Pages 198-223
Calendar of the Plea and Memoranda Rolls of the City of London: Volume 1, 1323-1364. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1926.
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2 Dec. 1343
On Tuesday after the Feast of St Andrew [30 Nov.] Hugh de Dyngele, clerk, was committed to prison for carrying arms in the streets contrary to proclamation. (L)
16 Dec. 1343
A Congregation of Mayor and Aldermen on Tuesday after the Feast of S t Lucia [13 Dec.]
William Wylmot of Fenny Stratford recovered a debt of 26s 3d from Joan Spenser for corn bought by her from him on the pavement within Newgate (fn. 1). (L)
Membr. 16
13 Dec. 1342
Pleas held before Simon Fraunceys, Mayor, John Lovekyn and Richard de Keslyngbury, Sheriffs, and the Aldermen on Friday the Feast of S t Lucia [13 Dec.] A o 16 Edw. III [1342]
Thomas de Midelton, John le Barber, Robert le Coupere, Geoffrey de Bedeford and Richard Pope, who had been indicted before the Mayor and Sheriffs for creating a disturbance in the Old Jewry, were attached to answer the King and the Common Serjeant on the indictment. They pleaded not guilty and were mainprised to come up to hear the verdict of a jury. (L)
29 Jan. 1343
On Wednesday after the Feast of the Conversion of St Paul [25 Jan.] Ao 17 Edw. III [1342-3], Simon de Brounesford, spicer, exhibited a bill (F) to the Mayor and Aldermen, complaining that Bartholomew Denmars, during his Shrievalty, allowed Robert de Selgrave of Faversham to go at liberty to the damage of the plaintiff, who had an action of account pending against the said Robert in the Sheriffs' Court for foreigners. The defendant pleaded that the action in his court had proceeded as far as the appointment of auditors, when the debtor Robert pretended that he had certain memoranda in Faversham which were material to his case, and accordingly he had taken security from him and allowed him to go to Faversham. There the said Robert fell ill and died, as was testified by letters from the Mayor and Barons of Faversham under their town seal. On this ground the said Bartholomew demanded judgment. The plaintiff answered that the defendant at his own risk had allowed the said Robert to go, and had not delivered the record and process of the action to his successor in the Shrievalty, nor had he handed over to the latter the mainprise of the said Robert, so as to clear himself, and accordingly he claimed that the defendant was liable. After several adjournments a day was fixed for hearing judgment [breaks off]. (L)
Membr. 16 b
17 Jan. 1343
A Congregation of Mayor and Aldermen on Friday after the Feast of S t Hilary [13 Jan.] A o 16 Edw. III [1342-3]
Precept was issued to Walter Lombard, Serjeant of the Chamber, to summon Anketin Gysors before the Mayor and Chamberlain to show cause why the sum of £80, being the balance of £100 formerly acknowledged by the said Anketin and Robert Swote as due from them to the City, should not be levied on his goods and chattels. The Serjeant having reported that Anketin was dead, the latter's executors—his widow Joan and his son James—were summoned. It was returned that the widow and the son were tenants of the lands and tenements of the deceased, as well as being executors. (L)
Membr. 17
27 Sept. 1342
On Friday before the Feast of St Michael [29 Sept.] (fn. 2) Ao 16 Edw. III [1342] at the hour of parish Mass Sir William de Cusance, the King's Treasurer, and Sir John de Thursby (fn. 3), the King's Clerk, brought a letter (F) under the Privy Seal announcing that the bearers would explain the King's request. Thereupon the Aldermen and the wiser and more discreet Commoners (fn. 4) were summoned to Guildhall, in whose presence the Treasurer prayed that the City would lend the King £2000 towards the expenses of the war. The Treasurer having retired, it was decided that the King's request could not be refused without incurring his enmity, and the messengers, being called in, were informed that the City would lend the King £1000 till Christmas next. After some demur this promise was accepted by the Treasurer, who undertook to give security for the repayment. Measures were then taken for raising the money from the more wealthy citizens, each contributing according to his power, and the following assessors were appointed: (L)
Aldermen: Richard de Berkyng, William de Thorneye, William de Brikelesworth, William de Poumfreit, John de Aylisham and John de Northall.
The Eest Wards.
Tower: William Box and Edmund de Saunford.
Billingsgate: Richard de Lambhuthe and John Yonn.
Bridge: Walter de Mordon and John de Croydon.
Dowgate: Bartholomew Denmars and Thomas de Ispania.
Vintry: Henry Vannere.
Walbrook: Thomas de Farnham and John le Neve.
Candlewick Street: William de Wethersfeld and Geoffrey le Boteler.
Langbourn: Alexander de Watford and John Hablond.
Bishopsgate: Nicholas Ponge and Henry de Norhamptone.
Cornhill: Thomas Leg and John Levelif.
Algate: John de Neuby and Walter le Keu.
Broad Street: Nicholas atte Merssh and Richard de Staundon.
Portsoken: John de Romeneye and Peter de Weston.
The West Wards.
Colman Street: Richard de Shordich and John Bussh.
Cheap: William de Elsyng, senior, and Geoffrey le Tableter.
Farringdon Within: Simon atte Gate and Geoffrey atte Gate.
Farringdon Without: Reginald de Thorp and Robert le Mareschal.
Cripplegate Within and Without: John de Keslyngbury, Adam de Walpol and Gilbert le Chaloner.
Bread Street: John de Refham and John de Ware.
