Pages 24-37
The Manuscripts of Lincoln, Bury St. Edmunds Etc. Fourteenth Report, Appendix; Part VIII. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1895.
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Registers, vol. II (1511-42)
1518, 26 March.—Will of Robert Wymark, bequeathing certain lands to Robert Turnour, chantry-priest of the chantry of Alexander FitzMartin in the church of St. Laurence, to pray for the soul of Edward Brown, jeweller. f. 106.
1526.—Will of Harry Byngley, with bequest to "the Resurreccion Gyld" in the church of St. Martin. f. 107.
—, 20 Aug.—Will of John Huchunsone.
1521, 7 Aug.—Foundation of a chantry in the church of St. Michael on the Hill by agreement between the abbot and convent of Barlings and alderman Rob. Dyghton. f. 108b.
—, 1 Sept.—Will of Walter Huggard. f. 109.
1525, 28 June. Will of John Jobson. f. 112.
1554.—Writ of Quo Warranto against the city. f. 128b.
1563, 12 Oct.—"A copye of the prevye seale for the discharge of the fiftenes." f. 138. See also ff. 152, 157.
Copies of charters of Rich. I. 23 Apr. an. 5 (1194) and of Hen. III., 21 Nov. an. 11 (1226). f. 150.
In 1578 the curious name of "Oriundus" Hill occurs. 170b.
1610, 20 Jan.—Will of Thomas Grantham, of the Black Monks near Lincoln, esq. f. 225b.
At the end on ff. 318–320 are entered copies of writs from Charles II., and certificates from officers of the Duchy of Lancaster and the liberties of St. Mary's at York, and from bishops of Ely in 1700 and 1725, for exemption of certain persons from payment of market-tolls, etc., as belonging to the ancient demesnes of the Crown, or (in virtue of a recited grant from Rich. I.) as tenants of the church of Ely.
Vol. II. A volume of 289 leaves of stout paper, bound in oak boards, covered with leather stamped with the Tudor rose, portcullis, fleur-delis, castle, &c. In good preservation. It contains entries from 1511 to the beginning of 1542, of the acts of the Common Council, the Secret Council, and the Court Leets. The first entry is an ordinance on 8 Oct. 1511, for the election of 24 discreet and honest persons in addition to the twelve aldermen to keep and order all acts to be made in the Common Council; and on the same day the privilege is granted to Robert Dighton, late mayor, of making one person a freeman of the city in return for his giving ten marks to discharge a debt of the city to Robert Wymark.
Bond from the city to Sir John Hussey, knt. in 100 marks that they will not henceforth elect any one of the inhabitants of Branston to serve the office of mayor, sheriff, or chamberlain; 15 Nov. 1511. f. 5. (Several cases occur of refusal to serve the office of sheriff.)
Case of the surrender of Paul Brandys, surgeon, a prisoner for debt, who had escaped into the privileged place of Beamound's Rents. Ibid.
Admissions of freemen and apprentices. ff. 8, 9. &c., continued at the end of each year.
1514, 4 March.—Order for taking muster of all able persons in the city that be archers, in obedience to a letter from the King requiring that 10 able persons, either demilances or else archers on horseback, shall be ready to go at the King's wage into France. f. 23b. From a subsequent entry on 24 March it is found that these ten soldiers were to form part of the retinue of the Earl of Lincoln, who sent word that he was content that they shall have "harnes of revyttes and jakytes as that they had affore at the last viage, and white fustiane dublettes with yelow howse, and horses to ryde uppone."
1514, 12 Apr.—It is agreed that the mayor shall bring in the great book called "the Blythe," and another "bourded" book and the charter of Edw. IV., with a canvas bag wherein is the perambulation of the lands of the commons of the city, with other rolls of paper. f. 27b.
—. Entry of contributions collected for the payment of 16l. to the chantry called Burgh-chantry in the close of Lincoln. ff. 34, 35.
—. Inventory of effects delivered by the out-going mayor to his successor; three keys, the seal of the mayoralty made of silver, three collars of silver for the three waits, of which one has 24 links with an escocheon, another 28 links with a shield, and the third 26 links and a shield. f. 35. [These chains and badges are again described in 1538 at f. 270b.]
1515, 19 Jan.—Richard Clerke, the recorder, and Robert Alansone are re-elected burgesses for Parliament. The rate of contribution for their payment follows. f. 38b.
—. Estimate of the cost of the renewal of the city charter: viz. for the writing it, 8 marks; for the examining it, 26s. 8d.; for the lace, 16d.; for the chaffer of the wax, 8d.; for the seal, 20s. 4d.; for the enrolment, 4l.; and for the fine to the King, at the least 4l. f. 40b.
