1356], it was ordained and agreed by the Mayor and Aldermen that merchants of the Hanse of Almaine ought to give by way of custom for every tun of woad 3 pence and no more, whereof one moiety appertains to the Sheriffs and the other to those host.s who are of the freedom of the City, and in whose houses the said merchants are received. (fn. 1)

Br'e de super sed' de execucione fac' br'is de Cellar' con fecti.

Writ to the Mayor and Sheriffs explaining that a former writ of supersedeas touching the destruction of unlawful girdles made by Saddlers was not intended to apply to other makers of such girdles. Witness the King at Westminster, 8 Sept., 30 Edward III. [A.D. 1356].

Eleccio Vic'.

Wednesday the Feast of St. Matthew [21 Sept.], 30 Edward III. [A.D. 1356], there were assembled in the Guildhall Simon Fraunceis, the Mayor, the Aldermen, and an immense Commonalty, for the purpose of electing Sheriffs for the year ensuing. And the aforesaid Simon the Mayor elected Richard de Notyngham, and the Commonalty elected Thomas Dolsely.

Br'e pro militib' faciend' de proclamanao etc.

Writ to the Sheriffs to make proclamation for all those who were qualified to become knights and had not become so to do so without delay, and further to make a return of those possessing the qualification. Witness the King at Westminster, 5 Aug., 30 Edward III. [A.D. 1356].

Return to the above writ. (fn. 2)

Folio li b.

At a congregation of the Mayor and Aldermen and an immense Commonalty in the Guildhall on Thursday the morrow of the Translation of St. Edward the King [13 Oct.], 30 Edward III. [A.D. 1356]—there being present Simon Fraunceis, the Mayor, John Lovekyn, Thomas Leggy, Adam Fraunceis, Richard [de Notyngham (fn. 3) ], Henry Pykard, John de St.odeye, Roger de Depham, John Pecche, Adam de Bury, John Little, William Welde, William de Tudenham, John CoSt.antyn, Richard de Notyngham [sic], Thomas Dolsely, Simon de Worstede, Bartholomew Frestlynge, Ralph de Lenne, Thomas Perle, and Adam Brabasoun, Aldermen, and an immense Commonalty—.

Eleccio Maioris .

Henry Pykard was elected Mayor for the year ensuing, &c.

In the same congregation Thomas de Lillyng stone, John de Mortone, Richard de Rothewelle, clerks of the Sheriffs, Robert de Kaytone......

Also Peter "Macz" Doulton was sworn Keeper of the gaol of Neugate.

Br'e pro Zonar' de falso opere Zonar combur endo de proclamand'.

Writ to the Mayor and Sheriffs to make proclamation that the ordinance confirmed in the Parliament held at Westminster after the Feast of the Purification [2 Feb.], anno I Edward III. [A.D. 1326-7], forbidding the making of girdles with inferior metal, be duly observed. Witness the King at Westminster, 20 Oct., 30 Edward III. [A.D. 1356].

Folio lii.

Deliberacio catall' Isabelle fil' Joh'is Merwe pelli par' plene etat' existent' .

Tuesday the Feast of St. Luke [18 Oct.], 30 Edward III. [A.D. 1356], came Isabella, daughter of John Merwe, (fn. 4) skinner, into the Chamber of the Guildhall before Simon Fraunceys, the Mayor, Roger de Depham, Alderman, and Thomas de Waldene, the Chamberlain, and declaring herself to be of full age demanded her patrimony. Whereupon precept issued to John de Kaytone, serjeant, to summon Walter Page, skinner, who had been appointed guardian of the said Isabella and of Walter and Nicholas her brothers, upon the marriage of Agnes their mother to Robert de Makeseye, skinner. On the day named the said Walter appeared together with the said Isabella, and the latter acknowledged that she had been satisfied, and the said Walter was quit.

Temp Henry Pycard, Mayor, anno 30.

Br'e pro Ph'o de Navarr de proclam'.

Writ to the Sheriffs to make proclamation that no one molest the subjects of Philip of Navarre, (fn. 5) Count of Longueville and Lord of Cassell, who had made submission to the King of England, and whose subjects had been taken under his protection. (fn. 6) Witness the King at Westminster, 30 Oct., 30 Edward III. [A.D. 1356].

Proclamation made accordingly on Thursday after the Feast of All Saints [1 Nov.]. The writ remains in the possession of Thomas Dolsely and Richard de Not[ingham], Sheriffs.

Obligacio Prioris et convent' eccl'ie Sancte Trinitat' London' pro £xxvi xiiis. iiijd. assign' Thom' et Will'o filiis Will' i de Caustone. .

Bond entered into by Nicholas, the Prior of Holy Trinity Christchurch, and convent of the same, to account for a sum of money bequeathed by William de Caustone , mercer, to Thomas and William, sons of William de Caustone , son of the aforesaid William. (fn. 7) Dated in their Chapter in London, the eve of All Saints [1 Nov.], 30 Edward III. [A.D. 1356].

Br'e pro Sellar' de supersedena' singulos non comburendo.. eisdem restituendo.