Cordwainer Street: Richard de Todyngton and John de Kelyngworth.
Queenhithe: John de Gloucestre and William de Neuport.
Castle Baynard: Simon de Turnham and Henry Brenge.
Aldersgate: John Spray and Peter atte Corner.
Membr. 17b
1 Feb. 1343
A Congregation of Mayor and Aldermen on Saturday the eve of the Purification B.M. [2 Feb.] A o 17 Edw. III [1342-3]
William the clerk and Gilbert the sub-clerk of the Church of St Peter on Cornhill were summoned to answer the Mayor and Aldermen on a charge of ringing the church bells, raising the hue and cry, and forcibly resisting the Sheriff and his officers when they came to view a plot of land contiguous to the Church, which had belonged to the City from time immemorial, and which, so it was said, the parishioners intended to appropriate as building land. The defendants admitted having resisted the Sheriff, but were allowed to go on mainprise, in order that the parishioners might not be deprived of the Services on the Feast of the Purification. On the Monday they were committed to prison, and precept was issued to summon the more important parishioners on Wednesday to explain why they were attempting to appropriate the plot in question. On that day came John Pycot, Henry de Norhampton, Robert de Manhale, Stephen de Waltham, John de Brendewod, Ralph de Cantebrigg, William de Cantebrigg, John de Wodehous, John de Colonia, William de Kent, John Levelif, Adam Aspal, Peter de Grenstede, Peter de Blithe, John de Westone, chandler, Walter de Lyndewod, James le Sherman, William atte Redecok, Thomas Lyouns, Walter Osekyn, Richard le Mareschal and William de Kent, who produced a record to the following effect.
Pleas of the Crown before Hervey de Stanton and his fellows, Itinerant Justices at the Tower on the morrow of St Hilary [13 Jan.], Ao 14 Edw. II [1320-1].
The jury presented that Hugh de Waltham and the parishioners of St Peter's Cornhill built a house on the King's ground eight years ago, in which an anchoress now dwells, which house and land were of an annual value of 12d, and that they had enclosed with a paling another plot of the King's ground. These two plots were 48 feet long by 10 feet wide. John de Oxonia, being summoned to show by what warrant he held this land, prayed that he might rent it of the King for 12d yearly, which was granted to him.
The parishioners pleaded that the plot occupied by the anchoress was dedicated and belonged to the Church, and that on the death of the last anchoress they had resumed possession to the benefit of the Church. And as regards the other plot, the late Rector, John de Oxonia, who held it from the King at 12d yearly, had devised it to Robert de Manhale in his will.
Since the Mayor and Aldermen desired to consult with the Commonalty on the matter, the defendants William and Gilbert were allowed out on mainprise of Richard, rector of St Martin Oteswich, Roger de Colonia, Richard le Stolere, William de Zellyng and others. (L)
Membr. 18
8 Oct. 1341
Inquest by the Mayor and Sheriffs pursuant to the King's writ under his Privy Seal (F), dated 8 Oct. Ao 15 Edw. III [1341], as to whether or not John de Molyns, knight (fn. 5), had delivered certain silver plate to William de Dallyng, mercer, as security for the payment of £87 12s 1d, the said William having complained that these pledges had been taken away from him and delivered to Thomas de Hatfeld, the King's clerk, when the said Sir John was arrested.
13 Oct. 1341
On Saturday the Feast of the Translation of St Edward [13 Oct.] the jurors found that Egidia, wife of John de Molyns, knight, had without any fraud or collusion pledged to William de Dallyng certain silver vessels, weighing in all £87 12s 1d sterling, including four "chargeours," nine dishes, four dozen of salt-cellars, one large salt-cellar with cover, four smaller salt-cellars without covers, three fingerbowls (lavatoria), six plates called "Fruytdisshes," two jugs of three quarts each, two jugs of half a gallon each, two jugs of a quart and a half, two jugs of a quart, two white cups with covers of one set, one small ewer (aquarium), one large plated cup with a cover embossed with vines, one round vessel with a cover called "Moricz" and eleven pieces of silver with one cover. (L)
13 Nov. 1341
Precept from the Mayor to the Sheriffs, Richard de Berkyng and John Rokele, to hasten the raising of the loan of £5000 to the King, a rebate of 5s in the pound being allowed to each contributor, and to save the honour of the City in this matter. Dated Tuesday after the Feast of St Martin [11 Nov.] Ao 15 Edw. III [1341]. (F)
Similar precept to the assessors. (F)
3 Dec. 1341
Precepts to the Sheriffs to warn the assessors and collectors to bring the money raised for the King's loan into Guildhall on Wednesday next. Dated Monday after the Feast of St Andrew [30 Nov.]. (F)
Membr. 18b
19 Nov. 1341
A Congregation of Mayor, Sheriffs and Aldermen on Monday before the Feast of S t Katherine [25 Nov.] A o 15 Edw. III [1341]
John Broun, poulterer, was committed to prison for forestalling the market, having purchased 24 partridges and 34 larks from strangers at Leadenhall about sunrise (fn. 6), contrary to the proclamation which forbade retail dealers to buy victuals before prime. (L)
7 Dec. 1341
On Friday the morrow of St Nicholas Bishop [6 Dec.] Ao 15 Edw. III [1341], Hugh Joye and Walter Harneys were sworn bailiffs of the Weavers, and Robert atte Dam was sworn beadle. (L)
Membr. 19
4 March 1342
A Congregation of Mayor and Aldermen on 4 March A o 16 Edw. III [1341-2]