—, 27 July.—It is agreed that whereas divers garments and other "heriorments" are yearly borrowed in the country for the arraying of the pageants of St. Anne's guild, but now the knights and gentlemen are afraid with the plague so that the "graceman" cannot borrow such garments, every alderman shall prepare and set forth in the said array two good gowns, and every sheriff and every chamberlain a gown, and the persons with them shall wear the same. And the constables are ordered to wait upon the array in procession, both to keep the people from the array, and also to take heed of such as wear garments in the same. f. 42b.
—, 8 Oct.—Fines imposed upon aldermen, &c. who do not, in accordance with the laudable and ancient custom of the city, give their attendance on the mayor in Advent and Lent from his house to the Minster, and then home to his house again. f. 48.
—, 5 Nov.—Order that the mayor with five or six others shall have communication with Dr. Ranstone for the profits of St. Anne's guild. f. 50.
—. Names of twenty "typolers [tipplers] that fynd sewerty for gud abeyrynge acordyng to the Statute;" in four instances being bound for their wives. f. 51.
1516, 11 Aug.—A burgess named Wymark is committed to ward for refusing to pay 3s. 4d. as his contribution for an Exchequer writ, and with seditious words walking up and down in the guild-hall saying that the hall was wrongly used, for he had paid for it. f. 53. [Other cases of "seditious words" occur frequently. At f. 89b an alderman is committed to ward for the like. All such cases were heard privately in a "Secret Council" composed of the mayor, aldermen and sheriffs, before which personal matters and some of special importance were brought.]
1516, 10 Jan.—Ordered that three aldermen now sworn shall each of them have a gown of crimson, according to the laudable and ancient custom, ready against Pasch-day next. f. 53b.
—, 10 Jan. and 25 March.—Sir Robert Burton, chantry-priest of the Chapel upon the High-bridge, resigns the chantry, which is given to Sir William Yates. ff. 54b, 55b.
—, An assessment made for defraying the expense of bringing home the new charter. f. 56b.
—, 28 Apr.—Six persons committed to ward for departing from the Mayor's procession on Ascension day. f. 56b.
—. Contribution towards the making a stock for setting up the cloth trade, the mayor having gotten a clothier to come to the city for this purpose. f. 57b.
—, 30 Oct.—Entry of the public re-delivery by ald. Robert Wymark of a silver saltcellar weighing 21½ ounces which had been pledged to him by John Stanley for 4l. f. 69b.
1517, 19 March.—Ordered that all spinners of wool and other clothmakers who shall come to the city shall have their freedom as long as they dwell there. and shall be free for three years from summons to any quest. f. 71.
—, 10 June, 22 Sept.—Sir Robert Denyas appointed St. Anne's priest, to sing for the brethren and sisters and benefactors of the guild, for his life "off a gud and lawfull beryng," having yearly 5l., he promising yearly to help to the bringing forth and preparing of the pageants in St. Anne's guild. ff. 72b, 75.
—, 26 Oct.—The chantry-lands of St. Thomas-upon-the-Bridge ordered to be viewed. f. 78.
A meeting to be called to know what each man will give, according to their valuation, for the purchasing of a school-house for the master of the grammar-school. Ibid.
1518, 10 June.—A collection begins to be made towards the cleansing and repairing of the Foss-dyke, for which the King has sent down his commission. f. 80. [The work was found to involve more cost than it proved easy to discharge, and on 14 Dec. it is reported that the Bishop of Lincoln had issued a commission to all curates and others in his diocese for aid, and granted pardon to all them that helped in the same, and collectors are appointed in consequence to ride to divers towns. f. 92b. Collections continued to be made for a long time, including York and Hull in their range.]
—, —. Lease of the "Chequyre in the Myres" granted to the Recorder. Ibid.
—, 16 June.—Master Sammes late graceman of St. Anne's gild delivered to Master Peresone, now graceman, a hamper with jewels of the same gild. f. 81.
Ordered that every alderman shall send forth a servant with a torch to be lighted in the procession with a rochet upon him about the Sacrament, upon pain of forfeiture of 6s. 8d., and also, under like penalty, send forth one person with a good gown upon his back to go in the procession. That every constable shall wait on the procession on St. Anne's day by 7 of the clock, upon pain of forfeiture of 12d. Ibid. [In 1521 the "rochet" becomes "an onest gowne," the aldermen's forfeits are reduced to 3s. 4d., and the constables' encreased to that sum. f. 131b. In 1525 the aldermen are each to provide a gown of silk for the kings; the constables' forfeit is reduced to 6d.; every man of the city in his degree is to wait upon the mayor, under penalty of 4d.; and it is ordered that every occupation shall prepare and apparel the pageants in all preparation except plate and cups ["copes"]. f. 179b. List of defaulters in 1526. f. 189. In 1527 the parishioners of St. John Evang. in Wykford refuse to lend "honorments." f. 198. Form of indenture made with the graceman, 29 July, 1528. f. 206b.]