Writ of supersedeas to the Mayor and Sheriffs touching the execution of a writ for the destruction of false girdles, until the matter has been decided by Parliament, to which both Girdlers and Saddlers are to be summoned. Witness the King at Westminster, 26 Oct., 30 Edward III. [A.D. 1356].

The following Girdlers summoned by Richard Sparke and Robert Maynard to attend Parliament on Monday after the octave of Easter, viz., John Abraham, John Bartelot, Richard Russell, and Thomas atte Shoppe.

The following Saddlers summoned by Robert de Northwych and Andrew Grauntcourt, viz., Thomas Frithebek, John de Blithe, John Baldewyne, and William de Lincoln.

Folio lii b.

Scriptum Johanne Wigge mor per Will'm Ippegrave aur' et Luciam ux'em ejus.

ijs. vjd.

Grant by William Ippegrave, goldsmith, and Lucy his wife, to Johanna Wiggemor of co. "Hertford," (fn. 8) of certain quitrents in Westchepe, parish of St. Vedast., for a term of thirty years, in return for which the said Johanna covenants that a Statute merchant in the sum of £40, in which the said William stood bound to the said Johanna, should be void. Witnesses, John de Bedeford, Andrew Turk, Matthew Broun, Thomas Hiltoft, Thomas Hyngestone, and others [not named]. Dated 12 Nov., 30 Edward III. [AD 1356].

Folio liii.

L're summi patris Innocencii pape Edwardo Principi Wall' directe.

Letter from Pope Innocent [VI.] to Edward, Prince of Wales, on hearing from "Talairadus," Bishop of Albano, (fn. 9) of his generous conduct towards King John of France, whom he had recently made prisoner. (fn. 10) Dated at Avignon, 11 Nones October [6 Oct.], the fourth year of his pontificate [A.D. 1356].

Letter from the same to the same exhorting the Prince to confer with Talleyrand, Bishop of Albano, and Nicholas Trit (fn. 11) [sic], Cardinal of St. Vitalis, in the interests of peace. Dated at Avignon, v Nones October [3 Oct.], the fourth year of his pontificate [A.D. 1356].

Com'issio pro deliberacione Gaole de Neugate.

Letters patent appointing William de Shareshulle, Henry Grene, William de Nottone, and Henry Picard, the Mayor, or any three or two of them (the Mayor being one), to be commissioners for the gaol delivery of Neugate. Witness the King at Westminster, 8 Nov., 30 Edward III. [A.D. 1356].

Delivered to Nicholas de Abyndone, the Common Serjeant.

Folio liii b.

L'ra d' ni Edwardi Principis Wall' Maiori Ald'ris et co'itati civitatis London' directA. de Novis leti (?) juxta Peyters.

Letter of Privy Seal from Edward, Prince of Wales, to the Mayor, Aldermen, and Commonalty, announcing his victory at the battle of Poitiers on the 19th Sept, and the capture of the French king and his son. Dated at Burdeux, 22 October [AD 1356]. (fn. 12)

Folio liv.

statuta civitatis.

At a congregation of the Mayor and Aldermen in the Guildhall of London on Wednesday the eve of St. Michael [29 Sept.], 30 Edward III. [A.D. 1356], there being present Simon Fraunceys, the Mayor, Henry Pycard, Adam Fraunceys, Richard Lacer, Thomas Leggy, John Lovekyn, Roger de Depham, Simon Dolsely, John de stodey, Thomas Dolsely, John Pecche, Adam de Bury, John Little, Adam Brabasoun, Richard Smelt, William Tudenham, Ralph de Lenne, William de Welde, Richard de Notyngham, Bartholomew de Frestlyng, John Constantyn, Simon de Wurstede, Thomas Perle, and the Prior of Holy Trinity, Aldermen, Thomas de Brandone and Walter Forester, Sheriffs, and an immense Commonalty, articles and ordinances were read and confirmed for future observance to the following effect, viz. :—.

(1) That the Sheriffs of London and Middlesex for the time being shall hold their compters in common, whether the plaints be received at the house of one of them or elsewhere by their consent, that a chief clerk, acting as their under-sheriff, and a second clerk shall be newly (de novel) elected each year to regulate the office of the Sheriffs in a proper manner, and that two or more, if need be, be elected and appointed by the Sheriffs to be in constant attendance at the compter for the expedition of business according to the law of the City; that the chief clerk receive yearly 10 marks, a coat and cloak for winter and a robe with three garments (garnimentz) at Christmas and a sur-coat for summer; that the second clerk have similar clothing and 60s. a year; that each serjeant have a coat, robe, and sur-coat for summer and 20s. a year for the salary of himself and his "vadlet," and the other clerks as the Sheriffs are willing; that the Sheriffs have two serjeants, and more if necessary, to administer justice indifferently to poor and rich, stranger and denizen, and to keep their court from day to day if need be; that the law be not sold, but be administered faithfully and conscientiously; that if they entertain any doubt in a plea, they are to take counsel with the Mayor and Aldermen before giving judgment; and that any party dissatisfied with the judgment of the Sheriffs may have the matter brought before the Mayor and Aldermen.

(2) That the Sheriffs hold assizes of Novel Disseisin every week and assizes of Mort d'Ancestor every fortnight, and bring their Rolls of Assize to the Guildhall to be delivered to the Chamberlain for safe custody. (fn. 13)

(3) That plaintiffs plead in English, (fn. 14) and may take advice of Counsel.