John Beauflour, vintner, was attached to answer a charge of having sold wine at 6d a gallon, whereas no vintner was allowed to sell at more than 4d. Having acknowledged his guilt, and being liberated on mainprise of William Clapetus, William Brangweyn and Henry le Vannere, the defendant immediately committed the same offence again. He was committed to prison during the pleasure of the Mayor and Aldermen. (L)
A document whereby Joan de la Lee sold to William de Mussendene a corrody (fn. 7) which she enjoyed from the Abbey of Bynedone was, at her request and after evidence of identification, sealed with the Mayoralty Seal on Thursday before the Feast of St Gregory [12 March]. (L)
10 April 1342
Pleas held before J. de Oxonia, Mayor, and R. de Berkyng, Sheriff, on Wednesday, 10 April
William de Bereford and Roger atte Spitele of Luton were summoned to answer a charge of not paying cash for a quantity of malt which they bought from Nicholas de Lilleye, in accordance with the Statute of Smithfield. They denied the purchase, but being found guilty by a jury were condemned to pay the price for the malt, with 5s damages and a fine to the King. (L)
17 April 1342
On Wednesday before the Feast of St Alphege [19 April] the bailiffs of the Weavers produced in court a piece of cloth of Candlewick Street (fn. 8) found in the possession of Henry Neve, bureller. On a report by Robert Grigge, John Alisaundre, John le Neve, William de Haselwell and Thomas Stacy, weavers, that the cloth was 54 threads too narrow for cloth of the assize of Candlewick Street, the Court forbade its sale as Candlewick Street cloth, and ordered the said Henry to pay the Mayor half-a-mark for his trespass. (L)
30 March 1342
On Saturday before the Feast of St Ambrose [4 April] Ao 16 Edw. III [1342] an inquest was held as to an affray in Cheap on the previous Thursday. The jury found that Henry Wylyot and Geoffrey his servant lay in wait in John de Tyffeld's shop until William Pycot crossed the road, when the servant struck him on the head and back with a stick, in obedience to his master's orders; further that the said Henry Wylyot was leader of a band, including Richard Maundeville, John atte Pyrie and others, who were responsible for daily affrays. (L)
Membr. 20
Another record of proceedings between Simon de Brounesford and Bartholomew Denmars. [Cf. pp. 198-9.]
Membr. 21
8 Aug. 1342
A Congregation of Mayor and Aldermen on Thursday before the Feast of S t Laurence [10 Aug.] A o 16 Edw. III [1342] (F and L)
Thomas de Ware, who prosecuted for the Commonalty, brought a bill (F) before the Mayor, Aldermen and Chamberlain, complaining that Henry de Suttone of Cordwainer Street had carried off Alice, daughter of John atte March, now an orphan, contrary to the custom of the City, according to which the guardianship of an orphan, if it was not devised by will, belonged to the City (fn. 9); further, the said Henry had entered into the orphan's estate, though her mother Juliana was by courtesy of England entitled to hold it, and had demised the tenements for a term of years. In the course of the proceedings, the prosecutor also alleged that the defendant had married the girl to Thomas de Staunesby, tailor, while the action was pending. A jury found that the defendant five weeks before the Nativity of St John the Baptist Ao 14 Edw. III [1340] assumed the guardianship of the orphan and her estate, valued at 48s 4d net yearly; had let two chambers lying over the shops of Adam de Weston, "harpour," and the defendant, at the corner of Cordwainer Street, to Alice de Spersholte and Roger de Wedhull, "cirgier (fn. 10)," for ten years at a yearly rent of 23s 4d, and had received two years' rent in advance; and had also let one shop and two solars for seven years to William de Duston, hosier, at 40s yearly, receiving in advance £4. They found also that by the defendant's assent and order the child, who was seven years of age, had been married as alleged.
24 Oct. 1342
Afterwards on Thursday after the Feast of St Luke the Evangelist [18 Oct.], in the presence of the Mayor, Aldermen and an immense Commonalty, the defendant was committed to prison for not bringing the child into court and was ordered to render account of her estate before the Chamberlain and Common Serjeant. It was found that he was in arrears £4, for payment of which he entered into a bond of £8. (L)
Membr. 21 b
4 Sept. 1342
Inquest taken before the Mayor and Sheriffs on Wednesday after the Feast of the Decollation of St John [29 Aug.] Ao 16 Edw. III [1342] as to the origin of an affray which took place on the preceding Monday in Friday Street (fn. 11). A jury found that Gilbert de Stayndrop, goldsmith, was the guilty party, because, happening to be struck lightly by the hoof of a horse ridden by a groom of the Earl of Derby, he lost his temper, called the groom a "ribald," and struck him first with his fist and then with a knife, whereupon a companion of the groom wounded the said Gilbert with a sword. The jury added that if the said Gilbert had behaved reasonably no trouble would have arisen. (L)
Another inquest with a different jury resulted in the same verdict. (L)
Membr. 22
23 Dec. 1343
Writ to the Sheriffs of London forbidding the export of corn and other victuals except to Gascony, Ireland, Flanders, Brittany, Brabant, Holland, Zealand and Germany, where scarcity was said to exist, and except from the following ports, viz. London, Southampton, Exeter, Dartmouth, Bristol, Great Yarmouth, Lynne, St Botolph, Kingston-on-Hull and Newcastle-on-Tyne. Persons shipping grain abroad must return to Chancery certificates from the Captains or Presidents of the places where these goods were unloaded. Offenders, together with their ships, were to be arrested. Dated at Dittone, 23 Dec. Ao 17 Edw. III [1343]. (L)
31 Dec. 1343