1518, 16 June.—M. Pereson, now graceman of St. Anne's gild, sheweth a gown of black damask "abime," indented about with black velvet, of the gift of John Carre to the use and honour of the said gild. f. 81b. Will. Fox to have the said gown in keeping, and lend it to no person. Ibid.
—, 21 Oct. A collection made for repair of the School-house. f. 90b.
The constables to bring all beggars and idle persons before the Mayor, who shall cause those to fall to work who can, or else to void the city. Ibid.
—, 14 Dec.—Exchange of land with the priest of the Fitzmartin chantry. f. 93.
1519, 7 Apr.—Barthol. Willyford to ride to Markby Abbey and speak with the prior for the sealing of the deed for the house of the schoolmaster, and to bear the money with him that is owing for the same. f. 95. Further orders about payment, ff. 104b, 129b, 148b.
—, 18 June.—An order formerly made that no mayor should command any of his brethren to ward without the assent of six of his brethren is annulled. f. 96b.
Leave given to Sir Edw. Burgh to buy and carry forth 10 or 12 load of stone. f. 97.
—, —. Agreed that every man and woman in the city, being able, shall be brother and sister in St. Anne's gild, and pay yearly 4d., man and wife, at the least. Ibid.
Every occupation belonging to St. Anne's gild to bring forth their pageants sufficiently, upon pain of forfeiting 10l. f. 97b. [The bellman has the charge of the things belonging to the gild. Ibid.]
Other orders for the pageants. ff. 115, 123.
—, 22 Sept. The Old George in Eastgate is granted for ever to master Tailbois and his heirs at an annual rent of 4d. f. 99b.
—, 13 Oct.—Sammer, a justice of the peace for the city, is censured for offering a bribe of 10l. to Robert Howlet to be favourable to John Brampston who had killed Robert Coots. f. 103b
1520, 20 March.—Agreement that the customary payment shall be made of 2s. yearly to the prior and convent of the house of the friar Dominick for the wax light before the high altar. f. 108b.
—, 23 April.—Ordered that all the common council shall be present on Sunday next at the burial of John Tailbois, mayor. f. 109.
—, —. Agreement with William Spencer, freemason, and his fellows for the building of the Gild-hall. f. 109b.
—, 16 May.—Sir Will. Yattes, the chantry-priest of the chapel of St. Thomas the Martyr upon the High Bridge being deceased, and the place must be filled up within eight days by the mayor and commons, it is agreed that a "kalander" [a poll] shall be made of such honest priests as will labour for it, and they that have the most voices to be presented to the Dean and Chapter to have the chantry. f. 111. There were four candidates, Sir John Percyvell, Sir Robert Wodward, al. Wodworth, Sir John Pykke, and Sir Richard Cateroll; of whom Percyvell received 4 votes, Wodward 22, and the others none. Wodward gives security to lay out 4l. within two years on the repairs of the tenements belonging to the chantry.
1520, 23 May, 27 June.—William Bretylbank, one of the sergeants of the city, is complained of, deprived of his office, and committed to ward. ff. 113b, 116.
—, 19 July.—William Benne, chaplain, unanimously elected chaplain of the chantry of Dalderby in St. Bennet's church. f. 116b
—, —. One of the sheriffs fined for not duly executing the sentence on Robert Bisshopp, who after being made to abjure the city for petty bribery returned, and was sentenced to be set in the pillory and to have his ears nailed to it. f. 117b.
—, Oct.—Special allowance of land to the incoming mayor and of the right of creating three freemen, by reason of scarceness of corn and other victual and his great charge in keeping of his house to the honour of the city. ff. 121b, 122.
—, 10 and 25 Oct.—Various sheriffs fined for escapes of prisoners through their neglect. ff. 123a, b, 128.
The gild of St. Anne let to farm. f. 124b.
Persons appointed to take to the use of the Mayor and Commons, according to the King's grant by his charter, all such swans as be strays and of which the owner is not known. Ibid.
—, 26 Nov.—William Dyghton, schoolmaster, is bound over to keep the peace. f. 125.
A fisherman fined for saying that if any victualler coming to the city will give the mayor any part or dish of fish, he may sell at his pleasure, or else he will be "pullyd and gollyd." Ibid.
—, 10 Dec.—Whereas divers books pertaining to the Gildhall, as well concerning the Common Council as other writings, be embezzled and withdrawn, and no knowledge can be had where they are nor by whom they were withdrawn, the mayor shall cause such as have occupied any books to be spoken with, and if no person will acknowledge the having them, then a monition shall proceed of cursing against all such persons as keep any such books, rolls, evidences, muniments or other writings. f. 125b.
—, 10 Dec.—Will. Dyghton, schoolmaster, and John Welcome, scrivener, give bail for a "scoler" to keep the peace. f. 126b.
1521, 21 Jan.—The Recorder declares that he will no longer hold office because of certain misdemeanours and misordering of the best of the city as well as of the commonalty; but at the urgent request of the mayor and his brethren and also of my lord dean of Lincoln he consented still to occupy the room of the recordership upon condition that the misdemeanours be mended. f. 127.