Folio liv b.

(4) That all who plead for the recovery of debts have their damages allowed at 4 shillings in the pound by the year, as has been accustomed, and that the debtor remain in prison until he has satisfied both debt and damages. (fn. 15)

(5) That no plaintiff be bound to pay anything for entering his plaint, and that he be ready to prosecute his plaint, either himself or by attorney, without having essoin; and the defendants to have one essoin and no more.

(6) That the defendant be allowed reasonable damages on failure of prosecution.

(7) That any one pleading in the Sheriffs' Court in a plea of debt or account shall enter the amount of his demand, and the Sheriff shall produce the defendant, if in custody, at the next court, to make answer, and if the defendant be not in custody, the Sheriff himself shall answer.

(8) That if a denizen be impleaded for debt, and it be shown by the serjeant that he was personally summoned, process shall be taken against him; and if it be shown by the serjeant that he was not personally summoned, but the summons was left at the house where he resided, and it be proved that he was in the City at the time of the summons, but had withdrawn himself on purpose to cause delay and to avoid justice, his goods and chattels shall be seized and delivered to the plaintiff as in cases of foreign attachment. (fn. 16)

(9) That if any one come into court and demand A. D.ebt and the defendant deny the debt and puts himself on oath (of the plaintiff (fn. 17) ) with his own hand alone, and the plaintiff refuse to make oath that his demand is just, the defendant shall be adjudged quit and the plaintiff be in mercy. (fn. 18)

(10) That where a man vouches two witnesses to prove his claim (attente) against his opponent, and the witnesses vary in their examination before the judges, they shall incur the penalty of the pillory as aforetime, and the plaintiff shall lose his claim and the defendant be awarded damages.

(11) That no Pleader (Countour), Attorney, or Essoiner shall be heard to plead within the Bar of the Sheriffs' Court, but they shall stand without the Bar without making outcry or noise, so that the men of law and good folk of the City may be heard in due manner as to their businesses which they have to transact in the said Court. (fn. 19)

(12) That no Attorney sit in the Husting among the clerks nor meddle with the rolls or other memoranda. (fn. 20)

(13) That the Sheriffs let not the gaol of Neugate to ferm, but place a man of good character as Keeper of the gaol, who shall make oath before the Mayor and Aldermen not to take any fine or extortion from prisoners, but shall be allowed to take the sum of 4 pence from each prisoner delivered for his fee (fn. 21) as of old accustomed.

(14) That the Sheriffs shall not let the county of Middlesex to ferm, (fn. 22) but it shall remain in their own custody by deputies, so that it be governed as the law demands without extortion from any.

(15) That Pleaders and Attorneys take reasonable fees from their clients, and not more than 40 pence; and that those who wish to plead in the Sheriffs' Court be free of the City and sworn.

(16) That no Pleader or Attorney advise or compel any one to make a false prosecution, on pain of being suspended for one year. (fn. 23)

(17) That every quarter proclamation be made in the City for any one who has a grievance against the Sheriffs or their servants to bring the matter before the Mayor and Aldermen, and justice shall be done.

(18) And lastly, that if any of the above articles required amendment, it should be amended by the said Mayor and Aldermen with the assent of the Commonalty.

Folio lv.

Quietaclamacio d'ni Rad'i Northerne et Thom' Levelif per Joh'em fil' Will'i atte Hoo.

ijs. vjd.

Acquittance by John, son of William atte Hoo, late brewer, to Sir Ralph Northerne, Rector of the church of St. Christopher, London, and Thomas Levelif, executors of Matilda, late wife of the said William, for property left to him by his father and mother. Witnesses, Ralph de Cauntebrugge, Walter Forster, Richard de Claveryngge, and many others [not named]. Dated 3 Nov., 30 Edward III. [A.D. 1356].

Billa missa cuilibet Aldr'o per Maiorem.

Friday before the Nativity of our Lord [25 Dec.], 30 Edward III. [A.D. 1356], precept to each Alderman to cause the streets of his Ward to be cleansed and the rubbish removed before Christmas Day.

Folio lv b.

Writ to the Mayor and Collectors of the customs and subsidies in the Port of the City, bidding them give up to Edmund de stapelgate and William de stokbury certain woad and Spanish wax that had been shipped for them from Flanders by John Little on board a vessel belonging to a mariner of "Hertay," and had been seized in the Port of London by Reginald de Sholdham together with some fresh skins on which duty had not been paid, provided it be found on inquiry that the said skins had been put on board at Faversham without the cognizance of the said Edmund and William. Witness the King at Westminster, 23 Nov., 30 Edward III. [A.D. 1356].

Inquisition held pursuant to the above writ before Henry Pycard, the Mayor, John Lovekyn and Adam de Bury, collectors of customs and subsidies in the Port of the City, in the presence of Reginald de Sholdham appointed by the King for the scrutiny of wool and other merchandise liable to custom in the said Port, on Tuesday after the Feast of St. Katherine [25 Nov.], 30 Edward III. [A.D. 1356], by the oath of Richard de Ever, Robert Gurdeler, John de Pounfreyt, Ralph de Mordone, John de Wirhale, Roger atte stone, William de Shirbourne, Simon Levelif, Thomas atte Blakelofte, John de Yakeslee, John Pikman, and William Pers. The jury find that the skins on which custom was owing had been put on board at Faversham without the knowledge of the above Edmund and William.