William Casse, merchant of Bordeaux, took an oath that he would not unload his vessel the "James of London," of which Simon Sprynget was master, of her cargo of wheat and peas (pisae) in casks, pipes and runlets (rondelettis), at any place except Bordeaux or some port mentioned in the King's writ, and that he would bring back a certificate of discharge. Wednesday before the Feast of the Circumcision [1 Jan.] Ao 17 Edw. III [1343]. (L)
13 Jan. 1344
Similar oath by Bartholomew Denmars and Richard Denmars with regard to a cargo of corn and beans in their ship "la Katerine de Hope," of which John Toke was master. Tuesday after the Epiphany [6 Jan.] Ao 17 Edw. III [1343-4] (L)
14 Jan. 1344
The same by William Styfford, spicer, as regards a cargo of peas and beans for Bruges in their "hakebot" called "Seint Marie Bot," of which John Bot was master. Wednesday the morrow of the Feast of St Hilary [13 Jan.] Ao 17 Edw. III [1343-4] (L)
27 March 1344
The same by Simon Oliver with respect to his ship laden with corn and beans for Lesclus (fn. 12). Saturday after the Feast of the Annunciation [25 March] Ao 18 Edw. III [1344]. (L)
19 Feb. 1344
A Congregation of Mayor and Aldermen on Thursday the morrow of Ash Wednesday [18 Feb.] A o 18 Edw. III [1343-4]
Ordinance that all chalons (fn. 13) made of material called "Piggeswolle (fn. 14) " be sold before Easter, and that the men of the mistery of Tapicers sue out writs in Chancery to all mayors and bailiffs of cities and boroughs to forbid such chalons to be exposed for sale after Easter on pain of forfeiture. In case the Tapicers could not obtain such writs, nevertheless within the City of London such sale would not be allowed until the Mayor and Aldermen had made ordinances in the matter according to their discretion. Thereupon certain men of the mistery of Mercers, viz. William de Elsyng, Geoffrey le Tableter, William Aylward, Nicholas atte Merssh, John de Herewardstoke and Roger Madour, signified their assent to the ordinance on behalf of themselves and their mistery. (L)
Membr. 22b
22 March 1344
A Congregation of Mayor and Aldermen on Monday before the Annunciation B.M. [25 March] A o 18 Edw. III [1343-4]
John Russel, "gerdlere," and Stephen le Peautrer became sureties of Joan, wife of Roger Buntyng, for the production in court, when required, of her ward John, son of John, son of Laurence le Botener (fn. 15). (L)
12 March 1344
A Congregation of Mayor, Aldermen and Commoners on Friday the Feast of S t Gregory [12 March]
A toll of one penny was ordered to be levied on all carts passing between Holborn Bridge and the Bishop of Ely's house, and between Aldgate and "la White Chapel (fn. 16)," in order to defray the expense of repairing the highways there. (L)
17 March 1344
A Congregation of Mayor and Aldermen on Wednesday after the Feast of S t Gregory [12 March]
Complaint was made by certain skinners that men of their craft were making furs containing a different number of "tiers" (tiris) and "bellies" to what was laid down in an ordinance (fn. 17) issued for the regulation of their trade. Thereupon the Serjeant of the Chamber was ordered to summon the wiser, richer and more provident men of the mistery, who had the honour of the City and the interests of their trade at heart, that they might elect twelve or more skinners to examine all defects and report them to the Mayor and Aldermen for the time being. On the day appointed the following were chosen and sworn: Thomas de Farnham, William de Cave, John de Bedeford, Laurence Sely, William de Bradele, Simon Rote, John Bole, Richard de Carleton, Walter Page, Simon de Pulham, Adam Aspal and John de Oxonia. (L)
John de Risle and Maud his wife demand an Assize of Nuisance against Ralph de Ikelyngham, called "Cressoner," touching their free tenement in the parish of St Margaret Moisy in Friday Street. (L)
19 April 1344
A Congregation of Mayor and Aldermen on Monday the Feast of S t Alphege [19 April]
John, Prior of the Order of Preaching Friars (fn. 18), demands an Assize of Nuisance against John, Prior of Okebourne, touching his free tenement in the parish of St Andrew, Castle Baynard. (L)
Membr. 23
15 Oct. 1344
Pleas held before John Hamond, Mayor, and Geoffrey de Wythingham, Sheriff, on Friday after the quinzaine of S t Michael [29 Sept.] A o 18 Edw. III [1344]
Simon le Heaumer of Fleet Street was attached to answer a charge of having assaulted and abused certain good men of the City, who had been brought by Richard Brid," heaumer," into the Sheriff's Court to support his oath (fn. 19) in an action of debt and trespass, and of having driven these men, terrified and covered with shame, out of court, after which the defendant spat repeatedly in the plaintiff's face, so that the plaintiff lost his case by default. A jury, drawn from the wiser and more respectable persons who were present in court at the time of the above action, was empanelled and found a verdict in accordance with the plaintiff's statement, adding that the plaintiff retaliated by spitting once in the defendant's face, and that the plaintiff suffered damage of 2 marks by losing his action on that occasion. After several adjournments, a specially-summoned meeting of Aldermen (fn. 20) on Friday before the Feast of SS. Simon and Jude [28 Oct.] decided that at the next Court of Husting the defendant should be deprived of the freedom and be committed to prison until he had paid the plaintiff the sum of 2 marks, which the latter had lost in the previous action. Judgment to this effect was given in the Husting of Pleas of Land on the following Monday. (L)
20 Oct. 1344
Pleas held before John Hamond, Mayor, and Geoffrey de Wythingham, Sheriff, on Wednesday after the Feast of S t Luke [18 Oct.]