—, 30 Jan.—Order that certain acts comprised in a bill made by the Recorder's advice for the common profit of the city be of authority and be registered in the book of customary of the city. f. 127b.
—, 10 Feb.—The bridge at the Bargate and the "Gawte" bridge ordered to be paved. f. 128b.
The watch to be surely kept nightly within the precinct and shire of the city by eight persons in harness to serve the King. Ibid.
—, —. Sir Robert Cowper, vicar of Bolingbroke, arrested by a servant of the sheriff of the county in Eastgate within the precinct of the city contrary to its privileges. Ibid.
1521, 10 Feb.—Letter to a member of the Privy Council complaining that corn had been stopped by the sheriff of the county on its way to market. f. 129.
—, 20 Apr.—A deputation appointed to go to Mistress Taylboys about the bringing forth of St. Anne's gild. f. 130.
Agreed that the Mayor shall cause a cursing to be published through the city against all those that have withdrawn records and books of the Common Council. Ibid.
—, 16 July.—List of persons who complain of toll being taken of them by the officers of Nottingham. f. 131b.
A vagabond taken in the city among "vacabunds and valyant beggers" is set in the stocks and then let go. Ibid.
George Browne, alderman, elected in the place of the graceman of St. Anne's gild, complains that as the plague is reigning in the city he cannot get such garments and "honourments" as should be in the pageants of the procession; wherefore it is agreed to borrow a gown of my lady "Powes" for one of the Maries, and the other Mary to be arrayed in the crimson gown of velvet that belongeth to the gild; and the prior of St. Katherine's to be spoken with to have such "honourments" as we have had aforetime. f. 132.
—, —. Letters to and from the Mayor of Nottingham respecting mutual complaints about the exaction of tolls contrary to a composition made between the two places. f. 132b.
—, —. Aldermen Browne and Forman ordered to bring forth St. Anne's gild on pain of forfeit by each of 40s. without pardon. f. 133.
—, 20 June.—One John Oltby, or Otley, of Bowden, Cheshire, examined who had come to Lincoln on his way to go to our Lady of Walsingham. Ibid.
—, Aug.—7 Sept.—Assessment for ten soldiers. ff. 133b, 135.
—, 7 Sept.—The Mayor brings in a book of the Common Council that was found in M. Taylboys' house after his decease and saith that he hath no books and papers that were found in his house. f. 135b.
—, 30 Oct.—The Mayor shows a paper of Mr. Dighton for the foundation of a priest to sing in the church of St. Michael upon the hill for him, his father and mother and others, with all the brethren and sisters of St. Anne's gild, the same to be by the gift of Dighton during his life, and afterwards of his executors during their lives, and after their decease of the Mayor and commons of the city, as all other chantries within the city are and ever have been; with a proviso that the said chaplain shall yearly be ready to help to the preparing and bringing forth of the procession of St. Anne's day, and after Dighton's decease to be called for ever St. Anne's priest. If the Mayor and Commons make default in giving of the same for 15 days, then Sir William Tyrwhyt and his heirs to give the same. f. 141b.
—, 21 Nov.—Four men who came from London to the fair, one to see his grandmother, another to sell ale, the third to seek work, and the fourth to sell pins and laces, are all commanded to the stocks to be punished as vagabonds, although it is said of the first that no trespass can be found in him. Ibid.
—, 31 Dec.—The house for the schoolmaster to be repaired. ff. 142b [152b, 166b].
A composition with the prior of St. Katherine's to be new made. Ibid.
Every alderman to make a gown for the kings in the pageant on St. Anne's day, and the Pater noster play to be played this year. Ibid.
1522, 13 June.—Two honest persons to be appointed in each parish to gather the money on St. Anne's day. f. 144.
The soldiers who are to go forth are to be seen in their harness that it may be ready when they are called upon. f. 144b.
—, 12 Aug.—Randall Hamour committed to prison with a pair of fetters on his legs for coming by night to a house with sword, buckler and dagger, and keeping it suspiciously until the Mayor sent one of the sheriffs for him at 11 of the bell at night, and when brought before the Mayor he with seditious words called him "false knave." On 22 Aug. he is bailed. f. 148b.
—, —. Nicholas Brught, hatter, being examined as to where he was born saith he was born in Arras in Burgone lande, and that three hatters in London will bear him record of the same. Ibid.
Here one leaf, 151, is left blank, and the handwriting afterwards changes: no doubt in consequence of the death of the Town Clerk by whom the whole preceding portion of the volume was written.
—, 9 Oct.—Every man to keep convenient silence when the Mayor commandeth him upon pain of forfeiting one penny. f. 153.
—, 2 Oct.—A man to be sent to London to buy such harness as is wanted, and as many Almain rivets as may be bought for 6l. f. 154.