Names of brewers elected and appointed by the Mayor to serve the King with ale in the City from Saturday after the Feast of St. Andrew [30 Nov.], 30 Edward III. [A.D. 1356], viz.: Thomas Brix, Henry Godechepe, John Enefeld, Simon atte Gate, John de Thame, William de Berkyng, John de Redyng, John de Somertone, William Portere, John Curteys, Richard le Cook, John le Clerk, Juliana Payn, John Cook, John de Bartone, Thomas Gatyn, John atte Nook, Robert de stratford, John Bridecote, John Pikenham, William Avenaunt, John Chaundelere, Thomas atte Walle, Ralph de Mordone, Simon Levelif, John Lemman, Thomas Sharnebrok, William atte Corner, John Ive, John de Yerdele.

Nota de garcione alloc' ad custod' quand' flunam.

It was agreed by the Mayor, Adam Fraunceys, Roger de Depeham, William de Welde, Simon Dolsely, Richard de Notyngham, and Thomas Dolsely, Aldermen, that a servant (garcio) be appointed from the Feast of All Saints [1 Nov.], 30 Edward III. [A.D. 1356], to be Keeper of a vessel (flunam) recently made (de novo factam), receiving 3 pence a day.

Folio lvi.

Scriptum d'ni Joh'is de Rade clyve capell'i per Matheum de Torkeseye.

Grant by Matthew de Torkeseye, Rector of Great Chesterford [co. Essex], in the diocese of London, to Sir John de Radeclive, chaplain, of an annuity of 100s. charged on his lands and tenements in the parish of St. Mary de Aldermanbury. Dated Monday after the Feast of Annunciation [25 March], 30 Edward III. [A.D. 1356].

Indentura inter eosdem Matheum et d'um Joh'em de Radeclive.

Indenture of covenant that the above grant shall be annulled in the event of the above Sir John de Radeclive receiving an ecclesiastical benefice of the yearly value of £10 or of the above Sir Matthew de Torkeseye obtaining for him the King's charter of peace touching a judgment of outlawry passed against him in the King's Bench for a certain contempt. Witnesses, Sir Robert de Mildenhale, clerk, John Lovekyn, Thomas de Brandone, Thomas Perle, Reginald de Ferers, the King's Serjeantat-arms, Roger de Suttone, of co. Southampton, clerk, and others [not named]. Dated Tuesday after the Feast of Annunciation [25 March], 30 Edward III. [A.D. 1356].

An ordinance to the effect that no merchant of corn buy any manner of corn, malt, or salt coming to the City by water in ships or boats to the havens of Billynggesgate or Queenhithe before the said corn, malt, and salt remain for sale in the said havens for three days next after their arrival, so that the good folk and Commonalty of the said City may be able to supply their hostels and houses; and this on pain of forfeiture and imprisonment. (fn. 24)

Also that no taverner sell a gallon of new wine for more than 6 pence, and of old wine for more than 8 pence, on pain of forfeiture.

Proclamation of the above made on Monday before the Feast of St. Andrew [30 Nov.].

Folio lvi b.

Br'e pro terris liberand' Joh'i de Wesenham.

Writ to Henry Pycard, the Mayor and the King's Escheator (fn. 25) in the City, to the effect that whereas the King had recently taken into his hands the lands, tenements, and rents belonging to Walter de Chiritone, Thomas de Swanlond, and Gilbert de Wendelyngburgh for money due for the time when they were farmers of the customs and other reasons; and whereas for the good services rendered by John de Wesenham, the King's merchant, and for his having given up to the King his great crown, which had been pledged to the said John for the sum of £4,000 by the said Walter, Thomas, and Gilbert, without having received satisfaction for the same, the King had granted letters patent on the 16th June in the twenty-fourth year of his reign [A.D. 1350], conveying to the said John all the aforesaid lands, tenements, and rents of the said Walter, Thomas, and Gilbert as security for the payment of the above sum—the said Mayor is commanded hereby to deliver the same to the said John. Witness the King at Westminster, 1 Dec., 30 Edward III. [A.D. 1356].

Returnum ejusdem.

Return made to the above to the effect that the Mayor was utterly ignorant of what lands belonging to the above Walter, Thomas, and Gilbert had been taken into the King's hand, and for that reason he could not execute the writ.

Another writ to the same to show cause why the former writ had not been obeyed. Witness the King at Westminster, 5 Dec.

Return made as before.

Ordinacio Marescall' de mestero suo etc.

Saturday after the Feast of Conception B. M. [8 Dec.], 30 Edward III. [A.D. 1356], it was ordained by the Mayor, Aldermen, and good men of the Mistery of Farriers that if any one of the said mistery commit a trespass in the future, he shall on his first conviction by the Wardens of the Mistery pay to the Chamber of the Guildhall 40d.; on his second, half a mark; his third, 13s. 4d.; and on his fourth, abjure the mistery, &c.