Richard le Fruter of Bishopsgate Without, Margaret his wife and William de Sabrycheworth, brewer, were attached to answer a charge of having resisted and assaulted the Sheriff's Serjeant, Roger Ragace, and his assistant, Peter Lammesse, who came to requisition two carts to carry the King's "Reneys" wine (fn. 21) from London to Melleford. Richard and Margaret were found guilty by a jury and condemned to pay 1½ marks damages to the officers and a fine to the King. The defendant William was acquitted. (L)
Membr. 23b
25 Oct. 1344
On Monday after the Feast of St Luke [18 Oct.] Robert de Storteford (fn. 22), pouchmaker (bursarius), brought a bill of complaint (F) setting forth that he had been forced by William de Borham of St Lawrence Lane, Alexander le Bourcer of Coleman Street, Robert Neel, Robert le Rede and John de Borham, junior, pouchmakers, to take an oath that he would not sell his wares below a certain price fixed by them, which was double their value. Finding that he could not sell his purses, "layners" and other goods at this price, he sold them at a lower price and was forthwith summoned to appear before the Official (fn. 23) of the Church of St Bennet Fynk for perjury. Accordingly he prayed the court to forbid the defendants' suing him in the Court Christian in a matter of debts and chattels, against the jurisdiction of the King. On hearing this plaint, the Mayor ordered the Serjeant of the Chamber to summon the defendants. They pleaded not guilty. A jury of the parish of All Hallows the Less, where the oath was alleged to have been administered, brought in a verdict on Saturday after the Feast of All Saints [1 Nov.] that the defendants were not guilty of the charge as stated, but that they had forced the plaintiff to swear an oath not to sell false goods. Since this had been done without the licence of the Mayor and Aldermen, a day was fixed for giving judgment on the offence thus proved against the defendants. (L)
20 Oct. 1344
Pleas held before the Mayor and Aldermen on Wednesday after the Feast of S t Luke [18 Oct.] A o 18 Edw. III [1344]
Thomas Leggy and Geoffrey de Wychingham, Sheriffs of London, were attached to answer a charge of having unlawfully seized 10 sarplars, containing 15 sacks of wool, belonging to Alice de Poynton. The Sheriffs defended the seizure on the ground that the wool was foreign bought and sold—the above Alice, a foreigner, having sold it for £20 to Gilleminus de Pouche, also a foreigner—and as such, the wool was rightly forfeited to the Sheriffs. The defendant did not deny that the wool was foreign bought and sold, and ultimately the court allowed her to redeem it on payment of 10 marks. (L)
Membr. 24
9 Nov. 1344
Pleas held before the Mayor and Sheriffs on Tuesday before the Feast of S t Martin [11 Nov.] A o 18 Edw. III [1344]
Inquest as to the cause of an affray which took place the preceding Sunday at Fleet Bridge, "Secollane" and other places, when a malefactor escaped out of the custody of John de St Albans, beadle of Farringdon Without. A jury found that John Fraunceys, residing in "le Longentre," Adam de Banbyri, skinner, and others caused the affray, that the said Adam was arrested by the Mayor and handed over to John de St Albans, who in his turn handed the prisoner over to his man, and that the said Adam beat the beadle's man and made his escape. The jury further found that the beadle took bribes from disorderly women in his Ward to protect them in their practices (in versucia sua); and that Robert and William, sons of John le Barbour, were common evildoers. (L)
Another inquest on the same affray, held the same day. A different jury found that William Bedyk, Walter Beket and John de Stafford, cobbler, broke into a house in Seacoal Lane, and assaulted the Mayor's Serjeants; that the affray arose originally among some women of ill fame living in the rents of Sir Richard de Wylughby and William de Sendale In Seacoal Lane; and that the man who escaped from custody was Adam de Baunbury, skinner, and that he did so without the connivance of the beadle. (L)
Another inquest on the same matter found that William Bedyk and John de Stafford, cobbler, started the disturbance opposite the door of Thomas atte Castel by the churchyard of St Sepulchre, that the arrested man was a tailor and escaped against the beadle's will, and that certain apprentices of the King's Bench, viz. Richard de Kerdif and John Barri, Irishmen, and John de Worcester, were common evildoers, who lay in wait at night and robbed passers-by of their belts and purses. (L)
17 Nov. 1344
Writ to the Sheriffs of London to see justice done to William de Rokeslee, corder (fn. 24), who complained that John Conyng had found and carried away 6 casks of woad belonging to him to the value of £20. Dated at Melford, 17 Nov. Ao 18 Edw. III [1344].