—, 6 Nov.—The mercers, bakers, and tanners to have their several charters sealed with the common seal on payment of 13s. 4d. f. 155. [The bakers, f. 159.]
The market for poultry, eggs, and all white meat to be kept in St. Laurence's parish. Ibid.
1523, 17 Jan.—Whereas the Chanter of the Cathedral has felled the ashes that grew in the churchyard that was late of the church of the Trinity at the Gresefoot, which is now not used as a sanctified place, whereby it is supposed that the King hath "re-interest" into the same, it is agreed unanimously that seizure shall be made of the same in the King's behalf to the use of the city, and if the Chanter make any suit at law, the defence shall be borne of the common money. f. 156b.
No pig to be sold above 4d. (—the same in 1534—) on pain of forfeiture by buyer and seller of 2d. each. Ibid.
—, 9 April.—Thomas Burton appointed lieutenant for the Mayor John Halton, who is elected to be one of the burgesses in Parliament. f. 157
—, 28 May.—The Mayor sheweth that he hath been in Parliament from the Saturday in Pasch week, when he took his journey, [11 Apr.], to the Monday in Whitson week when he came home [25 May]; the expenses are 4s. the day for both burgesses; that he had communication with my lord of Lincoln concerning the ashes that the Chanter of the church of Lincoln hath felled in divers churchyards, and a "resonably" answer shall be given when my lord's Chancellor cometh to Lincoln. f. 158.
—, —. Six shillings to be paid to John Jakson for his attendance when he was the King's post in this city. f. 158b.
—, — (and 2 June).—Orders for St. Anne's day. f. 159, [160].
—, —. The executors of the will of Edward Browne report that they have purchased lands for the augmentation of the Fitzmartin chantry in the church of St. Laurence. Ibid.
1523, 19 Aug.—The mayor, who is come from the Parliament, sheweth what he and the Recorder have done in the Parliament, and that there is now owing to them for their expenses 12l. f. 161.
—, —. The tavern under "Stanbow" let to Will. Archbold at the yearly rent of 8s. Ibid.
—, 3 Feb.—Examination of a saffron seller as a vagabond, who dwelleth no where and hath no ware to sell, with particulars of all the places he had been at since 1 Jan. f. 163.
—, 28 May.—Charter of the fraternity and gild of bakers, founded chiefly in honour of St. Clement. f. 164a. b.
1524, 31 May.—In a Secret Council it is showed that Sir Thomas Lovell, knt., is deceased, whence it is needful that communication be had with the Recorder what way and to whom labour should be made to solicit my Lord Ros for pardon of 100l. due to him, parcel of the fee-farm of the city, which Sir T. Lovell pardoned for his life, having yearly twenty marks. f. 166b. [Orders thereupon. ff. 172, 175a, b, 176.]
—, —. Communication to be had with the Dean and Chapter for the enclosing of the commons beyond Bishop-bridge. f. 167.
—, 10 Dec.—In a Secret Council the Mayor, the Recorder and Thomas Burton show what communication they have had at London with my lord Roos concerning the 100l., and what answer they have of him [which is not given]. f. 177. [Further entries occur on 28 Jan. 1525, 3 Apr., 17 May, 21 June; 1526, 12 March, 14 Nov.; 1527, 6 Apr., 26 Sept.; 1528, 2 Apr., 13 June. ff. 177b, 178a, b, 179b, 187, 195b, 196b, 198, 205, 206a, b. A year and a half's payment is made to Lord Roos's counsel at the same rate as was paid to Sir T. Lovell on 28 Nov. 1525. ff. 185b, 186.]
—, —. Two honest gowns to be provided for the two waits against Christmas. Ibid.
1525.—Abstract of the revenues of the city. f. 186b.
1527, 4 May.—Mr. Dyghtone, schoolmaster, stands to his taking of the tenement between St. Rumbold's churchyard without Claskytgate and the School-house, according as he took it on 4 Jan. last; promises to get an able learned man to keep the grammar-school, who is to be admitted by the Chancellor of the Church of Lincoln; and gives bail for his appearing in the city court to answer to such actions as shall be brought against him, from day to day, until discharged. f. 197b. Order for the building or repairing of this house for the schoolmaster, 19 July. f. 198.
—, 26 Sept.—A tun of Gascon wine granted to the mayor for entertainment of strangers. f. 205.
1528, 2 Apr.—Election of a chaplain of the chantry of Robert de Dalderby in St. Benedict's Church. Sir Thomas Ingram elected by 31 voices over Sir Thomas Frere with 21 and Sir Will. Smyth with 3. f. 206.
—, 7 Sept.—"Causes of the decay of the city of Lincoln": a statement submitted to lord Roos with regard to the annual payment to him. The decay began originally by the removal of the staple to Calais. Now there are 200 houses clearly decayed, and the sheriffs have not of certainty where they can gather 30l. towards their charges. f. 207.