Master Richard de Hertelee and John de Oxon', farriers, elected and sworn to survey the mistery, &c.

Br'e pro ten' et redait' qu' fuerunt Walt i de Chiritone Thome de Swanlond et Gilb'ti de Wendelvngburgh delib' and Joh'i de Wesenham.

Another writ to the Mayor and Sheriffs specifying certain tenements in the parishes of Little St. Bartholomew in the Ward of Bradestrete and St. Michael Queenhithe in the Ward of Queenhithe, belonging to Walter de Chiritone, which had been certified by the Treasurer and Barons of the Exchequer as having been taken into the King's hand, and bidding them deliver the same to John de Wesenham as formerly directed. Witness the King at Westminster, 12 Dec., 30 Edward III. [A.D. 1356].

Folio lvii.

Indentura int' Joh'em Pecche semorem pannar et Joh'em de Chichestre aur' ex una parte et Egidium Pykeman et Joh'em Courtray.

Indenture whereby Giles Pykeman and John Courtray, fishmongers, covenant to annul a bond entered into by John Pecche, senior, draper, and John de Chichestre, goldsmith, in the sum of £400 upon payment of £200 in manner specified. Dated 11 Dec., 30 Edward III. [A.D. 1356].

Afterwards, viz., on Thursday after the Feast of the Translation of St. Thomas the Martyr [7 July], 31 Edward III. [A.D. 1357], the aforesaid John Pecche and John de Chichestre paid the sum of £100 to the said Giles Pikeman and John Courtray, and on the Saturday in the octave of St. Hillary [13 Jan.], the same year [A.D. 1357-8], a like sum.

Saturday after the Feast of St. Hillary [13 Jan.], 30 Edward III. [A.D. 1356-7], came Geoffrey Bonere (Bouere?), paternostrer, and delivered to Thomas de Waldene, the Chamberlain, a sum of money which Juliana, late wife of William Bonere (Bouere?), gave to him in trust for John, son of William de Pakenhulle, the guardianship of the said John and his property had recently been committed to John de Lemenstre by Henry Pykard, the Mayor, Roger de Depham and William de Welde, Aldermen, and Thomas de Waldene, the Chamberlain Sureties for John de Lemenstre, viz., William de stodeye and John de Horsford.

Br'e pro ten' que fuerunt Joh'is Anketel.

Writ to the Mayor and Sheriffs for the Husting Rolls to be searched for particulars of the property of which John Anketel, woolmonger, was seized at the time of his death, (fn. 26) &c., and to make return of the same into Chancery. Witness the King at Westminster, 8 Jan., 30 Edward III. [A.D. 1356-7].

Returnum dicti brevis.

Return made with copy of a deed [not set out] enrolled in the Husting for Common Pleas held on Monday after the Feast of the Purification [2 Feb.], 26 Edward III. [A.D. 1351-2]. (fn. 27)

Saturday after the Feast of St. Martin [11 Nov.], 30 Edward III. [A.D. 1356], Thomas Moricz, the Common Pleader (communis narrator (fn. 28) ), who prosecutes for orphans, showed to the Mayor, Aldermen, and the Chamberlain, that whereas Auncilla, late wife of Adam Aspal, (fn. 29) desired in her will that a certain sum of money which she was keeping for John and William, children of John de Neuport, late fishmonger, should be delivered to the Chamberlain of the Guildhall for the time being, in trust for the said orphans, the said John, son of John de Neuport, had died, and the money had been unlawfully retained by Walter Forester, Thomas Irland, Arnald Rote, and Sir Ralph Northerne, Rector of the Church of St. Christopher, executors of the said Auncilla; he therefore asks that the said executors may be summoned to account for the money. The parties are accordingly summoned, except Arnald Rote, who had nothing in the City whereby he could be summoned. The rest say they had not administered the goods of the said Auncilla, and put themselves on the country. The jurors, viz., John de Harewardestoke and others [not named], from the venue of Cornhill, find that the said Walter Forester, Thomas Irland, and Sir Ralph had not administered the aforesaid goods, and therefore they may go without a day, &c.

Folio lvii b.

Br'e R' pro terris et ten' et redditib' Hospital' Sancti Jacobi.

Writ to the Mayor and the King's Escheator bidding him deliver to John de Norwych, the sub-warden of the Hospital of St. James near Westminster, the rents of certain tenements, &c., in the parishes of Little St. Bartholomew, All Hallows Bredestret, St. Mary Magdalen, Old Fish street, and St. Mary le Bow, held under the said Hospital by Richard Curtenale, John atte Wode, John Lightfot, John Triple, Robert de Kelsey, and Walter de Bernaye, which property had been certified as having been taken into the King's hand by the Mayor's predecessor in office; and further to make a return of the true value of the tenements of William Prodhom in the parish of St. Mary Magdalen on Lamberdeshulle. Witness G[ervase] de Wilford at Westminster, 6 Dec., 30 Edward III. [A.D. 1356].

Returnum dicti brevis.

Return to the effect that the above writ was delivered too late to the Mayor and therefore could not be executed.

Br'e R' pro ten' Joh'is de Northburgh.