Thereupon the said John was attached to come before the Sheriffs' Court for foreigners. On his appearance, he was claimed (fn. 25) by John Hamond, the Alderman of the merchants of the Hanse of Almaine, as a member of the Hanse, and he was given up to the Alderman on the understanding that speedy justice would be done. The latter fixed a day for the action in the Guildhall of the Teutonic merchants. (L)
Membr. 24b
5 Nov. 1344
Pleas held before the Mayor and Aldermen on Friday after the Feast of All Saints [1 Nov.] A o 18 Edw. III [1344]
Agnes, wife of William de Bury, was attached to answer a charge of buying worn-out white and light-coloured (glaucas) furs, in order that they might be dyed black by the cappers, after which she offered them for sale on Cornhill as good and proper furs. She was found guilty by a jury, and committed to prison during the pleasure of the Mayor and Aldermen. (L)
Roger. Morel, Richard de Weryngham, John Fundevale, Thomas de Tuekynham, and other cappers were charged with a like offence. They admitted dyeing furs for other people, but denied selling them. A jury of the neighbourhood outside Ludgate, where a large number of cappers dwelt, was summoned, and gave a verdict that the cappers had always been accustomed to dye old white furs brought to them, but not for sale nor to the deception of the people. The Mayor and Aldermen being dissatisfied with the verdict, which they considered to be unreasonable and untrue, adjourned the matter and took counsel together as to the best course to pursue. It was eventually ordained on Wednesday after the Feast of St Martin [11 Nov.], in order to prevent deception and to maintain the reputation of the Skinners' trade, that in future no capper should dye any white fur, used or unused, under penalty of 40d for the first offence, and expulsion from the trade on a fourth offence. The ordinance having been read in the presence of the cappers aforesaid, a certain Richard de Byry, a capper, shouted out that he would continue to do as he had done before, in spite of it; and he was thereupon committed to Newgate. On the Saturday following he was released on mainprise of William Passefeld, Thomas atte Crouche and John de Coffle, spurriers, and Stephen de Horton, John de Bumsted and John Baldewyn, hatters. (L)
Membr. 25
3 June 1345
A Congregation of the Mayor, Aldermen and one of the Sheriffs on Friday after the octave of Holy Trinity [22 May] A o 19 Edw. III [1345]
It was agreed that foreigners keeping lodging-houses in the City should present themselves when called upon, and conform to any regulations the Mayor and Aldermen might think fit to make for the common weal. (L)
Letters were read from the Echevins, Captains and Consuls of Ghent and from Jacob de Artefeld in favour of Giles Naas, an inn-keeper of Ghent, who had become security for Moris Turgis and Nicholas de Swanlond, drapers of London, for payment for cloth bought in the Hall of Ghent by their attorneys, John de Isendik and John de Kele. The day for payment had passed, and the writers had heard that the said Moris had departed to the town of St James in Galicia, having first granted all his goods and chattels to Thomas atte Mede and Andrew Turk, his son-in-law, in order to defraud those who had sold him the cloth. The Mayor and Aldermen are desired to obtain payment for the creditors and to secure the exoneration of the security. (F)
The letters having been read, it was decided by the court that the goods and chattels of the said Moris and John should be arrested, whereupon a claim was put in by Thomas atte Mede and Andrew Turk. Finally an agreement was made with the above Giles Naas, that John de Kele should go abroad with the documents to make an account with John de Isendik, and if they were unable to agree, the latter should come to England to discuss the matter with Moris Turgys himself, and if the said Moris were found to be in arrears, there would be a remedy at law. Meanwhile the grantees of the goods and chattels agreed to give the complainant security against any claims made upon him. (L)
13 July 1345
On Wednesday after the Feast of the Translation of St Thomas the Martyr [7 July] Ao 19 Edw. III [1345], it was found by the oath of Henry Lorchon, William Bygelyn, Peter le Smyth of the Old Exchange, Hugh le Smyth of Bassieshagh, Walter le Helder of Cornhill, William de Bayonne and William de Louthe, smiths, that the cwt. of scrap iron (ferri hirsuti) (fn. 26) was then worth 3s, and the remaking (reparacio) of a cwt. of the same was worth 4s, and that a quarter of the cwt. was lost in the working. (L)
6 Sept. 1345
Pleas held before the Mayor and Sheriffs on Tuesday before the Feast of the Nativity B.M. [8 Sept.] A o 19 Edw. III [1345]
John Marbrer, John Godamynge, Robert Wolheved, Tristram atte Reye, William Barre, Ralph Cute, John le Souter, John Cute, William de Okele and John Mason were attached to answer the Common Serjeant on a charge of having continued to work on a certain wharf in Dowgate, next to the tenement of the late Roger de Waltham, although they were forbidden by the Mayor to proceed any further, the work being to the prejudice of the City. They pleaded guilty and security was taken for their appearance, when called upon, for judgment. (L)
7 Sept. 1345
A Congregation of Mayor and Aldermen on Wednesday before the above Feast
William atte Wyl demands an Assize of Nuisance against the Prior of St Bartholomew, West Smithfield, touching his free tenement in the parish of St Sepulchre. (L)
Membr. 25b
2 Sept. 1345
Pleas held before the Mayor and Sheriffs on Friday after the Feast of the Decollation of S t John the Baptist [29 Aug.] A o 19 Edw. III [1345]
John Comberworth, who had been committed to Newgate for drawing his knife in a street brawl at the Cellars in Cheap, acknowledged his offence. Mainprise was accepted for his good behaviour. (L)