—, 29 Oct.—It is agreed that no more than 20 marks be paid to Lord Roos. f. 208. Further orders about the case, 1529, 17 Jan.; 1534, 12 Sept. (Sir Will. Ascough, knt., requested to mediate), 17 Oct.; 1535, 27 Jan., 8 Apr., 15 May; 1536, 4 May. ff. 210b, 239, 243b, 245b, 247, 248b, 254.
1528. 29 Oct.—Agreed that if any of the Common Council have communing of high and inordinate words, and will not cease when the knock is struck with the mall, they shall forfeit one halfpenny as often as they be culpable; provided that it shall it be lawful for any to stand up and commune alone as long as need shall require. Ibid. [In 1534 the fine is fixed at 1d. for the first offence, 2d. for the second, 3d. for the third, and 4d for the fourth. f. 232b.]
1529.—The midsummer fair claimed for Bishop Longland, but on the city charters being shown him, he withdraws the claim. f. 210b.
—, 24 June.—Sir William Smyth elected chaplain of the chantry of St. Thomas M. on High bridge, called the Wykford Chantry, by 26 voices over Sir John Losemer with six. f. 211.
1530, 21 March.—Agreed that every person shall contribute to the bringing forth of Corpus Christi gild according as they are assessed; and that St. George's gild shall be maintained and brought forth yearly. f. 216.
—, —. Sir Thomas Freire elected chaplain of the Dalderby antry vacant by the death of Will. Benne. Ibid.
—, —. Notice from Lord Roos of the death of William Clerke, the Recorder. f. 216b.
1531, 14 March.—Order for the enrolment of the last Charter in the Exchequer. f. 220 [and f. 223a, b].
—, 26 Sept.—Agreed that St. Anne's priest shall wait upon master Mayor daily, and the Mayor shall find him his board, and every Mayor hereafter shall do the same or forfeit the 10l. which they have of the common chamber. f. 222.
—, —. William Sammes never to be one of the Common Council, for divers causes. Ibid.
—, 20 Oct.—Walter Marrys (?) of London having offered to labour with the Lord Chancellor for the relief of the city, it is agreed to ask his help to appr[opriate] four benefices to the church of Lincoln in discharge of the 80l. part of the fee-farm of the city. f. 223.
1532, 11 July.—Master Thomas Moyne elected Recorder. f. 224.
1533, 22 Jan.—Vincent Grantham, esq., and William Sammes, burgesses in Parliament. f. 228.
—, —. All the stone and ramell of All Hallows church sold to V. Grantham for 26s. 8d. Ibid.
—, 14 June.—Agreed that the chamberlain of the east ward shall take down the tiles, timber and stone of St. Augustine's church, as all other churches decayed shall be. f. 228b.
—, 24 Oct. (fn. 1) —Every alderman who has been a mayor to wear henceforth whenever they attend upon the Mayor a tippet of velvet about their necks, under penalty of 3s. 4d. f. 232b.
—, 8 Nov.—Agreed that no baker or brewer bear or send any bread or ale to their customers upon the Sunday or other principal festival days under penalty of 12d. totiens quotiens, unless by license of the Mayor. f. 233.
1533, 8 Nov. The common seal to be kept in a chest now made for the purpose with three locks and three keys. f. 233b.
1534, 20 March.—Order for payment of 3l. 10s. to Vincent Grantham, esq. for a hat of maintenance for this city and a scabbard for the sword of cloth of "tyschey" [tissue] which he hath brought down from London. f. 235.
— 12 Sept.—Agreed that as St. Austin's church and the Holy Trinity church at the Grece foot are ruined and at falling down, the walls of the said churches shall be taken down, and the stones and all other utensils and necessaries in them be sold; but certain stones of St. Austin's be given for reparation of St. Swithin's church. f. 239.
—, —. The bells of the two churches to be sold; one half of the money to go to the common chamber, and the other half to the parishioners of St. Swithin for the use of their church. f. 239b. [The parishioners to pay the price. f. 252b.]
—, —. The Warden of the Grey Friars to have sufficient stone from the said churches for reparation of his house and church, freely and of charity. Ibid.
—, 14 Sept.—The parishioners of St. Swithin's to have the walls of St. Austin's church for 33s. 4d. f. 240b.
—. Oath to be taken in pursuance of the Act of Succession. f. 241.
—, 6 Oct.—The King's commission of array. f. 244.
1535, 27 Jan.—The church of the Holy Trinity at "Greise" foot, St. "Bayth" church, (fn. 2) the church of the Holy Trinity at Grey Friars, and St. Michael's at the "Gottes," to be taken down, and every thing to be sold to the use of the common chamber, the chancels excepted. f. 245b, and 8 Apr. f. 247.
—, 12 Feb.—The church of St. Michael at Gottes sold to the parishioners of St. Peter at Gottes for 10l. f. 246.
—, —. Payment of 5l. 10s. made to Will. Sammes for his expenses in Parliament. Ibid.