Writ of certiorari to Henry Pykard, the Mayor and Escheator in the City, and to Robert de Kelby, clerk, touching the true value of certain tenements which belonged to John de Northburgh and had been taken into the King's hand for arrears of custom, viz., shops in "Tourstret" an d "Cevedenlane" (fn. 30) in Tower Ward. Witness G[ervase] de Wilford at Westminster, 21 Jan., 30 Edward III. [A.D. 1356-7].

Return, "late, &c."

Folio lviii.

Quedam billa pro pavagio.

Ordinances by the Mayor, Aldermen, and Commonalty for certain charges for the repair of the roads to be made on carts bringing produce to the City, viz., every cart coming and going with victuals and merchandise for sale to pay 1d.; every horse coming and going with victuals or merchandise for sale ¼d.; that carts bringing sand, gravel, and assil (fn. 31) pay by the week 3d.; carts bringing corn and flour from stratford pay by the week 3d.; carts bringing brushwood (busche) for sale ¼d.; carts bringing charcoal for sale 1d.; but carts and horses of magnates and other folk bringing victuals and other things for personal and domestic use shall pay nothing.

The above delivered to Thomas atte Crouche for Ludgate; to William Salter and Walter Raven for Neugate; to Thomas Longe, cordwainer, and Henry Peintour for Aldresgate; to John le Chaundeler and Nicholas Bedel for Crepelgate; Nicholas Ponge, John Chaundeler, John de North', cordwainer, and Walter Bedel for Bisshopesgate; William atte Hale and John Flecchere for Algate; Thomas Gandre and John Clerk for the Bridge.

Qued' acquietancia Thom' de Voudenay militis de ducatu Burgundie per Symonem de Worsted no mine Will'mi Belesby.

ijs. vjd.

Acquittance by Simon de Worsted, mercer, on behalf of Sir William Belesby, Knt., for 300 Florentine gold florins, a goblet and covercle of silver, and a gold ring which Thomas de Voudenay, Knt, of the Duchy of Burgundy, owed by way of ransom to the said Sir William, the said Thomas having been made prisoner at the battle of "Poiters," when the King of France was captured; the said money and chattels being delivered to the said Simon by Turel Guascoin, merchant of "Luke." (fn. 32) Witnesses, Henry Pykard, Mayor, Thomas Dolsely and Richard de Notyngham, Sheriffs, and Roger de Depham, the Recorder. Dated the eve of Christmas [25 Dec.], A. D. 1356. (fn. 33)

Br'e de Parliamento.

Writ to the Sheriffs for the election of four citizens to attend the Parliament to be held at Westminster on Monday after Easter week. (fn. 34) Witness the King at Westminster, 15 Feb., 31 Edward III. [A.D. 1356-7].

Adam Fraunceys and John de stodeye, Aldermen, and Simon de Bedyngton and William de Essex, Commoners, elected.

Folio lviii b.

Custodia pueror' Andree Godyn.

Saturday after the Feast of St. Matthias [24 Feb.], 31 Edward III. [A.D. 1356-7], the guardianship of Ralph, son of Andrew Godyn, late draper, aged seven years, Henry, son of the same, aged five years, and of Johanna, daughter of the same, aged four years, committed by Henry Pykard, the Mayor, Roger de Depham and William Welde, Aldermen, and Thomas de Waldene, the Chamberlain, to Peter van Spycer. Sureties, viz., Roger Rotour, "grosser," and John Flaoun, "grosser."

Afterwards, viz., on Saturday after the Feast of St. Bartholomew [24 Aug.], 48 Edward III. [A.D. 1374], came the above Henry and Johanna, who were then of full age, and demanded their property, the above Ralph being dead; and William Alborn and Hawisia his wife, late wife of the above Peter, by process against them delivered up the property, the sureties aforesaid being also dead.

Ordinances of the Mistery of Farriery (mareschalcie) submitted to Henry Pykard, the Mayor, and the Aldermen, A. D. 1356. (fn. 35)

Richard de Hertele and John de Oxon', Farriers, elected and sworn to keep the said mistery.

Henry Smythe de Holbourne, Roger Smythe de Holbourne, Robert Smythe de Holbourne, Thomas Smythe de Castelbaynard, Walter Smythe de Castelbaynard, William Smythe, Edward Smythe, John Suttone, and William Roudolf convicted once of false work.

Folio lix.

Writ to the Sheriffs for proclamation to be made forbidding the exportation of corn or other victuals, bows and arrows, &c., except to Bordeaux and Calais. Witness the King at Westminster, 26 Feb., 31 Edward III. [A.D. 1356-7].

Proclamation made accordingly on Thursday after the Feast of St. Valentine [14 Feb.], 31 Edward III. [A.D. 1356-7] The writ remains in the possession of Thomas Dolsely and Richard de Notyngham, the Sheriffs.

Writ to the Sheriffs to arrest those found exporting corn, beer, horses, bows and arrows, &c., without having given surety into Chancery that they were exporting such goods to Bordeaux, Calais, or Berwick-on-Tweed, and nowhere else. Witness the King at Westminster, 28 Feb., 31 Edward III. [A.D. 1356-7]. (fn. 36)

Proclamation made accordingly, 4 March.