19 Oct. 1345
A Congregation of Mayor, Aldermen and many Commoners in the Chamber of the Guildhall on Wednesday the morrow of the Feast of S t Luke [18 Oct.] A o 19 Edw. III [1345]
A letter was read from Queen Philippa to the Mayor and Aldermen, desiring them to grant her a life-interest in a certain little Tower situate in the Thames near the Black Friars, to the use of her friend Sir Gilbert de Dyneworth. Dated Westminster, Thursday.... (F)
The Common Serjeant, William de Iford, was ordered to pay a visit to the said Sir Gilbert and to ask that the City might be excused granting the Queen's request. (L)
20 Oct. 1345
A Congregation of Mayor and Aldermen on Thursday after the above Feast
It was agreed that Henry, the rector, and the parishioners of St Michael "de la Crokedelane" should be forgiven arrears of rent for a certain plot of waste land in the parish. (L)
It was also agreed that if any of the Sheriffs' officers collected more custom on merchandise coming into the City than was laid down in the book in Guildhall, they should be committed to Newgate for eight days and make restitution. (L)
4 Feb. 1345
Pleas held before the Mayor and Sheriffs on Friday after the Purification B.M. [2 Feb.] A o 19 Edw. III [1344-5]
Simon de Brounesford, pepperer, was attached to answer Aluin Glemerod in a plea of debt owed to the plaintiff and to a certain Godescalcus Ludeleskete, merchants of Almaine. The plaintiff declared that he lent to Nicholas Elys, attorney of the defendant, the sum of £90 at Bruges, which the defendant refused to pay. The latter denied that the said Nicholas was his attorney, or his factor or apprentice, but had merely been sent to him by William de Edyndon, the King's Treasurer, on trial, to discover whether he was able to learn the defendant's trade, and thus he was not entitled to borrow on his behalf [remainder illegible]. (L)
Membr. 26
11 Jan. 1345
Pleas held before John Hamond, Mayor, on Tuesday before the Feast of S t Hilary [13 Jan.] A o 18 Edw. III [1344-5]
John Cok, drover, brought a bill of complaint against William Lemman for not paying the same day for five cows which he bought from the plaintiff in West Smithfield. The defendant, who admitted the charge, was committed to prison till he paid the sum of 60s 6d due. (F and L)
On Wednesday after the same Feast the above John Cok prayed for a remedy according to the Statute of Smithfield against William de Herlawe butcher, who had not paid him £6 2s 6d due on the sale of eleven cows. The defendant was committed to prison etc. (F and L)
5 Feb. 1345
Pleas held before John Hamond, Mayor, and Thomas Leggy, Sheriff, on Saturday before Quinquagesima Sunday (Carniprevium) [6 Feb.] A o 19 Edw. III [1344-5]
Cristian de Bury, attorney, was attached to answer a charge of deceit and trespass, brought by William le Gardiner and Agnes his wife, who complained that the defendant was engaged by them to plead an action of debt against John de Karleton and Beatrice his wife in the Sheriffs' Court, and that when the action came before a jury, the defendant failed to plead. The said Cristian was found not guilty by a jury and acquitted. (L)
30 April 1345
An inquest was held on Saturday before the Feast of the Apostles Philip and James [1 May] as to the cause of a disturbance which took place near the House of the Austin Friars. A jury found that on Sunday in the quinzaine of Easter a certain Adam Freynssh, goldsmith, Raginald Gargoyl de Geen, Larazinus de Geen and others entered by night the house of John de Nedham near Austin Friars to look for John Poket, a Lombard, in order to kill him, and not finding him there, they passed through the house, jumped the wall, and entered the Close of the Austin Friars. In answer to questions, the jury said that these persons committed no robbery in the Close, but that the Friars were terribly frightened (vehementer perterriti). (L)
The same day John de Waltham, Walter Pountfreyt, John Selk, John de Oxenford, John Man, Seuwale Hodisdon, Nicholas de Batayl, Alexander Brody, John Haukishale, Henry le Fourbour of Walbrook and Simon le Fourbour, living in Fleet Street, were sworn to see that no false cutlery (fn. 27) should be made in the City or suburbs. (L)
9 June 1345
On Thursday before the Feast of St Barnabas the Apostle [11 June], Adam Wolf, John le Long and John de Munkeham were sworn before the Mayor to supervise the repair of the pavement at "Redecrouchestrete." The same day Simon Seman, John de Waltham and others were sworn to supervise the repair of the pavements near St Giles without Cripplegate, outside Bishopsgate and Aldersgate, and in Castle Baynard Ward. (L)
20 June 1345
Pleas held before John Hamond, Mayor, on Monday before the Feast of the Nativity of S t John the Baptist [24 June]
John de St Ives was committed to prison for failing to pay on the spot the sum of 26s 7d to William Aleyn for 7 quarters of malt, in accordance with the Statute of Smithfield. (L)
The said John acknowledged that he broke a sequestration (fn. 28) made upon him by Walter Lumbard, Serjeant, for the above debt. (L)
11 July 1345
On Monday after the Feast of the Translation of St Thomas the Martyr [7 July] Ao 19 Edw. III, William de Bokyngham, skinner, Robert le Chantour and others were sworn surveyors of pavements. (L)
Membr. 26b
27 June 1345
Pleas held before the Mayor, Sheriffs and Aldermen on Monday after the Feast of the Nativity of S t John the Baptist [24 June]
John Pynsone, taverner, was committed to prison for selling the gallon of wine for 5d in Holborn contrary to the proclamation. He was released on mainprise next day. (L)