—, —. Proclamation made at Standbow and in the market-place at Wykford, in obedience to the King's writ, of certain ordinances made by advice of his Council. Ibid.
—, Apr.—At a Court leet it is agreed that William Dyghtone be discharged of his aldermanship. f. 246b.
—, 8 Apr.—License to the Warden of the Grey Friars to lay his conduit in the common ground of the city where he shall think most convenient, and to have the license under the common seal given to him of charity. f. 247.
—, —. The 5l. received for the sale of St. Michael's church to go towards the new "edge" and dyke of the commons on the south part of the town. Ibid.
—, —. Communication to be had with the Lord Burgh about the privy seals which he hath brought down against the late Mayor and the aldermen for swearing the inhabitants of the Baylle to the succession of the Crown; and if any of them be punished for compelling those inhabitants to come before them to be sworn, then their costs shall be borne by the common chamber. f. 247.
Further order on 25 May. f. 248.
1535, 24 Apr.—Tiles sold from St. Leonard's church. f. 247b.
The abbot of Bardney buys stones from St. Austin's church. Ibid.
Stones from Trinity church next the Black Friars to be used for mending the highways in St. Mark's and St. Mary's parishes. Ibid.
—, 15 May.—Trinity church at the Grey Friars to be used for dyking and setting the commons betwixt the city and Burton. f. 248.
—, 1 July.—Agreed that the Warden of the Grey Friars shall have the timber roof of St. "Bathe" church to the upholding and maintaining his house, which shall be given freely for charity; and one side of the wall of the church to be taken for the pavement in St. Mary's parish. f. 249. [The walls to be sold. f. 250.]
—, —. Chantry of William Causeknyght mentioned. f. 249b.
—, —. Two buttresses of Trinity church at the Grece foot and stone from the chancel bought by Robert Dightone. Ibid.
—, 19 Aug.—Vincent Grantham, esq., one of the burgesses in Parliament, out of his zeal and love to the city, accepts 7l. as full payment for his expenses at Parliament still due of 11l. 3s. 4d.; the total sum he received being 41l. 8d., and the total received by the other burgess, William Sam[m]e[s], being 45l. 4s. ff. 249b, 250.
—, 14 Sept.—Robert Alanson elected mayor; and a grant made to him of a tun of wine or else 4l. to buy it with, not only in consideration that his wife has been a long time diseased and not able to stir and have the oversight of his housekeeping, but also that he is of great age and not provided with either wheat or malt, and that he shall not only be at greater charges this year than any mayor was by a long time before, considering all manner of corn and other things is at this time so dear, but also that he hath many acquaintances, by reason whereof he is like to have much resort to him this year to put him to cost. f. 251b.
—, —. Those who have bought the church walls of St. Peter at the "Goattes" may sell them to any foreigner. Ibid.
—, 24 Nov.—Persons appointed to view the house of Heynynges abbey [priory, Lincolnshire,] in St. Michael's parish, and to certify whether it be able to stand or not. f. 253.
—, —. Agreed that the Lord Gray and other gentlemen being now at the marriage of Mr. Robert Sutton's daughter shall have two pikerels given them. Ibid.
1536, 4 May.—Thirty shillings paid to the Recorder towards his costs in riding up to London of and for the obtaining of chantries in this city at the Parliament. f. 254.
—, 4 June.—Lord Burgh to be informed that certain of the inhabitants of the Bale refuse to pay any burgess-pence according to the old custom. f. 254b.
—, —. Agreed that if Vincent Grantham can by any means get the lands and tenements of the cell of the Black Monks to the use of the common chamber, to be enacted at the next Parliament, then he shall have the demesne lands of the cell for 30 years, paying yearly 5l. Ibid.
—, 26 June. Agreed that as there must be 60l. sent up to be paid about the obtaining of the Black Monks' and other lands, and there is very little money in the common stock, Robert Alanson, the mayor, shall have the plate of the great Gild as a gage and a pawn for the sum of 28l. to be lent by him, to be sent up to London to the Recorder and Mr. Grantham, with 12l. of the common stock. f. 255a b.
1536, 9 Oct.—A letter received from Sir Brian Tuke, treasurer of the King's chamber, dated at London 6 Oct., ordering the mayors and officers of Waltham Cross, Ware, Royston, Huntingdon, Stilton, Stamford, Sleaford, and Lincoln, instantly, at their utmost peril, to provide an able man well horsed to carry all such letters as may be sent by the King or the Privy Council from post to post with all diligence by night or day. f. 258.
—, 8 Nov.—Agreed that every man that is able to have a horse, or that hath a horse, shall keep them in a readiness to serve the King whenever they shall be called upon. f. 258b.
—, —. Agreed that Charles, Duke of Suffolk, shall have the denomination and putting in of the Recorder, with our service next under the King's grace. Ibid.