Writ to the Sheriffs explaining that the above writ did not apply to men-at-arms, hoblers, and archers in the King's service who were about to start for Normandy and Brittany, and were taking provisions with them. Witness the King at Westminster, 28 Feb., 31 Edward III. [A.D. 1356-7].

Proclamation made accordingly Friday after the Feast of SS. Perpetua and Felicitas [7 March].

Extract from the will of Adam de Acres to the effect that he left the sum of £20 to Oliver his son and appointed Thomas [de Waldene], the Chamberlain of the Guildhall, to be guardian. Thereupon came John Buk, chaplain, executor of the said Adam, and delivered to the said Chamberlain the sum of £9, out of which sum he delivered to Katherine [Hynton], mother of the said Oliver, by order of Henry Picard, the Mayor, 20s. for the child's maintenance, on the 18th March, 31 Edward III. [A.D. 1356-7].

Folio lix b.

Writ to the Mayor and Sheriffs notifying the appointment of William de Shareshulle, William de Nortone, and John Moubray, as Commissioners to sit in error at the Church of St. Martin le Grand touching proceedings in an assize of freshforce brought by John de Herpesfeld, spicer, Cristina his wife, Thomas Vyvyen, Richard de Depham, John Pope, "taillour," Robert de Somersete, "taillour," and Thomas atte Bowe, "cordewaner," against the Prior of the Church of St. Bartholomew de Smethefelde, for tenements in the parish of All Hallows de Honilane, the matter having been originally tried before the Sheriffs and Coroner of the City without the King's writ and removed to the Court of Husting. (fn. 37) Witness the King at Westminster, 10 Jan., 30 Edward III. [A.D. 1356-7].

Execution of the above writ appears on the return of another writ attached to it.

Writ of William de Shareshulle and his fellow-Justices to the Mayor and Sheriffs to summon the parties aforesaid to appear before them at the Church of St. Martin le Grand on Sunday three weeks after Easter. Dated at Westminster, 1 Feb., 31 Edward III. [A.D. 1356-7].

De recordo non mittendo extra civitatem.

Return made to the effect that the franchise of the City does not allow of any process in the Husting being sent or returned before Justices sitting in error at St. Martin le Grand; but the Mayor and Aldermen, whose duty it is to record any such process, according to the custom of the City, after a respite of forty days to be advised thereon, will be prepared to record the process by word of mouth of the City's Recorder, according to custom when they appear, as the franchise requires.

Thomas Dolsely and Richard de Notyngham, the Sheriffs, summon the Prior of the Church of St. Bartholomew de Smethefeld by John Broun and Robert Garsoun. And because the aforesaid Justices did not appear at the said time and place the above writ and command were not returned. Afterwards, viz., on Friday after the Feast of the Invention of H. Cross [3 May], 31 Edward III. [A.D. 1357], the aforesaid Justices sent an order to the Mayor and Sheriffs, as appears infra [fo. lx b].

Folio lx.

Proclamacio de treugis pro duobus annis.

21 April, 31 Edward III. [A.D. 1357], proclamation made of a truce having been entered into between England and France to last until Easter next and thenceforward for two years. (fn. 38)

Thursday after the Feast of Annunciation [25 March], 31 Edward III. [A.D. 1357], came Alice, daughter of John de Aylesham, before Henry Picard, the Mayor, Roger de Depham, Alderman, and Thomas de Waldene, the Chamberlain, and acknowledged the receipt of a certain sum of money from Simon de Worstede and William de Welde. (fn. 39)

Peticiones missed'no Regi per cives London'.

Thursday before the Feast of St. George [23 April], 31 Edward III. [A.D. 1357], a petition for relief was sent to the King and his Council to the following effect, viz. :—

Whereas the good folk of the City had been charged for taxes and tallages above all others of the Commons, and whereas they had lent the King at Durghdreit (fn. 40) more than £60,000, and many merchants were in arrear and many had delivered more wool than was due owing to the difference between the standard weight at Durghdreit and in England, to their great loss; and whereas they had lent the King at one time £5,000, and at another £2,000, which had not been repaid; and whereas they had lent for the King's use when before Calais and elsewhere the sum of £40,000, paying the same to Walter de Chiriton and his companions on the security of two patents in the Chancery sealed with the Great Seal, and at divers other times more than £30,000, which had not been repaid; and whereas they had been at greater charges than others of the Commons in respect of the King's expeditions to Scotland, Gascony, Brabant, Flanders, Brittany, and France, as well as the siege of Calais, and against the Spaniards in providing men-at-arms, archers, and ships in aid of the war; and whereas carriages, victuals, and merchandise, both within the City and without, have been taken by divers purveyors without payment, contrary to the liberties of the City; and whereas by reason of the death of the richer inhabitants of the City at the time of the pestilence, and their property having fallen into the hand of Holy Church, the City had become impoverished and more than one-third of it empty; they pray the King to take these matters into consideration, as also the manner in which the City had been at all times loyally kept and the peace preserved, thus setting an example to the whole realm.