John de Erdele, brewer, was attached to answer the King and John de Guldeford, who prosecuted for the Commonalty, on a charge of meeting merchants outside the City and buying their grain and malt before they came to market, thus forestalling these commodities. The defendant denied the charge and said he bought the malt in question from Peter de Kyngeston in the market at Gracechurch. A jury of the venue found that he was not in the habit of meeting merchants as alleged, but that on this occasion he bought the malt from Peter de Kyngeston outside the market. The whole of the malt was adjudged as forfeited to the Sheriffs, who contented themselves with taking six quarters only. (L)
16 July 1345
On Saturday before the Feast of St Margaret [20 July], Simon Shayl, Lewis de Saxham, Hugh Gentil and Peter Walkelyn were sworn to assess the rents in Bassishaw Ward and to supervise the repair of the pavements there. Ralph atte Brome, Simon de Chikesond and Richard Taylboys were sworn for the same purpose as regards the pavement running from Cripplegate to Colman Street under the City Wall. (L)
Similar appointments of surveyors for Colman Street Ward, Poultry, Broad Street and other parts of the City. (L)
A toll was imposed on all carts passing through Bishopsgate in aid of the repair of the highway. (L)
Membr. 27
5 April 1345
Pleas held before the Mayor and Sheriffs on Tuesday after the octave of Easter [27 March] A o 19 Edw. III [1345]
A bill of complaint was brought by William Beaubek of Kent against John de Waltham, innkeeper, setting forth that the plaintiff hired a room in the defendant's inn for 1½d a week as a lodging, and that the defendant undertook that any goods which he deposited there should be safely guarded, after which a key was delivered to the plaintiff. Subsequently the defendant accompanied him to recover a debt of £20 from a certain John de Wyndessore, of which sum ten marks were deposited in a box in the plaintiff's room. In the same box were gold and silver rings, almoners (fn. 29) (alners), purses and girdles of silk, silver ornaments and dishes (equilers) and other goods and chattels. On the Tuesday following the chamber was opened with the garden-door key and the box was stolen. Thereupon the plaintiff informed the defendant, who said he suspected a certain Roger, his brewer, since no one but a member of the household could have stolen the goods, and he advised the plaintiff to keep the matter secret and meanwhile he would recover the goods. But then the defendant by collusion, as the plaintiff understood, sent the above John away, and now refused to give the plaintiff any satisfaction for his loss. Accordingly he prayed a remedy, on the ground that innkeepers were responsible for such losses, and the defendant was the only one who knew that he possessed the money. (F)
The defendant appeared in court and denied the allegations in the above bill. A jury found a verdict that the plaintiff's goods were removed from his room by the defendant's servants, though they could not say which servants were guilty. Judgment was given that the plaintiff recover his loss of 10 marks, with 40s damages, and that the defendant be committed to prison until etc. (L)
23 April 1345
Proceedings in connection with the raising of 80 archers (fn. 30) for service abroad. On Saturday the Feast of St George the Martyr [23 April] Ao 19 Edw. III [1345] the Mayor issued precepts (F) to each Alderman to summon the men of their Wards for the purpose of selecting and equipping the Ward quota, which was fixed the same day. The Ward collectors were instructed to report at Guildhall for orders. A first muster of the men was arranged to take place at Guildhall on Monday after the Ascension, with a view to embarkation on the eve of Pentecost.
Quotas of the Western Wards: Colman Street 3, Cord wainer Street 6, Cripplegate within 3, Cripplegate without 1, Bassieshaw 2, Vintry 5, Bread Street 4, Farringdon within 4, Farringdon without 2, Cheap 6, Queenhithe 4, Aldersgate 2, Castle Baynard 2. Eastern Wards: Walbrook 3, Cornhill 2, Candlewick Street 2, Bishopsgate 2, Aldgate 1, Portsoken 1, Broad Street 2, Tower 6, Billingsgate 3, Bridge 6, Dowgate 5, Langbourn 2, Lime Street 1.
On Friday in Whitweek the Mayor and Aldermen elected Henry Wymond, John de Croydon, Thomas de Wynton, Roger Madur...and John Hinxton to buy clothing for the men, who were afterwards fitted out with coats, "courbys (fn. 31) " and hoods striped with red and white cloth called "camelyn (fn. 32)." After two writs postponing their departure, the archers were finally, on Saturday after the Feast of St Barnabas [11 June], marched to Sandwich by the Common Serjeant (fn. 33), Nicholas de Abyndon, at the King's charges. A gift of £4 from the Commonalty of the City was divided among them on their arrival there. (L)
Membr, 27b
Names of the archers arranged in four sections under John le Barber, John de Buntynford, Roger Boneye and John Henry, vinteners; including Clement Mannyng, purser, Richard atte Wode, "flecchere (fn. 34)," and William le Cook.
23 May 1345
A Congregation of the Mayor, Aldermen and Commoners on Monday the morrow of Holy Trinity [22 May]
Complaint having been made by Thomas de Iford, Common Serjeant, as to the hindrance caused to passers-by between the Stocks and the Conduit in Cheap by butchers and poulterers occupying the highway, an ordinance (fn. 35) was made that the poulterers should sell their goods in their shops and stalls, and the butchers be restricted to the Stocks. On fleshdays the butchers were to occupy the Stocks and the fishmongers were to have the pent-houses adjoining, and on fish-days the order was to be reversed. (L)
It was ordered that a toll be levied on carts using Dowgate and carrying timber, firewood, coals, stone, chalk, heavy goods and other wares from the ships, schuyts (fn. 36) and boats into the City, for defraying the expense of cleansing Dowgate Dock, which had become so foul that the water-carriers could no longer supply the City with water therefrom.
Certain carters were chosen to cleanse the said Dock, receiving for their pains the tolls above appointed. (L)