—, 14 Dec.—Antony Myssyndyne "is elected and chosen Recorder." Ibid.
1537, 29 Jan.—William Smyth, chantry priest of the Bridge, is to cause to be tiled all such houses as he hath taken the tile off. f. 259.
—, —. The mayor and his brethren shall meet the Duke's grace of Norfolk, and give him a present of two cranes, two swans, and two pikes. Ibid.
ff. 261b–267 contain an index of matters in the preceding portion of the Register.
f. 267b. Memoranda of gifts presented on the occasion of royal visits, as follows:—
1461, 13 March, to Edw. IV. 12 pike ("dentrices"), 12 tench and 12 bream.
1445–6, 24 Hen. VI. no day. Ordered that the mayor, aldermen and sheriffs, with 80 or 100 of the more respectable and better dressed persons ("de honestioribus et melius araiaratis personis") shall ride to meet the King on his coming to Lincoln, as many others of the commons as possible going on foot, to the Cross upon the hill, and there kneeling shall reverently offer to the King, for his good relief which he hath before-time afforded us, 100l. in gold.
1486 [April], 1 Hen. VII. 12 great pike; 12 great tench, 12 salmon, and 12 great eels.
1487, 2 Hen. VII. Three dozen green geese, one dozen fat capons, half-a-dozen fat pike; but because no geese or wild fowl could be gotten, it was agreed that the present should be two fat oxen, one score fat muttons, six great fat pike, and twelve fat capons "of greyse."
These entries must have been copied from an earlier Register now lost.
1538, 22 Nov.—Agreed that all the plate that belongs to the great Gild shall from this time be clearly given to the commons of this city, and so remain until farther direction, and all the brass, with all such rents as were paid to the Gild. f. 270.
—, 1 March.—A common carrier appointed to carry away every week all such "vylde" stuff as lieth in the streets, every man giving him for his labor as they may agree. f. 271b.
1538, 1 March. The clerk of the parish of St. Lawrence to ring at 9 o'cl. at night and 4 o'cl. in the morning, winter and summer, and the clerk of St. Mary's at 8 and 4; both receiving 3s. 4d. from the chamberlains, but the latter also 20d. from the great Gild; to ring holy-days as well as other days upon pain of imprisonment. f. 271b.
1539, 18 July.—Agreed that St. Anne's gild shall go up on the Sunday next after St. Anne's day in manner and form as it hath been had in time past, and every one in default to forfeit 3s. 4d.; and the perambulation the Tuesday after, after the old custom and manner. f. 273b.
Six fodder of lead to be given to Rob. Alanson and others towards the payment of 40l. formerly lent by them. Ibid. and 274.
—, 12 Nov.—The stuff belonging to St. Anne's gild to be laid in the chapel of the bridge, and the house in which it lieth to be let. f. 276.
—, —. A pillory to be set up in St. Bennet's parish. Ibid.
1540, 28 Jan.—Oysters to be sold only at 4d. the "wasche" [al. "wesche," i.e., ten bushels], and those who refuse so to sell them to be discharged from selling either muscles or cockles, which are to be at the same price. f. 277.
—, 3 March.—No houses to be pulled down without rebuilding. f. 277b.
—, 2 June.—Agreed that six cups which were given by Dr. Lee and Master Freman to certain churches in Lincoln shall wholly remain henceforth to St. Anne's gild. f. 278.
—, —. Agreed that St. Anne's gild shall go forward as it hath done in times past; that every alderman shall have a gown and a torch, and every sheriff to find a gown, and every occupation to bring forth their pageants according to the old custom, and every occupation that hath their pageants broken to make them ready against the day, on pain of forfeiting 20s. f. 278b.
—, —. Agreed that those three that occupied for St. George's gild shall occupy still, and everyone of them to occupy one week after another. Ibid.
—. [Orders in this year about procuring the enrolling of the Charter.]
1541, 9 July.—Enacted that there shall be given to the King at his coming to the city [9 Aug.] twenty fat oxen and one hundred fat muttons, to the value of 50l. f. 285b.
—, —. Every alderman that hath been mayor to provide scarlet gowns, and every other alderman crimson gowns for the meeting the King on horseback at the farthest part of the liberties. Ibid.
—, —. William Hudson put out of the Council for his obstinate words. [Probably in the debate about the King's reception.] Ibid. [and f. 286.]
—, —. All other inhabitants, being of ability, to make themselves gowns of London russet or other like colour. Ibid.
—, —. The King's arms to be set upon the Bar gate and on the south side of the Guildhall for the King's coming. Ibid.
—, 11 July.—Every inhabitant to be assessed for the abovementioned gift. f. 286.
—, 30 July.—Monday and Tuesday next appointed for carrying away all dunghills, gravel, stones, and other like stuff now lying in the city and liberties, and the bringing of sand to the streets, against the King's coming, and therefore all husbandmen to give their attendance on Monday at 6 o'cl. f. 286.