Also show the said good folk that whereas it is recorded in the Great Charter that the said City should have its franchises and customs, it had lately been decreed that matters done in London should be tried by men of foreign counties, to the derogation of the said franchises, whereby the good folk of the said City refuse to become Mayor, Alderman, or other officer within the same, and the more substantial of them refuse to live or traffic therein, and others refuse to come to the City. They further show that the realm of England had become enriched and replenished with gold, silver, &c., by the number of merchants and mariners from various lands, and the cities, boroughs, Cinque Ports, and other places were strongly maintained, which now had become impoverished and almost destroyed, and the price of foreign merchandise had become increased by a half or more. And whereas the said good folk only live by merchandise and work, which had sorely diminished, and their franchises had been taken away without any offence on their part, and foreign merchants who took their gains out of the country were more free than themselves, they therefore pray the King for a remedy before they be utterly destroyed, and for a confirmation of their franchises.

Folio lx b.

Also, whereas the King had granted the citizens of the said City by charter that no merchant or purveyor of his house should take anything from the citizens against their will, may he be pleased to grant a letter patent under the Great Seal to that effect.

Mandamus from William de Shareshulle and his fellowJustices to the Mayor and Sheriffs to produce before them at the church of St. Martin le Grand, on Sunday after the Feast of the Ascension [18 May], the record of proceedings between the Prior of the Church of St. Bartholomew in Smethefeld and John de Herpesfeld, Cristina his wife, Thomas Vyvyen, Richard de Depham, John Pope, "taillour," Robert de Somersete, "taillour," and Thomas atte Bowe, "cordewaner," touching a fresh-force against the said Prior in respect of a tenement in the parish of All Hallows de Honilane. Dated at Westminster, 1 Feb., 31 Edward III. [A.D. 1356-7].

Execution of the above appears on the preceding folio [fo. lix b].

Writ to the Sheriffs to make proclamation of the enclosed prices fixed for the different counties, below which price no wool was to be bought under pain of forfeiture as prescribed, pursuant to an agreement and ordinance made in the present Parliament; (fn. 41) and further, that a sack of wool shall comprise 26 stone, and each stone 14 pounds and no more, and that every stone, pound, and other parcel of wool shall be bought in proportion to the price fixed (juxta ratam sortis predicte emantur). Witness the King at Westminster, 5 May, 31 Edward III. [A.D. 1357].

Folio lxi.

Bedtordshire, 8 marks; Bucks, 8½ marks; Rutland, 9 marks; Berks, 8 marks Derby, 8 marks Cambridgeshire, 8 marks; Huntingdon, 8 marks; Wiltshire, 8 marks; Suth[ampton], 100s.; Essex, 7 marks; Hertford, 8 marks; Worcester, except "Halshire" (fn. 42) and "Dodyngtre," 10 marks; "Halshire" and "Dodyngtre," 8 marks; Gloucester, 10 marks; Hereford, 12½ marks; Salop, 11 marks; Lincoln, except "Holand," 10½ marks; "Holand," 8 marks; Oxon, 9½ marks; Leicester, viz., Elmet, Burghshire, Ripshire, Walde, and Ridale, 9½ marks; Yorkshire, viz., Holdernesse, Craven, Spaldyngmore, Clyveland, Blackhoumore, Richemoundshire, 6 marks; Somerset, 9½ marks; stafford, 9½ marks; North[ampton], 9 marks; Not[tingham], 9 marks; Warwick, 8½ marks; Dorset, 100s.; Middlesex, 7 marks; Kent, Surrey, and Sussex, 6 marks; Norfolk and Suffolk, 5½ marks; Northumberland, Cumberland, and Westmorland, 5 marks; Lancashire, 6 marks; the Bishopric of Durham, 6 marks.

The above writ, which remains in the possession of Richard de Notyngham and Thomas Dolsely, the Sheriffs, was proclaimed on Monday after the Feast of St. John ante portam Latinam [6 May], 31 Edward III. [A.D. 1357]. Afterwards, viz., on the following Tuesday, the above writ was amended by the King and Council, and another proclaimed to the effect that all wool, woolfells, [and] hides so bought shall be brought to one of the staples and be there weighed and housed for fifteen days. And be it known that this clause ought to be read in the above writ after these five words, viz., juxta ratam sortis predicte emantur.

A general release by Thomas Aldhous, hosier, to Thomas de Macchyngge, "chesmongere," and John his son, apprentice to the aforesaid Thomas. Witnesses, Richard de Keselyngbury, William de Welde, Matthew Broun, Thomas de Welford, John Beauchamp, Richard Knowesle, and others [not named]. Dated 5 May, 31 [Edward III.].

Writ to the Sheriffs notifying an addition made to the above ordinance fixing the price of wool, &c., to the effect that no refusal or rejection of wool by merchants buying wool should be allowed except as in times past, viz., "de cot', gare et villayn tyson," under penalty aforesaid, and ordering them to make proclamation accordingly. Witness the King at Westminster, 15 May, 31 Edward III. [A.D. 1357].

Proclamation made accordingly, Wednesday, the eve of the Ascension [18 May].

Ordinacio Scriptor' Illuminator' et Barbitonsor'.

20 May, 31 Edward III. [A.D. 1357], ordinance by Henry Pykard, the Mayor, and the Aldermen, exempting scriveners writing court-hand and text, limners (illuminatores), and barbers from serving on Sheriffs' inquests, saving, however, that when summoned to come to the Guildhall on important business of the City they attend under penalty. (fn. 43)